SARVER — When Cole Hepler arrived at Lebanon Valley College (Pa.), he helped lay a foundation for the school's hockey program.

The Freeport graduate is leaving a legacy that could benefit the program for years to come.

“He set a prime example of what a leader should be, on and off the ice,” LVC coach Don Parsons said. “Our younger players, our future players, will learn from that example.”

Hepler was recently recognized for such efforts. He received the Lou Sorrentino Outstanding Male Athlete Award by LVC. That award covers all 27 men's sports offered by the college.

Hepler became the first hockey player to ever win that award. LVC has had hockey since 1997.

“I was shocked,” he said. “To be recognized for dedication and effort, what that award is all about, is very humbling.”

When Hepler came to LVC, the Flying Dutchmen were transitioning from being an ACHA Div. 1 club hockey team to a NCAA Division III program. His freshman year was LVC's first in Division III.

And the program took its lumps.

The Flying Dutchmen finished 4-19-2 in Hepler's first year there. The center-winger led the team in scoring with 16 goals and 16 assists.

Hepler was named team MVP that season. He was named MVP in each of his four seasons, in fact.

“That MVP award is voted on by his teammates,” Parsons said. “That's what Cole meant to them.

“The losing never affected his attitude, never dampened his determination or enthusiasm. He simply loves the game of hockey.”

LVC had one winning season in Hepler's collegiate career — 12-10-2 his sophomore year. He wound up with 41 goals and 42 assists in his career.

This past season, Hepler scored seven goals and 15 points as LVC finished 5-16-4.

“Sure, it was difficult,” Hepler said of the losing. “But I was eager to be part of the process, to help this program transition into Division III.

“I loved it here. I'll always be grateful to the in-state college that gave me the opportunity to play NCAA hockey.”

Hepler's biggest fan was his head coach.

“I'll always try to pass along his qualities as a player and person to the other kids,” Parsons said. “You could tell the values he grew up with. If you want it, you have to earn it. That's his approach to life.

“Not a lot of kids have that today. Cole took that attitude and brought it to LVC hockey.”

Hepler's grit showed on the ice. The Flying Dutchmen scored 51 goals and allowed 80 as a team, a plus-minus of -29. Yet the team was an even zero in plus-minus when Hepler was on the ice.

“The statistics don't tell his story,” Parsons said. “We were a different team when he was out there. Nobody had a bigger impact on a team here than Cole had on ours.”

Hepler graduated last weekend with a degree in business administration. His hockey career may not be over yet.

He was able to play two games for the Huntsville (Ala.) Havoc of the Southern Professional Hockey League this year before the COVID-19 pandemic curtailed the SPHL season.

“I didn't score any points, but I got to realize a lifelong goal of playing pro hockey,” Hepler said. “Now I have to weigh my options in looking at next year.”

Huntsville has told Hepler it would welcome him back. Other SPHL teams — or teams from other minor league circuits — may be interested as well.

“I've gotten a couple of phone calls from the Federal Prospects Hockey League,” Hepler said. “No one knows what's going to happen with hockey next year with this pandemic going on.”

Right now, Hepler is working for his brother's construction and landscaping business in the Sarver area.

“I'll keep my options open,” he said. “You never know.”