Three Michigan Wolverines hit 100 games played, bolstering their core as the team eyes a crucial showdown for the Big Ten title.
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — In the high-turnover world of college hockey, where the NHL's siren call often pulls elite talent away after just a season or two, longevity is a rare and celebrated currency. This past weekend at Yost Ice Arena, the No. 2-ranked Michigan Wolverines honored three pillars of their sustained success: Nick Moldenhauer, Ben Robertson, and Jayden Perron, who each eclipsed the 100 career games played milestone during a dominant home stand against Penn State.
The achievement serves as a testament to the "Michigan Model" under head coach Brandon Naurato—a system that prides itself on developing NHL-ready prospects while fostering a veteran core capable of weathering the rigors of Big Ten play.
The Century Club: A Profile in Consistency
The three skaters reached the mark in varied ways, but their collective impact on the 2025-26 campaign is undeniable.
Nick Moldenhauer (Jr., F): A third-round selection by the Toronto Maple Leafs, Moldenhauer has evolved into one of the most reliable offensive threats in the nation. Heading into the Penn State series, he had already tallied 22 points on the season. His weekend was punctuated by a two-goal, one-assist performance in a 6-3 win over the Nittany Lions, showcasing the clinical finishing that has defined his junior year.
Jayden Perron (Jr., F): The Carolina Hurricanes prospect, who transferred to Michigan after two seasons at North Dakota, has found his highest gear in Ann Arbor. Perron hit the 100-game mark as a dynamic playmaker, leading the team in points per game (1.03). His ability to step up in big moments—including multiple overtime winners this season—has made him an indispensable asset on the Wolverines’ top line.
Ben Robertson (Jr., D): While Moldenhauer and Perron provide the fireworks, Robertson provides the foundation. After transferring from Cornell, the Potomac Falls native has become Michigan's ironman on the blue line. Averaging over 20 minutes of ice time per game, Robertson’s defensive discipline and puck-moving ability (17 assists this season) have stabilized a young defensive corps.
Weekend Preview: A Pivotal Clash in Madison
The celebration of past milestones must quickly give way to the demands of the present. This weekend, the Wolverines (24-5-1) travel to face the No. 13 Wisconsin Badgers (18-10-2) in a series that could decide the Big Ten regular-season title.
Team
Overall Record
Conference Record
Points
Michigan
24-5-1
15-4-1
43
Michigan State
22-6-0
13-5-0
39
Wisconsin
18-10-2
11-9-0
30
Key Storylines to Watch:
Goaltending duel: The series features a clash of titans in the crease. Michigan’s Jack Ivankovic has been sensational, but he faces Wisconsin's Daniel Hauser, who leads the Big Ten with a .940 save percentage and a 1.41 GAA
Special Teams: Michigan’s power play, spearheaded by T.J. Hughes and Michael Hage, is the most lethal in the country. They will be tested by a Badgers defense that has become the nation's most stingy under head coach Mike Hastings.
Postseason Seeding: While Michigan currently sits atop the standings, Wisconsin is desperate to climb back into the top three to secure home-ice advantage for the Big Ten Tournament.
The action gets underway Friday night at the Kohl Center, with Saturday’s finale airing nationally on the Big Ten Network. For the Wolverines' newly minted "Century Club" members, there is no better way to celebrate 100 games than by securing a championship-defining road sweep.