Drew Schock leveling up, numbers showing it

Two assists on Friday, two goals in the series against Alaska Anchorage, and three goals and seven assists through seven games, good for 1.43 points per game.

Sophomore defenseman Drew Schock has made significant contributions to the No. 1 Michigan men’s hockey team’s 7-0 start. But beyond the numbers, his holistic progress is what stands out.

Friday against the then No. 5 Western Michigan, he proved his evolution again in a tight Wolverines victory.

The game stayed scoreless through the first period and most of the second, but the tension was palpable when Michigan headed into the second intermission down one.

“(Western Michigan) got that that one goal lead going into the third period, and I thought we did a really good job as a team responding and really jumping out of the gate hot that third period,” Schock said Tuesday. “And (we) kind of rode that momentum.”

And jump the Wolverines did, as Schock assisted the equalizing breakaway goal only one minute into the third period.

Schock truly proved his know-how with just six seconds left in the third. The score was tied 2-2, and the Wolverines were already gearing up for overtime. But with the clock still running, the puck came out of the Broncos’ zone, and Schock was waiting at Michigan’s blue line. He sent a pass back in to sophomore forward Cole McKinney, who fed it off the feet of a Western Michigan player toward junior forward Will Horcoff. Horcoff broke the tie with 0.1 seconds left. Schock never mentally checked out. He stayed locked in and kept the puck in play.

That performance, along with his play throughout the game, earned him the Big Ten Second Star of the Week. Underscoring this are Schock’s major statistical improvements. Last season, Schock tallied three points through his first seven games — this year he’s more than doubled it, showing how far he has come. With just four weekends in his second-year season under his belt, he has already met his total points from last season and tripled his goal count.

To get to this level, Schock utilized the offseason to return mightier than before.

“Throughout the spring term (working) with (Wolverines strength coach) Joe Maher, I think he did a really good job, and working with the coaches last year, through video and through the start of this year, it’s been really good,” Schock said. “ That familiarity with day-to-day life and being comfortable and trying to just do what I can every day to continue to work hard and also doing some extra work. … Just trying to take everything in and be a sponge and continue to get better every day.”

Schock also attended development camp for a second year with the NHL’s Anaheim Ducks, which gave him valuable experience and a clearer sense of what to improve. Schock undoubtedly absorbed a lot of it, culminating in this season’s prolific point production and constant ability to move the puck.

Also aiding his growth has been Senior defenseman Ben Robertson. The two have played as linemates the past six out of seven games while many other defensive pairings haven’t been as consistent.

“It’s been awesome playing with Rob,” Schock said. “(I’m) super comfortable with him back there, and I felt like we built some really great chemistry over the years. Just being able to play a lot of last season with him, and talking through different plays in practice and through a game. I know what I’m going to get from him(and) I feel really comfortable where he’s going to be and what spots he’s going to be in on the ice.”

Their established connection from last season brings a consistent teammate for Schock to build off of, and he has. Already setting up more plays from the start of the season compared to last, he is displaying the benefit of strong ties on and off the ice.

Robertson may be the steady presence beside him, but the confidence Schock plays with now was built on his own work. With that dedication pushing him forward, Schock is leaving last season’s numbers behind.