This story will be updated as additional information is gained. The most recent update was at 1:22 p.m., and corrected a mistake regarding guests on the Brandon Naurato Radio Show.
For the third week in a row, the No. 3 Michigan hockey team will play short its full roster because of illness. But this time, it’s a lot more alarming.
Junior defenseman Steven Holtz was admitted to the Michigan hospital’s intensive care unit early this week, according to a Facebook post by his mother. Additional details were not given.
A Michigan spokesperson denied request for comment on the grounds of HIPAA.
Holtz hasn’t played since Nov. 5 against No. 6 Penn State, missing last week’s series against No. 20 Notre Dame.
Notably, Michigan canceled practice and media availability Tuesday afternoon, though Michigan assistant coach Rob Rassey filled in for Michigan coach Brandon Naurato on his weekly radio show at Pretzel Bell.
Two weeks ago against the Nittany Lions, junior goaltender Erik Portillo was unavailable thanks to an illness, causing junior backup Noah West to take those starts. Whether the illnesses are connected is unknown, but it shows that the Wolverines have dealt with health issues for at least three weeks now.
But now, it’s a lot more serious with Holtz in the hospital. And with a teammate in Holtz’s condition, it will be a lot harder for Michigan to focus on its heavyweight series with No. 2 Minnesota that begins Thursday night. No plans to cancel the game have been announced as of 1 p.m., and the Wolverines’ social media channels have continued to promote the game.