Checking in with former Michigan Tech star Alex Petan

prospecttourney2016-24
Photo by Michael Caples/MiHockey

 

By @MichaelCaples –

TRAVERSE CITY – The reigning WCHA player of the year is in uncharted territory these days.

After the conclusion of his college hockey career with Michigan Tech, Alex Petan is looking for a job.

He’s on an extended interview with the Minnesota Wild at the moment.

Petan, currently a free agent, skated with the Wild at the NHL Prospect Tournament in Traverse City from Sept. 16-20, and after his first game, MiHockey checked in with the Huskies alum.

“Yeah it’s been great, great opportunity right from getting into Minneapolis, just treated so well already and treated as a pro,” Petan said after a 3-1 loss to the Dallas Stars’ prospects. “A bit of a change from college – getting right in there, a real fast pace of play and, it’s been a lot of fun so far and I think it’s only going to get more fun.”

Petan played in 10 games with the AHL’s Iowa Wild – Minnesota’s minor league affiliate – after the conclusion of his 2015-16 season with Michigan Tech. There, he recorded one goal and four total points.

Now, he’s auditioning for a permanent spot with the Wild franchise.

“Just a free-agent, trying to make the club,” Petan said. “Just trying to start my pro career. I had a great four years at Michigan Tech and I feel like the coaching staff and the players there set me to start off my pro career here.”

Photo by Michael Caples/MiHockey
Photo by Michael Caples/MiHockey

 

For players like the MTU product, the prospect tournament and ensuing Wild training camp are chances to prove one’s worth for a job with a professional hockey franchise.

“I just can’t think of it too much,” Petan said. “I’m just trying to work as hard as I possibly can every time I touch that ice, and just play my game. Everyone’s been telling me just to not worry about the distractions and just enjoy it. I’m going to try to do that, and again, work my bag off.”

The Huskies product certainly has a solid resume after his college career. The native of Delta, B.C., played a substantial role in Michigan Tech’s return to national prominence.

“It’s a very, very big honor,” Petan said when asked about being a part of the program’s turnaround. “Times were a little tough for a few years there, and just being a part of that freshman class and the new coaching staff to change the culture a little bit – obviously with a big MacNaughton Cup victory last year, it’s very close to the heart and I’ll remember that for the rest of my life.”

His time in Houghton made for experiences he won’t forget.

“It was second to none,” Petan said. “A first-class university, a first-class hockey club. I enjoyed my time right from the first day. Just from Coach Pearson and Billy Muckalt and the assistant coaches there throughout the four years, just been a huge help there in my development for the game. My experience in little Houghton, Michigan, was just a dream come true and it was probably the best four years of my life so far.”

He has a great deal of respect for his former coach in Mel Pearson.

“He’s a first-class coach,” Petan said. “He flew out before I even came to school, flew all the way to the west coast just to make sure I was doing alright. Had a good chat and just made me feel real comfortable right away and gave me an opportunity right away to go out and I thank him greatly for everything he’s done for me. I wish him the best of luck in the future, and the rest of the Huskies.”