'M' inks third defenseman of class

The Michigan hockey team continues to put the pieces of next season's team together, adding yet another recruit yesterday.

The Wolverines closed the fall signing period by inking defenseman Reilly Olson for the 2000-01 season. Olson now joins Andy Burnes and Mike Komisarek as part of Michigan's early signing crop.

"Reilly will be a perfect fit for this program," Michigan coach Red Berenson said. "He's a smart kid who's interested in engineering here at Michigan, and he's a very talented hockey player."

Olson, who is also a skilled offensive player, will add a scoring punch to an already solid, but thin Michigan blueline.

"Reilly gives us an offensive element that we don't currently have," Michigan associate head coach Mel Pearson said. "He reminds me of Patrick Neaton who we had a few years ago. He's a good skater, a very good puckhandler and likes to jump in offens

DAVID KATZ/Daily Michigan freshman John Shouneyia will have company next season from three defensemen, who signed letters of intent with Michigan yesterday.

ively. He will add some offensive talent to our blueline."

In 23 games for the Vernon Vipers of the British Columbia Hockey League, Olson has recorded three goals, eight assists and 11 points. The Wolverines, because of the late defection of three blueliners in the offseason, needed to stregthen their defense. With the signing, Michigan has now solidified its defense of the future.

"This group of defensemen will add some size, skill and toughness which helps fill our needs for the upcoming years," Pearson said. "These are elements we need to go forward and compete in the CCHA. In addition, all three are very sound academically, and that is part of what attracted them to Michigan."

The Wolverines now have the makings of yet another very strong recruiting class. Michigan has had arguably one of the strongest classes in each of the past two seasons, a tribute to Berenson and his staff.

But the coach sees an extra incentive for the blueliners of the class of 2005.

"When they come in we try to show them how they'd fit into our team," Berenson said. "Obviously with defensemen, they can see that we have an opening.

"One of the things they see that they like is that we don't hold them back. We want you to participate and add to the offense as well as the defense. We have three defensemen in on our first two power-play units, so we include defensemen in a lot of things."

Injury report: Michigan forward Scott Matzka, who missed Saturday's game against Miami, should play Friday against Lake Superior State at Yost Ice Arena. Matzka suffered a bruised sternum against the RedHawks Friday night in Cincinnati, but "should be fine for Friday," Berenson said.

Defenseman Bob Gassoff, on the other hand, is still questionable. Gassoff is suffering from strep throat, a condition which has allowed him to participate in only the first hour of practice this week.

"I'd say he's a question mark for Friday," Berenson said.

11-18-99