There has been plenty of talk since the big NCAA-CHL rule change about how U.S. college hockey — with its shorter schedule and top-notch facilities — can provide outstanding opportunities for NHL prospects to develop off the ice.
University of Michigan star Michael Hage is showing how the system can pay off.
The Montreal Canadiens first-round pick (21st overall in 2024) was determined to get bigger, stronger and faster this past summer after a very promising freshman year last season — 13 goals, 21 assists for 34 points in 33 games en route to the Big Ten rookie-of-the-year award).
Hage put on nine pounds of muscle and lost two per cent body fat, with the big kick-start for that work coming in the post-season spring semester under Michigan strength and conditioning coach Joe Maher.
So far, so good. The six-foot-one, 199-pound Hage is tied for fifth in the country in scoring with five goals and six assists in six games for an unbeaten Michigan team heading into a huge home-and-home series with reigning national champ Western Michigan on Thursday and Friday.
“It (the off-ice work) was just something I knew I had to take more seriously if I wanted to take a step in my game,” the Mississauga, Ont., product said over the phone from campus this week.
“I kind of just focused on the nutrition side of things because we’re not on the ice as much. (He was) just feeling a lot stronger going into this year. It’s been good so far, and I think it’s building good habits for the rest of your life and career.”
Head coach Brandon Naurato said Hage “played hurt the majority of (last) year,” giving the forward a reason to push harder during the off-season. Hage, 19, also battled through injuries for some of his USHL junior career with the Chicago Steel.
Early this season, Naurato sees a different player.
“What he realized is he’s got the tools. … To make those tools that much better, he needed to change his body,” Naurato said. “It wasn’t that he had a bad body or wasn’t a worker before, it’s just now you’re really playing against men. Similar to the NHL, obviously at a different level, but some older guys.
“When he was getting leaned on, it wasn’t like he was losing the puck all the time, but he wasn’t able to break that pressure consistently. Now he’s put on nine pounds of lean muscle, he’s lost two per cent body fat. Credit to him, credit to our strength coach, just putting in the work. I think it’s helping him a lot.”
Hage will see just how far he’s come during this big set against Western Michigan.
The big change he notices is simply feeling faster and being able to win more 50/50 pucks. After a season in which Michigan didn’t qualify for the NCAA tournament, there was no doubt in Hage’s mind that he was going back to school instead of trying to make the jump to the pro ranks.
Plus, Michigan added a healthy dose of CHL talent — including childhood pal Malcolm Spence (Erie Otters, second-round New York Rangers pick) and goaltender and fellow Mississauga product Jack Ivankovic (Brampton Steelheads, second-round Nashville Predators pick).
“I think we’ve got such a skilled team this year,” Hage said. “We’ve gotten off to a good start. I’m excited to see what we can do against these guys. This is going to be a real test. It will teach us a lot about ourselves and tell us where we’re at.”
Hage certainly isn’t going to be one to sit on his laurels.
Naurato feels it’s important for Hage to take more strides before he enters the pressure cooker that is Montreal Canadiens hockey.
“If he wants to play for Montreal next year, he’s got to dominate college hockey. Like, dominate,” the coach said. “My wife should be watching games saying that’s the best player on the ice. So how do you do that? The best chance you give yourself is just to be in best shape possible, build the best foundation to stay healthy and have that strength. He’s done that, but he’s not done. If he plays for 15, 20 more years, his body is not a finished product. He took steps this year and he’s got to continue to take steps.”
Along with trying to achieve NCAA success with Michigan, Hage would love to get a shot to help Canada return to glory at the world junior championship in Minnesota.
Canada, coming off two consecutive quarterfinal exits, will be coached by legendary London Knights bench boss Dale Hunter.
“You watch it growing up. Being able to have that opportunity to represent your country would be cool,” Hage said. “I’m just trying to continue to get better as the season goes on here and if I get that opportunity, I’d be really excited to go there and try to win a gold medal.”
Hage’s father, Alain, was a lifelong Canadiens fan, and young Michael joined his dad in cheering for the Habs. Tragically, Alain died in a swimming-pool accident in 2023, one year before the Canadiens picked Michael Hage.
The opportunity to play for Montreal is super exciting, but Hage wants to make sure he’s at his best whenever that time comes.
“The main focus is try to build towards that and be as ready as possible and be the best player I can be once I get there. That’s kind of my motivation,” he said. “But it is cool, I grew up a fan. It’s something that’s really special. Not many people get the opportunity to maybe get a chance to play for the team you watched growing up and cheered for.”
Friday, Oct. 24: UConn Huskies (2-2-0) at Boston Terriers (2-2-1), 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT
After being swept at home by Michigan State (the new No. 1), Boston dropped to No. 4 from No. 1 in the rankings. They have a tough Hockey East home-and-home this weekend against No. 11 UConn. New York Islanders first-round pick Cole Eiserman leads Boston in scoring.
Friday, Oct. 24: Owen Sound Attack (9-3-0-0) at Windsor Spitfires (10-2-1-0), 7:05 p.m. ET / 4:05 p.m. PT
The top two teams in the OHL’s Western Conference square off for the second time this season. The surprising Attack won 6-3 on Oct. 5 at home. 2026 NHL first-round draft prospect Ethan Belchetz is tied for the OHL lead with 10 goals.
Friday, Oct. 24: Saskatoon Blades (9-3-0-0) at Everett Silvertips (9-0-1-0), 10:05 p.m. ET / 7:05 p.m. PT
The opening game of a four-game American swing for the Blades, who are coming off a dramatic 4-3 win over Edmonton last weekend in a battle of two top WHL Eastern Conference squads. A couple of Silvertips players from Finland, Matias Vanhanen and Julius Miettinen (Seattle Kraken second-round pick), sit in the top five in WHL scoring.
Saturday, Oct. 25: Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (9-1-2-0) at Chicoutimi Sagueneens (7-2-0-1), 4 p.m. ET
The QMJHL-leading Armada lead all CHL clubs with a plus-37 goal differential. They’ll be tested here by a fellow championship contender. St. Louis Blues first-round pick Justin Carbonneau of the Armada is tied for the QMJHL lead with 11 goals.
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