Nick Blankenburg

Classroom

Blankenburg is studying international studies at Michigan. He takes great pride in his school work and pushes himself each day in the classroom.

He was named a Big Ten Scholar-Athlete in each of his first three years, which is given to student-athletes who have marinated at least a 3.0 GPA.

Character

Blankenburg is a team captain for the Wolverines - a team that has seven underclassmen who were selected as first-round draft picks.

His is relied on by his teammates for leadership and guidance as it acclimates to the college level. Blankenburg was instrumental as an alternate captain last season when the season ended the same day the team was scheduled to play in the NCAA Regional Semifinals. His positive energy, encouragement, and thoughtfulness were unmatched during the difficult time and earned him the utmost respect amongst his teammates.

Blankenburg comes to the rink every day with a smile on his face. He is someone who always puts others before himself. Blankenburg is a person who never complains and pushes himself regardless of the situation he is in.

Community

Blankenburg has been heavily involved in the Ann Arbor community since arriving at Michigan.

Wanting to do something to help a local non-profit organization once the pandemic hit, Blankenburg coordinated and led a GoFundMe. The Wolverines were able to raise over $2,000 in COVID relief for the Ronald McDonald House of Ann Arbor. This organization provides a home-away-from-home for children and families who are dealing with a sick child.

Blankenburg consistently puts others in front of himself. He knew that his new new role as a team captain would give him the chance to have a tremendous impact on his community. Blankenburg recently reached out to Team IMPACT to coordinate an effort with the organization that pairs children with an illness with a collegiate sports program. He was able to orchestrate the addition of 16-year-old Kellen, who lives with cerebral palsy, to the team.

Blankenburg also volunteers at the Grace Bible Church, where he welcomes people in on Sundays with a smile on his face. In addition to volunteering at the church, he speaks to local high schoolers and shares his faith as he looks to be a role model to local kids in the community.

He has also volunteered at the Motts Children Hospital, where he visits children and their families. Blankenburg loves to serve others and leads each day with positivity and love.

Competition

Blankenburg enjoyed a stellar junior season, culminating in the second All-Big Ten Honorable Mention nod of his career. He was third in the Big Ten, and 10th nationally, with a +19 mark. Blankenburg also ranked sixth in the Big Ten in defenseman scoring with 13 points on five goals and eight assists.

He was equally as impressive as a sophomore, as he earned his first All-Big Ten Honorable Mention recognition. He was fourth on the Wolverines in scoring with 16 points in 35 games, in addition to blocking 43 shots.

In his freshman campaign, Blankenburg led the team in on-ice rating with a +10 while collecting 10 points in 34 games. He also blocked 30 shots while helping the team to an appearance in the Frozen Four.

Blankenburg has appeared in 95 games during his career at Michigan, recording 11 goals and 29 assists for 40 points.