Defending The Last Line

Year: Senior

Hometown: Rochester, N.H.

Height: 6-1

Weight: 202

2003-04 Stats: 43 GP 7 G 15 A 22 PTS +10 +/-

Career stats: 118 GP 13 G 17 A 50 PTS +30 +/-

The Skinny: Brandon Rogers is the backbone of the defense
and a two-time assistant captain of the Wolverines. He is a two-way
defender who was second among defensemen in points last season. He
was also second on the team in power-play points with 16. He was
drafted in the fourth round by the Anaheim Mighty Ducks in
2001.

Coach’s Corner: “He’s a coaches dream.
He’s everything you’d expect from a player, both on and
off the ice.” — Associate head coach Mel Pearson

 

…AND MATT HUNWICK

Year: Sophomore

Hometown: Sterling Heights

Height: 5-11

Weight: 195

2003-04 Stats: 41 GP 1 G 14 A 15 PTS +14 +/-

Career stats: 41 GP 1 G 14 A 15 PTS +14 +/-

The Skinny: He led the Wolverines last season with his
+14 plus-minus rating and was named to the CCHA All-Rookie team. He
played mostly on Michigan’s top line with then-captain Andy
Burnes last year, and is once again on the top line this season. He
was a seventh-round pick of the Boston Bruins in the 2004.

Coach’s Corner: “Excellent skater with great
lower body strength. We’re looking for him to increase his
offensive totals.” — Pearson

 

NICK MARTENS

Year: Senior

Hometown: Ann Arbor

Height: 6-1

Weight: 209

2003-04 Stats: 31 GP 3 G 5 A 8 PTS +3 +/-

Career stats: 91 GP 6 G 14 A 20 PTS +28 +/-

The Skinny: A defensive defenseman, Martens has never had
more than three goals in a season. And it took him 20 games to
tally his first career point. But during his sophomore year, he led
the team with a plus-minus rating of +22. He won’t score a
lot, but the coaching staff counts on him to provide leadership on
defense.

Coach’s Corner: “He’s improved every
year. He has one of the best shots for a defenseman.” —
Pearson

 

…AND TIM COOK

Year: Sophomore

Hometown: Montclair, N.J.

Height: 6-4

Weight: 215

2003-04 Stats: 24 GP 0 G 2 A 2 PTS +6 +/-

Career stats: 24 GP 0 G 2 A 2 PTS +6 +/-

The Skinny: Cook came to Ann Arbor with high
expectations. While he has yet to live up to the hype, Michigan
coaches are confident he will be an improved player this season. He
is a rugged defenseman who knows how to throw his weight around.
Ottawa selected him in the fifth round in 2003.

Coach’s Corner: “We are counting on Tim to
make a giant step forward this year. (He needs) to use his size and
aggressiveness.” — Pearson

 

ERIC WERNER

Year: Senior

Hometown: Grosse Pointe Woods

Height: 5-10

Weight: 180

2003-04 Stats: 42 GP 9 G 14 A 23 PTS +6 +/-

Career stats: 106 GP 18 G 43 A 61 PTS +40 +/-

The Skinny: Werner is as tough as they come. The
defenseman, who led the team in game-winning goals last season,
always seems to be in the thick of the action. His offensive
prowess afforded him the opportunity to play forward when injuries
dictated a need last year.

Coach’s Corner: “Werner is very dynamic, very
creative and also, for his size, one of the toughest players
you’ll find in college hockey.” — Pearson

 

…AND JASON DEST

Year: Sophomore

Hometown: Fraser

Height: 6-0

Weight: 187

2003-04 Stats: 42 GP 1 G 6 A 7 PTS +10 +/-

Career stats: 42 GP 1 G 6 A 7 PTS +10 +/-

The skinny: Dest quietly goes about his business on the
blue line. He is rarely the subject of a “wow” play,
but holds his own as a defender. He discovered a bit of an
offensive touch in the second half last year, putting up five
points to up his season total to seven.

Coach’s Corner: “Blue-collar type of
defenseman who, when he is on, is one of the best (defensemen) we
have. He needs to play with an edge to be effective.” —
Pearson