U-M's Dylan Larkin glad to be back after lighting up WJC

Michigan freshman forward Dylan Larkin led the U.S. with five goals, seven points and a plus-seven rating in five games at the International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship in Canada. Larkin, drafted 15th overall by the Red Wings in the NHL draft last June, was named to the NHL.com's world juniors all-tournament team. The Wolverines are coming off a Great Lakes Invitational championship without Larkin and fellow WJC participants JT Compher, Tyler Motte and Zach Werenski.

Larkin, who leads all Big Ten freshmen in scoring with 13 points in 16 games, spoke to Detroit Free Press sports writer George Sipple about his experience at the WJC and starting the second half of the college season against the ninth-ranked Gophers this weekend at Yost.

On what he thought of fellow Red Wings prospect Joe Hicketts, a defenseman for Canada: "I had a few battles with him in the corners. You underestimate him with his size (5-feet-8, 186 pounds), but he's a strong kid and a great skater. I was really impressed with the way he moved the puck that game and the whole tournament."

On rejoining U-M teammates this week for practice: "It's good to be back. Everyone is pretty excited about our GLI win. We're pretty excited about our upcoming series against Minnesota. Just to be back on the ice with the guys has been good overall.

"A little bit tired from the (WJC) tournament. Still trying to practice hard and rest. It's been pretty difficult managing that. It's something you have to do."

On the importance of having a successful weekend against Minnesota: "It's huge for the Big Ten standings and overall NCAA (ramifications). It's one of our last few chances to play a top team in the country. We want to win every game we go into, but with how we're doing right now, we know what's at stake."

On the confidence boost he received after scoring five goals for the U.S.: "If you look at my stats this year (in college), I'm one of the team leaders in shots. I think I always have that shoot-first mentality. This season, I'm lucky enough to play with Zach Hyman and Alex Kile, where you give them the puck and they can make a play. They both have great shots.

"At the world juniors, I was really feeling it. I got a lot of bounces. I think my hard work was rewarded."

On whether he was frustrated with only scoring three goals for the Wolverines in the first half: "I was questioning my shot. I was trying to put some extra time in off-ice shooting, doing some visualization stuff, trying to find the back of the net. I think it's starting to pay off, all the hard work off the ice."

On what he needs to do to have a good finish to his freshman season: "I think I need to try and bring something every game, I think. I don't think I can take an off night. I look up to Andrew Copp like that. He never takes a night off. He's working his butt off up and down the ice. I think if we have another guy like that, it can help a lot."

Contact George Sipple: gsipple@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @georgesipple.

Wolverines vs. Golden Gophers

Matchup: Michigan (10-7-0, 2-1-0 Big Ten) vs. No. 9 Minnesota (10-5-1, 1-0-1).

When: 6:35 tonight (Big Ten Network), 4:05 Saturday (Fox Sports Detroit).

Where: Yost Ice Arena, Ann Arbor.

Overview: U-M coach Red Berenson is two wins shy of becoming the fourth coach in NCAA Division I men's hockey to reach 800 victories. Others are Jerry York (974), former Michigan State coach Ron Mason (924) and Jack Parker (897). Berenson is 798-391-84 (.660) in 31 seasons at U-M.