From the moment David Bushkin stepped onto the ice in a Washington State uniform, he made it clear he wasn’t just another freshman finding his footing. He was ready to contribute and make a difference on this team right away. 

Originally from West Hartford, Connecticut, Bushkin has called Renton, Washington, home for more than a decade. That in-state connection played a role in his decision to attend Washington State, but it wasn’t the only factor. For Bushkin, WSU checked two major boxes: affordability and academics, specifically the Murrow College of Communication.

“I felt like it was just a really good fit,” Bushkin says. “Academics were always the most important thing for me, but having hockey here made it a no-brainer.”

Hockey has been part of Bushkin’s life almost as long as he can remember. After moving to Washington at a young age, he was introduced to the sport by chance: at an ice rink, just a mile from home and a flyer for a learn-to-play program. He laced up skates for the first time at just four years old and has been playing since.

From ages four to 18, Bushkin played exclusively for the Snow Kings organization, developing his game within the same organization for his entire youth career. That consistency helped shape the player he is today: a reliable person anytime he is on the ice.

That foundation has paid off quickly. In his first collegiate season, Bushkin has emerged as one of the team’s top-scoring freshmen, currently sitting at third for the most points on the leaderboard with 2. But for him, production is only part of the picture.

“Coming in, it was really about finding my role and how I can help the team,” Bushkin said. “Whether that’s scoring, battling along the boards, or getting pucks out of the zone, I just want to contribute.”

His impact hasn’t gone unnoticed. Broadcasters have dubbed him “The Freshman Phenom,” a nickname that’s caught on fast, especially with friends and family.

“I didn’t really expect any of that,” Bushkin said with a laugh. “My mom was the one who told me they were calling me that on the broadcast. It’s cool, but I think they enjoy it more than I do.”

Off the ice, Bushkin’s ambitions extend beyond hockey. A double major in advertising and multimedia journalism, he hopes to one day create television content that makes people laugh and smile. While he plans to pursue hockey as far as it can take him, he’s equally committed to building a future in media. This was a balance that drew him to Murrow in the first place.

Looking ahead, Bushkin’s goals are simple but bold: win games, compete for a league title, and, above all, beat UW. As for leadership roles, he’s taking a very grounded approach.

“You don’t need a letter to be a leader,” he said. “It’s about going out there, hustling, backchecking, and doing things the right way.”

As the season continues, one thing is clear: David Bushkin isn’t just having a strong freshman year; he’s setting the tone for what could be a long, impactful career in Pullman. If this season is any indication, “The Freshman Phenom” is just getting started.