It was not enough for the Michigan men’s hockey team to be ranked #1; the team had and has its eyes on bigger things. Saturday at Yost Arena on mission was accomplished, winning the Big Ten Tournament. The Wolverines did so in a convincing 7-3 win over the school’s biggest rival, Ohio State, which makes the victory that much sweeter. In the Championship game, Michigan stayed the course, stayed focused, and walked away champions.
Trailing by one goal after the second period, the Wolverines scored five straight unanswered goals to breeze past the 19th-ranked Buckeyes. Michigan enjoyed the victory, but soon after turned its attention to the biggest goal, winning the NCAA Tournament; “It’s a good feeling, and they just got to keep staying hungry. Obviously, going to enjoy this, an opportunity to raise a banner and win a championship ring and all these memories that they’ve created, but we got to get back to work on Monday.” Head coach Brandon Naurato said after the game.
Saturday marked the first time the Big Ten Championship game was held in Michigan. The Wolverines improved to a perfect 13-0- including all four of the schools tournament titles. As noted, the team is focused on a National Championship. This looks like a Wolverines squad that can make a run.
