Great Lakes Invitational extended through 2014

Michigan Tech Press Release 

Michigan Tech and Olympia Entertainment have extended their partnership in hosting the Great Lakes Invitational through 2014, it was announced today.

One of college hockey’s longest-standing annual tournaments, the GLI will continue to feature Michigan Tech, Michigan and Michigan State in addition to an invitational team.

“We’re thrilled to be able to continue the tradition of the GLI,” said Michigan Tech AD Suzanne Sanregret. “It’s been one of the most successful tournaments in the country, and we look forward to an on-going partnership with the Detroit Red Wings, Olympia Entertainment, Michigan and Michigan State. The event has been a great way for us to keep a presence in lower Michigan and connect with our alumni and fans. It’s important that we continue what we’ve built up over the years and showcase college hockey in Detroit.”

The new three-year contract will take the GLI through its 50th year of existence. The 2012 event will be played outdoors at Comerica Park Dec. 27-28 as part of the Hockeytown Winter Festival and in connection with the NHL’s annual Winter Classic. The 2013 and 2014 editions will be played at Joe Louis Arena, home of 33 of the previous 47 GLIs.

Mike Bayoff, director of strategic hockey alliances for Olympia Entertainment, is also excited to continue the GLI tradition.

“The Great Lakes Invitational has been a big part of our ‘College Hockey in the D’ lineup for a long time and we’re very pleased that it will continue," said Bayoff. "With this year’s GLI taking place at Comerica Park as part of the Hockeytown Winter Festival, an exciting chapter in the rich history of one of the country’s premiere college hockey tournaments is set to be written, and we look forward to our outstanding relationships with the participating schools continuing to evolve.”

The Great Lakes Invitational was first played in 1965 after the idea for the tournament was conceived and implemented by Michigan Tech coach John MacInnes, Olympia Stadium GM Lincoln Cavalieri and Detroit Red Wings' scout Jack Paterson. The tournament, which has been played in late December every year, has grown into one of the nation’s premier holiday sporting events with more than 1.3 million fans in attendance since its inception.

“The Great Lakes Invitational Tournament has become a long-standing tradition with our program and other schools in the state,” said Michigan AD Dave Brandon. “We are pleased that this annual holiday tournament will continue for the foreseeable future.”

Michigan Tech has won the GLI nine times in 47 appearances. Michigan has competed in 42 GLIs and has claimed 15 titles. Michigan State owns 12 GLI crowns in 38 tries.

“We are thrilled that our relationship with Olympia Entertainment and participation in the Great Lakes Invitational will continue,” said Michigan State AD Mark Hollis. “This tournament is special to all of our hockey fans, players, and alumni, and is an important part of our schedule each season. We are looking forward to celebrating the excitement of this year’s GLI being a part of the Hockeytown Winter Festival, the 50th anniversary of the GLI in the near future, and most importantly, our continued relationship with the great people at the Detroit Red Wings and Olympia Entertainment.”

Western Michigan will join the three GLI mainstays for the 2012 outdoor event. The Broncos will also be the invitational team in 2014. Denver will take part in the 2013 tournament.

Tickets for this year’s outdoor GLI at Comerica Park will go on sale through Olympia Entertainment on July 12.

Photo by Matt Mackinder/MiCHO

Moffatt the OT hero as Michigan downs BGSU

By Bob Miller/Michigan Beat Writer

DETROIT - Michigan learned what Northern Michigan and Ferris State had already found out, but survived to tell the story, unlike the Wildcats and the Bulldogs.

In their semi-final match of the CCHA playoffs, the Wolverines had to climb back from a two-goal deficit and then play into a second overtime period before Luke Moffatt scored the overtime-ending goal to eliminate the improbable run that Bowling Green had made through the tournament as the 11th and lowest-ranked seed in the post-season playoffs.

After eliminating higher ranked Northern Michigan and Ferris State in successive weekends, Bowling Green carried a 2-0 lead late into the second period against Michigan. Then, the puck that had bounced so fortuitously for the Bulldogs took a bounce the other way.

Michigan defenseman Jon Merrill threw a looping shot from the right point toward Bowling Green netminder Andrew Hammond with only 10 seconds left in the second period. Hammond, who later admitted he didn't see the shot until it bounced, failed to corral the slowly bouncing puck and the Bowling green lead was narrowed to 2-1.

