BIG RAPIDS, MICH--- The Ferris State Bulldogs (9-16-4, 4-13-4 CCHA) winless streak reached a season-high seven games after a 5-5 tie with the Bowling Green Falcons at the Ewigleben Ice Arena on Friday night.
The Bulldogs wasted a huge opportunity to break the slide as they posted a 3-0 lead after one period and still held on to a 5-2 lead after 40 minutes. Freshman winger Matt Stefanishion led the Dogs with a hat trick, but the Falcons came back with three goals in the third period to grab the valuable conference point.
SAULT STE. MARIE, MICH--- The Ohio State Buckeyes moved to within two points of conference leading Michigan with a 3-1 victory over the sinking Lake Superior State Lakers (7-14-6, 6-8-5 CCHA) at the Taffy Abel Arena on Friday.
Rod Pelley led the Buckeyes to sixth win in seven games with a pair of goals.
Junior blueliner Ren Fauci scored his first goal of the season for the Lakers, but it wasn’t enough as LSSU’s winless streak reached a season-high seven games.
KALAMAZOO, MICH--- The Western Michigan Broncos (10-14-1, 5-13-1 CCHA) dropped their fourth contest in a row as the Miami RedHawks posted a 5-2 win at the Lawson Arena on Friday.
Brian Bicek and Brett Walton scored for the Broncos and Daniel Bellissimo made 28 saves in the losing effort. The defeat dropped the Brocs into an 11th place tie with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the conference standings.
Saturday, February 05, 2005
Friday, February 04, 2005
Michigan gets highly-touted Swystun
The Camrose Kodiaks of the Alberta Junior Hockey League announced today that 17-year-old forward Tyler Swystun has accepted a scholarship to the University of Michigan.
Swystun, a native of Cochrane, AB, is accelerating his high school course work, much like fellow incoming Wolverine freshman Billy Sauer is doing, to be eligible this fall. It is still to be determined, though, if he will indeed report to Ann Arbor this fall or in 2006.
New Hampshire, North Dakota, Wisconsin and defending national champion Denver were reportedly the other schools Swystun was considering.
THE SWYSTUN FILE
Forward, shoots right
Born: 15-Jan-88
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 170 lbs
Home town: Cochrane, AB
Last Team: UFA Bisons AAA
Swystun, a native of Cochrane, AB, is accelerating his high school course work, much like fellow incoming Wolverine freshman Billy Sauer is doing, to be eligible this fall. It is still to be determined, though, if he will indeed report to Ann Arbor this fall or in 2006.
New Hampshire, North Dakota, Wisconsin and defending national champion Denver were reportedly the other schools Swystun was considering.
THE SWYSTUN FILE
Forward, shoots right
Born: 15-Jan-88
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 170 lbs
Home town: Cochrane, AB
Last Team: UFA Bisons AAA
Thursday, February 03, 2005
Lions ponder Frozen Four
Team considers making a bid to play host to NCAA hockey finals in 2010 or '11.
By Mike O'Hara / The Detroit News
http://www.detnews.com/2005/lions/0502/03/D05-76520.htm
JACKSONVILLE, Fla.--One of the coolest events in college sports is in the planning stages for a possible stop at Ford Field in downtown Detroit.
Lions management is considering a bid to play host to the Frozen Four -- the NCAA hockey championships -- in 2010 or 2011.
It would be another sports jewel for Detroit, which already has baseball's All-Star Game this summer, Super Bowl XL in 2006 and the men's Final Four basketball championship in 2009.
"The CCHA (Central Collegiate Hockey Association) people have talked to us about the possibility of putting something together," Tom Lewand, the executive vice president and chief executive officer of the Lions who oversees Ford Field operations, said Monday in Allen Park. "We have not gotten formal about it. We haven't really started down the path of pursuing it.
"College hockey is fantastic. We think we could do something exciting."
Hold off on ordering the octopus -- or whatever college hockey fans throw onto the ice when their school wins the national championship. The Lions want to schedule as many high-profile events as they can at Ford Field, but they are at the beginning stage of determining if it makes sense to turn the football stadium into a hockey rink with some 70,000 seats.
"The process really has to mature more before we really can gauge that," Lewand said. "There is a lot of due diligence to be done before we say we're really interested. We have to see if it's feasible, to see if we're interested."
The Frozen Four sites are set for the next four championships - at the Schottenstein Center in Columbus, Ohio, April 7-9, the Bradley Center in Milwaukee in 2006, the Savvis Center in St. Louis in 2007 and the Pepsi Center in Denver in 2008. By then, the NHL might have ended its lockout.
Ford Field and college hockey could be a good partnership based on their success in promoting mega-events.
Michigan and Michigan State attracted a world-record 74,554 fans for a hockey game at Spartan Stadium on Oct. 6, 2001.
Michigan State and Kentucky set the all-time attendance record for basketball when they drew 78,129 for a game at Ford Field on Dec. 13, 2003.
But , it was one thing to build a hockey rink outdoors for what amounted to a one-game exhibition. It's something else to set up a rink for a national championship.
"Obviously, the game they did at Michigan State has shown that you can do those sorts of things," Lewand said. "We're a little more of an intimate building than Spartan Stadium is. Whether the Frozen Four is something that could support a large building, those are all things that take some looking into."
By Mike O'Hara / The Detroit News
http://www.detnews.com/2005/lions/0502/03/D05-76520.htm
JACKSONVILLE, Fla.--One of the coolest events in college sports is in the planning stages for a possible stop at Ford Field in downtown Detroit.
Lions management is considering a bid to play host to the Frozen Four -- the NCAA hockey championships -- in 2010 or 2011.
It would be another sports jewel for Detroit, which already has baseball's All-Star Game this summer, Super Bowl XL in 2006 and the men's Final Four basketball championship in 2009.
