Postgame Quotes: #9 Michigan 5, Wilfrid Laurier 2 (ex.)
10/9/2014 12:00:00 AM | Ice Hockey
Oct. 9, 2014
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Michigan Head Coach Red Berenson On standout performance by freshmen ... "Another strong game for them. Zach [Werenski] obviously got us off to a good start, and so did Dylan [Larkin]. They are just good players. They're smart, they anticipate well, they know how to finish plays around the net. If we are going to get some good offense from our D, that's really going to help our team. Young Dylan, he and Zach Hyman are connecting well with Alex Kile now, and they made a couple good plays tonight. I like where we are going, and I think we got a lot out of the game tonight."
On Hyman-Larkin chemistry ... "I'm not surprised, because they both are all-in. They're good kids and they're excited, and then to see them play off of each other, that's what you're looking for. We've seen that in the past with some players, and then with other players we haven't. I think if you ask Zach Hyman, I think he's as comfortable with Dylan Larkin, and he's only been with him for two or three weeks, as he has been with anybody in two and a half years, so that's how special it is."
On the team's preparedness for regular season ... "I wish we were healthier, I think by Monday or Tuesday we probably will be. Right now, I like where we are, I like a lot of things about our team. Some of the intangibles, and then our goal again is to be better defensively than we were in the first game and the second game, and I think we were a little better tonight. I still didn't like the fact that we gave away the puck on both of the goals that they scored against us, but it's a game of mistakes and we just have to minimize our mistakes."
On performance of power-play unit ..."Not bad. It was kind of a broken group, on the one group, the unit that scored with Werenski and Dylan, that group was together. But without Copp and JT Compher, it really changes the other powerplay unit, so we didn't have the balance that we will probably have but I liked the one group."
U-M Sophomore Forward Alex Kile
On the line chemistry so far this season ... "I think right now it's our chemistry on and off the ice, like me larks (Dylan Larking) and (Zach) Hyman are good friends off the ice. We like to talk about what we can contribute to the team on the ice so. I think us, we have a bit of chemistry going right now, so I think that's why we're successful."
On the difference between freshman and sophomore year ... "Probably the biggest transition this year is definitely confidence. Last year I didn't have as a big a role, and this year I'm getting my opportunities, right now its confidence, and I hope that continues."
On the upcoming season ... "I feel confident, Ferris State, I think we would have liked to start a little better. Tonight was a good game, and I think we're looking forward to this Friday. We have a deep offensive group, lines 1-4, and a young 'd' core, but I think they're going to lead us to some wins this year. This is going to a fun weekend, and I'm excited to what our team can bring to the table."
U-M Freshman Forward Dylan Larkin
On what was working so well tonight ... "I think it was just moving the puck, not trying to do anything too special. Giving it to my teammates, they were getting open, and making nice plays like Alex did."
On the physicality of the game ... "Personally no, I would just rather play hockey. You know, they're going to get frustrated chasing us around all game, which we knew was going to happen. So we just tried to stay focused and play our game."
On his comfort level so far this season ... "I'd say I'm pretty comfortable. I try to just feed off of Alex and Zach Hyman, both fast and consistent players. I know they're going to play well every game, so I just try and follow them."
On the transition to the college game ... "The transition's been good, with school and hockey, and I'm just excited for this team and this year."
