Prospect Report: Jake Pivonka

Anders Lee addressed the University of Notre Dame's men's ice hockey program, his alma mater, via a Zoom call last week. The New York Islanders' captain shared his personal experience of playing college hockey for the Fighting Irish and provided insight for how to have success playing at the highest level. The 6'3, 231-lbs forward didn't stress on-ice tips, but rather emphasized the importance of staying grounded and mentally sharp throughout the season.

Lee's message especially resonated with Isles prospect Jake Pivonka. The 2018 fourth-round draftee (103rd overall) made concerted efforts this past year to improve his game mentality when facing the oscillating course of a hockey season.
"It's kind of a hard thing to work on, but I've just been trying to keep the confidence up and then carrying the momentum with it," Pivonka said. "I've been trying to work on the mental side of the game quite a bit...With hockey more than any other sport is where you experience these ebbs and flows. Say in football, a powerhouse team is more than likely going to win out. But in hockey, every game is a toss-up. It's hard to judge."

Pivonka set new career highs with four goals, 11 points and a faceoff win percentage of 61% in his sophomore season at Notre Dame. The Irish's season officially ended in the BIG Ten conference tournament with a loss to the University of Minnesota, four days prior to the NCAA cancelling of the season due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Pivonka described his second year as a rollercoaster. The left-shot center and his teammates started out hot with a nine-game point streak, in which Pivonka notched six points (3G, 3A) during that span. The momentum quickly fizzled and the Fighting Irish fell into an unfortunate rut going seven games without a win from Nov. 22 through Dec. 13.
Not qualifying for the NCAA tournament for the first time in four years, was a stun to the program, but has served as extra incentive during this extended offseason.
"You don't go to this school expecting to get through the season and finish where you do," Pivonka said. "The mindset going in is always trying to reach the highest level and win. I think [Head Coach Jeff Jackson] has done a good job of enforcing that and instilling it in our minds. We're trying to understand that where we ended up last season is unacceptable and that moving forward, we should always be pushing for that NCAA championship."
The 20-year-old prides himself as a two-way forward and consistently taking important draws. Outside of calibrating the mental aspects of his game during this offseason, Pivonka is concentrating on enhancing his skating and point production.
"Where I would like to see myself more is as a defensive forward," Pivonka said. "The defensive side of the game has never really been an issue, but especially moving into the next two years of college hockey I want to hone in on my offensive side of the game so I can fit that claim as a two-way forward and start producing more offensively and helping our team."

A highlight of this past year for Pivonka was representing Team USA at the 2020 World Junior Hockey Championship. After spending two seasons in the U.S. National Team Development Program and having the opportunity to don the Red, White and Blue three times prior, Pivonka loves competing at the international stage.
"Right when I started playing internationally, I fell in love with it," Pivonka said. "The level of competition is something else. Getting to see the best talent from countries across the world is something special. Playing for your country is a feeling that you don't really get anywhere else."
This past World Juniors was especially memorable, despite losing in the quarterfinals to Finland (1-0), as it took place in the Czech Republic where Pivonka's father and former NHLer, Michal Pivonka, is from.
Pivonka and his father share a special bond over hockey and a fervor for international competition. He welcomes all insight and feedback from his experienced father, who played 13 seasons for the Washington Capitals (1986-1999) and proudly represented his country in eight international tournaments.
At this year's World Juniors, Pivonka joked he was a translator for his teammates most of the trip, but relished in having extended family in the stands and a proud Czech father cheering him on.
"My dad] played in three World Juniors, so for me to be able to make that team in December was something special," Pivonka said. "He gave me some guidance going into it that I took to heart. It was a special experience."
Since the season's end in March, Pivonka has been enjoying down time with family back in Naperville, Illinois. In his free time, he's made a point to go fishing at least every other day. Some days are more fruitful than others where Pivonka has brought back Crappie, Northern Pike or Catfish to serve up for dinner.
But even if it's more of a catch and release day the tranquil hobby has become one of Pivonka's favorites.
![
While the timeline for the return of college hockey is still unresolved, Pivonka is eager to make his junior season his best yet as he simultaneously pursues his degree in finance. Last week, Pivonka returned to the ice for the first time since quarantine and looks forward to continuing to advance in his game ahead of next season.
"It doesn't really get any easier," Pivonka said. "[Now] going into my junior year after playing the last couple years, I definitely feel more prepared than I have in the last couple of summers just in terms of knowing what to expect and how hard it is to win games in college hockey...Just getting back in that competitive environment each day. After how long this break has been, it's going to be a huge relief to get back to the way things were or at least try to."