Hello hockey fans:
We're looking forward to our weekend series with Notre Dame (on Friday and Saturday) to close out the Big 10 regular-season schedule. I'm really happy with how the team is playing; we've been working hard, and I think we're about to peak at the right time. We've been getting a lot better in our defensive zone and we're really focusing on being as offensive as possible because we have a lot of skilled players on our team. It's senior weekend so we're going to try and celebrate those players and appreciate them as much as possible. We're excited for it.
I've never actually been involved in a senior weekend since I am a freshman, but I know our seniors are going to take a lap after the game and I'm pretty sure the families are going to come out on the ice. We certainly want to show our appreciation for those players who have led us this whole year.
Despite losing 4-2 to Ohio State in the 'Faceoff On The Lake' outdoor game (on Feb. 18) in Cleveland, it was a really good time. They put on a really good production with the flyovers and the fireworks. The outcome wasn't what we wanted but it was awesome outside and a real cool experience overall.
It was amazing that my mom and dad were able to come to the game and skate with me and my brother (Michigan freshman defenseman Luca Fantilli) on the ice the day before. I haven't been home since August, so I don't get to see my family that often and when they come down, it's pretty special, especially when we're going to do something like an outdoor hockey game.
I don't think I've seen my mom skate in 10 years, so getting her out there, as well as my dad, was great. I love seeing them on their skates.
Like I said at the beginning of the year, comfortability comes with time and we're getting pretty late in the season, so I'd say I'm pretty comfortable going into important games like this. I'm not really thinking about personal streaks right now. Personal success comes with how well our team's been playing, collectively. We've been clicking together, we've been connected through all three zones, so that's why a lot of players on our team have been showing a lot of individual success the past few games.
Face-offs are a big part of the game and it's something I try and pride myself on, especially in college. The players are a lot stronger, and they know how to take face-offs really well. I've been around 49 percent on face-offs since returning from World Juniors and that isn't terrible, but I want to be in the 55-to-60 percent range. I'm definitely going to try and work to be better in that area.
I was asked to name one player who maybe isn't getting the recognition he deserves at this point in the season, and I'd say forward Gavin Brinley (No. 40 on NHL Central Scouting's midterm rankings of North American skaters). Since he returned from World Juniors, he's been one of the hottest guys in the country. He's a workhorse and I love playing with him. Gavin knows how to move out the puck, what to do with the puck, and he drives the play. He's been amazing, lately, and I don't think he gets the credit he really deserves, to be honest with you.
We want to start playing that playoff-style hockey, beginning this weekend. I think we're doing a pretty good job preparing for it. We're practicing the right way, so we're really excited for this weekend against Notre Dame. Obviously, we're not their biggest fans, and they definitely hate us. We're always excited to play Notre Dame and especially now since we're close to the start of the Big 10 Tournament (beginning March 3). We want to start playing playoff hockey as quickly as possible. Personally, I'm excited to try and do what I can in every game.
Thanks for reading and check back in March.
Photos:Michigan Photography
