This year’s All-CCHA First Team has a distinct youthful feel.
For just the second time in the conference’s 33-year history, two freshmen have been named to the CCHA First-Team. Michigan forward T.J. Hensick and Michigan State defenseman A.J. Thelen are the first freshman duo to be chosen First-Team All-Conference since Lake Superior forward Pat Tims and goaltender Kim Gellert made the squad in 1973-74.
The team also includes a sophomore, two juniors, and one senior.
Michigan State placed two players on this year’s squad, the third straight year the Spartans have placed at least two players on the team. Miami had two players selected to the First Team for the first time since 1996-97. Bowling Green makes its first apperance on the First Team since 1998-99 with one selection, while Michigan returns a player to the First Team after a one-year hiatus. Miami and Michigan were also represented on the Second Team, along with players from Notre Dame and Northern Michigan. The teams, which include five seniors, three juniors, three sophomores and two freshmen, were selected by a vote of the league’s head coaches and are based on performance in league games. Coaches were not allowed to vote for their own players.
Miami senior foward Derek Edwardson, the conference scoring champion with 35 points, and Michigan State junior forward Jim Slater, this year’s only first-team returnee, led the way at the forward position. Hensick, who led the league in assists, completes the forward line. Thelen, who led all reargaurds in scoring, and Miami sophomore Andy Greene, who was named to the All-Rookie Team last season, round out the blueline. Bowling Green junior Jordan Sigalet, the NCAA leader in minutes played, was chosen as the goaltender for the First Team. Sigalet becomes the first BGSU goaltender to make the First Team since Gary Kruzich was chosen in both the 1985-86 and 1986-87 seasons.
Miami senior forward Greg Hogeboom, who enters the postseason with a streak of 151 consecutive games played, heads up the Second Team. Notre Dame senior Rob Globke, who received two first-place votes, and fellow Irish senior Aaron Gill, round out the forward line. Three players, Notre Dame senior Brett Lebda, Northern Michigan sophomore Nathan Oystrick and Michigan junior Brandon Rogers, all first time Second-Team selections, comprise the defense; a tie in the balloting made it necessary for three Second-Team Defenseman. Michigan sophomore Al Montoya, who was named to last season’s All-Rookie Team, is the All-Conference Second Team goalie.
2003-04 CCHA All-Conference Teams
FIRST TEAM
F Derek Edwardson, Sr., Miami
F Jim Slater, Jr., Michigan State
F T.J. Hensick, Fr., Michigan
D A.J. Thelen, Fr., Michigan State
D Andy Greene, So., Miami
G Jordan Sigalet, Jr., Bowling Green
SECOND TEAM
F Greg Hogeboom, Sr., Miami
F Rob Globke, Sr., Notre Dame
F Aaron Gill, Sr., Notre Dame
D Brett Lebda, Sr., Notre Dame
D Nathan Oystrick, So., Northern Michigan
D Brandon Rogers, Jr., Michigan
G Al Montoya, So., Michigan
Honorable Mention: Craig Kowalski, Sr., G, Northern Michigan; Nate Guenin, So., D, Ohio State; Doug Andress, Sr., D, Ohio State; Mike Kompon, Sr., F, Miami; Kelly Czuy, So., F, Alaska Fairbanks; Kevin Bieksa, Sr., D, Bowling Green.
