NCAA Frozen Four: A look at Adam Fantilli and the Michigan Wolverines

With the Frozen Four Regionals set to begin on Thursday, March 23, one of the teams that fans will be keeping a close eye on is the University of Michigan. According to masslive.com, Michigan have the second-highest odds of winning the tournament at +350, sitting just behind Minnesota, who are at +250.

"I. Love. College. Hockey. What a game last night. Congrats to Michigan and stripes on the win last night. Michigan has a Frozen Four team. Can’t wait for the tournament to start!" - James Murray

As one of the favorites to win the Frozen Four, the Wolverines will feature some of the top talents in college hockey. One of those stars is Adam Fantilli. The talented center is the consensus choice to be drafted second overall in this year's upcoming NHL Draft.

In 33 games this season, Fantilli has posted 27 goals and 34 assists for Michigan. The talented forward is aiming to become just the fourth freshman in the past 24 years to score at a two-point or higher per-game rate.

The 18-year-old from Nobleton, Ontario, Canada, dominated the Big-10 this season, winning several awards. Adam Fantilli was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Year. He was also named to the All-Big Ten First Team and the All-Big Ten Freshman Team.

Another key player for Michigan, if they hope to reach the Frozen Four, will be defenseman Luke Hughes. The potential future NHL star was selected by the New Jersey Devils with the fourth overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft.

"Congrats to Adam Fantilli, Rutger McGroarty, Seamus Casey and Luke Hughes on being named to the @B1GHockey All-Tournament Team! #GoBlue" - Michigan Hockey

Hughes is second on Michigan for total points, recording nine goals and 33 assists through 36 games this season. His 42 points rank him second among all defensemen in the NCAA, sitting behind only Montreal Canadiens draft pick Lane Hutson of Boston University.

Michigan have not won the Frozen Four since 1998

While the Michigan Wolverines have won the NCAA National Championship nine times in their history, the team has not won the tournament since 1998. During that 1998 championship team, the roster featured several players that would go on the appear in the NHL, with the most notable being goalie Marty Turco.

"Marty Turco, University of Michigan 94-95 #TexasHockey" - @NHLhistorygirl

The future Dallas Stars goalie was named to the All-Tournament team, along with teammates Mark Kosick, Josh Langfeld, and Bubba Berenzweig.