In his third season behind the bench, Michigan hockey coach Brandon Naurato has favored responsible skaters, who value the puck and stay out of the box. They represent the team's heart and identity, and embody team values like hard work, resilience, and unity. In times of adversity, Naurato has anchors who steady the team, inspiring others to give their all.
Here is a look at more of the core members of the Michigan hockey team.
Dakoda Rhéaume-Mullen (sophomore)
A promising prospect, Dakoda Rhéaume-Mullen (hereafter referred to as DRM), suffered a tough freshman year and went undrafted. He responded by having an excellent first half of the season. Last year he was sheltered by the coaching staff, keeping him away from dynamic forwards and getting ice in low-pressure situations. However, he is now the third-most used player on one of the NCAA's top teams. He has been solid positionally and always playing the right pass. His offense has improved and the coaches have even given him a power play role. DRM’s dramatic improvement makes him a player Naurato can count on.
And, yes. DRM's mom is Manon Rhéaume, a former ice hockey goaltender, was the first woman to play any of the major North American pro-sports leagues. She signed a contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning and appeared in preseason exhibition games. She played for the Canadian women's national team, winning the gold at the IIHF Women's World Championship in 1992 and 1994, and the silver medal at the 1998 Winter Olympics.
Ben Robertson (junior transfer from Cornell)
Ben Robertson’s addition is one of those social media wish-list posts: “If only we could get a veteran defenseman from a team with back-to-back championships.” In a Michigan hockey sweater, he has exceeded expectations by being the only defenseman to crack 20 minutes a game and has 14 points in 20 games. Robertson is a mainstay on both the power play and penalty kill units. He is absolutely the most important defenseman. Thanks, portal gods!
Nick Moldenhauer (junior)
Like DRM, last season was a nightmare for Moldenhauer. Like DRM, he’s scored well, with 13 points in 20 games (he had 10 points in 29 as a sophomore), and finished the first half with 10 in the last 11. He has played more on his toes, now that he’s scoring. He’s become a good defensive forward and an excellent passer. Add clutch. Four minutes into the third period of the Saturday Notre Dame game, Michigan hockey desperately needed something. Enter Moldenhauer, who passed the puck to a teammate who failed to score, he pounced on the loose puck and tallied the equalizer.
Jayden Perron (junior transfer from North Dakota)
Another veteran addition, his move was not greeted with much excitement. An undersized, skilled guy? You mean like the other guys we have? [Announcer Voice] But Perron was not like the others. He has contributed in every game, with 18 points in 20 games, nearly tying his career high in points at North Dakota in only half a season. Not just a perimeter player, Perron has real talent, contributes valuable points, and brings a ton of experience from a top hockey program.