The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/666058
BY MICHAEL SPATH C arrying the equipment bag of junior forward Alex Kile out to the team bus fol‑ lowing the Wolverines' 5‑2 loss to North Dakota in an NCAA Midwest Regional final March 26, head coach Red Berenson painted a perfect portrait for what could have been his last season behind the Mich‑ igan bench. Instead, Berenson announced April 3 that he would return for a 33rd year coaching his alma mater, putting to rest one of the biggest off‑ season questions facing the Maize and Blue. Unfortunately, Berenson has been the only one opting for another sea‑ son in Ann Arbor. U‑M has already said goodbye to junior defenseman Michael Downing, sophomore de‑ fenseman Zach Werenski, junior right wing Tyler Motte and fresh‑ man left wing Kyle Connor, after he became the fourth to announce his departure April 11. Junior center J.T. Compher is also expected to sign an NHL contract. The five early exits would represent the most for the U‑M program in the past 25 years. "You do everything you can for the team and the university when you're here, and now it's the offseason and it's time for guys to be a little selfish, and rightfully so," said Motte, who signed with the Chicago Blackhawks April 6 after a career‑high 32‑goal, 56‑point campaign. "Guys have to do what's best for them and best for their careers." Michigan had been anticipating Werenski's departure — getting two years out of the 2015 No. 8 overall NHL Draft pick was always consid‑ ered the best‑case scenario — Con‑ nor had little left to prove after lead‑ The Good & THE BAD Michigan Hockey's Return To The NCAA Tournament Muted Some By Early Departures, With More Likely On The Way