2008-09 Ice Hockey Season PreviewPreseason expectations are what separate the 2008-09 Michigan hockey team from the 2007-08 squad. This fall, U-M is ranked No. 2 in the preseason USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine poll and is predicted to finish first (media) or second (coaches) in the CCHA, depending on whom you ask. The forecasts for 2008-09 come as a result of Michigan's success last season when the Wolverines, who were preseason No. 10 in the country and picked fourth in the CCHA, rattled off a 33-6-4 record, while winning the CCHA regular season and playoff titles and came two wins short of a national title.
Twenty-one players return from that 2007-08 team, including all three goalies and all seven defensemen who collectively allowed just over two goals per game. The biggest challenge for head coach Red Berenson, who enters his 25th season at U-M, will be replacing the departed first line of Kevin Porter (33-30-63), Chad Kolarik (30-26-56) and Max Pacioretty (15-24-39). Under the leadership of captain Mark Mitera and alternate captain Chris Summers, the Wolverines are eager to repeat their winning ways.
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