Brandon Naurato reclined in his office chair, grinning as I shared my excitement for witnessing Frank Nazar III’s sophomore season with Michigan hockey in the summer of 2023.
“You folks haven’t witnessed his full potential yet,” Naurato remarked. “… He’s truly exceptional. A real standout.”
Naurato’s prediction proved accurate: The previous year, Nazar III had been sidelined by surgery for much of his freshman year. However, there had been glimpses of his talent. One standout moment occurred during a game against Michigan State on February 10, 2023. In a close contest, Nazar III orchestrated a brilliant play, maneuvering through defenders and delivering a pass across the crease. Although his teammate failed to capitalize, it was a display of Nazar’s potential.
Fast forward to his sophomore season, and the expectations were high for the NHL Draft first-round pick. Despite uncertainties surrounding his performance in the maize and blue, Nazar III delivered impressively: tallying 17 goals and 24 assists. One particular highlight etched in Michigan fans’ memories was his stunning assist against Michigan State in the NCAA Tournament. With the game on the line, Nazar III executed a daring between-the-legs pass, threading the puck to Gavin Brindley, who sealed the victory. Reflecting on the play, Nazar III revealed it was a spur-of-the-moment decision, born from a previous missed opportunity earlier in the game.
Brindley, recipient of Nazar III’s pass, hailed it as “unbelievable,” emphasizing its impact on the game’s outcome. This pivotal play propelled the Wolverines to the Frozen Four, setting the stage for Nazar III and his teammates to showcase their skills on a grander stage against top-seeded Boston College.