Michigan Wolverines 2014-15 season

[Slap Shot]

Re: Michigan Wolverines 2014-15 season

Knowing that Michigan would be an opponent 4 times per year was one of the lone reasons (the only one?) why I was happy for the formation of the B10. Imho the hockey rivalry is just getting rekindled and should be very healthy going forward. Not my place to say if youll really get it going again under Red or not and fans here are going to be fans, but there's no lack of overall respect and dammit I don't even hate the helmets.

 

[The Rube]

Re: Michigan Wolverines 2014-15 season

Who is that guy walking behind Red in that picture? Is it too early to speculate on Red's replacement. How about Chris Bergeron or Mike Hastings?

I could see Hastings making a jump to a bigger program. He was rumored to be in line for tDon's heir, until Mike G came back.

And before you all start, tMel is going nowhere.

 

[UMICH]

Re: Michigan Wolverines 2014-15 season

Not a big shock- he's got one year left on his contract, and probably everyone will be back. Larkin is with the Wings- a team not at all known for bringing players out early (and Red is a friend with Mike), Werenski isn't even drafted yet (could go...), Copp and Compher- well- didn't really give a good reason that anyone would want them NOW vs. next year, pretty much like the rest of the team. Racine ended the season well- and we may get a goalie from UNH.

So if he can get them playing together from the drop of the first puck- next year could be a good one.

Then it will be more likely he leaves.

I hate to say it but we do lose a lot of our scoring in Hyman. Someone will step up though, they always do. But the real question is will Larkin be as productive sans Hyman? Larkin is good, don't get me wrong. But remember he was playing with Hyman last year, those two had chemistry...

And no, it wasn't a big shock.

 

[D2D]

Re: Michigan Wolverines 2014-15 season

I hate to say it but we do lose a lot of our scoring in Hyman. Someone will step up though, they always do. But the real question is will Larkin be as productive sans Hyman? Larkin is good, don't get me wrong. But remember he was playing with Hyman last year, those two had chemistry...

And no, it wasn't a big shock.

Gophers should lose some top players going early to the pros as well, so we'll just have to wait until deciding who gets hurt the most...

 

[5mn_Major]

Re: Michigan Wolverines 2014-15 season

Gophers should lose some top players going early to the pros as well, so we'll just have to wait until deciding who gets hurt the most...

Michigan should be the favorites in the B1G. You guys will be loaded on offense.

If the Gophers aren't gutted, I'll be shocked. The core leaders will be in any case.

 

[alfablue]

Re: Michigan Wolverines 2014-15 season

Michigan should be the favorites in the B1G. You guys will be loaded on offense.

If the Gophers aren't gutted, I'll be shocked. The core leaders will be in any case.

IF everyone else comes back, yes, I would agree that we would be one of the more favored teams to win.

However, there are some grublings for key people leaving. Again.

And people wonder why Red and tDon have problems every once in a while.

 

[5mn_Major]

Re: Michigan Wolverines 2014-15 season

IF everyone else comes back, yes, I would agree that we would be one of the more favored teams to win.

However, there are some grublings for key people leaving. Again.

And people wonder why Red and tDon have problems every once in a while.

If you don't have anyone leave, you will be the favorites. No question.

We've both had our share of early sophomore or more typically junior year departures. But IMO no program has recruited as well as the Gophers have over the last decade (ok...maybe BC) and been as devastated by early departures. We had a couple staggeringly amazing classes in about the 2006-8 timeframe with one and done departures in hobey potential candidates Kessel, EJ, Okposo, Leddy. Although without quite the accolades, this year we finally got some fortune in our seniors sticking around...and behold its the top scoring class in the country. What a joy.

 

[alnike]

Re: Michigan Wolverines 2014-15 season

If you don't have anyone leave, you will be the favorites. No question.

We've both had our share of early sophomore or more typically junior year departures. But IMO no program has recruited as well as the Gophers have over the last decade (ok...maybe BC) and been as devastated by early departures. We had a couple staggeringly amazing classes in about the 2006-8 timeframe with one and done departures in hobey potential candidates Kessel, EJ, Okposo, Leddy. Although without quite the accolades, this year we finally got some fortune in our seniors sticking around...and behold its the top scoring class in the country. What a joy.

One of the major differences in the Minnesota and Michigan teams of this year, comparing the key players as upperclassmen:

Michigan: Hyman, Copp
Minnesota: Rau, Boyd, Wilcox, Reilly, Warning, Ambroz, Skjei

Minnesota had a large senior class of contributors while Michigan had one.

Minnesota will have 3-4 guys consider the NHL like Reilly, Skjei, Wilcox and possibly Fasching, and Michigan has at least 3 in Copp, Larkin and Werenski.

If Michigan keeps Larkin, they should finish in first in the regular season next year. But the team has some on-ice issues to overcome as well.

 

[5mn_Major]

Re: Michigan Wolverines 2014-15 season

I see your challenges still in goal...and a lack of D that can contribute to scoring.

Even if you lose Larkin, you should be fav though. The top of the heap in the USHL should make a fine replacement.

 

[alfablue]

Re: Michigan Wolverines 2014-15 season

I see your challenges still in goal...and a lack of D that can contribute to scoring.

