Will Horcoff

Will Horcoff (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

With the college hockey season in full swing, the University of Michigan Wolverines are once again making headlines under head coach Brandon Naurato. 

Naurato, a former Michigan forward, Red Wings player development consultant, took over as head coach in 2022 and has quickly built a reputation for combining player development with a modern, up-tempo style of hockey.

This year, the Wolverines boast an intriguing mix of seasoned veterans and promising youngsters, like first-rounders Michael Hage and Will Horcoff. They’ve also added former NHL star Max Pacioretty in a coaching and mentorship capacity.

Michigan enters the season with high expectations, currently ranked among the top five nationally in team scoring and power-play efficiency. Under Naurato’s guidance, the Wolverines continue to showcase a fast-paced, skill-heavy brand of hockey that blends creativity with structure — a style that mirrors the modern professional game.

Hage & Horcoff Leading Michigan

The connection between Horcoff and Hage has been one of the most noticeable stories early in the season. Their off-ice friendship has translated into on-ice magic, with the pair combining for a string of multipoint performances in the opening weeks. 

Horcoff, son of former NHLer Shawn Horcoff, was taken 24th overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2025 NHL Draft. Meanwhile, Hage was selected 21st overall by the Montreal Canadiens a year earlier in the 2024 NHL Draft.

The coaching staff has praised their communication, noting that they often anticipate each other’s movements before the puck even hits the stick.

“They live together off the ice, so it’s easy for them to find chemistry when they know each other so well,” said coach Naurato.

Over the first stretch of the season, both Horcoff and Hage have emerged as pillars of Michigan’s offensive engine. 

Horcoff, who tallied just 14 points as a freshman, has already surpassed the halfway mark of that total through the first month of play, showcasing improved confidence and decision-making in high-pressure moments. His blend of size, skating, and responsibility down the middle has made him a matchup nightmare for opposing lines. 

Meanwhile, Hage has taken a major step forward in his sophomore campaign, sitting among the team leaders in points-per-game and power-play production. His vision and poise with the puck have become defining traits of Michigan’s top-six group. 

“They really committed to working hard in the offseason, and it shows. They’ve come in with much more maturity and are now more physically ready to attack the middle of the ice with more regularity.”

Michael Hage’s Development

Despite Hage being seen as the Canadiens’ answer to their organizational need of a second-line centre, it remains unclear whether he will be a centre or a winger at the next level.

In Michigan’s most recent games the last two weekends, Hage was moved to the wing, alongside veteran pivot T.J. Hughes and Horcoff. 

It’s still a learning curve for the young forward, who continues to evolve his offensive game as a sophomore in the NCAA, but Naurato believes there is a path to him becoming a centre at the next level.

“For him to be an effective centre, he needs to play hard and be hard to play against once the games get tighter and open ice is harder to come by. It’s about figuring out how to create.”

For Hage, the emphasis is on driving the middle, arriving at high-danger areas with timing, and holding inside body position rather than staying on the perimeter. That means harder net-front routes, winning space in the slot, and turning puck touches into chances from the interior of the ice — habits that translate regardless of whether he lines up at centre or on the wing.

“It’s about showing more physicality down low; and to do that, you have to have the right body build to dominate at this level. He came back in great shape, and now he’s got to add that to his game.”

With only seven of Hage’s 17 points this season coming at even strength, Naurato is challenging Hage to be more effective in his all-around game and continuing to push his games to new heights at 5-on-5, especially when the going gets tough.

“Your best players have to be your best players, not just offensively,” concluded Naurato.

Those are the kinds of challenges that help build championship habits.

Having Max Pacioretty

Few programs in college hockey can boast the kind of mentorship Michigan now has at its disposal. Pacioretty, a former Montreal Canadiens captain with over 800 NHL games and six 30-goal seasons to his name, brings a level of experience that is almost unheard of at the collegiate level. 

For a team whose average player age hovers around 20, his presence bridges the gap between youthful ambition and professional discipline. Players have reportedly gravitated to him in practice, asking questions about mindset, preparation, and handling adversity — the kind of intangible lessons that often define careers more than any drill or system ever could.

“Max provides that mentorship for the student athlete. He’s been through so much adversity in his career, and we’re very happy to have him,” said Naurato.

Pacioretty’s journey — from a first-round draft pick to a respected NHL veteran with over 800 games played — has given him a perspective few others can offer. For a team stacked with future pros, his insights into handling pressure, injuries, and long seasons have proven invaluable. Players have described him as approachable and grounded, someone who blends wisdom with humility in every interaction.

“He’s the kind of person that can help our young players go through their ups and downs and find solutions and give that player-first feel to the teaching we do.”

His presence also lightens the atmosphere — a veteran voice who can tell stories from the NHL trenches and remind the room what professionalism looks like day in and day out.

“He was around the team last year and the boys loved having him around, so to have him with us all year this year is big for us,” continued Naurato.

Naurato’s decision to keep Pacioretty involved full-time this season reflects a broader goal: blending Michigan’s youthful energy with the kind of leadership experience that translates to success at the next level.