Facing the second half of this season with a very good chance for the Michigan hockey team to be Big Ten regular season, Big Ten tournament, and Frozen Four champs, leadership is essential, especially with a young roster and a conference loaded with talent. Michigan coach Brandon Naurato has selected as captains players who exemplify the qualities of what he describes as a “Michigan man,” T. J. Hughes, Tyler Duke, Kienan Draper, and Luca Fantilli.
With 11 freshmen and three transfers, Naurato said of his captains, “They all have different personality traits and quality character traits that I think they’ll be great mentors to these younger guys.”
T. J. Hughes (Captain)
Hughes went to development camp with the Tampa Bay Lightning in July, getting him back was a huge win because he is one of the top forwards in the B1G. He distributes the puck, scores goals, and is known for his work on the power play. “He’s been unreal,” freshman forward Adam Valentini said. “He’s just such a great leader. And even the first day I got here, just all the boys, honestly, they’re so welcoming, and they do everything for us to be better every day.”
Hughes has spent the past three seasons with the Wolverines, qualifying twice for the Frozen Four, while also losing an NCAA Tournament bid the season afterwards. Through the highs and lows, Hughes has proven he is a player who can produce, whether that’s scoring goals, providing an assist or helping out his defensemen. “(Hughes) is the captain for a reason,” said senior defenseman Tyler Duke. “He’s got a lot of experience, he’s played a lot of games, and a lot of guys look up to him. To see him have success and do what he does best is great for the team.”
Tyler Duke (Assistant Captain)
The only trusted defender from last season, Duke is wearing a letter this season, as he should be. He plays bigger than his small stature, which contributed to some injury woes that he's had at Michigan (missed seven games last season), but when Duke is in the lineup he's a hard-working, heart-and-soul defenseman who has played on some good teams.
Duke brings a unique perspective for the three transfers joining the team. As an Ohio native, he began his collegiate career at Ohio State. His brother, Dylan, was a standout on the team when Tyler joined during his sophomore season. Since then, Tyler has been a steadfast asset to the Wolverines’ blue line, creating his own path outside of his brother’s talent.
Kienan Draper (Assistant Captain)
Kienan Draper is a superb B1G 4th line center. His point totals ticked down a bit last season, but Draper hit a career high seven goals and 46 shots. Draper won't play a ton, but he plays a large chunk of PK time. He wins defensive zone faceoffs, plays hard, kills penalties, and knows his role. He’s been with the program through its highs and lows.
Luca Fantilli (Assistant Captain)
Fantilli was elevated to a top four defenseman role last year, but the current defense needs his veteran presence on the third pair alongside younger players. He isn't the biggest guy but he's not short either, a competent defenseman with a bit of offense, decent skating ability, and an okay defensive stick. More of a jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none sort of guy, Fantilli is best situated on the third pair or as a 7th defenseman who can be plugged in higher in the lineup.