Even if you lose Larkin, you should be fav though. The top of the heap in the USHL should make a fine replacement.

I wish I had your confidence in our team.

 

[UMICH]

Re: Michigan Wolverines 2014-15 season

One of the major differences in the Minnesota and Michigan teams of this year, comparing the key players as upperclassmen:

Michigan: Hyman, Copp
Minnesota: Rau, Boyd, Wilcox, Reilly, Warning, Ambroz, Skjei

Minnesota had a large senior class of contributors while Michigan had one.

Minnesota will have 3-4 guys consider the NHL like Reilly, Skjei, Wilcox and possibly Fasching, and Michigan has at least 3 in Copp, Larkin and Werenski.

If Michigan keeps Larkin, they should finish in first in the regular season next year. But the team has some on-ice issues to overcome as well.

No way Copp leaves early, Werenski maybe but I don't think so, and Larkin is a possibility but I really don't know. Mind you, this is nothing more than speculation on my behalf as I no longer am in school and have access to the team. Larkin is the only person on the team that causes me to seriously think about what he'll do. Werenski would be another concern IF he wasn't only 17 years old (he'll be 18 by the time of the draft) so I honestly don't think he'll leave this year. Possibly net year should the opportunity exist but not this year.

***Remember, I have no inside info. on this topic.

 

[UMICH]

Re: Michigan Wolverines 2014-15 season

Gophers should lose some top players going early to the pros as well, so we'll just have to wait until deciding who gets hurt the most...

Hyman is all we should lose (unless Larkin decides to leave) so Michigan should be fine. I'm curious who will step up. Compher, Motte, Boo, or Kile are my guesses. Of those 4 I think Compher steps up to the plate.

 

[alfablue]

Re: Michigan Wolverines 2014-15 season

No way Copp leaves early, Werenski maybe but I don't think so, and Larkin is a possibility but I really don't know. Mind you, this is nothing more than speculation on my behalf as I no longer am in school and have access to the team. Larkin is the only person on the team that causes me to seriously think about what he'll do. Werenski would be another concern IF he wasn't only 17 years old (he'll be 18 by the time of the draft) so I honestly don't think he'll leave this year. Possibly net year should the opportunity exist but not this year.

***Remember, I have no inside info. on this topic.

Some press people have it at 50-50 Copp returning. 60-40 for Larkin, and 90-10 for Werenski. They think Copp is more a risk to go, more because Winnepeg would lose his rights next August, and they may want him now.

 

[alfablue]

Re: Michigan Wolverines 2014-15 season

And Copp is gone. http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-hockey/spec-rel/032615aaa.html

 

[UMICH]

And Copp is gone. http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-hockey/spec-rel/032615aaa.html

Yea, just saw that. Surprises me a little but not an immense amount. You know that's not the end of it though right? It's a Michigan hockey summer, were due for a mass exodus.

Guess that I should have kept my mouth shut....

 

[UMICH]

Re: Michigan Wolverines 2014-15 season

How much longer before a Mav-hole or two pokes their tail in?

 

[umichjim]

Re: Michigan Wolverines 2014-15 season

An absolute travesty that Zach Hyman is not one of the final three in the running for the Hobey Baker. One of the classiest guys to ever lace on skates for college hockey, a superb student, great leader and involved in activities outside of hockey. The epitome of what the award is supposed to stand for.

 

[alfablue]

Re: Michigan Wolverines 2014-15 season

An absolute travesty that Zach Hyman is not one of the final three in the running for the Hobey Baker. One of the classiest guys to ever lace on skates for college hockey, a superb student, great leader and involved in activities outside of hockey. The epitome of what the award is supposed to stand for.

Not that there is much of a bright side- but now we don't have to worry about going to the awards on Friday. Frees up some more Boston time.

 

[umichjim]

Not that there is much of a bright side- but now we don't have to worry about going to the awards on Friday. Frees up some more Boston time.

My exact thought. Plenty of sights to see in Boston. I just feel very bad for Zach.

 

[wolverineTrumpet]

Re: Michigan Wolverines 2014-15 season

An absolute travesty that Zach Hyman is not one of the final three in the running for the Hobey Baker. One of the classiest guys to ever lace on skates for college hockey, a superb student, great leader and involved in activities outside of hockey. The epitome of what the award is supposed to stand for.

Yes, but it's not surprising that what the award is supposed to stand for isn't as important anymore. The Hobey Baker, the Heisman, have become MVP awards not what their missions state.

The Heisman Memorial Trophy annually recognizes the outstanding college football player whose performance best exhibits the pursuit of excellence with integrity. Winners epitomize great ability combined with diligence, perseverance, and hard work

Is Johnny Football a good representation of integrity? Probably not.

Teamwork. Dedication. Integrity. Exceptional play. Humility. And, above all, character. These are the values that set the game of hockey, and those who play it, apart from any other. They are also the values that the Hobey Baker Award honors each year.

Congrats are due to the 3 in the Hobey Hat Trick. We Michigan fans know that Zach Hyman had a great year on the ice, is an exceptional man off the ice and is worthy of winning the Hobey Baker.