Winning the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) National Championship in 2004, the Ohio Bobcats Hockey Team not only put Ohio University on the map in the world of hockey, but they also gained a respect and loyalty from students around campus. Joining the hockey team the following year, Brandon Steffek has been a part of a team that is defending a three-time regular season champion title of the Central States Collegiate Hockey League (CSCHL) and is favored to win the title once again this year.

As a junior at Ohio University, he has been playing hockey from a young age and has learned to develop his talent and commitment as an active member. Although balancing school, sports, and a social life can be stressful at times, Brandon takes a moment to share his hockey experience and what he looks for in a woman.  

How long have you been playing hockey, and did that play a factor in coming to Ohio University?

I started playing roller hockey when I was 9 years old. Around 11 years old I convinced my mom that I wanted to play ice hockey. I had to get my moms OK because hockey isn't exactly the cheapest sport to play. The main reason I came to Ohio University was also to play hockey. The history of Ohio Hockey was very respectable and I wanted to help further that tradition.

How has hockey affected or changed you personally?

I believe that being a hockey player has helped me to bring success to my life off the ice. Whenever I'm on the ice I try to improve my skills to help my team and myself to get better. This helps me whenever I'm off the ice in the sense that I'm always trying to better myself so I can be successful in life.

What is your most memorable moment throughout your hockey career?

When I was a freshman, I scored a hat trick against our rival Penn State on the Friday night we raised the National Championship banner that the team had won the year before.

Is it hard balancing your time between sports, school and other activities? How?

Yes, being a collegiate athlete brings a lot of mental and physical draining to your mind and body. With all the time that is dedicated to hockey everyday, school gets very tough. Going to class, taking notes, studying for tests, and somehow fitting a social life in there, it seems that there really isn't enough hours in a day to accomplish all these tasks.

What are your plans for the future?

My plans are to get a job anywhere within the Detroit Tigers, Redwings, or Pistons organizations.  I have been a fan or these teams my whole life and working for any of them would be a dream come true.

What is the best part of hockey season here at OU?

Having 1,500+ fans screaming in Bird Arena on Friday and Saturdays nights. 

What do you look for in a woman?

I like women who have an idea why they are in college, who have confidence in themselves, who are classy, smart, cute, somewhat shy, and honest. I also like girls who don't like guys that are mean to them, because that is the exact opposite of me. I like to treat my women the best I can.   

What is your idea of a perfect date?

My idea of a perfect date would be to start off by doing something fun like going ice skating.  After this, I would take my date to my apartment and cook her dinner. After dinner, we would go and rent a movie and watch it together, and after the movie I would ask my date what she would like to do next, and whatever she says would be fine with me.