160 - Th~~chigan Daily - Faceoff~- Monday, October 13, 199T~ Monday, October 1~1997 - Faceoff '9 16C -- Th - chigan Daily - Faceoff jL- Monday; October 13, 1CAA- p p Monday, October 1997 - Faceoff 97 C Northern Michigan returns to CCHA after 13-year absence lqw --i AND- w l w- Chemistry of Michigan's lines remains in q CCHA Rank - Coaches Poll Sept. 23, 1997, was a homecoming of sorts for Northern Michigan coach Rick Comley. It was CCHA Media Day at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, where coaches from every team in the CCHA came to preview their upcoming sea- son. And without fail, every coach began his statements with roughly the same thing. "Welcome back, Rick." It has been 13 years since Comley took his program from the CCHA out west to face the likes of WCHA foes Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin. But whatever the reason was for leaving, Comley made it clear he was delighted to be where he was. "We're very pleased to be accepted back in the CCHA for the upcoming season," Comley said. "We just hope we can add another good program to an outstanding conference. "I appreciate very much what the WCHA has done for us over the last 13 years; and we will take many fond memories with us." Included in those fond memories will be Northern Michigan's 1990-91 campaign, in which the Wildcats cap- tured not only the WCHA regular-sea- son and playoff titles but the national championship as well. The Wildcats finished that season riding a 26-game unbeaten streak all the way to the NCAA title. Prior to their WCHA years, the Wildcats began play in the CCHA dur- ing the 1977-78 season, one year after beginning their hockey program under Comley. They tasted success from the get-go in the CCHA, reaching the national semifinals in their third and fourth years. The 1979-80 Wildcats became the first CCHA program to ever reach a national championship game. After sputtering in its final two sea- sons in the CCHA, Northern Michigan bolted for the WCHA. Nevertheless, the Wildcats are now back. CCHA commissioner Bill Beagan and the rest of the league elite are welcoming them with open arms. And for this reason, Comley is excit- ed about rejoining the powerful confer- ence. "The timing of this move is excel- lent," he said. "The people in Marquette are excited about the teams we are going to be playing again." Excited they should be, considering the number of intrastate rivalries that can be rekindled with the likes of Ferris State, Michigan State and Michigan. But despite the initial honeymoon that Northern Michigan is experienc- ing, Comley is well aware of the situa- tion of his squad, and the consequences that could follow. . "Northern Michigan is rebuilding," Comley said. "We know we'll take our bumps and bruises." Leading the Wildcats this season will be a number of talented sopho- mores, including WCHA All-Rookie team member Buddy Smith, who led Northern Michigan in every offensive category. Joining Smith on the first line will be fellow sophomores Roger Trudeau and J.P. Vigier, who both tallied double- digit goal-scoring efforts last season. While Northern Michigan may be set offensively, its defense is in limbo. Comley's point man on defense will be senior Curtis Sheptak - a converted left wing. "Curtis provides us with a big, strong defenseman who can shoot the puck," Comley said. "We've been look- ing for someone with offensive quali- ties on the blue line for the last couple of years, because it's an area we've been deficient in the last two years." In goal, the loss of Dieter Kochan to graduation leaves the door open for sophomore Duane Hoey. who posted a .873 save percentage in 15 games last season. - Pranay Reddy FORWARDS Continued from Page 4C some kind of a niche and get going. "They don't know each other so well, so there is not as much confi- dence between the linemates." Thus, by placing left wing Herr on another line with center Bobby Hayes and right wing Sean Ritchlin; Berenson obtains his goal of two potentially powerful lines. With the expected lack of chem- istry, it will up to players like Crozier. Hayes and Ritchlin to ensure the cohesiveness of each of the first two lines. All three have put up solid num- bers in the past, but that was with the presence of Morrison and Botterill to take off the heat. Nevertheless, Berenson is confi- dent that it is only a matter of time before he sees a strong offensive unit. Until then, Berenson is just asking for the little things to be taken care of. "It's a matter of when they do well," he said. "Are they going to step up and play well (early on) or is it going to take until Christmas to really start playing their best? "I think you'll see a little of both." Also looking for some ice time this season will be freshman Josh Langfeld. The 6-foot-3 forward has impressed coaches already, scoring two goals in the annual Blue-White game. "Langfeld could be a great scorer in this league," Berenson said. Player Craig Assenmacher Justin Clark Greg Crozier Bobby Hayes Matt Herr Troy Kahler Geoff Koch Mark Kosic k Ht. Wt. 5-9 175 6-3 212 MICHIGAN SPORTS INFORMATION in a return to the good old days, Northern Michigan has returned to Its hockey roots by rejoining its original conference - the CCHA. 6-3 6-0 6-2 6-0 61 5-11 199 165 194 185 190 187 Yr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Playe Josh Scott Andr Sean Dale Bil 1 I ~ FILE PHOTO With an inexperienced defensive unit behind it, the Michigan offense may face more pressure to score consistently. Head coach Rick Comley, 22nd season U I -ALSTATE - DART At Arbor Brewing, we think that beer, food and music should be served up fresh, full, and unfiltered. We like comfy pubs better than trendy restaurants, independents better than chains, and U of M better than Ohio State. We think real people, beer, food, and pubs are a few of life's simple pleasures - hard to find, but easy to spot. Full Menu " Full Bar " Kids' Menu Live Music 4 Nights a Week * Monthly Beer Tastings Gameday reservations accepted for parties of 6 or more **" 114 E Washington A2 MI 48104 313-213-1393 abrew@ic.net http://arborlink.com/arborbrew/ For a full listing of all award winners, check out the Michigan Micombrewery and Brewpub Guide now easy to access with a link from our web page FRESHMEN Continued from Page 7C not going to pout, I'm going to do what's best for the team. "We (freshmen) want to add to the dynasty that they have here. That's why were here -- they wouldn't have brought us here if we wouldn't have been able to do that." And so the freshmen begin the sea- son with mixed feelings - feelings of antieipation and undoubtedly some nervousness, but at the same time feelings of explosive potential. ready to be unleashed. Berenson said it would be tough to live up to the standards of last year's senior class. But he also sees the potential for the freshman class to set its own impressive standard of suc- cess for other classes to follow in the future. "We didn't bring (the freshmen) here to sit them in the stands," Berenson said. "There's no question they're going to hear a lot about the seniors that left and it was a great class -maybe the best class we've ever had. "All they can do is their best and not worry about what someone else did. And they may do as good, they may do better. I think they're going to be a real good class in their own right. We won't have to worry about comparing them to someone, we'll just judge them based on what they're doing." 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