Michigan Mens Hockey Roster: The 2018-2019 Season

Michigan Mens Hockey Roster: The 2018-2019 Season

Introducing the 2018-2019 Michigan Mens Hockey Roster

The following is the Michigan Mens Hockey Roster for the 2018-2019 season. This year’s team looks to be very strong, with many experienced returners and some very talented newcomers.

Forwards
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Defensemen
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Goalies
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Forwards

The Michigan men’s Hockey Team is set to have an exciting season with a deep and talented roster. The forwards are a big part of that, so let’s take a look at who will be leading the charge for the Wolverines this year.

Up first is freshman forward Owen Power who is sure to make an immediate impact. Power is a 6’5″, 225-pound winger who hails from Mississauga, Ontario. He was ranked as the #11 prospect in North America by NHL Central Scouting and is expected to be a key player for Michigan this season.

Joining Power on the forward line is another freshman, Josh Norris. Norris is a 6’2″, 192-pound center from Oxford, Michigan. He was ranked #20 by NHL Central Scouting and should be a key offensive player for the Wolverines.

Rounding out the group of forwards is sophomore Will Lockwood. Lockwood had a solid freshman season, tallying 9 goals and 15 assists in 36 games. He’s looked good in preseason play and should be one of Michigan’s top forwards this season.

Defensemen

-Nick Boka
-Quinn Hughes
-Luke Martin
-Joseph Cecconi
-Gavin Bayreuther
-Cole Fraser

Goaltenders

Michigan Mens Hockey team’s Goaltenders for the 2018-2019 season are:

– Hayden Lavigne
– Jack LaFontaine
– Luke Martin

Special teams

Short-handed goals and extra attack goals have been a staple of the University of Michigan Men’s Hockey Program since its inception. However, this season has been different. As of February 19th, the Wolverines have scored a league-worst two short-handed goals and have notched only six extra attack markers. In a season in which every goal matters, special teams have let Michigan down.

The Spartans, on the other hand, have been one of the best special teams unit in the country. They’ve scored 12 short-handed goals (tied for 1st in the NCAA), and their Power play is ranked 8th in the country, scoring at a 26.8% clip.

The new guys

This season, the Michigan Mens Hockey Team welcomes eight new freshmen to the lineup. These talented young men come from all over the country, and each one is sure to make an impact on the ice. Get to know the new guys below.

Forwards
Hayden Kotyk – A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Hayden comes to Ann Arbor with a impressive hockey resume. He played for the USA Hockey national team Development Program for two seasons, tallying 46 points in 60 games. Kotyk was also a member of Team USA at the 2018 U18 World Junior Championship where he helped his team bring home a silver medal.

Jack Becker – Jack comes to Michigan from Faribault, Minnesota. He spent last season playing for Sioux Falls in the USHL, where he racked up 30 points in 56 games. Jack is a big body at 6-3 and 201 pounds, and he is sure to be a force on the ice.

Jake Pivonka – Jake joins the Wolverines from Howell, Michigan. He spent last season playing for Notre Dame where he tallied 21 points in 40 games. Jake is a skilled forward who has a Great Hockey IQ.

Gus Judson – Gus hails from Andover, Massachusetts. He played for Choate Rosemary Hall last season, tallying 34 points in 28 games. Gus is a fast skater with good vision and an accurate shot.

Defensemen
Owen Gallatin – Owen comes to Ann Arbor from GRand Rapids Michigan. He spent last season playing for Grand Rapids Catholic Central High School where he served as captain and led his team to a state championship Owen is a talented defenseman with good size at 6-2 and 200 pounds.

Luke Martin – Luke joins the Wolverines from Stowe, Vermont via Kimball Union Academy. He tallied 24 points in 43 games last season en route to leading his team to the New England prep school Athletic Council (NEPSAC) Division 1 Championship game Luke is a smart defenseman who makes good decisions with the puck on his stick.

