Last week's home game against Lake Superior - also known as Senior Night - honored four years of stellar performances from players like Bill Muckalt, Matt Herr and Marty Turco.
This week, the CCHA lauded the efforts of those who will fill the senior roles in three years - and several Wolverines were included. Freshman center Mark Kosick and defenseman Mike Van Ryn earned spots on the all-rookie team and forward Josh Langfeld received honorable mention recognition.
Conference coaches voted on the award, and Kosick was one of just two unanimous selections, finishing second among freshman forwards in scoring with 28 points, including 10 goals.
"It's definitely an honor being recognized that way, being named to the CCHA all-rookie team," Kosick said. "But I'm just happy I've had the opportunity to play with such great guys, and had the chance to get better every day."
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| MARGARET MYERS/Daily Josh Langfeld's performance may have trailed off a bit in the second half of the season, but the freshman still racked up 16 goals and dished out 15 assists, helping him obtain honorable mention on the CCHA all-rookie team. |
"I think they'll be a strong senior class, no question," Berenson said. "The all-rookie team is a small indication of what this class will be all about when they mature and get some more experience. I think there's a lot of potential in this class that hasn't even surfaced yet."
Even though three more years will undoubtedly help the class realize its full capabilities, not all players are satisfied with their first year.
Langfeld managed to win honorable mention on the all-rookie team, but he felt he could have done better. Langfeld started the season strong as one of Michigan's top goal scorers but hasn't been consistent in the past month.
"Yeah, I'm disappointed, but stuff happens," he said. "Maybe I'll have a better year next year. The last month of the season I wasn't really playing well, so I wasn't expecting to get it. But now that the decision came, I'm just disappointed in myself."
Although Langfeld might be a little hard on himself - he's still managed to rack up 31 points for the season, including 16 goals - other freshmen Wolverines have yet to demonstrate their full potential.
While defenseman Dave Huntzicker has exceeded expectations with his adjustment to college competition, others have more potential than their statistics indicate.
Freshmen like Scott Matzka and Geoff Koch may not be stars yet, but there's a general consensus that they'll continue to grow.
" I think (Koch) is going to be a great leader on this team," Herr said. "He's a guy after my own heart - he's a prep-school kid, he's my weightlifting partner and I think he's going to do very well. He may only have three or four goals, but down the road, you better watch out for him - he's going to score a couple more."
The bond between the freshmen and the older players who have shown them the ropes may be strong, but the rookie class has also developed a chemistry of its own.
"We came together pretty tight," Langfeld said. "We're always hanging out together and going out every day. We're jelling - everyone gets along, and with the exception of a couple times, we don't get too upset at each other."
It may be just their first year, but the friendships they form will see them ascend to the senior podium in just a short time - maybe in too short of a time.
"People were like, 'You guys are going to be seniors before you know it,'" Kosick said. "'You guys are going to be standing there shaking all the younger guys' hands.' I still can't picture myself in that position."
03-11-98
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