Michigan used the late second period goal to fuel their offense and pressed the Falcons without success in the third period until David Wohlberg converted Derek DeBlois' backhand pass from behind the Falcon net at 17:15 to send the game to overtime.

In the first overtime period, the announced crowd of 7,823 was treated to pure hockey excitement: end-to-end rushes by both teams, pucks clanking off goalposts on both ends of the ice, all without resolution of the tied score.

Moffatt finally ended the game 1:04 into the second overtime following a hard-working set-up by linemate A.J. Treais and the tired Wolverines could finally look ahead to Saturday night's 7:35 pm playoff final game against Western Michigan.

"We knew it was going to be an ugly goal," said Moffatt. "At that point in the game, shots are coming on the net and you've got to drive the net hard and hopefully get a rebound. Fortunately, it came right to me and I was able to get it in."

"Obviously, fatigue sets in at some point, but we train all year, all summer, for games like this," said Wohlberg. "We had a game like this against Notre Dame and we were able to fight through it mentally and physically and that paid off for us."

"You have to give Bowling Green a ton of credit for the season they had, particularly the last month," Michigan coach Red Berenson said post-game. "They were the real deal, and we saw it again tonight. It was anyone's game. We were able to get back into the game after a two-goal deficit. I thought that goal near the end of the (second) period was a huge goal and then obviously in overtime anything can happen. We've been in a few of these, but you've got be lucky, too."

Broncos beat RedHawks, to play for Mason Cup

By Bob Miller/Western Michigan Beat Writer

DETROIT - Western Michigan continued its workman-like trip through the CCHA championship playoffs with an efficient 6-2 win over Miami in the tourney semi-finals at Joe Louis Arena late Friday afternoon.

The Broncos dismissed Lake Superior State in two games last weekend to earn their spot in the final weekend playdown and gave the RedHawks similar treatment, dominating Miami from start to finish.

Greg Squires and Will Kessel each scored a pair for the Broncos, with Squires earning his 100th career point in the process, and Frank Slubowski added his usual steady performance in goal.

“They are expected to score,” said WMU coach Andy Murray of Squires' and Kessel's two-goal games. “To be successful, you need all of your units. We’re a four-line team. We play everybody. Everybody has the same mission out there. Last weekend, it was the same thing.”

The win punches Western Michigan's ticket for a spot in the CCHA playoff final against Michigan on Saturday night.

“Tonight was one of those games where the puck was going in the net,” Squires said. “We were fortunate to get six tonight. This is huge for us. Not just for myself, but for the team. We talked about where we came from, but like Coach (Murray) said, we have more tomorrow. Then, we’ll be happy.”

In Murray's estimation, the quick start provided by Squires two early goals and one more of the shorthanded variety by J.J. Crew were crucial to the win.

“I thought it was important because I watched a tape of Miami against Michigan State and Michigan State was down after 11 seconds in the hockey game,” said Murray of the Broncos' early lead. “We knew that it would be imperative to get off to a strong start.”

Spartans win Friday, Wolverines get 'W' Saturday

By Bob Miller/Michigan Beat Writer

One goal on Friday night and one more goal on Saturday night is all that separated rivals Michigan and Michigan State in weekend series between the two that started in Munn Arena and finished in overtime at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit.

Michigan State took the series opener on Friday night, 3-2.

After Michigan opened an early 2-0 lead on goals by A.J. Treais and Kevin Lynch, Spartan defensman Torey Krug single-handedly pulled Michigan State even with a pair of goals. Matt Berry scored the game-winner for Michigan State at 4:07 of the third period and the Spartans held on for the home victory.

“I love playing these guys,” Krug told msuspartans.com of in-state rival Michigan. “Everyone in our locker room loves playing these guys and they love playing us. When you're playing these games, it's not just for the people in the locker room. You're playing for Spartans everywhere.”

Michigan gained their revenge in front of an announced crowd of 20,066, but it took the Wolverines 1:50 longer than the Spartans needed on Friday.

Lynch's goal, at 1:50 of the overtime period, on a puck that had bounced crazily sending the Michigan junior forward in alone on Michigan State netminder Will Yanakeff gave Michigan a 3-2 victory of their own.

Treais scored Michigan's other two goals in the win Saturday.

“It was great,” Lynch said of the overtime game-winner. “I was having kind of a tough game. I cut my finger open during the warm-up, so I was battling through that a little bit. The goal made it a little better.”

