When Red Berenson welcomed 10 freshmen to the Michigan hockey program four years ago, he believed they could grow into something special.

The incoming class included a gifted skater in Carl Hagelin, an electrifying playmaker in Louie Caporusso and a steady defenseman in Chad Langlais.

As they found their place in Michigan's program, they have matured and stuck together, turning the Wolverines a serious national championship contender.

The No. 4-ranked Wolverines open the season Saturday against Mercyhurst with depth and experience at every spot on the ice. Despite another talented incoming crop of freshmen, Berenson said Wednesday it may be hard for newcomers to play a significant role.

Michigan's nucleus of eight seniors allows Berenson the luxury of knowing exactly what he has to work with. Hagelin and Caporusso anchor Michigan's offense after combining for 73 points last season when the Wolverines went 26-18-1. Both also serve as prime examples of finishing what they started four years ago.

Both players had attractive professional hockey opportunities in front of them after putting up impressive offensive numbers as juniors. Neither seriously considered leaving.

And when their season ended abruptly in a 3-2 double overtime loss to Miami in the NCAA Regional Finals, one game shy of the Wolverines' 10th Frozen Four appearance, the incentive to come back was clear.

"We understand what's at stake, and we understand we're definitely an NCAA championship (caliber) team, and we don't want to throw that away," Caporusso said Wednesday. "We've talked about as a senior class about how powerful this team can actually be."

Berenson said while his veterans will not only be critical to Michigan's success this season, he believes they will be rewarded for staying put - especially if the Wolverines' season plays out the way he thinks it can.

"They're a big part of this team right now," Berenson said. "Every player wants to be part of the team, and every player wants to do it right. And so they're back for all the right reasons, they're big players, they're leaders, and this will be their best season."

Open net Berenson said Wednesday the competition for the starting goalie job is open for the first part of the season. He named Shawn Hunwick the starter for Saturday's season opener (7:30 p.m. Saturday) and will likely start Bryan Hogan in Sunday's exhibition against Western Ontario (5:05 p.m.)

Berenson said he's not in a rush to name a dedicated starter, but gave Hunwick the nod due to the way to the former walk-on performed in last season's post-season run.

"I'm expecting him to compete hard for the starting job, and I'm expecting (Hogan) to compete hard. And if they do, we should be a good team in goal," Berenson said. "We're trying to win games, and it's not about being fair. It's about doing what's best for the team, but I personally believe we are a two-goalie team.

With a win ... Berenson will be the sixth coach to record 700 career wins if Michigan wins Saturday. The 70-year-old coach, who signed a three-year extension over the summer, is 45 wins shy of tying Bob Peters (North Dakota and Bemidji State) for fifth place on the all-time NCAA list.

Making it count Michigan and Mercyhurst are the only two programs to be playing a regular-season game. In the past, the Wolverines have started the year with an exhibition. Despite having only two hours a week to prepare as a full squad, Berenson said he expects the Wolverines to be ready Saturday night.

"Our players are anxious to play anybody, and so I don't think it matters," he said. "I'm glad we're playing a meaningful game, so there's no question about how important the first game is."

Jeff Arnold covers Michigan hockey for AnnArbor.com and can be reached at (734) 623-2554 or by e-mail at jeffarnold@annarbor.com. Follow him on Twitter @jeffreyparnold.