Michael Hage Had a Good Run In First NCAA Campaign

Michael Hage’s NCAA run with Michigan’s season ended when Quinnipiac lost to Cornell. That loss put them out of contention to make the Frozen Four tournament that effectively puts a cap on the center's freshman season in college hockey.

As far as his future plans? I would expect him to go back for his sophomore season. He’s not NHL ready and he could get physically stronger as well as go on a playoff run with Michigan as most expected before the season began but that didn’t materialize.

Another positive was the fact that Hage was voted “Big Ten Player of the Year”. He was second on the team in goals with 13. He outpaced sophomore William Whitelaw who had 11. Next year will be a big year for him. I can see him getting around 55 points and being one of the better players in his conference.

His development is right on time. His speed, scoring and two way game are all getting better. It’s hard to dominate 23-year-old players at the age of 18. That’s a tall order that a few big stars have done but most can’t and that is acceptable.

Hage has a great personality. I’ve enjoyed talking to him and he deserves the best. He has a lot of good times ahead and now fans get to sit back and watch him develop. I enjoy that. It’s the best part of my job.