Blueliner could return

When Michigan defenseman Dave Huntzicker went down Oct. 30 against Bowling Green with a separated shoulder, the preliminary prognosis was that he would be out three weeks.

But if he is cleared by a doctor today, the sophomore will be on his home ice Friday against Alaska-Fairbanks, a week earlier than expected.

Huntzicker "will play if he gets the go-ahead," Michigan coach Red Berenson said.

Huntzicker took advantage of last week's off-weekend to get his shoulder back into shape. Along with working out in the weight room, he did some light skating in informal practices.

"I'm feeling better every day," Huntzicker said. "I'm working real hard with the trainer and on the ice and I'm feeling pretty good. I still look over my shoulder from time to time in the corners, but I'm feeling pretty comfortable."

Sophomore defenseman Dave Huntzicker may return to the Michigan lineup this weekend if he is cleared by a doctor today.

Huntzicker's intensity in getting back into action is being copied by his teammates this week in practice as they try to distance themselves from their last performance, a 6-1 loss to Northern Michigan on Halloween night.

Junior center Andrew Merrick has been especially intense in practice this week, getting into fights the last two days. Yesterday, Merrick and assistant captain Bobby Hayes dropped the gloves and went toe to toe.

"Everybody's just working really hard," Merrick said. "The guys are trying real hard and stuff happens. There are no hard feelings though - what happens on the ice is left on the ice."

MARGARET MYERS/Daily

11-11-98