Q&A: Logan Stein, Ferris State Recruit

Logan Stein grew up in Suwanee, Ga., and then moved to Michigan to play for the Oakland Jr. Grizzlies. The 3.75 star goaltender recently committed to Ferris State for the 2020-21 season.

Neutral Zone chatted with Stein about his youth hockey experience, why he moved to Michigan and more.

How and when did you start playing hockey?

I started playing hockey because my parents would take me to Atlanta Thrasher games and I loved it, so they signed me up in youth hockey when I was five.

What’s your earliest memory from playing hockey?

My earliest memory of playing hockey was playing in international silver sticks in Detroit, when I was eight.

What was your youth hockey experience growing up in Georgia like? 

Growing up in Georgia my youth hockey experience was a little different because there weren’t many kids who played.  I played in the Atlanta JR Thrashers hockey program and we would travel around the southeast and play different teams.

Did you feel pressured to move to chase your hockey career?

I felt no pressure to move to Detroit to chase my hockey career. My parents left the decision completely up to me.  I thought it was a good decision to play for the Oakland Grizzlies because of their elite coaching staff, led by Dan Reidel. They have a history of moving players on to the next level.

What was the experience of getting drafted into the USHL like?

Getting drafted by Waterloo in the USHL was a special moment for me. I know I need to prove myself to the organization that I am ready to play in the USHL and be an impact player for them.

Take us through the NCAA recruitment process. When did it start, what other schools were you talking to and where did you visit?

The recruiting process for me started at the beginning of this year.  A couple of schools started to call about me, but the only school I visited was Ferris State.

What made you decide to commit to Ferris State? What went into that decision for you and your family to know it was the right place?

When I met with the coaches for Ferris State I felt really comfortable with them. They have a history of producing elite goalies. My parents left the decision up to me.  I thought the best decision for me to go to Ferris State and my parents supported my decision.

Where there any difficulties that accompanied making this decision at such a young age?

It wasn’t difficult for me to make my college decision at a young age. I loved Ferris and I felt very comfortable with the coaching staff so it made my decision easy.

What’s the strangest thing you’ve seen while playing hockey?

The strangest thing I ever saw while playing hockey was when I played at TPH.  The opposing team head coach wasn’t happy with the referees, so he started throwing sticks and water bottles onto the ice.

What’s the best piece of advice anyone’s given you in hockey?

The best piece of advice I ever received was to always compete and work hard. It’s the best piece of advice because if you do those to things, normally you will get the results you want.

What are your best on-ice skills?

My best assets on the ice are my size, my quickness, my ability to track pucks in and around the cease through traffic and my athletic ability.

What aspect of your game are you working on improving the most?

The areas of my game I am trying to improve are my ability to play the puck and help out my defensemen.  Also, I am trying to improve my control of my movement and body so I can keep my game under control.
Is there a professional player you model your game after?

A pro player I model my game after is Pekka Rinne because he is big and athletic like I am.   I need to learn how to keep my game under more control like he does. I also want to become an elite puck player like he is.

Who’s been the biggest influence in your hockey career?

The biggest influences in my hockey career are my parents, because they have always been very supportive and encouraging.
What’s the toughest challenge you’ve faced in hockey?

The toughest challenge I have faced in hockey is having to make the decision to leave home to chase my hockey career.