Since his early hockey days in his native Ukraine, freshman defenseman Ivan Korodiuk dreamed of playing the game he loves in the United States.

“I always wanted to move to the U.S. when I was little, and at the age of 12, I went to LA to play at the Junior Kings rink. Then my coach from Atlanta came over to recruit Ukrainian kids,” Korodiuk said. “And that’s how I ended up playing in Atlanta for my first two years in the U.S.”

When it came time to select a college, Korodiuk knew he needed a program that would help him grow both on and off the ice. One of the key factors in his decision to attend was the coaching staff.

“We came here when I was with Madison and skated here. I saw the rink and sports facilities; I really liked it.”

Though he has only been at BG for two months, Korodiuk already feels embraced by his teammates.

“As soon as I got here everyone was so friendly. The support has been unbelievable. The group here, the team here, is so tight.” Korodiuk said.

Due to the Russo-Ukrainian War, Ivan has been unable to visit home since before the pandemic. Separated from his family and homeland, he has had to advance his hockey career here in the States without an opportunity to visit home.

“Last time I was home was four years ago,” he said. “My family has definitely aged in four years, and it will be hard to see them when I get to go back.”

Korodiuk is still able to contact his family and his parents are as safe as they can be in Ukraine.

When the war first broke out, the tragic news from home threw off Korodiuk’s game.

“When it first started, I was stressing out…I wouldn’t talk to my teammates, I was just locked inside myself. It was hard” Korodiuk said.

Regarding his well-being, Korodiuk is grateful for the friendships he’s built while being in the States, “I have a lot of friends here who help me with my emotions and keeping me happy,” Korodiuk said.

Since 2019, Ivan has made numerous stops throughout the country. After two years in Atlanta, he spent two seasons in Connecticut. He spent the first half of this season in Madison, WI, and transferred to BGSU midway through the 2024-25 campaign.

“The tightness of the group is unique. Just getting to play here and be here is awesome.” Korodiuk said.

In terms of his goals for the future, Korodiuk simply wants to get better.

“I just want to earn trust for next year from coaches and contribute as much as I can to the team,” Korodiuk said.