Spartans of UD - Nikita Borodaenko

Spartans of UD highlights what makes the University of Dubuque special - the people.

Nikita Borodaenko, of Dmitrov, Russia, is a senior sport marketing and management major who is a forward on the men's hockey team at the University of Dubuque. He currently leads the Spartans with 29 points, 13 goals, and 16 assists. The senior forward is a three-time Northern Collegiate Hockey Association Star of the Week and has been a part of the UW-Superior Showdown All-Tournament team the last two seasons with an MVP honor this past November.

How did you get into hockey?

"When I was five years old, my parents decided to enroll me in a hockey program. At that time, a new hockey rink had recently been built in my hometown and the popularity of hockey had increased significantly because of it. I simply enjoyed playing hockey as a kid and I seemed to be quite good at it, and that's how I ended up staying in the sport."

Why did you choose to attend the University of Dubuque and play for the Spartans?

"Before I was playing hockey in the NCAA, I played for the Dubuque Fighting Saints. I grew to love Dubuque as a city, and I already had a good number of friends here. But at that time, there wasn't a hockey team at the University of Dubuque. After junior hockey, I chose Merrimack College and spent two years there. I then entered the transfer portal, and that's when the hockey team at the University of Dubuque was formed. Since I love Dubuque as a city, as well as the people there, and I liked the coaching staff, I chose to play for the University of Dubuque Spartans."

What are some of your favorite memories of your ice hockey career at UD so far?

"I think my favorite memory is our trip to Adrian College last year. We came back from 1-4 and won in overtime with a score of 5-4. It was a very significant victory for us because Adrian College was among the Top 3 teams in the country at the time."

How do you prepare for games?

"I have my own routine before games. For example, if the game is on Saturday at 7:00 p.m., I wake up around 7:00 to 9:00 a.m., depending on whether we have optional morning ice time. Then I eat a light breakfast around 10:00 a.m. I might go for a short walk and play some video games. I have lunch around 12:30 to 1:00 p.m. After lunch I always take a nap. Then I wake up at 4:00 p.m. and get ready for the game. I need to arrive at the rink two hours before the game, which is at 5:00 p.m. I arrive, change into my regular warm-up clothes, and prepare my sticks before the game. Then we have a team warm-up. After that, we have a team meeting with the coaches, and then the game itself begins."

What advice has a teammate given you that you have shared with others to pay it forward?

"Advice a teammate gave me was to always think of your teammates first and take care of them and help them when they need."