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First off, I know the website and e-mail updates kinda stopped last month. I left the country for most of March and just got back to Marquette late last week, hence why there have been no updates for a while.
As everyone knows by now, Michigan's season came to an end with a 5-1 loss to North Dakota at the NCAA West Regional, thus putting to bed one of the most frustrating up and down seasons we've had in a long time and starting what's always an exciting offseason. Yeah, you know what I mean.
A Michigan Hockey Spring
But before we can even get to "Another Michigan Hockey Summer!" we've already had to deal with a "Michigan Hockey Spring!" Fortunately, so far, the spring has been nicer.
Offseason Crisis #1 has been averted as Michigan defenseman Jack Johnson has decided to pass up an offer from Carolina and remain a Wolverine for at least another season.
The Hurricane have been pushing hard to sign the #3 overall pick from last summer's NHL draft since they called his name, including trying to get him to leave during the middle of the season. Once the season ended for the Wolverines, the Hurricanes came knocking again as they've suffered a few injuries on the blueline and feel he can step right in. It was said they offered a contract close to that of what Sidney Crosby received from Pittsburgh (probably rookie max and max bonuses).
The speculation mounted in recent days as Johnson's quotes in the media changed tone. Following their CCHA playoff win against Ferris State a few weeks ago, Johnson said he'd only leave Michigan at gunpoint. But a few days ago he told the Raleigh News and Observer that he was "up in the air" but still "hesistant on making the jump." He said he was torn on the decision. Michael Spath over on Rivals added that coach Berenson hadn't been able to reach anyone at the Johnson household, adding fuel to the fire that something was up.
But according to an article just posted on TSN's website, Johnson's informed the Hurricanes through his family advisor that he is turning down their offer to return to Ann Arbor for at least one more season.
"Jack thought long and hard about it," said Pat Brisson, the family advisor, told TSN. "It was very flattering for him that Carolina was so interested but Jack just feels his development is best served by staying another year at school. It was a tough decision but Jack feels good about it."
So now let the speculation on the rest of the team begin. Obviously the leading candidate for possible early departure is leading scorer T.J. Hensick, who was drafted by Colorado in the third round last summer. Other possible targets are Matt Hunwick (Boston), Andrew Cogliano (Edmonton), Kevin Porter (Phoenix), and Chad Kolarik (Phoenix). The Phoenix Coyotes, by the way, just signed Nebraska-Omaha sophomore forward Bill Thomas.
Final Red Berenson Show
The final Red Berenson Show of the season will take place Wednesday night from 6:15-8 p.m. (due to Michigan basketball tonight). Head out to the Creekside Grill & Bar on Jackson Ave. to join the fun.
I realize the link on my website isn't working anymore. If you can't listen to the show, an archive should be available later this week at TheWolverine.com
Michigan Hockey Garage Sale
The annual Michigan Hockey Garage Sale will take place Saturday, April 15 beginning at 9 a.m. at Yost Ice Arena. Items available will include practice jerseys, Nike apparel, hockey sticks and skates, hockey equipment, goalie equipment, and tape.
Pro News
Catching up on some pro news over the past month, Jeff Tambellini was traded to the New York Islanders, a team he knows fairly well (his dad won a Stanley Cup there). Tamby also scored his first career goal and has three assists with a +6 rating in nine games.
Meanwhile, the Chicago Blackhawks waived forward Andy Hilbert, and he was picked up by the Pittsburgh Penguins. So far the move has paid off as Hilbert has recorded two goals and three assists in eight games and moved up to play wing on the top line with Sidney Crosby.
And if you thought Tim Cook's 70+ game goal-less streak was something before he snapped it earlier this season, Mike Komisarek has him beat. The former Wolverine defenseman scored his first career goal March 20 against Washington in his 123rd career game. Komisarek also added a helper on the game-winning goal.
That's all for now...
Go Blue!
Jason
Michigan Hockey Net
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