Legends, hopefuls relive dream

Former Michigan goaltender Marty Turco and Michigan's 1998 NCAA championship hockey season received some closure last night.

In a defining moment for Michigan players, fans and coaches, Turco returned to Yost Ice Arena to help raise the 1998 NCAA championship banner before a CCHA game against Lake Superior.

Rumors about Turco returning for the celebration were heard all week around Yost. The invitation was there, Michigan officials said, but with Turco playing with the Michigan K-Wings on Friday and Saturday nights, there was some doubt as to whether or not the former Wolverine could make it.

As it turned out, the banner raising was on top of his itinerary.

WARREN ZINN/Daily Michigan raised its ninth national championship banner to the rafters of Yost Ice Arena last night before a crowd of 6,587 for the CCHA opener with Lake Superior.

"I was invited, and I was only so far away, and never really thought twice about it," Turco said. "I played two games this weekend and I was more excited for this night, because it gives the season some closure."

Rink announcer Glen Williams opened the ceremony recounting the road to the championship, then introduced Turco.

The carpet was laid out for the former Michigan goalie - who led Michigan to two championships in three seasons - and he helped senior captain Bubba Berenzweig lift the drapes hanging over the big blue banner, which then was lifted up into the rafters at center ice, joining countless others.

Turco then shook the captain's hands and gave him some words of encouragement.

"I told Bubba 'best of luck' and 'enjoy your year and make the most of it,' because your senior year is the best of the four years," Turco said. "Bubba knows what he's getting into."

Last season was supposed to end last season, and not last night, with a new blue banner to join the other nine

But a team that was thought to be in a rebuilding season proved critics wrong, with a march through the NCAA tournament and a Josh Langfeld overtime goal that led to a cinderella ending.

"We're really proud of what we did last year and it's a great motivator," senior forward Dale Rominski said. "You think of all the stuff we went through last year, and it's the beginning of this year - it was really exciting."

Fans were greeted at the door by a plethora of free goodies. Michigan officials gave out mini blue championship banners and posters of last season's championship team, plus a note from coach Red Berenson thanking the fans for their support.

"It's a great day for Michigan hockey," Berenson said.

But the real treat was a celebration most fans will remember for a lifetime.

"I thought it was beautiful, it was something I'll remember for a long time," LSA sophomore Josiah Silverstein said. "I feel more connected to Michigan hockey."

The fans roared - when Turco's name was announced, and throughout the rest of the 10-minute celebration.

"It was just awesome," LSA sophomore Katie McLaughlin said. "I felt very nostalgic and just very happy about last season, and it was great to see Marty back here."

It was fitting for Turco to return to the Yost ice

because it gives the team a feel of transition to a new season.

And one of the biggest transitions is the change of goalies.

The graduation of Turco left the Michigan net empty, but freshman Josh Blackburn has stepped into the starting role with ease.

Blackburn made 12 saves and earned his first shutout in his first CCHA game.

Turco was impressed with the young goalie's performance.

"He looks really composed out there for being a rookie goaltender in this league," Turco said. "Unfortunately he hasn't seen a lot of shots, but when he has, he made some big saves."

Turco played an integral role in developing the young goalie when Blackburn visited Ann Arbor two summers ago.

"He came in the summer and stayed in my house," Turco said. "I got him working out and getting in shape a little bit."

Turco tried to give Blackburn a picture of what it was like to be Michigan's goalie and what he can do to step into the pressure-ridden position.

"We just talked about hockey and what it was like for me and what it might be like for him," Turco said. "I told him 'do what you can do and work and don't ever think you can't get better because it's a long four years'."

Blackburn's hard work so far his paid off based on his success so far. But he must still deal with the pressure to perform as well as Turco and his other predecessors.

"If he learns every day and does what he's capable of doing there shouldn't be a problem with Josh Blackburn," Turco said. "I think (the pressure) is magnified by people talking about me.

"He'll get through it and people will start concentrating on the Wolverines and the season."

As to whether he had any predictions for the season, Turco believes that Michigan has a great chance to repeat.

"They have the horses for it and I think that if Josh plays well and if the goaltender gives you the chance, the Wolverines can repeat," he said.

10-12-98