NMU’s Vigier Goes Pro
Stephan Vigier gets ready to start a new chapter in his hockey career
Marquette, MI – Another season has come and gone and for one NMU athlete it is the closing of a long chapter he has become comfortable in to make ready for the next adventure on new ice and uncertain territory. Wildcat hockey player Stephan Vigier shares some perspective on what he’s gained during his time at Northern and what he’s looking for in the future as he says good-bye to his home for the past four years in NMU’s Vigier Goes Pro.
Stephan Vigier finishes his last hockey season at NMU with honors and chance to play in professional league. (Marquette Magazine photo by Ron Caspi)
NMU Wildcats Stephan Vigier controls the puck during their game against MTU Friday, Oct. 25, 2013. (photo by Ron Caspi)
Hailing from a small town in Manitoba, Canada Stephan Vigier started off on skates at the age of 3 years old. Like most of the kids where he grew up he played hockey following in the footsteps of those he looked up to. Mainly, his older brother and cousin both of whom also went on to play college and professional hockey. Seems to be in the blood with the Vigier family. Now, upon graduation at NMU after serving the team as captain for the recent 2013/2014 season, being named the Gildo Canale Outstanding Senior of the year, and playing a month in the ECHL league with the South Carolina Stingrays, he continues in the footsteps of those who inspired him with a chance to sign on in a professional league pursuing his passion for the sport he has grown up with.
As he prepares to move on to the next chapter in his career Vigier reflected on what he will miss playing at Northern and how his first taste of the professional league has already taught him a few things. When asked what he has enjoyed most about playing for the Wildcats he says he loves the competiveness of hockey and the commraderie of the team built through their seasons together. This connection which extends off the ice as well is what he’ll miss the most stating that, “In the professional leagues people come and go a lot more. In college you’re together with the same guys for a long time.”
NMU Wildcats Stephan Vigier (40) gains control of the puck from MTU’s Cliff Watson (2) during their WCHA college men’s ice hockey game on Friday, Oct. 25, 2013.
When asked what have been the biggest challenges for him to continue playing hockey over the years he states without hesitation that it’s being a smaller player. “I’ve been about 5’8 and 165lbs since I was in the 9th grade,” he laughs. Apparently, the average size of hockey players is about 6’1 and 200lbs so his biggest challenge lies in manuvering around these guys without getting smashed. On the positive he does have some advantage in being what they call “slippery” and getting in and out of areas easier than others.
Vigier was fortunate to receive an invitation to finish the last month of the season with the South Carolina Stingrays and get a taste of what may be to come. He was surprised at the differences he found in the new league and by what he learned in his short time there. On arrival there was no warm welcome or the commraderie he was used to at the college level. But this he didn’t take to heart understanding that as the new guy coming in he could potentially be taking someone else’s job. Vigier laughed humbly as he explained how they weren’t very helpful in the beginning and that he had to learn the ropes and prove himself first.
Despite the follies of being a rookie again he says, “It was impressive to see the playing ability of some of these guys.” One of the best things he got to experience during his time with the Stingrays was to see plays being made that he never would have thought of. Says Vigier, “The patience they have with the puck and their vision on the ice was really eye-opening for me. College level is a faster game I think because the younger guys are less patient.”
Even after watching professional hockey his whole life it was totally different actually playing it. Vigier shares, “In my first game I was playing center in the “D” zone and left my guy open a couple times and they found him and scored within like 5 seconds. I had to learn really quick that things I could get away with in college hockey I wasn’t going to get away with in this league!”
Vigier’s Wildcat hockey #40. Photo by Ron Caspi)
Chances look good for Vigier to sign a contract in the professional league this year though he is still undecided exatly where he will end up. Without the size of other players sought after in the NHL he has his sights set on the other professional American leagues and would really love to play in the European leagues. Graduating with a degree in Phys. Ed and a minor in French would also love to get into coaching later on and working with kids.
When asked what advice he can share with the upcoming generations of hockey players he says, “It never hurts to be a 200ft player.” Meaning, someone who can play everywhere on the 200ft of ice enclosed within the rink. “Rounding out your game so you can make plays offensively but also, being responsible defensively. Being an overall team guy helps too. Coaches appreciate it if you’re easy to get along with off the ice as well.” he adds.
Whatever direction life takes him in he hopes hockey will be a part of whatever he decides to do. Says Vigier, “I’m just gonna play as long as I can and see what happens.”
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