Senior Spotlight: Tyler Spaeth brings character, leadership for Marshfield hockey team

MARSHFIELD - Tyler Spaeth began his prep career with the Marshfield boys hockey team as a third-line freshman on a squad dominated by a dozen senior players. 

Now, the second-line center is the veteran voice for the Tigers.

Spaeth is the lone senior on Marshfield's roster, and while he is not a captain this year, he is someone his teammates turn to for leadership. 

"His character is unbelievable," Marshfield coach Eric Bowman said of Spaeth, who received the nickname "Wurm"  during his freshman year. "Wisconsin gives out the Hobey Baker Awards to the (prep) players with high character and leadership qualities. Generally you nominate a senior but we gave it to him last year because of his presence in the locker room. If guys are having a tough day, they go talk to Tyler. Or if the feeling or the demeanor of the team is not quite right, we turn to Tyler. He just seems to know the right things to say."

Spaeth had seven goals and 14 points heading into Thursday's WIAA postseason opener against Ashland. 

"Every time he is on the ice he's working," Bowman said. "He isn't go down (the ice) and score a really pretty goal, but he will get his stick on the ice to redirect (the puck) or get a rebound. Those guys are really important in hockey, especially for a team like us."

Spaeth, who also is a member of the Tigers' football and baseball programs, recently sat down with USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin to talk about the Marshfield hockey team's regular season, his most memorable moments on the ice and his future plans, among other subjects. 

Do you have a certain nickname your friends, teammates or family members call you?

They call me Wurm. It's kind of a long story. I got it my freshman year. I was the only (freshman) on the team and there were 12 seniors. They took it upon themselves to give me a nickname.

What has been a highlight moment which stands out in your prep career?

This hockey season has been a fun time. We have been playing pretty well and ended up with one of the highest seeds Marshfield has had (for the postseason). Now we are hoping to make a (playoff) run. 

What is one thing that stands out about the team this year?

That we never really gave up. We had some tough stretches but we fought through it and we have been playing some pretty good hockey lately. 

Do you remember what your first varsity goal was like?

It was my freshman year in Medford. A (Marshfield) player had forgot his gear so I took his spot on one of the top lines and ended up scoring a goal.

Where do you think you have come the furthest as a player since your freshman season?

Probably my hockey sense. When I was a freshman playing with all those seniors, I was kind of lost out there.

What ways to you lead the team as the lone senior?

Just try and set a good example for them, work hard in practice and just help the guys out if they have questions on what they should be doing. 

How would you describe your playing style?

I would say I'm kind of a grinder, someone just working hard in the corners for the puck and willing to go to the net. 

Are you superstitious at all or have any pregame routines?

I put on my gear the same way every game. 

Where is your dream vacation?

Hawaii.

What is your postgraduation plan?

I am going to major in civil engineering at UW-Milwaukee.

You are involved in three sports. What is the biggest thing you have gained from your athletic career?

The big thing is that a good work ethic gets you a long way. I will carry that on through college, my work and future.

FAVORITES

Sport: Hockey.

Pro or college athlete: Alex Ovechkin.

Team: Washington Capitals.

Movies: Comedies.

Music group or artist: I listen to a little bit of everything.

TV show: "Impractical Jokers."

Food or meal: A good cheeseburger.