Bennett tabbed to wear 'C' for Wolverines

Michigan Press Release

Michigan recently announced that senior-to-be defenseman Mac Bennett was selected captain for the 2013-14 Wolverines, while senior-to-be forward Derek DeBlois and sophomore-to-be forward Andrew Copp were named alternate captains by a vote of their teammates.

Bennett, an alternate captain on this past season's U-M team, will be the 84th captain in the history of the Wolverine hockey squad.

 "If you want a player who can move the puck out of your zone quickly, he's the guy," said Michigan coach Red Berenson. "When he first arrived here, he wasn't in the lineup for every game, but he worked hard. He's putting in extra hours watching video and spending time on the ice. He's one of those kids who takes advantage of being able to play college hockey - he gets it."

From his blue line position this past season, Bennett produced 18 points (6g, 12a), good for 10th place on the team, while playing only 32 of 40 games for U-M. In his 140 career games, he has accumulated 51 points (12g, 39a).

A sprained knee against Bowling Green on Jan. 8 sidelined Bennett for one month. He was not able to get back into the lineup until Feb. 8 at Notre Dame. During that weekend series, he recorded one goal and one assist. Upon his return, the Wolverines finished the season with an 8-3-1 record. Bennett was one of four U-M players who received a CCHA weekly honor during the season. He was named CCHA Defenseman of the Week for the week ending Nov. 4 after earning four points in two games at Northern Michigan. He had two points (1g, 1a) on Friday and tallied two points (1g, 1a) again during the Saturday game.

DeBlois was ninth on the team in scoring with 20 points (11g, 9a) and led the team in shorthanded goals with three, while Copp was seventh in scoring with 21 points (11g, 10a) and second in shorthanded goals behind DeBlois with two.

Both DeBlois and Copp ended the season with plus-4 plus-minus ratings, good for a second-place tie in that team category.

Photo/UM Photo Services

Berenson to stay at Michigan through 2015-16 season

Michigan Press Release 

The University of Michigan and head coach Red Berenson have agreed to a three-year contract extension that will keep him at Michigan through the 2015-16 campaign.

"I'm pleased that the administration and the program are looking ahead," said Berenson. "I'm excited about the opportunity to remain at Michigan, especially with the current Yost renovations, the move to the Big Ten and for our incoming recruits. We have a great staff here and I'm looking forward to the next few years at Michigan."

Berenson has led the Michigan ice hockey program since 1984, winning two national titles (1996, 1998) along the way. He has guided the Wolverines to a record 22 consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances and has reached the Frozen Four on 11 occasions. Berenson is a two-time CCHA coach of the year (1994, 2008) and earned national coach of the year honors in 2008.

“Red is an icon in the sport and the one of the most recognizable names in college hockey,” said Michigan AD Dave Brandon. “We are glad that he agreed to continue leading our hockey program for the foreseeable future. Red’s dedication to Michigan and our program is a major reason for our success. I’m excited that he will continue molding the lives of the young men who skate for Michigan.”

Berenson has earned a 752-352-77 record in 28 years at the helm, along with 11 CCHA regular-season titles and nine CCHA tournament crowns. He currently ranks fifth on the NCAA hockey all-time wins list and collected his 750th victory with a 3-1 victory over Notre Dame in the CCHA quarterfinals on March 10, 2012.

Berenson played three seasons at Michigan from 1959-1962, where he was a two-time All-American (1961, 1962) and served one year as team captain (1962). He holds a bachelor's degree (1962) and a master's degree in business administration (1966) from U-M.

Following his collegiate career, Berenson played 17 seasons in the National Hockey League from 1962-1978, appearing in 987 games with the Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers, St. Louis Blues and Detroit Red Wings. He retired in 1978 and served in various NHL coaching capacities before winning the Jack Adams Award (NHL Coach of the Year) with St. Louis in 1981.

Photo by Matt Mackinder/MiCHO

Berenson comments on Jon Merrill

Michigan Press Release

University of Michigan head coach Red Berenson issued the following statement today regarding the status of sophomore defenseman Jon Merrill:

“Jon has been reinstated to participate in team activities beginning today. He will resume practice with the team, but remains suspended from game action indefinitely.”

Per team policy, Merrill will be unavailable for comment during his suspension, incurred last month for a violation of team rules.

Michigan splits with Nebraska-Omaha

By Bob Miller/Michigan Beat Writer

Score first and score early.

That's the lesson Michigan learned from their weekend two-game series with Nebraska-Omaha as the first goal was the key each night.

Nebraska-Omaha jumped on top early on Friday night and coasted to a 4-2 win.

Michigan struck first on Saturday and steadily added to their lead, picking up the 6-1 decision.

David Wohlberg's goal eight seconds into the game on Saturday was the fastest game-opening goal for a Michigan player since the NCAA started their record keeping, four seconds faster than the previous record of 12 seconds set by Mike Knuble in 1994.

Scooter Vaughan added two goals of his own in the Saturday night win for the Wolverines.

