T.J. Polglaze, a 3.25 star prospect, recently committed to Michigan Tech and new head coach Joe Shawhan. The forward, who earned a B grade at the NAHL Showcase, forechecks hard and finishes checks. The ’97 left at 16 years old to play for the Omaha AAA Lancers of the NAPHL and eventually began playing for the Janesville Jets of the NAHL before committing to Michigan Tech.
Neutral Zone caught up with Polglaze to chat about his youth hockey career, his time in the NAHL and why he chose Michigan Tech.
How and when did you start playing hockey?
I started playing hockey when I was two, but my mom always tells me that I complained about my ears being to cold every practice so I quit. I then started playing again when I was three and haven’t looked back since!
What’s your earliest memory from playing hockey?
My earliest memory of playing is using the straight blade wooden hockey sticks and my parents always having to tie my skates.
What was your experience like playing for the Omaha Lancers AAA? How did it help your development?
My experience with Omaha AAA was the best time of my life. I had to mature very quickly as I left home at age 16, and I became a much better all around player. A big part of my player development comes from Coach David Wilkie, and I can’t thank him enough for everything he has done for me as a player and a person as well.
How did you join the NAHL?
I joined the NAHL after being tendered by the Janesville Jets out of the NAPHL, which is an outstanding feeder league to the NAHL!
What was the toughest adjustment to the NAHL and how did you develop there?
The toughest adjustment was just learning to battle through adversity. Going through this adversity has made me a better player and person though. I have developed tremendously from playing in the NAHL, as it is one of the best junior leagues in North America. You learn how to play the right way every single day.
Take us through the NCAA recruitment process. What other schools were you talking to and where did you visit?
The NCAA recruiting process was fun and very exciting. Michigan Tech had reached out to me after the NAHL Showcase in September, and we’ve continued talking ever since. I had a couple other schools show interest but nothing serious.
What made you decide to commit to Michigan Tech? What went into that decision for you and your family to know it was the right place?
I decided to commit to Michigan Tech because it’s not only an outstanding hockey program, but it’s also a tremendous school academically. I also think it’s a perfect fit as they play my style of hockey, and I couldn’t be more proud to be a Husky! The support they get from their fans is some of the best in the country as well.
What’s the strangest thing you’ve seen while playing hockey?
The strangest things I’ve seen while playing is probably the goals that are scored when [players] hit the glass behind the goalie and then it ricochets off the glass and hits the back of the goalie and goes in.
What’s the best piece of advice anyone’s given you in hockey?
The best piece of advice I’ve gotten is: “Hockey is the best sport out there so enjoy it while you can.” It really is the best sport, and it makes you realize how awesome it is to play it every day and the brotherhood you build each and every year is like none other.
What are your biggest on-ice skills?
My biggest on-ice skills are being a gritty 200-foot forward who plays with speed.
What aspect of your game are you working on improving the most?
I’m working on being more patient and poised with the puck.
What’s the toughest challenge you’ve faced in hockey?
My toughest challenge in hockey was trying to crack the lineup in the beginning of my rookie year with the Jets, but I just kept working hard every single day and it paid off.
What’s the toughest challenge you’ve faced in life?
The toughest challenge I faced in my life is when my grandpa passed away.
Photo Credit: Hickling Images
