Fans often overlook exhibition games on their favorite teams' schedules, but Michigan's tilt with the United States National Team Development Program Under-18 team provides spectators with an extra incentive to head to Yost Ice Arena tonight. The team features Chris Summers, who has committed to suit up for the Wolverines next fall.

Summers will join Michigan's already-deep blue-line core, which loses just Adam Dunlap, and hope to contribute on a nightly basis. Wolverine associate coach Mel Pearson believes that Summers is cut from the same mold as current Michigan stars junior Matt Hunwick and freshman Jack Johnson - both former U.S. NDTP players.

"He's a great skater," Pearson said. "I think he'll follow the footsteps of Hunwick and Johnson. He's very strong, also. Those are the things you really notice."

In tonight's game, fans should immediately realize why Pearson and assistant coach Billy Powers sought out Summers. His skating ability and physical presence make him highly visible on the ice, according to Pearson.

"You see the skill package right away," Pearson said. "I think the most important thing is getting to know what a special kid he is. He has a great work ethic and a strong commitment to the game. He has the chance to be a special player."

This game likely holds special significance for Summers and his teammates. It will be Summers's only chance to line up across from the Wolverines.

"I know he's looking forward to it," Pearson said. "He has already called me a couple of times this week. They all go to the local schools, so this is a big game for them. They can go back to their schools and tell everyone that they beat Michigan."

Michigan sophomore Kevin Porter remembers playing against the Wolverines when he was with the U.S. NTDP and knows the opponent will be up for the challenge.

"It was my only chance to play against Michigan," Porter said. "I remember the (Michigan players) not being too excited about the game, so I wanted to win even more."

The Wolverines have especially deep ties to the U.S. NTDP because the program is located in Ann Arbor. In all, 17 Wolverines have skated for the U.S. NTDP over the years. Michigan's current team features nine former U.S. NTDP prospects - Porter, Hunwick, Johnson, junior T.J. Hensick, sophomore Chad Kolarik and freshmen Jason Bailey, Danny Fardig, Zac MacVoy and Mark Mitera.

Pearson said he likes the Wolverines' chances to win their fifth game in five tries against the U.S. NTDP. But the Michigan team will be without senior forward Brandon Kaleniecki, who has been slowed by injury all year and will miss this weekend's game with a sports hernia.

Luckily for Michigan, MacVoy and Kolarik will play in the game despite coach Red Berenson listing them as questionable on Wednesday. MacVoy suffered a hip pointer in the Jan. 6 game against Alaska-Fairbanks, and Kolarik was thought to have a hernia. After Kolarik was re-evaluated on Thursday, he was cleared to play.

Focal points for the Wolverines will undoubtedly include special teams, which struggled greatly against the Nanooks. The Michigan power play was ranked as the best in the nation for most of the season, but after last weekend dropped to fourth.

The Michigan coaching staff also changed up the defensive pairings this week. Johnson and Hunwick will remain together as Michigan's top line, but juniors David Rohlfs and Jason Dest are now paired together and junior Tim Cook will skate with freshman Mark Mitera.