A Leader Amongst Leaders: Colin Bilek
Phil Tor
Since arriving on post in 2017, Colin Bilek has left his mark on Army West Point Hockey with his inspiring leadership on and off the ice. The 2021 United States College Hockey Online (USCHO) Second-Team All-American leads by example, a practice that has molded him into an all-conference hockey player and one of the most influential and effective leaders the Army hockey program has ever seen.
At the United States Military Academy, the world's preeminent leadership development institution, Bilek stands out of the crowd, establishing himself as a leader amongst leaders.
Bilek's teammates and coaches reflected on the Firstie's leadership and how it has impacted them.
HEAD HOCKEY COACH, BRIAN RILEY
How has Colin's leadership impacted the program throughout his time here?
"From the first day that he got to post, I knew that Colin [Bilek] had the ‘it’ factor. By that I mean he had the word leader written all over him. That is why I think he is such a good fit for West Point and why West Point is such a good fit for him. His passion, energy and team-first attitude has shined since the start and is something everyone has taken notice of. As a result of of his leadership qualities, this program will be in a much better place when Colin graduates in May." - Head Hockey Coach, Brian Riley
JUNIOR DEFENSEMAN, ANTHONY FIRRIOLO
What leadership qualities does Colin have that you want to emulate in your own leadership style? Or what have you learned from being around him?
"Colin is a great leader. He has been a huge part of creating the culture that has contributed to building the success of this team. He is a very vocal leader, leading by example every single day by displaying his unmatchable work ethic that he brings to the rink with him every single day.
How much and in what way does Colin's leadership impact the team?
Colin's leadership has played a huge role in our team success. He keeps the team in check every day and makes sure we are competing hard in practice so that when we get to the weekend we are ready to take on whatever challenge we have to face." - Anthony Firriolo
SOPHOMORE LEFT WING, MITCH MACHLITT
What has playing with Colin taught you and what do you like about playing with him?
Playing with Colin has taught me a lot about what it takes to become an effective and dominant player at the Division I level. Colin gives 100-percent effort at every game, practice and workout. He puts in the extra work and is always looking for ways to improve his game. When we are on the ice together, the puck is in mostly in our possession and we are always a threat to score no matter the situation. I love knowing that if I can get the puck to Colin between the dots in the offensive zone, more than likely it will end up in the back of the net.
What are Colin's strongest qualities as a leader and how has he used them to motivate you on or off the ice?
Colin has the highest and most consistent compete level on our team and seeing him battle every day motivates me to do the same. Not only does Colin lead by example, but he also communicates well and holds his teammates accountable. He always knows what to say to get the most out of each guy on our team. Off the ice, Colin continues to lead by doing what is right when faced with adversity or is placed in difficult situations. Colin is always in a good mood and his positive energy radiates to those around him.
FRESHMAN DEFENSEMAN, ANDREW GARBY
What has Colin done for you to help you in your transition to West Point?
Colin has done a lot that has made my transition into West Point a seamless one. As I was preparing and getting nervous about what I faced ahead, I was able to talk to Colin about the school and he calmed a lot of my nerves.
Colin really helped in the transition from juniors, where there are really no responsibilities but hockey, to West Point, where you have to balance school, the Army, and hockey. Colin's friendship during that time helped me work through the stress while balancing the rigorous schedule we have here.
What kinds of things do you see Colin do that you hope to do for your teammates when you are seniors?
One of my favorite things about playing here is the team culture. As a senior, Colin is at the helm of it all and has a major influence on the inclusive team culture. During junior hockey, and on so many other teams, there is a big divide amongst the veterans and rookies. But when I came to West Point I was amazed at how equal everyone was treated.
Colin shows this everyday with how he treats all the freshmen no differently than he treats the guys in the other classes. He is also extremely approachable with anything. If you’re having any issues with West Point life, school, or whatever else, he is there and always willing to give you advice to help you out. When I am a senior, I hope my class can continue to carry over that same attitude and culture that Colin and the seniors have set in here.
What is a lesson you have learned from Colin off the ice?
Off the ice, Colin has helped me a tremendous amount in my short time at U.S.M.A. Life can sometimes get tough trying to balance Cadet life, academics, and hockey. Seeing how Colin carries himself through all of that – he always has a smile on his face and is constantly joking around with the team – has showed me that it is all worth it.
Whenever I come up to the rink after a busy day of classes, his positive attitude is contagious and motivates me to keep going. Living by his advice and learning from him every day has led me to love it here, and there is no other team I’d rather be on or any other school I would rather be at. Having Colin as a teammate is a big reason why.