Before the season began, the Michigan hockey team and head coach Brandon Naurato had more questions than answers. 14 new members would need to grow up quickly and gel with returning players. That is exactly what has happened.  The Wolverines took over the #1 ranking spot on March 9, 2026 . The hockey team has not lost back-to-back games all season.

The combination of coaching, system, and player buy-in has been the driving force behind the team’s success. Heading into the season, many believed the Wolverines would be doing well to be around the .500 mark. The defensive unit ranks fourth in scoring defense, allowing 2.08 goals per game with a +2.75 scoring margin.

The offense ranks first in the country. Scoring has not been an issue all season for the Wolverines.  The team clearly has a National Championship in front of them. The team or coaches will not say it publicly, but it has been clear that the team has both grown together and set big goals, the first of which was to be ranked in the top five, the second was to win the Big Ten Conference, and both goals have been met.

Naurato will get consideration for coach of the year, as he should. The Wolverines are a threat to win it all but it is the old win one game at a time that has gotten them to this point.