‘Big statement’: Surging UM earns home ice for Big Ten quarterfinals

Buy PhotoAnn Arbor – Michigan coach Mel Pearson ran across Red Berenson Rink at Yost Arena in celebration Sunday night, moments after Tony Calderone jumped into the outstretched arms of goalie Hayden Lavigne following the Wolverines’ 1-0 victory over No. 1 Notre Dame to cap off a weekend series sweep.

Calderone, the senior captain, scored his team-high 17th goal, the second of the series and the game’s lone goal Sunday in the final minute of the second period, while Lavigne turned aside all 34 shots he faced.

Pearson said he didn’t think it was a statement series, but it certainly was a significant moment in the first year of the Pearson Era at Michigan.

Pearson, in a class move after the…