Hawk alum makes pro waves

June 14, 2004

Bryan Cummings

Former Minnesota Ice Hawks defenseman Bryan Cummings had a very solid tenure in the Minnesota Junior Hockey League in 1997-98, picking up team defensive player of the year honors while finishing fourth in team scoring.

Fast forward six years and Cummings is again wearing an IceHawks jersey – only this time around he’s representing the Adirondack IceHawks of the United League. In 38 games this past season, he netted two goals for five points along with flexing 71 minutes in penalties.

For Ice Hawks co-coach Nick Fatis, Cummings’ success at the professional level isn’t a shock.

“Bryan has always been extremely talented,” said Fatis. “We’re just happy to be able to be a stepping stone for players who strive for this type of success.”

After a three-year hiatus from hockey after the MJHL, Cummings decided it was time to lace up the skates again. When he did, it was painfully obvious to everyone watching - and just plain painful for anyone in his way - he didn’t miss a beat. When Fatis ran into Cummings at a pick-up hockey game in the summer of 2001, he told the coach he was hoping to walk on at the University of Wisconsin-Stout.

Cummings did more than make the team; he was an impact player from Day 1. His bone-crushing hits and aggressive play made him one of the WIAC’s toughest d-men. During his abbreviated college career at Stout, Cummings managed 28 points and 108 penalty minutes in 66 games, as well as being named team captain. He was able to add an All-WIAC honorable mention trophy to his collection during his time with the Blue Devils.

After Cummings’ December graduation, he left Wisconsin and quickly found himself back in an IceHawks sweater – this time as a pro.

Cummings is the second player from the 1997-98 Ice Hawks to play professionally. Ryan Stinson, from Winona, Minn., played for the Missouri River Otters. During the 2003-03 season, Stinson tallied 11 points in 35 games for the UHL club.