The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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you're on the ice for a 30-second shift you're moving so fast that you don't really ever slow down. "For a lot of guys, if they have to stop and think it really confuses them and that's where I take advantage." Werenski's teammates marvel at his calm demeanor and chess-like approach. "He has such high-level skill that you can't emulate the way he plays, even if you wanted to," sophomore housemate Sam Piazza said. "When he touches the puck, it just sticks to his stick. He's composed and is al- ways making the smartest play out on the ice. "It's extremely impressive the way he handles himself, the way he shows up every day and plays with the poise of someone much older and more experienced. The thing that he doesn't get credit for, though, is he really works at it. "In some ways, he's a natural, but he's always working to improve his game." While the Michigan coaches ap- preciate the ease at which Werenski skates, passes, shoots, plays angles and uses his stick defensively, the Grosse Pointe, Mich., native wasn't always this comfortable on the ice, struggling early. "I wasn't a great skater growing up," Werenski said. "When I was at Belle Tire, my coach, [former NHL veteran] Doug Brown, changed my skating, and ever since everything just clicked." MAKING A NAME FOR HIMSELF With an accelerated learning curve, Werenski excelled with each new team, receiving opportunities to fur- ther his career that eventually landed him in Ann Arbor. In just two seasons, he has already proven to be one of the most tal- ented defensemen to have worn the winged helmet. "Beyond the obvious, he plays with a subtlety that when you're coaching you get a better feel for than if you were just at a game or watching on While playing in 19 of U-M's first 21 games, Werenski produced six goals and 10 assists. PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL