Michael played three seasons in QMJHL’s Hull Olympiques capturing All-Rookie Honours in 1997-98 and team Top Scorer honours in 1998-99. He was also a bronze medalist with Canada’s World Junior Team in 2000. In his three years with the Olympiques, Michael tallied 257 points (128-129-257) before making his professional debut in 2000-01.

Drafted in the 8th round and 216 overall by the Montreal Canadiens in 1998, Michael had wondered if he had any real shot at playing in the NHL, particularly after being relegated not to the AHL, but to the ECHL, virtually the lowest point a recruit can go once they leave the junior ranks. Shuttling back and forth for the next two seasons between Quebec, the then AHL affiliate of the Canadiens, and the ECHL, the dream of pulling on a NHL jersey must have seemed quite distant.

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