WPIAL Alum Q&A – Luke Stork

By: HSSN Staff
Monday, December 14, 2015 | 2:45 PM

Even though the warm December temperatures have not made the past few weeks feel like winter, on the high school calendar, it is certainly winter sports time. Consequently, the WPIAL Alum Q&A will shift its focus to former high school standouts who are now playing well at the collegiate level in basketball or hockey.

This week, former Upper Saint Clair hockey player and current member of the Ohio State hockey team Luke Stork is profiled.

Like several of the elite hockey players in the area, Stork did not spend his entire time during his high-school years playing with the school’s varsity team. Rather, Stork played just one year with the Panthers, in 2010-11.

In his limited time in the PIHL, however, Stork made a significant impact, as he notched 18 goals and 33 points as a sophomore. In that campaign, Upper Saint Clair made an unlikely ascension to the PIHL Penguins Cup Championship in Class AAA, defeating Canon-McMillan in overtime. Shortly thereafter, the Panthers also captured the state championship.

After the season, Stork moved on to more competitive levels of hockey, and in 2014, he joined the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Big Ten Conference of the NCAA. As a freshman, he played in 30 games, and contributed 10 points.

He has found the scoresheet more frequently thus far during his sophomore season, as he’s currently tied for fourth on Ohio State with nine points.

Luke took the time to discuss his time playing in both the PIHL and NCAA, as well as college academics, and which celebrity with whom he would like to spend some time.

Q: The creation of the Big Ten hockey conference seems like it has really helped the popularity of the sport at the college level. How has your experience been so far playing NCAA hockey?

A: So far my experience has been unbelievable; playing in college has been the best time of my life so far. The competition is great, and the arenas, the fans, coaches and teammates make it one of the best experiences I’ve ever been a part of.

Q: As a freshman, you had some of your best games against Penn State University, your home-state school. Was there any extra motivation or excitement playing against the Nittany Lions?

A: Playing against Penn State is definitely a date I circle on my calendar. It means a lot to me to play in that game. Growing up, most of the people I know from high school go to Penn State, so for me, it’s a way to play in front of former classmates and rub it in their face. In the nicest way possible, of course.

Q: Your scoring numbers as a sophomore are on pace to well surpass your production last season. What has been the biggest reason for your improved success?

A: Coming into this season, I told myself to just play my game and hopefully the numbers will follow. The offseason was great too; it allowed me to focus on what my coaches told me to improve on and also allowed me to focus on the weight room. Overall, I think the biggest reason would be confidence, just going out there and doing what I do best.

Q: How would you describe your style of play and your role for the Buckeyes?

A: My style of play is playing fast, using my speed and shot to get pucks on net. I also like to use my body to be physical and also to stay in control of the puck. I believe the role I have for the Buckeyes is an energy guy, doing whatever it takes for the team to be successful with a team first mentality.

Q: You are still a big Penguins fan. Do you get any grief from teammates or classmates being a Pens fan playing in the city the Blue Jackets call home?

A: No, honestly I don’t really get any grief about being a Penguins fan. As long as I don’t brag about how well the Pens are doing, I usually don’t hear any chirps about being a fan.

Q: Talk about your path from the Hornets, all the way now to Ohio State, and what did you learn during that time?

A: My path began back in the Pittsburgh Hornet days; some of the best memories I have began there. I played for the Hornets for about five years then I was drafted by the Youngstown Phantoms in the USHL. I played for the Phantoms for two years, and it allowed me to grow as a person and as a player. It really developed me for the collegiate level. Finally, I made the decision to play at the greatest university on this planet.

Q: You played only one year with Upper St. Clair, but it was incredibly successful. How exciting was it to win those championships?

A: I played for Upper St. Clair my sophomore year of high school and that was the year that we won the state championship. It was one of my greatest memories of being a hockey player. Being able to do that in front of the school I attended was a huge excitement.

Q: What led to your decision to move on from the PIHL after 2011?

A: The reason for moving on from PIHL after 2011 was my decision; I felt the need to focus on travel hockey more than high school if I wanted to extend my hockey career. It’s not a knock on high school hockey, it’s just what I felt was the best decision for myself. I am very happy about how it turned out as well.

Q: How long did you attend Upper St. Clair, and did you play any other sports?

A: I attended Upper St. Clair for three years, my senior year I went to Youngstown for junior hockey. In high school, I did not play any other sports, but growing up I did play baseball, and lacrosse, as well.

Q: What is your favorite hockey moment as a player?

A: My favorite moment as a hockey player would be winning the state championship my sophomore year of high school. I can still remember it like it was yesterday.

Q: How about your favorite moment as a fan?

A: My favorite moment as a fan was when the Penguins won the Stanley Cup in 2009. It was the year after they lost in the Stanley Cup Finals to the Red Wings, and being able to witness that rematch, it was awesome. It was one of the best series I have ever watched.

Q: What is your major and preferred career?

A: My major currently is Sport Industry and right now my preferred career is still undecided. I like to think I am still young and have plenty of time to figure that out, but I know that I don’t haha. I would have to say I am keeping my options open.

Q: What is your favorite college class?

A: My favorite college class is called sport for the spectator. It’s a class where you focus on the sport as a fan; what people do at games, why they behave a certain way and other things along those lines. I am a huge sports guy, so if there is a class that involves sports then it’s a class I would like to be a part of.

Q: What is a surprising or little known fact about you?

A: A surprising or little known fact about me would be that I can juggle somewhat well; not bowling pins or anything crazy like that, but tennis balls and other stuff along those lines.

Q: Which athlete or celebrity would you most like to meet?

A: One celebrity I would like to meet would be Justin Bieber. The guy has everything and I wouldn’t mind spending a day with him. I hope he reads this article and gives me the chance to hang out with him!

Tags: Upper St. Clair