The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/575020
HOCKEY PREVIEW "I think he can play well with [se‑ nior] Justin Selman. They are the best of friends and sometimes that off‑ice chemistry carries over to the ice. We have high expectations for Justin, too, and because he's a senior he should compete with that same sense of urgency we expect to see in Boo's shifts." Even with the losses of Hyman, Larkin and Copp, Michigan re‑ turns three skaters that scored 10 or more goals last season, two more in Nieves and junior Tyler Motte that should eclipse double digits, and welcome a heralded freshman class of forwards. Thus, the scoring burden will not fall on Nieves alone, but he can be a difference‑maker for the Maize and Blue if he follows in Hyman's footsteps. "I said this to Justin: the summer flew by but I didn't mind because this is the most excited I've ever been for a hockey season," Nieves said. "We're seniors, and we're ready to leave our mark and get back into the NCAA Tournament. And I'm ready, personally, to have my best season at Michigan." ❏ 1 Steve Racine, G 6-3 190 Sr. Begins the year as the No. 1 netminder, but is still looking to put together a consistent season from start to finish. 3 Joseph Cecconi, D 6-2 205 Fr. Will compete to occupy a role as Michigan's fifth or sixth defenseman. No. Name, Pos. Ht. Wt. Elig. 4 Cutler Martin, D 6-0 208 So. Should be a top four defenseman after a strong finish to his rookie campaign. 5 Michael Downing, D 6-2 200 Jr. The most experienced defender on the team, Downing should be an anchor on the blue line for the Wolverines. 6 Sam Piazza, D 5-11 202 So. Due to a bev y of defensemen, Piazza could move to forward to add depth at that position. 7 JT Compher, F 5-11 193 Jr. Michigan's captain, Compher should flirt with a 20-goal, 50-point season. 10 Justin Selman, F 6-0 198 Sr. Coaches are confident Selman's 11-goal ju- nior year can be improved upon in 2015-16. 11 Brendan Warren, F 6-1 191 Fr. An underrated member of the freshman class, Warren should be a winger on the top three lines. 12 Boo Nieves, F 6-3 200 Sr. Capable of leading the team in scoring, it's a boom or bust season for Nieves. 13 Zach Werenski, D 6-2 214 So. The team's most complete defenseman, he could supplant Compher as Michigan's best player overall. 14 Tyler Motte, F 5-9 193 Jr. Skilled two-way forward will look to trans- late his hockey IQ into a more productive season offensively. 15 Evan Allen, F 5-11 184 Jr. An enigma, Allen has a lot to prove after a pair of underwhelming seasons. 2015-16 Michigan Ice Hockey Roster No. Name, Pos. Ht. Wt. Elig. No. Name, Pos. Ht. Wt. Elig.