INSIDE MICHIGAN ATHLETICS
Werenski figures to be on
Michigan's top defensive
pairing this season, anchor-
ing the power-play unit —
he had three man-advan-
tage goals a year ago and
nine assists on the power
play — and its penalty kill-
ing.
Though it is his offense
that makes Werenski a dy-
namic player with a promis-
ing NHL future, he also is a
stout defender, tying for the
team lead with 59 blocked
shots a year ago.
"He's better in his own
zone than he gets credit for,"
Wiseman said. "He doesn't
play a very physical game,
so maybe he doesn't get no-
ticed out there as someone
banging in the corners or
clearing opposing forwards
out from the front of the
net, but he takes very good
angles, his stick work in the
defensive zone is outstand-
ing, and he doesn't waste
unnecessar y time in our
zone.
"Some guys get too cute with the puck, but Zach takes possession and is not
someone you have to worry about turning it over because he gets it and goes."
With the departures of senior Zach Hyman and underclassmen forwards An-
drew Copp and Dylan Larkin, Michigan said goodbye to 51 goals and 78 assists
from last year. While Werenski will not replace that production, he will fill the
leadership void also created by those early exits.
"He's a calming influence on the ice, and he's a real professional in terms of
how he approaches every practice, every workout, and gameday," Wiseman
said. "He can still grow and mature his own game, but there is no one better
that teammates could mold their games after."
Werenski, who was the eighth overall pick by
Columbus in the NHL Draft in June, led all Big Ten
defensemen in goals (nine) and was second in points
(25) as a rookie last year.
PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL
