Last year, Nick Roux watched helplessly as his senior-laden team skated into the locker-room after their devastating loss to Chaminade, the score 5-1 quickly disappearing from the electronic board displayed over Queeny Park’s ice rink.

He saw teammates, ones he’s played with since middle school, toss their equipment on the rubber floor after playing one of their last high school games.

He felt the heavy, inescapable feeling of powerlessness after a disappointing season with little contribution: just three starts.

Now, as a senior himself, Roux has taken over the responsibility of being the Assistant Captain under senior Captain Billy Baker.

“Being in a leadership position, I’d like to help my team win the Silver Skate and Wickenheiser Cup,” he said.

After playing just two games with the navy “A” embroided over the left side of his chest, Roux and his MHS hockey squad have already overcome one of the obstacles of years past: beating Chaminade 5-4 on opening night.

“We have a couple goals this season,” he said. “We hope to beat Lafayette both times we play them and eventually get to the championship, the Wickenheiser Cup.”

But hockey hasn’t always been Roux’s passion.

His family moved to St. Louis from Florida when he was in 8^th grade and the humble senior was all but forced to take the sport up.

“Originally I didn’t want to play because I didn’t think I was good enough to make any team,” he said. “Now, as the Assistant Captain of Marquette’s varsity team, I feel like I can lead my team.”

If given the chance, Roux said he would like to continue his playing career into college with his eyes set on Missouri State or the University of Missouri.

“It all comes down to who will take me,” he said.

The Mustangs currently stand 1-0-1 heading into tonight’s conference matchup with the Rockwood Summit Falcons at 7:15 in Fenton.

“There have been a couple big names that have come through the Marquette hockey program,” he said. “I want to be in that discussion and leave my mark here.”