"I think the biggest thing is I'm not putting any added pressure on myself. There's obviously pressure to perform well and help lead this team, but if I have a bad period or I don't have a good game, I'm trying to move on from that and play better the next game or the next shift or the next period," said Evans, whose 1.57 points-per-game average stands fifth nationwide. "I think that's what I've definitely been focusing on this year."
No doubt the expectations on Evans to deliver on a regular basis entering the year were higher than ever before coming off a career-high 42-point season, but that suited the Toronto native just fine. He was eager to assume more responsibility in South Bend and build off key lessons learned from former Fighting Irish captains Steven Fogarty and Cal Petersen.
"It makes you push yourself to set goals and push yourself to areas you didn't think you could do or areas you weren't comfortable with, but it can also make you a better player and a better person. That's what I'm trying to do," said Evans. "With my new role on this team, I really can't get down on myself. I've got to lead this team. I've got to lead on the bench and keep my team going. When tough times are happening, I've got to be that positive guy and keep the team up. On the ice, it's about creating more offense and I definitely want to help."