DICKINSON — For the first time in its history, Team USA selected Division III players to represent them in the World University Games. This decision led to a historic run for the team, resulting in a silver medal finish. Among these talented athletes was Dickinson’s Michael McChesney, a former standout at Dickinson High School.
“It was a pretty awesome experience,” McChensey said. “Just top players from all over getting together to make one team was pretty cool to experience and be a part of.”
McChesney, a three-sport athlete, was named All-State in each of his sports - baseball, football, and hockey - in his senior year of 2016. After graduating, he spent three years playing in the Saskatchewan Junior A Hockey League before attending St. Norbert College, a top Division III hockey program.
“He brought his lunch pail to work every single day. For being the best high school player I have ever coached, he was also the hardest worker,” Kuntz said. “Michael always had bigger goals. He took the ice everyday trying to prove himself and it was really cool watching him on ESPN, playing for Team USA… We are super proud of him. Not very many athletes get to put on a team USA jersey and get to go play for their country.”
At the World University Games, McChesney made a significant contribution to the team's success, scoring a goal against Kazakhstan in a 4-1 victory during pool play.
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The opposing team's defense player first tried to clear the puck from their end, but McChesney was able to get to it before anyone else and bring it behind the goal. A teammate then passed it to the front of the net as McChesney skated towards the center of the ice. He quickly turned around and took a shot, successfully scoring a goal as the puck went into the back of the net.
The World University Games, held every two years, is a multi-sport event that brings together student-athletes from around the world to compete in various sports. McChesney was one of eight players selected for the Team USA roster, chosen based on their performance and dedication to their sport.
“Michael was well rewarded for his hard work with the selection. He proved that he can play with the best, and we are super proud of him,” Kuntz said. “The Canadian team had close to 10 players that have pro contracts with NHL teams, so he proved that he can play with the best. Super proud of him.”
Kuntz added, “He is playing a very high level college game right now and was well rewarded for his hard work with the selection. He was one of eight players first selected for the team.”
In his senior year at college, McChesney is looking forward to a strong finish and what the future may bring.
“It's a good feeling to hopefully give people someone to look up to. In whatever sport it is, try to play at the highest level you can. If you work at it, and do what you need to do to get the job done then you can go as far as you want,” McChesney said. “I am just going to finish up my college career here and just going to ride the wave and see where hockey can take me.”
McChesney's achievements and dedication to his sport make him a source of pride for the Dickinson athletic community and a role model for aspiring athletes, according to Kuntz. But for the athlete himself, he hopes his story serves as a testament to the power of hard work and determination in achieving one's goals.
“I hope to be a source of inspiration for local Dickinson athletes,” said McChesney. “In whatever sport it is, try to play at the highest level you can. If you work hard and do what you need to do, then you can go as far as you want.”
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