Hockey Player Spotlight: Mike Williamson
Mike Williamson looked to prove his presence in Penn State’s lineup this past Saturday against Michigan State. After not playing since Oct. 17, Penn State’s third regulation game against Notre Dame, Williamson came out against the Spartans physical and determined to have a great game.
After Saturday’s game, Williamson said: “I just try to do what I can to help the team win. Like Guy said, I try to be physical. I try to make good, strong plays with the puck and do what I can to make the team win.”
Before skating his first game as a Penn State Nittany Lion in 2013, alongside current teammates Dylan Richard and David Glen, Williamson played part of three seasons with the Spruce Grove Saints of the Alberta Hockey League. In the 2011-2012 season with the Saints, he earned nine goals and nine assists in 41 regulation games, as well as six points in 11 playoff games.
In his 2012-2013 season with the Saints, he recorded 11 points in 23 regulation games and four points in 15 playoff games, leading Spruce Grove to the North Division Championships. Williamson was a prolific defensive for the Spruce Grove Saints, being named Rookie of the Year and named to the AJHL All-Rookie Team.
In 2013, the Vancouver Canucks in the sixth round also selected Williamson in the Entry Draft.
Williamson commented on being selected to the Vancouver Canucks this week and said, “What I heard from them is that they just like my size and the way I see the ice. I’m just trying to do the little things and stay in the lineup consistently.”
As a Penn State Nittany Lion, Williamson has not seen as much action as expected and has decreased year by year at Penn State. In his freshman year at Penn State Williamson took the ice in 27 games, tallying two goals and four assists on two power play goals and a game-winner.
In Williamson’s sophomore campaign, he only made an appearance in 16 games with a goal, and assist, and 25 blocked shots. That year, he was also named to the Academic All-Big Ten Team.
Now, as a junior and playing his third year as a Nittany Lion, Williamson has only skated in four games on the year. He appeared in the first regulation game against Canisius, followed by the Notre Dame series, and just recently Penn State’s 6-1 victory against Michigan State this past Saturday. Williamson has only tallied 1 point so far this season (1A), which came against the Spartans on Kenny Brooks’ goal after a blast from the left point by Williamson that rebounded off the endboards for the tap in.
This season Williamson has struggled to stay in the lineup and produce for his team as much as Guy Gadowski would like. As a big body and a physical guy, Williamson looks to use his size as an advantage for himself and for his team in upcoming games. He continues to practice hard to improve his skill and play in as many games as possible.
“Just trying to do those little things”, Williamson said, coming off of a win against Michigan State. “Whether it’s going on the ice early, shooting some pucks, or doing some skating drills. Just little things to improve my habits and increase my chances to play.”
Williamson hopes to improve as the season moves forward with another win under his belt, a point to add to the Nittany Lions dominant game on Saturday, and a strong, physical performance on the night.
Alissa Devine is a sophomore majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email alissadevine96@gmail.com.
