Scooter Vaughan hasn't exactly had the smoothest of seasons.

Not only has the junior on the Michigan hockey team been asked to jump from the Wolverines' corps of defenseman to an offensive-thinking forward, he's been forced to do it sporadically.

Vaughan has gone from spending considerable time as a healthy scratch to appearing in eight straight games. Although he's not widely considered to be a serious scoring threat, his presence on Michigan's fourth line could generate a spark in the 19th-ranked Wolverines' run for a 20th straight NCAA Tournament appearance.

Vaughan has taken the change in stride as Michigan attempts to use a strong stretch run and into next month's Central Collegiate Hockey Association tournament.

The move to forward hasn't yet produced the offensive results both Vaughan and Michigan coach Red Berenson hoped to see. But after scoring his second career goal in the Wolverines' 3-2 loss to No. 3 Wisconsin last weekend at the Camp Randall Hockey Classic, Vaughan believes one goal could help get him going.

"It was a big goal," Vaughan said. "I don't really think of it being my second career goal - I think of it more as the first goal of the game to help my team get on the scoreboard."

Vaughan's goal tied the game at 1-1 before a pair of late penalties gave Wisconsin two third-period goals. Despite the loss, Vaughan's value to a line that also includes Lindsay Sparks and Ben Winnett could make more of an impact than most on-lookers realize.

In Michigan's recent split with Michigan State, the Wolverines' third line provided some offensive spark that lifted the Wolverines to a pivotal 5-4 victory over the Spartans at Joe Louis Arena.

Vaughan is finding more of a niche' in a lineup where scoring has to come from every line possible.

"Usually, I'm just trying to get the puck out and prevent goals as that last line of defense before the goalie," Vaughan said. "Now, I'm just trying to block shots at the point and get the puck out when it comes to to the boards and just make something happen."

Berenson believes Vaughan's confidence could blossom at a perfect time. Despite having to play through having a revolving role in and out of Michigan's starting line-up, Vaughan's teammates have noticed the strides he's made.

Especially now that he's found a way to earn a regular spot.

"I think it's always an advantage when you come from defense and you play forward," fellow forward Louie Caporusso said. "I think he's made the adjustment well to where now, he's starting to figure out how to get around the net and get more shots, but at the same time, he's sound defensively and so that makes for a good hockey player."

Jeff Arnold covers Michigan hockey for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at jeffarnold@annarbor.com or 734-623-2554. Follow him at Twitter @jeffreyparnold.