One year later, Frank Nazar III is arriving right on time at Michigan
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Less than 24 hours after a sluggish season opener, Michigan needed immediate production from their new first-line center.
Frank Nazar III delivered in Sunday’s 5–4 victory over Providence.
Nazar took three shots on goal. He scored twice, including the eventual game-winner. The first was at the net front on a 4-on-4 situation. The second was a whiplike, power-play wrister with less than six minutes to play in the third.
Nazar’s dominance at the face-off dot was nearly as important. Michigan’s youngest center took — and won — more draws than any other player on the ice from either team, while playing in all situations.
That kind of performance must become routine for Nazar, with Adam Fantilli, the former Michigan superstar and Hobey Baker Award winner, preparing for his NHL debut this week.
Nazar’s Sunday showcase at Yost Ice Arena affirmed what the Chicago Blackhawks saw in selecting him with the 13th overall pick at the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. In the process, Nazar also previewed the role he’s likely to have with Team USA at the upcoming IIHF World Junior Championships.
U.S. coach David Carle has an abundance of talent from which to select a high-powered forward group for this year’s tournament. Yet, relatively few of those candidates are right-shot centers with a proven ability to win draws against top competition.
Nazar, a right-handed shooter, won consecutive defensive-zone draws on his off side late in the third period.
“As center, it’s something you really want to do,” Nazar said afterward. “It helps with ice time. For me, that’s something I take pride in. Going into the future, I want that to be a big aspect of my game.”
Nazar won 17 of 23 draws overall, including a 6–1 performance in the third period. When asked about the face-off tactics he’s worked on recently, the 19-year-old laughed and said, “A lot of it’s in the gym.”
For much of last season, the gym was the only place Nazar could work. He didn’t make his collegiate debut until Feb. 10, due to his recovery from hip surgery.
Sunday’s game was only the 15th of his college career.
“He wasn’t supposed to come back last year, and he did,” Michigan head coach Brandon Naurato said. “That’s a big credit to [head athletic trainer] Brian Brewster and [strength and conditioning coach] Joe Maher. I think he’s back to being himself and feeling confident in his body.
“If you don’t play for six months — let alone rehabbing an injury at the same time — you’re not going to have that feel. Frankie’s getting his swagger back, which is really good for us.”
Nazar said he reflects “every day” on what he endured at this time last year — and how grateful he is to be playing now.
“It makes me come to the rink hungrier, knowing that you never know what’s going to happen,” Nazar said. “Make sure you’re getting ready for the ice and warming up really well. Then when you go out there, just make the most of it.”
Jon Paul Morosi is an MLB Network broadcaster and lead features reporter for NHL Network’s coverage of the World Junior Championships.
