January 7, 2010
Fienhage Works, Waits for Chance
by Becky Ebert/CHN Reporter
You may not find his name on the score sheet following every game. He isn’t one to make the highlight reel, or even be suited up for every match. However, one thing he does have is the sheer passion for a dream. A dream, which is etched on the mind of every college hockey player across the country.
For North Dakota’s Corey Fienhage, like many players, the passion started early — just four years old. But for Fienhage, that was unearthed in Alabama, of all places, while visiting family. While there, Mike and Billie Fienhage took their son to a minor league hockey game. It was during those few hours that Corey’s interest in the game was discovered.
“My parents told me they couldn’t get my attention away from the ice,” said Corey, “All the other kids were causing trouble, but I watched the game intently.”
Just a week later, Corey laced up a pair of skates and hit the ice for the first time.
Due to his mom’s career, Corey and his family lived in Tennessee and Ohio, before settling into the town of Apple Valley, Minn. It wasn’t until high school that Corey began playing defense. At the time, Pat Westrum, who was coaching the Apple Valley team, made the suggestion to change positions. Fienhage immediately took Westrum’s advice to heart and began learning the defensive fundamentals to the game. Currently a scout for the NHL’s Montreal Canadiens, Westrum felt that with Corey’s size and smarts, he would be a perfect fit for the blue line.
October 11, 2008, Fienhage made his debut for the Souix against Massachusetts. Since beginning his career at North Dakota, there has always been a member of the Fienhage family in attendance at Ralph Engelstand Arena for each and every game. Not only can you find one of Corey’s parents in the stands, but also his younger sister, Taylor.
“There is always someone from my family cheering me on during home games,” said Corey, “My family has been there for me through everything.”
Just a sophomore in high school, Corey’s sister is already displaying the same hockey gene as seen in her older brother. Taylor, who is presently playing for the Eastview Girl’s Varsity team, has also find a love for the defensive side to the game.
“I would like to take credit for her interest in hockey, but I’m pretty sure she just has a real talent and love for the game,” said Corey. When his schedule presents the opportunity, Fienhage likes to use the free time to venture back home and catch his sister in action.
“Everyone in my family is very supportive of one another,” said Corey, “It isn’t very often, but when I get the chance I try to see a few of my sister’s games.”
Along with experiencing the celebratory and trying times of hockey with his family, Corey was surrounded by friends when he got the call. Throughout the first day of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, Fienhage and his friends watched a live-streaming video of the event from their apartment on campus. After watching their close friend, Matt Gardiner, go in the first round, Corey and his roommates retired for the night. It wasn’t until the next day that Fienhage got the call every hockey player waits for.
“It was really exciting to get the phone call,” said Corey, “I just remember all of us jumping up and down like little kids.”
In the 3rd round, Corey was selected by the Buffalo Sabres. Since being drafted, Fienhage and the Sabres organization have stayed in touch throughout the last two years. The two sides exchange e-mails periodically concerning things to work on, how his game is progressing at North Dakota and dates for future training camps to be held in the offseason.
“I try to stay up-to-date with the team by watching videos and highlights online,” said Fienhage, “They’re doing really well this year.”
However, as most of us know, along with the highs of life, the lows are sure to come. Over the past year, Corey has been facing a time of struggle and disappointment when it comes to his hockey career. In his first season with the Fighting Sioux, Fienhage suited up for a mere 9 games and was a minus-4 in his debut season. Due to injuries, Corey has already played in 11 games for the 2009-10 season. Not having the opportunity to play in every game might have a negative effect on an athlete’s optimism, but that isn’t the case for this defenseman. Whether he’s on the bench at game time, or scratched for the night, Corey never stops working and more importantly, believing.
“I’m not going to give up just because something doesn’t go my way,” said Fienhage, “I just have to keep working hard at practice and take advantage of every opportunity.”
American Author and Publisher Harry Golden once said, “The only thing that overcomes hard luck is hard work.” If this proverb holds true, the odds are in favor for Corey Fienhage to prosper.
