The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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parted in the offseason, choosing to forego his final year of eligibility to sign a pro contract while Merrill — the Maize and Blue's most talented of- fensive defenseman — has not played in a game yet this year, suspended in- definitely for a violation of team rules. In their absence, the responsibility of leading the Michigan defense fell on Pateryn. "When Jon got suspended, it was a wake-up call — this was my team now, and it's on my shoulders, but don't put everything on your back," he said. "I just re-emphasized to my- self that I need to have my best game every single night because the team is counting on me." Paired most frequently with sopho- more Mac Bennett, Pateryn has raised his game to new heights this season. He has scored two goals with eight assists (pretty good numbers for a de- fense-first defender) with a plus/mi- nus of plus-seven. But his stats don't do his play justice. "He's just taken over this year," Be- renson said. "You see it in the way he plays — he's a bull out there. He's a senior, a captain, and a great leader on defense. Right now, every night he has to be a key player for us; our team won't win with- out Greg Pateryn playing well." Hailing from a family of medical professionals, Pateryn harbors the de- sire to go to medical school someday — a movement science major, he is aiding a research project focused on high-ankle sprains and how to bet- ter prevent them in all sports — but his immediate focus is providing the Maize and Blue with a reliably domi- nant and lead-by-example defender they can count on Friday and Satur- day nights. "I'm playing the best hockey of my career, but every game you play, you want to be better than the last game, be more effective," he said. "The big thing about college hockey is the more experience you get, the more comfortable you are out there, the more confident. "Before, I was always fighting the puck and just looking to get rid of it, move it on to a teammate, but now I feel more confident, smoother, not as nervous when I have it or when I'm making a play on the puck. Being here four years, I've calmed down every year, and now I know what the right play is and can execute." ❏ Michigan's Top NHL Prospects A total of 16 Michigan alumni made NHL opening-day rosters this season, and there are more on the way. This year's U-M team boasts 11 NHL draft picks. The Wolverine polled five scouts in attendance at games this season for their top five professional prospects, and their analysis. 1. Sophomore defenseman Jon Merrill: Though he has yet to play in a game this season, suspended indefinitely for a violation of team rules, the 6-3, 209-pounder showcased his immense potential a year ago, scoring seven goals with 18 assists. A 2010 second-round selection, he has elite-level hockey IQ. He uses his stick, smarts and body positioning to ward off opponent's scoring chances before they even materialize, and his offensive instincts, shooting accuracy and slap shot are NHL-ready. Merrill doesn't use the size he possesses, though, playing much more of a finesse game that can get him into trouble against aggressive forechecking teams. He also has to show improved maturity, off the ice especially. 2. Sophomore defenseman MAC BENNETT: A 2009 third-round selection of the Montreal Canadiens, Ben- nett has taken a positive step forward this season af- ter an inconsistent freshman campaign. He had three goals and nine assists and was plus-10 in 16 games. The Narragansett, R.I., native has the offensive abil- ity to be a potentially dynamic contributor to the power play and to the offensive rush. Bennett's best skill is his skating. He moves flawlessly around the ice, with the speed to make up for mistakes and separate from pursuing forwards. He also has above-aver- age offensive awareness, shooting and passing talents. Bennett is still refining his defensive skills, and needs to be- come more fundamentally sound in his own zone, relying less on his athleticism, and more on technique, discipline and intelligence. 3. Junior forward Chris Brown: The prototypical hockey power forward, the 6-2, 194-pound Brown uses his shoulders and hips to create room in the offensive zone. He has NHL hands and can deliver both a rocket slap shot and an accurate wrist shot. He is also a strong skater with natural instincts in the defensive zone. A second-round pick in 2009, Brown has yet to show he can be a go-to per- former. He simply needs to cash in on his offensive talent more consistently, and his lack of production — he has 26 goals and 38 assists in 101 career games — worries some who don't see him emerging as the first- or second-line forward he was projected to be. 4. Senior forward David Wohlberg: A 2008 sixth-round selection, Wohlberg elevated his stock considerably during a CCHA Rookie of the Year freshman cam- paign. Injuries limited his effectiveness in 2010 and 2011, and he has one final chance to showcase his potential. At 6-1, 195 pounds, with a long reach, Wohlberg can be an asset on both ends of the ice. He knows how to use his stick to disrupt passing lanes, while using it offensively to get around defensemen. A strong skater, if not a speedy one, Wohlberg has solid all-around ability, but he doesn't do any one thing particularly special and may lack the high-end skills to make it in the NHL. 5. Senior defenseman Greg Pateryn: The NHL loves size, and Pateryn has plenty with his 6-3, 214-pound frame, though he must get stronger to compete with bigger-bodied forwards. Pateryn has taken a huge step forward this season, playing with confidence; he shows strength on his skates and in the corners, separating forwards from the puck and making smart decisions. A fifth-round selection in 2008, Pateryn must continue to polish his game and work on his weakness, including average skating and stick handling. — Michael Spath DECEMBER 2011 THE WOLVERINE 79 PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL