January 31, 2008

Willemsen Won't Let Pain Keep Him Off Ice

The following article featuring Clarkson forward Mike Willemsen appeared in the January 31 issue of the Watertown Daily Times.

By Cap Carey

POTSDAM -- It appeared that a nagging wrist injury was going to keep Clarkson junior forward Mike Willemsen out of the lineup for last weekend's games against Rensselaer and Union.

But Willemsen, a native of Stittsville, Ontario, found a way to play in the contests, despite having his right wrist in a cast.

Willemsen's motivation to play through the pain was twofold.

He's not always a regular in the lineup, having played in just 10 of Clarkson's first 24 games, so sitting out last weekend might have led to a long wait before his return, especially if a replacement player excelled.

He's also seen his first two seasons at Clarkson cut short due to injuries. He had a shoulder injury during his freshman year and played in just 26 games, and last year a knee injury cut his season down to 13 games.

"I missed more than half the year last year," Willemsen said. "I'm sick and tired of being hurt."

Willemsen has scored two goals and one assist in 49 career games, but the 6-foot 195-pounder knows his role is to be more of a defensive forward.

"He's always remained positive and been a great team player for us for three years," Clarkson coach George Roll said. "He needs to be physical and play with energy and do a good job defensively. He's more than willing to accept that."

Willemsen was cleared to play by the team's medical officials last weekend as long as he was willing to accept that there would be some discomfort.

"You can play through pain," Willemsen said. "It was worse before I got the cast. We have enough guys on the team who could play so I wanted to do my job with the cast on."