Former NU hockey players
play for pro European team

By Kelly Kane
Norwich Guidon Staff Writer

Professional hockey in France has been what former Norwich hockey players Mike Ludwar and Marc Bellemare have been up to since they graduated from Norwich last spring.

The two NU graduates are living together and playing in the same National Division I league in Villard de Lans, France.

The team they play for is called the Bears of Villard de Lans and is only a step below the Elite league, which is the best league in France, said Michael Ludwar, 25, from Grayson Saskatchewan, Canada.

"We live in a small town of about 5,000 people where everyone knows everyone, and people are incredibly friendly," said March Bellemare, 26, from Ontario, Canada.

The style of hockey is a lot different than that of the United States, Ludwar said. The ages of the men that play in the league vary from 19 years of age to 40.

All of the ice surfaces are Olympic size or close to it. There is also a lot less hitting involved and a lot more skating.

"It definitely takes a big adjustment to come to France and play the European style instead of the American style that we have been playing for four years at Norwich," Ludwar said.

Bellemare and Ludwar were "two essential parts of our National Championship team last year and I think that it is a great opportunity for them to be playing professionally overseas," said Coach Mike McShane. "Their leadership helped bring our group together, and they are two very talented individuals that are still held in extremely high regard among me and their teammates."

Tim Kyrkostas, 22, a senior communications major from Hicksville, N.Y., said that he believes that Michael and Marc have "definitely worked to get to where they are today and deserve all the credit and praise that comes their way."

During the 1999-00 Norwich hockey season, center Bellemare and defenseman Ludwar were both named ECAC East first team all-stars for the second year in a row.

Bellemare became the school's career leading scorer and assist leader.

Ludwar also helped lead the nation in fewest goals allowed.

"Michael and Marc were both intricate parts in leading our team to success last year," said Marshall Lee, 22, a sophomore communications major from Calgary, Alberta , Canada. "I am truly grateful to have played with both guys, who I learned an enormous amount from, both on and off the ice."

McShane added that the team has adjusted to losing both players and is very positive about the upcoming season not only because of returning and new talent but "because I think that the returners this year had great role models in Michael and Marc."

Ludwar explains that the schedule isn't too hectic because they only play on Saturdays.

They have played six games and have five wins and one loss. There are a total of seven teams in the league and they play 16 games before Christmas and then play 16 games after Christmas. So far, March Bellemare has accumulated seven points and Ludwar has two.

"The guys on the team have been playing for a couple of years and they are an amazing group of athletes; they really have helped me to get used to the different style of play and the different culture," Ludwar said. "The language aspect is tough, but I'm learning more French every day, and I'm even starting to speak a little."

Future plans for the two Canadian-born Norwich alums include sticking with the European team and taking in all that France has to offer.

"I have always loved to play hockey and being able to do it professionally with one of my best friends is the most amazing experience of my life; I really do believe that I have an opportunity of a lifetime," Bellemare said.

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