Poljak is rookie of the year

The YSU freshman ranked fourth in the nation in scoring.
BOARDMAN -- Youngstown State freshman Mike Poljak was named the American Collegiate Hockey Association's Division I rookie of the year.
A native of Bethel Park, Pa., Poljak led all rookies and finished fourth in the nation with 74 points on 37 goals and 37 assists in 32 games. Of his 37 goals, which ranked third in the ACHA, 13 were scored on the power play and five were shorthanded.
"I'm pretty excited at the honor," Poljak said. "This is the biggest individual accomplishment of my career. But my teammates allowed me to accomplish what I did."
His 74 points in 32 games translated into a 2.31 points per game average; tops in the country.
"I can't imagine a more deserving person than Mike. We are extremely proud of him," YSU Coach Rocky Russo said. "This brings a level of recognition to our program that, I hope, can convert into further success for us in the immediate future."
Tutors underprivileged kids
Poljak was named the Division I offensive player of the week for the period ending Dec. 3, and helped lead the Penguins to a 16-16 record under second-year coach Russo. He is an Education major at Youngstown State. In his spare time, he tutors underprivileged children in the city.
Poljak said he was as surprised to win the award as he was being named a team captain at the beginning of the season.
"I was never in that position (captain) before," Poljak said. "But my teammates were receptive to how and what I communicated to them."
Had four hat tricks
Poljak recorded four hat tricks on the season, including a five-goal performance on Dec. 9 in a 9-6 win over the University of Toledo. He registered a point in 25 of his 32 games.
With one season under his belt, Poljak sees a bright future for the Penguins.
"We're losing just two seniors, and a majority of us were freshmen," Poljak said. "It was a bit scary, but it helped us develop a lot of chemistry that will carry into next season."
In preparation for his sophomore year, physical conditioning is at the top of Poljak's to do list.
"I want to improve my size and durability," Poljak said. "I'm confident going into the corners after the puck, but I'm always a bit wary in battling a big defenseman."