Huskies To Rely On Senior Leadership
For the first time in several seasons, Michigan Tech University and head coach Tim Watters will have a sizable senior class to rely on - seven in all - as the Huskies look to rebound from a frustrating campaign in 1999-2000.
In addition to a number of experienced players in its junior and sophomore classes, Michigan Tech will also have plenty of fresh faces as 10 new names are scripted on the Huskies' 2000-01 hockey roster.
Forwards
Michigan Tech has 10 forwards returning, including its top three point-getters from a year ago.
Senior center Jarrett Weinberger, who originally made the team as a walk-on back in 1997-98, emerged in surprise fashion as the team's top point-getter a year ago when he had 10 goals, nine assists and 19 points and his speed, experience, and grit will be of particular value in 2000-01.
Another senior - Matt Ulwelling - who can play both center and wing, is back after finishing second on the club in points (six goals, 12 assists, 18 points) last season. Ulwelling, who has been a regular since his arrival at Tech, was also tops on the club in points his sophomore campaign (9-17=26).
Sure to play a big role in the Huskies' offensive attack this season is junior Paul Cabana. The right winger, who was part of the WCHA All-Star Team that toured Norway this past August, has led or tied for the team lead in goal-scoring each of his first two seasons.
Senior Tab Lardner, who plays either left wing or center, will be relied on to increase his point production significantly. A regular each of his first three seasons, Lardner recorded seven goals, five assists and 12 points a year ago.
Michigan Tech also returns juniors Brad Patterson (1-9=10) and Jaron Doetzel (2-3=5). Like Lardner, both of them will be looked to for increased offensive production.
Tech also has back a four-man sophomore contingent including Jeff Keiver (4-5=9), Chuck Fabry (2-3=5), Chris Durno (1-1=2), and O.J. Bottoms. All but Bottoms played significantly as rookies.
In addition, the Huskies have a number of new faces up front that will compete for playing time this winter including Tony DeLorenzo, Brett Engelhardt, Bryan Perez, Jon Pittis, Bob Rangus, and Frank Werner.
Defense
Experience is a key word when talking about Michigan Tech's blueline corps in 2000-01.
The Huskies return their top six defenseman from a year ago, led by seniors Clint Way (1-12=13), Mat Snesrud (3-7=10), and Adrian Fure (0-4=4). Combined, the trio have played 333 collegiate games, an average of 37 games per player, per year.
Snesrud will benefit from the experience he gained this past August as a member of the WCHA All-Star Team that won all three games on its Norway Tour 2000.
Junior Tim Laurila (1-4=5), whose size and strength will be relied upon heavily, is also back after a successful transition from forward to defense a year ago.
Junior Tom Kaiman (2-2=4), who has been a steady presence for the Huskies on defense since his arrival on the MTU campus, also returns, as does sophomore Greg Amadio, who played in 36 of Tech's 38 games as a rookie a year ago.
Michigan Tech will also look to freshmen Justin Brown and Ryan Lenton to challenge for playing time.
Between the Pipes
In goal, senior Jason Moilanen returns after playing in 22 games a year ago.
Moilanen, who wasn't projected to be the team's pace-setter in games played at the outset of the 1999-2000 campaign, posted a 2-18-0 mark to go with a 5.13 goals-against average and an .877 saves percentage.
Sophomore Brian Rogers is also back after an injury-filled rookie campaign. He suffered a torn abdominal muscle in workouts prior to the start of last season and missed the first 24 games of the year before being cleared to play. Rogers appeared in eight games and posted an 0-8-0 record to go with a 5.23 goals-against average and an .853 saves percentage.
The Huskies will also look to freshman Wayne Russell, who played for Lincoln of the United States Hockey League last year, to help shore up their goaltending efforts.
Summing It All Up
A great deal of optimism surrounds the Michigan Tech University hockey program in 2000-01. The Huskies have a unique blend of experience (18 returnees who have played a combined 1,142 games) and freshness (10 new players) that should lend itself to watching the Huskies battle for an upper division finish in the always tough WCHA.
By Dave Fischer, MTU SID
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