The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/418536
MICHIGAN HOCKEY Michigan swept the Yellow Jackets, winning 5‑2 and 6‑3. The best evidence of that progress was in the third period of the series finale. American International had closed to within one goal, 4‑3, after two periods. Michigan responded with arguably its most solid period of hockey in the season, both of‑ fensively and defensively, control‑ ling the puck in its own zone and taking advantage of the offensive opportunities. "I thought our team came to‑ gether," Berenson said of that final period. "Now, the game's on the line, it's a 4‑3 game, and we know we have our backs to the wall. We have got to win the period, at least have a solid period. I thought we did that. "We got back to a mindset where we have to play with a little despera‑ tion and a little confidence. And that fine line between not too much con‑ fidence and not too much despera‑ tion. But we got pucks in deep and controlled the play." COMMIT KYLE CONNOR IS A TOP PLAYER IN CLASS OF 2015 When he was skating in the back‑ yard rink his father would make every winter, Kyle Connor was tak‑ ing the first steps toward a hockey dream. Connor — a 6‑1, 175‑pound cen‑ ter from Shelby Township, Mich. — hoped someday to play for the University of Michigan and his hometown NHL Detroit Red Wings. With his commitment to play for Michigan as part of the incoming freshman class of 2015, Connor has achieved the first part of that dream. A consensus top‑15 pick in next June's 2015 NHL Entry Draft, Con‑ nor is "really looking forward to the opportunity and a chance to continue developing my career at one of the best programs in college hockey." Connor possesses a high‑end skill package and an advanced compete level playing both sides of the puck. He has elite skating speed and the vi‑ sion to make teammates better when on the ice with him. "My recruitment process [by Mich‑ igan] was an exciting process and something I will never forget," Con‑ nor said. "I was playing for Belle Tire U16 at the time and I started talking to Michigan a little bit. I went on a visit to the campus and viewed all the first‑class facilities. Fortunately, on that visit, the U‑M coaching staff offered me [a scholarship] and it was a no brainer to commit." As a top prospect for the 2015 NHL Draft, Connor was selected to play in USA Hockey's All‑American All‑ Star game in Buffalo last September, a showcase for American players in their draft year. "That was a great experience and something I tried to take all in," Con‑ nor said of the all‑star game oppor‑ tunity. "Hearing Eddie Olczyk, Mike Grier and Ray Shero give advice and talk about their experiences getting to the NHL was cool to hear and very beneficial." Connor has excelled in interna‑ tional on numerous occasions and recently was selected for the second