Olesky signs with Lake Superior State

LSSU has signed Chesterfield Township's Steven Olesky for the 2006-07 season the 6-0, 190-lb defenseman spent last season playing for Traverse City of the NAHL. "I'm real excited about it," said Oleksy, who has three years of collegiate eligibility remaining. "I told their coaches that Lake State is where I dreamed of playing, and to get the chance is just amazing. I have three good buddies who play up there, and I can't wait to get to work." Oleksy's situation is somewhat unique, as the All-NAHL nominee played a year of baseball at Macomb Community College two years ago, which started the clock on his college eligibility. From the day a student-athlete begins his or her full-time Div. I collegiate career - athletic or merely academic - they have five years of eligibility. The rules for Div. III colleges are slightly less stringent, and Oleksy would have four years remaining at that level even if he played for the Stars next year. Oleksy led all Traverse City blue-liners with 11 goals (6 PPG) and 19 assists in 57 games last season, Oleksy also had 140 penalty minutes and finished the year sporting the captain's ‘C' on his sweater. "He's just rock-solid back there," Traverse City North Stars Head Coach Scott Gardiner added. "We preach hard work and heart around here, and that's exactly how he conducts himself on and off the ice. He's been a great representative of our team - on the ice, off the ice, and in the community." Oleksy was considering attending Wayne State University, over the summer, but he made it clear that LSSU was his first chose.