As the college hockey season winds down, many players are hoping to continue their careers at the next level.

That includes one RPI defenseman whose opportunity came relatively fast and close by.

Kyle Hallbauer was a captain and a defenseman for the RPI men’s hockey team just last month. He was looking to make a run with the Engineers in the ECAC Tournament. But that came to an abrupt end when RPI lost to Yale in the first round.

“That didn’t work out, and it all happened so fast,” Hallbauer said. “Within 24 hours, I believe I was signed here within 24 hours. And within 36 hours I was here.”

“Here” was the Cool Insuring Arena in Glens Falls. After his college career ended, Hallbauer made the journey up the Northway and signed with the Adirondack Thunder.

“I came in and practiced once, and then played three games I want to say,” he said. “And going from school to here, it’s a huge difference going from two games and four practices to four games and one practice maybe.”

Just a few days after signing, Hallbauer found himself on the score sheet finding the back of the net against Worcester.  He quickly adjusted from the ECAC to the ECHL.

“Anytime you’re wearing a ‘C’ in college, it’s a good start,” said Pete MacArthur, the Adirondack head coach. “So we had our eyes on him from the beginning of the year.”

He says in addition to leadership skills, they were also impressed by Hallbauer’s poise, offensive ability, stick work defensively, and shot blocking.

“He has stepped in from the first game. He has been running one of our power play units. He’s been on the penalty kill as well. He’s playing 15 to 20 minutes of five on five,” MacArthur said. “So I don’t think you can ask for a whole lot more as a player and we couldn’t ask for more as a staff.”

For Hallbauer, playing professional hockey has always been a dream of his. He’s enjoying the ride so far, and hopes to what he has shown will allow him to stay with the team.

“I was definitely nervous, but the guys welcomed me like I was one of their own, and it’s been great ever since,” Hallbauer said.