Wolverine Hockey Signs Three for 2000-01 Season
11/17/1999 12:00:00 AM | Ice Hockey
"This group of defensemen will add some size, skill and toughness which helps fill our needs for the upcoming years," said associate head coach Mel Pearson. "These are elements we need to go forward and compete in the [Central Collegiate Hockey Association]. In addition, all three are very sound academically, and that is part of what attracted them to Michigan."
Burnes, a 6-0, 185-pound defenseman, joins Michigan from the Compuware Ambassadors, the former junior team of current Wolverines Dave Huntzicker (Ann Arbor, Mich.), Mark Mink (Livonia, Mich.), John Shouneyia (Bloomfield Hills, Mich.) and J.J. Swistak (W. Bloomfield, Mich.). Burnes currently has two goals and three assists for five points with four penalty minutes in 16 games this season and serves as the captain of the team.
"Andy Burnes comes from a Compuware program from which we have had a long list of players who have been very successful here at Michigan," said Pearson. "He is a very rugged defensemen and an outstanding student. He has always wanted to come to Michigan, and he will play a big role in shaping our defense for the next few years. He is more of a defensive defenseman and is very competitive and physical."
Komisarek, a 6-4, 230-pound defenseman, is the second player in as many years Michigan has signed from the U.S. National Team Development Program based in Ann Arbor. Current Wolverine Andy Hilbert (Howell, Mich.) is the only Michigan player ever to come out of the program. Komisarek, who is similar in size to current Michigan blueliner Jeff Jillson (N. Smithfield, R.I.), was considered one of the top defensive recruits in the country and will add size and scoring on defense. Currently, he has four goals and one assist for five points and 34 penalty minutes in 15 games with the U.S. National Team.
"Michael will complement Olson and Burnes in the fact that he is a big, rugged defensemen who has good offensive skills," said Pearson. "We think he has a very bright future at Michigan. He came out of a program in Long Island (N.Y.) relatively unknown but has made great strides at the [U.S. National Team Development Program]. We really look for him to continue that development here at Michigan and become a very dominant defenseman."
Olson, a 6-0, 180-pound defenseman, will add offensive skill to the blueline. Currently, he has three goals and eight assists for 11 points and 12 penalty minutes in 23 games for the Vernon Vipers of the British Columbia Hockey League. Last year with Grand Prairie Midget AAA, Olsen scored 14 goals and 24 assists for 38 points with 99 penalty minutes in just 24 games.
"Reilly gives us an offensive element that we don't currently have," said Pearson. "He reminds me of Patrick Neaton, who we had a few years ago. He is a good skater, a very good puck-handler and likes to jump in offensively. He will add some offensive talent to our blueline. Academically, he is interested in our engineering program here at Michigan, so it is a good fit all around."
Michigan, currently 10-1-0 overall and 7-1-0 in the CCHA, is ranked fourth in the nation entering this weekend's games against Lake Superior State on Friday and Saturday (Nov. 19-20).
| Name | Pos. | Ht. | Wt. | Birthdate | Hometown |
| Andy Burnes | D | 6-0 | 185 | 10-2-1981 | Battle Creek, Mich. |
| Michael Komisarek | D | 6-4 | 230 | 1-19-1981 | Islip Terrace, N.Y. |
| Reilly Olsen | D | 6-0 | 180 | 6-28-1981 | Grand Prairie, Alberta |
Contact: Jason Gerdom (734) 763-4423
