[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he beginning of October symbolizes one thing this time of year: the beginning of college hockey season.
The ice is smooth as glass with a giant block M at center ice, game jerseys hanging in the locker room and Coach Berenson’s chalkboard waiting to have this games game plan written on it.
The Wolverines will have a lot of eyes on them this year and not just from the Michigan fans but from eyes all around the hockey world. This year’s team has high expectations not only to finish first in the Big Ten, but also finish ranked first nationally. The Wolverines are flying under the radar entering into its preseason game against the University of Toronto this Sunday at Yost Ice Arena.
Red Berenson leads the Michigan Wolverines hockey team into its 32 season as head coach. This season has high expectations, like most of his seasons endure but the buzz around this team is more than it has been in recent years. You can’t help but feel that this team is going to do something magical.
The team will be led by Captain J.T Compher along with Justin Selman and Cristoval Nieves as associate captains.
The Wolverines have a tough schedule this season and not only with games against their in conference rivals but also their non-conference schedule. The Wolverines will be taking on some tough east coast teams like defending national champions Union College, RPI, Robert Morris, Mercyhurst, Dartmouth and Boston College.
According to the preseason coaches poll, the Michigan Wolverines are picked to finish first in the Big Ten conference this season. The Wolverines are coming off a season where they were just one win away from going to the Frozen Four and you can tell that the team has the fire inside them to redeem themselves of that close call from last season in the Big Ten Championship game.
The Wolverines will be entering the 15-16 season with a veteran lineup lead by Compher, Selman, Nieves, Motte, Racine and Werenski but will also add some talented freshmen Kyle Connor, Cooper Marody and Joseph Ceccone.
The Wolverines will be battling the University of Toronto on Sunday at 5:05 pm at Yost Ice Arena.
