Conqu'ring Heroes: Pearson on Expectations, Team Being Equipped to Manage Them
9/30/2021 9:00:00 AM | Ice Hockey, Features
With the Michigan ice hockey season almost upon us, Jon Jansen sits down with head coach Mel Pearson to discuss the excitement and expectations surrounding the upcoming season, his players' growth on and off the ice, his observations on many of the team's key players, and the other contenders around the Big Ten.
By Benjamin Kesman
University of Michigan ice hockey fans tuning in to the first round of the NHL Draft on July 23 may have recognized a familiar face. Or, perhaps five, as that was the number of Wolverines selected in the first round -- with four coming in the top five selections.
Sophomore defenseman Owen Power was selected No. 1 overall by the Buffalo Sabres, with teammate Matty Beniers going next to the Seattle Kraken at No. 2, making him the franchise's first draft pick. U-M players going 1-2 in the draft marked the first time in NHL history that two college teammates were selected with the top-two selections.
Another pair of Wolverines filled out the top five as the New Jersey Devils took freshman defenseman Luke Hughes at No. 4, and sophomore forward Kent Johnson went at No. 5 to the Columbus Blue Jackets. Freshman forward Mackie Samoskevich was selected by the Florida Panthers 24th overall.
Still beaming from the acheivement of Michigan becoming the only school to have five players selected in the first round of a draft, Graham Family Head Men's Ice Hockey Coach Mel Pearson sat down with host Jon Jansen on the latest episode of the "Conqu'ring Heroes" podcast to discuss the night and what it means for the team going forward.
"It was an exciting night. (I am) really proud and happy for the guys and their family and friends," said Pearson, who is in his fifth year leading the Wolverines. "They put in a lot of work to get to this stage, and I was just really happy and excited for all of them. That hard work has paid off."
Following a year which saw the season delayed and eventually cut short due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the energy surrounding the program going into this season has been amplified even more thanks to Michigan's showing at the NHL Draft. Pearson said that the feeling is palpable as the Wolverines head toward Saturday's (Oct. 2) exhibition against Bowling Green and the season-opening series versus Lake Superior State on Oct. 8-9.
"We can't wait for the season to start," said Pearson. "It's my 40th year coaching at the Division I level this year, and I can't remember another year where I've been as excited and as anxious to get the season started."
The excitement going into this season extends well past the confines of Yost Ice Arena. All eyes are on Michigan this season, and that spotlight is an important part of the game. It also is something Pearson recognizes can be difficult for a group of young players to handle.
"The mental part of the game is huge," said Pearson. "You're dealing with expectations, adversity, time management. Everyone wants a piece of you. There's no question a lot is thrown at these student-athletes. There is a lot of time and effort you have to put in."
This season, Pearson said the mindset remains the same as in years past despite all the hype. He believes a culture centered on selflessness and personal expectations remains important in ensuring the team continues to pursue the high standard set at Michigan."
"Every year you have high expectations. It doesn't matter how many draft picks you have or what people are saying," said Pearson. "You'll always have that and that's why you come to Michigan -- to compete for championships. So that's already in play. We have those high expectations.
"First and foremost is we have to get the group to play for each other, for one common goal, and for one purpose. I think that's the biggest goal right now is to get everybody on the same page while all these individuals have a lot of outside noise being thrown at them."
Getting everyone on the same page this season will be made easier by the fact that so many players on the team have already read the book. Michigan returns a large amount of experience this season, as all but five Wolverines from last year's squad return for the 2021-22 season.
"We've got a really good, solid core of seniors," said Pearson. "They've been through it. They've been here. They've played a lot of hockey. They understand what it takes to win in the Big Ten."
"(They) are a big part of our team and really helped our guys get drafted as high as they were," he added. "These guys were really good players and showed good leadership and helped those guys last year tremendously."
Perhaps the most valuable upperclassman leader on the team is captain Nick Blankenburg, a senior defenseman from Washington, Mich. After passing on opportunities to play professionally, he opted to return for his senior season and has already made his impact felt on the team.
"I think that says everything about him, right there," said Pearson. "His actions have shown our team that, 'Hey man, we have a chance to have a great year. I'm gonna bypass (playing professionally) to come back and be with you guys and to lead this group as far as we can go.'"
Despite limited practice hours, Michigan has already begun to demonstrate a team-focussed mindset in the weight room, in film study, and off the ice, Pearson said. For the Wolverines, this season and the pressure surrounding it is no different from the high expectations they have already set for themselves.
"I really don't feel any more pressure this year than I did before," said Pearson. "No different from the pressure and expectations you put on yourself. You have high expectations for your team every year."
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