As a bulk of the Wolverines’ young nucleus is either still competing in the World Junior Championships, such is the case for Canadians Michael Hage and Jack Ivankovic, or returning home after an early
exit, as is the case for the Americans, Michigan will need contributions from its depth on Saturday night when it hosts the USNTDP U18 team.
The Plymouth-based program has long had a harmonious relationship with the Wolverines, with current alums Will Horcoff, Dakoda Rhéaume-Mullen, Cole McKinney, Asher Barnett and Drew Schock continuing that pipeline.
D Abe Barnett, USNTDP
The lone Michigan commit on the U18s roster, Barnett is the younger brother of the aforementioned Asher. Unfortunately, Asher will not suit up as he has been at World Juniors, but fans will get a look at the tantalizing, 6-foot-1, smooth-skating prospect.
Barnett has notched only one goal and four points for the NTDP over 29 games. However, his game revolves more around responsible play in the defensive zone and using that already-college-ready frame to disrupt puck carriers and passing lanes.
It may not be the flashiest style, but Barnett could very well be on a trajectory similar to his older brother’s.
G Julian Molinaro, G Stephen Peck
Ivankovic has rightfully started every game for the Wolverines this season, but his absence opens the door for either of his backups to earn real action.
The 22-year-old Molinaro spent most of 2024-25 as a depth piece for Northern Michigan and has not been leaned on heavily since 2023-24, where he starred for the Calgary Canucks of the Alberta Junior Hockey League. That year, he went 27-16-2 with a 2.60 GAA and .916 save percentage.
Peck, meanwhile, is also in his first season in Ann Arbor after a stint with the USHL’s Muskegon Lumberjacks, where he went 19-6-5 with a 2.43 GAA and .909 save percentage in 2024-25. Molinaro is more likely to start tonight, but this is a good opportunity for head coach Brandon Naurato to integrate both of the netminders.
Furthermore, adding experience, even in an exhibition, can only benefit this team that has already put a massive workload on the young Ivankovic.
F Adam Valentini, F Malcolm Spence
We all know about the contributions these two freshmen have made for Naurato, but a forward group without Horcoff, Hage and McKinney could be hard-pressed for scoring opportunities.
Sure, the upperclassmen are still around, but the tilt with the NTDP can bring out the best in these freshmen who have more familiarity with the U18s and are perhaps more driven to stand out in a less meaningful game.
Valentini has netted five goals and 17 points and should have plenty of chances to create his own offense and carry a line, rather than being a more complementary piece. Similarly, Spence, who has seven goals and 12 points, could help introduce the NTDP to the physical Big Ten style, which most of them will learn about next season.
