ST. PAUL - At first, Michigan senior forward Louie Caporusso was somewhat tentative to say the Wolverines were declaring themselves as underdogs against North Dakota in the Frozen Four.
But during last week's teleconference with media members, Caporusso showered the Sioux with praise and his coach capped the interview with a blunt proclamation.
"We're the overwhelming underdog," said Michigan coach Red Berenson, who is in his 27th year as head coach of the Wolverines. "But we still have a chance."
It's a unique position for a program with nine national titles and 24 Frozen Four appearances.
But Caporusso, who is second on the team with 30 points, called the Sioux the best team in the country this year.
ADVERTISEMENT
"North Dakota has more skill than us ... they're faster and stronger," said Caporusso, whose team has won 11 of their last 12 games. "And that's how we're going to treat them.
"(The Sioux) look dangerous on all four lines. They also have big, physical defensemen. They're definitely a threat offensively, and they look stingy defensively. As far as being an underdog, I don't think we change how we play no matter who we are."
Berenson, who will be coaching in his 11th Frozen Four, noted that the Wolverines weren't viewed as the favorite to come out of the St. Louis Regional, either.
But Michigan scored a controversial goal in overtime to beat Nebraska-Omaha 3-2 in the first round and knocked off Colorado College 2-1 in the region final.
"It was a foregone conclusion that Boston College was the best team and No. 1 seed," Berenson said. "Colorado College just spanked them and that was the surprise of our region. So we're here, but a lot of people are surprised we came out of that region."
Berenson said his senior-led team has a knack for pulling out victories.
"We're an above-average team," Berenson said. "We don't have the prolific scorers like we have had in the past. We used to be known for our offense, but we don't have quite the offensive depth and skill this year. We're in most of the games we play, and we have to battle to find ways to win."
The Wolverines would like to parlay that philosophy against the Sioux.
ADVERTISEMENT
"We have to play our game," Berenson said. "Our team's going to give it their best shot. You've seen three No. 1 seeds go down, but North Dakota is the last No. 1 standing. They're as good as it gets.
"Do we have a chance? Right. Everyone has a chance."
Miller is a reporter for the Grand Forks Herald
