Husky Talk: New "Kerr" in Town

Michigan Tech is coming off a 3 point weekend in which they recapture the MacInnes Cup for the first time since 2001. This is a trophy that goes the winner of the MTU weekend called Winter Carnival. It is the first time that any member of the team has been able to lift the prize. Colin Murphy was named the MVP of the weekend series, but it could have easily been given to a few others, Cam Ellsworth and Jimmy Kerr (JK) come to mind. It was Kerr’s Saturday performance that swayed my thoughts to sitting down and asking the freshman a few questions. I would like to say thank you to Jimmy Kerr and wish him and the rest of the Huskies good luck this weekend against rival Northern Michigan. Hopefully we can see MTU lift the Ramada Cup as well.

(MCH): First off, congratulations on winning the MacInnes Cup. It is nice to see us finally have that trophy again. It was a good weekend for the team, and for you. I also see that you were named WCHA rookie of the week, Congratulations. Could you tell by the upperclassmen attitudes how much winning this past weekend meant? After the win, did you get to fully enjoy your first Winter Carnival?

(JK): Thanks for all the congratulations. This weekend was very important, and that importance wasshown greatly by the upperclassmen. I don't believe anyone has ever won a winter carnival since they've been here. The celebration on the ice after the win showed how excited the upperclassmen were, especially the seniors. There was a lot of emphasis put on this weekend not only by upperclassmen but by the coaching staff as well. After the huge win we hada banquet for some of the sports teams. Which went very well, allowing parents and friends to enjoy the carnival too. I'm sure most people had a great time. After the banquet there were many other celebrations going on around town that we took part in.

(MCH): You have already seen half of the rivalry series with Northern Michigan, as a freshman does it mean as much to you as it does to the upperclassmen?

(JK): The rivalry between us and NMU is huge. It was one of the first things I was told about this year. It is one of the most exciting times of the year so far for me. Just the way the games are played and how much the crowds and the pep bands are in to it. I think for the upperclassmen they feel the same way, it's very important to do well against NMU. The intensity of the games speak for themselves.

(MCH): What are the aspects of the game that you will be working most on for the upcoming series with NMU?

(JK): The aspects were working on is playing on the bigger ice surface. Defensive zones are a key we are working on. But also using the big ice to our advantage. Were a very fast team and the bigger ice allows us to use it and be very effective.

(MCH): You had a nice career with the Olds Grizzly’s, putting up 57 points in your last season there. As a Husky, you now have 8 points. What is the biggest difference in the AJHL and the NCAA?

(JK): The biggest difference for me between the AJHL and NCAA is the speed of the game. Everything happens that much faster, passing, shooting, etc. The NCAA is obviously a lot more skilled. Everyone in the league is really skilled either defensively or offensively. Making points that much harder to come by. Other things I have noticed is playing only weekends, I feelit makes games that much more important. You only play two games a weekend, so getting in the line up is a fight every week. Every game people are trying to prove they belong.

(MCH): It appears to me that you have been improving in each series from the beginning of the year. Now your line has been getting more and more productive. What were the things that you, John Hartman, and Mike Botanvanja have been working on most over the last few months?

(JK): My production as well as my line mates has been a lot better this second half. We just go out there play our game, which is being physical, chipping in offensively when we can and being solid defensively. We all play similar styles of play so that helps with the chemistry on the ice, ingames and practice. The coaching staff puts us in that position every night and have tons of faith in us on the ice.

(MCH): Looking at the current upperclassmen, do you feel that your style of play is similar to any teammates?

(JK): Well, I wish I could say that my play is similar to Colin's (Murphy), but it's not. My style if compared to anyone, would be my line mates Mike (Botanvanja) and John (Hartman). Were all just hard working, physical players.

(MCH): I have become a big Jimmy Kerr fan, and think that you will have a great career here. One thing that I notice is your breakaway speed, do you feel that some teams underestimate it?

(JK): Nice to hear that you’re a big fan. As for breakaway speed, I don't think anyone underestimates it. I'm just in the right places sometimes. One day I'll put those breakaways to good use.

(MCH): What are the areas that you are looking to improve on your game throughout your career here?

(JK): I'm looking to improve offensively, to be a bigger part of my team’s offensive. Also working on being more defensive in my own end, mostly getting the puck out of our end. Plus trying to be a more creative hockey player.

(MCH): Now that the season is nearly over, what can you see for a realistic ending for the team this year?

