Elite Prospects StatsKyle O’Kane over the past four years has worked harder than he ever imagined he would as a Division I hockey player.
The Western Michigan University senior forward has adjusted his game beyond his own belief under three different coaches, and it’s been anything but easygoing.
The 5-foot-8, 171-pounder called his career an “emotional ride” with “some good days and some bad days.”
Finding himself on the bench early this season while an all-freshman line continuously took the ice, O’Kane took his training to the next level.
As a result, the senior has been a much-needed offensive spark for the Broncos (6-4-3) during their four-game winless streak.
O’Kane, a St. Louis, Mo., native, scored a goal in WMU’s 4-2 loss to Michigan State on Nov. 12 and assisted on a goal in the 3-2 loss to Notre Dame last Tuesday.
”I have to play like that every night,” O’Kane said. “I have to play with that intensity to help our team win games. I can’t go out and be an average player. I’m a senior. I have to be one of our better players.”
O’Kane has recorded three points (2 goals, 1 assist) in five games played this season. He has 42 points in 101 career games.
Western Michigan coach Andy Murray said O’Kane has been an energized player on the ice in recent weeks.
”He realized that he had to do more to stay in the lineup and he wasn’t giving enough at times,” Murray said. “You like players that realize that and they come out and earn it, and that’s what he’s doing now.”
The Broncos will need the senior’s energy as tonight they face a Notre Dame team that hasn’t lost a game since Oct. 15.
Murray said the reason for O’Kane’s increased production is simple, and he reminded the senior of that during a recent individual player meeting.
”I met with him and told him he’s been around the puck more and is hitting the puck more,” Murray said. “He’s getting the points, but it’s how he’s getting the points. He’s more physical. He’s been getting involved more and the bottom line is he’s been around the puck more.”
O’Kane had a very successful career in junior hockey, winning multiple championships, but to his surprise, former coach Jim Culhane didn’t give him ice time immediately at WMU.
”From day one when I got here, I’ve had to earn my spot,” O’Kane said. “I didn’t get a chance right away, and then coach Culhane gave me a chance. It feels so much better to succeed.”
Reflecting back on his early college days after a recent team practice, O’Kane seems to have found peace in the challenges he’s faced under Culhane, Jeff Blashill and Murray.
”I’ve been fortunate to have those three coaches,” he said. “I’ve taken pieces from each coach. I’ve learned so much about doing the little things right.”
Senior forward Derek Roehl, who was O’Kane’s linemate last season, said he could not be prouder of how his four-year roommate has handled adversity.
”There’s been some ups and downs,” Roehl said. “He’s been down at times, but J.J. (Crew) and I have been by his side and told him to keep his head high and work and everything will work out. He came in everyday working hard and waiting for his chance. The past couple games he’s really stepped up and proven he deserves to be in. He’s working hard.”
Kyle O'Kane: Career Statistics
Position: Right Wing Height: 5’-9” 173cm Weight: 170 lbs 78kg DOB: 6/15/87 Hometown: St. Louis, Mo. Previous team: St. Louis Bandits
Season totals
| Season | Team | GP | G | A | PTS | PTS/G | Pen | PIM | PIM/G | PPG | SHG | GWG | ENG |
2008-2009 | Western Michigan | 28 | 10 | 6 | 16 | 0.57 | 3 | 17 | 0.61 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
2009-2010 | Western Michigan | 26 | 4 | 3 | 7 | 0.27 | 6 | 12 | 0.46 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
2010-2011 | Western Michigan | 42 | 6 | 10 | 16 | 0.38 | 6 | 12 | 0.29 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
2011-2012 | Western Michigan | 28 | 7 | 4 | 11 | 0.39 | 5 | 10 | 0.36 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Career Totals | 124 | 27 | 23 | 50 | 0.40 | 20 | 51 | 0.41 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
2011-12: | Appeared in 25 games ... made season debut and netted first goal of the season in 4-0 win over Alabama-Huntsville (10/8) ... netted second goal of the season against Michigan State (11/12) ... tallied first assist of the season at Notre Dame (11/15) ... assisted on the game-winning goal in 3-0 shutout win over No. 6 Ferris State (12/2) ... netted game-winning goal in 3-2 win at Notre Dame (1/13) ... netted fourth goal of the season in 3-2 overtime win against Ohio State (2/11) ... netted two goals an assist in series sweep of Lake Superior in the CCHA Quarterfinals (3/9-10).
2005-2006 Springfield Jr.Blues NAHL 57 22 23 45 85 Playoffs 4 0 0 0 4
2006-2007 St.Louis Bandits NAHL 14 8 10 18 18 Playoffs 12 8 3 11 22
2006-2007 Lincoln Stars USHL 37 6 9 15 39
2007-2008 St. Louis Bandits NAHL 52 40 29 69 101 +23 Playoffs 8 5 3 8 11
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