Phil Di Giuseppe: 2012 NHL Draft

It’s a couple hours before puck drop and players are warming up in Yost Ice Arena, home of the University of Michigan Wolverines.

And one of the team’s upcoming players, Phil Di Giuseppe, pops his head around the corner to give his former coach the peace sign.

The versatile player has a lot of skill, but there’s one characteristic he lacks: an ego.

From the first moment he stepped out onto the ice in a Wolverines jersey, he succumbed to his emotions.

“It was an exhibition game, but nonetheless the place was pretty packed and my eyes lit up. I was just really happy and excited to be there. We have a band and a student section. It’s been said that it’s hard for people to come in and play because the students are so into the game as well. The fans really help us out a lot and it’s a really great place to play.”

It’s one of the most exiting arenas in all of hockey, seating over 6600 fans, and now Di Giuseppe is part of its history. However, the forward is creating a name for himself. Having the opportunity to don the infamous yellow Wolverines jersey, the 18-year-old laughs and lights up every time he and his teammates wear them.

The Maple, Ont. native was a sixth round draft pick of the Niagara IceDogs in 2009, but was not picked up immediately. But he knew that when one door closes, another opens.

“My general manager and coaches sat down and asked if I wanted to play OHL or NCAA … I said NCAA. They told me what to do to expose myself to some school and what it takes to play at the college level.”

The differences for players in the NCAA are beyond that of just the mental game. The adjustment means a different workout routine, 39-game schedule as opposed to 68 in the OHL, and a university workload, including two hours of mandatory tutoring after practice.

It’s a change, but Di Giuseppe doesn’t see it as a disadvantage.

“There’s a lot more practicing and obviously a lot more attention to detail. As well during the week, there’s a lot more lifting. I’d say that’s one of the biggest differences [when training]. At the college level, that’s something that they strive on.

“In NCAA there are a lot of older guys. Some are 23, 24, or 25. Whereas in the OHL, the oldest you can be is 21. So I’d say the biggest difference is guys are stronger, possibly even a little faster here because they’re older. I’d say in the OHL there’s probably a little more skill and youth.”

Di Giuseppe isn’t on the fast track to a professional career, just a different one. His play throughout his young season is turning heads, and he thanks his development at the University of Michigan for that.

“I think it makes me more of a mature hockey player.

“They’re more tenacious out there and harder working. I’d say that’s the biggest difference between a young hockey player and an older hockey player. The older guys know what it takes to play at that level, so they set the tone.”

He might not acknowledge his own talent, but someone did. HockeyProspect.com recognized his skill during his minor midget years, but only recently did Hockey Canada see his potential. According to Di Giuseppe, that’s when more eyes followed him on the ice.

However, the recognition is still new to him.

“I started getting attention recently and I haven’t been really used to it, but I try to just keep it in the back of my head and try not to pay too much attention to it. I just try to ignore it.”

Yet, there was one call Di Giuseppe couldn’t ignore.

With attention shifting to the 2012 World Junior Championship, scouting eyes began searching for Canadian talent. Although most players had already seen action on the World Junior Development Camp roster in the summer, Di Giuseppe was one of 41 (one of two from NCAA) to get invited this past December.

Despite his heartbreak from getting cut, the winger will take what he can from the experience, but is still focused on his goals for this year.

“I want to try and help Michigan win. We have a good team and that’s my main focus now. Whether I get drafted first round or seventh round [in the 2012 NHL entry draft], it doesn’t really matter to me right now. I just want my team to win.”

As the freshman looks back on everything that’s happened, he still needs a moment to take it all in, but doesn’t forget the people who helped him get where he is today.

“If I had to credit someone, I’d have to say my dad and my family. My dad has always been a quiet guy. But he has always been there for me throughout hockey. And he’s very passionate and I guess that’s rubbed off on me. My mom has always been there for me as well.

Di Giuseppe has the talent, but he also has the intelligence, averaging mid-80s in his courses.

“Michigan, in my mind, is the best school to come to for developing. You see it through Mike Cammalleri and Andrew Cogliano, both former students here. It’s helped me develop as a player and person.”