UNH Freshman Michael McNicholas: A Skilled Playmaker

Michael McNicholas: UNH Freshman
Forward (Photo: unhwildcats.com)

Commitment to UNH

Michael McNicholas
DOB: 3-23-1994 Hometown: Manhattan Beach, CA
Forward, 5'10", 175 lbs. Shoots Left
Commit to UNH: 2-13-2011

"The UNH coaches, fans and the university were drawing forces. UNH plays an open and creative game which emphasizes playmaking, and, combined with the widest ice surface in the country, it makes for a perfect fit for me." from "Manhattan Beach's McNicholas commits to UNH", California Rubber Magazine

2013-14 Achievements

~ 3-Time BCHL "Player of the Week" (Dec 8, Mar 23, and May 18)
~ Regular Season: 5th Leading Scorer (69 pts), Tied 3rd in Assists (46).
~ BCHL Playoffs: Tied 5th in Scoring (18 pts), 4th in Assists (13).
~ RBC Cup: Tied 2nd in Scoring (6 pts).

2013-14 Highlight Reel

Coach's Report

Throughout the 2013-14 regular season, BCHL Playoffs, and RBC Cup, Michael McNicholas was coached by former Vernon Vipers' Head Coach Jason Williamson and his staff. I had an opportunity to interview Vernon Vipers' Associate Coach Kris Mallette and Assistant Coach David Robinson regarding McNicholas' strengths and readiness for NCAA hockey:

Mike Lowry ("C-H-C"): What are Michael's strengths and how did he develop during last season with the Vipers?
Coach Kris Mallette: Michael sees the game very well and has good hockey sense. He was a key contributer on special teams and played consistent for us all year long.
Coach David Robinson: Nicks was one of, if not the most consistent forward we had throughout the year. He is a very smart playmaking forward who made the guys around him better. One of his undervalued attributes was his defensive play. He had to be one of the leaders in takeaways in the league and was strong for us on the penalty kill. Mike is just a talented, crafty forward who always seemed to end up on the scoresheet."

Mike Lowry: What kind of adjustments will Michael need to make as he begins his NCAA career?
Coach Mallette: He will need to get stronger and work on his foot speed to ensure success at the college level but his hockey IQ will enable him to still contribute while he works on these improvements.
Coach Robinson: Moving forward to the next level, Michael will need to adjust to the speed. Getting stronger and faster comes with age and I think Nicks is driven enough to get where he needs to be in those aspects.

Career Statistics

Player	Season	Team	League	GP	Goals	Asst	Pts	PIM
Michael McNicholas  (F)	2013-14	Vernon Vipers	BCHL	56	23	46	69	20
		Playoffs	BCHL	19	5	13	18	6
	2012-13	Nanaimo Clippers	BCHL	35	10	22	32	6
		Playoffs	BCHL	4	0	1	1	0
	2011-12	Muskegon Lumberjacks	USHL	48	5	4	9	16
	2010-11	Muskegon Lumberjacks	USHL	1	0	0	0	0
		Victory Honda	Midget Major	40	12	34	46	-