Beginner’s luck is defined as “the supposed phenomenon of novices experiencing disproportionate frequency of success or succeeding against an expert in a given activity.” Ironically, recent Wildcat freshman hockey players Michael Boehm and Greg Langermeier, both novices on the varsity level, do not have beginner’s luck.
They are just that good.
The dynamic duo was called up just two weeks ago, and have already made an impact on the varsity level.
“Dynamic Duo” is a phrase you hear often nowadays. Peanut Butter and Jelly, Batman and Robin, Brangelina, Kimye, Shaq and Kobe, Sid and Ovi, and now for Wildcat sports fans, “Boehmer” and “Greggo.”
These two are nearly identical at first glance. Despite a height difference (Langermeier is 6’1, while Boehm is 5”8), they share four things in common – glasses (both usually wear contacts), long hair, an Irish heritage, and a love for hockey and lacrosse.
As soon as the two laced their skates for the Wildcats, they were already making an impact on an already star studded team. Greg is playing alongside senior captain, and Wirtz Athlete of the Year hopeful, Matt Wiegandt on the defensive side. On the other side of the spectrum, Boehm is playing alongside lifelong friends, juniors Bain Kurtz and Mike McCaffrey.
Both Boehm and Langermeier credited their fast transitions into their current roles to the upperclassmen making them feel at home in the locker room. Langermeier has been on the ice for only three goals in his 5 games on varsity, while Boehm has four points since his callup at the same time.
Boehm, a true class act and very kind person, lives in Rocky River, with his parents Patti and Joe. His brother Joey, head hockey coach Pat O’Rourke’s first captain, inspired him to play hockey. Michael was overwhelmed with excitement at the news of the callup, as he remembers the many years ago, when he was 3 or 4, watching big brother lead the WIldcats.
Boehm is very motivated, and an “A” student. Teammate John Coughlin says “he hasn’t gotten a B since second grade.” “Boehmer,” as he’s called by his teammates, recently committed to Michigan on a lacrosse scholarship. He is also very excited for his sister, Brittany, who recently got engaged.
Langermeier, a Westlake native, has hockey success running through his veins. His sister, Erin, is on the Ohio State women’s hockey team, while his brother, Ellis, has played hockey in the past with many of the current upperclassmen on the Ice Cats. Greg is incredibly motivated to bring a championship to 1911 W. 30 Street.
Langermeier wants to prove to his coaches and teammates that he can come up and make an impact player while helping out the team. He has succeeded to the fullest so far. The freshman has manned the blue line like a seasoned upperclassman so far. Boehm and Langermeier have both played well so far, and have both seen powerplay time.
The two have cemented themselves as members of the team so far. Boehm for his playmaking ability similar to his favorite player, Sidney Crosby, and Langermeier for his bonecrushing hits against University School and Saginaw Heritage, leading people to mistake him for Niklas Kronwall.
If these two continue to play at this high of a level for the Wildcats throughout their rest of the time at Saint Ignatius, they truly will go down as a dynamic duo.
Catch Greg and Michael in action Tuesday at 8:30 p.m. at Ries Rink for the hopeful GLHL clinching win, or tune in on the SIBN: www.ignatiuswildcats.com/SIBN-live