(JK): Realistically for our team I believe we will make it to the final five, and battle right to the end.

(MCH): Is there anything that you wish to add?

(JK): Nothing to add except thank you for taking the time and doing this interview with me.

Two WSU women take CHA honors

Two Wayne State University women's hockey players have been named College Hockey America (CHA) Players of the Week following the Warriors two victories at Niagara last weekend.

The wins were WSU's first ever at Dwyer Arena.

Junior right wing Jessica Haydahl was selected CHA Offensive Player of the Week after recording a career-best four points in WSU's sweep at Niagara. In Friday's 3-2 victory, Haydahl factored into all three Wayne State markers setting up her team's first two goals before scoring the game-winner with 1:08 remaining in the third period. She also scored the game-winning goal in Saturday's 3-1 victory. Her lamp-lighter late in the first period snapped a 1-1 tie. She had 12 shots on goal on the weekend and a plus/minus rating of +4.

Freshman goaltender Valery Turcotte turned aside 37 of the Purple Eagles' 40 shots including 22 in Friday's 3-2 win and was named Goaltender of the Week. On Saturday, she gave up a goal on the first shot she faced before stopping Niagara's next 15 shots, allowing her team to post a come-from-behind 3-1 win. In her last nine games, Turcotte has not allowed more than two goals, during which time her goals against average has fallen from 4.26 to 2.52 and her save percentage has climbed from .824 to .889.

Kolarik earns weekly CCHA honor

Michigan freshman forward Chad Kolarik has been named the Central Collegiate Hockey Association's Rookie of the Week. Kolarik had one goal and three assists, all of which came on the power play, during U-M's weekend road sweep of Nebraska-Omaha. The conference laurel is the first of Kolarik's career.

In Friday's 6-4 victory over the Mavericks, Kolarik tallied a goal and two assists to tie his single-game career bests for assists and points. He factored in on the second (goal), third (assist) and fourth (assist) goals of the game for the Wolverines.

On Saturday night, Kolarik assisted on U-M's second goal, which was its first of three unanswered tallies that permitted the Wolverines to pull off a 4-3 victory.

A Wolverine has been named a CCHA Player of the Week in some form (offensive, defenseman, goalie or rookie) a total of 12 times during the 2004-05 campaign. U-M's two freshmen have each won the Rookie of the Week accolade once. Kevin Porter garnered his on Dec. 6.

MTU Freshman Nabs Weekly Honors

Michigan Tech's freshman, Jimmy Kerr, was named the WCHA Rookie of the Week for his 3 point weekend against Mankato State. All three points came in Saturday's contest were he notched Tech's first 2 goals on the night, and assisted on the game winning goal. The goals were Kerr's 4th and 5th of the year.

The second of the two goals was a shorthanded goal, Kerr's first. Kerr has been in the lineup all year, playing in 28 of the 29 games thus far. As of late, he has been paired with John Hartman and Mike Botavanja.

Kerr has been coming on strong the second half of the year, and will be the focus of my interview this week.

Michigan still atop CCHA standings

With their sweep sweep of Nebraska-Omaha on the road last weekend, No. 6 Michigan retains the top spot in the CCHA standings with a 22-7-3 overall mark and 19-3-2 record in league play.

Ohio State is just one point back of U-M.

Captain Eric Nystrom scored twice and Brandon Kaleniecki notched the game-winner 12:29 into the third period as U-M won 6-4 at UNO on Friday night. Chad Kolarik, Eric Werner and T.J. Hensick also scored to back Al Montoya's 19-save outing. Andrew Ebbett recorded three assists.

"He played terrifically," Michigan head coach Red Berenson said of Nystrom. "He led our team the way a captain should. He and Ebbett had great games. Nystrom was a warrior all the way through. He was a big part of our penalty killing, a big part of our power play and a big part of our team. He's playing with more confidence and a lot of authority."

Saturday, David Moss tallied the game-winner with 2:11 to go in regulation to give the Wolverines a 4-3 win. Hensick scored twice and Matt Hunwick also scored. Montoya made just 16 saves.

With the win, Berenson picked up the 555th win of his career. He is now tied with John MacInnes (Michigan Tech) for eighth place on the all-time coaching wins list.

"T.J. made a great play from the corner," said Moss of his winner. "The goalie robbed me on the first save, but I just kept whacking at the rebound and it found its way home."

