joshjull
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http://www.thehockeynews.com/blog/e...-heads-up-around-sabres-prospect-j-t-compher/
He is both a secret weapon and the most obvious one at Team USA’s disposal this year. University of Michigan sophomore J.T. Compher could very well have been a difference-maker for the Americans last year in Malmo, but the gritty and talented center broke his foot while blocking a shot during practice with the national squad a week before the world junior tournament.
“He’ll bring what J.T. brings to a team every night – he brings a work ethic, he’ll do whatever you tell him to do,” said legendary Michigan coach Red Berenson. “Whatever role you put him in, he’s going to do a good job at it. He’s going to add a compete level that very few players on his team will have, and he’ll bring leadership and a responsible attitude to the team.”
A second-round selection of the Buffalo Sabres in 2013, Compher has quickly become an indispensable player for the Wolverines, who have uncharacteristically struggled the past couple of seasons. Part of that is because of players leaving early for the pros and other recruits failing to live up to expectations, but that’s not the case with the rugged Compher.
He led the team in scoring as a freshman with 31 points in 35 games, and though he’s off to a slightly slower start offensively this year, he has always been a player who is more than just the sum of his points.
Freshman center Dylan Larkin, the Detroit Red Wings first-rounder in 2014, played with Compher at the U.S. National Team Development Program and now slots behind him on Michigan’s depth chart.
“Even going back to when I was 17 and he was 18, just watching how hard he worked and how he plays the game was great,” Larkin said. “Now I get to play against him in practice. He’s a great role model.”
Compher, who has an agitating streak and regularly finishes his checks with authority, doesn’t really seem like the type of player you would want to face in practice, though.
“Yeah, you’ve got to keep your head up sometimes,” Larkin said. “But he cares about his teammates.”
