University of Michigan defenseman Chris Summers battles in an Oct. 3 exhibition game against the U.S. National Team Development Program's Under-18 team. After being an alternate captain and co-captain last season, Summers is Michigan's captain this year. (Mark Bialek for AnnArbor.com)

When Chris Summers put on the captain’s “C” last season, it came with an asterisk.

Summers, a senior defenseman for the University of Michigan hockey team, started last season as an alternate captain, and then became a co-captain in October after Mark Mitera went down with an injury.

This season, though, there will be no “alternate” or “co” attached to the honor. When the Wolverines start the regular season tonight against Alaska, Summers will skate out as their leader.

“It’s a little bit different this year as opposed to last year,” Summers said. “It feels good. I feel like the guys can look up to me for leadership.”

Summers will anchor a Michigan defense that’s stacked with veteran players. The top three lines of defensemen combine for 370 career games, and Summers has played 123 for the Wolverines.

The defense looked shaky at times in Michigan’s two exhibition wins, giving up too many scoring chances to the U.S. National Team Development Program and Windsor. Michigan coach Red Berenson said goalie Bryan Hogan “had to work harder than he should have” at times.

“We’re still adjusting,” Summers said. “That was an area of concern this weekend. But we’ve got enough talent and experience back there.”

Summers says Michigan's defense must play well for the Wolverines to beat Alaska in tonight's season-opener. (Mark Bialek for AnnArbor.com)

Michigan’s defensemen will immediately be tested against Alaska, which plays a slow, low-scoring style. A mistake or two - similar to those made in the exhibition season - could lead to a season-opening loss.

“They’ll play a defensive trapping style and take advantage of their chances,” Berenson said. “They can score goals on you. I see them as one of the top four or five teams in our league, and they’ll be as tough as anyone.”

The first game will be up to the defense, Summers said.

“If we beat them, we’re gonna beat them with our speed,” Summers said. “As long as we’re playing good (defense), I think the offense will take care of itself.”

Summers will play on the first line with sophomore Brandon Burlon, who scored a goal 13 seconds into Michigan’s exhibition season. Junior Chad Langlais and senior Steve Kampfer will pair up on the second line.

The Wolverines are hoping for big things from Kampfer, who in the past has been limited by injuries. Kampfer missed 16 games last season.

“I’m fully recovered, so now it’s just getting back to hockey and playing,” Kampfer said. “Last weekend we struggled a little bit as a unit, but I think we’ve (practiced better).”

Michigan lost to Air Force in the first round of the NCAA tournament last season, and the Wolverines want to put that disappointment behind them. They can take the first step tonight, so long as Summers and the defense lead the way.

“It’s huge,” Summers said. “If you want to build any momentum for the rest of the year, it starts this weekend.”

James Briggs covers sports for AnnArbor.com. Contact him at 734.623.2557 or jamesbriggs@annarbor.com.