The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/480355
MICHIGAN HOCKEY and defenseman. Cogliano played on one of U-M's top lines consistently throughout the year, and responded with 12 goals and 16 assists, including five power-play markers and three game-winning tallies. A deft skater, with outstanding speed, Co- gliano offered his veteran linemates a player always on the attack. One of the most celebrated recruits in program history — he was the No. 3 overall selection in the 2005 NHL Draft — Johnson was noted for his offensive skill, and he did not disappoint, recording a freshman defenseman program-record 32 points in 2006 (a mark that still stands). His 10 goals were second only to Dean Turner's 13 in 1977 among rookie blue liners, and his 22 assists were second only to Patrick Neaton's 23 helpers in 1990. Johnson was a ferocious player who delivered monster hits (and was often whistled for them), and one way or another, made his presence felt every game. 4. Jeff Tambellini and Al Montoya, 2003: The son of a former NHL player and NHL general manager (Steve), Tambellini was one of the most coveted recruits in North America. So was Montoya, who was the backstop for the U.S. National Team Development Program prior to his arrival at Michigan. Both lived up to their billing. Tambellini scored a team-high 26 goals in his rookie year, leading Michigan in points as well (45). His 26 markers represent the fourth-highest total ever recorded by a U-M rookie while his 45 points rank 12th. A gifted skater, with incredible acceleration, Tambellini burst down the left side of the ice and delivered a majority of senior center John Shouneyia's 28 assists that season. Like Marty Turco before him, Montoya led Michigan to a Frozen Four (and a CCHA Tournament title), going 30-10-3 with a 2.33 goals-against average and a .911 save percentage. His 30 victories surpassed Turco's rookie record of 27 and still rank fourth all time regardless of class. 5. Bill Muckalt and Marty Turco, 1995: This tandem would lead Michigan to the 1998 national title as seniors, and anyone that saw their rookie years would not have been surprised. Muckalt ranked fifth on the team with 19 goals (first among U-M rookies) and added 18 assists, giving him a very respectable 37 points. Muckalt would follow up his 19-goal rookie campaign with 28, 26 and 32 markers over his next three seasons. Turco went 27-7-1 in his first year between the pipes, seizing the vacant starting job after the departure of Steve Shields. Turco's 27 wins were a freshman goalie record (since eclipsed by Montoya's 30). Turco held opponents to 2.76 goals per game while Michigan was scoring 5.59 per contest, in leading the Maize and Blue to a CCHA regular-season title and the Frozen Four. — Michael Spath