As of August 1, 2022 junior hockey players are eligible to receive scholarship offers to play at the college level. Since then, Benilde-St.Margaret’s Micheal Risteau has committed to play Division 1 at Western Michigan University.

When it came to making the decision on playing hockey in college, Risteau has always known it was his goal, but did not know where he wanted to play until it was clear. “I was looking at a few schools and it came down to a couple big ones and that [Western Michigan University] was one of them and I thought it was the best fit for me overall. And I really liked their coaching staff and their school and thought everything with their hockey is just great. And it will be great for me when I go in,” Risteau said.

Risteau first started playing varsity at BSM his freshman year, and believes it has been a major part of his process to play Division 1 hockey. “I think BSM has helped me a lot growing my game since freshman year. I’m not sure I would be where I am without this program,” Risteau said.

Hockey has been a major part of Risteau’s life ever since he first laced up skates at a young age. “I started playing for Lakeville North when I was about three and a half years old, and I started skating in Burnsville when I was even younger than that,” Risteau said.

During the 2022 USHL Phase 1 draft, Risteau was also selected in the 4th round, and will spend time playing juniors before college. “I got drafted in the USHL draft by Cedar Rapids, and I am going to play there prior to college. Juniors are a huge part of player development, and it is exciting being drafted by a well respected team,” Risteau said.

Risteau has high hopes for his career even after college, his ultimate goal is make it to the National Hockey League. “To be completely honest, my dream is to make it to the NHL. The teams I have played for in the past, playing BSM now, and the teams in the future are all part of the process. My career up to now has been extremely rewarding, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds,” Risteau said.

As of now, Risteau is focused on one thing. “Right now, the team and I are really focused on coming into the season with a strong start. We have a strong team and high aspirations for the year ahead of us,” Risteau said.