KYLE FOLLMER
Northern Michigan
So. | D | St. Paul, Minn.

Key Statistics: Follmer began making a name for himself during a strong freshman year in Marquette, notching a modest but respectable 14 points on 2 goals and 12 assists. While it’s no surprise that the former forward acquitted himself well on the offensive end of the ice, his plus-16 rating in 41 games was quite impressive for a rookie.

What He Does: The sophomore-to-be has decent size, standing at 6-1 and 190 pounds, and has the ability to be a catalyst for success at both ends of the ice. Follmer earned a reputation as a tough guy during his days in the USHL, and that type of physicality translates well to Northern Michigan’s game, where his style of play can help wear opponents down.

The Bigger Picture: After playing well in the shadows of Erik Gustafsson and T.J. Miller last season, Follmer will be counted on to be the rock on the Wildcats’ blue line. The sophomore is looking to take on more of a leadership role in a unit that will include some lesser-experienced classmates, as well as some newcomers to Northern Michigan.

Follmer looking forward to this year: “I want to be more of a playmaker, I guess you could say – (I want to) be more of an impact player. I know we lost two senior defensemen, so the blue line is kind of mine, that’s what Walt said. So I just want to get better day by day and go in this fall knowing that I’m in great shape and lay it all out there, just play my game and lead by example.”