The 1995–96 Michigan Wolverines men's ice hockey team represented the University of Michigan in intercollegiate college ice hockey during the 1995–96 NCAA Division I men's ice hockey season. The head coach was Red Berenson and the team captain was Steven Halko. The team played its home games in the Yost Ice Arena on the University campus in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The team finished tied for first in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association regular season, won the CCHA tournament and the 1996 NCAA Division I men's ice hockey tournament. Season Coming off of its 5th consecutive 30+ win season, 3rd Frozen Four appearance in 4 years and returning both the NCAA's scoring leader (Brendan Morrison) and wins leader (Marty Turco) the 1995–96 Michigan Wolverines were expected to again compete for the national title. Michigan was second in the preseason rankings by American Hockey Magazine, the first time that any poll was nationally recognized. Fast start Even though they dominating an outclassed Guelph squad in one of the last seasons that the NCAA permitted official games against CIS schools, Michigan opened its conference schedule against Western Michigan and fell flat on its face. The Wolverines lost the first game 2–7 at home before salvaging the weekend with a 3–2 road win. While the Wolverines dropped to fifth in the polls, they were down three forwards for the big game against Maine. The first annual US Hockey Hall of Fame Game was a rematch of last year's national semifinal, the then-longest game in NCAA tournament history, but with Morrison still recovering from a knee sprain and both Matt Herr and John Madden suspended for the game, fortunately for the Wolverines, Madden's suspension was reversed and he was allowed to play in the game. Despite facing 37 shots and 9 power plays from the Black Bears Turco dominated throughout the game, surrendering only three goals while his counterpart Blair Allison allowed 6 goals on just 23 attempts. After high profile win, Michigan won each game over the next three weekends and temporarily regained its #2 ranking. During that span Morrison returned from his injury and his 3-point night showed he was more than ready. Michigan also shut but out the opposition for the second time that season but with Turco sharing the net with Gregg Malicke on both occasions no goaltender received credit for either '0'. Mid-season hiccup The Wolverines headed into the third