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As the team captain, Nick Kleva led St. Joseph's hockey team to the state title game each of the last three years. Unfortunately, the Indians came up short every time.
"It's very frustrating," Kleva said. "But knowing what you've accomplished the last three years, and just getting there is tough, so we're proud as a team to accomplish that."
Kleva will get one more chance to end his high school career on a high note this week. He also plays on a local all-star team that is competing in the USA Hockey National Tournament.
"Yeah, you always want to go out with a win," he said, "so I'm glad I get an extra chance."
Kleva is the second-leading scorer on that all-star team. And he's put up at least 80 points each of the last three years for St. Joe.
The only thing as impressive as the numbers he puts up on the ice are the ones he puts up in the classroom. Despite playing on two hockey teams, Kleva keeps a 3.3 grade point average, and will study engineering in college this fall.
"My parents push me to do well in school," Kleva said. "And then I come after school most every day (and) practice. And then on the weekends I'm gone for every game, so it's tough. But I need to stay with the books."
On top of all that, Kleva finds the time - somewhere - to volunteer serving the elderly at Healthwin, working at Goodwill, and teaching young kids to learn to skate.
"Even if I don't wear a C or an A, I always try to be a leader," he said.
You won't find a better one.