Posted Apr. 18

In an era when so many top college hockey players leave early to play professionally, a commitment to stay can mean a lot.

Michigan coach Red Berenson got an assurance from junior defenseman Mark Mitera that he would be back for his senior year. Then, Berenson named Mitera the team's captain for the 2008-09 season.

"He was very clear that he made the decision," Berenson said. "I have to take that to mean the summer isn't going to change anything."

Mitera was Michigan's most experienced defenseman this season and led the defensive corps with a plus-30 rating.

The Anaheim Ducks drafted the Livonia native in the first round of the 2006 NHL Draft. While the Ducks will probably offer Mitera a substantial contract, he cited the chance to lead the team and finishing up his education as the key reasons for his commitment to return.

"It's definitely a big honor that the coaches have looked to me to lead the team next year," Mitera said. "I'm excited for it. I'm going to embrace it the best I can and hopefully do a good job following in (Kevin) Porter's footsteps."

Mitera has some big shoes to fill as Porter is widely considered to be one of Michigan's best captains in recent memory. Porter led a surprising Wolverine squad with 12 freshmen to the Frozen Four, far exceeding any preseason expectations.

Mitera said he would try to set up a strong spring program for returning players, just as Porter did last year.

Berenson said he would name alternate captains in the fall, a departure from the usual routine of naming both the captain and his assistant captains at the same time.

One of the reasons for the delay may be a concern that some players will leave for the professional ranks this summer. But Mitera is confident everyone is coming back.

"I haven't really caught wind of anyone," Mitera said. "Other than myself, the other ones would be Max (Pacioretty) and Chris (Summers) that might have the opportunity to leave. But I've talked to Chris, and I'm confident that he'll be back, and Max the same way."

Berenson said he didn't get an indication that anyone was planning on leaving early in his individual meetings with players this week.