NEWPORT, R.I.-- Salve Regina University men's ice hockey goalie Blake Wojtala '18 holds many of the program's records to this day, but the 2026 Seahawk Hall of Fame inductee most values the sense of purpose and work ethic that playing a DIII sport at Salve taught him.
"Hockey and being a student-athlete has formed and guided me to have that same detail-oriented mindset," said Wojtala. "I learned to wake up and make sure I have a purpose each day and execute that game plan. You show up to contribute, not to just go through the motions."
Wojtala was recruited by Salve men's ice hockey head coach at the time Andy Boschetto and was influenced by his teammate from junior hockey Pat Thompson' 18, to look seriously at the school.
"Coach Andy was very accommodating," said Wojtala. "I liked his coaching style and he had high hopes for the program with a good strategy behind it. I went and visited and saw campus. It was an absolute blast, and I fell in love with it immediately. The hockey program, the friends and the teammates solidified my decision."
As a four-year starting goalie, Wojtala led the Seahawks to their only conference championship in 2016 and first-ever appearance in the NCAA. Two years later he was an All-American and led Salve to the championship game of the frozen four. He holds the top four marks for wins in a season (13, 13, 17, 20) as a goalie.
Wojtala also holds two of the top five single game save marks (#2) 61 at University of New England in his junior season and (#5) 59 at Endicott College as a senior. He holds the top three single season save marks. In a 3-0 national semifinal win, Wojtala set a DIII postseason record with a 55-save shutout performance.
"Making it to the national championship was one of the best experiences I've ever had," remembered Wojtala. "It was incredible to have the school's support. Everyone's family was so supportive, and we all went through it as a team."
Wojtala also recalls early success his freshman year and the feeling of a team that always elevated each other to be their best.
"Freshman year we ended up winning the conference for the first time," said Wojtala. "Seeing everybody's joy was amazing. Being able to contribute and be a part of that was incredible. As a freshman I got to see the seniors' happiness throughout that whole experience which was very memorable. It gave the rest of us a hunger to compete the next year."
In his postgraduate life, Wojtala is still close with many of his teammates and classmates, an experience he finds to be unique to college athletics and the close-knit Salve community.
"It was amazing to be with my class all four years," recalled Wojtala. "I got to see them all grow. We became best friends and we still are. If I could give a piece of advice it would be to enjoy the moment and be in the day that you're in. Enjoy the people that you're around—the school and the area. Your classmates will be your best friends for life."
Hockey has remained a part of Wojtala's life alongside his role as a client solutions manager for Robert Half. He is currently a goalie coach for anywhere from eight to ten AAA organizations at a given time in the Michigan area. This involves both college and high school.
"With coaching goalies you're able to build a relationship and help them progress quicker. We can focus on skillset. The one-on-one time can progress their skills and improve their mindset."
Amidst all of his accolades as a goalie, Wojtala credits both his family for their continual support, and his "found family"—the teammates he will have for life.
