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4B - The Michigan Daily - Faceoff 2004 - Thursday, October 14, 2004

Thursday, October 14, 2004 - Faceoff;

Here's a look at Michigan's three defense pairings pegged to keep the puck from
By Ian Herbert and Ryan Sosin " Daily Sports Writers * Photos by Tony Ding

even getting to Al Moni

I

Nick Martens

...and Tim Cook

Year: Senior

Year: Sophomore

Year: Senior

Year: Sophomore

Hometown: Rochester, N.H.
Height: 6-1
Weight: 202

Hometown: Sterling Heights
Height: 5-11
Weight: 195

Hometown: Ann Arbor

Hometown: Montclair, N.J.

Year: Senior
Hometown: Grosse Pointe Woods
Height: 5-10
Weight: 180

Height: 6-1
Weight: 209

Height: 6-4
Weight: 215

2003-04 Stats: 43 GP 7 G 15 A 22 PTS +10 +1-
Career stats: 118 GP 13 G 17 A 50 PTS +30 +1-
The Skinny: Brandon Rogers is the backbone of
the defense and a two-time assistant captain of the
Wolverines. He is a two-way defender who was
second among defensemen in points last season.
He was also second on the team in power-play
points with 16. He was drafted in the fourth round
ythe Anaheim Mighty Ducks in 2001.
Coach's Corner: "He's a coaches dream. He's
everythingyou'd expect from a player, both on and
off the ice." - Associate head coach Mel Pearson

2003-04 Stats: 41 GP 1 G 14 A 15 PTS +14 +/-
Career stats: 41 GP 1 G 14 A 15 PTS +14 +/-
The Skinny: He led the Wolverines last season
with his +14 plus-minus rating and was named
to the CCHA All-Rookie team. He played mostly
on Michigan's top line with then-captain Andy
Burns last year, and is once again on the top
line this season. He was a seventh-round pick
of the Boston Bruins in the 2004.
Coach's Corner: "Excellent skater with great
lower body strength. We're looking for him to
increase his offensive totals." - Pearson

2003-04 Stats: 31 GP 3 G 5 A 8 PTS +3 +/-
Career stats: 91 GP 6 G 14 A 20 PTS +28 +/-
The Skinny: A defensive defenseman, Martens
has never had more than three goals in a season.
And it took him 20 games to tally his first career
point. But during his sophomore year, he led the
team with a plus-minus rating of +22. He won't
score a lot, but the coaching staff counts on him to
provide leadership on defense.
Coach's Corner: "He's improved every year. He
has one of the best shots for a defenseman."
- Pearson

2003-04 Stats: 24 GP 0 G 2 A 2 PTS +6 +-
Career stats: 24 GP 0 G 2 A 2 PTS +6 +-
The Skinny: Cook came to Ann Arbor with high
expectations. While he has yet to live up to the
hype, Michigan coaches are confident he will be
an improved player this season. He is a rugged
defenseman who knows how to throw his weight
around. Ottawa selected him in the fifth round
in 2003.
Coach's Corner: "We are counting on Tim to
make a giant step forward this year. (He needs) to
use his size and aggressiveness." - Pearson

2003-04 Stats: 42 GP 9 G 14 A 23 PTS +6 +-
Career stats: 106 GP 18 G 43 A 61 PTS +40 +-
The Skinny: Werner is as tough as they come.
The defenseman, who led the team in game-
winning goals last season, always seems to be
in the thick of the action. His offensive prowess
afforded him the opportunity to play forward
when injuries dictated a need last year.
Coach's Corner: "Werner is very dynamic,
very creative and also, for his size, one of
the toughest players you'll find in college
hockey. - Pearson

Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Fraser
Height: 6-0
Weight: 187
2003-04 Stats: 42 G
Career stats: 42 GP
The skinny: Dest
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second half last year,
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Coach's Corner:
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