ORTMEYER, SHOUNEYIA TO SERVE SECOND TERM
Burnes named assistant captain
September 6, 2002

Michigan may have lost their top offensive and defensive threats over the
summer, but one thing they didn't lose was leadership.

Head coach Red Berenson announced that 2001-02 captain Jed Ortmeyer will
once again serve as team captain, while senior forward John Shouneyia will
continue to wear the 'A'.

"I like the captains going into this season," said Berenson. "Last year
there was some concern or certainly some unknowns about our captains, but
this year, with Ortmeyer coming back after having a strong first year as
captain, we'll have no leadership problems, particularly with John
Shouneyia, another senior, as an assistant captain."

Ortmeyer is only the seventh Wolverine to serve back-to-back terms as
captain. Last season he was one of three Wolverines to split the Hal Downes
Trophy for team MVP.

With the loss of assistant captains Jay Vancik and Mike Cammalleri to
graduation and the pros respectively, Berenson chose junior defenseman Andy
Burnes to fill the void as the team's other assistant captain.

Burnes, who served as captain of the Compuware Ambassadors in 1999-00, was
selected by the team as the recipient of the Vic Heyliger Trophy for
outstanding defenseman. Like Ortmeyer is to the offense, Burnes is to the
defense. He leads by example and has a top notch work ethic.

"I see him as a future captain-type player, and I think he will add another
dimension to the leadership on this team," Berenson said. "He's not only a
younger player, but he's a player that everyone respects. With his work
ethic and tenacity, he fits the mold of a Michigan captain as well."

This is the second consecutive year in which the coaches selected the
captains. But with two returning proven leaders, Berenson believes that no
vote, or change, was necessary.

"We certainly weren't going to put it up for election this year," said
Berenson. "I don't think the players would have decided any differently
than the coaches. I think right now we're in sync with what this team needs
in terms of leadership. We know how important leadership is to this team,
and I'm sure everyone would agree we have the best three leaders as captains."

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DEKERS CLUB PICNIC REMINDER

The Annual Picnic will be held on Sunday, Sept. 8 at 1 p.m. at Hudson Mills
Metro Park (8801 North Territorial Rd). It's a chance to interact with the
returning players as well as the freshmen, who will be making their first
appearance. Bring a dish to pass and your checkbook to renew your
membership and purchase Blue/White game tickets.

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JOHNSON COMMITS FOR 2005
September 1, 2002

The University of Michigan got a head start on their future as left
defenseman Jack Johnson became their first committment for Fall 2005.

Johnson is a strong skater who can rush the puck and shoots a hard
slapshot. He plays a high-energy, up-tempo game and likes to blast away.

The 6-foot, 170-pound blueliner from Faribault, Minn., was either #1 or #2
on scouts top defensive prospects lists at the U.S. Select 15 Festival in
St. Cloud last month.

Johnson is the first 1987-born player to commit to college. He just started
the 10th grade at Shattuck-St. Mary's and will play for them this year.
Next fall he will move to Ann Arbor and join the U.S. National Team
Development Program Under-17 Team.

Johnson's family background is split, though. His father, Jack Johnson, was
a defenseman for Michigan State from 1975-77. But his mother is a graduate
of the University of Michigan.

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I'll probably see some of you at the picnic on Sunday.

That's all for now...

Go Blue!

Jason
Michigan Hockey Net
http://MichiganHockey.net/