Michigan State University Athletics
Anastos Announces Alternate Captains for 2014-15
10/16/2014 12:00:00 AM | Men's Ice Hockey
EAST LANSING - Michigan State hockey head coach Tom Anastos announced today (Oct. 16) that sophomore Joe Cox and juniors Travis Walsh and Justin Hoomaian have been named alternate captains for the 2014-15 season. The three players join junior captain Michael Ferrantino as the team's primary leaders for the upcoming season.
"These three individuals are very representative of the emerging leadership on our team and have earned the confidence and trust of their teammates," Anastos said. "Together with our captain, Michael Ferrantino, Joe, Justin and Travis have demonstrated consistent leadership both on and off the ice and we're very pleased to have them as our captains."
Cox was voted the winner of the team's Outstanding Rookie Award last season after tying for second in points among Spartan freshmen with 12 (6g, 6a). The 6-foot forward from Chelsea is majoring in accounting and appeared in all 36 games in 2013-14 after spending the summer rehabbing from offseason surgery.
"It feels awesome knowing the guys on the team believe I have the leadership qualities to earn the `A,'" Cox said. "It's a good feeling and I'm excited about the opportunity."
Walsh, a 5-foot-11 defenseman from Haslett, has appeared in 75 games over his two seasons with the Spartans. He recorded seven assists last season and tied for first in the Big Ten and ranked ninth in the nation in blocked shots with 85. Walsh's 2.58 blocks per game average was the fourth highest in the country. Walsh, a finance major, earned Academic All-Big Ten and Big Ten Distinguished Scholar honors last season.
"It's a great honor," Walsh said. "I look forward to the responsibility of making sure we stay on track in trying to achieve our goals."
Hoomaian is in his fourth year with the Spartans and is a two-time Academic All-Big Ten and Big Ten Distinguished Scholar honoree. The native of Novi scored his first-career goal in a win over Wisconsin last season and has appeared in 50 games for the Spartans. The 6-foot forward is a kinesiology major.
"It's pretty special knowing your teammates voted for you," Hoomaian said. "It's nice to have the respect of your teammates and I look forward to the season ahead."
The Spartans open the season on Friday night when they host Massachusetts at 7 p.m. at Munn Ice Arena.
