Esky native Bink makes dream into reality with title | News, Sports, Jobs

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Ohio State’s and Escanaba native Brooke Bink poses with the 2022 NCAA Women’s Hockey Championship trophy after defeating Minnesota Duluth in the championship game recently at the Pegula Ice Arena University Park in Pennsylvania.

When the final buzzer sounded to end the 2022 NCAA Women’s Hockey Championship Game with the Ohio State Buckeyes defeating the University of Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs 3-2, a dream came true for Escanaba native Brooke Bink.

“It was a relieving moment when the buzzer went off at Penn State,” Bink said of the experience. “When I stepped on campus in 2019, I knew what this journey was about to entail. My coach expected excellence from each one of us. Every day we went to the rink with the mindset that we were there to win a National Championship. It was incredible to be a part of a team that all has the same goals as I do.”

Years before her first footsteps on the Ohio State campus, Bink — who is a forward for the Buckeyes — spent hours upon hours playing hockey on rinks in the Upper Peninsula. That is where her dream of chasing a national title began.

“Growing up in the U.P., I always had the dream of playing D1 college hockey,” she commented. “My coaches, Brian Hyska, Jamie Silverstone, Josh Fisher, and Pat Labre have all inspired me and supported me when I was the only girl on the team. They were the ones who made me fall in love with the game and keep driving for perfection.

“They believed that I could be successful, and they are the reason I wanted to keep playing. I am forever grateful for them and for seeing something in me that I didn’t know existed.”

In addition to her coaches, Bink’s parents — Nick and Michelle — also played a pivotal role in her hockey career from childhood to her want to attend boarding school — Shattuck St. Mary’s — in Minnesota to continue chasing her dream.

“I was raised by two parents who were extremely supportive of my goals, and they sacrificed so much for me,” Bink said. “They drove me to tournaments all over the country and have spent countless hours on the road and in hotel rooms for me to be successful. They recognized my dedication to the sport and allowed me to leave home at the age of 16 to live in Minnesota and attend a prestigious school in order for me to achieve my dreams.”

Bink notes that her parents — whether it be for inspiration or advice — are two people that she can always turn to.

“My dad has taught me so much about sports as he played college football at Northern Michigan University. I look up to him and his work ethic and competitiveness. He was there when I first learned how to skate and has taught me everything I know about working out. He still runs and lifts with me every summer when I am home. He even makes an outdoor rink for my siblings and me every winter so we can skate when I am home for Christmas,” she said. “My mother has also been an inspiration to me. She has taught me how to be a good person and how to look at the bright side of things. She’s a beautiful person inside and out, and I am thankful for all of the sacrifices she has made in order for me to succeed. She is the first person I call when I need someone to talk to and always gives me the best advice.”

As a junior studying strategic communications with minors in real estate and fashion, Bink is happy for her choice of school and the opportunities that Ohio State has provided.

“I have had an unbelievable experience at Ohio State. Ohio State has given me the opportunity of a lifetime, and I cannot thank the school and people around me enough for all of the help and support,” Bink commented. “To go to Ohio State and play the sport I love is a dream come true, and to be treated as well I have been treated is something I will forever be grateful for. The culture and atmosphere here at Ohio State is something that no other school has. I will forever be grateful to be a Buckeye.