Time and again throughout this hockey season, opponents" forechecking attempts have been thwarted thanks to the physical play of Michigan defenseman Jay Vancik.

"Players don"t like to come down his side because he"s playing like he is," fellow blueliner Andy Burnes said. "He takes the body and plays good defensive hockey."

But as stellar as Vancik"s play has been recently, senior Craig Murray offered a different take on why people might avoid Vancik on the ice.

Said Murray: "He likes to poke people a lot. He"s a pretty strong kid, and he"ll just come by and poke you it hurts a lot."

Regardless of the method, Vancik (2 goals, 6 assists on the year) has been one of the Wolverines" most consistent players all season. He was finally rewarded for his play when he was named CCHA Defensive Player of the Week on Monday after his one goal, one assist performance in Michigan"s sweep over Nebraska-Omaha last weekend.

"It"s usually goalies that win (the defensive award) anyway, but when a defenseman wins it it"s because he gets a couple of points," Vancik said. "So that"s what gets you noticed I guess or that"s what got me noticed."

After piling up a plus-four rating against Nebraska-Omaha, Vancik"s season total sits at plus-16, highest on the team. He led Michigan in plus-minus two years ago as well with a plus-29, and is plus-47 in his four-year career.

"I just want to be known as a solid, reliable and physical defenseman," said Vancik. "A defenseman that could match up with any offensive line in the league and shut them down for a night."

Michigan coach Red Berenson understands that the style that Vancik plays is exactly the type of effort he needs for his team to be successful.

Berenson went on to describe Vancik as a quiet leader someone who takes the game very seriously. But that characteristic shows up off the ice as well.

"He"s about as serious as they come," said a smiling Burnes. "You don"t mess around with him because you know if you do, you"re going to have to pay the consequences."

As for Murray"s allegations?

"I don"t know what he"s talking about," said Vancik with a chuckle. "I have no idea it"s not me."