The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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56 THE WOLVERINE SEPTEMBER 2022 BY CHRIS BALAS B y all accounts, hockey coaches na- tionwide were throwing hats into the ring for the Michigan job that opened when Mel Pearson's contract wasn't re- newed. U-M athletics director Warde Manuel made the announcement Aug. 5, deciding to go in a different direction after allegations of wrongdoing on Pearson's watch proved to be the coach's undoing. Manuel didn't wait long to name his re- placement — at least for the short term. He named U-M assistant Brandon Nau- rato the interim coach for the 2022-23 sea- son two days later, and it wouldn't surprise if the appointment were made permanent at some point within the next year. Naurato, a former U-M forward (2006-09), spent last season on Pear- son's staff at after five seasons as an in- dependent development coach. He spent portions of three years with the Detroit Red Wings prior to his time in Ann Arbor. Last season was Naurato's first behind the bench as an assistant anywhere, but he made the most of it. He built an out- standing rapport with the players, who celebrated the hire on social media. So did U-M recruits with whom he'd built rela- tionships. That and his attention to detail made him an obvious choice to Manuel. "We are fortunate to have someone of Brandon Naurato's caliber to lead our ice hockey team for the upcoming year," Manuel said in a statement. "I had con- versations with many individuals who care greatly about this program and ap- preciate the insight they shared. Brandon will do a great job leading the program, and I look forward to our student-athletes and staff benefiting from his leadership." Naurato played in four NCAA Tourna- ments and tallied 64 points in 130 career games (32 goals, 32 assists) with the Wol- verines before spending four years in the minors. He then embarked on a different kind of career in hockey, ascending quickly as a person to know in the business. Pearson hired him due in large part to his offensive and power play prowess, and it paid off last year when he helped lead the Wolverines to a 4.02 goals per game average, third nationally. "Throughout his career, Naurato has shown a knack for finding key informa- tion that others overlook," The Michigan Daily noted. "He notably tracked and discussed every power-play goal in the 2017-18 NHL season to compare how they were scored, and he also analyzed the offensive output of the Red Wings during that same season. His writing background shows that he not only un- derstands what statistics mean, but he can also tell their story. That will be key to passing those lessons on to players." He can't wait to get started. "I am honored to lead my alma mater and will give everything I have to what is the most storied program in college hockey," Naurato said in a release. "I want to thank Warde Manuel and our student- athletes for their trust and look forward to working positively with our talented coaching and support staff." His first game as U-M head coach will be an exhibition versus Windsor Oct. 1. ❏ Naurato, a former U-M forward (2006-09), was an assistant under former head coach Mel Pearson last year after five seasons as an independent development coach. PHOTO COURTESY MICHIGAN PHOTOGRAPHY MICHIGAN HOCKEY Brandon Naurato Appointed Interim Head Coach For 2022-23 Season Mel Pearson Let Go After Five Seasons Mel Pearson's fifth season behind the bench for Michigan hockey proved to be his last. His contract was not extended despite leading the Wolverines to the 2022 Frozen Four and compiling a 99-64-16 (.598) record, including a 31-10-1 campaign this past season. Pearson's contract expired in April, and allegations that surfaced in the months prior proved to be his undoing. Specifically, Pearson was accused of telling players to pro- vide false information on COVID contact-tracing forms, misleading recruits about how much scholarship money they would receive and allegedly calling one player a "Jew." Scrutiny dates back to fall 2021 after a complaint was filed against him and for- mer director of hockey operations Rick Bancroft. Multiple allegations were made about them, including discrimination and retaliation. The university hired law firm WilmerHale to investigate, a task that took months. Pearson had remained in his position as an at-will employee pending a lengthy review of the program. "It has been determined that Mel Pearson will not return as our ice hockey coach," athletics director Warde Manuel said in a statement. "This decision has been weighed heavily and for some time. We welcomed an independent third-party review into the climate and culture of our program before furthering our assessment in lockstep with campus leadership. Our student-athletes having a positive and meaningful experience is of paramount importance, and a clear expectation within our depart- ment is that all employees and staff are valued and supported. I deeply appreciate and value the many individuals who came forward throughout this review. "Today's announcement reflects the seriousness with what we've heard and the values we hold dear at Michigan." — Chris Balas