By July 2002, the Michigan hockey team had established another
banner recruiting class. Marquee names Jeff Tambellini, Al Montoya
and Danny Richmond joined Brandon Kaleniecki and Noah Ruden, giving
the Wolverines a plethora of talented fresh faces.

But in the last week of July, Mike Cammalleri and Mike Komisarek
unexpectedly left the team early for the NHL. With Cammalleri lost
and the ensuing season growing closer by the second, Michigan
needed another center. The coaching staff knew just where to
go.

“We didn’t know in July that Andrew Ebbett was
coming in in September; we didn’t know until we lost
Cammalleri,” Michigan coach Red Berenson said. “And
then when we lost Cammalleri, then we called Ebbett.”

Ebbett, a Vernon, British Columbia, native, had agreed earlier
in the year that he would play one more season on the Salmon Arm
Silverbacks of the British Columbia Hockey League and then enroll
at Michigan for the 2003-04 campaign.

“But when Cammalleri left we called him and said,
‘Do you think you’re ready to handle a spot and be
ready in the next month?’ ” Berenson said. “And
he thought about it and said, ‘Yeah. Absolutely.’
”

Although Ebbett’s addition to the team came late, the
5-foot-9, 160-pounder made his presence felt. Ebbett played in all
43 games and finished sixth on the team in scoring with 27 points
(nine goals, 18 assists).

“That was the thing that really impressed me is that when
he came in, he adjusted quickly to the whole idea of being here and
getting in on the scheme,” Berenson said.

This year, Ebbett has continued to improve. The sophomore
currently ranks third on Michigan in scoring with 10 points (four,
six). Ebbett feels as though he’s really found his niche on
the team.

“Since the start of the season, I came in and things have
just been working for me,” Ebbett said. “Last year I
got down on myself at times, and this year I’m not going to
worry about the downs. I’m just kind of keeping a positive
attitude, and it seems to be working.”

“He makes players around him better,” Berenson said.
“I think that’s the secret if you’re a good
centerman, you’re creating scoring chances for wingers, and
you’re smart with the puck and you can score
yourself.”

A complete player, Ebbett handles faceoffs and is a regular on
both the powerplay and the penalty kill.

“He’s become a real important player on this
team,” Berenson said.

During his time at Michigan, Ebbett has formed a tight bond with
fellow sophomore Brandon Kaleniecki. Roommates as well as
linemates, Ebbett and Kaleniecki form one of Michigan’s
finest combinations.

“Since we’re good friends off the ice, it makes
things easier on the ice,” Kaleniecki said.
“We’re both on the same page on the ice.”

But the duo has had trouble finding a right wing to fill out
their line. This weekend, Michael Woodford will take on that
role.

“Kal (a left winger) and I were talking about it last
night, and I’ve never had a right winger,” Ebbett said.
“I’ve always had a left winger, and hopefully
Woodford’s the one this weekend and we’ll stick
together.”

Ohio State hosts the Wolverines for two games this weekend. Last
year Michigan and Ohio State tied twice in Columbus. In the first
game between the two teams, Ebbett evened the score at four with
one second left in the third period, forcing overtime and the
eventual tie.

“Yeah, I kind of like that place,” Ebbett said.
“It brings back good memories. I’m looking forward to
going back down there.”