Meet Your Neighbor

Kyle Garner and B.J. Garczynski

December 31, 2006

College hockey players from Sun Prairie

College hockey players Kyle Garner (left) and B.J. Garczynski are "3" of a kind.

The similarities for these Sun Prairie natives begin with their in-common jersey numbers -- Garczynski is No. 3 for UW-Stout while Garner sports the same digit for UW-Eau Claire -- but they extend much further. For example:

• Both men developed their love of the sport as mere tots lacing up at the Sun Prairie Ice Arena.

• The duo went on to star for the Cardinals, although at different times.

• Garczynski and Garner are now seniors and captains of their Division 3 state schools.

• Both hope to remain involved with hockey -- at least at some level -- after finishing their college careers.

• And, most important, even though their teams occasionally face off on the ice, the two defensemen are good friends and mutual supporters. Garner recalls how Garczynski was a solid role model when he was in high school. "He was probably the first person I looked up to because I knew him when I was younger," he said. Garczynski even gave Garner a ride to school during their Cardinal days.

While the similarities are many, these Sun Prairie icemen didn't take carbon-copy paths. Garczynski, who's three years old than Garner, opted to play in the junior leagues after high school, developing his skills with several teams before entering the collegiate rink. Garner went directly from Cardinal to Blugolder.

As they met over Christmas break at the Sun Prairie Ice Arena, the two reminisced about the old days and talked about what's to come. In particular, they noted the significant improvements that have been made to the arena over the years.

While both would love to stay involved with hockey, they know that they must be prepared for other options as well. Garczynski is working toward his degree in kinesiology, matching his interest in strength and conditioning. Garner is studying business, with an eye toward sales.

No matter where their careers take them, though, there's one constant for which the two will always be grateful: the support they've received from their parents -- Deb and Guy Garczynski and Connie and John Garner. As die-hard hockey parents, the couples have logged thousands of miles over the years traveling to competitions throughout the Midwest.

"Our parents were major supporters of what we've done," said Garner. "They're our biggest fans, without a doubt."