Joey Savel grew up playing hockey in Michigan. After playing for Bell Tire, he went on to the EHL and the Philadelphia Little Flyers. Over two years in the EHL, the center has played in 96 games and notched 142 points. This season Savel has 96 points in 49 games. The 20-year-old recently committed to Utica.
Neutral Zone caught up with Savel to talk about his youth hockey experience, how he chose Utica and more.
Neutral Zone: How and when did you start playing hockey?
Joey Save: I started playing hockey when I was three years old my parents signed me up for in the league near my home in Michigan.
NZ: What’s your earliest memory from playing hockey?
JS: My earliest memory from hockey has to be my first championship game when I was five years old.
NZ: What was your youth hockey experience like?
JS: My youth hockey experience began in a very relaxed environment with the focus being to have a good time.
NZ: Take us through the NCAA recruitment process. What other schools were you talking to and where did you visit?
JS: I visited and spoke to a number of different schools in the last year, with most of them located on the east coast. All the coaches and recruiters were very positive and I appreciate all the opportunities to play at a number of schools. My decision to play at Utica was easy, as they were always my first choice.
NZ: What made you decide to commit to Utica? What went into that decision for you and your family to know it was the right place?
JS: After visiting Utica and seeing everything they had to offer, I knew it was where I wanted to be. The facilities, coaching staff, players and all-around college atmosphere really made me want to call this place home for the next four years. After speaking to my family, we all agreed it would be the best place for me to continue my hockey career and begin my college career.
NZ: What’s the strangest thing you’ve seen while playing hockey?
JS: The strangest thing I have ever seen while playing hockey would have to be parents from our
team fighting parents from the opposing team in the stands.
NZ: What’s the best piece of advice anyone’s given you in hockey?
JS: The best piece of advice I have ever received was that hockey players need to have a short
memory.
NZ: What are your best on-ice skills?
JS: My best on-ice skills would have to be my vision of the ice and my ability to pass the puck.
NZ: What part of your game are you trying to improve the most?
JS: I am really trying to improve on my strength. I want to be faster and stronger going into college next fall.
NZ: Is there a professional player you model your game after?
JS: I think making great passes is a huge part of the game. Nicklas Backstrom is amazing at passing.
NZ: Who’s been the biggest influence in your hockey career?
JS: The biggest influence on my hockey career would have to be my parents. My mom has supported me from the very beginning. My dad coached me through my beginning years of hockey. Both have gotten me to where I am today.
NZ: What’s the toughest challenge you’ve faced in hockey?
JS: The toughest challenge I have faced in hockey would be making the jump from AAA to juniors.
NZ: What’s the toughest challenge you’ve faced in life?
JS: The toughest challenge I have faced in life would be moving away from home. It was a huge adjustment and I am happy I made it.
Photo Credit: Hickling Images