Bryan Hogan turned aside all but one of UNO's 36 shots, allowing Michigan to build their lead.

"We had more energy, more push and we had more conviction," said Michigan head coach Red Berenson, comparing the Saturday effort to the team's disappointing Friday night loss. "It's tough to sweep any team in their own building including us, but our team had to make a better commitment to the game and I thought we did. We played with more passion, more energy, we worked harder and we got more puck luck. Last night, they may have gotten the puck luck.

"Tonight, you saw Wohlberg's puck go in, you saw two on Scooter Vaughan's goals - you can't say they were great goals or earned goals, but tonight they were going in. Last night, they weren't going in and when you work harder, you get luckier."

Michigan squares off for a home-and-home pair with CCHA rival Ferris State this coming weekend.

Michigan battles UNH to 3-3 tie Saturday

By Bob Miller/Michigan Beat Writer

Michigan took the lead three times from host New Hampshire Saturday night, but each time the Wildcats struck back to knot the score, producing a 3-3 overtime standoff in an early season match up of highly-ranked squads.

Third-ranked Michigan received power play goals from Scooter Vaughan, Chris Brown and Brandon Burlon in the effort against ninth-ranked New Hampshire, but the play of Shawn Hunwick in goal was the telling story for the Wolverines.

Hunwick made 45 saves in the contest, eight alone in the overtime period, to salvage the tie for Michigan.

“I thought, Hunwick, our goalie, kept us in the game,” said Michigan head coach Red Berenson. “It was a game of special teams, obviously. There were times our team played well, but New Hampshire is a really good team. These are the kind of teams you hope you get to play later this year.”

On his performance, Hunwick said, “I definitely am confident I can backstop the team to some wins on the road in a hostile environment. I want to be a calming influence on the boys back there so that they know I'm going to be able to do the job.”

“The boys” were happy to have Hunwick “back there."

“We're happy we had Hunwick in net today,” said Wolverine captain Carl Hagelin. “He really saved us. I don't know how many stops he had, but enough to keep us in the game.”

The Wolverines return home next weekend to face former CCHA foes Nebraska-Omaha in a pair of non-conference games. Nebraska-Omaha travels to Ann Arbor fresh off a road sweep of 13th-ranked WCHA foe Minnesota.

Mercyhurst roars back to tie Michigan

By Bob Miller/Michigan Beat Writer

The perfect scenario for Michigan's 2010-2011 opener was set in place.

The Wolverines had methodically built a four-goal lead over the first half of the game at Yost Ice Arena against Mercyhurst on goals from Louie Caporusso, Scooter Vaughan, Greg Pateryn and a short-handed effort from Matt Rust.

Head coach Red Berenson was about to record his 700th career coaching victory.

Netminder Shawn Hunwick had blanked Mercyhurst, continuing his run of goaltending success stretching back to the Wolverines successful playoff effort from 2009-2010.

Mercyhurst managed to score their first goal late in the second period to inch a little closer, but the outcome didn't seem to be in doubt as the middle stanza came to a close.

Methodically, though, Mercyhurst added three more third period goals, increasing their momentum with each tally to tie the opener for both teams, 4-4. Five minutes of overtime couldn't decide a winner.

The two teams played an exhibition shootout which Mercyhurst won with their fifth shooter, but each team will be officially credited with tie.

“You shouldn't lose or tie a game when you have a 4-1 lead in the third period at home,” said Berenson of the disappointing result. “We couldn't bury it and then once they got a goal, they got some life and they took advantage. They were very opportunistic and it cost us the win.”

“Especially early on in the season, I think we got too content with where we were,” said senior alternate captain Rust. “The sign of a good team is not to let the waterfall effect happen.”

Michigan did allow the comeback, though, and the squad will have a full week of practice to think about just that and prepare to try to win number 700 for Berenson at a two-game series they have scheduled against Bowling Green next Friday and Saturday.

Michigan Wolverines Season Preview

By Bob Miller/Michigan Beat Writer

MICHIGAN WOLVERINES

Head Coach: Red Berenson (26th season)

Home Arena: Yost Ice Arena (6,637)

Last Season: 26-18-1 overall, 14-13-1 CCHA, CCHA tourney winners, lost to Miami in the NCAA Regional final

Wolverine returnees:
Goaltenders: Seniors Bryan Hogan and Shawn Hunwick
Defensemen: Seniors Chad Langlais and Tristin Llewellyn, juniors Greg Pateryn and Brandon Burlon, and sophomore Lee Moffie
Forwards: Seniors Scooter Vaughan, Carl Hagelin, Ben Winnett, Matt Rust, and Louie Caporusso, juniors Luke Glendening and David Wohlberg, and sophomores Chris Brown, Kevin Lynch, A.J. Treais, Jeff Rohrkemper and Lindsay Sparks

Wolverines no more:
Goaltender: Patrick Summers
Defensemen: Eric Elmblad, Steve Kampfer and Chris Summers
Forwards: Anthony Ciraulo and Brian Lebler

New Wolverines:
Goaltender: Adam Janecyk
Defensemen: Kevin Clare, Jon Merrill and Mac Bennett
Forwards: Jacob Fallon, Luke Moffatt and Derek Deblois

NHL Draft Picks: 13 (Pateryn, Burlon, Moffatt, Brown, Lynch, Hagelin, Moffie, Winnett, Rust, Merrill, Wohlberg, Caporusso and Bennett)

Outlook: Head coach Red Berenson has been pointing toward the 2010-2011 season for quite some time.

