Michigan
UMass
Michigan to Host Defending National Champion UMass in Top-10 Showdown
1/6/2022 11:06:00 AM | Ice Hockey
» No. 6 Michigan and No. 10 UMass meet for the first time this weekend.
» Kent Johnson and Owen Power lead the Wolverines in scoring with 23 points apiece.
» Michigan is 7-1-1 against non-conference opponents this season.
THIS WEEK
Saturday, Jan. 8 -- vs. #10 UMass (Yost Ice Arena), 5 p.m.
TV: Big Ten Network | Tickets | Live Stats | Live Audio | Live Video | U-M Vaccination Policy | Parking Update
Sunday, Jan. 9 -- vs. #10 UMass (Yost Ice Arena), 4 p.m.
TV: ESPNU | Tickets | Live Stats | Live Audio | Live Video | U-M Vaccination Policy
• Complete Game Notes (PDF)
PROMOTIONS
• Jan. 8: Trading Card Giveaway (Set #1)
• Jan. 9: Rally Towel Giveaway (First 3,000 fans)
• Full Promotions Schedule
• Social Media: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok
The No. 6-ranked University of Michigan ice hockey team hosts defending national champion No. 10 UMass in a two-game set on Friday and Saturday (Jan. 8-9) at Yost Ice Arena. The games will mark the first-ever meetings between the schools. Saturday's (Jan. 8) game is set for a 5 p.m. start on Big Ten Network, and Sunday's (Jan. 9) finale is set for a 4 p.m. puck drop on ESPNU.
Note: Effective Jan. 1, 2022, the University of Michigan has instituted a proof of COVID-19 vaccination or negative-test protocol for indoor athletic events. Face masks continue to be required and must be worn during all home indoor athletic events. [ U-M Vaccination Policy ]
Wolverine Bites
• The Wolverines are ranked No. 6 in the latest USCHO poll and No. 7 in the USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine poll.
• Michigan sports a 14-6-1 overall record after a scoreless draw vs. Michigan Tech on Dec. 29.
• U-M's top-five scorers are all sophomores, with Kent Johnson (four goals, 19 assists) and Owen Power (3G, 20A) leading the way at 23 points. Right behind the Canadian duo are forwards Matty Beniers and Brendan Brisson; each has notched 11 goals and 11 assists for 22 points. Thomas Bordeleau rounds out the quintet with six goals and 13 assists for 19 points. Freshman blueliner Luke Hughes has also been a standout, with seven goals and 11 assists for 18 points.
• Captain Nick Blankenburg leads U-M in shot blocks with 25, followed by Owen Power (21).
• Sophomore Erik Portillo has started every game in net for the Wolverines, assembling a 14-6-1 record with two shutouts, a .917 save percentage, and a 2.37 goals-against average.
• Michigan has the nation's third-ranked scoring offense, averaging 3.86 goals per game. The Wolverines also are eighth-best in scoring margin at +1.43 goals/gm.
Scouting the Minutemen
• UMass is the defending national champion after defeating St. Cloud 5-0 in Pittsburgh during the 2021 Frozen Four. Seventeen players from last year's championship team return for the Minutemen this season.
• Ranked 10th in the nation, UMass has begun its championship defense with a 10-4-2 start.
• Returners include impactful contributors like forwards Bobby Trivigno, Josh Lopina, Anthony Del Gaizo and Cal Kiefiuk along with defensemen Matthew Kessel and Ty Farmer.
• Additions to this year's blue line include freshman standouts Scott Morrow (team-high 18 points) and Ryan Ufko along with transfer Slava Demin from Denver University.
• Veteran netminder Matt Murray has made goaltending a strength for the Minutemen. He has started all 16 games for UMass with a .925 save percentage and a 2.21 goals-against average.
Up Next
Friday, Jan. 14 -- vs. Penn State (Yost Ice Arena), 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 15 -- vs. Penn State (Yost Ice Arena), 7 p.m.
