Golf and hockey can be seen as a dichotomy to some. One is ice, the other is on a green. One is rowdy, the other is considered a gentleman's sport. Though sticks and clubs seem awfully different, senior Toppie Hogan seems to have a pretty good grip on both.
 

Toppie's story starts in his hometown of St. Louis, Missouri. 
 

 "I started playing hockey when I was three years old but didn't start playing golf consistently until I was 12," commented Hogan. "After eighth grade, I began to play in golf tournaments in the summer when hockey season was finished. From then on, every summer I would play competitively and in the other months, I would play hockey." 
 

 At Chaminade College Preparatory, he was a four-year dual letter winner in hockey and golf, as well as the the winner of the sportsmanship award for golf in 2013. 
 

Going to Arizona was a no-brainer, no matter what sport he chose, with Wildcat alumni parents and a sister who graduated from Arizona as well. 
 

Hockey was the priority when Hogan arrived in Tucson. To say he excelled would be an understatement, as his numbers and accolades for just his senior year speak for themselves. 
 

30 goals and 34 assists in his final season for Arizona Club Hockey, enough to finish third in the nation with 64 points. Ice Times Hockey South West Player of the 2017 season. WCHL first team all-conference member. WCHL Sportsmanship Award. ACHA second team All-American. 
 

A resume to be proud of to say the least, making it a little difficult to walk away from the sport.
 

"Walking away from hockey was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do," Hogan said. "Hockey was my life for 19 years of my life. I ate, slept, bled and breathed hockey every day. I fell in love with every step of playing hockey, from working out, to practice, to game day prep and of course, playing the game. One day I am playing a game and the next day I never get to do it again, extremely tough but as time goes on, the easier it is to move on!" 
 

Having to give up one sport was made a lot easier by being able to make the jump onto another roster.
 

"My transition from hockey to golf was easy in my eyes," Hogan said. " Coach Jim Anderson and Chris Nallen went out on a limb to allow me the chance to play golf for the U of A, one of my dreams that I thought was attainable. My new teammates have made the transition extremely easy and amazing. They've accepted me like I was always a golfer and welcomed me with full arms." 

 

This year, Hogan has competed in three tournaments, with his highest finish being in 38th place at the Arizona Medalist Intercollegiate.

 

Hogan admits the differences in the sports can be challenging, especially keeping his hip movement contained during his golf swing, but the hand-eye coordination is a skill that's transferred to both. 

 

Hockey will forever be a part of Hogan's life, considering his twin brother John is an assistant coach for the club hockey team and an alumni of the program as well. He keeps up with his St. Louis Blues, and his role model Rick Nash, a former Columbus Blue Jackets player and now a Boston Bruin. 

 

But for now, Hogan looks to improve his golf game and you can catch him on the golf course, instead of the rink,  seeing if he can take the heat.