"The CCHA (Central Collegiate Hockey Association) people have talked to us about the possibility of putting something together," Tom Lewand, the executive vice president and chief executive officer of the Lions who oversees Ford Field operations, said Monday in Allen Park. "We have not gotten formal about it. We haven't really started down the path of pursuing it.
"College hockey is fantastic. We think we could do something exciting."
Hold off on ordering the octopus -- or whatever college hockey fans throw onto the ice when their school wins the national championship. The Lions want to schedule as many high-profile events as they can at Ford Field, but they are at the beginning stage of determining if it makes sense to turn the football stadium into a hockey rink with some 70,000 seats.
"The process really has to mature more before we really can gauge that," Lewand said. "There is a lot of due diligence to be done before we say we're really interested. We have to see if it's feasible, to see if we're interested."
The Frozen Four sites are set for the next four championships - at the Schottenstein Center in Columbus, Ohio, April 7-9, the Bradley Center in Milwaukee in 2006, the Savvis Center in St. Louis in 2007 and the Pepsi Center in Denver in 2008. By then, the NHL might have ended its lockout.
Ford Field and college hockey could be a good partnership based on their success in promoting mega-events.
Michigan and Michigan State attracted a world-record 74,554 fans for a hockey game at Spartan Stadium on Oct. 6, 2001.
Michigan State and Kentucky set the all-time attendance record for basketball when they drew 78,129 for a game at Ford Field on Dec. 13, 2003.
But , it was one thing to build a hockey rink outdoors for what amounted to a one-game exhibition. It's something else to set up a rink for a national championship.
"Obviously, the game they did at Michigan State has shown that you can do those sorts of things," Lewand said. "We're a little more of an intimate building than Spartan Stadium is. Whether the Frozen Four is something that could support a large building, those are all things that take some looking into."
Wednesday, February 02, 2005
Husky Talk: Blueline Special
After the interview I posted with Colin Murphy, I thought this is fun and it gives people a different look at players, so I did not want it to end there. So I went to my buddy at Mitch's Misfits and tossed the idea of interviewing other members of the Michigan Tech Huskies. I ended up with a long list of players, but it did tell me that fans want to know what their favorite palyers are thinking. This week I (MCH) picked the mind of the one of the top defensemen in the WCHA and the leading blueliner on the Huskies, Lars Helminen (LH). I know that all the players are busy with school and practice, so I would like to send a thank you out to Mr. Helminen and any other players that I may interview in the future.
(MCH): Well the Huskies had a decent weekend, but could not get a win against the #2 ranked CC Tigers. Having said that, we need to come back this weekend against UMD and get some points. What are the elements of the game that the team will concentrate on for the UMD series?
(LH): We need to continue to do what we have done when we were successful which was working hard for all three periods and playing smart hockey.
(MCH): You have been paired with many different players this year, do you feel that one fits your playing style than the rest?
(LH): Lately I have been paired with Mark (Malekoff) and he seems to fit my playing style the best. He is more of a stay at home defensemen and this allows me the flexibility to jump in the play more.
(MCH): Sorry to bring this up, but we (MTU) were one of the worst defensive teams in the nation. Now in the second half of the year we see a different team. In your mind is there one player or one play that has helped this turn around?
(LH): The second half has been a factor of a few different things. First and foremost our goaltending has been outstanding. The other thing is that as a team we are playing much smarter to limit opposing teams chances.
(MCH): As a player that gets a good view of the offensive zone, and with Chris Conner and Colin Murphy out there, not to mention the rest of the Huskies, do you find yourself sitting back and watching some of your teammates working the puck?
(LH): No, with those guys working the puck the wingers on the opposing teams tend to get suck down and it gives me a chance to sneak in the play.
(MCH): You have emerged as one of the nation’s top blueliners do you find yourself getting too involved in the offensive?
(LH): Not at all, my main worry when I'm on the ice is to keep the puck out of my own net and when there are opportunities then I will jump in the play.
(MCH): The year is quickly coming to an end, what is a realistic goal for this team?
(LH): A realistic goal for this team is to move up a few places in the standings and then make the WCHA final five.
(MCH): I know this year is not yet completed, but when some of my Hockey friends and I talk about the team next year, we wonder who will step up and be a captain. Your name has come up in the conversations, any interest in being the leader?
(LH): Being the captain of the team would be a great opportunity and would be something that I would be very interested in.
Thanks again Lars and good luck to you and the rest of the Huskies.
(MCH): Well the Huskies had a decent weekend, but could not get a win against the #2 ranked CC Tigers. Having said that, we need to come back this weekend against UMD and get some points. What are the elements of the game that the team will concentrate on for the UMD series?
(LH): We need to continue to do what we have done when we were successful which was working hard for all three periods and playing smart hockey.
(MCH): You have been paired with many different players this year, do you feel that one fits your playing style than the rest?
(LH): Lately I have been paired with Mark (Malekoff) and he seems to fit my playing style the best. He is more of a stay at home defensemen and this allows me the flexibility to jump in the play more.
(MCH): Sorry to bring this up, but we (MTU) were one of the worst defensive teams in the nation. Now in the second half of the year we see a different team. In your mind is there one player or one play that has helped this turn around?
(LH): The second half has been a factor of a few different things. First and foremost our goaltending has been outstanding. The other thing is that as a team we are playing much smarter to limit opposing teams chances.
(MCH): As a player that gets a good view of the offensive zone, and with Chris Conner and Colin Murphy out there, not to mention the rest of the Huskies, do you find yourself sitting back and watching some of your teammates working the puck?
(LH): No, with those guys working the puck the wingers on the opposing teams tend to get suck down and it gives me a chance to sneak in the play.
(MCH): You have emerged as one of the nation’s top blueliners do you find yourself getting too involved in the offensive?
(LH): Not at all, my main worry when I'm on the ice is to keep the puck out of my own net and when there are opportunities then I will jump in the play.
(MCH): The year is quickly coming to an end, what is a realistic goal for this team?
