Michigan’s goaltender battle drags on into conference play as both Stein and Korpi impress

In hockey, it’s common to play the backup goaltender every so often to keep the starter fresh. But the No. 7 Michigan hockey team doesn’t have a backup — it has two starters.

Hoping to have a true starter emerge soon, the Wolverines plan to stay on course by splitting the weekend between graduate goaltender Logan Stein and freshman goaltender Cameron Korpi in their Big Ten-opening series against Notre Dame. Michigan coach Brandon Naurato set a benchmark of 10 games before deciding on a starting goaltender — that game is this weekend. 

So as long as things haven’t changed, this series against the Fighting Irish will be the last chance for Korpi and Stein to separate themselves.

As a pair, Stein and Korpi have played well, alternating starts within each series thus far. Despite the Wolverines’ skaters having some discipline-related issues so far, Stein and Korpi both have largely been able to stay above the fray. Combined, the two have allowed just 19 goals in eight games, good for a 5-2-1 record.

“We feel comfortable with both of them right now,” Naurato said Tuesday. “I think we need more of a scope of work.”

Transferring in from Ferris State, Stein has made an impact right away for the Wolverines. With Stein’s 1.75 goals against average, it’s been slim pickings for opposing forwards trying to sneak pucks past him. As the Friday starter, Stein has made it hard for his opponents to start a weekend with a win, including a shut-out performance against St. Cloud State and only one goal allowed against Boston University.

Meanwhile, pinned as the Saturday starter throughout the season so far, Korpi’s been entrusted with a tall task — most often to close out a sweep. Despite having just four games of collegiate experience, Korpi has shown flashes of talent and composure when faced with the challenge. He still has plenty of room to grow though, and these split-net weekends will only serve to bring him more experience.

“I think it’s tough for Korpi,” Naurato said. “Stein has done a great job on Fridays. I think it’s tough for Korpi to play Saturday games, especially when we win Friday. They’re going to throw more pucks like (the Terriers) did, they created chaos.”

Regardless of the competition, both Stein and Korpi are doing enough to come away with the win — and that’s all Naurato needs. However, with the 10-game benchmark approaching, both the goalies and Naurato are feeling the pressure of the impending decision.

“I think both goalies have been good,” Naurato said. “And you can even see a difference a little bit with goals against and save percentage. But that’s eight games. How about 10, 12, 14? If we’re winning, life’s good. They only need to prep for one.”

Against the Fighting Irish, that’ll be no different. Both Korpi and Stein will suit up for one game apiece, both holding down the fort against Notre Dame. With conference play starting, though, the Wolverines will need to find their answer between the pipes eventually.

Regardless of who Naurato chooses, both players have impressed so far. The Wolverines have faced the second-most shots in the Big Ten, so both Stein and Korpi have faced a fair share of pucks flying towards the net. That’ll only continue as the season goes on, so Michigan will need to decide who’s best suited for the starting job — and soon.

But for now, nothing has changed for the Wolverines. They still have two starters, and it’s up to Korpi and Stein to win the battle for the job this weekend.

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