User:Markmallard

Joe Rutkowski in 2011 Born May 5, 1958 (1958-05-05) (age 52) Walla Walla, WA Height 6 ft 3 in Weight (14) stones Position Defenseman Shot Left Played for Georgia Institute of Technology (GT)Bold text Fitton Femmes (Atlantic League)

Joe Rutkowski,(pronounced /ˈReioooccquesquee/; born May 5, 1958) is a former Georgia Tech hockey player and letterman. He is generally regarded as one of the greatest players in Georgia Tech hockey history. He was known for his awkward yet effective skating technique that lead to his nickname, "The Flying Monkey". In his greatest game against Presbyterian, he was awarded two stars for his outstanding game play. He would have been awarded a third star had he not fallen down on a break-away goal that would have defeated the mighty Presbyterian Blue Hose. He holds the Georgia Tech record for penalty minutes in a season. In 2010 he missed being elected to the Georgia Tech Hall of Fame by two votes.

Born in Washington raised in northeast, Joe honed his skills in the iced over street of Atlanta Georgia. Rutkowski's stick handling skills are said to be second to none. During his youth he is reported to practice six to eight hours a day. Even today Joe still practices with the stick. Akward as a child, slow in speed and intelligence, Joe developed his unorthodox style of constant arm motion and one legged skating. He was adept at dodging checks from other players, mostly his own Georgia Tech teamates. Georgia Tech played before a packed house everytime Joe laced up the skates.

After he Graduated in 1981, Joe returned to the ice as a ski instructor in Sky Valley Georgia. His technique is best suited to younger skiers. Not so far to fall. Mr. Rutkowski during his playing career was also known as a great sportsman. He would never drop his gloves and some say the best skating he ever did was running away from a fair fight.