by Jim Den Hollander/USPHL.com
Luke Dobles, a 20-year-old Spencerport native, just wrapped up three seasons with the U.S. Premier Hockey League’s Charlotte Rush, earning a National Championship ring in March. The defenseman has secured the next four seasons with a commitment to attend Finlandia University in Hancock, Michigan, and play for their NCAA team.
Dobles started out with the Charlotte Rush’s Elite squad before working his way up to the Premier team to start the 2019-20 season.“It’s definitely harder going from high school to junior than Elite to Premier. However, the changes are similar,” said Dobles. “The game moves faster and your skill and hockey IQ have to elevate with it.”
The championship win was especially satisfying for Dobles and his returning teammates who were in attendance and among the favorites for a national title the previous spring in the Boston area event which was canceled midway through the opening day because of the round-the-world closures due to COVID.
“It was heartbreaking [last year] to say the least,” said Dobles. “Winning this year really was amazing and felt like we took back what should’ve been ours the year before.”
With that mission accomplished, Dobles started to narrow down his options for the next step in his academic and hockey careers, ultimately selecting Finlandia in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
“I initially made contact with Finlandia a few weeks ago through a close friend and mentor,” said Dobles. “Right away talking with Coach Burcar I felt we got along great and that he appreciated the style and way I play the game. It was an easy decision to fully pursue committing to Finlandia. I’m thankful for everything the game has given me and where it has taken me.”
Dobles plans to major in criminal justice with hopes of becoming a police officer after his college and hockey career is behind him.
