Insider player profile - Topher Scott

Former Cornell University co-captain begins first full rookie season with the Texas Brahmas

Topher Scott was a surprise to many fans when he appeared on the ice for the Texas Brahmas at last night's game against the Odessa Jackalopes. The speedy forward was all over the ice in several shifts during the bulls' rout of the Jackalopes. Signed on Friday, Scott fills the vacancy left by Left Wing Brad Bonello, who was traded to the Mississippi RiverKings.

Scott made his professional hockey debut in March with the Elmira Jackals (ECHL). He played in seven regular season games and four in the post-season, tallying five points (1 G, 4 A). Jackals head coach Steve Martinson called Scott an excellent passer with great vision and hockey sense. Scott was to return to the Jackals this season, but the opportunity to play with Dan Wildfong's Brahmas took precedent.

Scott played for Cornell University (ECAC) for four seasons while pursuing a degree in Sociology. During his career with the Big Red, he appeared in all 137 games (playing through a broken wrist in his sophomore year), notching 107 points (25 G, 82 A) and only 52 penalty minutes. was the team's leading scorer as a Junior after tying for the second-highest point total as a sophomore.

As a senior, Scott was elected by his teammates as a co-captain after being elected to serve as the team's lone alternate captain as a junior. Scott was also a two-time winner of the team's Bill Doran Sportsmanship Award, presented annually to the player combining all of the best attributes that mean sportsmanship, both on and off the ice, as well as being an excellent, competitive player. He was also named Honorable Mention All-Ivy League for his play as a senior.

He helped the team win one ECAC Tournament Championship and two trips to the NCAA Tournament, advancing to the national quarterfinals each time. He played alongside former Brahma Doug Krantz and current Brahma Kevin McLeod.

Brahmas head coach Dan Wildfong mentioned Scott's Cornell roots in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

"I just know that every guy that I've either played against or coached against from Cornell has been really good."

Prior to attending Cornell, Scott played for the Chicago Steel (USHL). Over four seasons, the Buffalo Grove, Illinois native amassed 104 points (38 G, 66 A) and 89 penalty minutes in 194 games played. Scott's big year came in 2003-04 when he scored 21 goals and 52 points as he captained the Steel to their first-ever East Division title. Scott won the USHL's Curt Hammer Award in 2003-04. While playing for the Steel, he was named team MVP and selected to the USHL all-star team.

Photo Credit: elynah.com