"David Moss can score goals," said Berenson. "Sometimes I think he doesn't see himself that way. For some reason it was his time. I'm glad he came back and was in the lineup. There was a question about whether he should play this weekend. He wanted to play and he made a difference."

The Wolverines play a home-and-home set this weekend with Notre Dame. Friday's game is in Fort Wayne and on CSTV at 8:05 p.m. while Saturday's is back at Yost Ice Arena at 7:35 p.m. on FSN Detroit.

Spartans swept at Alaska-Fairbanks

Michigan State dropped both games last weekend at Alaska-Fairbanks - one in heartbreaking fashion and one in frustrating fashion.

The Spartans (13-13-4, 8-11-3 CCHA) lost 6-5 in overtime Friday night and then 1-0 the next evening.

Ethan Graham, Jim McKenzie, David Booth, Bryan Lerg and Colton Fretter (to force OT at 10:26 of the third period) scored for MSU. Dominic Vicari made 42 saves, but couldn't stop Nanooks' forward Curtis Fraser, who potted four goals.

Ryan McLeod won it at 2:56 of the extra session.

Saturday night, Jared Sylvestre's second-period goal stood up as UAF completed the sweep. Vicari stopped 19 shots while Wylie Rogers made 39 saves for the shutout.

"I thought we played well and worked hard," said MSU head coach Rick Comley. "We had a number of good opportunities. UAF is big and strong and they played just a little better today. We played well enough to win two."

The Spartans host Ohio State Friday (7:35 p.m.) and Saturday (7:05 p.m.) Friday's game is on FSN Detroit and Saturday's game will be on Comcast Local.

Finlandia women drop both with Wisc.-Superior

Playing a home-and-home series with Wisconsin-Superior last weekend, the Finlandia women lost both and still sit in the NCHA's basement with an 0-7-1 league record.

The Lions (3-15-1 overall) dropped a 4-3 decision Friday at the Houghton County Arena and a 4-2 contest Saturday.

Friday, Sara Sleik scored a pair and Brenda Peterson added a single. Corinne Czekaj made 38 stops in defeat. The Yellowjackets scored two in the third period to earn the win.

Saturday, Katie O'Brien netted FU's lone goal and Alexa Watkins made 31 saves in the loss.

Finlandia travels to Wisconsin-Eau Claire Friday and Saturday for 8:00 p.m. puck drops both nights.

Finlandia ends regular season

Finlandia closed out their regular season schedule with a split at home against Marian last weekend.

Trevor Morrison scored at 3:08 of overtime Friday night to give the Lions a 4-3 win. Mike Polini and Jamie Leffler also scored. Joe Lewis sent the game to OT with a power-play goal at 16:31 of the third period.

Joe Juntilla made 33 saves in goal for FU.

Saturday told a different story as Marian eked out a 4-2 win and held off a third-period charge from Finlandia. Polini and Joe Welgos' power-play goals six minutes apart were not enough for the Lions, who also got a 44-save performance from Juntilla.

Finlandia finishes the regular season 9-14-1 and 7-8-1 in the MCHA.

Warrior women sweep Niagara, now sit in 2nd place in CHA

The Wayne State women jumped into second place in the College Hockey America standings with a sweep at Niagara last weekend.

Jessica Haydahl scored the game-winner with 1:08 left in regulation Friday night to give WSU (11-12-3, 4-2-0 CHA) the 3-2 win. Haydahl also assisted on goals by Laura Monk and Emily McGrath-Agg. Co-captain Kelly Zamora also added two helpers and goalie Val Turcotte made 22 saves.

Katie Sweeney and Charde Hoyle-Levy scored for the Purple Eagles (11-13-2, 2-5-1 CHA) and Alison Rutledge stopped 26 shots in net.

Saturday afternoon, NU captain Candice Moxley staked Niagara to an early 1-0 lead, but Peyton Patterson, Haydahl and Danielle Wilson answered for the visitors. Zamora again tallied two assists and Turcotte stopped 15 shots.

Nikki Rudy made 37 saveson 39 shots through 50:02 and then Rutledge took over and made one save on two shots in 8:06 of work.

Wayne State travels to Quinnipiac this weekend for 3:00 p.m. games Friday and Saturday. The Purple Eagles host Ohio State Friday and Saturday night.

Tarkki Tops Hobey Baker Votes

from the Northern Michigan University Sports Information Department...

