Player Spotlight: Trystan Swiger

From Jr. Winterhawks to the University of Arizona Wildcats

Trystan Swiger has had quite the hockey ride! Now playing as University of Arizona Wildcat (#24), Trystan honed his skills with the Jr. Winterhawks, playing for both the 16U AA and 18U AAA teams.  During the 2019-2020 season, while playing for the 18U AAA team, he tallied 9 goals and 6 assists in 20 regular-season games in the NAPHL, with an even more remarkable playoff performance: 4 goals and 5 assists in 8 games.

After his time with the Winterhawks, Swiger continued to shine with the Phoenix Jr. Coyotes 18U AAA, where he finished the 2020-2021 season with 15 goals and 19 assists. He then moved on to the Islanders Hockey Club in the USPHL Premier, posting 12 goals and 11 assists in 41 games during the 2021-2022 season. His 2022-2023 campaign was even stronger, with 16 goals and 28 assists in 42 games. 

Now at the University of Arizona, Trystan is making waves in the ACHA. In his first season with the Wildcats (2023-24), he recorded 7 goals and 10 assists in 24 games, showing both offensive skill and physicality. As he enters his second season, he remains a key contributor to the team’s success.

We caught up with Trystan to discuss his journey, memories, and advice for aspiring players:

Q: Can you tell us a bit about your journey to the University of Arizona and how your time with the Jr. Portland Winterhawks shaped your path?

Trystan: “My journey to the University of Arizona started in Portland, where I played from mini mites all the way up until I was 17. The coaching I received there really helped mold me into the player I am today, and the friendships I made along the way are still some of my closest today. The lessons I learned in Portland didn’t just shape my hockey skills but also had a big impact on my life outside the rink.”

Q: What memories or lessons from your time with the Jr. Portland Winterhawks stand out the most?

Trystan: “Some of my favorite memories were our annual trips to Canada, but the one that really stands out the most was winning nationals in Florida with a group of my best friends. As for lessons, it’s harder to narrow it down, but one thing I’ll always carry with me is how much it was instilled into me to play hockey because of a love for the game and the joy that comes with playing.”

Q: What made the University of Arizona the right fit for you when choosing where to continue your hockey career?

Trystan: “For me, it was a combination of factors: a strong business program, the great weather, and a team with national championship aspirations. After looking at everything the university had to offer, it felt like the perfect fit for me. I also fell in love with the campus as soon as I visited. It just felt like home.”

Q: Do you have any advice for young players currently playing in junior hockey, especially those dreaming of playing at the college level?

Trystan: “My advice would be to never lose your love for the game. Always push yourself to be a little better than the guy next to you. Don’t just focus on perfecting what you’re already good at—work on the areas where you can improve. The small details make a big difference in the long run."

Trystan Swiger’s journey is a testament to hard work, dedication, and the power of great coaching and community. As he continues to make an impact at the University of Arizona, his story serves as an inspiration to all Jr. Winterhawks. Go Hawks!