“I know that Kevin (Lynch) has had a good record against Michigan State,” said Michigan head coach Red Berenson. “I know he has a good record at Joe Louis (Arena). They got one shift in overtime and bingo, so you never know.”

The weekend split moved Michigan into third place in the CCHA standings and lifted Michigan State into a tie with Lake Superior State for fifth place in the conference.

Photo/UM Photo Services

Broncos top Bulldogs, off to "The Joe"

By Karl Henkel/Western Michigan Beat Writer

The Western Michigan Broncos reached yet another milestone in their magical season, this time with a thrilling overtime goal in an elimination game and earned a spot in the CCHA semifinals for the first time in 17 years.

Max Campbell’s overtime tally propelled Western Michigan to a 5-4 victory Sunday over Ferris State in the final of a best-of-three series in Kalamazoo.

“Unbelievable. I’m the happiest person alive right now,” said WMU goaltender Jerry Kuhn, who made 29 saves, including six in overtime. “I get to go home and play in front of 18,000 fans. It’s a dream come true.”

WMU now preps for a battle with Michigan Friday night at Joe Louis Arena. The Wolverines are coming off a two-game sweep of Bowling Green.

The Broncos blew two three-goal leads in the finale, after Trevor Elias, Shane Berschbach and Matt Tennyson scored to give WMU a 3-0 lead early in the second period. Ferris State quickly erased its deficit with three second-period tallies of its own.

In overtime, the hero was Campbell, who scored his 18th of the season off a feed from Dane Walters at 2:23. He beat Pat Nagle, who made 26 saves.

Nagle previously anchored Ferris State’s 3-1 victory in the opener. He made 31 saves and allowed only a second-period goal to Mike Leone.

Cory Kane and Travis Ouellette (two) scored for the Bulldogs.

Kuhn stopped 26 shots for the Broncos.

In the second game, Western Michigan got revenge with a 3-1 victory of their own.

Berschbach and Danny DeKeyser (power play) both scored in the second period, and Kuhn was nearly flawless, making 30 saves and allowing only a second-period goal to Mike Fillinger.

Elias sealed the victory with an empty-netter.

Nagle stopped 28 shots for the Bulldogs.

The Broncos have less than a week to prepare for the Wolverines on Friday (8 p.m. Fox Sports Detroit). UM swept WMU in Ann Arbor in their only series this season, but Western is eager to get a third crack at Michigan.

“Personally, being here for the first three years, it’s always been a sad goodbye for the seniors,” Campbell said. “To be a part of the winning team, and to be going to the Joe, it’s just surreal. It’s an awesome feeling.”

MSU tops Michigan at "The Joe"

By Bob Miller/Michigan Beat Writer

Rick Comley's final regular season meeting against arch-rival Michigan was a satisfying one.

The Spartans head coach, who earlier in the week anounced his retirement from his current position, was rewarded by his team with a going-away 2-1 win over the Wolverines Saturday night at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit.

Michigan State goaltender Will Yanakeff's 34-save performance and goals by Jake Chelios and Joey Shean highlighted the Spartan victory.
Shean's game-winning effort, midway through the final period, held up through a 14-shot barrage thrown by Michigan against Yanakeff in the final stanza.

“I’ve enjoyed every win," Comley told USCHO after the game. "When you play your rival, it’s always big. We’ve had some tough luck with Michigan over the last couple of years. Now that’s two wins this year to split the series, and that’s not an easy thing to do because they’re a very, very good team.”

“Give them credit," offered Michigan head coach Red Berenson. "Rick Comley’s a classy coach. I don’t know if that’s the last time I’ll coach against him, but it’s been an honor. This is a big win for them, disappointing for us.”

CCHA unveils 'Hockey In The D' logo

CCHA Press Release

The Central Collegiate Hockey Association on Wednesday announced a new ‘Hockey in the D’ slogan and logo developed in celebration of its 30th anniversary hosting the CCHA Championship at Joe Louis Arena. This year’s tournament is planned for March 18-19.

“The CCHA Championship is the longest continually running conference championship event held at an NHL venue,” stated CCHA commissioner Tom Anastos. “Joe Louis Arena has been home to so many great games, players and moments since 1982, and the conference looks forward to many more to come in downtown Detroit.”

The ‘Hockey in the D’ slogan celebrates the annual tradition of championship hockey in the city of Detroit, one of the premier hockey cities in North America. Each year, the best teams from the CCHA travel to Detroit for semifinal, third-place and championship games to, ultimately, determine a CCHA Tournament champion that receives the conference’s automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament. The event has attracted an average of over 30,000 hockey fans to the Joe each year.

