By Joshua Boyd
Trevor Belak has put together one heck of a career with the Northern Cyclones, a three-year run which includes a Premier National Championship in 2023, a stint with the NCDC Cyclones – and now an NCAA commitment to Wilkes University.
“Committing to Wilkes University came down to a few combining factors. On the hockey side, the team has a reputation of having high standards, being goal oriented and having a winning mindset. The warmth and enthusiasm of Coach [Tyler] Hynes and his commitment to the Wilkes hockey program played a major role in my decision,” said Belak, a 2004-born native of Pittsburgh, Pa. “The Wilkes hockey team is also greatly involved in community service and activities. I feel this builds a great relationship between the team and the residents of Wilkes-Barre.
“Academically, Wilkes University has a strong sports management program. The smaller class sizes will allow me to build connections with professors and have more of an individualized academic experience. It is important for me to be in an environment where I can grow as a hockey player and excel as a student athlete.”
Belak first joined the Cyclones in their National Championship season of 2022-23, and was a key part of the title team with his stay-at-home, defense-first approach to his game. That served him well enough to both lift the Premier Cup with his teammates and to also earn a 14-game stint in the NCDC the next season. Through Thanksgiving, he had 59 points in 84 regular season games with the Premier Cyclones team.
“My time at the Cyclones has been very memorable for me and an incredible experience all around. Playing for Coach [Bill] Weiand has had a huge impact on me, not just in terms of developing my skills but also in shaping my mindset toward the game and life in general,” said Weiand. “At the Cyclones, the bar is set high, so those high expectations can seem intense at the moment, but they also set you up for a lot of growth and success. Being a part of the Cyclones organization for three years has contributed to my development as a leader and team captain, to rebound from setbacks and manage the demands of a long season. The Cyclones have overall helped me to grow as a person and a hockey player. I feel that being a part of the Cyclones has prepared me well for college hockey.”
Over three years, Belak got to see teams and styles from across the nationwide footprint of the USPHL, which helped hone his game to becoming an NCAA prospect.
“I feel that the USPHL showcases and tournaments gave me the opportunity to demonstrate my hockey potential. I was able to talk with coaches about my dream to play college hockey. As a result I was able to make connections that led me to my choice of attending Wilkes University to realize the dream of college hockey,” said Belak.
He would also love to get back to the feeling he had that spring day of 2023 when he and his teammates skated the Premier championship trophy around the Nexus Center ice in Utica, N.Y.
“Winning a national championship is a memory that I will never forget and a dream come true for a hockey player. The week as a whole at Nationals was exhilarating. Leaving the rink each day knowing that we had another chance to fight for the trophy the very next day motivated our team. Winning the National Championship was the culmination of sacrifice, hard work, and teamwork,” Belak added. “The feeling of relief, pride, and excitement hit all at once when I watched my teammates skate around the rink lifting the cup. The trophy was not the real reward, it was the forever bond created with my teammates and the shared achievement that we reached together. I’ve reflected on the early mornings, the tough practices, the losses, and how far we had come to say that this moment of achievement will stay with me forever.”
There is still a lot of work to be done ahead of his first collegiate game, including more than half a final junior season remaining – as well as any potential postseason games that could get Belak and the Cyclones back to the top of the peak. He’ll be working on different parts of his game to get ready to be the best player he can be at Wilkes.
“A goal that I continue to work towards in my hockey game is increasing my speed, which is essential for a fast paced game, especially at the collegiate level. Whether it’s improving my skating stride, agility, or quickness in transitions, small adjustments in technique and conditioning can make a big difference,” Belak said. “I focus on explosive training like plyometrics and foot speed drills, which directly translate onto the ice. I always strive to be a better leader every day and show younger teammates what it takes to win a National Championship. It is more than just being vocal; it is about leading by example, staying positive during tough times, and helping others grow. I focus on building trust with my teammates, encouraging them, and being the player others can rely upon.”
The USPHL congratulates Trevor Belak, his family, the Northern Cyclones and Wilkes University for his commitment.
