The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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goalies, but if you look at Steve he's had a great start for us and deserves the chance to reclaim his place," Blackburn said. "The most important thing is to have at least one goalie playing well, especially in the playoffs. "You look at last year, and we were up and down in net all year and so was our team. When our goalie got hot, our team got hot. You can't have one without the other." Based on his play this season, Nagelvoort could certainly cry foul, knowing he's done everything asked of him, but he's been through this situation many times before, and will thrive in it again. "Honestly, I like having Steve back and healthy and skating because it's good to have someone pushing you," he said. "I can only see positive outcomes for both of us and for our team because we will make each other better in practice, and whoever is playing will be because he's the best goalie, and that gives our team a chance to have a good outcome. "The biggest thing for me is it was always my dream to play here, and to have a chance to be a part of the first team to play Big Ten hockey … this whole experience is really cool, and whatever happens for me, I'm just going to enjoy it." ❑ Nagelvoort Joins List Of Underrated Wolverines To Star At U-M Not every Michigan hockey player was an NHL Draft pick and hyped recruit before he arrived. Here is a look at a few Wolverines that were not highly regarded but then starred at U-M. Jed Ortmeyer (2000-2003): The Omaha, Neb., native was a 21-year-old rookie when he arrived at Michigan in the fall of 1999, seen as nothing more than a journeyman that might provide some physicality on a checking line. He turned himself into a clutch goal scorer and a two-time captain — considered one of the top leaders in program history as he led U-M to Frozen Fours in 2002 and 2003. Andrew Ebbett (2003-06): The 5-9, 174-pounder didn't fit the NHL mold and many wondered if he'd develop into more than a third- or fourth-line forward for U-M. A top centerman, he contributed 105 assists in four seasons, including 28 during a 42-point senior season in which he captained the Wolverines. Relying on hard work and effort, he even made the NHL, playing in 191 games over six seasons. Luke Glendening (2009-12): A walk-on, Glendening was never supposed to see the ice during his career, viewed as a practice player, but he forced his way into the lineup thanks to incredible skating and effort defensively. The forward played in 35 games in his rookie year and 165 over four seasons, scoring 31 goals while wearing the "C" in both his junior and senior campaigns.