Michael Bitzer Q&A

 Michael Bitzer

1993-10-23

Senior Goaltender

Bemidji State University

49-41-11  1.89GAA  .925Sv%

2017 Hobey Baker and Mike Richter Finalist

Q: You helped lead Moorhead to the Minnesota State Tournament in back to back seasons in 2011 and 2012, can you describe the experience you had there and what it was like playing in front of that big of a crowd at that age?

A: Playing in the State Tournament was an awesome experience. It is something that every Minnesota High School player dreams and i was just fortunate to be able to do it. Playing in front of those huge crowds was great but having all the support from the whole city of Moorhead is what makes it truly something special.

Q: You also won the Frank Brimsek Award as the Minnesota Senior Goalie of the Year, how big of an honor was that with names like Alex Lyon and Zane McIntyre winning it the years before you?

A: It was a huge honor. Seeing the guys who have won it before and knowing the history of the award, it was truly an honor.

Q: The past season you also were a finalist for both the Hobey Baker and Mike Richter Award, what would it mean to you to go out your senior year with one of those?

A: It would be cool to end up with one of those awards, bot thats the least of my worries. I just have to control what I can control and help our hockey team win games. When there is team success, individual success usually comes with it.

Q: Was their any other schools aside from Bemidji State that had you on their radar?

A: I did talk to a couple other schools but Bemidji was actually the first school to make an offer. They preached a winning mentality and giving me every opportunity to help me grow as both a player and a person. That is what i really wanted and knew it was the right fit. 

Q: Bemidji has a population of roughly 14,000, not the typical size of a college hockey town. What can you tell everyone about it and the beautiful Sanford Center on Lake Bemidji?

A: Bemidji is a great city. Having the campus on the lake and being able to walk along the lake on the way to class is something that most students around the country never have the chance to do. Not to mention we have one of the nicest facilities in college hockey. We are truly blessed here in Bemidji.

Q: What is it like playing with the Fitzgerald triplets?

A: I actually live with the Fitzy's and it is always a blast. They are three of my best friends and we spend every day together. They have three different personalities and thats what makes them so fun to hangout with. Not to mention they are pretty good in the ice too.

Q: Back In June you got to attend the Los Angeles Kings Development Camp alongside teammate Zach Whitecloud, what was that experience like for you guys and was there anyone else there you got along well with? A handful of other Minnesota players were there as well.

A: Kings camp was a blast. It was a lot of work everyday but it really shows what it takes to become a pro. I already knew Mike Eyssimont (St. Cloud State) and Alex Iafallo (Duluth). They are great guys and it made camp that much more enjoyable.

Q: Overall last season your team defense was 2nd best giving up 1.93 goals on average per game and you also had the 2nd best Penalty Kill with an 88% kill rate, how much can you credit the guys in front of you for that?

A: Our defense and forwards were a huge part of our team defense. They are so good at taking away time and space, blocking shots, and having good sticks to make it difficult on opposing teams, they help me a ton.

Q: Your team lost 3 of its 5 top scorers and one defenseman to graduation, do you feel your team has the right tools to fill those spots?

A: I believe so, we have some good incoming freshman and we actually have a lot of guys that played a ton of minutes that are also returning.

Q: Is there any incoming freshman who you think can play a key role on this years team? Brendan Harris is coming off a league leading 98 point season with his teammate Charlie Combs who led the BCHL with 52 goals. 

A: Yes, Harry and Combs are suppose to step in and be effective right away. I know they were dynamic in Junior so it will be exciting to see how they do this upcoming year.

Q: Last season you guys went into the WCHA tournament with the top seed, losing to Bowling Green in the semi-final, what can you guys do this upcoming season to hopefully repeat as WCHA regular season champions and hopefully continue your success through the WCHA tournament?

A: We just need to focus on one game at a time, I believe if we focus on the process, instead of looking into the future, it will give us the best opportunity to be successful all season long.

Q: 2010 was the last time Bemidji State made an NCAA appearance, what would it mean to help bring the Beavers back to the tournament, especially with the Frozen Four being so close to home this season?

A: That has been the goal since we came in as freshman and that is preached all the time. If we focus ob what we can control and take care of our business one game at a time, then hopefully we will be able to accomplish that in our last season here in Bemidji.

Q: What are your expectations for the upcoming season, both personally and as a team?

A: We just want to focus on developing and getting better all year long. We can't get caught up in expectations. If we just stick to the process then everything will take care of itself.

Q: What are you most excited for in the upcoming season?

A: I am just looking forward to that first game. There is nothing like playing on Friday and Saturday nights.

Q: What can you talk about the ride you've had, going from playing in the Sunmart Arena in your youth days to becoming a Division 1 goaltender?

A: It has been quite the ride, I remember going to 6 AM practices at the Sunmart Arena and how cold it would be. It is crazy to look back and see where it all started and how fortunate i am to be in this situation today.

Q: Playing against you in the youth days, you had a tendency to stop nearly everything that came your way and continued to do so every level that you played at, you have arguably the best stats in the NCAA since joining, and you had 3 seasons at Moorhead with a near 2.00 GAA or under. What helps you to be so efficient with your game?

A: I just try to keep my game simple and reactive. Many goalies this day play a style where they play the odds and try to take up space. I am a smaller goalie so i try to position myself we . so that i can be as big as possible, but i also want to react. I feel like i have always been athletic, and that helps me be patient to read plays and move around the crease on my feet.

Q: Do you have any rituals that you do pregame?

A: No rituals, I like to nap with my dog but thats about it.

Q: Who would you say is the biggest contributor to your success?

A: My biggest contributor has to be my family. They have sacrificed a lot for me to get where I am today. I remember my parents would always make sacrifices to help me get new gear and find ways to pay the fees to play. Not to mention all of the time that they spent at rinks all over the country. They really helped me understand what it takes to reach your goals and that sacrifices are necessary to get you were you want to be.