Last summer, forward Adam Valentini had a decision to make, where he should play for the 2025-26 season. He was coming off a strong year with the Chicago Steel where he led the team in scoring and had the fifth most points out of all rookies in the USHL. However, Valentini decided it was time to make the jump to college hockey.
“I thought it was the right decision for me,” Valentini said on going to Michigan last season. “Thought (that) I can prove myself against older players, knowing that (it) will help me in the long run, make the jump to the NHL.”
Through 40 regular season games last season, Valentini scored 11 goals and added 16 assists for 27 points. He also had an extensive postseason run as Michigan made it to the Final Four. However, the Wolverines fell to the University of Denver, who went on to win the national championship. Regardless of the semifinal loss, it was an impactful first year for the Mammoth’s 96th overall draft pick.
“I loved it,” Valentini smiled. “It was one of the best years of my life. I think it would help me, just my hard work and playing with really good players and really good people. Obviously, we had a really good year, and we’re (going to) try to keep building on that.”
In addition to playing at a higher level, Michigan’s resources allowed Valentini to grow his game in his freshman season.
“We have everything there,” Valentini said of the resources at Michigan. “Everything we (could) possibly need. We get treated like gold … a big thing for me was working out and getting stronger. Obviously playing with old guys, I had to adjust to that fast.”
With his first college hockey season in the books, Valentini is focused on taking another step with his game.
“To succeed in college, you have to be a two-way player,” Valentini shared. “I feel like that’s kind of a big thing for me to make that next step as well. You see the best players in the NHL, they’re (playing a) 200-foot game. So, that’s really what I’m trying to work on.”
His goals aren’t just focused on himself. Valentini is determined to take on a larger role for Michigan and help the team have a further postseason run than they did this year.
“I want to be a top driver on my team,” Valentini said. “We have a chip on our shoulder from last year so we’re going for that national championship.”