His Wolverines sport a large group of talented and experienced seniors, a highly talented group of incoming freshman and the chance to set hockey attendance history with The Big Chill at The Big House, a scheduled matchup with rival Michigan State at legendary Michigan Stadium in December.

The only potential fly in the ointment is the same one that has dogged Michigan for several seasons now: goaltending.

Netminder Shawn Hunwick stepped up from his almost-never-used backup role to replace injured Bryan Hogan and led the inconsistent Wolverines to a CCHA tournament championship and nearly a berth in the Frozen Four. Only a crushing second overtime loss to Miami in the NCAA Regional final prevented the Wolverines from extending the storybook ending to their season.

Hogan will return healthy to battle Hunwick for goaltending minutes, while senior forwards Carl Hagelin, Matt Rust and Louie Caporusso will supply the offensive firepower.

Talented freshmen will supplement the strong core that the Wolverines already possess.

Defensemen Jon Merrill, Mac Bennett and Kevin Clare, and forward Luke Moffatt all arrive in Ann Arbor with established quality reputations.

Berenson, his staff and all Wolverine followers know that nothing less than a trip deep into March and April's playoffs will be acceptable.

Michigan alumni game goes August 6

Michigan Press Release

The University of Michigan's annual Summer Hockey Showcase has been scheduled for Friday, Aug. 6, at Yost Ice Arena.

A single game featuring alumni spread over five decades will be played. Doors open at 6 p.m. and faceoff will occur at 6:30 p.m. Admission will be free to all fans.

The 2010 Summer Hockey Showcase is sponsored by The University of Michigan Credit Union, The Brown Jug, The Original Cottage Inn, Dekers Blue Line Club, Towne Automotive Group, Joe Lunghamer Chevrolet, The Rounick Family, The Grant Family, Ann Holmes & Sue Wickett and Don Krussman.

As of Friday, July 23, the roster includes:

Red Berenson (1962)

Bubba Berenzweig (1999)

Anthony Ciraulo (2010)

Andrew Cogliano (2009)

Tim Cook (2007)

Andrew Ebbett (2006)

Danny Fardig (2009)

David Harlock (1993)

Bobby Hayes (1999)

Al Hinnegan (1962)

David Huntzicker (2001)

Matt Hunwick (2007)

Jack Johnson (2009)

Steve Kampfer (2010)

Jim Keough (1969)

Mike Knuble (1995)

Bruce Koviak (1968)

Don Krussman (1983)

Brian Lebler (2010)

Dan Lerg (1980)

Kip Maurer (1978)

Mark Mitera (2009)

David Moss (2005)

Brandon Naurato (2009)

Rob Palmer (1977)

Tom Pendlebury (1963)

Kevin Porter (2008)

Sean Ritchlin (1999)

Alex Roberts (1990)

Mike Roemensky (2003)

Dale Rominski (1999)

Billy Sauer (2009)

Ted Speers (1983)

Dan Stiver (1993)

Mike Stone (1994)

Chris Summers (2010)

Travis Turnbull (2009)

Camil Banciu and Eric Hall will also be part of this event.

Berenson signs extension through '12-13

Michigan Press Release

University of Michigan head coach Red Berenson has accepted a three-year contract offer from athletic director Dave Brandon to direct the U-M program through the 2012-13 season.

Berenson, who played for U-M from 1960-62, has been the head coach at his alma mater for the past 26 seasons.

"We've been doing a one-year contract of late and it seems like we're spending a lot of time talking about when I'm going to retire," Berenson said. "I think we can put that to bed for awhile and just focus on what we're doing. The situation at Michigan is a little clearer in terms of recruitment or leadership of the program or what my future is. It's pretty simple. I've thought about it a lot. I definitely was thinking about leaving earlier but my passion has really been with this team and these players. They're making a commitment to the program and I want my commitment to be clear as well."

Berenson also announced the Wolverines' schedule for the upcoming 2010-11 season, which is highlighted by "The Big Chill at the Big House presented by Arby's" that will be played on Dec. 11 at Michigan Stadium.

Berenson has led U-M to an NCAA-record 20 consecutive national tournament appearances, earning national titles in 1996 and 1998. His career winning percentage of .669 (670-328-69) is second in the country among active coaches. He has averaged more than 26 wins per season, reaching the 30-win plateau on 11 occasions.

Berenson's 699 victories are sixth-best on the collegiate hockey all-time wins list; he is 45 wins from assuming sole possession of fifth place.