(LH): A realistic goal for this team is to move up a few places in the standings and then make the WCHA final five.
(MCH): I know this year is not yet completed, but when some of my Hockey friends and I talk about the team next year, we wonder who will step up and be a captain. Your name has come up in the conversations, any interest in being the leader?
(LH): Being the captain of the team would be a great opportunity and would be something that I would be very interested in.
Thanks again Lars and good luck to you and the rest of the Huskies.
'Maize Out' set for Friday's UM-MSU game
The 2005 Maize Out is scheduled for Friday when the No. 5-ranked University of Michigan ice hockey team hosts rival Michigan State for a 7:35 p.m. faceoff in Yost Ice Arena.
A total of 6,500 maize-colored T-shirts will be distributed prior to the game compliments of FSN Detroit, which will be televising the game. Fans are requested to wear the T-shirts on game night to create a special visual effect. Doors are scheduled to open at 6 p.m.
"We are excited about the possibilities for this year's Maize Out promotion," said Tom Brooks, assistant athletic director for marketing. "We would like to ask for the cooperation of all of our loyal fans to help create a sea of maize inside Yost Ice Arena on Friday night."
The league-leading Wolverines (20-7-1, 17-3-0 CCHA) will also participate in the 2005 Maize Out by donning their maize jerseys.
The "home-and-Joe" weekend series with the Spartans concludes Saturday at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit with a 7:30 p.m. contest which will be televised by FSN Detroit. U-M can wrap up the Pontiac Challenge Cup point for ice hockey with a win or tie in either of the weekend contest. The point is awarded to the team with the best record in the four CCHA matchups, and U-M took two wins from Michigan State in November to clinch at least half a point.
A total of 6,500 maize-colored T-shirts will be distributed prior to the game compliments of FSN Detroit, which will be televising the game. Fans are requested to wear the T-shirts on game night to create a special visual effect. Doors are scheduled to open at 6 p.m.
"We are excited about the possibilities for this year's Maize Out promotion," said Tom Brooks, assistant athletic director for marketing. "We would like to ask for the cooperation of all of our loyal fans to help create a sea of maize inside Yost Ice Arena on Friday night."
The league-leading Wolverines (20-7-1, 17-3-0 CCHA) will also participate in the 2005 Maize Out by donning their maize jerseys.
The "home-and-Joe" weekend series with the Spartans concludes Saturday at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit with a 7:30 p.m. contest which will be televised by FSN Detroit. U-M can wrap up the Pontiac Challenge Cup point for ice hockey with a win or tie in either of the weekend contest. The point is awarded to the team with the best record in the four CCHA matchups, and U-M took two wins from Michigan State in November to clinch at least half a point.
Two Warriors bag CHA honors
Wayne State freshman goalie Valery Turcotte won back-to-back starts for the first time in her career as she backstopped Wayne State to 3-1 and 2-1 victories over Quinnipiac last Saturday and Sunday. Subsequently, the 19-year-old Jonquiere, Quebec, native was named College Hockey America's Defensive Player of the Week.
In Saturday’s victory, Turcotte shutout the Bobcats for over 52 minutes before surrending a goal with 7:50 to play in the game. She finished the game with 13 saves. Sunday, Turcotte turned in a 19-save effort, stopping all nine Quinnipiac shots in the third period with the game tied 1-1 before the Warriors scored with 2:23 remaining in the game.
Teammate and classmate Ashley King, a 19-year-old left wing from Winnipeg, Manitoba, earned Rookie of the Week honors.
King scored goals just over three minutes apart early in the third period of Friday’s 3-1 win over Quinnipiac, giving her a team-leading 11 goals for the season. Her first goal came just 20 seconds into the final period and gave the Warriors a 2-0 lead. She then scored her first career short-handed goal at the 3:54 mark of the period as WSU took a 3-0 lead. She also contributed four shots on goal to the victory.
In collecting her fifth game-winning goal of the season, King tied for the national lead among freshmen and is tied for fourth overall. Her 11 goals on the season are tied for sixth nationally among freshmen.
In Saturday’s victory, Turcotte shutout the Bobcats for over 52 minutes before surrending a goal with 7:50 to play in the game. She finished the game with 13 saves. Sunday, Turcotte turned in a 19-save effort, stopping all nine Quinnipiac shots in the third period with the game tied 1-1 before the Warriors scored with 2:23 remaining in the game.
Teammate and classmate Ashley King, a 19-year-old left wing from Winnipeg, Manitoba, earned Rookie of the Week honors.
King scored goals just over three minutes apart early in the third period of Friday’s 3-1 win over Quinnipiac, giving her a team-leading 11 goals for the season. Her first goal came just 20 seconds into the final period and gave the Warriors a 2-0 lead. She then scored her first career short-handed goal at the 3:54 mark of the period as WSU took a 3-0 lead. She also contributed four shots on goal to the victory.
In collecting her fifth game-winning goal of the season, King tied for the national lead among freshmen and is tied for fourth overall. Her 11 goals on the season are tied for sixth nationally among freshmen.
Monday, January 31, 2005
Bradshaw named CHA's rookie of the week
Wayne State freshman defenseman Mark Bradshaw was named College Hockey America's rookie of the week today.
The 21-year-old from Stony Plain, Alberta, turned in a solid defensive effort for the Warriors despite Wayne State suffering a non-conference road sweep at Nebraska-Omaha over the weekend. He helped anchor a defensive unit which allowed 29 shots on goal Friday, including just six in the first period and eight in the second period. Wayne State also allowed just one power-play opportunity in the game.
On the weekend, Bradshaw had an even plus/minus rating and was on the ice for just one goal against while helping the Wayne State power play convert two of 13 chances.
The 21-year-old from Stony Plain, Alberta, turned in a solid defensive effort for the Warriors despite Wayne State suffering a non-conference road sweep at Nebraska-Omaha over the weekend. He helped anchor a defensive unit which allowed 29 shots on goal Friday, including just six in the first period and eight in the second period. Wayne State also allowed just one power-play opportunity in the game.
