Over the next few days, the Michigan Wolverines will add at least two more debuts to the list. Garrett Van Wyhe with the Utica Comets of the AHL and Johnny Beecher with the Boston Bruins. Mel Pearson and his coaching staff should be incredibly proud of the program that they are in charge of and even more proud of the players that they have helped to shape.
Tuesday: April 12, 2022
OWEN POWER (BUFFALO SABRES)
Starting the group off was Owen Power, who signed with the Buffalo Sabres on Friday, and made his debut Tuesday night in his hometown of Toronto. The six-foot-six defenseman is unmistakable on the ice and seemingly fits right in with his new team, playing rather well against the Maple Leafs. Power's best play of the night happened in the first period as he broke up a premium 2-on-1 chance. Although he was unable to affect possession in a meaningful way, he was able to log 19 minutes of play in the Sabres 5-2 win over the Leafs.
MATTY BENIERS (SEATTLE KRAKEN)
When Matty Beniers stepped out on Seattle Kraken ice, he immediately made an impact. Not only was he the first-ever Kraken draft pick to play in an NHL game, but he also won his first professional faceoff and later gained his first career assist on a goal by Ryan Donato. Beniers is an asset to the Kraken, even if there are parts of his game that he needs to work on. He played with confidence and ended up with 17 minutes of play in the Kraken's 5-3 loss to the Flames.
Wednesday: April 13, 2022
KENT JOHNSON (COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS)
Kent Johnson arrived in Columbus on Monday and immediately fit in with the team. Johnson was selected fifth overall by the Blue Jackets in the 2021 draft and made quite the impact over his last year at Michigan. Coach Brad Larsen had Johnson practicing on the right wall of the second power-play unit and put him as a left-wing on a line with Justin Danforth at center and Oliver Bjorkstrand at right wing for his debut. Although we heard Johnson's name a few times during the game, he was a little underwhelming. He has some things that he could work on but once he gets comfortable, he will look a lot better for the team.
NICK BLANKENBURG (COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS)
Nick Blankenburg had quite a night in Columbus. A man who was once a walk-on for the Michigan hockey team took just over two periods to show his new city and his new team that they made the right choice. The defenseman set up Emil Bemstrom for a shot that was tipped home by Cole Sillinger in the third period, securing a secondary assist in his first pro game. Blankenburg, a native of Michigan, had a rather unusual road to the NHL. He went from playing forward and leading his high school team to a state championship to becoming team captain and earning a scholarship at Michigan in his final year.
BRENDAN BRISSON (HENDERSON SILVER KNIGHTS, AHL)
Brendan Brisson made sure that Henderson Silver Knights fans realized that he was in the building. Just eight minutes into his first professional game Brisson scored his first goal, showing the Golden Knights just what they missed out after signing him to an Amateur Tryout Agreement. Brisson was drafted 29th overall by the Golden Knights in 2020 and spent his last two seasons at Michigan along with representing Team USA at both the 2022 Winter Olympics and the 2021 World Juniors.
THOMAS BORDELEAU (SAN JOSE BARRACUDA, AHL)
Thomas Bordeleau had a night of his own, securing three assists in his first professional game. San Jose fans saw the future of their franchise produce just one minute into the first period as he secured his first AHL point with an assist on Lane Pederson's goal. He continued his momentum in the second period, securing both his second and third assists of the night.
Originally Published: April 2022 - Original Work
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