While studying and playing ice hockey at Quinnipiac, Räsänen found that managing his workload and athletics was easy for him thanks to the committed and ongoing support from his professors. They enabled him to grow in the classroom and on the ice while discovering and exploring new interests.

Outside of the classroom, Räsänen found the same committed and ongoing support with the fans. The student-athlete not only credits his professor for their support, but for the fans who gave him the motivation to get better each day.

“You are the reason why we, as players, have the motivation to get up early in the morning every single day and head to the rink to get better. Without you, winning wouldn’t mean as much. Without you, Quinnipiac wouldn’t be a team that some of the best players in the country want to come and play for. Without you, Quinnipiac wouldn’t be Quinnipiac,” said Räsänen.

It was not just the fans that made the 2023 NCAA Frozen Four special to Räsänen, but being there with his teammates.

“It means the world to me. I am so proud of our team and how we were able to bring the greatest trophy in college hockey to Hamden," said Räsänen. "It was so cool to see whole school and city supporting us the whole way. Best memory of my life.”

His teammates mean the world to him and they have become his best friends over the years. As a team, Räsänen has felt the continued support and comradery in and outside of the locker room. It is something he has loved during his time at Quinnipiac and will continue to carry with him.

During his time here, Räsänen has felt the continued support from the Bobcat community.

"Iivari is an excellent example of our Bobcat culture personified. He carries himself with the utmost professionalism wherever he goes and has been a stable member of our defense for the last four years," said Men's Ice Hockey Head Coach Rand Pecknold. 

Originally from Tampere, Finland, he has felt what it means to be a Bobcat and how that will continue after he walks across the stage at Commencement.

In the future, Räsänen plans to play professional hockey and is interested in pursuing a career in the sports psychology field.