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Photo by Rena Laverty
Nick Pastujov won’t soon forget the experience of playing in Yost Arena with his teammates on the U.S. National Under-18 Team, and he’s already looking forward to playing home games in that hallowed barn next season as a member of the University of Michigan Wolverines.
“It was insane, right from warm ups,” Pastujov said.
Even though Team USA lost 5-2 in the Jan. 21 contest, Pastujov said it was “probably my favorite game all year.”
“I think I had the most fun in that game, even though it was weird to play against my future teammates,” he said. “I can’t wait to play there next year.”
Any hint of special treatment for his future teammates was eliminated when Pastujov was called for a roughing penalty after a tussle with Wolverines and former National Team Development Program forward Evan Allen.
“It was a physical game, and I was definitely involved in the action,” said Pastujov, who added an assist in the game. “I’m not sure if they were a huge fan of me, but we wanted to play hard and show what we could do. They really didn’t say anything to me.”
Even though Pastujov, a 6-foot, 199-pound forward, is originally from Bradenton, Florida, it was an easy decision to play college hockey at Michigan.
“Everything felt right about Michigan, from the coaching staff to the rink to the school and academics,” he said. “I only took one tour, and I knew it was where I wanted to be.”
Pastujov will also get another opportunity to play on the same team as his younger brother Michael, who currently plays for the NTDP's U17 squad. They are the eighth brother combination to play for Team USA, and both have committed to Michigan.
“It’s been cool to have him here,” Nick Pastujov said.
Although Michael Pastujov is out for the year with injury, the brothers still live together with their mom.
“It’s the first time since seventh grade that we have lived together,” Nick Pastujov said. “Even though he is not playing, I have been able to see his experiences.
“I’m excited and can’t wait until we can play together at Michigan.”
Nick Pastujov has nine goals and 16 points this season, after tallying 13 goals and recording 30 points as a member of the U17 squad in 2014-15. He has watched his game grow since arriving at the NTDP.
“Definitely the mental side, especially shift to shift, is where my game has grown the most,” he said. “Last year, when I was out on the ice, I was not always thinking. This year, with each shift, I understand what I need to do, and my game has grown more. I have made great strides on the ice.
“Every drill you do for a reason in practice. I look at everything and put myself into a scenario, so I’m more prepared when it comes up in a game.”
Plus, Pastujov and his teammates have a newfound confidence together.
“The big difference is the confidence our team has when we are playing on the ice,” he said. “Last year, we didn’t always do what we wanted to do. This year, we expect to win.”
The U18s have a bye week after finishing fourth at the 2016 Five Nations Tournament in Finland last week. They’ll look for redemption at the IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship in April in North Dakota. Getting another international tournament victory — especially in a world championship — is a major focal point for Pastujov and his teammates.
Wearing the Team USA colors is especially meaningful in international play, Pastujov said.
“It takes on a whole different meaning in international play,” he said. “You are representing a nation, not just a team. It reflects on the team. It’s a special moment.
“You take pride in what you do. You want to do a better job representing, and it what makes you go.”
Story from Red Line Editorial, Inc.
Photo by Rena Laverty
Favorite NHL Team
Tampa Bay Lightning
Favorite U.S. Player
Patrick Kane
Favorite Sport (Outside of Hockey)
Basketball
Favorite Movie
This Is The End
Favorite TV Show
Breaking Bad
Favorite Actor
Channing Tatum
Favorite Actress
Selena Gomez
Favorite Home-Cooked Meal
Chicken Parmesan