Player Profile – Everblades defenseman Michael Grenzy

ESTERO, FL – Michael Grenzy may not be a Canadian born player but he is from the very cold and frigid area of upper New York state.

The 24-year-old defenseman (#24) for the Florida Everblades was born in the Buffalo, New York area, specifically in town called Lockport. “We are so close to Canada we acted like Canadians. All we did was play hockey. It’s definitely thee major sport”. Grenzy’s parents still reside in upstate New York while his siblings, one brother and two sisters, are scattered around the United States. “There was a lot of travel in playing youth hockey”, says Grenzy about his childhood hockey experience. Grenzy was selected by the Chicago Blackhawk’s in the 9^th round of the NHL Entry Draft in 2003. He decided to play college hockey and spent four years with the Golden Knights of Clarkson University. During his senior year at Clarkson he helped lead his team to the ECAC (Eastern College Athletic Conference) Championship berth in the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association). Tournament. Grenzy describe himself as a “basic, regular kind of guy”. He laughs softly when asked if he has any of the pre-game superstitions some players subscribe to. “No, I don’t, but some of the others guys do”. Grenzy feels that his strengths are his physical presence, and his strong defensive zone play. He plays defense and strongly states that he is not an offensive player. Defense is his game and focus. Grenzy is an intimidating force on the ice at 6 foot 3 inches and 215 pounds. He is tough, physical, and does not hesitate to act as the enforcer for the team. “We are a tight group with a good foundation”, he says of the Blades team. “We really are a very good team this year”. Grenzy says that he loves playing for the Blades and Head Coach Malcolm Cameron. The team is very skilled and has a group of hard working all-around players. Grenzy played the 2007-08 season for Cameron with the now defunct Texas Wildcatters, and played in his first professional game on 11/16/07, also registering his first pro point with an assist against the Elmira Jackals. In the summer the Wildcatters moved to Southern California and became the Ontario Reign. Grenzy was acquired from the Reign just prior to the season by a trade on 9/17/08. Although he hopes to have a long and successful hockey career, Grenzy has a back-up plan for his future. While at Clarkson he majored in Business Administration. “After hockey I would like to start my business career as a consultant”, says Grenzy. Before that happens, Grenzy has some unfinished business to attend too, concluding that the Florida Everblades are a team that can win it all. “We have the team, we have the drive, we have the focus”. Contact the author at: sharon.weatherhead@prohockeynews.com