Freshmen get their feet wet on the first day

Everyone goes through a lot of firsts. First, there's "baby's first rattle", then "child's first book", and now there's "freshman's first Michigan hockey practice."

Well, at least for a few people.

Those selected few are the six freshman who join the Michigan hockey team's quest to repeat as NCAA champions.

Last week at the CCHA media day, Michigan coach Red Berenson commented on his worries at the start of last season.

After all, he had lost dominating players like Brendan Morrison, Jason Botterill and John Madden and more. Left in their wake were nine new freshman to work with.

But the Wolverines overcame doubts and finished No. 1.

The question this season:Can Michigan do it again?

Only time will tell, but at least the new freshmen have their "big first" practice completed and out of the way.

Freshman Craig Murray, even with a few nerves, liked the Michigan way of practice.

"I like the unification of the guys, everybody works with each other," Murray said. "I had a little bit of nerves out there, first time you always want to impress, but towards the end you feel more comfortable."

Many players expressed shock at the speed of the practice.

"It's a change from what I'm used to. It's a lot more intense out there," Murray said. "They work on every little single detail. I'm going to learn a lot in the while I'm here in the four years"

Murray, who normally plays center, may move to winger to help the team build up that position.

"I might be moving to the wing, so I am trying to get acquainted to pick up the puck along the boards and making sure I get the puck out," Murray said.

Freshman Jeff Jillson knows what position he's going to play - defense. His 6-foot-3, 220-pound frame, the largest on the team, gives an easy hint.

Jillson liked the toughness of everyone on the first day.

"Coming into such a great program, you expect things to be tough," Jillson said. "Guys really got in shape, and it seems to be helping out on the ice."

For the Wolverines to succeed this season, they need a goalie who can replace departed Marty Turco.

Freshman goalie Josh Blackburn, who has received high praises from Berenson in possibly earning the starting job, was pleased with his performance yesterday.

"I think it went pretty good today, a pretty good first day for everybody,Ó Blackburn said. ÒI still have to figure out some stuff, a lot of little things.Ó

With a big smile on his face, Blackburn had one more thing to say. ÒItÕs great, I love it here,Ó he said.

Senior captain Bubba Berenzweig loves the new freshmen, but still warns that they will make many mistakes.

ÒThey look like possibly the best freshman in the nation,Ó Berenzweig said. ÒWhen you come in here your going to be a top player and so they look like top players from wherever they came from.

ÒThey still need to get used to our systems and learn that they canÕt make moves at the blue line on a defenseman in college hockey.Ó

QUESTION MARK KOSICK: Sophomore Mark Kosick hopes to return to skating tomorrow after dislocating his shoulder last week during captainÕs practices.

Last Tuesday, Kosick skated down the wall, he cut to the middle through two defenseman. But as he was doing this, he almost plowed into senior goaltender Greg Daddario in the process. After trying to swerve around his goalie, Kosick plowed hard into the boards.

Unfortunately the most Kosick could do yesterday was watch his teammates and ride the exercise bike, but he is still hopeful to fully practice by the end of the week.

ÒNow itÕs just a matter of mending it back together,Ó Kosick said. ÒIÕll be on the ice next week, hopefully by the end of the week.Ó The Wolverines will lose Kosick for the Blue-White exhibition and most likely the game against Guelph. BLUE/WHITE FUN: The Wolverines will once again take part in the annual Blue-White Game this Friday, 7 p.m. at Yost Ice Arena. Berenson will split up his squad into two different teams with three lines each, thereby giving almost every player a good chunk of playing time. But the real treat for fans will be the ÒSkate with the WolverinesÓ.

After the game, the players will rush to the locker room, switch jerseys, comb their hair, then come back out onto the ice where they will sign autographs for anyone who wants one.

Adults and children alike can bring their own skates or rent them for $1, and then skate out to the ice to greet the players.

Tickets for the Blue-White game cost $4 for adults and $1 for children and are currently on sale at Yost Ice Arena. Proceeds will go to charity.

JUST GUELPH IT: The game versus Guelph on Saturday night will count in MichiganÕs record, but doesnÕt count towards itÕs NCAA or CCHA standing. The team from Canada will be the last warm-up for the Wolverines before their first regular season matchup against Lake Superior State on Sunday October 11. The game versus the Lakers will be a very emotional game for both fans and upperclassman because the national championship banner will be raised at Yost Ice Arena. Michigan officials hope to give mini banners out to fans who come to the game.

09-29-98