On the weekend, Bradshaw had an even plus/minus rating and was on the ice for just one goal against while helping the Wayne State power play convert two of 13 chances.
Lakers Fit to be Tied
For Lake Superior State, there’s nothing quite like a tie game this season.
Over the weekend the Lakers (7-13-6, 6-7-5 CCHA) made the long trip to Alaska-Fairbanks and came away with their fifth and sixth tie games of the season. The deadlocks are a disturbing trend for the Lakers with three games in a row and five out of their last eight ending with the same digits on both side of the scoreboard.
Friday night the Lakers sailed out to a two goal lead before settling for a 2-2 final with the Nanooks.
Kory Scoran and Steve McJannett each scored in the first period to put LSSU on top. UAF came back with a second period marker by Aaron Lee and then 1:01 left in the game and the extra attacker on, Kyle Greentree knotted the score for good.
Jeff Jakaitis kept LSSU in the game with career-high 49 saves.
The Lakers jumped on top again on Saturday with a Colin Nicholson first period goal, but couldn’t hold on again as they finished with a 1-1 tie.
Aaron Lee scored the lone marker for the Nanooks in the second period.
Senior Matt Violin made 33 saves for LSSU.
LSSU's power-play sputtered again as they finished 0-for-9 with the man-advantage at UAF. The Lakers are now scoreless on their last 47 power-play attempts and have gone 11 games without a power-play goal.
With ten games left in the regular season the Lakers find themselves sitting in a sixth place conference tie with UAF, Michigan State, and Miami. Up next is a two game tussle with the second place Ohio State Buckeyes at the Taffy Abel Arena next weekend.
Over the weekend the Lakers (7-13-6, 6-7-5 CCHA) made the long trip to Alaska-Fairbanks and came away with their fifth and sixth tie games of the season. The deadlocks are a disturbing trend for the Lakers with three games in a row and five out of their last eight ending with the same digits on both side of the scoreboard.
Friday night the Lakers sailed out to a two goal lead before settling for a 2-2 final with the Nanooks.
Kory Scoran and Steve McJannett each scored in the first period to put LSSU on top. UAF came back with a second period marker by Aaron Lee and then 1:01 left in the game and the extra attacker on, Kyle Greentree knotted the score for good.
Jeff Jakaitis kept LSSU in the game with career-high 49 saves.
The Lakers jumped on top again on Saturday with a Colin Nicholson first period goal, but couldn’t hold on again as they finished with a 1-1 tie.
Aaron Lee scored the lone marker for the Nanooks in the second period.
Senior Matt Violin made 33 saves for LSSU.
LSSU's power-play sputtered again as they finished 0-for-9 with the man-advantage at UAF. The Lakers are now scoreless on their last 47 power-play attempts and have gone 11 games without a power-play goal.
With ten games left in the regular season the Lakers find themselves sitting in a sixth place conference tie with UAF, Michigan State, and Miami. Up next is a two game tussle with the second place Ohio State Buckeyes at the Taffy Abel Arena next weekend.
Finlandia women swept by Wisconsin-Superior
In a home-and-home set last weekend, the Finlandia women's team lost both to Wisconsin-Superior.
Friday, the Lions were blanked, 5-0. Corinne Czekaj made 35 saves in the loss.
Saturday, Czekaj and Alexa Watkins combined to make 39 saves in an 8-3 defeat. Stephanie Emmi, Sara Sleik and Danielle Syrowik scored for FU. The game was actually tied, 2-2, after the first 20 minutes.
Finlandia (3-12-0, 0-4-0 NCHA) put just 11 shots on Superior goalie Kristy Faechner.
Next up for the Lions is two NCHA games at Lake Forest (Ill.) Saturday and Sunday. Both games are 3:00 p.m. starts.
Friday, the Lions were blanked, 5-0. Corinne Czekaj made 35 saves in the loss.
Saturday, Czekaj and Alexa Watkins combined to make 39 saves in an 8-3 defeat. Stephanie Emmi, Sara Sleik and Danielle Syrowik scored for FU. The game was actually tied, 2-2, after the first 20 minutes.
Finlandia (3-12-0, 0-4-0 NCHA) put just 11 shots on Superior goalie Kristy Faechner.
Next up for the Lions is two NCHA games at Lake Forest (Ill.) Saturday and Sunday. Both games are 3:00 p.m. starts.
Finlandia drops two at Crookston
Finlandia lost two in a row at Minnesota-Crookston last weekend, including Sunday's game in a heartbreaker.
The Lions (7-12-1, 6-7-1 MCHA) lost 7-4 Saturday, but got two goals from Mike Parks and solos from Joe Welgos and Jamie Leffler. Goalie Joe Juntilla stopped 39 shots.
Saturday, Marc Tveit scored at 19:59 of the third period to squeak out a 4-3 win over FU. Parks, Welgos and Jason Aldrich scored for the Lions, who also got three assists from Josh Paquette.
Juntilla made 37 saves in the loss.
Finlandia hosts Lawrence (Wis.) this weekend at the Houghton County Arena. Game time is 7:00 p.m. Friday night and 2:00 p.m. Saturday.
The Lions (7-12-1, 6-7-1 MCHA) lost 7-4 Saturday, but got two goals from Mike Parks and solos from Joe Welgos and Jamie Leffler. Goalie Joe Juntilla stopped 39 shots.
Saturday, Marc Tveit scored at 19:59 of the third period to squeak out a 4-3 win over FU. Parks, Welgos and Jason Aldrich scored for the Lions, who also got three assists from Josh Paquette.
Juntilla made 37 saves in the loss.
Finlandia hosts Lawrence (Wis.) this weekend at the Houghton County Arena. Game time is 7:00 p.m. Friday night and 2:00 p.m. Saturday.
