The end is near.
For many Michigan hockey fans, this weekend's games against Lake Superior will be the last chance to see this year's senior class of Wolverines at Yost Ice Arena.
The atmosphere this weekend will be just like it has been at every other game at Yost in recent memory - rich with the excitement and traditions the fans have come to know and love.
Indeed, the atmosphere surrounding Michigan hockey has taken on a life of its own. But fans must not forget the key to the phenomenon that is Michigan hockey - the players; more specifically, this senior class.
During the 75th anniversary ceremony of Michigan hockey, held between periods of Saturday's game against Notre Dame at Yost, public address announcer Glen Williams addressed the crowd. He said, "You (the Michigan faithful) have created an atmosphere that says home-ice advantage."
Williams was not completely correct.
The fans are devoted, without a doubt, but it is the graduating class of nine - one that has already won a national championship, appeared in another NCAA semifinal, and is on the verge of its fourth CCHA title - that deserves the credit for what Michigan hockey is today.
It is a class filled with some of the most talented athletes in college sports, and future stars.
Of course, when you're talking about potential stars, Brendan Morrison first comes to mind. He is a great player and leader.
The Michigan captain and Hobey Baker candidate broke the school scoring record Saturday night, and eclipsed the all-time assists mark Friday night.
While the spotlight falls on Morrison, appreciate what all the seniors have done over the past four years.
Appreciate Jason Botterill, who has been on the receiving end of more than a few of Morrison's assists over the years, including the one that broke the assists record. Appreciate the fact that Botterill took the ice in a Michigan uniform this season, for he could have just as easily jumped ship for the pros after his junior year.
Appreciate John Madden. In four seasons the forward has developed into, arguably, the hardest-working guy in the game. His NCAA-record 21 shorthanded goals makes him the most exciting and dangerous shorthanded threat in the nation.
Appreciate Mike Legg and the gracefulness of his stickwork. His famous lacrosse-style goal was no fluke. He practices and prides himself on some of the best puck handling in the country.
And don't overlook 6-foot-1, 196-pound Warren Luhning, whose size and scoring power resulted in three goals and six assists during last year's post-season title run.
As great as these offensive stars are, they would not be as impressive without great defensive leaders.
And who better to lead than assistant captain Blake Sloan. Appreciate Sloan who, as much as he's done for the Wolverines on the ice, has accomplished even more for the community off the ice.
Appreciate Chris Frescoln, Harold Schock and Peter Bourke. Together, they are the foundation of the Michigan defense. A remarkable feat considering Schock and Bourke made the team their freshman seasons as walk-ons.
Together, these nine seniors make up an extraordinary class. They are champions once already - and soon, maybe twice.
Savor the final glimpses of these nine seniors.
Fans should not take for granted what they've had the privilege of seeing and experiencing at Yost these past four seasons.
Understand that the atmosphere at Yost - the great band, the great cheers, the aura of Michigan hockey - does not exist on its own.
It is fueled by the success of the players on the ice. Michigan hockey is not riding a wave of popularity just because of a great atmosphere. Without the talent, the former does not exist.
Appreciate that these talented seniors are a class above the rest.
MARK FRIEDMAN/Daily
Following center Mike Legg's example, the Michigan seniors have bent over backwards in an effort to help the team win. Their contributions to the program are evident as this class is on the brink of a fourth regular-season CCHA championship.