Bryan Hogan a solid No. 1 goalie as season nears for Michigan hockey team
The University of Michigan hockey team returns to the ice this season with several new players - and question marks. But when it comes to goaltender, the Wolverines have a firm answer entering this season.
Michigan can’t officially practice until Oct. 3, when the team opens the exhibition season at Yost Ice Arena against the U.S. National Team Development Program. But coaches can spend two hours this week and next week working with the team on skating drills - just enough time, coach Red Berenson said, to give his players “little jolts of reminders.”“By (Oct. 3), they’ll know what’s expected of them,” Berenson said.
In short, expectations are high. Coming off a 29-12-0 record with much of its core group of players intact from last year, Michigan likely will start near the top of the national rankings. College Hockey News has ranked Michigan No. 5.
While Berenson spends the next few weeks tweaking lineups, he won’t have to worry about who’s going to stop the puck. Junior Bryan Hogan, who played 31 games last year, returns as Michigan’s No. 1 goalie.
“The ball’s in Hogie’s court. He’s our starter,” Berenson said. “He gained confidence last year, and he should have an even better year. He’s got an excellent opportunity.”
Of course, taking advantage of opportunities is what got Hogan here in the first place. Hogan, who last year won a position battle with Billy Sauer, posted some of the best numbers ever for a Michigan goalie.
Hogan went 24-6-0, the third-best winning percentage (.800) in the nation. His 1.97 goals-against average ranked second-best in school history for a single season, and his save percentage of .914 tied for third. Yet, Hogan said he’s approaching the season as if he has to battle for his job.
“It’s not any different than any other year,” he said. “I still have to fight for my spot. I’ve got to (perform) no matter what. I didn’t put any extra pressure on myself.”
Hogan’s goal, he said, is to improve on each personal statistic from last season. If that happens, Michigan could be a top contender for the national title.
“I think we’re going to be a good team,” Berenson said. “The thing you don’t know about is injuries - especially if there’s a rash of them.”
Michigan also must fill a 50-point void left by forward Aaron Palushaj, who turned pro after last season. The Wolverines have several skilled newcomers ready to step up and contribute.
“Seven out of 18 players are freshmen - that’s a third of the team,” Berenson said. “That’s good, because it freshens your lineup and brings enthusiasm.”
And if each of Michigan returner improves, Berenson said, the Wolverines will have more than enough offensive production.
“I expect every player to get better than they were,” he said.
James Briggs covers sports for AnnArbor.com. Contact him at 734-623-2557 or jamesbriggs@annarbor.com.