2017 forward Josh Norris is a future Wolverine
Josh Norris' hockey journey has already spanned two continents.
Born to a North American father playing professional hockey in Germany, Norris has added another destination for the continuation of that journey by committing to be a member of Michigan's freshman class in the fall of 2017.
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Currently playing for the Oakland Junior Grizzlies midget major Tier 1 Elite team, the 5-11 170 pound, Oxford, Mich., native will likely follow the path of playing in the USHL or, in a best-case scenario, for USA Hockey's NTDP program in preparation for his arrival in Ann Arbor.
"For the first 10 years of my life, I lived in Germany because my dad played pro hockey there, so my first memories of skating and playing hockey would be going on the ice after my dad's practices with my two brothers," remembered Norris.
"My first organized hockey team was Young Lions Frankfurt when I was about seven years old. Some of my best memories were being able to play with my older brother, Coale, until I was about 10 years old, and even with my younger brother, Dalton, for some tournaments."
The decision to commit to Michigan had to be a difficult one at some level for Norris. His father, Dwayne, played college hockey for Michigan State during the late '80s and early '90s, putting up 44 goals in 44 games his senior year, and was named a Distinguished Spartan Award winner in 2012 for his stellar play in his Michigan State career.
Josh will have the opportunity to blaze his own trail at Michigan after weighing all his options carefully before giving the Wolverines his commitment.
"I was fortunate to have opportunities at other schools and they all have great things to offer," said Josh. "When I talked to Michigan State and saw their campus, it was really nice, as were the other schools; they're all great institutions and are different in their own ways.
"When I visited Michigan, I felt that it would be a great fit for me. Walking around downtown Ann Arbor was really cool, and the campus is very nice. In the end, I just felt that Michigan would be the best place for me to go."
The Wolverines will benefit by having a forward known for his relentless drive and top notch hockey IQ.
"Michigan has always been a school that I wanted to go to and it has always been a dream of mine to play college hockey," the younger Norris said. "When the opportunity came up to play for Michigan, I knew that was where I wanted to go.
"The day that I committed to Michigan was for sure a day that I'll never forget. To have the opportunity to play for Michigan is very humbling and I'm very thankful.
"Thinking about wearing maize and blue in the future is very exciting. To be able to be a part of such a great program and school with so much history, I can't wait to be a Wolverine.
"I've been to Yost Ice Arena multiple times. It's pretty amazing how long it's been around, and still how nice the building is. Their student section is awesome. The games that I've been to always had so much energy and it's always really loud in there; it's a fun building to be in."
On the ice, Norris likens his game to the style played by Jonathan Toews of the NHL's Chicago Blackhawks.
"Growing up, my idol has been Jonathan Toews. He's one of the best players in the world, but he's also humble and plays the game the right way, that's why I idolize him," Norris said.
"He plays with a lot of speed and skill and is a great two-way player. He does a lot of the little things and I try to implement those things into my game."
Like so many hockey families, the sport is a major part of everyday life. The real heroes are usually unsung.
"My dad played at a very high level for such a long time, so he has a lot of knowledge about the game and I think that's definitely been an advantage for me," said Josh. "When my brothers and I were younger, my mom was always the one that would get up early on the weekends and take us to practice or tournaments. She's a big reason why I am who I am today. Both of my brothers have always been a huge part of my life as well. We have a tight bond.
"My most memorable coach has definitely been my dad. He coached me from PeeWee major to Bantam Major. He taught me so many things about the game and so many little details. Whenever he talked, he always had my attention. Most importantly he pushed me to be the best that I could be. I appreciate it so much that he cared so much."
It'll be two and a half long years until Norris finally dons his maize and blue jersey, but when he makes that first appearance, it's clear he'll have plenty of family support off the ice to go with his new Michigan hockey family.
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