Anthony Nellis used this past offseason to recharge and sell commercial fencing.
Yes, fencing. More on that later.
A season ago, Lake Superior State made an admirable push for a berth in the WCHA tournament. But after sweeping both Bemidji State and Alaska Anchorage in back-to-back weeks in February, that push ultimately fell short when Ferris State swept the Lakers in the regular-season finale.
The Bulldogs garnered enough points to move from eighth place to sixth and steal the final tournament spot from LSSU, which trailed FSU by only one point entering the weekend.
Shortly afterward, Nellis wrapped up his classes and returned home to Quebec City. He did his best to forget about that heartbreaking series, losing to the Bulldogs twice in Big Rapids and seeing LSSU’s season end.
“Sometimes you just have to press the reset button, enjoy four months off and change your mind about hockey,” said Nellis, now a senior at LSSU. “College hockey can be a grind with school, homework, practice and travel. The WCHA has more travel than most conferences with Alaska and Alabama [Huntsville] in our conference.
“I still worked hard and stepped on the ice once or twice a week to keep the touches going. But I used the time away to embrace time with my family and girlfriend and sell fences. It’s not too complicated of a job. It’s pretty easy, and I know the owners and employees and they’re good people. So you just got to do what you got to do.”
Selling fences proved to be a boon for Nellis, who returned to LSSU with a fresh outlook on hockey.
Through 10 games, the Lakers are 6-3-1 (3-1-1 WCHA), which is only four wins fewer than what they had last season.
What’s more, Nellis is on fire.
The French Canadian has 13 points (seven goals and six assists). He had only 19 points during an entire 36-game schedule a year ago. He’s on pace for a career year in every offensive statistic.
“He finished playing this way last year,” LSSU coach Damon Whitten said. “He was dominant the last few weeks when we were playing really good. And he’s had pretty good success during his time here. So he came back from summer feeling strong and ready to play out his senior year. I’d almost say it’s a little desperation, understanding that this is your final year and it’s important to start the season well.”
Nellis has been productive, so far, by using a mixture of innate skills and his size (5-foot-11, 178 pounds). Whitten says Nellis is one of the smartest players on the team, one who puts himself into position to score goals. Nellis is great at reading plays and anticipating where the puck will be before it arrives.
“He has a high, high hockey IQ,” Whitten added. “He’s shooting more pucks this year because I had to talk to him about being more selfish at times. I told him it’s OK to generate more shots for us.”
Nellis said he entered this season with two goals: Get LSSU to the WCHA tournament and catch on with a professional team, preferably an AHL or NHL team.
“Coming into my senior year, I wanted to have more of an impact,” he said. “I want to play pro hockey after this year and sign with a team, so to make that possible I have to have good production. I have a strong trust in my confidence to get there and a trust in my coaching staff. So far I’m producing well. …
“Getting more opportunities leads to more goals. I’m feeling very great this year. The confidence level is good. There’s a confidence with the coaching staff putting me on the power play or helping me with the offensive strategy we invoke against other teams. I can really feel it working this year.”
Whitten echoed Nellis’ sentiments. The fourth-year coach says Nellis should be able to achieve both of his goals.
“If he plays the way we started the season, there’s no question he’ll play high-level pro hockey,” Whitten said. “He’ll be a great hockey player if he gets a great shot with a team – if he can get a shot.”
Of course, if pro hockey doesn’t work out, Nellis can always return home and sell fences.
