Fashion Lighting Player Spotlight: Michael Buchinger
Born in Markham, Ont., eight-teen-year-old Michael Buchinger was drafted 24th overall in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection. In the 2021-2022 OHL regular season, Michael appeared in 63 games, notching 5 goals and 39 assists. In the 2022 OHL playoffs, Michael appeared in 5-games, notching 1-goal and 2-assists. Michael was drafted 88th overall by the St. Louis Blues in the 2022 NHL Draft. In 44 games this season Michael has 10 goals and 33 assists for 43 points.
Q: At what age did you start playing hockey?
A: “I was four years old when I started playing hockey.”
Q: Who has had the biggest impact on your playing career?
A: “My dad. He has always been there for me; he took me to all my practices growing up. I have a lot of memories of going to outdoor rinks with him when I was little.”
Q: What has been the biggest lesson you learned as a member of the Guelph Storm?
A: Coming together and learning from losses. We’ve experienced some hardships as a team, so figuring out how to get out of those holes and making a bad situation good.”
Q: What have you enjoyed most about playing for the Storm?
A: “The guys. We’re a tight group, so I enjoy playing with them. Some of my best friends are on the team.”
Q: What have you improved on most this season?
A: “I think I’ve improved on my consistency the most. That’s something I feel I’ve struggled with in the past, and I think I’ve been able to be more consistent day to day, even in practice.”
Q: How do you describe the experience of being drafted by the St. Louis Blues in the NHL Entry Draft?
A: “It was a dream come true. Many kids dream of being drafted, so it was cool to be drafted by the Blues. It’s a first-class organization, so being drafted by them is something I’ll remember for the rest of my life.”
Q: Did any players or coaches reach out to you after being drafted by the Blues? If so, who?
A: “Yeah, Ryan O’Reilly reached out. He gave me a few words of advice after being drafted. Some of the staff from the organization reached out, as well as development staff.”
Q: What are your expectations for the next level in your playing career?
A: “I just want to continue running up my game as I get closer to the pro levels, and hopefully be able to crack that level one day. I think all parts of my game need work, so using my time in the junior leagues to work on that day-to-day.”
Q: What NHL player do you model your game after?
A: “I model my game after Kris Letang and Vince Dunn. They’re not the biggest guys but they’re very skilled. So I try to model my game after them both defensively and offensively.
Q: What’s the biggest similarity between you and them?
A: “Probably our playmaking and hockey IQ. It’s something I pride myself on a little bit and something they excel at at that next level. So I want to continue working at that and hopefully run up my game like theirs.”
Random Rapid Fire Questions
Q: Favourite music artist?
A: “Drake”
Q: Pre-game meal?
A: “Pasta”
Q: Would you rather have the shot of Auston Matthews or the speed of Connor McDavid?
A: “Speed of Connor McDavid”
Q: Pre-game ritual?
A: “Usually, we will have a morning skate, then we go out for breakfast. I’ll get a 2-hour nap in, then I’ll come to the rink and tape my stick. I’ll stretch out a bit and play sewer with some of the guys and that’s about it.”
Q: Where would you like to travel to the most?
A: “I’d like to travel to Vienna.”
