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Over winter break, Florida State Ice Hockey Club Senior Captain Ryan Chambre and sophomore forward Alex Jensen represented the Seminoles and the United States in France from Jan. 3-8. Both players faced some of Europe’s finest competition while donning the red, white, and blue.
The College Hockey South (CHS) committee selected Chambre and Jensen to be a part of the CHS All-Stars, a team made up of top players and coaches from the American Collegiate Hockey Association’s southeastern programs.
“It was surreal,” Alex Jensen said in an interview with the FSView. “Any time you get to wear the stars and stripes, it’s such an amazing honor.”
The committee was not looking for just the best players. They were looking for the right players who could be reliable on the scoresheet and make an impact without the puck. Throughout their time at FSU, Jensen and Chambre proved how valuable they are in both categories.
Before winter break, Jensen led the ’Noles in scoring with nine goals and 10 points through seven games.
Chambre averaged a point per game heading into the break, scoring four goals and seven points in seven games while also proving he can play in any situation when needed. He currently plays on the top forward line, the first power-play unit, and the first penalty-kill unit for the Garnet and Gold.
Chambre’s versatility and Jensen’s goal-scoring prowess garnered league-wide attention, forcing opponents to account for them on the ice, while solidifying their roles on the CHS All-Stars.
“During the All-Star series, Ryan [Chambre] was relied on by serving as a puck-moving defenseman. Alex [Jensen] scored a highlight reel goal,” head coach Ryan Smith said in an interview with the FSView. “We are proud of both players and delighted to see the league recognize their ability by extending an All-Star [invitation].”
Despite not having a home rink, Jensen and Chambre serve as a reminder that Florida State Club Ice Hockey is able to produce top talent.
“It sucks,” Ryan Chambre said in an interview with the FSView. “Everyone’s getting hurt every game … because when you go out there, that competition we play at, it’s intense. So when guys go out there from game to game without any practice in between, it takes a toll on our bodies.”
Despite these setbacks, the Seminoles still find ways to succeed.
FSU won the Battle of the Beach tournament in Coral Springs, Fla., in late October. Of the nine goals scored by the ’Noles in the tournament, Chambre and Jensen accounted for five.
“FSU was considered the underdog … we faced a talented Florida Atlantic team in the championship,” Smith said, “Alex and Ryan both contributed by scoring, being playmakers, and backchecking. It’s hard to fathom our ability to overcome the doubt and win the Battle of the Beach without Ryan and Alex.”
Hailing from Minnesota, known as the “state of hockey,” Jensen competed against elite hockey players in the state during his time at Chanhassen High School.
“Most nights in Minnesota, you’d be going up against a handful of guys who are going to play Division I hockey someday,” Alex Jensen said in an interview with the FSView. “Playing against future NHL guys was also pretty wild.”
Chambre, a native of Fort Myers, Fla., has served as the captain for the Garnet and Gold over the past few seasons.
“I was … honored for that role as captain, and it’s a learning experience for sure,” Chambre said. “There’s a lot of strong leadership on this team, and I couldn’t do it alone; I had my other captains … help me out too.”
Florida State plays its next set of games against the University of Georgia in Athens, Ga., on Feb. 6-7.
“The success of a sports program is led by iconic players,” Smith said. “Ryan Chambre and Alex Jensen have both elevated the standards of FSU Club Ice Hockey on and off the ice. Both players are immensely talented, mature leaders … I can credit both Ryan and Alex for the growth and success of our program.”
Abraham Piroozmand is a Staff Writer for the FSView & Florida Flambeau, the student-run, independent online news service for the FSU community. Email our staff at contact@fsview.com.
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