University of Michigan Hall of Honor
Mel Wakabayashi
- Induction:
- 2006
- Class:
- 1966
Mel Wakabayashi was selected as one of the top 50 players in the WCHA during the hockey league’s 50th anniversary, and it is easy to see why. The All-America forward not only was U-M’s scoring champion in 1965 and 1966, he also led the WCHA in scoring and was named the team and WCHA MVP in both of those years. As a sophomore, he scored two goals in the 6-3 victory over Denver in the 1964 NCAA championship title game. Not only was he a great player, during his entire career Wakabayashi received only one minor penalty. A great athlete, he also lettered as a second baseman on the U-M baseball team and was given an opportunity to try out for the Detroit Tigers. After graduating from U-M, he signed with the Detroit Red Wings and eventually played hockey in Japan after a brief stint in the minors in the U.S. In 1980, he coached the Japanese Olympic hockey team.
Women's Basketball Highlights at Penn State (Jan. 8)
Thursday, January 08
Ice Hockey Returns to Work, Fine-Tuning Details Ahead of Notre Dame Series
Wednesday, January 07
Men's Basketball Highlights at Penn State (Jan. 6)
Tuesday, January 06
Women's Basketball Postgame Press Conference vs. Minnesota (Jan. 5)
Monday, January 05