Finland native Tuomas Tarkki plays goal
for the Northern Michigan Wildcats

MARQUETTE, Mich. - Northern Michigan goaltender Tuomas Tarkki has moved into first place in the Hobey Baker standings as of Thursday afternoon. He has 18,037 points as Jordan Sigalet is second with 17,646. Tarkki leads the CCHA in overall goaltending (12-6-3;1.88;.936) and in conference games (11-4-1;1.68;.940). On the national stage, Tarkki is sixth in goals-against average and fourth in save percentage, according to www.collegehockeystats.com. Other ‘Cats on the list include Nathan Oystrick, Pat Bateman and Darin Olver.

Preliminary voting runs through Sunday, March 6, during which time you may cast your vote once per day for your first-, second- and third-place choices for the Hobey Baker Award (http://www.hobeybaker.com/). The fans’ tally will be considered along with votes from each of the 58 Division I head coaches to determine the 10 finalist for this year’s award.

Niagara Upends Wayne State

by Matt Mackinder/Courtesy of USCHO.com

PLYMOUTH, Mich. — On the strength of two Justin Cross goals, Niagara defeated host Wayne State, 3-1, Sunday afternoon and leapfrogged the Warriors into third place in the College Hockey America standings.

Junior Justin Cross scored the first two goals for NU after a scoreless first period and goaltender Jeff Van Nynatten stopped 26 shots for the victory.

"This was a good road weekend for us," said Niagara head coach Dave Burkholder. "I was especially happy with our 'Gray Line' of (Ryan) Gale, (Tim) Madsen and Cross. They played so well and it was good to get something out of them this weekend."

Cross' first goal came 2:31 into the second period. Madsen put a shot on WSU goalie Matt Kelly and the rebound came to Cross, who spun around and beat Kelly glove side with a shot along the ice.

Cross then made it 2-0 on a partial breakaway at 4:43. Madsen hit Cross with a pass and Cross went in and beat Kelly high glove.

"My three years here, I've always been a streaky player," said Cross. "Hopefully a game like this can keep me streaking well into March."

Matt Caruana upped the Purple Eagles' lead to 3-0 when he tapped home a pass from Cliff Ketchen on a 5-on-3 power play at 14:40. Caruana beat Kelly from below the right faceoff circle on a nice series of Niagara passes.

Nate Higgins got WSU (12-15-3, 5-8-3 CHA) on the board at 19:35 when he solved Van Nynatten. Steve Kovalchik gloved down a Niagara clearing attempt, dished off to Jason Baclig, who in turn found Higgins crashing the net for a snap shot that barely crossed the goal line.

The third period was scoreless and with Kelly on the bench for the final 1:41, the Warriors couldn't penetrate the Niagara defense or Van Nynatten. Kelly did finish with 26 stops for Wayne State.

"We haven't had a lot of success lately and I'll be honest, practices have been pretty somber and ugly," admitted Burkholder. "But to take three of four on the road in the CHA really gives us confidence and hopefully this springboards us into next weekend. We just need to keep it coming."

The Purple Eagles (11-16-2, 6-8-2 CHA) travel to Air Force this weekend while the Warriors are idle before hosting Air Force Feb. 26-27.

Three Out Of Four

Darin Olver had a goal in
Saturday's 5-1 NMU victory.


Saturday Victory Vital for Northern Playoff Run

MARQUETTE, Mich. – After a disappointing Friday night that saw a 3-3 draw between Northern Michigan and Western Michigan, the Wildcats cruised to a 5-1 win Saturday over the visiting Broncos.

Saturday the ‘Cats (15-9-6, 13-7-4 CCHA) got on the board first with a marker by defenseman Geoff Waugh early in the first period and never looked back. Forwards Dirk Southern and Pat Bateman knocked in shorthanded tallies for NMU and goalie Tuomas Tarkki stopped 19 WMU (11-15-2, 6-14-2 CCHA) shots.

Coach Walt Kyle was happy with the level of emotion Saturday after the tie on Friday.

“We came out tonight with a little more passion in our play,” said Kyle.

“Collectively we played better tonight.”

Darin Olver and John Miller also had goals on the night, including Miller’s long overdue first tally of the season at 19:59 of the third.

Better indeed, because Friday night the ‘Cats gave up two late third period goals that cost NMU the victory that ended up a 3-3 tie with WMU.

Bronco forwards Vince Bellissimo and Mike Erickson netted power play markers just 30 seconds apart to force overtime at the Berry.

In another story of lack of respect for a lower-tier team, Kyle was displeased with the Wildcats after Friday’s tie.

