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Michigan hockey: 4 Wolverines headed to the Olympics

By Christopher Mangum

DETROIT, MI - FEBRUARY 17: Strauss Mann #31 of the Michigan Wolverines heads out to the rink to start the third period against the Michigan State Spartans during the annual NCAA hockey game, Duel in the D at Little Caesars Arena on February 17, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. The Wolverines defeated the Spartans 4-1. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - FEBRUARY 17: Strauss Mann #31 of the Michigan Wolverines heads out to the rink to start the third period against the Michigan State Spartans during the annual NCAA hockey game, Duel in the D at Little Caesars Arena on February 17, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. The Wolverines defeated the Spartans 4-1. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images) /
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Thursday, January 13th, the University of Michigan and Team USA announced that four Wolverines would be headed to the 2022 Winter Olympics. When the games commence, the four Michigan hockey players, two current and two alumni, will all represent the United States starting February 4th, 2022.

For Michigan hockey, this news comes as a blessing and a curse. The Wolverines will lose two top skaters, Matty Beniers and Brendan Brisson, in the Big Ten.

Michigan hockey currently sits first in the Big Ten, with Minnesota close behind, though the Golden Gophers will also be losing some talent to the Olympics this year. These two key losses will likely impact the Wolverines’ play as they need to find a way to close out a stretch of their schedule without them.

The Olympics will be the second time the Wolverines will have to overcome a limited roster, the first coming a few weeks ago during the World Juniors Tournament. During that stretch, the Wolverines found a way to defeat or tie two ranked teams without most of their starting lineup.

Michigan hockey will also be sending two former Wolverines, Strauss Mann, and Steven Kampfer.

Kampfer played at Michigan from 2006-2010 and helped Michigan win the CCHA Tournament and reach the quarterfinal round of the NCAA Tournament his senior year.

Strauss Mann is a name most Michigan hockey fans are very familiar with. Mann was the Wolverines brick wall in the net from 2018-to 2021.

Mann piled up the hardware at Michigan, being named honors such as All-Big Ten, Big Ten goalie of the year, academic All-Big Ten, and was the first goalie to be named Michigan’s team captain in 78 years. These awards are only the tip of the iceberg for the Michigan legend.

Team USA will open Olympic play on February 10th against China and continue to play on February 12th and February 13th before qualification play begins on February 15th.

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