Freshman Hockey Player, Nathan Covato, discusses his interesting nickname, his love of RMU, and his experience on the ice. 

The 18-year-old from Green Tree, chose RMU because of the hockey program and the scenery, making it known how much he appreciates the nature aspect of campus. 
"Besides some bumps, everything else is great. The team is good." Covato says, "And when I step outside, it's nice here. I love fall and there's a lot of trees."

The right defenseman started skating when he was just 5-years-old. He says he didn't know much, but his dad played and they enjoyed watching older games of Mario Lemieux together. 
"That motivated me to be better than him in hockey." Covato explains, "I started off playing for Mt. Lebanon Hornets and the Pittsburgh Predators, then Arctic Foxes, as well as playing for Bishop Canevin in Middle School and High School and now, here we are."

The Marketing major got his infamous nickname, Cale Makar, NHL defenseman for the Colorado Avalanche, by pulling off the same signature play which is going coast to coast before scoring. 
"People called me that in high school and I felt connected." Covato explains, "People call me Covy at RMU so far."

Covato is also no stranger to pain as he has become accustomed to going to physical therapy. 
"I hit someone in a game once and snapped my collarbone in two places." Covato says, "And it took four months to recover. On top of that, my shoulder used to dislocate, and can still hurt."

But he's appreciative of his opportunities and to those who have helped him along the way. 
Covato says, "It's important to remember you can't do everything yourself." 

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