Catching up with the Cats: Luke Roelofs

Week one of catching up with the Cats, it was Patrick Johnson on the show. Week two we caught up with Chase Beacom, and this week we complete the captain trifecta with Luke Roelofs.  

Roelofs appeared in 171 games for the Bobcats over parts of four separate seasons. He was outstanding on the blue line notching 12 goals, adding 39 assists for a total of 51 points. He was a +24 in his NAHL career. Roelofs commented on how easy of a decision it was to continue to come back to Bismarck year after year. “After my first year especially, your first year you see what it’s like, and then you decide whether you like it or not after that year or in the year. For me, it was one of the easiest decisions I’ve ever made. The coaching staff, the billets, the teammates, just the relationships I’ve formed in Bismarck were really special.” Roelofs said. 

Roelofs is attending Bemidji State University, the alma mater of his former Head Coach Layne Sedevie and current Bobcats Head Coach Garrett Roth. In 17 games played, he notched his 1st career NCAA point and while the game has been quick, the transition has been pretty seamless. “It’s one step faster. My first couple of games I was getting my feet wet still, a lot of decision making is key. You have to make plays a half second faster, guys are going to be there a lot quicker, guys are faster, more skilled, bigger. Other than that, it’s gone decently well,” Roelofs mentioned. 

Luke’s brother Drew is spending his first full season with the Bobcats. Despite the injury bug plaguing Drew to start the season, for Luke it means a lot to see his brother go through the same motions he did with the same junior organization. “I tried to be the best role model I could be to my younger brother. Having him be in the same spot as me, I know it’s a good spot, where he’ll develop and get better as a player and even become a better person,” Roelofs said.

For the full interview between Brandon Luisi and Luke Roelofs, hit the play button below!