By John Hepokoski
UWRF Sports Information

The Falcon hockey team's defense looks tough again this season and Mike Salmela is one of the main contributors.

After a year off to concentrate on his studies, Salmela returns to the Falcons for his final season and looks to make a huge impact.

Originally from Duluth, Salmela first started playing hockey at the age four. "My dad told me that I really wanted to play hockey after I saw my brother play," said Salmela.

"I also was into hockey because I had the opportunity to watch a future NHL goalie who played on a rink near my house."

After getting his feet wet at an early age, Salmela improved dramatically over the years as he broke onto the high school scene. In high school, Salmela played for Duluth East who had a very successful hockey program. In his senior season, East was able to make it all the way to state tournament where they eventually won the title.

Salmela capitalized on his high school success and went on to play three years of junior hockey. He laced his skates up for two seasons with Waterloo and one season with Rochester. Although he was a defenseman, Salmela was able to show his offensive skills by leading all Waterloo defensemen in goals scored in his first season. During juniors, then nationally ranked River Falls started to recruit Salmela which played a huge role in his decision to be a Falcon.

"At the time I was recruited, Falcon hockey was at its best.   We were ranked either second or third in the nation at the time and that success made me want to come here."

Salmela has had a successful career at River Falls both athletic and academic wise. He has earned Dean's List honors four times and has been named to the WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll both seasons he has played.

In 2002, Salmela's first season with the Falcons, he totaled seven assists and a goal to finish the season with eight points.

In his sophomore season, Salmela scored four times as many goals and 10 more assists to end the season with 21 points. His 21 points placed him ninth on the team in scoring.

"Mike is just a smart and patient hockey player who takes care of everything on his end," said Falcon Coach Steve Freeman.

This season so far has not been a disappointment for Salmela. He has tallied one goal and four assists and is tied for fourth on the team in total points. Salmela is third on the team in assists.

Freeman also said of Salmela, "He is definitely a key member of the team. He plays hard and is the vital leader of our power play."

 Besides playing hockey and studying, Salmela likes to spend time with his girlfriend and friends. He also likes to go back to Duluth to visit home.

Salmela's major is biology and he looks to go to medical school following graduation. "I've been looking at and applying to a lot of schools and I still do not know where I am going to go."

Salmela's list of schools was pretty impressive and includes the University of Vermont.

Salmela is not just a hockey player and a student, he is also an EMT for the River Falls area.

He also stays busy with his job at the University of Minnesota doing neuroscience research. The research has steered Salmela into looking at neurology for a career choice. He will graduate this year with a degree in biology.

Mike Salmela