We already knew Michigan would be making a return appearance in the Nick Colleluori Classic this year, and even what other teams were in the pool of available opponents.
Now, we know exactly who the Wolverines will face: Marist and Mount St. Mary’s. In an interesting coincidence, those two teams will also both play against St. Joseph’s, one of Michigan’s opponents at this event from Fall 2011. The Wolverines and The Mount faced off in the regular season this spring (at the nadir of Michigan’s Team One struggles), and MSM prevailed 15-6 in The Big House.
Both teams were mediocre-to-bad last year, ranked No. 45 and No. 43, respectively, according to TempoFreeLax. Though that may initially seem underwhelming for Michigan, it should actually be a pretty good test for a program trying to claw its way up from No. 59 last season.
The event takes place Oct. 6-7 at Ridley High School outside Philadelphia.
I like the choice of opponents. Should give us a pretty early barometer of the impact the freshman will make.
MSM will be a good test for Michigan considering their power rating from last year places them right around Michigan’s ECAC foes Bellarmine, Hobart and Air Force. The UMich coaches will also have an opportunity to gauge the play of St. Joseph, High Point, Marquette, etc. which might be Michigan’s opponents.