Kolarik and Porter Tabbed as RBK West All-Americans
4/11/2008 12:00:00 AM | Ice Hockey
DENVER, Colo. -- Senior forwards Kevin Porter(Northville, Mich.) and Chad Kolarik(Abington, Pa.) of the University of Michigan ice hockey team were tabbed as RBK West All-Americans for the 2007-08 campaign, the American Hockey Coaches Association announced Friday night (April 11). Porter garnered West first team recognition, while Kolarik earned a spot on the West second team.
Named team captain prior to the season, Porter led his team with career highs in goals (33) and points (63). His goal total is also tied for first in the nation, while Porter's 63 points are second-best in the country. His 15 power-play markers also set a career best and were good for a tie for second place in the nation. Playing all 42 games for the Wolverines, the center also notched career highs in plus/minus (+34) and game-winning goals (5). Because of his standout season, Porter won the Hobey baker Award, which is given annually to college hockey's top student-athlete.
Porter tallied at least one point in 34 games during the season, including 18 multi-point efforts. The team also posted an overall 21-1-2 record when he scored a goal. The Central Collegiate Hockey Association's leading scorer with 22-20-42 totals in 28 conference games, Porter was named CCHA Player of the Month on two occasions (November and February), earned All-CCHA first team honors and garnered the league's Player of the Year accolades.
Kolarik's 30-26-56 line on the season was good for second place on the Maize and Blue, while his seven game-winning goals and four shorthanded tallies were both tops on the roster and first and tied for third in the nation, respectively. His 30 goals rank fourth in the country, while Kolarik's point total is third best in the nation. The alternate captain notched career bests in goals, points, game-winning goals, shorthanded markers, and plus/minus (+28). Kolarik finished second in the CCHA scoring race with 20-15-35 totals, earning him All-CCHA first team honors.
At least one Wolverine has earned All-America recognition in 15 of the last 18 seasons, while Michigan has had multiple All-Americans 20 times in school history. A total of 61 U-M players have received All-American distinction 83 times in the program's 86 years.
Porter was also honored as a part of the Lowe's Senior CLASS All-America second team. The award, based on criteria including character and excellence in the classroom, in the community and on the ice, is given to the nation's top college seniors.
Contact: Matt Trevor (734) 763-4423
