Office Hours is a series focusing on unique artifacts that BYU employees display in their offices.
When you look at the collection of hockey pucks in Brian Wages’ office, you would never guess that he grew up in a family where no one played sports.
His first introduction to hockey was when he met his wife and her family, who are hockey fanatics. Within a few years of getting married, Wages had skates, a hockey stick and all the equipment needed to excel on the ice. He fell in love with the sport, has played on local teams over the years and now regularly keeps score at local games.
Wages, the history and political science librarian at BYU, also loves stories. When asked why he decided to keep the pucks in his office at work instead of displaying them at home, he responded, “I keep them around to connect with people and start conversations.”
What many would assume is just a decoration has served as a vehicle for memorable conversations about hockey, hobbies and life goals.
He enjoys getting to know the students that visit his office and assisting them in their journey to obtain knowledge.
“That's really what I love the most, is connecting, particularly students, with the stories they're looking for. Whether that's history or political science, I love just helping them,” Wages said.
He recalled numerous experiences where people spotted his puck collection — including different pucks from teams that his family members love, and of course, one for BYU — and asked if he is a hockey fan.
“I’m looking to fulfill the mission of BYU of becoming more Christlike and benefiting the world. For me, I can do that through connecting with and mentoring students and then helping them succeed in their pursuits,” Wages expressed.
