Whether he's acting quiet and unassuming off the ice or relentless on it, Michael Schultz drives toward success.
For the second straight season, Schultz is the leading scorer on an Ohio hockey team ranked near the top of the American Collegiate Hockey Association rankings and one of the most prolific goal-scorers in the country.
With 22 goals and 31 assists, Schultz ranks 11th in the nation in total points.
When he scores he goes on spurts
coach Dan Morris said. One goal doesn't satisfy him he always wants a couple more.
Morris said that mentality has allowed Schultz to succeed both on the ice and in the classroom. As a business major, he has one of the top grade-point averages on the team.
He's very hard-working Morris said. He's competitive
and he wants to be the best at everything. Whether it's school-work or hockey
his demeanor is the same.
A native of Aurora, Ohio, Schultz said he has always loved playing hockey.
Before coming to Ohio, Schultz was a member of the Kemptville 73's, a junior club team based out of Kemptville, Ontario.
In his final year of playing junior hockey, Schultz totaled 32 points on 16 goals and 16 assists for the 73's.
It was definitely a good experience
Schultz said about his time in Canada. It really helped me to develop into a better hockey player and play at a higher level.
Although he received offers from some smaller schools with NCAA programs, Schultz said he was drawn to Ohio because of its size and location.
I went to some of the games before I came here
and it was always a lot of fun going to those games and just seeing that atmosphere at Bird
he said. Everything kind of just drew me in.
During his freshman year, Schultz tallied 27 points in 41 games. Respectable numbers for a freshman, but not close to the numbers he put up his sophomore and junior seasons.
I worked really hard that summer after freshman year in the off-time with my friends back home
Schultz said. I was skating and lifting four days a week
and I think that ultimately led to me developing into a better player.
Morris also attributed some of Schultz's success to line mate Tyler Pilmore, who joined the team a year after Schultz.
They just clicked
Morris said. Mike's a shooter and Tyler's a set-up guy. Tyler works hard to get Mike the puck. It's a good combination.
Schultz has developed similar chemistry with his other line mate Nick Rostek, who said Schultz's inconspicuous off-ice personality doesn't follow him onto the ice.
He wants the puck
