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Frozen Four: Michigan became NCAA title contender when it found goalie

Michigan coach Mel Pearson speaks to the media after the 6-4 loss to Bowling Green in the Great Lakes Invitational on Monday, Jan. 1, 2018, at Little Caesars Arena. Video by George Sipple/DFP

SAINT PAUL, Minn. — It started with confidence, despite two more losses.

Michigan hockey coach Mel Pearson told Hayden Lavigne he no longer had to look over his shoulder as the team's starting goaltender. Pearson and his staff had committed to playing Lavigne for both games of a series against No. 2-ranked Notre Dame in January, after alternating him with fellow sophomore Jack LaFontaine in the first half.