From overtime thrill to trophy tour: FGCU hockey’s triumph
- Drew Sterwald
- Student success
- Contributors: Grace Greco, Photos
6 – minute read
As far as Carson Engelmann and his teammates on Florida Gulf Coast University’s ice hockey club are concerned, the American Collegiate Hockey Association trophy is back where it belongs. Since winning the Division 2 championship last month, the Eagles have been reintroducing Southwest Florida to the cup they have brought home four previous times.
“After we returned from St. Louis, we took the trophy to all of our favorite spots around town,” said Engelmann, the club’s president. “Some of the most memorable moments include taking it to SoVi Dining to fill it with ice cream, eating pizza out of it at Downtown House of Pizza and taking it to the sandbar on boats down in Marco Island. Seeing the amazing reactions and pure joy from members of the community was certainly one of my favorite parts of the celebration.”
Founded in 2002, FGCU’s club has become a powerhouse in the hockey association, making 12 national tournament appearances and winning the cup in 2012, 2016, 2018 and 2019.
“This team has been knocking on the door for several years now and to finally accomplish our ultimate goal is an amazing feeling,” said Engelmann, who graduates in May with a bioengineering degree. “We are very fortunate to have a strong group of alumni who have built the culture since the inception of this program. So to be able to win it for them is the best part.”
Team feels like a family
At the national tournament, the Eagles defeated top teams in pool play and then beat Pennsylvania State University 6-2 in the semifinals. They went on to outshoot Oklahoma State in an overtime thriller, thanks to Cole Bauman’s goal. Forward Jake Court was named the tournament’s most valuable player.
“I think I will be dreaming about that championship game for the rest of my life,” Engelmann said. “We ran into plenty of adversity. We had a bit of a slow start, but once we shook off the nerves, got our legs going and settled into the flow and style of our game, there was no looking back. It was interesting because we never had a lead in the game until the overtime winner was scored.”
How did they keep their cool when the chips were down?
“As with most championship-winning teams, it starts with culture and brotherhood. This team was and will always be a family,” Engelmann said. “I have been playing hockey since I was 6 years old, and I have never experienced a team with a closer bond than this one. Everyone gave their best effort every shift, not for themselves, but because of the 22 other guys sitting in that room with them. It’s easier to work hard when you’re doing it for your best friends.”
Like many of his teammates and players before them, Engelmann said the opportunity to play on a nationally ranked hockey squad was a key factor in his decision to enroll at FGCU and follow in his brother’s skates. Their common passion — combined with days and nights together on the road and supporting each other on the ice — held the team together.
“We had a tradition of doing a devotional in the hotel conference room before we left for every game at nationals,” Engelmann said. “Before the championship game, the entire team was present for the devotional. We went around the room and each said a few things we are grateful for. It was at that moment we all realized that this was more than a hockey team — it’s a family.”
Grateful for the Eagle fans
That sense of family extends beyond the players. His parents, Philip and Melinda Engelmann, are closely involved with the team. His brother, Wyatt Engelmann, served as the club president before graduating in 2024.
“We could not be more grateful for the path [Wyatt] paved for us. He made it very easy for me to transition into my role as president and has made a lasting impact on this hockey team and program,” Engelmann said. “Personally, the most memorable moment of this year was seeing my parents right up against the glass after we lifted the cup for the first time. It was an indescribable feeling. I am so happy they were able to end their hockey parent careers with a victory.”
To all the avid fans who show up at Hertz Arena and cheer them on through social media — as well as the university that supports the club — the players send gratitude.
“I know I speak for every player and coach on the team when I say that we are extremely grateful for your support,” Englemann said. “It is so much easier for us to bring our A game when we know we are playing for such a passionate and loyal fan base.”
