October 6, 2023
by Adam Wodon/Managing Editor (@CHN_AdamWodon)
(photo: William Miecuna)
Michigan
Head Coach: Brandon Naurato (2nd season)
2022-23 Record: 26-12-3
Changes: For the second straight year, Michigan lost a bevy of all-world talent to the pros. It didn’t hurt last year, as the Wolverines went to the Frozen Four for the second straight time, even amid a coaching change. This year, Adam Fantilli, Mackie Samoskevich, Erik Portillo and Luke Hughes depart, but this time, there isn’t a boatload of NHL first rounders coming in to take their place. Instead, the biggest additions are from the transfer portal, which will help make the team older. That includes defenseman Marshall Warren from BC, and goalie Jake Barczewski from Canisius. The Wolverines also got Tyler Duke from Ohio State, and St. Thomas’ top freshman a year ago, Josh Eernisse, the latter of which was a situation that contributed to a scuffle between St. Thomas assistant Leon Hayward and Michigan’s assistant Rob Rassey at the coach’s convention in Naples. Speaking of Rassey, he’s the only holdover on a staff that added two new assistants, as the team parted ways with alum Bill Muckalt.
Strengths: Depth. Of course, there’s talent all over, but with some major names leaving the program over the last two years, how deep the roster runs is even more impressive right now. Seamus Casey is the heir apparent to Owen Power and Luke Hughes on the backline. But he has Duke, Warren, Jacob Truscott and Steven Holtz. That’s a strong group, even without junior Ethan Edwards, who will miss the first half of the season while recovering from offseason surgery. Up front, in addition to those mentioned above, how abuot Rutger McGroarty, Frank Nazar and Gavin Brindley still being there, all high-end picks. There’s others waiting to step into bigger roles.
Weaknesses: Is there a real weakness? It’s hard to find one. The Wolverines did seem to get rattled last year against bigger, older Quinnipiac in the Frozen Four, but that was addressed in the offseason.
2023-24 Outlook: Noah West did fine in goal last year as Portillo’s No. 2. And with Barczewski joining, this won’t be as much of a weakness as some people think. The pair will be battling for the No. 1 job, or could split it all season. This team may not wow you as much as one with Adam Fantilli and Luke Hughes, but it will be…
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