April 17, 2008

Farmington Hills, Mich. - The Central Collegiate Hockey Association announced today that Ian Cole of Notre Dame has been named the CCHA Rookie of the Month for the period of March/April.

Cole, a 6-foot-1, 210-pound defenseman tied for the Notre Dame team lead in scoring with four goals and five assists for nine points in 10 games as the Irish advanced to the Frozen Four for the first time in program history. He was +1 in those games with two of his goals being power-play goals and one a game winner. The deciding goal came in the third game of the second round of the CCHA playoffs versus Ferris State and sent the Irish to CCHA Championship Weekend at Joe Louis Arena.

In 10 games in March and April, the Irish were 6-4-0 and advanced to the Frozen Four and the NCAA title game.

Cole, the 18th overall selection in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft by St. Louis, picked up an assist in each contest played by the Irish at the Frozen Four against Michigan and Boston College. An honorable mention to the CCHA All-Rookie Team, Cole completed his freshman season of college hockey with 8-12-20 in 43 games with 45 percent of his point production coming in the 10 games played in March and April.

Carter Camper of Miami, Aaron Palushaj of Michigan, Jeff Petry of Michigan State and Mark Olver of Northern Michigan earned special mention for CCHA Rookie of the Month for March/April.

2007-08 CCHA Rookie of the Month

March/April - Ian Cole, D, University of Notre Dame

February - Mark Olver, F, Northern Michigan University

January - Carter Camper, F, Miami University

December - Carter Camper, F, Miami University

November - Max Pacioretty, F, University of Michigan

October - Carter Camper, F, Miami University