U-M has collected 10 Central Collegiate Hockey Association regular-season championships and nine CCHA Tournament titles with Berenson at the helm, all within the last 19 completed seasons. In 1994, he was the CCHA Coach of the Year, while in 2008 he earned CCHA and National Coach of the Year recognition.For his outstanding service to hockey in the United States, the National Hockey League honored Berenson with the Lester Patrick Award in the fall of 2006.

During his collegiate career at, Berenson was a captain (1962) and two-time All-American (1961, 1962). He holds a bachelor's degree (1962) and a master's degree (1966) in business administration from U-M.

Berenson played 17 seasons (1962-78) in the NHL with the Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers, St. Louis Blues and Detroit Red Wings. After serving as an assistant coach for St. Louis for one and a half seasons, he took over the Blues' head coaching duties for three seasons (1980-82), earning NHL Coach of the Year honors in 1981.

Berenson is a native of Regina, Saskatchewan. He and his wife, Joy, have four children.

Photo courtesy UM Photo Services

Wolverines sweep Lakers in the Sault

By Tom Balog/LSSU Beat Writer

The Lake Superior State Lakers (4-4-0, 1-3-0 CCHA) saw their losing streak stretch to three-games as the No. 5-ranked Michigan Wolverines came in to Taffy Abel and won two straight contests.

Friday’s opener wasn’t much of a contest as the Maize and Blue dominated in a 5-1 victory.

Scooter Vaughn, Carl Hagelin, Louie Caporusso, and Matt Rust all scored to give the Wolverines an insurmountable 4-0 lead after 40 minutes of play.

Senior Brad Cooper (pictured) finally got the Lakers on the board at 2:42 of the third period when he pounded in a puck from the side of the goal. Cooper’s 5-on-3 power-play goal was his third of the season.

Luke Glendening added his first of the season late in the third to seal Michigan’s third win in four games.

Brian Mahoney-Wilson stopped 27 shots for LSSU and Bryan Hogan turned away 24 for U of M.

Saturday’s game started much closer before the Wolverines pulled away for a 6-3 win.

"It was a completely different game [from last night], obviously”, said Michigan head coach Red Berenson. “They were all over us the first period and we knew they'd come out hard. They had us on our heels and I thought Hogan kept us in the game in the first period. Fortunately, we got the goals back that they scored and we kept the game on an even keel.”

The two squads traded goals in the first, starting with LSSU’s leading scorer Chad Nehring scoring his fifth goal of the season just 1:52 into the game.

Michigan (4-2-0, 2-0-0 CCHA) countered with a Ben Winnett breakaway goal just 18 seconds later to tie the score at 1.

Fred Cassini posted the Lakers back to a one-goal lead at 5:41 with his second of the campaign.

That was the last lead the Lakers would enjoy as the Wolverines blitzed the Lakers with four straight goals by Chris Brown at 13:38 of the first, Rust at 18:32 of the first, Brown’s second on the power play at 13:42 of the third, and then Tristin Llewellyn's first of the season into an empty net at 17:53 of the third period.

Will Acton cut the Wolverines lead to 5-3 with an unassisted goal with 1:01 left on the clock.

Winnett added his second of the game at 19:50 to cap the win for Michigan.

Mahoney-Wilson stopped 30 shots for LSSU and Hogan turned away a season-best 35 blasts for Michigan.

LSSU will now begin a four-game road trip beginning with a pair of games against the Western Michigan Broncos in Kalamazoo next weekend.

Michigan will return to Yost to begin a showdown with top-ranked Miami on Nov. 6-7.

Photo courtesy of LSSU Athletics

Michigan's late rally spoiled by BU

By Matt Mackinder/Michigan Beat Writer

Michigan entered the third period trailing 2-0 last night at Boston University and tied the game before allowing a late goal and losing, 3-2.

Robbie Czarnik and Matt Rust scored four minutes apart in the third period for the Wolverines, now 2-2-0 on the season.

"I thought we skated harder (in the third period)," UM head coach Red Berenson said. "I thought we competed better. We moved the puck better. We played with a little more confidence with the puck. We were playing evened up more -- a lot of four-on-four and five-on-five hockey. It wasn't so much about special teams. I thought we started to carry the play."

Joe Pereira stole the puck from Michigan goalie Bryan Hogan and stuffed home a wraparound at the 17:29 mark of the third period and the defending national champion Terriers held on the rest of the way.

Hogan finished with 19 saves in a game marked by intense physical play.

"When you're playing a game like this, it's always going to be physical," Rust said. "I think from the drop of the puck until the end of the game, when you got the puck, you got ready to get hit. It definitely played a role. Our team needed to do more of it. I think we got out-hit early in the game, the first two periods in particular. In the third period, we tried to play more physical and get the puck lower and we ended up getting more chances. I think that's a learning experience for us and we have to take that into our next series."

Michigan travels to Sault Ste. Marie next weekend to face Lake Superior State in CCHA action. Faceoff for both games is set for 7:05 p.m.

Wolverines squeak by Niagara Thursday

By Matt Mackinder/Michigan Beat Writer

It wasn't easy, but Michigan held on for a 3-2 win over a game Niagara squad Thursday night at Yost Ice Arena in the Wolverines' home opener.

