Michigan Hockey’s Josh Eernisse Shares Insightful Day in Student-Athlete Life

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — On a busy Monday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., University of Michigan hockey player Josh Eernisse opened the door to his rigorous life as a Division I student-athlete. The junior forward’s day consisted of classes, practices, rigorous workouts, and student council meetings, highlighting the dedication required to balance academics and athletics.

Eernisse began his day at the School of Kinesiology with a course titled ‘Sales Management in the Sport Industry.’ The class is currently divided into groups working on projects to create new themed days for the Detroit Tigers. Ideas ranged from ‘Tech Night’ to ‘Dad Bod Night’ while students collaborated to devise compelling concepts.

After class, Eernisse took a short break to have lunch and attend to some homework before meeting up with teammates Jacob Truscott and Thomas Daskas at Yost Ice Arena. Eernisse prepped for his workout, re-taping his stick, before they carpooled to the Performance Center for strength training.

The Performance Center featured high-tech equipment, including squat racks equipped with cameras and iPads to track workouts. Eernisse and his teammates began a lift focusing on speed, using bands to measure explosive movements. Their lifting session was monitored by strength coach Joe Maher, who noted Eernisse’s exceptional deadlifting ability.

The camaraderie among players was evident during workouts, including playful banter as they prepared for their lift. ‘Eern day in the life!’ called out freshman Michael Hage, encapsulating the team spirit.

After an hour of lifting, which left the observer exhausted just watching, the Wolverines gathered for a motivational huddle before heading to practice. ‘It’s all about just beating your check or not getting beat if you’re a defender,’ Eernisse stated regarding the focus of early week practices. ‘We’re going to compete; we’re going to set the bar for the weekend. Honestly, those are my favorite practices.’

Throughout their two-hour practice, the Wolverines focused on a variety of drills that aimed at enhancing their skills. Coach Brandon Naurato engaged with players in post-practice activities to refine their techniques further.

Eernisse’s day, however, did not end with hockey practice. After the session concluded, he interacted with young fans before joining his teammates for a post-practice dinner. The meal featured an array of healthy options, crucial for maintaining their energy levels. While dining, players discussed various aspects of the game, showcasing their passion for hockey and strong camaraderie.

In the evening, Eernisse attended a meeting with the Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC), where he represents Michigan in the Big Ten Student-Athlete Issues Commission. He explained his desire to make an impact, saying, ‘I joined SAAC this year […] you have a say, you have more of an impact on the athletic department.’

Monday’s SAAC meeting garnered attention as University of Michigan President Santa Ono addressed the group, acknowledging the efforts of student-athletes and the importance of balancing academic and athletic commitments, sentiments that resonated with Eernisse.

Eernisse’s day culminated at the Stephen M. Ross Academic Center, where he studied and prepared for the next day. ‘Being a Division I student-athlete is something that only a small group of people have the stamina for, and Eernisse is definitely one of them,’ the observer reflected, noting the rigor and discipline involved in Eernisse’s life as both a student and an athlete. ‘Even though I had entered the performance center anxious, I left just impressed by how he juggles his schedule.’