Features > Player Spotlight- #19 Michael Schlagel
Player Spotlight- #19 Michael Schlagel
by Chris Bilder, Generals Staff Writer
Eugene, OR- Michael Schlagel is a 5-9 160 lb forward from Fridley, MN who has a goal and two assists in four games this season. Schlagel talks about his goals this weekend, his goals this season, his team and what it means to him to be playing in pink on Friday for the Generals 4th Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Night presented by Prime Med Medical Clinic.
Chris Bilder: How does it feel to be the first player from Minnesota to play for the Generals, and does it add any pressure to be from Minnesota?
Michael Schlagel: It’s kind of cool I guess. I guess I’m held to somewhat of a higher standard because of Minnesota’s reputation for hockey.
CB: How do you like Eugene and the team thus far into the season?
MS: It’s awesome. All of the guys are real fun. The team is working well together, and we’re getting better chemistry every day. I think we’re going to have a good season.
CB: You were injured for the first two games of the season, but have rebounded with a goal and two assists in four games. Do you feel you’ve fully recovered from your injury?
MS: Yes. My ankle feels fine right now. It feels normal. I just have to get my legs back from being off the ice. My speed is still there, so I think I’m still a threat.
CB: Are you satisfied with your performance in your first four games?
MS: Somewhat. I feel like I should have finished a lot more, and scored more goals, but I feel like I’ve played well and expect to pick it up.
CB: What are your goals for the season?
MS: I’m trying to gain 15 pounds. I want to at least put up 50 points on the season and move on to the next level. I’d like to see our team go to Nationals too. I think that’d be really cool.
CB: What are your goals for this weekend?
MS: Log a win in both games, definitely. I don’t know…just throw my body around a little bit. Get some hits and score some goals. I definitely want to see that perfect record on pink jersey night keep going.
CB: Are you excited about wearing pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Night on Friday?
MS: I guess. It is pink, but it will be kind of cool. It’ll definitely stand out and be a new experience.
CB: What does wearing the pink jersey mean to you?
MS: It definitely means a lot because my mom has had breast cancer. In that aspect it definitely means a lot, and it’s for a good cause. If this helps find a cure for breast cancer, it’s definitely my favorite way of finding it.
CB: Where do you see yourself next year?
MS: I don’t know. It’s a toss up. I’m probably going to play Juniors again. We’ll see how I finish out this season.
CB: What do you want to do after your Junior career is over?
MS: My ultimate goal is to play D I hockey out on the east coast somewhere. I really want to go to RPI for chemical engineering because that’s what I’ve always wanted to do.