Now that summer school’s over, Zach Werenski can focus on being a member of the Wolverines

 

By @MichaelCaples –

For most of us, starting college was a daunting life experience.

Imagine, however, starting it a year early after you crammed in summer school classes to become eligible, all the while preparing to become a NCAA student-athlete at a Big Ten institution.

Oh yes, and toss in the fact that you’re being touted as a potential first-round draft pick in next year’s NHL Draft.

Needless to say, it wasn’t a typical summer for Zach Werenski. You’re not going to hear the University of Michigan freshman defenseman complaining about it, however.

“It’s awesome,” Werenski said. “It feels so good. I’m just relieved to be here finally and finally being in school and practicing with these guys every day.”

“Now that I’m here, it was 100 percent worth it.”

While he may be just 17 years old, he said the transition from Pioneer High School to a major university hasn’t been too difficult. The 6-foot-2, 214-pound frame certainly helps him look a little older than most his age.

“It’s been good,” Werenski said. “The transition was a little different with, like, 500 people in your lectures and stuff like that, sometimes it’s hard to pay attention but you just have to focus and tell yourself to focus on the class and what the professor is saying. It’s been fun though.”

The on-ice transition from the U.S. National Team Development Program Under-17 Team to the Michigan Wolverines has been a learning experience, however.

“It’s just fast-paced,” Werenski said. “The guys are bigger and stronger and they’re more mature, so I definitely have to come to play every day in practice and I’m getting better every day doing that against these guys, so it’s something that’s been good.”

 

The highly touted NHL prospect said that his teammates have made the sudden jump from his junior year of high school right into college a little easier, as well.

“The guys have been great,” Werenski said. “Whenever I need help with anything, they’re there for me. They’re always telling me that if I need anything they’re there for me and just to give them a call. I go over to their houses every once in a while, watch some football, they come meet me at the dorms, give me a ride home from school, stuff like that, it’s been awesome.”

Werenski is expected to be an immediate contributor on the Wolverines’ blue line for the 2014-15 season. As a 15-year-old, he played on the Little Caesars Midget Major team and recorded 21 points in 28 games. Last year, he finished second in defenseman scoring with the NTDP U17 Team, despite missing time in November due to an injury. He was ranked No. 12 overall by The Hockey News’ latest draft projection.

He’s not feeling any pressure though.

“No, not really,” he said. “All the guys have made me feel pretty good about myself. They’ve all been supportive, tell me to just play my game and everything will work itself out. They’re a great group of guys, captains especially and the ‘D’ core. All the ‘D’ have been working together well, so I’m pretty excited to get started.”

Werenski admitted to being a little nervous during his first Wolverines practice with coach Red Berenson on the ice, however.

“It was a little intimidating at first, the first time he came onto the ice. You can definitely feel the practice tempo pick up. It’s been cool, it’s been a cool experience. I’m just glad I have a chance to work with him and this year should be great.”

Next summer’s draft won’t be weighing on his mind, either, because Werenski knows that team success will mean a successful individual season.

“I try not to think about it too much, just go out there and play and hopefully it works itself out,” Werenski said. “Most importantly, I want to win with these guys. Team success will come with individual success, so that’s my goal this year.”

Ultimately, he’s just excited to be a member of the historic University of Michigan hockey program.

“It’s unbelievable. When I first got here, it didn’t really hit me. A couple days ago, when the coaches got on the ice and stuff, I really feel part of the team and part of the school and it’s definitely something I’m glad I made the decision to do.”