By Warren Kozireski —
Marshall Warren played for Boston College for four seasons and wore the “C” last season. But now, wearing an “A” for his Michigan Wolverines, he will battle his former teammates in the national semi-final.
“Our group chat (with his former teammates) has been pretty quiet ever since we beat Michigan State,” Warren said in the preliminary press conference. “Right now, I’m emotionless about it. It’s a business trip for us. We have to beat them. They’re in my way, our way.
“And obviously after the game I’ll be a little emotional. But right now, I’m just focused on playing Boston College and beating them.”
The former U.S. National Team Development Program product and 2019 sixth round draft pick by Minnesota helped stabilize the Wolverine blueline through a rough first half.
“Just a leader, a veteran, mature kid,” Michigan head coach Brandon Naurato said about Warren. “Brings nothing but positive energy in the room. Pushes other people to be the best versions of themselves. I think Marsh had a good first half with Edwards out. He probably took on too much, like a lot of those guys in regards to ice time and trying to take care of the D corp.
“But he’s been outstanding in the second half. And even just simplifying his game, being hard, but just being a leader in the room, on and off the ice, and making plays in big moments. He’s been great.”
Warren tallied four goals with 14 assists in 40 games this season, consistent with his previous campaigns.
The 6’0”, 181 lb. blueliner spent time in youth hockey with the New Jersey Colonials and Avalanche before heading to Plymouth, Michigan. He was first black player to ever wear the “C” for the Eagles. He and his family have been involved at the grassroots level bringing ice hockey to the kids in Harlem.
But he is laser focused right now on one thing.
“Yeah, I think just be hard in every zone. Make them turn over the puck. Be good on a line rush against, just be physical. I think we have a great D core back there. As long as we take care of our net, we’ll put some pucks in their net.
“I think we have a lot to prove. Michigan hasn’t won a national title since 1998. That’s what we want to do for the alumni. That’s what we want to do for Block M. And it starts tomorrow.
“As a team we were .500 during the break. Went on a little run there. But we’re not satisfied yet. It starts tomorrow and we’re ready to go. BC is in our way. So, we’re going to do everything in our power to get the win.”
(Photo by Koz, NY Hockey OnLine)
