Part two of our Meet Your Freshmen series features a player who’s had an interesting offseason since finishing up his First Team All-State senior year with East Kentwood (Lost in Michigan 2011 Division 1 Semifinals). On February 7, Jimmy signed up to play with Port Huron Fighting Falcons of the NAHL. Then in May he was drafted by the Muskegon Lumberjacks in the 8th round of the USHL draft. It was at the Lumberjacks’ training camp where Mel Pearson spotted Jimmy and gave him the opportunity to come to Michigan Tech this season.
Number: 26
Position: Defenseman
Hometown: Caledonia, Mich.
Last Team: East Kentwood (Michigan High School)
THG: Why did you decide to come to Michigan Tech? Who else wanted you to play for them?
Jimmy Davis (JD): I decided to come to MTU because when I was younger I really wanted to play Division 1 hockey. Coach Pearson recruited me to play here and it wasn’t an opportunity I could pass up.
THG: Which team are you most excited to beat this season?
JD: I am really excited to beat every team that we play this year. I really want to beat Michigan State and North Dakota. [That’s the attitude we’re looking for in a new recruit!]
THG: What are your hockey goals for this season? after Michigan Tech?
JD: My hockey goals for this season is to be the best player that I can be and to help restart the winning tradition of Michigan Tech.
THG: Which older Husky player on the team is your mentor?
JD: Tyler Gubb has really taken me under his wing. There are also many other guys on the team that have already started to mentor me as well such as Jake Johnstone, Dan Sova, and Ryan Furne.
THG: What do you think of new head coach, Mel Pearson?
JD: Coach Pearson is a great person and an excellent coach. I can’t wait to see how he molds the Huskies now and in the future. [Neither can we Jimmy. We’re all looking forward to seeing Mel in charge.]
THG: What do you think of the new college hockey landscape (formation of Big Ten & NCHC)?
JD: I still have mixed feelings about all the transformation that is happening with college hockey. I think that college hockey was great just like it was, but hopefully it can improve from this.
THG: What do you bring to the team, where do you feel you’ll contribute the most?
JD: I believe I bring my own form of tenacity and hard work. I know I’m not the most talented player but I am not scared to go in the corner and go 100% every shift.
THG: What aspect of your game do you think needs the most improvement to help improve your game for the college level?
JD: I think that everything can always be improved. Whether you’re the best player or the worst there is always room for improvement.
THG: How have you been preparing for the jump from high school to WCHA hockey?
JD: I have been preparing by working hard in the weight room and on the ice. I received a hockey specific workout from the team this summer to complete. I think this definitely helped my game.
THG: Who is your biggest influence in hockey?
JD: My biggest influence in hockey has been my dad. He has always been there to push me and make me who I am. Without him I wouldn’t be here.
THG: Does the energy and noise level of the crowd affect the way you play?
JD: I think that the whole atmosphere does effect the way I play, but I think it is for the good. It always keeps my head in the game and it keeps me ready for every shift.
THG: What is your major at Michigan Tech?
JD: My major is Psychology.
THG: What do you know about Mitch’s Misfits or TechHockeyGuide.com?
JD: I don’t know much about Mitch’s Misfits but I have heard of the Tech Hockey Guide, but haven’t checked it out very much.
THG: Who are you rooming with this year? Tell me something fun about your roommate!
JD: I live with David Johnstone, Riley Sweeney, and James Rudi Pino. They’re just all great guys. It’s a battle playing against the boys in NHL12, but Sweeney cheats. [Riley says you just can’t handle losing]
THG: Recite your favorite movie quote… and just in case, tell me what movie it’s from.
JD: The only way to bag a classy lady is to give her two tickets to the gun show… (kisses his biceps) – Ron Burgundy [Nice, a quote from Will Ferrell is always a good choice!]
THG: What is your favorite Husky jersey?
JD: I like the black ones. I’ve always been a dark jersey guy.
THG: What’s your favorite form of precipitation?
JD: My favorite form of precipitation is definitely snow. Because that means it’s hockey season.
THG: Finally, what would you like to say to all of the Michigan Tech faithful?
JD: I would like to say be ready for a great season. It’s always good to have a large fan base so the more the merrier!
Tim is a 2004 graduate of Michigan Tech. He is a co-founder of both Mitch’s Misfits and Tech Hockey Guide. With recent additions to the staff, Tim is again able to focus on his passion, recruiting. He currently works as an environmental engineer and resides in the Minneapolis/St. Paul Area.
