Eric Aldag: ‘I loved my hockey experience at CBC’
Eric Aldag skates in action here at the Scottrade Center in the championship game. He was one of the leaders of the team.
March 10, 2010 • Luke Sapa, Turret staff writer
Filed under archives
This year senior captain Eric Aldag become the face of CBC hockey, and rightfully so. The defenseman is a truly remarkable player and leader on the team. Anyone who attended a game this year, or for the past four years, knew that when Number Four (Aldag) skated on the ice, something good was about to happen.
Aldag won three state championships with CBC, and although he has never worn all three rings at once, he values them as a symbol of the hard work and dedication that his teammates and he went through over the years.
Eric started playing hockey at the age of 3. His dad would take him out and skate him around the rink. Ever since then, hockey has been a major part of his life.
He made the decision to come to CBC joining his friends with the goal of playing hockey. That goal was reached his freshman year and ever since he has just kept going and going, far exceeding his goal.
This year that story was made a little bit better when those friends, Ryan Trenz, Nick Saracino, and Blake Ryan who came to CBC to play hockey, were chosen as the captains. “It was great to be captains with those guys. They are good guys, and they all did great. When we were chosen captains, we knew we had to lead the team, and we took it very seriously,” Aldag said.
Aldag’s plans for next year are still a bit up in the air. He is currently debating between playing juniors and going away to school. However, no matter what, hockey will always be a part of his life.
As a true CBC hockey fan I wanted to get an inside scoop about things like pre-game rituals or favorite places to play, things like that. I was a bit disappointed at first when Aldag told me, “Before the game I usually fill up on a 32 oz diet Dr. Pepper and stretch out with Blake Ryan.”
However, I realized that for Aldag it is as simple as going out and playing the game hard, which is clear to anyone who has seen him the ice.
His favorite teammate to play with is Saracino. He said, “He generates some good offense and makes it a little easier on the defense.”
Saracino returned the compliment to Aldag. “He is a great defense man, and he actually has a pretty decent shot as well, great guy, great player.”
Aldag’s favorite place to play is the Affton Ice Rink. It is his home ice for both CBC and his club team.
While leaving CBC hockey will be sad for Aldag, he looks back and has no regrets. “I am definitely proud of my three years of winning state. I am also proud of this fourth year. We had a good team that was closely bonded. I am very happy with my time at CBC and it’s been a great experience.”
Over the years the CBC hockey dynasty has been known for some of its die-hard fans. “The large-crowd atmosphere at the CBC games is something I will miss. Playing hockey here would not have been as fun if not for the supporters and the great fans,” Aldag said.
This year at Affton, a record crowd of well over 1,000 attended the CBC vs. SLUH game.
Though the season did not end with the championship, Aldag felt that they still had a sense of real satisfaction. “The season did not turn out the way we wanted, but I cannot say I am not satisfied. We accomplished a lot this year, facing a lot of diversity. Just getting to the State Game is a big deal, and it is something that shouldn’t be taken for granted. We battled throughout most the year and had a great season.”
Although his season is over, Aldag will not be quickly forgotten in the CBC hockey community. His name will hang on three banners in the gym and his leadership and skill will inspire future CBC hockey all-stars.
