2024-25 Review: Last year was a significant regression for the Michigan Wolverines, considering their recent history of success. With an 18-15-3 record and a loss to Penn State in the Big Ten Tournament, the Wolverines missed the NCAA Tournament, including their first time missing the Frozen Four since the 2020-21 season. Top scorer T.J. Hughes will be returning after putting up 38 points in 36 games last season. Michigan center TJ Hughes makes a pass against Michigan State defenseman Nash Nienhuis during the third period at Yost Ice Arena in Ann Arbor on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024. - © Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/0278ba41-5ef0-44c9-a7b7-f0b7792a4b70.jpeg] Michigan center TJ Hughes makes a pass against Michigan State defenseman Nash Nienhuis during the third period at Yost Ice Arena in Ann Arbor on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024. - © Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK Key Departures: The Wolverines are losing some scoring power with the departures of their 3rd, 4th, and 6th leaders in points. Forward Evan Werner transfered to Notre Dame fighting Irish during the offseason. Ethan Edwards signed a contract with the Utica Comets, playing 10 games with them after the Wolverines season ended. William Whitelaw transferred to the Frozen Four Champion Western Michigan Broncos. Next Men Up: The Wolverines are adding a fresh core with 11 freshmen and 3 transfers for the upcoming season. Leading the way is the acquisitions of goaltender Jack Ivankovic from the Brampton Steelheads of the OHL and forward Malcom Spence from the Erie Otters of the OHL. Both players were selected in the second round of the 2025 NHL Draft and will look to make immediate impacts on the team. The team announced yesterday that former Wolverine and 17-season NHL veteran, Max Pacioretty has joined the program as a special assistant to the head coach. Head coach, Brandon Naurato had this to say about the signing. "Bringing in a guy like Max is huge for us. He's been through it all in the NHL and knows what it takes to play and lead at the highest level. Our players are going to learn a ton from the way he sees the game, how he prepares and how he carries himself. It's exciting to have that kind of experience around every day. Having an alum like Max back around the program reminds our players that they're part of something bigger, and that's the Michigan Hockey legacy." May 7, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs left wing Max Pacioretty (67) celebrates after scoring a goal against the Florida Panthers during the first period in game two of the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. - © Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/52517191-3afb-4f9d-8f09-2c284a33faa8.jpeg] May 7, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs left wing Max Pacioretty (67) celebrates after scoring a goal against the Florida Panthers during the first period in game two of the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. - © Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images The Road Ahead: The Big Ten conference is looking stronger than ever and will pose a significant challenge to the Wolverines. With teams adding talent in the transfer portal, including from the CHL, it will be interesting to see if Michigan can make a resurgence with their new additions to the locker room. They begin their season at home on October 3rd against the Mercyhurst Lakers. Related USCHO Releases Initial 2025-26 Men's College Hockey Rankings [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/397d8679-1615-4b9a-8540-e2900f7d8781.jpeg] USCHO Releases Initial 2025-26 Men's College Hockey Rankings <a href="https://www.uscho.com">USCHO.com</a> has released their first rankings of the 2025-26 Men's Division 1 College Hockey season. The defending Frozen Four Champion, Western Michigan Broncos, are leading the way at Number 1 with 29 first place votes followed by last year's runner up, Boston University Terriers at Number 2. Other teams with first place votes include the Michigan State University Spartans (14 votes), the Penn State Nittany Lions (3 votes), and the Michigan Wolverines (1 vote) [https://thehockeynews.com/ncaa/latest-news/uscho-releases-initial-2025-26-men-s-college-hockey-rankings]
