Bishai named hockey All-American
April 4, 2001
KALAMAZOO -- Junior center Mike Bishai of the Western Michigan University hockey team was named to the JOFA/AHCA All-America West Second Team today by the American Hockey Coaches Association.
Bishai (pronounced BEE-shy) becomes the first Bronco to earn All-America honors since goaltender Marc Magliarditi received second team accolades in 1996. He is the ninth All-American in the program's history, and just the third at the forward position.
In the latest NCAA statistics, Bishai shares top scoring honors with 1.84 points per game, and ranks second in assists, having averaged 1.22 per game. He stands eighth in game-winning goals (5) and 15th in goals (0.62) as the NCAA season concludes this weekend with the Frozen Four.
The Edmonton, Alberta native compiled 23 goals, 45 assists and 68 points in 37 games this season to lead the Central Collegiate Hockey Association in overall scoring. He also shared the CCHA scoring title with teammate David Gove, compiling 43 points in 28 conference games. Bishai's 68 points were the most in 12 WMU seasons, and just two years removed from his freshman campaign when he notched three points.
"Obviously we're very excited about the news. It's a tremendous honor not only for Mike but for WMU and the Hockey Broncos," said Head Coach Jim Culhane.
During the 2000-01 season, Bishai earned All-CCHA Second Team honors, was chosen MVP of the Silverado Shootout and named CCHA Player of the Week three times. He also surpassed 100 career points and received Star of the Game honors five times. Bishai helped the Broncos to a 20-13-6 overall record, including 15 weeks in the top 15 national rankings. In the classroom, Bishai earned a 3.25 grade point average during the fall semester.
Bishai is the second WMU student-athlete to garner national recognition this year, joining 35-pound weight thrower Dale Cowper who achieved All-America status March 9 at the NCAA Championships.
For more information, visit the Broncos on the Web <www.wmubroncos.com>.
Media contact: Daniel Jankowski, 616 387-4138, daniel.jankowski@wmich.edu
