Van Blaricom embracing expanded role in second season
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As a freshman last season, right wing Matthew Van Blaricom struggled to sort out his place in the Michigan Tech Huskies' lineup on a consistent basis. He did eventually find a spot, and finished the season having played 28 games, scoring two goals and 10 points.
With co-captain Isaac Gordon injured to begin the season, Van Blaricom was given a chance by coach Bill Muckalt's staff to prove he could help fill in, and he quickly got to work proving their decision was a smart one.
In the season-opening game against Minnesota, all Van Blaircom did was score two goals and add an assist on the third goal in a 3-2 win.
The Michigan Tech student section serenaded him with chants of "MVB," which pasted a permanent smile to his face.
"It was a surreal feeling, especially hearing my name chanted, that’s pretty sweet," he said. "But, all the credit goes to the rest of the team. We played our hearts out tonight. Stuck to the game plan, just made it happen."
When asked if he foresaw the offense he provided, he again credited his teammates for their help after stating that he did not think he would have that much success right away.
"No, I didn’t think that coming in here, but it feels pretty good," he said. "But again, all credit to the boys. (They) made it happen."
The 5-foot-11 winger from Southey, Saskatchewan, took advantage of his opportunity.
"He’s taking tremendous steps," Muckalt said after that season-opening game. "He looks like a different hockey player. He’s stronger. He’s faster. He’s healthy. But, he’s been that way since day one this year. So, that’s a good bonus, especially with having Isaac Gordon out right now.
"He’s kind of stepped up and been a pleasant surprise."
Van Blaricom then went out in the second game of the weekend and scored an empty net goal, giving him three goals for the weekend, which was more than he scored as a freshman. Muckalt included Van Blaricom alongside others who stepped up.
"'Gordo' was out this weekend, so the next man up, and we had a lot of guys stepping up and a lot of guys contributing in many ways," Muckalt said. "I think we’re better in some areas of the game tonight than we were even on (Saturday). But, we’ve had some really positive guys take steps in this, from last year, and that development. They look comfortable. They look stronger. They know what the standard is, what the expectation is, and it’s really fun to coach those guys and see that growth."
When meeting with the media the following Tuesday, Muckalt spoke further on the growth Van Blaricom was already displaying. Muckalt loves the way he plays alongside sophomore winger Carson Birnie and junior center Tom Leppa.
"He’s had tremendous growth in his game," said Muckalt of Van Blaricom. "He’s physically stronger. He looks faster. He’s more confident. He’s a different player than he was last year.
"To expand on that a little bit further, I just thought Tom Leppa, Carson Birnie, that line, not just checking the top players on Minnesota, but also creating offense. They’re just so tenacious. They’re a pack of dogs. They get along so well. They have chemistry. They play so hard. They play the way we’re asking them to. They play the right way. They don’t cheat. They’re on top of it and they just play a heavy game."
Van Blaricom had an assist against St. Cloud State Saturday, Oct. 10, in a loss after taking four shots on net in a win Friday. He followed that effort up with a goal Friday night this past weekend against Alaska in a 3-0 win. Then Saturday, he picked up another assist.
Through six games this season, he has four goals and seven points. Muckalt feels that he is one of several players who are chipping in in a big way.
"Yeah, it’s funny," Muckalt said. "He’s doing so many good things. He’s quick; headsy. He’s like Velcro on the forecheck. He gets on a guy and it’s hard to get rid of him, hard to shake him. So he’s playing well for us, I think."
There is still plenty of season left to go, and Gordon is back in the lineup, but Van Blaricom has secured a spot and appears poised to continue to be a key component of the Huskies' season as they hit CCHA play this weekend at Ferris State.