Thursday, March 31, 2011
More to Prove
Justin Schultz was one of the top defensemen in college hockey this season. The Wisconsin sophomore led all blueliners in goals (18) and points (47) and was the only defenseman named one of the 10 Hobey Baker finalists.
The second-round pick of the Anaheim Ducks appears a potential flight risk for head coach Mike Eaves, who has seen so many players leave early. But Schultz has been adamant about his plans to return to campus. Andy Baggot of the Wisconsin State Journal has more:
Rectifying that is at the top of Schultz’s to-do list next season. So is winning a WCHA title, something UW hasn’t done since 2000.
Of course, Schultz wants to get better as a player, which he outlined to Eaves.“He knows he can get better just in terms of strength and being better without the puck,” Eaves said. “His natural gifts, obviously, are with the puck. He wants to become better at playing without the puck just in terms of technique.”
Eaves said Schultz “definitely wants to take more of a leadership role” next season. To that end, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Schultz joined sophomore center and assistant captain Craig Smith with a letter on his sweater next season.
Moving another year closer to his degree in life sciences communications is another factor in Schultz coming back. Eaves harps on his players – especially those who might be on track to leave early for the NHL – that they’re much more inclined to come back and finish their degree work with three years under their belts.
For Baggot’s full story, click here.