It’s rare for a faceoff specialist to emerge as a team leader. And that’s what makes senior captain Nick Crovatto so special.
Crovatto has certainly made a difference in the faceoff X during his time at Bucknell. But what sets him apart, according to Bison head coach Frank Fedorjaka, is everything else that he brings to the table.
Nick is our best team leader,” Fedorjaka said. “From the face-off position, it is exceptionally hard to be a leader because you’re not on the field nearly as much as the other guys. It speaks volumes to his character that his teammates look for him to lead them. He’s very vocal and charismatic. His energy, Enthusiasm and love of the game is infectious.”
In the X, Crovatto is known for being a warrior. He stepped into the starting role as a sophomore, winning 87 of 157 faceoffs during the abbreviated 2020 campaign. Notably, he finished as the Patriot League leader in faceoff wins; he also collected a team-best 45 ground balls, bolstered by scooping up 12 against Furman and 11 against Sacred Heart.
In Bucknell’s eight 2021 games, Crovatto won 64 faceoffs and picked up 19 ground balls. Entering his senior year, he is 34 faceoff victories away from becoming the fifth Bison to reach 200 in his career.
People think of Nick as being tough, but he’s also very quick,” Fedorjaka said. “His speed is top-notch, and it plays a large role in his success. Not only that, he’s a hard worker, a talented athlete and just really great at what he does.”
Junior Conor McCusker will also be critical to Bucknell’s success in the X. At 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds, he gives opponents a much different look than the smaller, speedier Crovatto.
During the truncated 2021 season, McCusker made the most of his limited opportunities, winning 24 faceoffs while appearing in all eight games. He had his strongest outing at then No. 12 Loyola, going 8 for 12 in the X and collecting two ground balls.
Conor has worked as hard as anyone I’ve ever been around to get better at the faceoff position,” Fedorjaka said. “He didn’t take many faceoffs in high school, and he has learned it while at Bucknell. He’s strong and neutralizes the other faceoff guy really well.”
Fedorjaka noted that Blake Burchill impressed in the fall due to “his quick hands,” adding that he is excited to see what the freshman will accomplish as “he continues to polish his technique.” Fedorjaka also said that sophomore Brendan Coyle is a valuable backup who tests his teammates in practice every day.
Returnees: Brendan Coyle, Nick Crovatto, Conor McCusker
Newcomers: Blake Burchill
The Bison open their campaign on February 5 with an 11 a.m. game at Mercer. Their first home game is scheduled for February 19 against St. John's. Highlights of their 2022 schedule include a home tilt with Penn State on March 15 and a full compliment of eight Patriot League games for the first time since 2019.
Fedorjaka said that Bucknell, which features a deep roster with talent across all four classes, is poised to excel in both non-conference and Patriot League competition.
I’m really excited to coach this team," Fedorjaka said. “We have a senior class that provides not only talent but great leadership. Our seniors are surrounded by many other classes that have a lot of talent and play-making ability. We have really strong team chemistry. I’m looking forward to getting back to a normal schedule and working with this particular group of student-athletes. We’ll be tested by our non-conference schedule, and we’re looking forward to getting on the road and playing some good competition so that we’re ready for our Patriot League opponents.”
Photos by Noel Gyllenhaal, Brett Hosterman and Marc Hagemeier