Michigan Ice Hockey Newcomer Spotlight: The Goalies
9/6/2018 1:04:00 PM | Ice Hockey, Features
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Over the weeks leading up the 2018-19 season, MGoBlue.com will introduce the University of Michigan ice hockey team's 10-man freshman class and help fans get to know a little more about the individuals. The series begins with the goaltenders, Jack Leavy and Strauss Mann.
Leavy spent the 2017-18 season between three teams (Johnston, Minnesota and Philadelphia) in the North American Hockey League (NAHL) while sporting a 2.82 goals-against average and .914 save percentage. A Birmingham, Michigan, native, Leavy spent his childhood at Yost Ice Arena rooting for the Maize and Blue, as his family held season tickets to both hockey and football.
Q: Why did you pick Michigan?
A: It has always been a lifelong dream of mine to go to Michigan because of its extraordinary academics and athletic programs. I grew up coming to Michigan hockey and football games.
Q: When did you start playing hockey?
A: I started playing when I was five years old, but I was really hooked to the sport when I was around 13.
Q: What are two interesting things about yourself that most people would not know?
A: I go by Jack but my real name is John, and my left foot is one size smaller than my right.
Q: Do you have any special talents or hobbies?
A: I love playing basketball and going fishing.
Q: Who is your favorite current or former Michigan athlete?
A: Trey Burke
Q: What are your goals for this year and what are you looking forward to most?
A: As far as team goals, I would love to win a national championship and Big Ten championship. As far as individual goals, I want to come to the rink every day with a winning attitude, help guys get better, and always have a positive attitude.
Q: Which of the returning players do you look up to the most? Who has had the biggest impact on you so far?
A: Will Lockwood has always been my best friend growing up. We grew up a town over from each other and would ride our bikes to each other's houses. The time and effort he puts into working on his skills and the team is one of the reasons I really look up to him.
Q: Beyond hockey, what could you see yourself doing in the future? What are you interested in?
A: Sport management is my major. I love the field and what goes on behind the scenes. If I could be working in sports, that would be awesome.
Mann comes to Michigan after spending last season with the Fargo Force of the United States Hockey League (USHL), where he put up a 1.86 GAA and a .932 save percentage. Mann helped lead Fargo to the USHL Clark Cup championship and was named to the USHL Third All-Star Team.
Q: Why did you pick Michigan?
A: It is the full package. Michigan has as good of a combination of academics, hockey and the best culture that exists in the NCAA.
Q: When did you start playing hockey, and what got you hooked?
A: I started playing goalie when I was nine years old, and I have loved being the backbone of the team.
Q: What is one thing that is interesting about yourself that is not related to hockey?
A: I love to cook and am very interested in nutrition.
Q: Who is your favorite current or former Michigan athlete?
A: Tom Brady
Q: What are your goals for this year and what are you looking forward to most?
A: The main goal is to win a national championship; I think the team is all on the same page with that. Although I wasn't here, the team got very close (last year), and we all want that next national championship for Michigan Hockey.
Q: Which of the returning players do you look up to the most? Who has had the biggest impact on you so far?
A: So far, Nick Boka has had the biggest impact on me; he has really shown me the ways of Michigan Hockey. You can see his passion for the team and also the school. He is a great leader that knows what Michigan Hockey is all about.
Q: Do you have any gameday superstitions or habits?
A: I have some habits. I try to stay away from superstitions because they can only really hurt you when things go wrong. I try to be mentally tough in that way and stay focused.
Q: Beyond hockey, what could you see yourself doing in the future? What are you interested in?
A: I am interested in business, although I want to have hockey take me as far as I can go. I would love to create something of my own and be an entrepreneur. It would be great to have started something that is impactful in the world.
Season tickets for the 2018-19 schedule are on sale now starting as low as $340 per seat. Benefits include: price discount, concession discount, priority access to postseason ticketing, priority points and a 2018 season ticket holder gift. » Learn more
