the following are my comments, from a knowledgeable, objective and critical Michigan fan, on the season for the Wolverines. Does Kevin Allen, USA Today Writer, look like a genius for his Thursday headline, "Maine expects classic vs. Michigan". First off, thanks to the Wolverines for another fun, exciting, yet somewhat disappointing season. It is not very easy to get accustomed to losing the last game of the season in overtime for the last three years... 1995 Final Four Semis Maine 4 Mich 3 3OT 1994 West Regionals LSSU 5 Mich 4 OT 1993 Final Four Semis Maine 4 Mich 3 OT Their playoff record (CCHA, NCAA) is 1-4 over the past three years, hardly the mark of a "Winning" program like LSSU or Maine. Is it just not getting the luck or right bounces, or is there a curse? Or does the highly ranked defensive team always prevail over the highly ranked offensive squad (except 93). After Blair Allison made the fabulous glove save (while on his rear) on Mike Legg, and after the nation's leading point scorer, Brendan Morrison clanged one off the outside of the post with an open short side, and after Madden missed his breakaway, it just wasn't meant to be for Michigan. Mine as well have turned the TV off. (I thought BU was the favorite to win the NCAA because of their playoff experience. But I would not say they were the "Class" of the field since BU, Maine, and Mich were relatively even all season long. I think BU clearly benefitted from the marathon played on Thursday. Maine basically played 3 highly intense games in 3 days. Congrats to BU for winning the title and living up to preseason expectations.) Back to Michigan, i hope they gained some valuable experience here and can build on it for next season. The Wolverines will have a very strong team again and should return to the Final Four in Cincinnati. I expect a Maine and Michigan final, but there will be strong challenges from CC, BU, Minnesota, and possibly LSSU. (That is simply my preseason top 6 teams for 1995-96. Trying to figure out the rest is difficult right now!) Winning the CCHA regular season and playoff titles (Ouch!) and advancing to the Final Four is expected each year, but I am still searching for what it will take for you guys to play on the last day of the season. I would say that over the past four or five years, Michigan has iced the fourth best program in terms of on-ice success, behind #1 LSSU, #2 BU, #3 Maine. With the major distinction being a coveted NCAA title. Mike Knuble: Thanks for lighting the lamp night in and night out. I was very tough on you as a freshman, only because your body had not caught up to your skill level. But you provided three tremendous years of offense and your sniping ability will be sorely missed. Thanks for remaining at school for your senior year and now I will be forced to root for a Detroit Red Wing. Best wishes in your NHL career. Jason Botterill: Currently suffering a severe case of the sophomore jinx. After a strong freshman campaign and working hard to get drafted in the 1994 first round (#20 Dallas), what has happened to you since January. You are invisible on most nights and clearly have tons of talent to offer. (By looking at the play of Brendan Morrison and Botterill, it is surprising as to which one the 1995 Canada WJC squad) The WOlverines will be looking upon him to help fill the goal scoring void left by Knuble's departure. As far as the 1995-96 Wolverines roster, here is my best guess: Forwards: Robb Gordon, Brendan Morrison, Bill Muckalt John Madden, Kevin Hilton, Warren Luhning Jason Botterill, Mike Legg, FR. Greg Crozier John Arnold, Matt Herr, FR. Sean Ritchlin FR. Justin Clark, FR. Bob Hayes, FR. Romaninski Defense: Blake Sloan, Steve Halko Harold Schock, FR. Andrew Berenzweig Chris Frescoln, Chris Fox Peter Bourque Goalie: Marty Turco Greg Mallicke (SOPH. Clarkson transfer) As far as the freshmen go, Crozier, Berenzweig and Ritchlin are the most touted as of now. I dont expect any of the underclassmen to turn pro or leave for major junior, but only time will tell. They should have the strongest offense in the nation with three scoring lines. Just speculating, but i think bill muckalt is the best candidate to replace Knuble on Morrison's line. Muckalt had a strong first 2/3 of the season , but tailed off at the end when he was separated from gordon. Muckalt is in the David Oliver mold and his sniping abilites should be evident next year. The Hilton, Madden and Luhning line was a big surprise and should again be dangerous next year. Botterill and Greg Crozier, a Pittsburgh Penguin 4th rounder in 1994 will be looked upon to add some goals. The forwards are young and have potential still untapped, witness the raw emergence of Luhning. And Morrison is currently on track to break the all-time scoring record at Michigan. The defense should be led by the top 3 of sloan, halko and schock. They are very solid defensively, but I wish they could chip in a few more goals. The depth on defense is a bit of a concern, but Berenson will look to Frescoln and Berenzweig, who should be a physical force, to step up. There are no worries about goaltending unless turco is injured. He stepped in during the first weekend of the season and showed us his cat like quickness, drawing comparison to Felix Potvin of Toronto. He made some mistakes in the last three games of the year which led to some "bad" goals vs. LSSU, Wisc, and Maine. It is tough to win a title if you give up a tough goal in a big game. Michigan maniac John Haeussler has been raving about Turco's backup, Greg Mallicke. Turco certainly has a shot at breaking the NCAA goalie victory record set by Steve Shields. Right now, anything short of the 1996 Final Four would be disappointing. As far as the CCHA goes, I think that LSSU is Michigans top competition for first place. Comments from Michigan fans would be appreciated. Jeff Jodzis Michigan 93 Minnesota 95