Despite knowing about this earlier, I was asked not to write anything about it until NMU Sports Information issued a press release about it (and NMU Sports Information isn't the quickest agency).
The Northern Michigan captains for the 07-08 season will be sophomore defenseman TJ Miller and sophomore forward Billy Smith.
Between them, the two have a single year of in-game experience for the Wildcats (32 games by Miller last season).
Smith, a transfer from UAA, was forced to sit out last season (via NCAA rules) and has yet to play a minute for the 'Cats.
Although the move may seem surprising, Kyle said that the decision was an easy one, however. Smith has practiced with the team for the past year and the coach said that Smith was the hardest-working player every single day.
That's impressive for a guy that had no shot of playing last year.
Kyle has said again and again that the youth of the team with be their biggest asset and their biggest hindrance, adding both energy and inexperience.
After last season, NMU lost their veterans and their leaders and have returned only three seniors for this season (Siddall, Sarauer and Cosgrove).
Its unclear whether these young captains will be able to lead a young team to the promised land, but it is clear that Kyle has, at this point, put his faith in the squad's youth.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
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