The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/666058
wins the starting job, could go on and have a terrific season. "That's the thing about college hockey — we can sit here and talk numbers, but you never know what's inside a guy." Motte scoffs at the idea that Michi‑ gan ever took a significant step back and ever will, believing with the coaching staff in place and the history of success, that regardless of which players leave, the hockey program will continue to thrive. "It's always been a powerhouse, al‑ ways been a program recruits want to come and play for," he said. "I wouldn't say Michigan hockey was ever gone, but it's a good confidence booster for the young guys to be back in the NCAA Tournament, especially early on in their careers." It will likely be a few more weeks before the complete roster for 2016‑17 is known — and Berenson pointed out that the staff can never count on certainty until the new school year begins — but it would be wise for Michigan hockey fans to make peace with who will wear the winged hel‑ met and who will not. ❏ Junior center J.T. Compher had not announced whether he will return for his final year of eligibility as of April 11, but Michigan hockey is in a better place than when he first arrived after breaking their three-year drought from the NCAA Tournament this season. PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL