The NMU Wildcat Athletic Department has been very quiet lately regarding the status of the incoming freshman class this fall. The graduation of nine seniors, along with the potential departure of a few other underclassmen leaves a lot of openings. There has been talk about many incoming players, but as Coach Kyle once told me, until the NMU Athletic Department makes a formal announcement, it is not official nor fully accurate. So our preliminary list includes the following signed newcomers to the team:

Nick Kosinski, Forward (5′8″, 165 pounds, 21 years old)

Nick is a native of Marquette and speedy little forward. He played for the Marquette Iron Rangers of the NAHL. He had 18 goals and 32 assists for 50 points. He should do very well on the olympic sheet at the Berry and provide that Marquette toughness and pride on the ice.

Jared Brown, Forward (5′10″, 185 pounds, 21 years old)

Jared is from Garder, Kansas. He played for the Lincoln Stars of the USHL. He is an excellent playmaker. Jared finished tied for first on the team in scoring (71 points, 30 goals, 41 assists) and 4th overall on the league. Jared made the First Team USHL Allstar list. As a 21 year old freshman, he should be an instant force in the lineup and CCHA Rookie of the Year material.

Mark Olver, Forward (5′11″, 160 pounds, 18 years old)

Mark is the son of now former Assistant Coach John Olver and the younger brother of former Wildcat superstar Darin. Mark He finished the season as the leading scorer on the team with 29 goals and 35 assists for 64 points. Mark finished 8th overall in league scoring. As he fills out, he will flourish as a star in the CCHA.

Derek Janzen, Goalie (6′0″, 185 pounds, 20 years old)Derek returns back to NMU after playing a season with Langley of the BCHL. Derek posted stats of 25-23-1, 3.52 GAA and .896 Save percentage. At NMU in 2005-06, he posted stats of 4-4, 3.12 GAA and .866 Save percentage. Derek should compete with Brian Stewart in net for the starting job.

Bill Smith, Forward (5′10″, 195 pounds, 21 years old, Sophomore Transfer)

Bill is a transfer from Alaska-Anchorage. He hails from Sterling, Alasks, so he should fit in well to the Marquette climate. Bill did play in the 2005-06 season for the Seawolves as a freshman, scoring 4 goals and 4 assists for 8 points in 32 games. Coach Kyle has mentioned how he likes Billy’s game, so look for him to get a shot at cracking the lineup this fall.