Spartans fall to U.S. Under-18 Team
Colton Fretter had a goal and two assists, but Michigan State dropped a 4-3 exhibition decision to the U.S. Under-18 Team on Friday night at Munn Ice Arena.
The U.S. Team, including MSU recruit Brandon Gentile, received a 46-save performance from Jeff Frazee (Minnesota) in the victory. Dominic Vicari made 19 saves for MSU.
Captain Jim Slater and Drew Miller scored MSU's other goals.
Boston University recruit Jason Lawrence's short-handed goal with 6:11 left in the third period won it for USA. Jack Skille (Wisconsin) and Peter Mueller (Minnesota) also scored for the U.S.
Phil Kessel, the top non-committed college player with the U.S. program, had a goal and an assist for the U.S.
"We had a couple open nets early in the game," MSU head coach Rick Comley said. "(David) Booth had a couple unbelievable chances that he just didn't put away, and it's been that way the whole year. We just don't have offensive skill. I think we work hard, we generate chances, but you don't teach scoring."
"We did enough, obviously, to win," U.S. head coach Ron Rolston said. "We had great goaltending - Jeff Frazee was the difference in the hockey game for us. He's got the potential; he's good. He kept us in the game to give us the chance, and we're pretty opportunistic; when we get scoring chances, we've got a lot of guys that can finish. That's a big difference on a hockey team."
The Spartans (13-11-2, 8-9-1 CCHA) travel to Michigan on Friday night (7:35 p.m.) before playing the same Wolverines Saturday night at Joe Louis Arena for a 7:30 p.m. start. Both games are on Fox Sports Net Detroit.
The U.S. Team, including MSU recruit Brandon Gentile, received a 46-save performance from Jeff Frazee (Minnesota) in the victory. Dominic Vicari made 19 saves for MSU.
Captain Jim Slater and Drew Miller scored MSU's other goals.
Boston University recruit Jason Lawrence's short-handed goal with 6:11 left in the third period won it for USA. Jack Skille (Wisconsin) and Peter Mueller (Minnesota) also scored for the U.S.
Phil Kessel, the top non-committed college player with the U.S. program, had a goal and an assist for the U.S.
"We had a couple open nets early in the game," MSU head coach Rick Comley said. "(David) Booth had a couple unbelievable chances that he just didn't put away, and it's been that way the whole year. We just don't have offensive skill. I think we work hard, we generate chances, but you don't teach scoring."
"We did enough, obviously, to win," U.S. head coach Ron Rolston said. "We had great goaltending - Jeff Frazee was the difference in the hockey game for us. He's got the potential; he's good. He kept us in the game to give us the chance, and we're pretty opportunistic; when we get scoring chances, we've got a lot of guys that can finish. That's a big difference on a hockey team."
The Spartans (13-11-2, 8-9-1 CCHA) travel to Michigan on Friday night (7:35 p.m.) before playing the same Wolverines Saturday night at Joe Louis Arena for a 7:30 p.m. start. Both games are on Fox Sports Net Detroit.
Michigan splits with Northern Michigan
After an upset win Friday night over host Michigan, Northern Michigan had to settle for a split with the Wolverines after a loss on Saturday night.
Friday, the Wildcats ended U of M's 22-game home CCHA win streak with a 4-1 win. Milan Gajic had Michigan's lone goal while NMU goalie Tuomas Tarkki made 27 saves.
Darin Olver and Patrick Murphy scored on two of Northern's first three shots on Wolverines goalie Al Montoya. Mike Santorelli and Pat Bateman finished the scoring for NMU (13-8-5, 11-6-3 CCHA).
Montoya stopped just 13 shots for U of M (20-7-1, 17-3-0 CCHA).
"We didn't come out and have the game we wanted to have," Michigan senior defenseman Brandon Rogers said. "A lot of the time when we win at home we get it going early and we get the fans behind us and it's hard for the other team to play. We never established that tonight. We let them get on the board early and get ahead of us. We played from behind all night."
Michigan captain Eric Nystrom and Kevin Porter scored on back-to-back power plays Saturday night to pace Michigan to a 3-1 win. Gajic scored early in the third period for a three-goal cushion. Montoya lost his shutout when NMU defenseman Jamie Milam scored at 11:54 of the third period.
Tarkki made 28 saves in defeat while Montoya stopped 19.
"I think a lot of good things showed up in tonight's game," Michigan head coach Red Berenson said. "I thought we played with more of an edge and more of a fight and with more urgency in the game. These games mentally are games of desperation and confidence. There's a balance between the two. If you don't have enough desperation, you're going to look like you're overconfident, and maybe we played with a little bit of that (overconfidence) last night. Tonight we played with more desperation. There was more urgency and more second efforts all through the game. We got rewarded for it. Maybe we didn't like the way the game finished, but for the most part I though we made a stronger team effort."
The ‘Cats will begin a five-game homestand this weekend when Alaska Fairbanks will call at the Berry Events Center for two games.
Michigan will face Michigan State this Friday at Yost Ice Arena with a 7:35 p.m. start. The teams will then rematch Saturday at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit at 7:30 p.m. Both games will be on Fox Sports Net Detroit.
Friday, the Wildcats ended U of M's 22-game home CCHA win streak with a 4-1 win. Milan Gajic had Michigan's lone goal while NMU goalie Tuomas Tarkki made 27 saves.
Darin Olver and Patrick Murphy scored on two of Northern's first three shots on Wolverines goalie Al Montoya. Mike Santorelli and Pat Bateman finished the scoring for NMU (13-8-5, 11-6-3 CCHA).
Montoya stopped just 13 shots for U of M (20-7-1, 17-3-0 CCHA).
"We didn't come out and have the game we wanted to have," Michigan senior defenseman Brandon Rogers said. "A lot of the time when we win at home we get it going early and we get the fans behind us and it's hard for the other team to play. We never established that tonight. We let them get on the board early and get ahead of us. We played from behind all night."
