APEX An affable rising senior and hockey player for N.C. State University drowned on Independence Day while trying to swim across a cove in Jordan Lake, officials said Sunday.

Rescue workers found the body of Stephen Patrick Russell, 23, at 10 a.m. Sunday after he and a friend apparently underestimated the distance of their swim at dusk Saturday, Sgt. Reggie Barker of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission said.

Friends on NCSU's club hockey team recalled their goalie as both unassuming and intense.

"He was as quiet as he was professional," Coach Dave Kurtz said. "He always came to the ice ready to play, whether he was starting or not. Off the ice, when we would travel, he was one of the guys everyone seems to enjoy hanging around."

Russell and a friend tried their swim about 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Barker said. Russell began to feel fatigued, so his friend held onto him while shouting for help. When his friend could no longer hold on, he swam ashore to get help. When the friend came back, Russell had gone under.

Divers, in cooperation with Chatham County police and wildlife and emergency personnel, retrieved Russell's body near the Farrington Point boat ramp.

Alcohol was found, but Barker could not confirm whether it was related to the incident.

Russell was a Canadian citizen whose family moved to Charlotte several years ago, Barker said.

The Wolfpack finished 11-13 in its 2008-09 season, and its Web site noted that Russell and fellow goalie Wil White "will be expected to stymie the opposition's attack and provide leadership. Wil and Stephen have combined for a total of 55 starts over their NCSU careers, and their experience will be crucial to the success of the club."

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