LUKE GLENDENING
Michigan
Jr. | F | Grand Rapids, Mich.

Key Statistics: Glendening put together a solid sophomore campaign, more than doubling his freshman-year offensive output with 21 points on 7 goals and 14 assists. The junior-to-be also finished with a strong plus-13 rating after going plus-11 during his rookie season.

What He Does: Glendening is what coach Red Berenson calls a “glue” player, helping to solidify Michigan’s lineup beyond big names like Hagelin, Caporusso and Rust. The junior is content with a behind-the-scenes role, but has emerged as a team leader – an alternate captain last year, Glendening will share Michigan’s captaincy with Carl Hagelin during the upcoming season.

The Bigger Picture: While the Wolverines got their act together and made last season a memorable one after a conference-championship run through the CCHA playoffs, the example Glendening sets for the incoming freshmen will be a key in determining whether Michigan can have a more successful regular season and clinch a trip to the Frozen Four this year. The junior has continually raised his game since walking on, and should become an even more influential offensive contributor whether he ends up on a scoring line or in more of a grinding role – he’s certainly proven he’s capable in both roles.

Michigan coach Red Berenson to AnnArbor.com on Glendening becoming a captain: “He’s a kid that has earned everything he’s gotten at Michigan. He didn’t come here on a scholarship; he didn’t come here with a lot of talk about his draft status or any of that. He was not a high-profile recruit. But when he got here, every day in practice, he’s showed everybody he can help this team. And he’s worked himself up to be chosen as a captain as a sophomore – that’s pretty significant.”