Michigan captain Eric Nystrom and Kevin Porter scored on back-to-back power plays Saturday night to pace Michigan to a 3-1 win. Gajic scored early in the third period for a three-goal cushion. Montoya lost his shutout when NMU defenseman Jamie Milam scored at 11:54 of the third period.
Tarkki made 28 saves in defeat while Montoya stopped 19.
"I think a lot of good things showed up in tonight's game," Michigan head coach Red Berenson said. "I thought we played with more of an edge and more of a fight and with more urgency in the game. These games mentally are games of desperation and confidence. There's a balance between the two. If you don't have enough desperation, you're going to look like you're overconfident, and maybe we played with a little bit of that (overconfidence) last night. Tonight we played with more desperation. There was more urgency and more second efforts all through the game. We got rewarded for it. Maybe we didn't like the way the game finished, but for the most part I though we made a stronger team effort."
The ‘Cats will begin a five-game homestand this weekend when Alaska Fairbanks will call at the Berry Events Center for two games.
Michigan will face Michigan State this Friday at Yost Ice Arena with a 7:35 p.m. start. The teams will then rematch Saturday at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit at 7:30 p.m. Both games will be on Fox Sports Net Detroit.
Warrior women sweep Quinnipiac
The Wayne State women's team (9-12-3, 2-2-0) posted two College Hockey America wins last weekend over CHA newcomer Quinnipiac.
Saturday afternoon, freshman Ashley King broke the school record with her fifth game-winning goal of the season as the Warriors took a 3-1 win. King also scored another goal along with a single from sophomore Laura Monk.
Freshman Val Turcotte made 13 saves for the win, but lost her shutout with 7:50 left in the third period on a goal from Kathryn Dallimore.
On Sunday, Monk's goal at 17:37 of the third period gave WSU a 2-1 victory. Freshman Kristy Leng had given the Warriors a 1-0 lead in the first period before Dallimore scored for the visitors early in the second period.
Turcotte again earned the win in net with a 19-save outing.
WSU is idle until a two-game conference series at Niagara University on Feb. 11-12.
Saturday afternoon, freshman Ashley King broke the school record with her fifth game-winning goal of the season as the Warriors took a 3-1 win. King also scored another goal along with a single from sophomore Laura Monk.
Freshman Val Turcotte made 13 saves for the win, but lost her shutout with 7:50 left in the third period on a goal from Kathryn Dallimore.
On Sunday, Monk's goal at 17:37 of the third period gave WSU a 2-1 victory. Freshman Kristy Leng had given the Warriors a 1-0 lead in the first period before Dallimore scored for the visitors early in the second period.
Turcotte again earned the win in net with a 19-save outing.
WSU is idle until a two-game conference series at Niagara University on Feb. 11-12.
Sunday, January 30, 2005
Warriors Cooled by Mavs
Sophomore Mark Nebus notched a goal
and assist at UNO on Friday night
and assist at UNO on Friday night
The Wayne State Warriors (12-12-2, 5-5-2 CHA) slide continued over the weekend as they were swept by the CCHA’s Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks.
The pair of losses at the Omaha Civic Auditorium gives the Green and Gold a season-high three game losing streak and four defeats in their last five games.
Wayne State put out a strong effort in Friday’s opener and out shot the Mavs by a 34-29 margin, but still fell short by a fianl score of 3-2.
Mark Nebus had a hand in both Warrior goals; assisting on John May’s opener and scoring his own on the power-play with less than two minutes to go in the contest. Will Hooper earned the start in net and stopped 26 of 29 shots.
The Mavericks continued their momentum on Saturday as they stampeded past the Warriors, 4-2. The pair of wins gives the Mavs a solid 6-1-1 mark since the start of the New Year.
Nate Higgins and Adam Krug both scored and Matt Kelly made 35 saves, but it wasn’t enough as the Warriors dropped their third road game in a row.
As victims of the road sweep in Omaha, the Warriors finish the season with a 7-7-0 record in non-conference games.
Next up for the Warriors is a trip to Minnesota for a pair of games against the conference leading Bemidji State Beavers on Friday and Saturday night.
Broncos Swept in Columbus
The Western Michigan Broncos (10-13-1, 5-12-1 CCHA) would probably like to forget their entire weekend as they were pummeled in a pair of conference games on the road at second-place Ohio State. The back-to-back losses at the Value City Arena give the Broncs their third, three-game losing streak of the season and six “L’s” in their last seven games.
Friday night the Broncos lost a heartbreaking back and forth 4-3 game to the Buckeyes in Columbus.
WMU led three times in the game, but Matt Beaudoin’s second goal of the night on the power-play goal at 5:12 of the third period gave the Buckeyes their third win in four games.
Vince Bellissimo and Pat Dwyer each registered a goal and assist for the Broncos, while Dan Bellissimo stopped 29 of 33 shots on the other end.
Matt Beaudoin kept his hot hand in Saturday’s finale as he scored another pair of goals and an assist as the Buckeyes cruised to a 7-0 victory.
Dan Bellissimo started between the pipes, but had a very off night by giving up 5 goals on 18 shots. He was relieved by Eric Marvin near the midway mark of the second period. Marvin finished the night with 12 saves on 14 shots.
Western now sits in a disappointing tenth-place tie with Ferris State in the CCHA. The Broncs will try to get back on the winning track as they host the recently surging Miami Redhawks in two games back at the Lawson Arena in Kalamazoo this weekend.
Friday night the Broncos lost a heartbreaking back and forth 4-3 game to the Buckeyes in Columbus.
WMU led three times in the game, but Matt Beaudoin’s second goal of the night on the power-play goal at 5:12 of the third period gave the Buckeyes their third win in four games.
Vince Bellissimo and Pat Dwyer each registered a goal and assist for the Broncos, while Dan Bellissimo stopped 29 of 33 shots on the other end.
