Wildcats name co-captains for '09-10

Compiled by MiCHO Staff

Northern Michigan University announced their co-captains for the 2009-10 season as defenseman Erik Gustafsson and forward Billy Smith will each wear the 'C' next year.

An assistant captain might be named at a later date.

Gustafsson just concluded his sophomore campaign for the ‘Cats and led the team with 30 assists and tied for second on the team with 34 points (4-30--34). He was named the CCHA's Best Offensive Defenseman for the 2008-09 season. Gustafsson was also one of five sophomores selected to the CCHA all-conference first team. Currently for his NMU career, Gustafsson has 61 points on four goals and 57 assists.

Smith, who will be entering his senior campaign next year, has been an assistant captain his first two seasons on the squad. He registered 10 points for the 2008-09 season on three goals and seven assists. For his career, Smith has seven goals and 18 assists for 25 points.

“These two guys exemplify the qualities which are important to leadership,” said NMU head coach Walt Kyle. “We wanted to have the co-captains in place now to have the leadership through spring training and into next year.”