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When it comes to preseason expectations, the Wolverines have been at both ends of the spectrum during Red Berenson's tenure as Michigan hockey coach.
"In 1984 there was no respect for Michigan hockey, and that really bothered me. Things had just gone astray," Berenson said. "But I always said I knew what it should be like at Michigan. Every night when we go out, the other team should respect us. I want our team to have a chance year in and year out, and that's part of my mission."
Berenson, now entering his 20th season, has done much more than that.
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Michigan has been to the Frozen Four the last three years and has been to 13
consecutive NCAA Tournaments. And Tuesday it was picked to finish first in the
CCHA by the coaches and media. Ticketmaster
But as everyone knows, and as last year demonstrated, surprises should be expected. Ferris State, last year's regular season champ, was predicted to finish ninth.
With just three seniors on the roster, Michigan's outstanding 10-man junior class, seven of whom have been drafted by the NHL, will need to continue their development for the team to fulfill expectations.
Leading this year's junior class are the alternate captains, Brandon Rogers and Eric Nystrom. Ticketmaster
Rogers, who scored just three points his freshman year and five in the first half of last year, broke out with 20 points in the second half. He'll be expected to lead the Wolverines' blueliners along with captain Andy Burnes.
Nystrom, who enjoyed a fantastic freshman season, also picked things up as last season winded down, netting 10 of his 15 goals in the second half.
"As [an alternate] captain, I think Eric will be one of our leaders," Berenson said. "I think he will try to take over some of the [former captain] Jed Ortmeyer presence that we lost from last year. I expect him to be a key player on our team right from the get-go."
Berenson said he is unsure where the bulk of the scoring will come from, saying the team will "score by committee." Aside from last year's leading scorer, sophomore Jeff Tambellini, and perhaps freshman T.J. Hensick, Berenson will be looking for production from his juniors. Ticketmaster
Dwight Helminen and David Moss notched 33 and 31 points, respectively, and will likely be among the team's leaders in scoring again this year. Jason Ryznar, who struggled much of last year with shoulder injuries, could also emerge as an offensive creator. And Milan Gajic, who has struggled with consistency (all 11 of his goals came at Yost Ice Arena), could put everything together for the Wolverines this year.
Rounding out the juniors expected to contribute is Eric Werner, who was on track for a solid season before being declared academically ineligible midway through the campaign.
The Wolverines are having captains' practices this week, with the coaching staff joining them next week. The season begins with the Blue/White intrasquad game Sept. 26.