The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/201975
wings has changed in the last five to 10 years." Offensively, there is one aspect that hasn't changed — Berenson expects his centers to make everyone else on the line better. That is a feat that seems to have defined the Wolverines' greats up the middle. They Will Set The Pace This Season A rugged forward at 6-1, 201 pounds, Copp may have been considered a defensive-focused center when he arrived, but he netted seven goals and five assists over his final 14 games in 2013, and he was leading the Wolverines in points with six (two goals and four assists) after six games this year. "It has always been a part of my game, but when I went to the U.S. national program, I was playing football too, and they put me on the fourth line," Copp said. "I had to do whatever I could to play a role, and I developed the hard-working, defensive mind a little more. "Once football was over, I rebooted my offensive side. You saw glimpses last year, and hopefully I keep it going this year." Copp on his own will not be responsible for the Maize and Blue's fortunes, but he and his three center brethren will be critical because of their ability to dictate play and boost the performance of their linemates, and because their willingness and effectiveness defensively will help or hurt U-M's ability to keep goals off the board. "It's an important position on our team because you have to play both ends, and if you're just pitching in offensively, you're hurting the team on the other side of the rink," Nieves said. "The offense comes easier to me, and I like that they encourage you to be creative and use your imagination, but they have high expectations for you defensively, and it's important to be our best in both parts." Nieves smiled for a moment, thinking about the expectations he carries with him playing center. It is a lot to ask of two sophomores, a freshman and even a junior, but they wouldn't have it any other way. "All four of us have had a lot of experience playing center and we talk to each other a lot about situations and different experiences we face," Copp said. "We're always helping each other because we know that we play big roles on this team, and how we play is going to impact how our team plays." Four seasons have passed since a Michigan center last earned AllAmerica honors — the longest drought in Berenson's career after Wiseman garnered the distinction in 1994 — and this program is ready to add another piece of hardware to its hall of accolades. "We talk about to our team that in 92 years of hockey there have been some pretty good players that we should know and appreciate, and it just so happens that a lot of them are centers," Wiseman said. "Every day our kids walk down the hallway and see those plaques with our All-Americans, and it's a great motivator." ❑