Michigan built a 3-0 lead by the 11:38 mark of the first period on power-play goals by A.J. Treais (1:47) and Carl Hagelin (3:28) and then an even-strength tally from Robbie Czarnik. Treais' tally was the freshman's first NCAA goal.

Bryan Hogan made 32 saves for the win and said afterwards that seeing a lot of rubber kept him in the game.

"We haven't played in two weeks," Hogan said. "Every game I might fight it at the beginning, but that happens and these guys bail me out. You just have to play like it's a 0-0 game and not worry about the score."

The Purple Eagles got on the board late in the first period on a goal from captain Ryan Olidis and then Paul Zanette scored in the final minute of the second period, but NU could not find the equalizer in the third.

Adam Avramenko finished with 30 stops for Niagara.

"We knew it would be a tough game even though we got off to what you might call a false start with those two power-play goals," Michigan head coach Red Berenson said. "You knew Niagara wasn't going to go away and they didn't and they stayed in the game. They had pressure on us all night. As a coach, I'm not happy. I think our team has to play better than that. Certainly we knew we might be a little rusty, but we just didn't get better as the game went on."

Michigan (2-1-0) travels to defending NCAA champion Boston University on Saturday night.

"I think we'll play a lot better in our next game, I really do," said Berenson. "I think that this game was a measurement of where we are. We all know we can play better. I think that we needed this game. We can practice so long, but it's so much different and quicker and more physical in a game. I think this will help us in Saturday's game."

Treais photo courtesy UM Photo Services

Michigan gets split at Kendall Classic

By Matt Mackinder/Michigan Beat Writer

The Michigan Wolverines journeyed to Alaska for two games last weekend with the two Alaskan universities and came away with a deflating loss and a dominant win at the Kendall Hockey Classic.

Michigan's season opener Friday night with the Alaska Nanooks saw the Wolverines get blanked in a 2-0 shutout, even though they outshot Alaska, 23-13.

"We just had isolated rushes," UM head coach Red Berenson said. "I thought Carl (Hagelin) was our most dangerous player, but we didn't get a lot of sustained pressure. The first half of the first period and part of the second period I thought we carried the play, but then we got behind and couldn't catch up. We needed that equalizing goal and we couldn't get it."

Bryan Hogan made 11 saves for Michigan.

The Wolverines rebounded Saturday night with a 6-1 drubbing of Alaska-Anchorage.

Freshman Chris Brown tallied two goals and an assist, Matt Rust had a goal and two assists, and Hagelin had one goal and one assist. Brian Lebler and Ben Winnett also scored to back Hogan's 15-save outing.

"I thought we played with a lot more bite," Berenson said. "We played more physical. I thought we played harder on the puck. When you do that you get your breaks. Last night, we couldn't score. We really weren't paying the price to score. We had some isolated chances, but we were a different team tonight."

"Guys were taking care of their responsibilities and doing what they were supposed to do," added UM senior captain Chris Summers, a member of the all-tournament team with Rust. "That makes a huge difference when you have a guy on any given line that can go out there and give it their all and get back off the ice and wait for their turn again. We had quick shifts. We definitely shortened up our shifts and tightened up in the defensive zone, so I think it paid off."

The Wolverines (1-1-0) are off next weekend before hosting Niagara for the Yost Ice Arena opener on Thursday, Oct. 22.

Michigan Wolverines Season Preview

By Matt Mackinder/Michigan Beat Writer

MICHIGAN WOLVERINES

Head coach: Red Berenson (26th season)

Home arena: Yost Ice Arena (6,637)

Last season: 29-12-0 overall, 20-8-0 CCHA (T-2nd), lost in CCHA finals to Notre Dame, lost in NCAA regionals to Air Force

Returning for the Wolverines:
Goaltenders: JR Bryan Hogan, JR Shawn Hunwick
Forwards: JR Louie Caporusso, SR Anthony Ciraulo, SO Robbie Czarnik, SO Luke Glendening, JR Carl Hagelin, SR Brian Lebler, JR Matt Rust, JR Scooter Vaughan (played defense last year), JR Ben Winnett, SO David Wohlberg
Defensemen: SO Brandon Burlon, SR Eric Elmblad, SR Steve Kampfer, JR Chad Langlais, JR Tristin Llewellyn, SO Greg Pateryn, SR Chris Summers (captain)

No longer sporting the Maize & Blue:
Goaltender: Billy Sauer
Forwards: Danny Fardig, Tim Miller, Brandon Naurato, Aaron Palushaj (signed with St. Louis), Travis Turnbull (signed with Buffalo organization)
Defenseman: Mark Mitera (signed with Anaheim)

New to the Wolverines:
Goaltender: Patrick Summers (Lincoln-Milan HS)
Forwards: Chris Brown (U.S. NTDP), Kevin Lynch (U.S. NTDP), Jeff Rohrkemper (Sioux Falls, USHL), Lindsay Sparks (Oakville, OJHL), A.J. Treais (U.S. NTDP)
Defenseman: Lee Moffie (Waterloo, USHL)

NHL draft picks: 12 (Pateryn, Summers, Kampfer, Burlon, Brown, Lynch, Hagelin, Winnett, Rust, Wohlberg, Czarnik, Caporusso)

Outlook: Michigan cruised through the regular season in 2008-09, but lost their last two games of the season – the CCHA finals and their first game of the NCAA tournament.

