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Confidence is Key for Trevor Janicke

By Becky Olsen, 11/21/17, 9:30AM EST

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The NTDP forward worked hard to improve from Under-17 season


Photo by Rena Laverty

It was a difficult Under-17 season at times for USA Hockey National Team Development Program forward Trevor Janicke. He credits his composure and mental game for the big personal turnaround he’s experienced on the ice this season as a member of the Under-18 squad.

“I am playing the game better in my head and seeing the play develop on the ice easier this year,” he explained. “It’s definitely nice to feel better on the ice and know where I should be in terms of my play.”

He also credits the weekly video sessions with helping him improve his game.

“I watch video weekly with [U18 Intern Coach Mason Graddock]. I’m a visual learner so it is very helpful for him to see myself, see the plays especially what I am doing right or what I am doing wrong,” said Janicke, who has two goals and four points already this season. “I also watch video with [U18 Associate Coach Nick Fohr] to look at the penalty kill and I can leave there feeling better about what I need to do. I think I learn better from the video sessions.”

Janicke and his U18 teammates are already feeling much better about their play this season. He credits something really small to the team’s early season success, especially in the USHL.

“Confidence,” he said. “We are playing with more confidence this year. We gained that experience last year and worked hard during May to get ready. I think we are more used to each other this year and it was easier coming into this year since we knew our team.

“It’s been great to have that USHL success, especially after the end of last season. I was getting sick of losing to these teams and it’s nice to be able to push back at the USHL teams this year.”

The team also has the challenge of going against the college opponents. It’s just another learning experience for the Maple Grove, Minnesota native.

“It’s great to see where we stand in terms of physicality, pace of play and maturity,” he stated. “It is a whole other level. We are learning how to complete and how hard it is to win these games. Hopefully, we will be able to pick up a few more wins coming up.”

Trevor's Favorites

Favorite NHL Team
Minnesota Wild

Favorite NHL Player
Steven Stamkos

Favorite Movie
The Shawshank Redemption 

Favorite Celebrity
Justin Bieber

Favorite Musical Artist
Billy Joel 

Favorite Netflix Binge
Arrow

Favorite Book
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows 

Favorite Home-Cooked Meal
Pork chops and dumplings 

Janicke is looking forward to having the University of Michigan (Dec. 2) and Michigan State University (Dec. 16) come to USA Hockey Arena.

“It’s pretty cool to have them come to our arena and play. Hopefully, it will be packed and rowdy. It will be fun and be on a big time stage. I’m hoping that we can compete and pick up a few wins,” he said.

When it came time for Janicke to find his future college team, it was an easy decision. Going to play at the University of Notre Dame was something that was in his veins and it helped that he knew the Fighting Irish fight song from the moment he was born.


Photo by Rena Laverty

“My dad [Curtis] played there [from 1989-93],” explained Janicke. “I grew up a Notre Dame baby and pretty much bled blue and gold from the moment I was born. It was always my goal to play at Notre Dame. The campus and school are unbelievable. The alumni connections you always will have when you graduate. It’s a special place and I can’t wait to go there.”

Janicke already had the chance to play against his future college team, a 4-3 loss to the Fighting Irish on Oct. 1. It was a special moment for him.

“It was unbelievable to play at Notre Dame. I played on the first shift as I was able to start the game,” he explained. “I definitely was nervous but after 10-15 seconds, I realized that it was just another hockey game and I had to play my game. Even though we lost, I thought we played pretty well and it will definitely be a moment that I will remember.”

Another thing he won’t forget is how special it feels to put the USA jersey on each and every day. Of course, it makes it even more special when the teams play against other countries.

“We have a great group of guys,” Janicke said. “The jersey shows team unity that we can go into battle with each other every game. We are willing to block shots and put our team above ourselves. There are so many kids that look up to us.”

More than anything, he still remembers the first time he walked into the USA Hockey locker room for the first time and seeing the jerseys hanging in the stalls.

“It was special to see each jersey hanging out next to each other,” recalled Janicke. “It was at the moment that it hit me that I was a member of the NTDP. Every day, it’s a moment that I appreciate.”

For now, one thing that Janicke is taking to heart this season is some advice that he received from U18 head coach Seth Appert last May. It was a simple message that he has been able to apply each day.

“He had a great analogy that he used during spring training,” explained Janicke on his coach’s advice. “He started by turning it into school that when you need to prep for a test, you need to do your homework and study. You want to use what you know and then, apply in on that test. He told me that if you work hard in practice, in lift and in conditioning, you need to trust yourself to be prepared. This way when I get into games, I just need to go play hockey.”

Story from Red Line Editorial, Inc.

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