Joe Markusen: MSU's Senior Leader
12/9/2003 12:00:00 AM | Men's Ice Hockey
Dec. 9, 2003
Sometimes it can be lonely at the top. Just ask defenseman Joe Markusen, the lone senior on the 2003-04 Spartan hockey program.
As the lone senior, he's counted on to lead the troops. In addition as an assistant captain, his leadership skills are even more valuable - both on the ice and in the lockerroom.
He may not be the flashiest player out there, but he has become an effective player. The Colonel is known for his solid defensive play on the ice, and isn't afraid to jump into the rush if the opportunity arises on the ice.
Markusen has even offered advice to this year's freshmen class: "Just keep things simple until you get used to it. The more games you play, the more comfortable you will get. Even though you'll make mistakes, try not to get down on yourself. As the season goes on, you'll get used to it."
The Park River, N.D., native, who arrived at Michigan State in the fall of 2000, took that advice to heart. He was named the Spartans' Outstanding Rookie and earned team's Most Improved Player Award after scoring one goal and adding four assists for five points in 41 contests. MSU advanced to the NCAA Frozen Four before bowing out to North Dakota, his home state team.
"One of most memorable moments was playing against North Dakota in the Frozen Four," said Markusen. "It was very exciting, since it is my home state. I knew some of the guys on the team and everyone back home was watching the game."
As a sophomore, he appeared in 39 games and added five assists and had the opportunity to play in the world-record setting Outdoor Hockey Game. In his junior campaign, he played in 39 games and added 2-9-11 totals. One of his highlights from last year was scoring the game winner in MSU's 4-0 shutout at Yost Ice Arena, marking his first tally since Feb. 23, 2001.
His arrival at Michigan State followed that very traditional route for most college hockey players. He began skating when he was four-years-old and started playing hockey when he was five. His older brothers played hockey, which is why he started playing hockey when he did.
"I always looked up to them when I was growing up," said Markusen. "They were five and six years older than me and played high school hockey. So when I was younger, they taught me some of the basic skills that I have been able to carry along the way."
 Joe Markusen offered this year's freshmen class some advice: "Just keep things simple until you get used to it. The more games you play, the more comfortable you will get. Even though you'll make mistakes, try not to get down on yourself. As the season goes on, you'll get used to it."  | |
Markusen played high school hockey for four years at Grafton-Park River and earned North Dakota's Mr. Hockey Award as a senior. He moved on to the Lincoln Stars of the USHL where he played for two years before the Spartans offered him a hockey scholarship.
"High school hockey in North Dakota is a short season, so basically going to junior hockey I had a chance to play 60 games a year," Markusen noted. "It gives you a chance to improve your skills and adjust to the speed of the game. It helped make the adjustment to college."
Don't let this redhead and last year's Goofus Award Winner fool you - he has been know to pull a prank or two on his teammates. Markusen and roommate Adam Nightingale have been known to be part of the "upside-down house."
"Everything gets turned upside down," said junior captain Jim Slater, who just happened to be one of the victims. "Don't leave your house unlocked with these guys around."
Of course, Markusen has his own version of the story. He blames his teammates for instigating the fun. And, he'll tell you with a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face.
Markusen, who will graduate this May with a bachelor's degree in general management, is looking to take his game to the next level when his playing days as a Spartan are over. But, if things don't work out - he knows he has his degree to fall back on.
"My time here at MSU has gone by really fast," commented Markusen. "Every year, you tend to live for the moment. It's been so much fun and it's hard to believe that it's almost over. I have tried to take advantage of every opportunity given to here at Michigan State."
The next time, No. 5 is on the ice - remember this senior is the one who's leading the Spartans this season. And, by the way, don't leave your house unlock when the Colonel is around.