The good thing is the Wolverines didn’t graduate a ton of firepower and lost just one underclassman in Aaron Palushaj, who signed with St. Louis.

Michigan head coach Red Berenson is banking on junior goalie Bryan Hogan and junior forward Louie Caporusso to give the Wolverines a chance to win each and every night.

“We brought Bryan Hogan here to be a No. 1 goalie,” Berenson said. “I think he had a lot of growth last year and gained a lot of confidence and experience. He got a feel for college hockey when he played in the CCHA playoffs and in the NCAA tournament.

“I think (Caporusso) has a knack for scoring. He just needs to focus on being a solid two-way player and take advantage of his offensive chances. He will do what it takes to have a great year this year.”

Michigan will also be in the national spotlight when it will play Wisconsin outdoors at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis., on Feb. 6, 2010 in a game that is already sold-out and being hyped heavily.

“I think any time D-I can play an outdoor hockey game in a big stadium it is great for the game and certainly great for the participants,” Berenson said. “We were fortunate enough to play in the game at Spartan Stadium in 2001 and that was a tremendous experience and a tremendous success. I am looking forward to it, being an outdoor ice person. It’s what I grew up playing on.”

The Wolverines open the regular season this Friday in Anchorage, Ak., at the Kendall Hockey Classic, and then start their home schedule on Thurs. Oct. 22 against Niagara University from the last-year CHA.

Berenson to return to UM in '09-10

Compiled by MiCHO Staff

The University of Michigan announced today that head coach Red Berenson has agreed to a rolling one-year contract extension to lead the Wolverines through the 2009-10 season.

The contract takes effect on Sept. 1, 2009. Berenson, who played for UM from 1960-62, has been the head coach at his alma mater for the past 25 seasons.

"Red Berenson is truly a legendary figure as a player and a coach here at Michigan," UM athletic director Bill Martin said. "I am exceptionally happy that Red has agreed to extend his contract."

Berenson has led UM to an NCAA-record 18 consecutive national tournament appearances, earning national titles in 1996 and 1998. His career winning percentage of .673 (670-308-68) is second in the country among active coaches. Berenson's 670 victories are seventh-best on the collegiate hockey all-time wins list and he is 20 wins from assuming sole possession of sixth place.

UM has collected 10 CCHA regular-season championships and eight CCHA tournament titles with Berenson at the helm, all within the last 18 completed seasons. In 1994, he was the CCHA Coach of the Year, while in 2008 he earned CCHA and National Coach of the Year recognition.

For his outstanding service to hockey in the United States, the National Hockey League honored Berenson with the Lester Patrick Award in the fall of 2006.

During his collegiate career at Michigan, Berenson was a captain (1962) and two-time All-American (1961, 1962). He holds a bachelor's degree (1962) and a master's degree (1966) in business administration from UM.

Berenson played 17 seasons (1962-78) in the NHL with the Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers, St. Louis Blues and Detroit Red Wings. After serving as an assistant coach for St. Louis for one and a half seasons, he took over the Blues' head coaching duties for three seasons (1980-82), earning NHL Coach of the Year honors in 1981.

Berenson is a native of Regina, Saskatchewan. He and his wife, Joy, have four children.

Financial details of the contract will be released later.

Photo courtesy UM Photo Services

Mitera returns, Michigan sweeps FSU

By Matt Mackinder/Michigan Beat Writer

After missing 33 games with a knee injury, Michigan captain Mark Mitera returned this weekend and helped the Wolverines sweep Ferris State.

No. 3 UM topped the Bulldogs, 6-1, Friday night in Big Rapids and then shut out Ferris State, 4-0, last night in Ann Arbor.

"I guess it was a great feeling," said Mitera, who scored a goal and added an assist in Saturday's win. "I didn't have a great goal. I just kind of threw it in the net. But I wasn't really expecting that. I think all the seniors played really well tonight, so give them all credit. It is a great feeling after the game to be able to pull it out, especially as one of our last games at Yost, so it was definitely something special."

By finishing second in the CCHA standings, Michigan (26-10-0, 20-8-0-0 CCHA) nwill get a first-round bye next week and next play in a quarterfinal series at Yost Ice Arena on March 13-15 against a to-be-determined opponent.

Brian Lebler scored twice in the Wolverines' win Friday night and Louie Caporusso, Tim Miller, Carl Hagelin and Matt Rust added single tallies to back Bryan Hogan's 22-save performance.

Hagelin, Steve Kampfer and Travis Turnbull each added two assists.

