Wolverines Weather Storm To Down Team USA In Offensive Thriller

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Wolverines Weather Storm to Down Team USA in Offensive Thriller

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — In a high-octane exhibition that felt far more like a mid-season battle than a friendly skate, the No. 1-ranked University of Michigan Wolverines outlasted the U.S. National Team Development Program (NTDP) Under-18 squad with a 7-5 victory on Saturday night. Behind a raucous, sold-out crowd at Yost Ice Arena, senior forward Josh Eernisse delivered a signature performance, netting a hat trick to propel Michigan to its fifth straight win in the series.

A Blistering Start

The Wolverines didn’t waste any time asserting their dominance on home ice. Just 63 seconds into the opening frame, junior defenseman Ben Robertson ignited the "Children of Yost" by picking the top-left corner on Michigan's first shot of the game.

The offensive clinic continued throughout the first period. Senior T.J. Hughes showcased his veteran poise, dangling through the NTDP defense to draw the goaltender out of position before feeding Eernisse for his first of the night. By the time Nick Moldenhauer and Jayden Perron added goals of their own, Michigan had built a commanding 4-0 lead.

Despite the early deficit, the NTDP showed why they are considered the elite of the 2026 NHL Draft class. Wyatt Cullen managed to claw one back for the Program late in the first, providing a glimmer of hope for the U18s heading into the intermission.

The Program Strikes Back

The second period was a testament to the resilience of the young Americans. After Eernisse extended the lead to 5-1, the U18s launched a furious comeback. Led by Sammy Nelson, who found the back of the net twice in the period, the NTDP capitalized on Michigan’s defensive lapses and odd-man rushes.

"They’re a highly skilled group, and you can’t give them an inch," said Michigan's coaching staff following the game. "We saw how quickly they can turn a broken play into a goal."

By the end of the second frame, the Program had scored three straight goals, including a power-play tally from Victor Plante and a gritty finish by Mikey Berchild, to shrink the Michigan lead to a precarious 6-5.

Closing the Door

The third period transformed into a tactical chess match. Michigan, missing six key contributors to the World Junior Championships, relied heavily on freshman goaltender Stephen Peck. Making his first appearance in a Wolverine sweater, Peck stood tall under a relentless barrage of speed, finishing the night with 29 saves.

The tension reached a fever pitch when T.J. Hughes was assessed a five-minute major penalty with 13 minutes remaining. Facing a potential tying goal, the Michigan penalty kill unit—ranked among the best in the nation—produced a masterclass in shot-blocking and puck clearing. They successfully dismissed the extended man-advantage, effectively breaking the momentum of the U18 squad.

With the NTDP net empty in the final minutes, Eernisse secured his hat trick with an easy tap-in to seal the 7-5 win.

Game Leaders & Stats

Player

Team

Goals

Assists

Points

Josh Eernisse

Michigan

Jayden Perron

Michigan

T.J. Hughes

Michigan

Sammy Nelson

NTDP

Casey Mutryn

NTDP

Looking Ahead

The victory improves Michigan’s all-time record against the U-18 team to 21-4. While the game serves as an exhibition, the intensity provided a perfect tune-up for the Wolverines as they look to maintain their No. 1 national ranking heading into the heart of Big Ten play.

Michigan now turns its attention to a critical conference matchup against Notre Dame next Friday, while the NTDP heads to East Lansing for a showdown with Michigan State.

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