Wolverines hockey taps Garrett Schifsky as captain for Team 105. A proven scorer and leader, he guides a dynamic new era.
ANN ARBOR, Mich. – As the University of Michigan men’s ice hockey team prepares for its landmark 105th season, the program has officially signaled a change in leadership. Head coach Brandon Naurato announced that junior forward Garrett Schifsky has been named the team captain for the 2026-2027 campaign. Joining him in the leadership core is a versatile group of alternate captains: Ben Robertson, Michael Hage, Asher Barnett, and Nick Moldenhauer.
The selection of Schifsky marks a significant milestone for the Andover, Minnesota native, who has rapidly become a cornerstone of the Wolverines' lineup since his arrival.
A Proven Leader at Every Level
Schifsky’s rise to the captaincy at Michigan is a continuation of a storied leadership pedigree. Before donning the Maize and Blue, he served as the captain for the Waterloo Black Hawks in the USHL, where he was voted team MVP and led his squad in scoring.
Since joining Michigan, Schifsky has been defined by his relentless work ethic and "motor." His collegiate career highlights include:
Consistency: He recorded 34 points in his freshman season (2023-24) and followed it with a strong sophomore campaign.
Clutch Performance: He famously netted a hat trick to lead Michigan to a dominant victory over Arizona State in October 2024.
Two-Way Play: Known for his instincts on both ends of the ice, Schifsky has been a primary penalty killer and an "off-puck" threat who creates space for his teammates.
The Supporting Cast: The Alternate Captains
Coach Naurato has surrounded Schifsky with a leadership group that blends veteran experience with high-end NHL-caliber talent.
Ben Robertson (Junior, Defenseman)
A steady presence on the blue line, Robertson (Potomac Falls, Va.) transferred to Michigan after an impactful start at Cornell. His defensive reliability and poise under pressure have made him a natural fit for an "A" on his jersey as he enters his junior year.
Michael Hage (Sophomore, Forward)
Perhaps the most explosive offensive talent in the group, Hage is a first-round NHL draft pick (21st overall in 2024 by the Montreal Canadiens). Despite being just a sophomore, his elite skill set and "lead-by-example" playstyle earned him the respect of the locker room early in his tenure.
Asher Barnett (Freshman, Defenseman)
In a rare move for the program, freshman Asher Barnett has been named an alternate captain. A product of the U.S. National Team Development Program (USNTDP), Barnett arrived in Ann Arbor with a reputation for maturity and defensive grit that far exceeds his age.
Nick Moldenhauer (Junior, Forward)
A Toronto Maple Leafs prospect, Moldenhauer brings three years of collegiate experience to the leadership circle. Known for his high hockey IQ and playmaking ability, he provides a bridge between the upperclassmen and the younger roster members.
Looking Ahead to Team 105
Under Brandon Naurato, Michigan has maintained its status as a national powerhouse, reaching three consecutive Frozen Fours. As "Team 105" takes the ice at Yost Ice Arena, the expectations remain sky-high. The Wolverines recently captured the 2026 Big Ten Tournament title and finished the 2025-26 regular season with the nation’s top-ranked scoring offense.
For Schifsky, the "C" on his jersey represents more than just a title; it is a responsibility to guide one of the most talented rosters in college hockey back to the summit of the NCAA. With a balanced leadership group and a high-octane offense, Michigan looks poised to remain a championship contender deep into the spring.