NOTEBOOK: Together, Porter and Kolarik go pro
Kevin Porter and Chad Kolarik saw their college careers come to an end in Denver on Thursday. But the pair will be playing together again tomorrow night.
This time, as professionals.
Porter and Kolarik both signed entry-level contracts with the Phoenix Coyotes and will be playing for their American Hockey League affiliate, the San Antonio Rampage, when it opens the playoffs at the Toronto Marlies tomorrow night.
Kolarik signed his contract Sunday and Porter inked his deal yesterday afternoon, just before he skated onto the ice at Yost Arena to take one last Michigan team picture.
"They have to take the confidence, maturity and poise they gained this year with them," Michigan coach Red Berenson said.
Berenson added that he was pleased both players worked out their academics before leaving and will graduate on time.
Goalie thoughts: Berenson said the decision to pull junior goalie Billy Sauer in favor of freshman Bryan Hogan after the first period of Thursday's game against Notre Dame was difficult.
But the coach thinks the previous day's press conference may have played a key role in Sauer's struggles.
During the press conference, Sauer was immediately asked about his struggles at the Pepsi Center the previous year against North Dakota. Berenson stepped in before Sauer could answer, asking reporters to keep their questions focused on the 2007-08 season.
Still, Sauer looked a bit shaken for the rest of the press conference.
"His head was not in the right place for that game," said Berenson, who regretted bringing Sauer to the press conference.
Looking forward to next year, Berenson wouldn't say if one goalie was the preferred starter over the other. The coach said both Sauer and Hogan will receive a look when the team gets back together in the fall.
"I think we've got some good options," Berenson said. "It gives us some depth."
A long summer: Early departures are on Berenson's list of concerns each year.
Last year, defenseman Jack Johnson and forward Andrew Cogliano each left after their sophomore season.
This year, junior defenseman Mark Mitera and sophomore defenseman Chris Summers seem to be the possible candidates to go pro.
Mitera, an Anaheim Ducks prospect, and Summers, a Coyotes draft pick, have not revealed their intentions. Both will be among the team's leaders if they return.
Berenson said the coaches will wait to name next year's captains for some time.
Cogliano decided to jump to the professional ranks last summer, even though he had been named an assistant captain for what would have been his junior year.
This time, as professionals.
Porter and Kolarik both signed entry-level contracts with the Phoenix Coyotes and will be playing for their American Hockey League affiliate, the San Antonio Rampage, when it opens the playoffs at the Toronto Marlies tomorrow night.
Kolarik signed his contract Sunday and Porter inked his deal yesterday afternoon, just before he skated onto the ice at Yost Arena to take one last Michigan team picture.
"They have to take the confidence, maturity and poise they gained this year with them," Michigan coach Red Berenson said.
Berenson added that he was pleased both players worked out their academics before leaving and will graduate on time.
Goalie thoughts: Berenson said the decision to pull junior goalie Billy Sauer in favor of freshman Bryan Hogan after the first period of Thursday's game against Notre Dame was difficult.
But the coach thinks the previous day's press conference may have played a key role in Sauer's struggles.
During the press conference, Sauer was immediately asked about his struggles at the Pepsi Center the previous year against North Dakota. Berenson stepped in before Sauer could answer, asking reporters to keep their questions focused on the 2007-08 season.
Still, Sauer looked a bit shaken for the rest of the press conference.
"His head was not in the right place for that game," said Berenson, who regretted bringing Sauer to the press conference.
Looking forward to next year, Berenson wouldn't say if one goalie was the preferred starter over the other. The coach said both Sauer and Hogan will receive a look when the team gets back together in the fall.
"I think we've got some good options," Berenson said. "It gives us some depth."
A long summer: Early departures are on Berenson's list of concerns each year.
Last year, defenseman Jack Johnson and forward Andrew Cogliano each left after their sophomore season.
This year, junior defenseman Mark Mitera and sophomore defenseman Chris Summers seem to be the possible candidates to go pro.
Mitera, an Anaheim Ducks prospect, and Summers, a Coyotes draft pick, have not revealed their intentions. Both will be among the team's leaders if they return.
Berenson said the coaches will wait to name next year's captains for some time.
Cogliano decided to jump to the professional ranks last summer, even though he had been named an assistant captain for what would have been his junior year.