San Jose Sharks: Tommy Wingels, a Young Player to Watch Going into 2011-12

Tommy Wingels' favorite memory from college was a game he lost.

At the end of the 2008-09 season Miami (Ohio) University lost a heartbreaker in overtime of the NCAA championship game to Boston University, 4-3.

“It was such a cool experience to go through something like that with all your teammates,” said Wingels, “you learn a lot about yourself and the other guys.

“The way the team responded that summer and going into the following year definitely reconfirmed that that was the coolest experience of my life.”

The RedHawks would finish first in the CCHA the next season, but were eliminated by Boston College in the National Semifinal.

A year later, Wingels, who was drafted in the sixth round by the Sharks in 2008, would turn pro.

“I couldn’t have been any luckier to play three years there,” Wingels stated. “Any chance I get to go back, I’m going to.”

In many ways, Wingels joins a club much like his Miami University team. The Sharks are always considered a Stanley Cup contender, but have a reputation for suffering heartbreaking losses in the postseason.

For Wingels, personally, he’s gone through a hiccup in his career already.

Last season he made the team out of camp, went to Sweden to play the first two games against Columbus, but only played three more NHL games with the Sharks all season.

“Last year I had so many emotions going through my head,” he said. “I was nervous, I was scared, I didn’t want to make mistakes.”

He says his that experience will help him this season.

“Right now, I just know [to] just go out there and play,” he continues. “The rest will take care of itself.”

After the team’s preseason game against Vancouver on September 29, head coach Todd McLellan indicated that he was impressed by the 23-year-old winger’s game.

“He used his speed to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates,” said McLellan of Wingels. “He showed us that he is a," the coach paused, searching for the right word—“utility-type player. He was able to go from one line to another and quickly adapt.”

Wingels believes he can be integral part of this team as they enter the season with a revamped roster looking to bring home the first Stanley Cup in franchise history.

“I’d like to play up here. I can help this team,” he says. “It doesn’t matter what line I’m on. I’m willing to do whatever role they want me to.”

Although Wingels makes it clear that he’s on the Sharks roster to win, he believes that the silver lining in losing is that a person’s true character is discovered. He likes what he’s learned about his teammates, many who endured elimination from the Western Conference Championship last year.

“The culture in here—they stress trust,” he says. “Trust as a team and trust as an individual.”

He believes this bond with his teammates will help him, especially as a player who may be switching linemates frequently.

“It doesn’t take too long to learn where they’re going to be,” he continues, “and they’ll learn where [I’m] going to be.”

Wingels probably will not lead the team in goals. He might not rack up assists or hip checks. He will not get extensive playing time immediately.

His impact cannot be measured in numbers.

“My game is based off hard work and that’s what makes it easy,” says Wingels. “If you go out there and work hard, you usually will have the success you want.”

A sigh emitted from deep within his body following the last sentence.

His expression said what he couldn’t put into words.

Tom Schreier is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. He covers baseball and hockey. All quotes were obtained first-hand.

Follow him on Twitter @tschreier3.