The Littleton, CO native has always had a knack for a stick, puck and ice. Yang, 20, has been cutting up the ice ever since he learned how to walk. When asked about his early start to hockey Yang responded, “ I’m the first in my family to play hockey, so I guess that’s why my dad started me when I was like 2.” Yang’s been around the country and back to play the game he loves so much. Before enrolling at Colorado University he played 2 years of junior hockey on the east coast for the Boston Bandits. Out in Boston Yang was able to fine tune his skills for the gritty grinding BMHC (Big Mountain Hockey Conference) the Div. II ACHA Buffs play in. Some skills that Yang wanted to focus on when out east included puck control, offensive awareness and precision passing.
His humble work ethic and time devoted to the game has been obvious for the Buffs this season. Yang is a top 4 defensemen on a team carrying a heavy load of 10 players on the back end, all who have the finesse and hockey IQ to be a top pairing on any team in the conference. Yang seems to be ubiquitous when it comes to the Buffs offense. He has maintained his role all season on the first powerplay unit and is encouraged by his coach to get pucks on net constantly.
“When Yang has the puck I encourage his aggressive style, it usually helps our team score goals” - Div. II Head Coach Dan Sturges.
Currently, the Buffs are ranked #8 (14-16-1) in the ACHA West, earning them a spot in the regional tournament, which gives them a chance to make a run for the national championship. The team is entering the tournament coming off winning the BMHC conference championship. In the process of doing so they defeated #2 Northern Colorado and #5 Denver. Yang was a vital component in both wins due to his power play production, which has the buffs season conversion percentage ranked second in the conference (17.61%). He has 1G and 7A, which all have been Power Play points accept two. Yang’s even strength numbers may not jump out at you but whenever he’s on the ice things seem to go right. All you have to do is look at his +19 rating. Yang may be a rookie but doesn't play like one. His defensive partner Aaron Forman, sophomore, said,
“He’s young, but that doesn’t negate his obvious leadership abilities.”
*The Buffs will be taking on #5 Denver in the
first round of regionals in Ogden, Utah, Feb. 23
at 10 A.M.