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DENVER -- Michigan captain Kevin Porter could've bolted after last season to begin his pro career.
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The Wolverines were young, and were expected to take their lumps this season. Porter, being the captain that he is, wanted to stick around and guide the young players.
And while it didn't pay off with a national title, Porter did help Michigan to its first Frozen Four appearance in five years.
The senior forward also became the second player from Michigan to win the Hobey Baker Memorial Award on Friday night, beating out Boston College's Nathan Gerbe and Miami of Ohio's Ryan Jones for hockey's equivalent of the Heisman Trophy.
While appreciated, he'd still rather have his team in the title game. The Wolverines had their season end with a 5-4 overtime loss to Notre Dame on Thursday night. Porter had an assist in the game, but didn't put a shot on net.
"Our main goal here was to come and win a national championship," said Porter, who finished with 33 goals and 30 assists. "We're still disappointed about last night."
Michigan coach Red Berenson couldn't say enough about Porter's loyalty to the program.
"Kevin came back with supposedly an empty cupboard," Berenson said. "He came back on a mission. I've never seen a player take the whole team in his grasp, put them on his back and make it happen. He's been a tremendous leader."
Porter has never been one to brag about himself. That's why teammate Chad Kolarik does the bragging for him. Kolarik served as Porter's campaign manager all season.
"I just spoke the truth," Kolarik said. "I wasn't making up anything that wasn't true -- he is the best player in the country. He's truly the best."
As Porter sat at the podium, a congratulatory letter from Phoenix Coyotes coach Wayne Gretzky was read to him. Porter beamed at Gretzky's compliments, especially when the Great One said it was fun watching him play.
"For one of the greatest hockey players to ever play say that about me, words can't describe it," said Porter, who was drafted by Phoenix in 2004. "That's really special."
Gerbe said his mind was completely focused on winning a national title, not the Hobey Baker. Gerbe and the Eagles will face the Irish on Saturday night in the title contest.