Matt Beaudoin kept his hot hand in Saturday’s finale as he scored another pair of goals and an assist as the Buckeyes cruised to a 7-0 victory.
Dan Bellissimo started between the pipes, but had a very off night by giving up 5 goals on 18 shots. He was relieved by Eric Marvin near the midway mark of the second period. Marvin finished the night with 12 saves on 14 shots.
Western now sits in a disappointing tenth-place tie with Ferris State in the CCHA. The Broncs will try to get back on the winning track as they host the recently surging Miami Redhawks in two games back at the Lawson Arena in Kalamazoo this weekend.
FSU Drops a Pair, Again
Articles by Christopher Brian Dudek / Courtesy of USCHO.com
FRIDAY
Miami hadn't won an away game yet this season. Ferris State (9-16-3, 4-13-3 CCHA) hadn't won a game in its last four.
Something was going to give, and Miami's Chris Michael was the difference Friday as he scored in overtime to give the RedHawks a 4-3 win at Ferris State.
Michael's goal came on the power play while the Bulldogs were struggling in their own zone. Ferris State goaltender Mike Brown stopped the initial shot and couldn't freeze it. The puck squirted free and found its way onto the stick of Michael, who made no mistake and put the puck in the net.
"I don't think we played a bad game," Ferris State coach Bob Daniels said. "We just need to work on the little things. One of those things is the undisciplined penalties we are taking. Miami scored all their goals on the power play, and when we are taking bad penalties, it is going to cost us."
Miami dominated the first period, in part due to a major penalty and a game misconduct on Bulldog captain Matt York. Even though the shots were close in the period, the scoring chances were in Miami's favor, and the scoresheet reflected that when the period ended.
Miami made it 1-0 at 6:53 when Matt Christie unleashed a screened shot that went between the legs of Brown. Andy Greene then made it 2-0 at 14:42 while on the power play, as Todd Grant passed the puck down to Greene, who beat Brown to the short side.
The Bulldogs came out with new life in the second period. Zac Pearson's shot at 9:18 got the Bulldogs on the board. Jeff Legue wristed a shot toward the net, and Pearson was there to put the puck in the back of the net to make it 2-1.
But Miami got its two-goal lead back just 50 seconds later. Charley Fetzer's slapshot from the point nicked the top corner of the net at 10:08.
The last five minutes of the second period were dominated by the Bulldogs as they outshot and outpassed the RedHawks. Greg Rallo brought the Bulldogs back to a one-goal deficit at 17:16. Derek Nesbitt passed the puck down low to Rallo, who picked the far side of the net to make it 3-2.
The tying goal in the second period came off the stick of Mark Bomersback, who put the puck on net from a sharp angle. The puck had eyes, though, and squirted behind goaltender Charlie Effinger, barely crossing the line before a Miami defenseman could clear. After a conference with the goal judge, the goal stood and the game was tied.
Both teams skated cautiously at first in the third period. With time running down and the score tied, neither side wanted to make that fatal error. Both teams exchanged power plays, but each goaltender was equal to the task.
Miami took a critical penalty with 4:40 left to go in the game, but still got the best chance. Christie almost had his second goal of the game on an odd-man rush, but Brown dove over and flipped his legs up to stop the shot.
Miami got a chance at redemption with 30 seconds left with a power play of its own, carrying the rest of the power play into overtime for Michael's goal.
"I have to admire this team," Daniels said. "They show up, work hard, and give it 100 percent every night. Our struggles are not due to us not playing hard, I will tell you that much. I am lucky as a coach to have a team like this that is willing to give it their all. We just need to not look at the wins and losses and concentrate on playing the next game."
SATURDAY
Miami's struggles before this weekend were well-known. Now, the RedHawks look to have the momentum to sneak into the playoff home-ice picture after a 5-3 victory and a sweep of Ferris State on the road.
On Saturday, Nathan Davis' wrist shot from the slot that hit the far post and went in was the game winner at 16:18.
"The OT game last night led into this one and we responded," Miami coach Enrico Blasi said. "I think the team rallied around [netminder] Charlie Effinger tonight. They want to play in front of him, and his effort showed that he wants to continue to play."
"Once again, I thought we played well tonight," Bulldogs coach Bob Daniels said. "I think our weak spot these last two games was our goaltending. I don't want to put it all on their shoulders, but there were a couple goals they should have had. In these tight games, the other goalies aren't giving these goals up."
Miami had the extra jump in the first period as the RedHawks had a clear advantage in scoring opportunities. Bulldog goaltender Derek MacIver stopped the shot on three odd-man rushes early, but a quick power play by Miami gave the 'Hawks an early lead.
At 4:42, Marty Guerin made the Bulldogs pay for another undisciplined penalty. Chris Michael's shot missed just wide and hit the boards behind the net. Guerin was there on the other side of the net to shoot the puck into the open side of the net to make it 1-0.
After that goal, the Bulldog defense shored up and both teams were working hard just to get their shots off. Both goaltenders easily made the saves when the shots were to the outside.
The second period featured more of the same — with plenty of defensive play by both teams to start out. Bulldog defenseman Andrew Winnik was given a major penalty for hitting from behind, but Miami couldn't cash in on the opportunity. Ferris State had a late spark in the period, but Effinger was there to keep the Bulldogs off the board.
Early in the third period, Carter Thompson finally got through the armor of the Miami goaltender. Thompson unleashed a shot from a sharp angle that deflected off a Miami defenseman and went into the back of the net.
But Miami answered at the 7:04 mark when Guerin got his second goal of the game off a screened shot from the point that hit the top corner of the net just above the glove of MacIntyre.
The Bulldogs tied it up once again at 8:15 while on the power play. Greg Rallo passed the puck to the point to Jeff Legue and with Effinger screened, Legue made no mistake and ripped a shot upstairs on the Miami goaltender to tie the game at 2.
