Hockey obviously has been a big part of Michael Pastujov’s life. It should be no surprise that when it came time to choose a college, he chose one of college hockey’s biggest stages.

One of Pastujov’s proudest moments was on Nov. 15 when he signed his National Letter of Intent to play hockey at the University of Michigan, starting in the fall of 2017.

“It was really special,” he said. “It was something that I have dreamed about for a long time and have been working towards. I can’t wait to go there next year.”

It was an easy decision for the Bradenton, Florida native to choose Michigan, where he will join a long list of U.S. National Team Development Program alumni to suit up for the Wolverines. That list includes the likes of Dylan Larkin (Waterford, Mich./2012-14), J.T. Compher (Northbrook, Ill./2011-13), Zach Werenski (Grosse Pointe, Mich./2013-14) and Jon Merrill (Brighton, Mich./2008-10).

“It’s a great school. The hockey program, the coaches and Yost Ice Arena made it special. The student section is sweet and the fans are awesome. It’s going to be a great place to play,” said Pastujov.

Plus, he will be reunited on the ice with his older brother Nick, who is currently a freshman after playing two seasons for the NTDP (2014-16).

“We grew up playing on the same youth teams,” explained Michael. “It’s going to be fun to be able to play again together.

“My brother is always telling me how fun it is and what they are doing. It just makes me want to get stronger and better.”

The 6-foot, 192-pound forward and his U18 teammates played against Michigan at Yost on Nov. 18. It was disappointing for Pastujov that he had to miss the 6-3 loss due to an injury. However, he was still in the stands to take in all the action.

“It was special to be there. It’s such a cool environment. I know I’m going to love playing there next year,” he remarked.

Staying positive despite the injury is one big lesson Pastujov has learned the last few weeks.

“I’m trying to keep a positive attitude,” he remarked. “No matter how hard things are going, I’m trying to keep a smile. I’m working on controlling the things I can control.”

He worked hard over the summer, spent back home in Florida, to get ready for his Under-18 year. He appeared in the first 14 games as an Under-17 one year ago, posting seven goals and nine points in that span.

“I worked on my speed training. I knew I had to get faster especially with missing most of last year,” he said. “I worked to strengthen my shoulder so I wouldn’t have any issues this year. I worked to get stronger and improve my conditioning.”

His improvement showed as he earned an invitation to the 2016 CCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game, which was held in Philadelphia on Sept. 22.

“It was a unique experience,” he remarked. “To play with some of the top players from all around the country and to see guys that I know, it was a good time. Plus, we go to play on the big ice which was unreal.”

He also took to heart some words from Coach Mark Howe.

“No matter what happens, have fun. You know you need to step away from the game when you are no longer having fun on the ice,” explained Pastujov.

Pastujov enjoys wearing the colors of his country.

“It’s great to represent the country, especially in international play. It means so much to wear the jersey,” he remarked.

Pastujov and his teammates captured their first international title, the Five Nations at USA Hockey Arena in early November. Team USA posted a 3-2 win against Finland to take top honors. It was a huge moment for this team.

“It was a huge weight off our shoulders,” he said. “We had picked up a win against the University of Minnesota-Duluth prior to so we definitely went in with some momentum. To finally get that first win, it was good for our team and our confidence. It showed us what we need to do for that final tournament at the end of the year.”

He credits the college games in helping “slow the game” down.

“It really helps us,” he said. “When we are playing against older players, the game definitely speeds up. It helps that we are able to adapt to it. When we go back and play against our own age group, the game definitely slows down and we are able to make plays.”

Plus, he is learning a new style of play and even some new drills from head coach John Wroblewski. This is only helping his game.

“We are definitely playing a different style,” said Pastujov. “It is a much faster pace and we have a fast team so that is good. We are working hard and are expected to give our 100%."

“We did a block shots drill that was different from anything we had done before. We also did a hitting drill where we threw ourselves into the boards. It was definitely a lot of fun.”

Patience is the key right now for Pastujov. He is working to get healthy and back onto the ice for the NTDP. He knows what he needs to do to reach his final goal.

“I hope to stay healthy. Our end goal is the world championship in April so we need to continue to work hard,” he remarked.

Story from Red Line Editorial, Inc.