Author Scott Adams once said, an individual does not have to be a "person of influence" to be influential. In some cases, the most influential people in someone’s life are not even aware of the things they have taught an individual. 

The once amazing images of hockey—Paul Henderson scoring between pipes, Bobby Orr flying through the air and Mario Lemieux bearing down on the goal—all attest to great inspiration on the game of hockey. 

Niagara men’s hockey freshman forward Isaac Kohls has received inspiration and guidance throughout his journey up until now, as he sports a Purple Eagle jersey. 

Part of being “on” from the start is being influenced by the right people, as well as getting chances.  While with the Streetsville Derbys (CCHL) during the 2009-10 season, Kohls had 39 goals, 42 assists and 81 points in 59 games.  The following season, the Minnesota native was drafted to the Muskegon Lumberjacks to play in the USHL, where he notched 18 goals, 21 assists and 39 points in 56 games for the Jacks.    

“The pressure that comes with playing Minnesota hockey helps you prepare for the pressures of the USHL and the big crowds you’ll be playing in front of,” the Forest Lake, Minn. native said.

After successful seasons as an amateur, influence and encouragement from teammates and family pushed Kohls even harder to strive for Division I hockey.  After his stint with Muskegon, Kohls committed to Niagara University along with eight other fresh new skaters for the 2011-12 season.   

Kohls was headed miles away from home to Monteagle Ridge in hopes to study business. 

"I liked the campus and facilities that Niagara had to offer,” Kohls  stated. The well-known business school also influenced my decision. My educational goals are to get a degree in four years. I'm just a general business major right now unsure of what exactly I want to do in that field.”

After high hopes of playing in the CCHL, Kohls has set both academic and athletic achievements ahead of himself with influence and support in all aspects of his time here at Niagara. 

“My time here at Niagara has been great so far,” Kohls said. I've been able to do pretty decent in school last semester and hoping to keep that up again this semester.”

Kohls has seen success not only in the classroom, but the ice as well.  The tremendous hard work he has put into the 30 games played this season has led the stocky, 5-foot-9 forward to put in six goals for the Purple Eagles as well as 11 assists for an overall 17 points.  Khols attributes the transition and the success found to numerous people. 

“We have a great team with a group of good guys and they've made it a lot easier on me to feel welcomed coming to a new team” Kohls  said.  “Coach Burkholder has led us to a successful and fun season so far hoping that our most successful part is in the playoffs.  Being a part of the Niagara team means so much to me as a young hockey player.”

For every one of us that succeeds, it is because there is somebody there who believes in us and points us in the right direction.

“My parents have done so much for me to get here I want to do the best I can for them,” the Purple Eagle freshman said.  “I would say my family influences me the most to strive for more because I know they care about my success more than anyone else.” 

Whether he is strength training or studying for an exam, his devotion and influence for the sport of hockey shows in-and-out of the locker room, as well as on-and-off the ice. 

Setting an example is not the main means of influencing another, it is the only means. 

Written by: Sam Mocarski, Athletic Communications Student Assistant