Poehling: Breathing right and eyeing a big year

MONTREAL - After going under the knife over the summer, Ryan Poehling is feeling better than ever - both on and off the ice.

It was back on July 7th that the 19-year-old centerman underwent surgery for tonsillitis and a deviated septum in Minnesota.
While the month-long recovery process was especially tough, Poehling now believes it was well-worth the temporary discomfort - even if it prevented him from participating in the 2018 World Junior Summer Showcase for Team USA.
"Getting my tonsils out, I just feel more consistent from day to day. Usually, I feel a little bit groggy, especially when allergy season comes. I never felt 100 percent, but this year I haven't felt better. Every day when I wake up, I feel the same way. It's good to get that consistency," explained Poehling, whose overall quality of life has significantly improved post-surgery. "On the ice, I can tell a big difference as well with my breathing capacity. My tonsils were four times the size they should've been. To get those out and have more space to breathe, it helps a lot. When I finally got back to playing, I was like - 'Wow! This is what it actually feels like to breathe normally.' That's so nice. It's definitely going to help in the long run."
It appears to be paying dividends already, with Poehling off to a strong start to his junior campaign with St. Cloud State University.
He boasts one goal and five points in four games, along with a plus-3 differential. And, his second-ranked Huskies are undefeated following sweeps of both the University of Alaska Fairbanks and Northern Michigan University over the last two weeks.
Poehling's first tally of the season came during Friday night's home opener at the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center.

"The first one is always a good one, just to know that you're doing the right things. That's what's been happening. I've been playing well for the first four games. It pays off when you work hard," mentioned Poehling, who put up career-highs in goals (14), assists (17) and points (31) last season, ranking fourth on the squad in scoring. "We have so many good players. One night you could be playing as good as you want and you still might not see the results you're looking for, but the other guys can pick you up. I think our whole team is kind of that way. I'm excited for the rest of the season."

It's one that Poehling and the rest of the Huskies hope will culminate in another successful National Collegiate Hockey Conference run and a coveted berth in the NCAA Tournament for a second straight year.
"I know the group of guys that we have here and I know what they want, as well as what I do, too. I think we share those kinds of aspirations. These guys are like my family," shared Poehling, on his decision to return for his third year at SCSU to further improve his game and have another crack at a national crown, too. "For me to be in college hockey and still develop as a player, just to learn some things from other guys and teach myself things, I can only get better in this league and bring those skills to the next level."
Talk about sacrifice
Poehling didn't just contribute offensively during Friday night's contest. He was a warrior on the defensive side of things, too.
Fast forward to the 1:37 mark of the clip below to see his blocked shot while the Huskies were down a man.
Watch: Youtube Video
"If I didn't have a cage on, it would've broken my jaw. Thank God college lets you wear cages. All the boys loved it and the student section did, too," described Poehling, the 25th overall selection by the Canadiens at the 2017 NHL Draft. "I respect people who do it 100 percent of the time. I'm a guy that will for sure do it."
Staying in touch with his good buddy
Poehling and fellow young gun Jesperi Kotkaniemi hit it off at Development Camp in late June and quickly became friends after sitting side by side in the locker room.

According to the Lakeville, MN native, the two still keep in touch.
"We Snapchatted a few times and I congratulated him when he got his first assist," mentioned Poehling, who is clearly proud of Kotkaniemi's accomplishments thus far with the Canadiens. "It's cool to see the stuff he's doing over there."

University Nights at the Bell Centre
Tuesday night's game against the Calgary Flames marks the first of the Canadiens' "University Nights" this season.
Every Tuesday, students enrolled in participating universities can purchase tickets in the Coors Light Zone at the Bell Centre for only $39. The offer also includes one Coors Light as well.
Come with your group of friends, proudly wear your school colors and cheer on the Habs!
To purchase tickets, see a list of participating schools or to become a school ambassador,
click here
.

Panel photo credit: T.E. Morris