The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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The Top Five Power Forwards Of The Red Berenson Era Denny Felsner (1989-92): Though only 6-0, 195 pounds, Felsner played the game with a physical presence usually reserved for bigger, heavier players, using the power in his legs and arms to shield defenders as he attacked the net. The Warren, Mich., native put up incredible numbers at U-M, leading Michigan in scoring in 1991 (75 points) and 1992 (94 points). He ranks first all time among Maize and Blue skaters with 139 goals and is second with 261 points. Mike Knuble (1992-95): A behemoth on skates, standing in at 6-3, 223 pounds, Knuble possessed a scorer's touch, but was also willing to muck it up around the crease. He was rewarded for his work in difficult places, scoring 26, 32 and 38 goals, respectively, during his final three seasons in the winged helmet. Knuble posted a career-high 60 points in 1995, earning first-team All-America honors. Jason Botterill (1994-1997): On the heels of Knuble's departure, Botterill filled the power forward void. A 1994 first-round pick of the Dallas Stars, the Edmonton native was 6-4, 220 pounds, and he used every bit of his size and reach to frustrate opposing defenses. After a 40-point rookie campaign, the left winger notched 57 and 61 points in his junior and senior seasons, including 69 total goals, in garnering second-team All-America honors in 1997. Billy Muckalt (1995-98): The Surrey, British Columbia, native wasn't highly regarded when he arrived at Michigan, going in the ninth round of the 1994 NHL Draft, but he would play a critical role in two NCAA championship seasons. He is respected for carrying the Wolverines to the 1998 title during his senior campaign, registering 32 goals and 35 assists — 11 goals and 19 points better than anyone else on the team. Muckalt was 6-2, 200 pounds and played with a ferociousness that inspired his teammates and made life difficult for opponents. Max Pacioretty (2008): The New Canaan, Conn., native spent only one season at Michigan, but his six-year NHL career, in which he has netted 87 goals and 92 points, is proof of the left winger's capabilities. He is a rising star, earning a selection to the U.S. Olympic Team. Measuring in at 6-2, 217 pounds, he added size and strength to a U-M line that included Hobey Baker Award winner Kevin Porter and right winger Chad Kolarik. Pacioretty netted 15 goals and had 24 assists in being named the 2008 CCHA Rookie of the Year. — Michael Spath Max Pacioretty tallied 15 goals and 24 assists en route to being tabbed as the 2008 CCHA Rookie of the Year in his only season at U-M. file photo