Coach Red Berenson said that sophomore defenseman Eric Werner plays like he doesn't know how small he actually is.

Despite being just 5-foot-10, the Grosse Pointe Woods native isn't intimidated by bigger players. He is a constant physical presence for the Wolverines on the blue line.

"Actually to tell you the truth, when I was little, I was kind of big for my (age)," Werner said. "Then I think I just stopped growing. But I still try to go out there and be a physical presence. I like to hit, so I try to throw it in there when I get a chance."

With junior defenseman and alternate captain Andy Burnes sidelined for at least three weeks with mononucleosis, Werner's contribution has become increasingly important for the Wolverines.

This past weekend against Merrimack, Berenson paired Werner with redshirt freshman Reilly Olson - who was playing for the first time in his Michigan career - because of the stability and presence the sophomore would provide.

"I think Werner can play with anyone," Berenson said. "He can take control with the puck, without the puck."

Olson was appreciative of the coach's decision.

"He's definitely a great player to play with," Olson said. "He's so smart and so good with the puck. You know that for the most part he's always going to be joining the rush, so the coaches just told me to make sure I'm always back to back him up. But, I mean, he's so helpful out there. He's always in the right place, so definitely that helps me out a lot."

While he is focused on his defensive duties, Werner doesn't shy away from jumping up on the play and contributing some offense. Even with Burns out, the sophomore says that if he sees his chance to be aggressive, he's going to take it.

Last Saturday against the Warriors, Werner assisted on two of the Wolverines five goals. In the second period, his aggressive play gave fellow defenseman Danny Richmond the first goal of his Michigan career. Werner stole the puck from Merrimack along the blue line and moved it to a wide-open Richmond, who was able to bounce it into the net off of an opposing defender.

On the season, the sophomore has already accumulated four points - good for fourth on the team and first among Michigan defensemen.

Even with his offensive success though, Werner sees room for improvement.

"I think down low defensively I need to be stronger," Werner said. "On offense, I've just got to pick my areas. I'm still kind of relaxed back on defense, which last year I wasn't. I've got to get more into it."

With the arrival of the CCHA season this weekend, Werner sees no reason for his intensity not to pick up.

"Things are getting started, now it becomes competition," Werner said. "Now is when my game needs to be where it (should be). I'm kind of looking at this week to bring my game up."