Nick Blankenburg – Nick comes to Michigan from Grand Rapids, Michigan via Forest Hills Northern high school He tallied 15 points in 25 games last season en route to leading his team to the state playoffs. Nick is an excellent skater with good hockey sense.

The old reliables

After a disappointing 2017-2018 season the Michigan men’s Hockey team is looking to rebound in a big way. The roster is loaded with talent, including several “old reliables” who have been key contributors to the team’s success in recent years Here’s a look at some of the players who will be counted on to lead the way this season:

Senior forward Tyler Motte is one of the most experienced and decorated players on the roster. He’s a two-time All-American and was named the Big Ten Player of the Year in 2016. Motte will be counted on to provide leadership and scoring punch for a team that is looking to return to the NCAA tournament

Senior defenseman Zach Werenski is another player with plenty of experience and success at the collegiate level. He was named a First Team All-American in 2016 and 2017 and was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award (given to college hockey’s top player) last season. Werenski will be leaned on heavily to provide stability on Michigan’s blue line

Junior goaltender Hayden Lavigne came up big for Michigan last season, posting a .924 save percentage in 32 games. He’ll need to be even better this year if the Wolverines want to make some noise in the NCAA Tournament

The fan favorites

Every season, there are a few players that fans can’t help but watch. These are the fan favorites.

The dark horses

The Michigan men’s hockey team is a perennial powerhouse, and this year is no different. The team is stacked with talent from top to bottom, and they will be looking to make a run at the National Championship

One of the keys to their success this season will be their defense. The blue line is anchored by senior captain Jake Slaker, who is aShutdown defender that can also contribute offensively. He will be joined by junior Luke Martin, who is a physical presence on the back end.

In addition to their strong defense, the Wolverines also have a potent offense. Junior forward Cooper Marody is one of the best playmakers in college hockey and he will be leading the charge up front. He will be joined by sophomore Quinn Hughes, who is an elite offensive defenseman.

The goaltending tandem of junior Hayden Lavigne and sophomore Corbin Boes will give Michigan a chance to win every night. Both goalies are capable of stealing games, and they will need to be at their best if the Wolverines want to win a National Championship

The Michigan Wolverines are a talented team that has all the pieces in place to make a run at the National Championship If they can put it all together, they could be hoisting the trophy at the end of the season.

The x-factors

The Michigan Mens hockey team will have a new look this season as they attempt to three-peat as Big Ten Champions. Head Coach Mel Pearson has brought in eight new recruits to complement the returners. While the freshmen will have an impact on special teams and depth, it will be the upperclassmen who will be counted on to provide leadership and production up front.

Forwards

Andrew Copp (Sr., Ann Arbor, Mich.) – The captain of the team, Copp is a four-year letterwinner and three-time academic All-Big Ten selection. He is coming off a career year in which he had 15 goals and 22 assists. He will be counted on to provide leadership both on and off the ice.

Alex Kile (Jr., Troy, Mich.) – Kile is one of Michigan’s top scoring threats. He led the team in goals (16) and points (34) last season. He has good size (6-1, 200 lbs) and isn’t afraid to use it, as evidenced by his 61 Penalty minutes last season. Look for him to build on his strong sophomore campaign.

Dylan Larkin (So., Waterford, Mich.) – Larkin had a stellar freshman season, leading Michigan in scoring with 47 points (15 goals, 32 assists). He was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year and was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award. The sky is the limit for Larkin, who should be one of the best players in college hockey this season.

JT Compher (Jr., Northbrook, Ill.) – Compher is another player who is coming off a career year. He had 14 goals and 31 assists last season while playing in all situations. He is an excellent two-way player and was rewarded with a spot on the USA Hockey World Junior Championship team this summer. Compher should be one of Michigan’s top forwards again this season.

Tyler Motte (So., St. Clair, Mich.) – Motte burst onto the scene as a freshman, scoring 27 goals and 19 assists en route to being named Big Ten Freshman of the Year and Second Team All-Big Ten Motte has good speed and knows how to find the back of the net. Expect him to build on his strong rookie campaign this season.