"We knew the first period would be important," Michigan head coach Red Berenson said. "To score the first goal and take the lead again and have a two-goal lead after one period was huge. I thought our penalty killing held up and (FSU) put good pressure on us. For the most part, we got good goalkeeping, we got balanced scoring (and) we had goals from several lines. Overall, it was a good road effort. Ferris is a tough team and this is a tough place to play. I don't think it was a 6-1 game, but I feel good about the game."

Justin Menke scored for the Bulldogs and Pat Nagle and Taylor Nelson combined for 37 saves in goal.

Last night, Robbie Czarnik, Brandon Naurato, Rust and Mitera scored and Billy Sauer needed to make just 14 saves in the Wolverines' regular season home finale.

Nelson made 32 saves for FSU.

"It was a good year," Berenson said. "We got 20 wins in the league this year and that is what we had last year. And our team was supposedly a top team last year and we had 20 wins in the league and this team matched that even though we were in seventh place around Christmas."

The Bulldogs (12-17-7, 9-14-5-2 CCHA) travel to Nebraska-Omaha for the first round of the CCHA playoffs next weekend.

Wolverines break even with Ohio State

By Matt Mackinder/Michigan Beat Writer

The Michigan Wolverines ventured to Columbus over the weekend hoping for a sweep of Ohio State, but instead came home with just two points after winning Friday night and getting skunked Saturday evening.

In UM's 4-1 win the first night, David Wohlberg scored 1:15 into the game and the Wolverines never looked back.

Louie Caporusso reached the 40-point mark for the season by notching his second straight three-assist game. Tim Miller had a goal and an assist, as did Wohlberg. Chad Langlais scored twice from the back end as well.

"I thought the first goal, obviously, was key to get a good start to the game, especially on the road against Ohio State," Langlais said. "I thought the power play moved around really well tonight. I think I got lucky (on his second goal). I think the guy right next to me fell down, so I just took a shot and it went through."

Bryan Hogan finished with 20 saves in the victory.

Saturday night was a different story as UM (24-10-0, 18-8-0-0 CCHA) blew a 2-0 lead and fell to the Buckeyes, 3-2, as OSU tallied the game-winner late in the third period.

"You don't come in here and just take the game away from [Ohio State]," Michigan head coach Red Berenson said. "They're a good hockey team. You look at their record on Saturdays, for example, and it's pretty darn good. You knew they would come back with a better game. We had to try and have a better game as well and I can't tell you we did that. But that's the way it is in this league; anyone can beat anyone."

Robbie Czarnik and Miller were the Wolverines' goal scorers and Langlais chipped in two assists. Hogan made 22 saves.

C.J. Severyn was credited with the go-ahead goal with 4:20 left in regulation. Zac Dalpe's slap shot squirted between Hogan's legs and stopped on the goal line. Severyn crashed the net and appeared to kick the puck over the goal line, but the officials confirmed the goal for OSU.

"I don't know about the goal that went in," said Berenson. "We had two goals that were called back for whatever reason. I didn't see the replays. The rule in college hockey is if you direct the puck in with your skate -- you don't have to kick it -- just direct it in, then it's no goal. It's a very sensitive issue around the league. We have to trust that these officials know that and they must have seen it. It must have been a good goal."

The Wolverines conclude their regular season next weekend with a home-and-home series against Ferris State. UM heads to Big Rapids for a 7:05 p.m. game on Friday night and then Saturday night is Senior Night at Yost for UM's six seniors (Billy Sauer, Brandon Naurato, Danny Fardig, Mark Mitera, Travis Turnbull, Miller). Faceoff is set for 8:05 p.m. and CBS College Sports will broadcast the game.

Wolverines sweep Nebraska-Omaha

By Matt Mackinder/Michigan Beat Writer

Just another weekend in Ann Arbor.

Two games. Two wins. Such is life as a Michigan Wolverine.

"We had guys come through again," Michigan head coach Red Berenson said after UM swept Nebraska-Omaha at home last weekend. "This is team time of the year and it doesn't matter that your leading scorers are the goal-getters. It doesn't matter who scores, you just need goals."

In Friday night's 8-3 blowout, Aaron Palushaj had a goal and four assists and 11 other Wolverines registered points in the contest, with five players in all contributing multi-point efforts.

"It is probably just the puck bouncing my way," a humble Palushaj said. "I got a goal, though, which is nice, but I wasn't really doing too much. I was just moving the puck and we were bearing hard."

Brandon Burlon, Carl Hagelin, Robbie Czarnik and Brian Lebler all had a goal and an assist, Scooter Vaughan had two assists and Bryan Hogan needed to make just 11 saves in 53:03 before Billy Sauer played the final 6:57 and stopped four shots.

Ben Winnett, Luke Glendening and David Wohlberg also scored for UM.

Saturday night, Glendening scored the game-winner with 4:28 left and later added an empty-netter to cap a 4-2 comeback win.

Louie Caporusso tallied three assists, Wohlberg added a pair and Sauer made 28 saves for the win in net.

"Caporusso gave me a great pass and it was just me and the goalie," said Glendening of his game-winning tally. "My eyes got big and I just shot the puck. It was a great pass and a great play. I didn't really have to do much but shoot it."

