By Kimberly Gardner
UMass Media Relations

To many, collegiate athletics is about statistics, entertainment and recognition for the talents the NCAA student athlete encompasses. And for the fan of collegiate athletics, game day is what defines these student athletes: the field of play, the uniform, the outcome of the contest.

An "ironman" by any team's standards, senior hockey center Peter Trovato has experienced the rush of skating at the Mullins Center in front of thousands of Minuteman fans, scoring gamewinning goals and causing some of the highest-ranked teams in the nation to crumble. All while never missing a game in four seasons.

What sets this athlete apart from the rest is what he has focused on OFF of the ice. Any college student might struggle to balance academics with everything else that defines the university experience. But Trovato simply seems to thrive when he pushes himself to limits that any person would deem admirable.

Peter has excelled in the classroom as a member of the University's highly regarded Commonwealth College, earning hockey's highest GPA with a double major. Branching off that, he is registered as a mentor and tutor at UMass, assisting other student athletes in their studies of journalism and political science. He has been continually recognized by the University and by Hockey East for his success academically--accomplishments not always glorified in today's athletic environment.

But it is Trovato's involvement at the community level that has truly set himself and UMass hockey apart. Nominated recently by the Department of Athletics for the prestigious Hockey Humanitarian Award--a national award given to college hockey's "finest citizen"--Peter's dedication to outreach programs and causes away from hockey have brought attention to his efforts. Beyond his own involvement, Peter has enlisted teammates to take on additional community service efforts as well, expanding his vision to Minuteman Hockey with the goal of encompassing other UMass teams in the future.

Most recently, Trovato's efforts have been directed toward the Massachusetts Soldiers Legacy Fund, a foundation created by Peter with the assistance of numerous trustees. Dedicated to "honoring the sacrifice of Massachusetts Soldiers in the War on Terrorism", this foundation aims to benefit the families of Commonwealth soldiers killed in the line of duty. The MSLF is the first statewide public charity for fallen soldiers.

In Trovato's words, "There are thousands of soldiers from Massachusetts currently deployed in combat operations in the war on terrorism. Of these brave young men and women, numerous soldiers have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. The Massachusetts Soldiers Legacy Fund hopes to honor the sacrifice of these soldiers."

Putting aside the political commentary surrounding any military action, Trovato believes that the men and women of the armed forces make the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedoms and to ensure the freedom of people around the world. In that belief, Trovato and his teammates are working to give something back to the families who have lost a mother or a father.

"There are soldiers serving from Massachusetts who have died only knowing their kids through pictures," said Trovato. "I know they choose to serve, but people have to understand and realize the sacrifice our military members make for the rest of us. Whether you believe in the cause of a conflict or not, whether you are a Democrat or Republican, this goes beyond that. This is about taking care of someone's family--someone who paid the ultimate sacrifice to ensure we can go on about our daily life."

In addition to the MSLF, Peter has been a leader off the ice through numerous other volunteer opportunities, including:

Violence Prevention and the White Ribbon Campaign ("Men working to end men's violence against women")--Trovato participated in a sponsored seminar prior to attending UMass and later encouraged his teammates to attend the campus-sponsored seminars as well. Teammate John Toffey has now taken it a step further and continues to work with the program, even taking on an independent study to oversee the campus campaign activities, which Trovato still participates in.

Mentoring in the Community (Amherst Regional High School Program)--UMass hockey players are regular volunteers for this organization, working with young adults that are considered "at risk". Volunteers assist with homework and classroom activities, working with five to 10 kids at a time.

Deerfield Elementary--Trovato and numerous teammates volunteered at a local elementary school--specifically in Mrs. Dorval's first grade classroom--reading and spending time with the children. This program also can be based on academic credit through the University.

Amputee Hockey Camp (USA Hockey Handicapped Foundation)--UMass hockey continues to work with this program, helping challenged athletes compete in their common game.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County (Big Brothers Big Sisters' vision is to provide a mentor to every child who needs or wants one)--Trovato and UMass athletics have worked hand-in-hand with this nationally recognized organization, inviting BBBS mentors and participants to games. In addition, Peter served as a "Big" for two years (from 2002-2004), while organizing the annual Big Brothers Big Sisters night at the Mullins Center (2004, 2005).

Rodman Ride For Kids (The Ride for Kids is a one-day cycling tour that raises money for nonprofit agencies that promote healthy, positive lives for children throughout New England)--UMass Hockey raised $1,500 for children's charities, with Trovato and 10 teammates (plus family members) participating in 2003.

Grove Street Inn (homeless shelter in Northampton, Mass.)--In working with Mark Keller of Servicenet, Inc., Trovato and the Minutemen hockey team will be cooking and serving meals at this shelter, beginning in 2005. The initial goal is to volunteer at the Grove Street Inn twice a month, with Trovato later expanding the volunteer efforts to include all UMass teams.

It is clear that this college student embodies what the Humanitarian Foundation seeks to honor:

In an era of ever-increasing ego display, when so many of today's athletes are sending the wrong message to our children and when success often seems measured solely by dollar signs and contract signings, it is time to call attention to individuals who embody all that is, and can be, right with sport. While the media often seem preoccupied with the antics of players after the whistle or outside the game--all the while decrying the absence of better role models for our youth--the Hockey Humanitarians want to put sports, and all of its participants, in the proper perspective. And, while team games, by definition, encompass both teamwork and the contributions of the individual to the success of the group as a whole, we want to acknowledge the accomplishments of personal character, scholarship, and the giving of oneself off the ice to the larger community as well. The Humanitarian Award is meant to be seen as a true measure of a person's worth, not just as an athlete, but as someone who embodies those values that merit our recognition. -Mission: Hockey Humanitarian Foundation

In his four years at Massachusetts, Trovato's teammates, coaches and family have continually stressed the importance of leaving a legacy. While Peter's statistics may not find their way into the record books, his impression on the greater Amherst area, the University and now, Massachusetts as a whole, will not soon be forgotten. Because it is people like Peter Trovato that truly define what is good about collegiate athletics today.