Steel Spotlight: Alec Vanko

The Chicago Steel would like to introduce the Spotlight Series. Each week a new player will be highlighted so fans can learn more about the athletes they watch compete on the ice. Alec Vanko has been chosen as the subject for the first installment of this new series. Vanko joins the Steel after competing for the Janesville Jets of the North American Hockey League during the 2012-2013 campaign. In 36 games for the Jets last season, Vanko, a defenseman, managed to record 17 points (1G, 16A).

Originally from Oregon, Wis. Vanko says that his older brother and parents got him into hockey. He believes that he was up and learning to skate when he was around three years old and then joined his first mite team the following year. He says that without their support he would not be in the position he is today.

When asked who he would credit as his biggest hockey influence, one name quickly emerged – Pat Ford. Ford, a former University of Wisconsin assistant, was one of Vanko’s coaches growing up as well as his best friend’s father. He served as a coach for Team Wisconsin as well as the Madison Capitols, two programs Vanko played for while moving up through the hockey ranks.

Both of Ford’s sons play for the Dubuque Fighting Saints, which will make things interesting when the Saints come to the Edge to face off against the Steel on Oct 19. It will be the first game between the two United States Hockey League foes of the 2013-2014 season. Last year, Chicago and Dubuque split the four games they played against each other, with the home team winning each contest.

Vanko describes himself as a puck moving defenseman, who can jump into the rush when possible. The offensive portion of Vanko’s game has already shown itself for the Steel. Through six games of this young season, the blueliner has recorded two points (1g,1a).  He went on to say that he does try to take advantage of his size and make sure his presence is felt out on the ice. The fact that Vanko mentions a physical style of play and having a presence on the ice should not come as a surprise, the Steel newcomer is listed at 6-foot-2 and weighs 185 pounds.

Vanko could not think of an answer when he was asked to choose a particular player’s style he tries to emulate, however he does say that Ryan Suter is someone he looks up to. Suter, a defenseman and alternate captain with the Minnesota Wild, hails from Madison, Wis.  Vanko says it is cool to know that he has spent time on many of the same rinks that Suter did growing up. This past summer Vanko was lucky enough to take the ice with the NHL veteran, an experience he called a “great opportunity.”

Vanko, who was drafted by Waterloo, tallied his first career USHL goal against his old squad when he beat Black Hawk goaltender Cal Peterson back on Sept 21.

“It was great, particularly coming against my former team,” Vanko said. “While it was nice to score, a win against Waterloo would have been better.”

Away from the rink Vanko says he enjoys spending time with friends and golfing. He also loves to work hard in the gym lifting weights in order to get stronger on the ice.

Finally, when asked if he was a Badgers and Packers fan, the kid from just outside Madison responded as most would expect –“Oh yeah, huge.”