When the Aztecs take the ice tonight against Loyola Marymount, senior co-captain Thomas Lapp will participate in his 100th game with the club.
"It's awesome," Lapp said during an interview at his home near campus. "It means a lot to be around the program for such a long time. I've put a lot of time and effort into playing on this team and supporting it. I love doing this."
Lapps's time at SDSU has seen him develop from a forward with a taste for mucking things up in the corners, to a steady defensive presence who can still contribute offensively.
"I came in very timid, and now I've found my role on the team. I've switched in between offense and defense throughout the years, and have now settled in as a defenseman. I wasn't really scoring on offense like I wanted to, and I like the added pressure of being the last man between the other team and our net. I find comfort in that challenge, and that comes with gaining experience throughout the years."
Making the switch was an opportunity that was facilitated by Lapp's older brother, current assistant coach, Kevin. The brothers were linemates during Thomas's freshman season when the idea of playing defense first came about.
"(Kevin) took me under his wing and showed me the ropes. He was more experienced. We get along, so that was fine. He never yelled at me, it was more constructive criticism."
Watching the brothers interact on the bench, the dynamic appears to have switched from one of teaching-learning to one of confidence and comfort. These days, Kevin lets Thomas do his thing and has hardly had to offer advice. During last Saturday's blowout win over Long Beach State, Kevin just laughed from the bench when Thomas was flipped by a 49ers player.
"It was fun," Thomas said about the play.
Lapp's simple description can also be used to sum up his hockey career and his journey to SDSU. When Lapp was in high school and choosing the college he would attend, his decision came down to San Diego State and UC Santa Barbara. His choice was equally a product of smarts and the pursuit of a good time.
"I chose SDSU because of the hockey team. The highest level of hockey I had played was 18-A, so it was a big jump going from youth hockey to college hockey I guess you could say. I wanted to do it, it looked fun, so I came here."
That decision is one that Aztec faithful are grateful for, as Lapp has contributed 40 points (nine goals, 31 assists) during his tenure with the team. Still, many wonder if he's labeling this season as Nationals-or-bust, as he has yet to experience a championship game.
"I just go with it."
That flowing attitude has been a source of comfort for the other Aztecs in the locker room, which is part of the reason why he's co-captain this year.
"He's a leader and people respect him," sophomore forward Justin Tutag said. "He's a player's captain. He knows how to get the team going in big situations and is a leader by example."
Look forward to Lapp leading the team on and off the ice through a promising 2013-14 season. No matter how deep the team's postseason run goes, it's sure to be fun.
Lapps's time at SDSU has seen him develop from a forward with a taste for mucking things up in the corners, to a steady defensive presence who can still contribute offensively.
"I came in very timid, and now I've found my role on the team. I've switched in between offense and defense throughout the years, and have now settled in as a defenseman. I wasn't really scoring on offense like I wanted to, and I like the added pressure of being the last man between the other team and our net. I find comfort in that challenge, and that comes with gaining experience throughout the years."
Making the switch was an opportunity that was facilitated by Lapp's older brother, current assistant coach, Kevin. The brothers were linemates during Thomas's freshman season when the idea of playing defense first came about.
"(Kevin) took me under his wing and showed me the ropes. He was more experienced. We get along, so that was fine. He never yelled at me, it was more constructive criticism."
Watching the brothers interact on the bench, the dynamic appears to have switched from one of teaching-learning to one of confidence and comfort. These days, Kevin lets Thomas do his thing and has hardly had to offer advice. During last Saturday's blowout win over Long Beach State, Kevin just laughed from the bench when Thomas was flipped by a 49ers player.
"It was fun," Thomas said about the play.
Lapp's simple description can also be used to sum up his hockey career and his journey to SDSU. When Lapp was in high school and choosing the college he would attend, his decision came down to San Diego State and UC Santa Barbara. His choice was equally a product of smarts and the pursuit of a good time.
"I chose SDSU because of the hockey team. The highest level of hockey I had played was 18-A, so it was a big jump going from youth hockey to college hockey I guess you could say. I wanted to do it, it looked fun, so I came here."
That decision is one that Aztec faithful are grateful for, as Lapp has contributed 40 points (nine goals, 31 assists) during his tenure with the team. Still, many wonder if he's labeling this season as Nationals-or-bust, as he has yet to experience a championship game.
"I just go with it."
That flowing attitude has been a source of comfort for the other Aztecs in the locker room, which is part of the reason why he's co-captain this year.
"He's a leader and people respect him," sophomore forward Justin Tutag said. "He's a player's captain. He knows how to get the team going in big situations and is a leader by example."
Look forward to Lapp leading the team on and off the ice through a promising 2013-14 season. No matter how deep the team's postseason run goes, it's sure to be fun.