With the game tied, Ferris State was awarded two straight power-play opportunities. The first one expired without incident, but the second one gave the momentum back to Miami. Davis capitalized on an odd-man rush at 15:19 to give the lead back to the RedHawks.
Derek Nesbitt scored with the extra attacker to bring the lead back to one, but Ryan Jones' empty-net goal for Miami completed the scoring.
FRIDAY
Miami hadn't won an away game yet this season. Ferris State (9-16-3, 4-13-3 CCHA) hadn't won a game in its last four.
Something was going to give, and Miami's Chris Michael was the difference Friday as he scored in overtime to give the RedHawks a 4-3 win at Ferris State.
Michael's goal came on the power play while the Bulldogs were struggling in their own zone. Ferris State goaltender Mike Brown stopped the initial shot and couldn't freeze it. The puck squirted free and found its way onto the stick of Michael, who made no mistake and put the puck in the net.
"I don't think we played a bad game," Ferris State coach Bob Daniels said. "We just need to work on the little things. One of those things is the undisciplined penalties we are taking. Miami scored all their goals on the power play, and when we are taking bad penalties, it is going to cost us."
Miami dominated the first period, in part due to a major penalty and a game misconduct on Bulldog captain Matt York. Even though the shots were close in the period, the scoring chances were in Miami's favor, and the scoresheet reflected that when the period ended.
Miami made it 1-0 at 6:53 when Matt Christie unleashed a screened shot that went between the legs of Brown. Andy Greene then made it 2-0 at 14:42 while on the power play, as Todd Grant passed the puck down to Greene, who beat Brown to the short side.
The Bulldogs came out with new life in the second period. Zac Pearson's shot at 9:18 got the Bulldogs on the board. Jeff Legue wristed a shot toward the net, and Pearson was there to put the puck in the back of the net to make it 2-1.
But Miami got its two-goal lead back just 50 seconds later. Charley Fetzer's slapshot from the point nicked the top corner of the net at 10:08.
The last five minutes of the second period were dominated by the Bulldogs as they outshot and outpassed the RedHawks. Greg Rallo brought the Bulldogs back to a one-goal deficit at 17:16. Derek Nesbitt passed the puck down low to Rallo, who picked the far side of the net to make it 3-2.
The tying goal in the second period came off the stick of Mark Bomersback, who put the puck on net from a sharp angle. The puck had eyes, though, and squirted behind goaltender Charlie Effinger, barely crossing the line before a Miami defenseman could clear. After a conference with the goal judge, the goal stood and the game was tied.
Both teams skated cautiously at first in the third period. With time running down and the score tied, neither side wanted to make that fatal error. Both teams exchanged power plays, but each goaltender was equal to the task.
Miami took a critical penalty with 4:40 left to go in the game, but still got the best chance. Christie almost had his second goal of the game on an odd-man rush, but Brown dove over and flipped his legs up to stop the shot.
Miami got a chance at redemption with 30 seconds left with a power play of its own, carrying the rest of the power play into overtime for Michael's goal.
"I have to admire this team," Daniels said. "They show up, work hard, and give it 100 percent every night. Our struggles are not due to us not playing hard, I will tell you that much. I am lucky as a coach to have a team like this that is willing to give it their all. We just need to not look at the wins and losses and concentrate on playing the next game."
SATURDAY
Miami's struggles before this weekend were well-known. Now, the RedHawks look to have the momentum to sneak into the playoff home-ice picture after a 5-3 victory and a sweep of Ferris State on the road.
On Saturday, Nathan Davis' wrist shot from the slot that hit the far post and went in was the game winner at 16:18.
"The OT game last night led into this one and we responded," Miami coach Enrico Blasi said. "I think the team rallied around [netminder] Charlie Effinger tonight. They want to play in front of him, and his effort showed that he wants to continue to play."
"Once again, I thought we played well tonight," Bulldogs coach Bob Daniels said. "I think our weak spot these last two games was our goaltending. I don't want to put it all on their shoulders, but there were a couple goals they should have had. In these tight games, the other goalies aren't giving these goals up."
Miami had the extra jump in the first period as the RedHawks had a clear advantage in scoring opportunities. Bulldog goaltender Derek MacIver stopped the shot on three odd-man rushes early, but a quick power play by Miami gave the 'Hawks an early lead.
At 4:42, Marty Guerin made the Bulldogs pay for another undisciplined penalty. Chris Michael's shot missed just wide and hit the boards behind the net. Guerin was there on the other side of the net to shoot the puck into the open side of the net to make it 1-0.
After that goal, the Bulldog defense shored up and both teams were working hard just to get their shots off. Both goaltenders easily made the saves when the shots were to the outside.
The second period featured more of the same — with plenty of defensive play by both teams to start out. Bulldog defenseman Andrew Winnik was given a major penalty for hitting from behind, but Miami couldn't cash in on the opportunity. Ferris State had a late spark in the period, but Effinger was there to keep the Bulldogs off the board.
Early in the third period, Carter Thompson finally got through the armor of the Miami goaltender. Thompson unleashed a shot from a sharp angle that deflected off a Miami defenseman and went into the back of the net.
But Miami answered at the 7:04 mark when Guerin got his second goal of the game off a screened shot from the point that hit the top corner of the net just above the glove of MacIntyre.
The Bulldogs tied it up once again at 8:15 while on the power play. Greg Rallo passed the puck to the point to Jeff Legue and with Effinger screened, Legue made no mistake and ripped a shot upstairs on the Miami goaltender to tie the game at 2.
With the game tied, Ferris State was awarded two straight power-play opportunities. The first one expired without incident, but the second one gave the momentum back to Miami. Davis capitalized on an odd-man rush at 15:19 to give the lead back to the RedHawks.
Derek Nesbitt scored with the extra attacker to bring the lead back to one, but Ryan Jones' empty-net goal for Miami completed the scoring.
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