Forward Recruits Add Toughness To U-M Hockey

Used with permission from theWolverine.com.

Of the six recruits, Michigan’s hockey team signed, four of them – Andrew Cogliano, Tim Miller, Jason Bailey and Zach MacVoy -- are forwards. Each one brings something unique to the table. We take a look at Miller, Bailey and MacVoy today after including Cogliano in a story yesterday with defensemen Jack Johnson and Mark Mitera. There are also a few nuggets on remaining targets, including Phil Kessel.

Michigan head coach Red Berenson and associate head coach Mel Pearson each compared MacVoy to current U-M senior David Moss, noting he has good vision, size and offensive ability. The 6-1, 214-pound MacVoy has four goals, including one on the power play, and three assists for seven points, while playing with the US Under-18 team.

“His abilities will give the Michigan coaching staff a player they can plug into many different situations,” TheWolverine.com’s Bob Miller said. “He uses his size effectively and willingly when needed, and is capable of being either an offensive or a defensive player when the need arises. Considered to be a good player both on the ice and in the locker room, MacVoy is the kind of player that helps teams win championships.”

Not known as a goal scorer, Bailey also draws comparisons to a current Wolverine. In 20 games with the US Under-18 team, the 5-11, 206-pound forward, has contributed four goals and five assists while accumulating 78 penalty minutes.

“Bailey is more like Mike Brown, an up-and-down the ice type guy,” Pearson said. “He’s very physical and likes to pay the price. Even more so he likes the other guy to pay the price.”

Though both MacVoy and Bailey are physical players, Miller is an enforcer with unlimited offensive potential. A 6-1, 180-pound forward, Miller has seven goals, including one power-play marker, and nine assists for 16 points in 18 games with the Omaha Lancers of the USHL. He also has a plus/minus rating of plus-12 and has racked up 52 penalty minutes.

“Considered to only have scratched the surface of developing his game, Miller possesses solid skating, a physical presence and natural offensive tendencies,” Miller said. “His presence as a left-shooting forward will be crucial with the loss of Eric Nystrom, Jason Ryznar and David Moss to graduation next season.”

Berenson expects all of his incoming freshmen to play right away next year (with 10 seniors moving on they kind of have to). MacVoy, Bailey, Johnson and Mitera, though, may be further along thanks to their participation in the USA program.

“I can’t say enough about that program,” Pearson said. “I think Bailey’s overall strength, just in the three months he has been with the program, has improved tremendously. His body is being reshaped and I think that alone will really help him.

“He called us and told us he thought he was in shape and worked hard until he got here. They have a great off-ice program. I think that really helps these kids develop and obviously the schedule they have helps.

“They play college teams as high school seniors. They’re not going to be surprised to go into Munn Ice Arena, the Mariucci Arena – they’ve already had that experience and that’s huge.”

Cogliano and Miller should also impact right away because they are that good. Michigan’s entire recruiting class, which isn’t done yet, can help itself by beginning their careers once they graduate from high school. Current freshmen Kevin Porter and Chad Kolarik did just that, showing up at Yost Ice Arena in June to take part in informal practices headed by the captains.

Whenever the newest recruits do arrive, they may be joined by a few more rookie teammates. Berenson said he expects to sign at least one more forward and one more defenseman, while Pearson added, he anticipates Michigan will sign a goalie. Here are U-M’s biggest remaining targets with a summary provided by Miller.

Center Phil Kessel -- Kessel is the top college hockey recruit in this year’s class. The 5-11, 175-pound forward sports a dynamic offensive skill set unmatched by any other forward in the country. Kessel has lightening quickness and creates offense out of situations that appear harmless. His puck-handling, shooting and skating skills allow him to dominate whenever he chooses.

Michigan and Minnesota are considered the leaders for the services of the Madison, Wisc. native, although the hometown Badgers and Boston College remain in the mix. The team that receives Kessel’s commitment likely goes to the top of the recruiting class rankings for the year.

Goalie Billy Sauer -- After leading his Buffalo Saints midget team to a national title last season, Sauer has picked things up this season with the USHL’s Chicago Steel right where he left off last season. Replacing an injured Shane Connelly, Sauer has posted a 2.29 GAA, including two shutouts in his 12 games with Chicago this season. The butterfly-style ‘88 birth year goaltender would consider accelerating his studies to join a college team in the fall of 2005 if the right situation presents itself.

Goalie Drew O'Connell -- Named the Alaska High School Hockey Player of the Year in 2003-2004, O’Connell has carried his high level of play forward this year for the Waterloo Black Hawks of the USHL. The 6-0, 170 pound goaltender has posted a 1.80 goals-against average and a .934 save percentage for Waterloo in 10 games this season.

Goalie Alex Stalock -- Stalock has moved easily from backstopping his high school team to the Minnesota state high school hockey semifinals to the position of lead goaltender for the Cedar Rapids Roughriders of the USHL this season. At 5-11, 175 pounds, Stalock is noted for his fiery competitiveness and for possessing very strong puck-handling skills. In 10 games, he’s allowed 2.80 goals per game and has a .891 save percentage.