NCAA: Michigan’s Fab Five

The University of Michigan, ranked No. 1 in the USA Today/USCHO polls, are off to their best start since the 1963-64 season in large part thanks to a strong freshman class highlighted by Montreal Canadiens prospect and 2007 first round draft pick Max Pacioretty.

The second half of the season will be a test for the young Wolverines with the schedule getting tougher with matchups against rival Michigan State and No. 2 ranked Miami University. The Wolverines get back to action on December 28, playing in the annual Great Lakes Invitational in Detroit, Michigan. The other teams participating this year are Michigan State, Michigan Tech and Providence College. The Wolverines will be without Carl Hagelin, Matt Rust, Chris Summers and Max Pacioretty, who are off to the World Junior Championships. McKeen's has notes on five first year Wolverines who are eager to make an impact this season.

Max Pacioretty (Mtl), LW, Michigan

It took Pacioretty a few games to adjust to the college game after not recording a point in the first four games .. since adjusting, he has been a load on the first line with Kevin Porter and Chad Kolarik scoring 18 points in 18 games .. his big frame and physical presence has opened things up for Porter and Kolarik, as Pacioretty plays like a true power forward .. hard to knock down with or without the puck .. drives to the net and plays an excellent game from within the faceoff circles .. not overly fast but has long powerful strides .. has an effective wristshot due to his quick hands .. sees time on special teams .. if Pacioretty keeps improving, he could see himself in a Canadiens jersey sooner than later.

Matt Rust (Fla), C, Michigan

Centers the second line for the Wolverines and is third on the team with seven goals .. Rust shows his hockey smarts by always being in the right spot at the right time .. plays a gritty game for being a smaller player, as he is not afraid to go into the corners .. very good at taking faceoffs .. has decent speed with a quick first step .. not too flashy but has solid moves with the puck .. has a solid work ethic giving 100 percent every shift.

Aaron Palushaj (StL), RW, Michigan

Leads the team in assists with 14 and is third on the team in points with 19 .. has a stellar all-around game .. knows where his linemates are at all times .. has quick hands to go along with his accurate shot .. strong passer with excellent vision .. does not play a physical game but throws his body around when needed .. sees some time on special teams.

Tristin Llewellyn (2008), D, Michigan

Has played in 13 of Michigan's 18 games .. a true defensive defenseman thus far .. plays a physical game and protects his net well .. can play an offensive game but has yet to show it .. decent skater both forward and backwards .. has had some problems turning the puck over in his own zone .. needs to works on his skating and overall decision making .. was once projected as a high draft pick but is now seen as a possible mid-round selection.

Chad Langlais (FA), D, Michigan

Has played in all 18 games recording 12 assists, but still looking for his first collegiate goal .. a very fluid skater with great hockey sense .. at 5-foot-8, he does not have the typical defensemen's build but really enjoys being the last line of defense .. plays his position well and makes a good first pass out of the zone .. quarterbacks one of the powerplay units.