Michigan Daily: Article by Nicole Auerbach on Michigan Hockey

Defense ready for physical matchup

By Nicole Auerbach
Daily Sports Writer

Michigan junior defenseman Steve Kampfer knows he's going to get some bruises tonight.

“(St. Lawrence) is a physical team,” Kampfer said about tonight’s opponent. “We’ve been practicing hitting all week. Obviously, when we go back for a puck, we understand we’re going to get hit. We’ve got to make the play.”

The Wolverine defensive corps has one major factor on its side — its size. Six of the eight defensemen are at least six feet tall, and all but one weigh in at more than 190 pounds.

“Gaining a couple extra pounds, being a lot stronger on the puck and knowing where to be on the ice (helps our) guys out,” Kampfer said.

Familiarity helps, too.

To read the rest of the article please visit: http://www.michigandaily.com/content/2008-10-10/defense-ready-physical-matchup