Q & A WITH PROSPECT CHRIS SUMMERS

Summers completed his senior year at the University of Michigan this past spring. As a senior, he notched four goals and 12 assists for 16 points and 28 penalty minutes, and had a plus-minus rating of plus-five in 40 games with the Wolverines.

Off the ice, the native of Milan, Mich., graduated with a degree in Psychology.

Summers, whom the Coyotes chose with the 29th overall pick in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, spoke exclusively with phoenixcoyotes.com after Saturday morning’s on-ice session at Polar Ice.

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Question: This has to be a really exciting time for you. You graduated from Michigan and you played your final season in a Michigan sweater. What are your thoughts on this past year?

Chris Summers. Photo by Norm Hall.

Summers: "Overall, it was an amazing experience. I wouldn’t have traded it for anything in the world. Having the chance to represent your school like that, and such a prestigious school like Michigan, both academically and athletically was a huge honor for me. I definitely enjoyed my time there, but it’s time to move on to hopefully bigger and better things."

Question: I’m sure you’re happy with what you’ve achieved academically, right?

Summers: "Oh yeah, definitely. That was something I really didn’t appreciate until I finally finished. Four years is tough work. I finished with a Psychology degree. I don’t know what I’ll do with it yet, but I enjoyed the classes and enjoyed the school for the most part."

Question: You were team captain as a junior and a senior. What was it like to be a leader, at that level, for such a prestigious program?

Summers: "Just looking back at the previous captains in Michigan’s history, it’s unbelievable. You’re looking at guys like Brendan Morrison and Kevin Porter … These are all NHL guys, and to step in those shoes and be a leader on a team like Michigan is an accomplishment and a huge honor for me."

Question: Have you set any goals for the upcoming season?

Chris Summers. Photo by Dave Vest.

Summers: "Just to have my presence be felt. Obviously it’s my rookie season and I’m really looking forward to it, but I’m just going to work hard and hopefully have some fun while doing it."

Question: What’s your overall impression of this year’s camp?

Summers: "It's been pretty good. This is my fifth year, but it’s been good. I’m very familiar with the routine now. I think this camp and last year’s camp were very similar in the sense that there are less guys. It’s more of a personal thing and it's fun. You get a chance to know a lot of the guys going through the same things you are, just different schools or different teams. It’s great. It’s a good week of hockey."