The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/603303
MICHIGAN HOCKEY forward Kyle Connor so far this season. MVP — Sophomore defenseman Zach Werenski: The highly skilled de- fender showed off his offensive talents during the Maize and Blue's most recent three games, recording two goals and an assist in leading the Wolverines to a pair of wins. Werenski had the game- winning goal in a 5-3 win against Robert Morris Oct. 30, and then added a marker and a helper in U-M's 7-3 blowout of Niagara. Werenski is averaging a point per game with seven points (two goals and five assists) in seven contests this season. Freshman Impact — Cooper Ma- rody: There was plenty of preseason talk about Kyle Connor, and the first- round pick has lived up to his hype with five goals in seven games. However, Ma- rody has been the surprise of the rookie class, netting four goals this season. During the most-recent three-game stretch, the forward tallied two goals and three assists for a team-best five points, and had the game-winner against Niagara. Marody leads the team with 10 total points (four goals and six assists). Player To Watch — Sophomore forward Tony Calderone: Playing in 28 games a year ago, the right winger had just three goals and six assists. In six contests this year, he has already scored four goals and has two assists, and has the top plus/minus among forwards at plus-4. In U-M's last three games, he has contributed two goals and an assist. Must-See Series — Dec. 4-5 vs. Wisconsin: The Maize and Blue open up Big Ten play by hosting the Badgers in a pair of games at Yost. U-M went 5-0 against Wisconsin last year, including a playoff contest, with a cumulative score of 26-7, so the Badgers will be looking for some payback. UW, 3-4-3 this season through Nov. 17, did knock off then-No. 1 North Dakota 3-1 Nov. 6 on the road, so Wisconsin has the potential to upset the Wolverines. Michigan was voted the Big Ten preseason favorite and needs to experience early success against UW and Minnesota (Dec. 11-12, also at home). Freshman forward Cooper Marody notched a team-best 10 points (four goals and six assists) during the Wolverines' 5-1-1 start. PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL