Huntzicker probable for Friday

By Ryan C. Moloney

Daily Sports Writer

The Michigan hockey team's depleted defensive corps could get a long-anticipated return by one of its stars this weekend.

Defenseman Dave Huntzicker has skated in practice every day this week and is probable to dress on Friday night against Western Michigan.

"Huntzicker looks good, I would think he would be ready to play on Friday," Michigan coach Red Berenson said. "If he looks and feels the way he did today and yesterday, I think he'll be in the lineup."

Huntzicker hasn't played since sustaining a deep bruise to the MCL in his left knee against Alaska-Fairbanks on Nov. 17. He had surgery on the same knee last summer to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

The senior assistant captain is still trying to get back up to game-speed while testing the capabilities of his recovering knee.

"It feels okay," Huntzicker said. "I've just got to keep working hard and suck it up to be ready for this weekend. I've been away for awhile and it's tough - game-speed is different from practice-speed."

Michigan's other injured defenseman, Jay Vancik, remains a "question mark" to play this weekend, according to Berenson.

The sophomore has yet to return to game action after twisting his right knee twice against Michigan Tech in the Great Lakes Invitational on Dec. 29. Vancik has practiced with the team every day this week, but he's stayed cautious in terms of his mobility.

"Right now in practice it's a little tentative, but I try to play the same game I've always played," Vancik said.

A Huntzicker return will probably cost senior Bob Gassoff or sophomore Brad Fraser his place in the lineup. The two have alternated between the fifth- and sixth-defenseman spots since the GLI.

"We will have to decide who we dress on defense if Huntzicker comes in," Berenson said. "It could be Gassoff or Fraser who comes out - right now I think I know which one, but I wouldn't want to say. Somebody has to come out and we should be able to play our rotation of six defensemen."

Since contributing sparingly before and during the College Hockey Showcase, Gassoff played more and more in the following games as Michigan's defensive casualties increased.

After recovering from an MCL injury similar to Huntzicker's that kept him sidelined for a month, Fraser also saw more ice time due to the defensive situation.

Both players have played inconsistently at times.

Huntzicker's injury created a domino effect on Michigan's defense that culminated against Boston College on Dec. 30 in a 8-5 loss. Due to the numerous ailments and Mike Komisarek's participation in the World Junior Championships, the Wolverines dressed four healthy, game-proven defensemen for the Eagles, Jeff Jillson, Mike Roemensky, Fraser and Gassoff. Andy Burnes played with two broken ribs.