Of the 71 programs and nearly 2,000 student-athletes in NCAA Division III men’s hockey, Gustavus Adolphus senior standout Ross Ring-Jarvi (Anoka, Minn.) is one of just 30 players from across the nation to earn AHCA All-America honors. The Men’s Division III CCM Hockey All-America Team was announced at the 2012 NCAA Division III Men’s Hockey Championship held over the weekend in Lake Placid, N.Y.
Twenty-one different schools were represented, as four players honored this year were Second Team selections in 2011. Of the 30 All-Americans, 17 are from the United States, 12 are from Canada, and one is from Sweden. The two leading sources are Ontario (7) and Massachusetts (5)
The CCM Hockey All-American Ice Hockey Teams are sponsored by CCM Hockey and chosen by members of the American Hockey Coaches Association (AHCA).
In addition to being named to the AHCA All-America Team, Ring-Jarvi also earned a spot on the All-USCHO.com Division III Third Team. Ross and Derek Grogan of St. Olaf are the only two players from the MIAC to be named to the All-USCHO Team.
“After being so close to being named an All-American in previous years, it’s really good to see Ross not only be named our conference’s player of the year, but also earn All-America status his senior season,” said Head Coach Brett Petersen.
Following the 2011-12 MIAC season, “Ringo” was named the MIAC Player-of-the-Year by a vote of the league’s coaches. With that, Ross also earned a place on the All-Conference team for the fourth time in his career. In the storied 75-year history of Golden Gustie hockey, Ring Jarvi becomes just the third payer to earn All-Conference honors four times, joining the likes of Pat McKusky (1966-69) and Steve Hanson (1975-78). Ross is the fifth Gustavus men’s hockey player to be named MIAC Player-of-the-Year, joining a club shared by Nave Newcomer in 1991, Jason Lesteberg in 1996, Dan Melde in 2002, and David Martinson in 2010.
From the moment he skated onto the sheet of ice at Don Roberts Ice Rink, Ring-Jarvi’s impact was felt. The rookie lit up the scoresheet with 10 goals and 21 assists for 31 points, leading the league in freshman scoring and earning a spot on the 2008-09 All-MIAC and All-Rookie Teams. Ring-Jarvi’s 31 points during his opening campaign ranks second in freshman scoring at Gustavus since the 1995-96 season.
The Gustavus men’s hockey team returned to the top of the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) and the national spotlight during Ring-Jarvi’s four years on the hill. Gustavus made the post-season all four years, winning an MIAC Regular Season Championship in the 2009-10 season and MIAC Playoff Titles in 2009 and 2012. During that time, the Gusties went a combined 71-35-9 overall and 38-19-7 in the MIAC, qualifying for the NCAA Tournament in 2009, 2010, and 2012. In the 2008-09 season, Gustavus snapped a 16-year absence from the national tournament and later put together what was a dream playoff run that lead to a trip to Lake Placid, N.Y. and eventually the NCAA Championship game.
Whether it was at the wing or at center, on the power play or penalty kill, Ring-Jarvi’s on-ice presence was felt every shift. Versatility, hard work, and the ability to make plays earned Ringo the team’s “Iron Man” award, as the 5’ 11”, 190-pound staple of Coach Petersen’s top line played in every single one of his collegiate hockey games, a total of 115. To put this accomplishment into perspective, only four players history of Gustavus Adolphus men’s hockey have played in more games. Ring-Jarvi’s games played mark sits behind Gustie greats David Ellis (119), Doug Keys (118), Dave Newcomer (116), and Andy Cossette (115).
“Although Ross has a complete skill-set, what really stands him apart is his work ethic. Ross never lost a wind sprint in his four years here and number of games he has played is unmatched since I’ve been at Gustavus. That’s just not normal,” joked Petersen.
Although it is maybe the most overlooked statistic in Ringo’s four-year career, Gustavus’ home playoff record is probably the stat the humble senior takes the most delight in. From 2009 to 2012, Gustavus has simply refused to lose at Don Roberts Ice Rink in the post-season. In what was a picturesque way to end his career at home, Ross recorded a goal and two assists in Gustavus’ 3-1 victory over MSOE in the first round of the NCAA Playoffs on March 7. With that win, the Black and Gold improved to 8-1 in the playoffs at home within the tenure of Ring-Jarvi – a credit to the recent success of the program and strong support from the Gustavus fan base.
“What I appreciate about Ross is that he is the most humble athlete you’ll ever find. You would never guess Ross is an All-American from talking to him. He conducts himself with class, he gets embarrassed when you talk about his accolades, and he doesn’t like all the publicity that goes along with all the awards he has received. That’s refreshing to see from an athlete, especially in this day-and-age,” complimented Petersen.
Ross Ring-Jarvi finished with 46 goals and 84 assists for a total of 130 points when playing with the Three Crowns on his chest. The two-year captain sits in a three-way tie for 16th on the all-time career points list at Gustavus, sitting alongside Dan Engstrom `72 and former linemate David Martinson `10.
Petersen added, “Ross gave this team an awful lot without ever wanting credit for it these four years. Although you end up taking a player like that for granted when he’s here, Ringo’s stock will continue to rise even when he’s gone due to the impressions that he’s made on the program.”
Ross will graduate from Gustavus Adolphus College this spring with a degree in physics.