In order to become a great athlete, it is essential to start at an early age. Many parents, in fact push, their children to get involved with sports from the moment they can walk.

Senior captain Greg Day was no exception. His parents got him involved with hockey at the age of four to follow in the footsteps of his older brothers, Jason and Brad, who both played the game. However, he was the only one to go on to play hockey at the collegiate level.

Before coming to Bowling Green, Day played for the Chatham Maroons of the Ontario Western Junior Hockey League. While playing for the Maroons, he had 92 points (40 goals, 52 assists) and was selected the Ontario Hockey Association player of the year in 1996-97.

He also played on the Tecumseh Bulldogs for two seasons where he scored 139 points (62 goals, 77 assists) in 52 games in 1996-97.

Then, in 1998, he decided he wanted to play hockey in college, so he began looking around at schools. Before committing to Bowling Green, he looked at Michigan State University, the University of Massachusetts, and a few others.

“They (BG) showed the most interest in me when they were recruiting me,” Day said. “I thought (coming to the USA) was my best opportunity to move on in hockey.”

Day has played in every game since becoming a Falcon and earned several honors. His freshman year, he was selected Central Collegiate Hockey Association Rookie of the Week for his two goal, one-assist performance at Alaska Fairbanks (February 12-13, 1999). He was also named to the Bauer/CCHA Honorable Mention All-Rookie team.

Last year, Day earned honorable mention All-CCHA honors. He also scored his first hat trick October 22, 2000 against Michigan. He would have liked to have done the same thing last weekend in Ann Arbor, but he said he’d rather have the win than a hat trick.

Day is a three time letter winner and currently leads the team with 26 points (13 goals, 13 assists). He is ranked fifth in the league with 10 conference goals.

This year, as captain, he has taken the team under his wings and has been an inspiration to his teammates.

“He does a good job showing his leadership skills,” said freshman Ryan Minnabarriett. “He’ll go out of his way to talk to you.”

Day has been a big influence on Minnabarriett and the other freshman.

“I try to lead by example,” Day said. “I’m not that much of a do this, do that person. I try to give them (the freshmen) pointers now and then.”

One way he helps the freshmen out is by becoming their friend. He sits beside them in the locker room, talks with them and has become a role model to his teammates.

“Personally, he’s influenced me a lot,” Minnabarriett said. “Being a freshman, you get worried about what your role is on the team. He’s helped me find out what my role is. He understands what the freshmen are going through because he has been there.”