In asking players and coaches from ASU hockey about sophomore forward Anthony Croston, the responses thus far have been consistent: He leads by example.
Leadership has been a significant part of Croston’s role on the team since he was promoted to alternate captain in early November, and since then, his statistical production has increased dramatically.
Croston, who went to Pinnacle High School in Phoenix and is just one of three players who’s originally from Arizona, has seen an increase in goals, assists, plus/minus, shots on goal and face-off percentage since earning an “A” on his jersey.
“He just continues to do everything the right way,” head coach Greg Powers said. “He’s always on the defensive side of the puck and he plays a 200-foot game. He’s the perfect example for our young guys to see that you will always get rewarded if you do the right things the right way.”
Though some of his production can be attributed to other factors such as strength of schedule, help from linemates or what players and coaches call ‘puck luck,’ assistant coach Alex Hicks said he thinks Croston’s performance is largely rooted in his confidence.
“He came in last year and played a lot of good minutes for us, but this year he’s played a big role,” Hicks said. “He’s assistant captain. He feels confident that he can play at this level. He knows he can skate with anybody in this league. Once you have that feeling that you can play with anybody, you just keep getting better and better.”
Now leading with actions, not words, Croston said he understood the significance of being a leader for a program that’s in its first full NCAA season.
“It’s awesome, it means a lot to me,” he said. “Coach Powers trusts me, I really like that. I respect him for that. Hopefully I can grow as a leader and help this program out and lead it in the right direction.”
Powers said Croston has proven that it was the right decision to promote him.
“He’s easily one of the most popular guys in the room. Everyone really respects him. They know that he embodies everything this program is trying to become. He’s the perfect guy to help build this foundation with and everybody knows it.”
As ASU’s hockey program is just getting off the ground, Hicks said he hopes Croston’s actions will encourage local kids to follow in his footsteps.
“Whenever you can get a local kid that’s doing that well and wearing a letter on his jersey, that’s huge for our program.”
Reach the reporter at matthew.layman@asu.edu or follow @Mattjlayman on Twitter.
Like State Press Sports on Facebook and follow @statepresssport on Twitter.
