The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/888498
NOVEMBER 2017 THE WOLVERINE 81 MICHIGAN HOCKEY excited the young guys get, and I'm ex- cited for them to see Yost in action. It's what we've trained for all summer." RECRUITING IS OFF TO HOT START UNDER PEARSON First-year head coach Mel Pearson has been busy on the recruiting trail this year, and his diligence has paid off with a few high-profile commitments. The class will be able to ink National Letters of Intent during the early sign- ing period, which runs Nov. 8-15. TheWolverine.com hockey analyst Bob Miller broke down each player headed to Michigan next season: D Bode Wilde (6-2, 188) — shoots right; plays for U.S. National U18 Team; committed to Pearson. Miller: "Previously a commit to Harvard, Wilde switched his com- mitment to Michigan earlier this fall. Wilde has size, skating ability, good transition skills and good leadership, and projects to be a difference maker at both ends of the ice as he matures. He's a sure-fire first round draft pick in next June's NHL Draft." D Mattias Samuelsson (6-4, 193) — shoots left; plays for U.S. National U18; committed to former head coach Red Berenson. Miller: "He's the son of 14-year NHL veteran Kjell Samuelsson, Mat- tias has forged a solid developmental career himself. Willing to play physi- cally if necessary, Samuelsson is a solid two-way talent likely to be se- lected at the bottom of the first round in next June's NHL Draft." D Jacob Semik (6-0, 170) — shoots left; plays for Dubuque (USHL); com- mitted to Berenson. Miller: "Strong academically, Semik is a veteran of international play for the U.S. in age group competition. Known for his offensive ability, puck movement and vision of the ice." F Philippe Lapointe (5-11, 193) — shoots right; plays for Lincoln (USHL); committed to Pearson. Miller: "One of Pearson's first com- mits, Lapointe is something of a late bloomer. He has a similar game to his father, former Detroit Red Wing and 16-year NHL veteran Martin Lapointe — he's a strong, hard player with an offensive game as well." F Calen Kiefiuk (5-10, 185) — shoots left; plays for Central Illinois (USHL); committed to Berenson. Miller: "A relentless forechecker and effort player while at the same time possessing great skill, Kiefiuk holds the promise of further breaking out offensively." F Jack Randl (5-11, 185) — shoots left; plays for Omaha (USHL); com- mitted to Berenson. Miller: "Randl combines skating speed with the ability to play strong on the puck. He's another vet of interna- tional play and a future captain type." D Jake Gingell (5-10, 196) — shoots left; plays for Youngstown (USHL); committed to Pearson. Miller: "Previously committed to Pearson at Michigan Tech, Gingell recently switched his commitment to Michigan. Uses his size effectively." D Keaton Pehrson (6-2, 190) — shoots right; plays for Tri City (USHL); committed to Pearson. Miller: "The former Minnesota high school standout is known for his skating ability." D Kenny Johnson (6-4, 235) — shoots left; plays for Penticton (BCHL); committed to Berenson. Miller: "He's the brother of former Michigan defensive standout and current Columbus Blue Jacket Jack Johnson, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2005 draft." F Gustaf Westlund (6-1, 171) — shoots left; plays for Lincoln (USHL); committed to Berenson. Miller: "The Swedish pivot has had a hot start to this season after originally being expected to join the Wolverines' class of 2017." ❏ Mel Pearson has added four 2018 com- mits already, including a pledge from defenseman Bode Wilde, who was ranked as the No. 10 overall prospect for the 2018 NHL Draft by TSN.ca expert Bob McKenzie. PHOTO COURTESY MICHIGAN ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS Hockey Rewind: Sept. 30-Oct. 19 Record: 1-1 Best Win — 3-1 over St. Lawrence: Michigan's lone victory came on the road in the season opener. A pair of power-play goals and four points from Wolverines mak- ing their debuts (goals from rookie Quinn Hughes and graduate transfer Alex Roos, plus assists from freshmen Jack Becker and Josh Norris) led the way on offense. Soph- omore goalie Jack LaFontaine started in net and allowed one goal on 24 shots faced. Quote: "We knew we were going to play tough teams, older teams, teams that were probably ranked ahead of us going on the road. So that presents its own chal- lenge in itself. We're not looking at the other teams as much. We're trying to focus more on our team and how we're playing and how we need to play. I think that's the biggest thing." — Michigan coach Mel Pearson on the team's first two games MVP — Senior forward Tony Calderone: Through two games, Calderone is tied for the team lead in goals (one), points (one) and is the leader in shots on goal (seven). It's obviously early, but Calderone has picked up where he left off for Michigan after scoring a team-high 15 goals last season. Freshman Impact — Defenseman Quinn Hughes: Forward Josh Norris would also be a good choice, but Hughes is one of three Wolverines to have scored a goal so far this season. Player To Watch — Sophomore forward Will Lockwood: A first-line player, Lockwood recorded an assist against St. Lawrence and is expected to take a big step forward this season after being named the team MVP as a rookie. Must-See Series — Oct. 27-28 at Penn State: The Nittany Lions won the Big Ten Tournament title last season and are currently ranked No. 11 in the nation. This will be a good measuring stick for Pearson and his team. — Andrew Vailliencourt