Jillson key to future of 'M' icers

Jeff Jillson is a big man. And soon, he'll make a big, big decision - one that could determine a hockey national championship for Michigan.

Mark Francescutti The Cutting Edge

The San Jose Sharks and the NHL are beckoning, but will Jillson, who just finished his sophomore season, test the NHL two years early?

The burly 220-pound defenseman already has several items on his resume - stalking opponents as the Wolverines' most talented defenseman, countless awards, even a feature in the swimsuit issue of Sports Illustrated ( he was Old Spice Athlete of the Month).

But one thing he doesn't have? A national championship.

This past season, Michigan suffered on the blue line after three defensemen bolted in the offseason. The stifling pressure and lack of depth on the defense reared its ugly head when the Wolverines fell in exhaustion to Maine in the NCAA quarterfinals.

With the loss of captain Sean Peach, Michigan is left with two solid defensemen in Jay Vancik and Dave Huntzicker, a surprise midseason replacement in Mike Roemensky, bruiser Bob Gassoff and three incoming freshmen.

It's by no means a death sentence for the defense, but with Jillson, the possibilities are endless - well, actually they do end somewhere and one need only ask the past six classes about the extent of potential.

Michigan returns almost everyone in its lineup, including every forward on a powerhouse offense. With Jillson, the Wolverines will be a strong candidate for preseason No. 1. Without him, the defense will be solid, but extremely young and inexperienced.

It's simple. If Jillson returns, Michigan will be back in Albany at the Frozen Four, and then who knows?

So Jeff, I know you may still be wrestling with a choice right now or maybe leaning towards one way.

Well, let me make it easy for you.

If you could care less about an NCAA Hockey Championship, as most of the NHL and America currently does, go for the NHL. You're the 14th overall pick in the NHL draft. It's every hockey players' dream.

But if you would you like to continue your education (make the parents happy), enjoy the wild house parties (I've heard things), and add a national championship trophy to that resume of yours then stay in Ann Arbor. What more can you ask for then to enter your first professional season as a champion?

- Mark Francescutti can be reached at mfrances@umich.edu