'Time to believe' in Michigan hockey

Yost rally celebrates victorious season

By Melissa Andrzejak
Daily Staff Reporter

Last night, the scoreboard at Yost Ice Arena was stuck reading 2:09 left in overtime and the score of Home, 3 and Visitors, 2, commemorating the hockey team's come-from-behind victory against Boston College on Saturday that clinched the NCAA National Championship.

"Somebody pinch me."

SARA STILLMAN/Daily Freshman Josh Langfeld celebrates the Wolverines' victory yesterday at a pep rally held for the hockey team at Yost Arena.

The words, spoken by senior assistant captain Billy Muckalt, summed up the feelings of players, coaches and fans alike at last night's pep rally. Enthusiasm for the team came across loud and clear as fans gathered around the ice to chant "The Victors!" for the last time this season.

The boys in blue strapped on their skates and glided to their seats at center ice.

"This has been a team effort and that is why we are sitting here today," said Michigan hockey coach Red Berenson. "It makes me feel like I've got the best job in the country."

Senior leaders shared their feelings about their last season lacing up the skates for the Wolverines.

"There is no recipe for success," said senior goaltender Marty Turco. "There is not just one reason, there are many and every one of them is sitting up here today."

Referring to the team's slogan, Turco said it's "time to believe."

In addition to the nearly 1,750 fans who gathered last night at Yost to welcome home the 1998 NCAA Hockey Champions, players and coaches were honored with words from University President Lee Bollinger and Athletic Director Tom Goss.

"It is a moment worthy of a great university," Bollinger said. He spoke highly of the team and what they have accomplished for the University.

"Any time you have athletes who perform that well, it inspires everyone across the University for years to come, it becomes a part of the lore and the tradition," Bollinger said.

Senior captain Matt Herr agreed, saying anytime a championship is won "it does something for the morale of the campus."

LSA senior Paul Schultz, who works at Yost, said the championship was unexpected because nine key Michigan hockey players graduated last year.

SARA STILLMAN/Daily Senior Bill Muckalt speaks at the pep rally.

"This was supposed to be a rebuilding year. I think (the championship) shows how great a program this really is," Schultz said.

Coaches and players stressed that the championship was recognition of a great hockey team, but more importantly, a great university.

"This championship was a positive tribute to not just the hockey team, but to the school," Berenson said. "These players came here to graduate from the University of Michigan and playing hockey was secondary. The reputation of Michigan definitely plays a role in the type of students we attract."

Herr also said that as a student athlete, it was an honor to be recognized by both the University's athletic head, Tom Goss, and the academic head, Bollinger.

Community members also shared their excitement for the University.

"It is another championship for the University," said Ann Arbor resident and fan Chuck Mancherian. "It shows that not only academically, but athletically, the University of Michigan is a powerhouse."

04-06-98