2006-07 Michigan Season Preview

Do you know what I like best about Red Berenson? No, not his winning ways, his impressive hockey pedigree, and his dapper looks. I like that Berenson finishes his sentences when he speaks. Jack Johnson lived up to expectations during his freshman campaign. Good news for Michigan: he’s back for more. “We had a lot … Read more

A Win-Win Situation

In a year when many elite players jumped early to the pros, Jack Johnson — Michigan’s immensely talented but sometimes controversial defenseman — has said no. Dave Starman sees nothing but good in his choice.

Michigan’s Berenson Signs Contract Extension

Michigan head coach Red Berenson has signed a three-year extension, athletic director Bill Martin announced Saturday during the Wolverines’ year-end banquet. “I didn’t want to lose him. It’s pretty simple,” Martin was quoted in the Ann Arbor (Mich.) News. “Great coach. Great team. Great assistant coaches. Red’s still got that fire, discipline and passion for … Read more

Michigan’s Johnson Rejects Hurricanes’ Offer

Much to the surprise of many Michigan hockey fans, freshman standout Jack Johnson will remain a Wolverine for the time being. Johnson declined an offer Tuesday from the Carolina Hurricanes that would have allowed him to play for the team during its Stanley Cup playoff run starting in April, his mother, Tina Johnson, said. Since … Read more

Michigan Facing Tough Test In Tourney Opener

One may be the loneliest number. But it sure beats zero. Since finishing a road sweep against Northern Michigan on Nov. 12., the Wolverines have not beaten a single quality opponent on the road. The team has played Tournament-bound Miami (two games), Nebraska-Omaha (two games) and Michigan State (one game) and amassed a 0-5-2 record … Read more

Michigan Players Maintain Must-win Mentality

Entering the CCHA playoffs as the three seed, the Michigan hockey team has something neither top-seeded Miami nor second-seeded Michigan State can lay claim to — the Mason Cup, the trophy awarded to the winner of the CCHA Tournament. And that is why, despite a rollercoaster season in which the Wolverines failed to produce a … Read more

Michigan’s Johnson Shines In First Playoff Series

This weekend, Michigan freshman defenseman Jack Johnson showed why he was the third pick overall in last year’s NHL Draft. Besides his physical gifts, Johnson’s ability to step up his game when it matters most has the Wolverines riding high heading into Joe Louis Arena for the CCHA Semifinals next weekend.

Goalie Situation Uncertain For Michigan

On Oct. 7, freshman Billy Sauer started in net for Michigan’s 3-1 season-opening win over Quinnipiac. Sauer also stood between the pipes when the Wolverines closed the season with a 4-3 overtime loss to Ferris State on Feb. 25. But despite opening and closing the regular season as the starting goalie, Sauer’s hold on the … Read more

First Of All

Michigan is 12-2-1 this season when it scores the first goal of the game — but it’s a different matter when the opposition gets out of the gate.

Upon Further Review…

A Friday no-goal in the game between Michigan and Michigan State illustrated the flaws in the CCHA’s well-intentioned review system, but Dave Starman has a solution.

2005-06 Michigan Season Preview

We cannot escape history. — Abraham Lincoln Talk about a change in the wind. Michigan captured just one first-place vote in this year’s CCHA preseason coaches’ poll, presumably only because Ohio State head coach John Markell couldn’t vote for his own team to give the Buckeyes the unanimous nod. Sure, OSU returns a killer team … Read more

Michigan’s Brown Signs With Vancouver

Mike Brown of Michigan has decided to give up the remaining two years of his collegiate eligibility to sign with the Vancouver Canucks. “I thought it was my opportunity and the right time for me to have the chance to go, Brown told Antoine Pitts of the Ann Arbor News. “I just want to show … Read more

Michigan Loses Tambellini To Kings

Jeff Tambellini will give up his senior season at Michigan to sign a professional contract with the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings. “It’s a sad part of the game when money takes over and diverts top players before they can finish school,” said coach Red Berenson. “It has been Jeff Tambellini’s dream to play at the … Read more

Montoya Leaves Michigan, Signs With Rangers

The return of the National Hockey League cost Michigan its number-one goaltender Wednesday, as senior-to-be Al Montoya opted to leave school and sign a contract with the New York Rangers. “Al is one of the top goaltending prospects in hockey and we are extremely pleased to have signed him,” said Rangers general manager Glen Sather. … Read more

Final Piece In The Puzzle

No. 4 Michigan’s seniors class of 10 has now won three CCHA Super Six championships to go with their three regular-season CCHA titles and two Frozen Four appearances. But there is one thing missing from their collective mantle: a national championship. “[The NCAA championship] has been elusive to us,” senior captain Eric Nystrom said. “We’ve … Read more

Back On The Big Stage

It’s easy to get overlooked on a team that has eight 10-goal scorers, but there is one place Michigan’s Brandon Kaleniecki seems to score big goals to distinguish himself: Joe Louis Arena. “Growing up, I always wanted to play here,” Kaleniecki said of the Joe. “I’m from [nearby] Livonia, so I know I’ve watched so … Read more

Tarkki Named CCHA POTY; Kemp is Top Coach

Northern Michigan senior goaltender Tuomas Tarkki became the first Wildcat in 24 years to be named the CCHA Player of the Year. Eight individual honors were awarded Wednesday at Detroit’s historic Fox Theatre, including six determined by a vote of the league’s 12 coaches. NMU’s Tuomas Tarkki became the first European to win CCHA Player … Read more