Saturday, April 19, 2008

Mitera named Michigan's new captain

Compiled by MiCHO Staff

The University of Michigan announced Friday that senior defenseman Mark Mitera will be the captain for the 2008-2009 season.

Mitera was an alternate captain for the Wolverines for the second half of the 2007-2008 season.

As U-M's top defenseman and its only upperclassman on the blue line, he averaged a team-high 24 minutes of ice time per game. The junior had his best statistical season by scoring two goals and contributing 21 assists to lead U-M defensemen with 23 points. He also led the defense corps in plus/minus (+30) and blocked shots (65) and racked up 60 penalty minutes.

The coaches of the CCHA voted Mitera to the All-CCHA Second Team and Inside College Hockey named him its Defenseman of the Year for 2007-2008.

Mitera was a first-round draft pick (19th overall) of the Anaheim Ducks in 2006.

The 6-foot-3, 213-pounder skated for the 2006 U.S. World Junior Championship squad. Prior to attending U-M, he played for the U.S. National Team Development Program (2003-2005).

The Wolverines graduate three players, each a forward, from their 2007-2008 roster - captain Kevin Porter, alternate captain Chad Kolarik and Chris Fragner. A total of 22 players from the 2007-2008 roster have remaining eligibility for the 2008-2009 season.

The alternate captains will be named in the fall.

Photo courtesy UM Photo Services

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