The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/575020
HOCKEY PREVIEW RACINE IS THE FAVORITE IN NET In 26 games played in February and March during his career, Racine has posted a 2.54 goals‑against average and a .915 save percentage. During 23 other appearances in October, Novem‑ ber, December and January, the 6‑3, 190‑pounder has a 3.57 goals‑against average and a .896 save percentage. He has played his best hockey down the stretch and into the postseason, but in each of the last three seasons, U‑M has fallen one win shy of mak‑ ing the NCAA Tournament, and those poor outings the first four months have doomed the Maize and Blue. "We've played in a lot of big games and we know what it takes to win in the playoffs, but we know that we have to be good for the whole year," he said. "That's something I've talked to Coach a lot about, and I think I'm ready this season to approach every game like it's the postseason and our season depends on it." Berenson is not ready to name Ra‑ cine the starter today, noting the Wol‑ verines could be a two‑goalie team if Nagelvoort bounces back from a sophomore slump, or even a three‑ goalie team if freshman Chad Catt demands playing time. But he has seen Racine flourish in crunch time and is hopeful the Williamsville, N.Y., native will deliver consistency over six months. "He showed in the stretch run last year he can put together a string of games and play more consistent than he has in the past, but I can't tell you we're convinced he can do that for an entire season," Berenson said. "The want is there. The desire is there. The preparation is there, but he has to go out and do it." All three goalies will benefit from the arrival of coach Steve Shields, a dominant netminder for the Wolver‑ ines from 1991‑94 that led U‑M to Frozen Four appearances in 1992 and 1993. "They will get a lot more attention, support and direction, and I expect all three to raise their game," Berenson said. "Zach could still be the guy, and don't count out Catt. He's an older kid and he's excited and he has a great work ethic and attitude. "I don't think one goalie is way ahead of the others, but Steve finished up well, he's had more playing time and the bigger opportunity, and he's probably the goalie to beat." FORWARDS HAVE MUCH TO REPLACE Michigan had to say goodbye to Hobey Baker candidate Zach Hyman (54 points) following his senior year in 2014‑15, but the Wolverines did not expect to lose captain Andrew Copp (2013‑15) and Larkin (2015), who com‑ bined for another 75 points, including 29 goals. No one forward is expected to com‑ pensate for their absence, though ju‑ nior captain JT Compher, who had eight goals in his final nine games last season, and junior Alex Kile (a team‑ high 13 markers last year among re‑ turning players) are both capable of scoring 20, and might need to.