The crowd becomes invisible. Brock’s heart is pounding and his breathing becomes short. It’s all tied up and the opponent is approaching, stick-handling the puck quickly. Brock’s muscles tighten waiting to react. They fake left and start to wind up for their shot. Brock’s eyes lock onto the puck trying to predict where it will strike. The shot comes fast… faster than expected. Instincts kick in as he dives, stretching out his arm, hoping it reaches. Time freezes for a split second. It feels like it’s just him and the puck, suspended in time, waiting for the other to break. The puck slams into his blocker and his stick rattles in his hand. The crowd roars Brock back into focus, a wave of relief rushes over him, but all he can feel is the burning in his dry throat and the ache from clenching his jaw too tight. Brock Pflugh, senior and starting varsity goalie, experiences this thrill every time he steps onto the ice during a game.
Brock’s hockey journey began at age four playing dek hockey. Spending countless nights watching the Penguins on TV with his dad, Brock yearned to follow his idol Marc-Andre Fleury’s trail. This led him to make his transition from dek to ice hockey in fourth grade. Brock saw how quickly Fleury became the backbone of the Pittsburgh Penguins, helping them win three Stanley Cups, two of which were back-to-back. As good of a player that he is on the ice, Brock saw how positive he was off of it. Having fun, always smiling, and constantly remaining humble really stood out to Brock as he was still young and shaping who he wanted to become when he was older. Fleury helped show him that hockey is supposed to be fun, and not to let other things influence his outlook on the game. These things led Brock to consider his position as a goalie. He felt inspired watching him throughout the years and seeing how he interacts on and off the ice and Brock wanted to be like him one day.
During his first year on the ice, Brock played Latobe Developmental, which is designed for beginner hockey players who want to develop their skating, passing, blocking, and shooting skills. They would learn the basics of hockey and begin to scrimmage one another. At age ten, he wanted to take it up a step and started getting involved on club teams. He thought it was time to start getting real game experience that would help refine and polish his skills. These clubs, or travel teams, are divided into players with the same birth year. So, Brock plays with, and against, people in the 2007 age group. These teams are randomly distributed. Brock is on a team with kids from all over, even as far as West Virginia! Lots of variables go into which team they decide to join. Their record, which of their friends are playing, and how far it is, all go into choosing the best team for the player.
He has played for the Alleghany Badgers, South Hills Panthers, and Pittsburgh Vengeance. These teams play highly competitive opponents with lots of experience. Playing these opposing teams made Brock play up to their level, making him a force to be reckoned with. He had to match, if not, exceed, their skill levels so that he would remain a real threat out on the ice.
Brock carries this experience and discipline while playing on the Latrobe Ice Cats. Starting to play varsity his junior year, he has high ambitions for this season. Last year, the team made the playoffs but was knocked out in the first round. This year he wants to not only qualify but also win.
The recent game they played versus Penn Trafford gave Brock the assurance he thinks he and the team need to obtain these goals. The team beat the PT Warriors 3-1, making the Ice Cat’s record 4-2, so far. “PT has the best record and is one of the most skilled teams in the league.” Brock continues, “It gave us confidence that we can beat anyone as long as we work together.”
The teamwork in the past game is what led him to be proud of the team’s concise communication and precise passing. He thinks they were able to get this win against Penn Trafford because “everyone gave their max effort in every shift.” He hopes that the team will continue improving on these techniques and keep their winning streak going.
Brock also has his sights on making the PIHL All-Star Game (ASG) this year, an opportunity reserved for the top players of the season. The head varsity coaches from each team fill out a nomination form where they rank their players for inclusion into the ASG. The selected get placed on teams to compete against each other. Reflecting on his previous achievement, Brock shares, “I was fortunate enough to be selected for it last year, and my goal is to get back there again this year.” This makes him strive to not just be “good enough,” but to give his maximum effort, making the most of his final high school season.
Brock does not see himself playing professional hockey after high school. Knowing this, Brock’s attitude towards this season has shifted. He points out, “I know that this is the last I’m going to play so I want to end on a strong, memorable season, and leave it all out on the ice.” Reese Mysers, a freshman on the varsity hockey team, will be taking over Brock’s role in the years to come. Brock is comforted knowing that, “the team will be in good hands,” once he’s gone. Throughout Brock’s years of ice hockey, he passes on some advice, “Build strong friendships with your teammates and enjoy their company. Don’t be afraid to speak up and share your ideas- your voice matters on and off the ice.”
Brock Pflugh’s journey has been defined by passion, dedication, and a commitment to both his team and his personal growth. From his early days of watching Marc-Andre Fleury to rising to the top players in the league, Brock has always strived to push himself and work hard. As his hockey career is slowly coming to an end, he is still focused on finishing strong and achieving his goals. His role on and off the ice serves as an example for younger players, like Reese Myers. Brock’s final season isn’t just about wins and losses, but what he’s leaving, stepping off of the ice. With his mindset and determination, Brock’s impact on the Latrobe Ice Cats will be felt long after the final buzzer sounds.
