Hard to believe, but more than eight years have passed since Marty Sertich stood at the podium in Columbus, Ohio, to accept the Hobey Baker Memorial Award on April 6, 2005.
It's been seven since he graduated from Colorado College, with his degree in history, in May of 2006.
But Sertich, also a first-team All-American and national scoring champion his junior season with the Tigers before serving as team captain as a senior in 2005-06, recalls his days at CC and experiences with its Block Plan as if they occurred last week.
"It's the only system I ever really knew for college, but I loved it," Sertich, who currently is back in town visiting family and friends, said of the school's academic format. "I really did – I loved it. It's a really unique experience. I'm surprised more universities don't use it, to be honest with you. I think it's a great way to learn. It's intense, but you don't forget as many things because it's in such a short amount of time. It sticks with you. I still remember very clearly the many, many, many classes I took. It's awesome."
Although he and his wife of three years, high-school sweetheart Becky, own and spend most of the summer at their home in Roseville, Minn., Sertich has continued his hockey career playing for Olten of the Swiss B league the last three years. The former Mr. Hockey of his native state originally signed as an undrafted free agent with the Dallas Stars organization, was traded to the Colorado Avalanche in 2008 and kicked around with both NHL teams' minor-league affiliates for two seasons each before taking his talents to Europe.
Now 30 years old, he plans to return overseas – albeit not to Olten – and find a new team for the 2013-14 season.
"It's a beautiful country," he said of Switzerland, "But I'm kind of excited to be moving on to something different, see some new scenery ... You never know. I'm open to anything. I'm still having a blast, so as long as I stay healthy, I'll keep plugging away. There's a lot worse things I could be doing – that's for sure."
The son of former Colorado College great Steve Sertich, as well as the grandson of Hall of Famer Tony Frasca, Sertich ranks 12th on Tiger Hockey's all-time scoring list with 182 career points. His 121 assists place him seventh.
While spending a week or so in the vicinity of his alma mater, he's had a chance to skate at Honnen Ice Arena on campus and work out at the newly renovated facilities at El Pomar Sports Center, which also leave him in awe.
"CC was unbelievable when I was here," said Sertich. "Now, well let's just say, I've seen quite a few facilities around the country and not too many of them are better than here. The guys who are playing here now, and the the guys who are looking to come here, they probably don't even know how good they have it, you know? It's pretty first class!"
Take it from someone who undoubtedly is able to recognize such distinction.
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Einer der 1985 in Bern dabei war ...
E H C O for ever