Travis Turnbull had a goal and an assist and Lebler also scored for the Wolverines (23-9-0, 17-7-0-0 CCHA), who had to battle through a penalty-filled game.

"It is amazing how much penalties can take away from the game," Caporusso said. "It is pretty obvious to tell that when there are a bunch of penalties, there is no rhythm to the game. It is just icing the puck and chasing it. And really, it is just bad hockey. Without the penalties, it definitely helps out the rhythm and we were finally starting to get it back in the third period because the referees started letting us play."

The Wolverines head to Ohio State for a two-game series this weekend. Friday's contest will start at 7:35 p.m. and be broadcast by the Big Ten Network. Saturday's game will begin at 8:05 p.m. and will be televised by CBS College Sports.

Michigan brooms Lake Superior State

By Matt Mackinder/Michigan Beat Writer

With their two wins over Lake Superior State at home this weekend, Michigan has vaulted into third place in the CCHA standings.

The Wolverines (21-9-0, 15-7-0 CCHA) scored five straight goals Friday night after being down 1-0 en route to a 6-2 win and then came from behind again Saturday night for a 2-1 victory.

Even with the sweep, UM head coach Red Berenson was far from ecstatic last night.

"Well, as (Detroit Red Wings head coach) Mike Babcock would say, it was an ugly win, but we got through it," said Berenson. "It was just one of those games where we weren't in sync and we just had to battle the whole way. It's hard to beat a team twice in this league back to back. There is not much to choose between the teams and emotionally, they came out really hard."

Friday night, Matt Rust and Louie Caporusso each scored twice and Bryan Hogan made 19 saves in the win.

Will Acton opened the scoring for LSSU and Rick Schofield also scored for the Lakers, who got 35 saves out of goaltender Pat Inglis.

David Wohlberg and Luke Glendening tallied the other Wolverine goals.

"I didn't think that the score was indicative of the game," said Berenson. "In the first period, [Lake Superior State was] as good as anyone we've played. In the second period, we got some quick goals and took advantage of some chances. We got lucky in the third period that they didn't get back in it. They missed a little bit of an empty net at some point and we went down and scored and that's how the game played out. They're a good team and we put our chances in."

Then last night, Brian Lebler and Carl Hagelin were the goal-scorers as Michigan completed the sweep.

Hogan finished with 26 saves and Inglis recorded 29 for the Lakers (9-13-8, 6-10-6-1 CCHA), whose lone goal came from ex-Wolverine Zac MacVoy.

"I felt like in our neutral and in our defensive zone, we couldn't get crisp passes up to our forwards and our centermen," said Lebler. "The puck was bouncing over their sticks and everywhere. But overall, I don't think it was too sloppy of a game."

Next weekend, Michigan hosts Nebraska-Omaha. Friday's game will begin at 7:35 p.m., while Saturday's contest is slated to start at 8:05 p.m. and will be televised by Fox Sports Detroit as part of "Hockey Day In Michigan" festivities.

LSSU hosts Miami next weekend.

Wolverines split with No. 1 Irish

By Matt Mackinder/Michigan Beat Writer

Top-ranked Notre Dame had their 20-game unbeaten streak ended Friday night by Michigan in South Bend, but the Irish rebounded with a win Saturday night in Ann Arbor.

Goaltender Bryan Hogan made 28 saves and Travis Turnbull and Tim Miller scored for the No. 7 Wolverines in the 2-1 win Friday night.

The UM penalty killers also wiped out all five Notre Dame power play chances.

"The [penalty kill] did a pretty good job, mind you they had their chances in the first period," said Michigan head coach Red Berenson. "[Bryan Hogan] had to be sharp. Tonight, we did all the things we needed to do to survive."

"I was really proud of our penalty kill tonight," Miller said. "We've been emphasizing Notre Dame's power play all week. We wanted the challenge; we were ready for the challenge and I thought we did a great job."

Last night back at Yost Arena, Aaron Palushaj and Robbie Czarnik each posted a power-play goal in the third period, but it wasn't enough as the Irish picked up a 3-2 victory in front of a season-high crowd of 6,983, which is the third-highest total since the 1996-97 renovation of Yost.

Ryan Thang converted on a penalty shot for Notre Dame in the first period and it was the first time an opponent scored on a penalty shot since March 2, 1997.

Hogan finished with 19 saves and Michigan captain Chris Summers assisted on both goals.

"I thought we got better as game went on," said Berenson. "I thought we were better in the third than we were in the first. Michigan has to come out and play well. This has been our trademark and I can't tell you that we did that. Give Notre Dame credit. They're a tough team to play against, but we still needed to play better and that didn't happen. So then it became their kind of game - a good road game. Our crowd stayed in the game and they had something to cheer about in the third period and we nearly pulled it off."

Michigan (19-9-0, 13-7-0 CCHA) hosts Lake Superior State next weekend. Both Friday and Saturday's contests will start at 7:35 p.m. Saturday's game will be televised by Comcast channel 900 and the NHL Network.