The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/315684
Note: Nieves is a top-line talent, but has not scored to his potential, recording only 11 goals his first two seasons, including three in his sophomore year. He's a good de- fensive forward and could pair with two stout defensive-minded skaters as he works his way back up the depth chart. So. Max Shuart — Fr. Alex Talcott Note: With 14 forwards, competition will be fierce, and both Talcott and Shuart will vie with Selman, Kile, Allen and Lynch for spots in the lineup. Left Defenseman Right Defenseman So. Michael Downing Sr. Andrew Sinelli Note: Head coach Red Berenson always likes a No. 1 pairing, and this duo would add both a physical element (Downing) and a smooth-skating, puck-moving offen- sive defender (Sinelli). Sinelli is the key after making a strong transition from forward midway through his junior year. Fr. Sam Piazza So. Kevin Lohan Note: Berenson is high on Piazza and he really likes the upside of Lohan, who missed 19 games with a knee injury but played well before and afterwards. Piazza would add a little offense while the 6-5, 202-pound Lohan focuses more on protecting Michigan's net. Fr. Cutler Martin Sr. Brennan Serville Note: Freshmen generally receive a fair shot over older players that have yet to prove they can reach their potential, and that's the label associated with much of the rest of the defensive corps, including Serville. He'll likely get one more chance, and could be tasked with mentoring Martin. So. Nolan De Jong Sr. Mike Chiasson Note: De Jong played in 29 games last year but slumped down the stretch. Chias- son has appeared in 70 games during his three years. Both have plenty to prove in competing to be the fifth or sixth defenseman. Sr. Mike Szuma So. Spencer Hyman Note: Solid practice players, Szuma and Hyman can fill in if an emergency situation arises for the Maize and Blue. Goalie So. Zach Nagelvoort Note: Nagelvoort went 11-9-4 last year with a .929 save percentage and a 2.20 goals-against average. He ended the season Michigan's No. 1 netminder, starting each of U-M's final three contests, and will likely begin the season in that same role. Jr. Steve Racine Note: Racine was two different goalies last season — one that recorded a .921 save percentage in seven wins and another that posted an .876 save percentage in four losses. To reclaim the No. 1 job, he will have to eliminate that inconsistency. Sr. Luke Dwyer Note: Dwyer has appeared in one career game and will primarily be utilized during practices.