Chris Summers Speeds through Transitions
12/7/2007 12:00:00 AM | Ice Hockey
By Hannah Maier, U-M Athletic Media Relations
On Tuesday, Dec. 4, Chris Summers was told that he had been selected to play for Team USA at the 2008 IIHF World Junior Championship, which will be held in the Czech Republic from Dec. 26, 2007 through Jan. 5, 2008. It comes as no surprise that this sophomore was chosen to represent his country in this prestigious tournament, considering he already helped Team USA capture the gold medal in 2006 at the World Under-18 Championship.
However, what makes this story one of interest is that the Wolverine may see double duty at defense and forward. Although slated to play on the blue line, Summers could possibly be using his speed, mobility, and energy to aid Team USA on the offensive end as well.
It might be difficult for most players to switch to from defense to offense mid-season, but for Summers, the task is all-but unfamiliar. Last year for U-M, after spending 30 games at defense, Summers made the move to left wing for the remaining 11 contests of the season. During the span, he tallied five goals and three assists. The Milan, Mich., native actually grew up playing forward until the age of 15. When he played for the U.S. National Team Development in 2004-05 and 2005-06 he saw some time as a forward. In fact, it was as a forward that he scored Team USA's game-winning goal in the gold medal game for the 2006 IIHF World Under-18 Championship. That team was led by Coach John Hynes, who happens to the head coach of the 2008 U.S. World Junior team to which Summers was just named.
"For me personally, I don't think it's that hard to transition," remarked Summers. "It's just reading and reacting to certain situations. Obviously defense is a little more set back, and you let the play come to you, and as a forward, you take the play. They are different positions, but it's not too hard adjusting."
In addition, U-M has been practicing Summers at forward in the week leading up to its series against Bowling Green (Dec. 7-8). Summers' personal vigor is the reason for this adjustment.
"This is just something that Coach Berenson wanted me to do," Summers stated. "He pulled me aside and said he was looking for some more energy up front, and he is hoping that's something I can give them. It's a little change of pace, and hopefully I can do my best."
As for playing offense on the World Junior team specifically, Summers is up for the challenge if asked.
"It might take a couple practices to get back into it, but I've done it the past two years, so hopefully it is something I am used to, something I'd be able to still do. I am just very excited to be playing on the team. I actually talked to one of the people that told me I had made it, and when he told me, I said him I wanted to kiss him, but I thought it was kind of inappropriate," Summers joked. "Honestly though, I am really, really happy to make the team, and I am raring to go."
Summers' ability to easily transition from defense to offense may have something to do with one of his top qualities: his skating. The sophomore is known for his quickness and strong stride on the ice, and he serves as a threat to any opponent he faces.
"It's not so much speed, but I think it is more mobility," Summers said. "I started skating lessons when I was 10 years old, and I have taken them ever since. I attribute where I am today to my skating, so I think my skating abilities helped put me into different situations and enabled me to excel in those positions."
Not only is Summers able to evolve from blueliner to forward at a rapid pace, but throughout the season he has had to adjust to playing with two different defensemen -- freshmen Tristin Llewellyn and Kevin Quick. Summers spent all last season playing alongside dependable Mark Mitera, but this year, he has had to adjust to playing with Quick in one game of a weekend series and with Llewellyn in the other.
"It is tough because they play two completely different styles," Summers divulged. "Quick is a little bit more of a mobile defensemen. He likes to rush the puck up, and Llewellyn is kind of a stay-at-home, smart, simple player. So it is hard adjusting at times, especially in the middle of a weekend. But it's something I have to do."
The differences in Summers' defensive partners has forced him to adjust his own style of play slightly in order to fuse with their various styles.
"I change my play a little bit -- nothing that is too dramatic. Unless you really know hockey, you wouldn't be able to notice. If you are just a fan, you wouldn't be able to tell. But with Quick, I play a little more of a defensive style, and with Llewellyn, I have more room to skate with the puck. So, I just pick and choose my spots. I see what's appropriate during the game."
With 12 freshmen on the team this year, Summers has been forced to step up and take a leadership role for the Maize and Blue, helping players like the aforementioned Llewellyn and Quick on the ice. Being only 19 years of age and in only his second year on the squad, his need to step into a more commanding position has helped Summers himself mature into a stronger player.
"The coaches look at us [himself and Mitera] to step up as leaders, to show the freshmen the ins and outs," said Summers. "It's given me, even as a sophomore, more confidence on the ice, to kind of help them."
The coaches have also noticed a rise in confidence out of Summers, and his ice time this year, when compared to his rookie season, is much increased.
"Confidence in my game -- it's something I have been working on over the summer," Summers revealed. "I've also been focusing on a lot of mental stuff. I mean physical stuff is going to take care of itself in the weight room -- that's just working hard. Being prepared for every game, and knowing what I have to do every game really makes a difference. In practice, I've been working on patience too. Patience and better reads, offensively and defensively. I think that's really helped me out this year."
So, what else does Summers, the 29th overall pick of the Phoenix Coyotes in the 2006 NHL entry draft, have to offer How about his resilience and toughness -- he has yet to miss a game for the Wolverines, despite some tough physical blows during games and practices.
In a nutshell, Summers' mobility, energy, and sturdiness aid him in succeeding at the collegiate, national, and international levels. His skills -- both mental and physical -- help him transition to whatever position he is asked to play, and allow him to play it well. Look for Summers to make an impact at World Juniors, and look for Summers to make an impact on the Wolverines for the rest of his tenure here in Ann Arbor.