“That is a lack of discipline to give those opportunities to a team like this,” Kyle said. “They will come and hurt you if you do that.”

Andrew Sarauer, Andrew Contois and Rob Lehtinen scored for Northern.

Tarkki turned away 22 Western shots.

Northern Michigan returns to action next weekend with a home-and-home series against old rival Michigan Tech that will decide the Ramada Cup.

Bulldogs Sweep, Lakers Split

Matt Verdone scored a goal each
night as Ferris swept Notre Dame

SOUTH BEND, INDIANA- The Ferris State Bulldogs (11-17-4, 6-14-4 CCHA) got a rare treat over the weekend as they went on the road and swept the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at the Joyce Center.

Friday night the ‘Dogs snapped a season-high, 8-game winless streak with a 4-3 win over the Irish.

Jeff Legue and Jim Jorgensen put FSU out to a quick 2-0 first period lead.

Derek Nesbitt scored at 3:53 of the second period to make it a 3-1 Ferris lead, but the Irish fought back and tied the score with a pair of markers before the period was out.

Then with just 53 seconds remaining in the third period, sophomore Matt Verdone scored a short handed marker to give Ferris the victory.

Derek MacIntyre helped preserve the FSU win with 21 saves.

Noah Babin and Mark Van Guilder paced the home team with a goal and assist each and Morgan Cey made 36 saves.

Saturday night the Bulldogs completed their first road sweep and just second overall sweep this season with a 4-2 win over the Golden Domers.

Nesbitt led the way for FSU with a goal and two assists. Verdone, Greg Rallo, and Legue also scored for the Bulldogs and MacIntyre made 17 saves for the win.

Noah Babin and Cory McLean and David Brown made 25 stops as the Irish lost their third straight. ND has not won a game since a 2-1 win over Rensselaer on January 2.

The Bulldogs will get a week off to enjoy their sweep and then host the Northern Michigan Wildcats back in Big Rapids on February 25 and 26.

OXFORD, OHIO-- The Lake Superior State Lakers (8-16-6, 7-10-5 CCHA) broke out of an ugly slump over the weekend as they split a two game series with the Miami RedHawks in Oxford, Ohio.

On Friday night the Lakers finally ended their season-high, 8-game winless skid as they held off the RedHawks, 3-2, at the Goggin Ice Arena.

Nathan Ward helped the Lakers sail out to a 3-0 nothing lead with a pair of goals and assist.

Matt Violin weathered the storm in net for LSSU, stopping 31 of 33 shots.

The Lakers also helped themselves with a fine special team’s effort, going 1-2 on the power-play and holding the Hawks to an 0-4 night with the man-advantage.

The Hawks got their revenge on Saturday as they hammered the Lakers, 8-3.

Andy Greene paced the RedHawks attack with a pair of goals and three assists.

Jon Booras, Dan Eves, and Derek Smith all scored for the Lakers who have now lost three of their last four games and have just one win in their last ten contests.

The Lakers will return home and host Nebraska-Omaha for a pair at the Taffy Able Arena next weekend.

Cats pull down Broncos

MARQUETTE, MICH-- The Western Michigan Broncos (11-15-2, 6-14-2 CCHA) started a four-game road trip over the weekend by grabbing a point against the Northern Michigan Wildcats at the Berry Events Center.

Friday night the Broncos came back for a 3-3 tie with the Wildcats in Marquette.

The Broncos trailed 3-1 in the third period, but back-to-back, 5-on-3 goals by Vince Bellissimo and Mike Erickson helped force overtime.

Jonathan Lupa also scored for WMU and Brent Walton and Daryl Moore each recorded a pair of assists.

Andrew Sarauer, Rob Lehtinen, and Andrew Contois all scored for the ‘Cats who are now 5-2-2 in their last five games.

Daniel Bellissimo stopped 32 shots in net for WMU while Tuomas Tarkki turned aside 22 on the other end for NMU.

Saturday night was a different story as the Wildcats blasted the Broncos, 5-1.

Darin Olver led the ‘Cats with a goal and two assists, while Vince Bellissimo scored the lone goal for the Broncs.

Daniel Bellissimo stopped 15 shots for WMU and Tuomas Tarkki turned aside 19 on the other end for NMU.

Western Michigan will continue their roadie with a pair at Bowling Green next weekend.

Northern will battle rival Michigan Tech in a home-and-home non-conference series.