Michigan Forward Riding Ncaa-Long Point Streak entering Series vs. No. 4 minnesota

Ann Arbor – Michigan’s junior eaves, TJ Hughes, never frustrated.

Of the six leading scorers of the hockey team last season, he was the only one to return in 2024-25, passing the offers to convert Pro.

But the offensive numbers produced by its first two years in Ann Arbor were not replicated earlier this season. The non -recruited center of Hamilton, Ontario, did not score a goal until the 11th game of the season, and after a outbreak of four goals in the next game against Penn State on November 23, it was five consecutive games without one point.

However, he has been in a tear since then. Hughes enters the series of this weekend against the number 4 of Minnesota that mounts a streak of 13 play points, the longest in the NCAA. During that period, 6 feet and 185 pounds have eight goals and 13 assists to take care of the team’s score advantage with 33 points.

“Honestly, looking back, I was playing in the same way,” Hughes said this week about his slow start. “They were simply not entering. I was trying to work. I was trying to hunt discs and war clothes. I thought I was doing plays. I thought I was playing well. I was simply not obtaining the rebounds at that time. It is good to see them enter, and it is good to have something successful in that way, but you just have to move on. I have much more in my game. “

Hughes, who had 30 goals and 82 assists in 79 games in his first two seasons, said he was not even aware of his streak until someone showed him a social media graphic before the series of last weekend against no . He scored the opening goal and helped the winner of the game in the 2-1 victory on Friday at East Lansing and then received an assistance in Michigan’s only goal in the 6-1 defeat on Saturday in the duel in the D .

“I only think about it as just try to help the team win,” he said. “When I am contributing offensively, it is an advantage and feels good only to help the team. I am just trying to contribute offensive and defensively. “

Hughes has never been a striking player and sometimes he overlooked his first two seasons playing along with a contingent of early NHL draft selections. But chief coach Brandon Naurato and teammates have been excited about Hughes hockey IQ.

It always seems to be in the right position and has a great ability to configure your teammates in the offensive zone.

“He is working,” Naurate said. “It’s just a hockey player. He knows what places to enter, and it is easy to play because it is predictable. “

Being predictable is one of the best compliments that Naurate can give to its players. If their players know where they will be between them and without the album, that allows them to play faster and be more direct and intentional when they have possession.

That’s where Hughes stands out, even if he has played with many different lines of line this year. The last two weekends has played with the second year student Garrett Schifsky, who is fourth in the team with 10 goals and 19 points, and Josh Eernisse, 6 feet 2 and 215 pounds, one of the most tenacious strikers of the Wolverines

“It’s a great body, it’s physical,” Hughes said about Eernisse. “It is predictable. It is always in the right place. It is really structured, so it is reliable, and I know what you are going to do and what you are thinking, which is really great to see. Then (Schifsky) works his butt. Hard patina, is physical, makes plays. Both make plays. Schif has a good opportunity and can bury, so both are fun to play. “

Hughes ice time has increased approximately 90 seconds per game since last season. It is still a fixed element in the power game, where it has eight of its 13 goals, but has also played in the penalty this year.

“It’s amazing,” said Defense Luca Fantilli. “I love playing with TJ, he deserves everything he has received. He is such a smart player. You are always doing the right game at the right time. Honestly, it is one of the most skilled types with the album, such as small plays and things. And just as it is as he is as a person and a boy outside the track too. He always takes care of his body in the gym, doing additional things, eating well. “

Part of why Hughes returned this season was to continue completing his game. He has always been a first -point producer, including post 127 in 60 games in his last season in the Alberta Junior Hockey League. This season he has strived to become a 200 -foot player without sacrificing the offensive.

The classified 12th Wolverines (16-12-2, 10-9-1 Big Ten) are currently in the NCAA tournament bubble with four games in the regular season: two against the Gophers and two against No. 8 Ohio State . Hughes that extends his streak of points could help Michigan a lot to secure another position in the tournament.

“I feel like I raise every year,” he said. “The staff is a large part of that, just helping me grow as a player. I want to be a two -way center or simply a two -way striker in general who can play difficult minutes in zone D and can be difficult to play, as well as make plays throughout the ice.

“Just trying to be more a bidirectional player this year and try to play great minutes. I only try to help the team as much as possible, and the coaches are a large part of that. Simply give me advice in practice and games and just tell me where I can succeed, how can I be better. And my teammates are great with that inside and outside the ice. I am trying to be a better version of myself every day. “