18- The Michigan Daily - Wednesday, July 2, 1997
Merrick, Langfeld
drafted by NHL
ICERS
Continued from Page 16
Not only was Langfeld the first selection from Michigan,
he was also the first CCHA player chosen. Players with more
experience, such as Joseph Corvo of Western Michigan and
Ben Simon of Notre Dame, were selected after Langfeld.
As for 'Langfeld's development in the college ranks,
Johnston anticipates quite a challenge.
"it will be tough to duplicate his last two years," Johnston
said. "He was in one of the top junior leagues in the country
and he did well there. And now he's going to one of the top
10 programs in the country."
Langfeld, a Minnesota native, can now see the pinnacle of
hockey in the distance. For his future teammate, the experi-
ence was a little less foreign.
Michigan sophomore Andrew Merrick has already seen
the NHL up close, through his dad.
Merrick, selected by the Carolina Hurricanes with the
169th overall pick, has NHL blood in his veins.
His father, Wayne, played 12 seasons in the NHL, distin-
guishing himself with the New York Islanders in the early
1980s. Now Andrew can follow in his father's footsteps.
4lthough he recorded just three goals and 10 assists in 36
games with Michigan, Merrick should see more ice time fol-
lowing the departure of five graduated forwards.
Fortunately for Langfeld and Merrick, their coach is the
ideal choice to guide them toward professional careers.
Michigan coach Red Berenson made a living for 17 years in
the NHL, tallying 261 goals while serving as a ground-
breaker for collegians in the professional ranks.
Berenson was the first college hockey player to step
directly into the NHL. His experience could prove invaluable
to his players as they prepare for professional careers in
hockey.
"I've know Red for 30 years, Johnston said. "The benefit
of having Red's expertise can only be a big help."


FILE PHO
As Michigan's hockey coach since 1984, Red Berenson has seen outstanding players skate on th
Yost Ice Arena stage. Each dreamed of the pro career Berenson enjoyed, and now, after being seli
in the NHL Draft, Andrew Merrick and Josh Langfeld can continue their dream under Berenson's re

'M' softball
stars play
for America
By Sharat Raju
Daily Sports tditor
Traci Conrad and Melissa Gentile
bleed maize and blue during the school
year. But this summer, the two softball
teammates will represent red, white and
blue.
Conrad and Gentile have been
selected to the USA Softball 1997 Pan
Am Qualifier team. The two
Wolverines, along with 16 other players
from the United States, will travel to
Medellin, Columbia and compete from
July 20 - 30.
Conrad played first base for
Michigan as a sophomore. She led the
Wolverines in batting with a .387 aver-
age and is listed as a utility player for
the Pan Am Qualifier roster.
Gentile, who finished her freshman
year at Michigan, played third base
during the season. She earned all-tour-
nament honors at the Women's College
World Series after smacking two home
runs in the tournament. Gentile is also
listed as a utility player for the national
team.
SUPER STICKERS: The Michigan *
field hockey team can also boast some
players on a national team. Five players
were selected to represent the United
States during this summer's interna-
TO/5a y tional tournaments.
e Goalkeeper Kati Oakes, midfielder
ected Ashley Reichenbach, forwards Amy
ign. Philbrook and Meredith Weinstein and
incoming freshman Kelli Gannon all
were named to the national team.
Two of the five Wolverines - Oakes
) and Reichenbach - are scheduled to
compete for the Junior World Cup
Under-21 Tournament held in Seoul,
South Korea from Sept. I - 14.
Philbrook and Gannon are alter-
nates, but will also practice with the
team in San Diego during July.
Weinstein, a senior, will play for the
U.S. team in the 15th World Maccabiah
Games in Israel from July 14 - 24.
eCpOore
te
\wort.-d.
forjss
m Travel
1220 S. University, Ste.208
Above McDonald's
Ann Arbor
Tel: 313-998-0200

The NHL-Michigan connection
Name Team holding rights
Subba Berenzweig N.Y. Islanders
Justin Clark Colorado Avalanche
Greg Crozier Pittsburgh Penguins
Matt Herr Washington Capitals
Josh Langfeld Ottawa Senators
Andrew Merrick Carolina Hurricanes
Bill Muckalt Vancouver Canucks
Sean Ritchlin New Jersey Devils
Marty Turco Dallas Stars

Selection (year
109 (1996)
240 (1996)
73 (1994)
93 (1994)
66 (1997)
169 (1997)
221 (1994)
145 (1996)
124 (1994)

I,

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