Chicago Steel All-Access with Jake Bunz

By JASON LOWENTHAL

Steel defenseman Jake Bunz is not sure yet of his hockey career after the United States Hockey League. The blue liner has college hockey in his blood, but has not committed to playing anywhere, with another year of development with the Steel ahead of him. His father Garry was a three-year defenseman for the University of Wisconsin in the mid-‘80s. Jake was also born in Madison, Wis., and has been around the Badgers his entire life, but claims that he has yet to be in much contact with the six-time NCAA champions.

“I’m just trying to open up my options and see how it plays out,” said Bunz.

Until then, Bunz will enter his second season with the Steel after being drafted in the ninth round, no. 126 overall in the 2013 USHL Entry Draft.

“There were a lot less nerves this time around, but you still have to work for your spot on the team,” said Bunz after tryout camp.

Last season, Bunz appeared in 41 games for the Steel, tallying three goals and seven points. However, his production peaked at the end of the season. After picking up just three points and a minus-seven rating in his first 29 games, he was a plus-two in the final twelve games. Bunz notched three goals and one assist in that span, including a game-winning goal against Omaha in early March. He hopes to carry that late season momentum into this year.

“I can only try to improve this summer and keep my confidence going,” said Bunz.

Hockey is not the only focus for Bunz this summer. His family takes an annual summer trip to Haiti, led by his mom, the leader of a youth ministry.

Jake Bunz in Haiti in 2013

“She takes a group of confirmation students and we go to an orphanage up in the mountains,” said Bunz. “This year we’re building a church and a school. It really kind of opens up your eyes to see what a different nation is like. It’s by far my favorite trip of the year.”

However, Bunz is eager to get back on the ice this upcoming season and is optimistic about the direction of the team.

“I’m really excited for this season,” said Bunz. “We’ve got a great core coming back and a bunch of skilled new guys coming in.”

Bunz also credited his high school hockey days for preparing him for the leap to the USHL. He is a product of Middleton High School and earned first-team all-state honors. Bunz also played for Team Wisconsin Under-18 in 2012-13 after leading his Middleton Cardinals in scoring as a defenseman.