The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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michigan hockey Michigan Signs Four In 2014 Recruiting Class M ichigan will graduate two forwards, two defensemen and a goalie in 2014, and has sought to fill those roster spots with a four-man recruiting class that could grow to five, with the Wolverines seeking to add a defensemen in the spring. U-M has signed two forwards, a blue liner and a goalie, though the netmidner, Hayden Lavigne, might seek to enroll in the fall of 2015. A 6-0, 192-pound left-handed forward, Dylan Larkin is the headliner. The U.S. National Team Development member was given an 'A' rating in preliminary Central Scouting Service fall rankings, indicating he is a firstround candidate for the 2014 NHL Draft. In 25 games this season with Team USA, he was third on the team with 15 goals and fifth with 24 points. "He's a difference-maker type player," U-M associate head coach Billy Powers said. "He's a scoring forward. Great speed. Good tenacity. "You talk about some of our current freshmen like J.T. Compher and Tyler Motte, and like those two, Dylan has been a key component of that U.S. program this year. J.T. and Tyler have been impact freshmen, and we believe Dylan will be the same." A North Vancouver, British Columbia, native, playing for the Vernon Vipers in the British Columbia Hockey League, Dexter Dancs is a 6-2, 205-pound left-handed forward. In 31 games this season, he ranked second on the team with 38 points, including 14 goals. "Dexter is a big winger that brings some size and some grit, to go along with skill," Powers said. "I think he's a point-per-game guy out in Vernon. He's a big-time skater. And he plays with an edge. "He's going to provide some good presence on the wall, and we can always use that. He's in the mold of a power forward. A little bit like [U-M senior] Derek DeBlois, only bigger." Originally from East Lansing, defenseman Cutler Martin plays for the Tri-City Storm in Kearney, Neb. The 6-1, 210-pound Martin had a goal and five assists in the Storm's first 23 games, but he is more regarded for his defensive prowess. "He's a hard-nosed, stay-at-home, physical defenseman," Powers said. "We wanted to make sure we added another physical element on the blue line, and he fits the bill. He's going to be a guy that will compete for a job from day one." Michigan also had a verbal commitment from defenseman Jared Walsh — but the Toronto native backed out of his agreement in September and signed with the OHL's Mississauga Steelheads, voiding any future collegiate career. Lavigne is a teammate of Martin's in Tri-City. The 6-3, 182-pounder