The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/901162
DECEMBER 2017 THE WOLVERINE 65 MICHIGAN HOCKEY HONORING A LEGEND The Wolverines got the win ver- sus Vermont in their home opener Oct. 20, but the bigger story of the night was that prior to the game the rink inside Yost Arena was named af- ter former head coach Red Berenson. It was head coach Mel Pearson's first game back at Michigan after tak- ing over for Berenson, who retired after last season. "That was pretty neat," Pearson said. "It was special to play our first game after that ceremony for Red. "I'm very honored and privileged to have the opportunity to be the head coach at Michigan, but once the game starts, you're just concerned and worried about managing the game and making sure the players are prepared." The official title of the rink is now Red Berenson Rink at Yost Ice Arena. Berenson won two national titles and 21 conference championships while at Michigan. "When you play for him for three years, you grow numb to the fact of what a legend he is," senior forward Tony Calderone said. "Then he re- tires and you get a new coach, and you see Michigan thinks so much of him to name the rink after him. It's a good feeling to have played for him and to see the rink named after him." CAPTAIN'S CORNER Following practice during the week leading up to Michigan's home opener, head coach Mel Pearson had the team gather around so he could announce who had been selected as the programs 98th captain. The Wolverines selected senior for- ward Tony Calderone, he announced, surprising the Trenton, Mich., native. "It was a huge honor," Calderone said. "I was pretty shocked by it. There were a lot of candidates on our team that could've been chosen, I'm just very grateful that it was me. It's something I'll cherish forever." Michigan also announced its four assistant captains: senior defense- man Sam Piazza, junior defenseman Joseph Cecconi, sophomore defen- seman Griffin Luce and sophomore forward Jake Slaker. "I think we have a strong group," Pearson said. "The teammates picked them — they see what they're doing on the ice, off the ice, in the class- room. "I think they're good choices and as coaches, you're happy, because we felt the same way as the players." After the meeting, Calderone said the first call went to his parents, who had been asking him who he thought it would be. He said they were almost more excited for him than he was. He said being a good leader is im- portant in many ways. "It's acting the right way on and off the ice," Calderone said. "I think on the ice is definitely very important because that's what we do, but it's im- portant to work hard every single day and then off the ice, carry yourself in the classroom and in public and just be a good example for the younger guys and show them the way." He feels he is more of a lead-by- example type of guy, but isn't afraid to speak up when it's needed. "He's got a great personality, he knows when to pat a guy on the back and he knows when to subtly tell a guy, 'Hey you have to pick it up.'" Pearson said. "He does it in a nice way. He's not going to yell or scream or embarrass you. "He's very popular and at the same time he understands this is his senior year, and he wants to have his best year." ❏ Hockey Rewind: Oct. 12-Nov. 12 Record: 6-3-1 Best Win — 5-2 over Penn State: Michigan showed it's already an improved team from a year ago by knocking off the reigning Big Ten Tournament champs on the road. Senior forward Tony Calderone lit the lamp twice to help the Wolverines earn a split in the two-game series. The night prior, U-M fell to the Nittany Lions 5-4 in overtime. Quote: "He's learned to pick his spots offensively better. By that I mean he's not turning the puck over and getting trapped as much as he was early. His first couple of games. I think he was just trying to create some things offensively and some- times might pinch down when we didn't have anybody covering for him. "He was trying to do a few too many things offensively. I think he's really grown and learned from that over the last couple weeks." — Head coach Mel Pearson on freshman defenseman Quinn Hughes MVP — Junior forward Cooper Marody: Through 10 games, Marody led Michi- gan in points with 16 (three goals and 13 assists). He has been able to find both of his linemates — Calderone and senior forward Dexter Dancs — plenty of times, which has given the Wolverines two high quality scoring lines. Freshman Impact — Forward Josh Norris: The rookie forward is playing on the top line and has shown why he was a first-round pick in the NHL Draft. He scored twice and had five assists through 10 contests, and has the potential to become a dominating player for the Wolverines. Player To Watch — Sophomore forward Jake Slaker: Through 10 contests, he was second on the team in goals with six and had three assists. He also was third on the team in shots (33). Must-See Series — Nov. 24-25 vs. Ohio State: Ranked No. 16 in the Nov. 13 USCHO.com rankings, the Buckeyes (5-3-2) provide not only another strong test, but could be a turning point in the season for Michigan. Yost Arena will be rocking. — Andrew Vailliencourt Junior forward Cooper Marody paced the Wolverines with 16 points (three goals and 13 assists) during their 6-3-1 start. PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL