All-American defenseman Justin Schultz has felt a certain energy level in the UW men’s hockey locker room that may be a by-product of the uncertainty that comes with youth and inexperience.
In anticipation of Friday’s season opener against Northern Michigan at the Kohl Center, Schultz said, “It’s exciting because you really don’t know what to expect. Anything can happen.’’
Expect growing pains. The Badgers have just one senior. Also expect the leading scorer to be one of the team leaders. That would be the 21-year-old Schultz, who has put his pro hockey career on hold.
“We’re definitely happy that he came back,’’ said junior goaltender Mitch Thompson. “He could have left but he decided to stick with the team.’’
With so many new faces, and question marks, Schultz has been cast in a different role. The same holds true for defenseman John Ramage and forward Ryan Little. All three are junior captains/mentors.
Speaking for the others, Schultz said, “We’ve got to teach some of these young guys — some of these young forwards — what they have to do out there (on the ice) to be successful.
“I’ve never really been in that position before. It’s something new and I’m working hard at it.’’
Schultz led the Badgers in scoring last season with 18 goals and 47 points. With the departure of proven scorers like Craig Smith, Jake Gardiner and Jordy Murray, will there be more pressure on him?
“I don’t think so,’’ said Schultz, a native of West Kelowna, B.C. “That’s always been my game to go out there and try to score. I’m not going to put any extra pressure on myself to do that.
“I just have to play like I’ve always played.’’
That’s at a very high level.
UW coach Mike Eaves knows what he has in Schultz; one of the elite players in college hockey. And there’s no underestimating his return knowing Smith, Gardiner and Murray left school to turn pro.
“It certainly boosts your blue line,’’ Eaves said of Schultz’ impact. “We know that he’s going to be the quarterback of our power play, so there’s some sense of peace with that.