“We are proud to celebrate 30 years of CCHA tradition in Detroit,” said Detroit Mayor Dave Bing. “This event is an opportunity to features all that our city has to offer. We welcome all the visitors and excitement the CCHA Championship brings to Detroit.”

The unique ‘crest within a crest’ logo, showcases the league’s traditional primary blue color along with the Detroit skyline and Ambassador Bridge, which pay tribute to Detroit and the state of Michigan, both known for their rich hockey traditions.

“This is a great milestone for CCHA,” said Tom Wilson, president of Olympia Entertainment, the sports and entertainment company that operates Joe Louis Arena. “Hockey is a beloved sport in this community – from youth hockey, to college hockey, and all the way up to the pros. The CCHA develops some of the best players in the sport, and the Ilitch companies are proud to be a part of CCHA’s 30th anniversary at Joe Louis Arena.”

The 2011 CCHA Championship will face off Friday, March 18 at Joe Louis Arena with semifinal games at 4:35 and 8:05 p.m. The third place-game will be played Saturday, March 18 at 3:35 p.m., followed by the championship game at 7:35 p.m. Both semifinals and the championship game will air live on FOX Sports Detroit PLUS.

MSU takes third place at GLI

By Matt Mackinder/At the GLI

DETROIT - Kevin Walrod scored his first two collegiate goals to lead Michigan State to a 5-3 win over Michigan Tech Thursday afternoon in the third place game at the Great Lakes Invitational at Joe Louis Arena.

Walrod, a sophomore, didn't see any decent playing time a year ago, but is making the most of his ice time this year.

“Any win’s a good win right now,” said Michigan State head coach Rick Comley. “I thought overall we played pretty well. I thought Wallie (Walrod) picked us up. We’ll take anything right now.”

Dean Chelios (on an assist from younger brother Jake), Brett Perlini (last year's GLI MVP) and Dustin Gazley also scored for MSU, while Will Yanakeff earned his first win of the year with a 22-save performance between the pipes.

"I thought we made a couple of mistakes tonight that led to goals, but I’m pleased with our effort,” Comley added. “We would dominate the game, make a mistake, and it would end up in the back of our net. But it was a good tournament for us, in terms of how we battled back last night, and how we approached the game tonight. It will be a good jumping-off point for us for the second half."

“The defense kept it simple,” MSU captain Torey Krug said. “Growing up, you’re told your job as a defenseman is to just make the outlet pass to the forwards. I think, for the most part, the defense did that. That’s why we were so successful.

“We are all excited Will got the start. Guys may have been sacrificing their bodies a little more, blocking shots.”

Aaron Pietila scored twice for the Huskies, Jacob Johnstone added the other goal and Dennis Rix assisted on all three.

In goal, Josh Robinson finished with his second straight game of 40-plus saves as he kicked out 41 Michigan State shots.

“We’re a team that has good size and are very aggressive,” Michigan Tech head coach Jamie Russell said. “I didn’t think we had a lot of jump with the quick turnaround, playing the late game last night. We’re a team that thrives on the forecheck and I didn’t think we had a lot of legs tonight.”

The Spartans (7-10-3) next play a home-and-home with Michigan starting next Friday night in East Lansing. Michigan Tech (3-13-2) travels to St. Cloud State next weekend.

Photo by Matt Mackinder/MiCHO

Michigan snaps losing streak vs. MSU

By Karl Henkel/At the Joe

Detroit -- Michigan couldn’t have asked for a better start, but the Spartans — much like they have all season — continued to control the Wolverines. That is, until Michigan mounted a third-period mini-comeback of its own.

MSU overcame a three-goal first-period deficit to lead Michigan late in the third period, but the Wolverines snapped a three-game losing streak to their in-state rivals in a 5-4 victory Saturday night at Joe Louis Arena.

“The difference between the teams is not 4-0,” Michigan coach Red Berenson said. “This was the first game ever (this season) we had a lead. We didn’t play as well as we should have, but they’re a good team and we’re a good team.”

Chris Brown’s goal from the doorstep of Michigan State’s net with 2:07 to play capped the back-and-forth scoring.

“It was just hard work,” Brown said. “It’s something we needed to beat a team like Michigan State.”

The Wolverines, who outshot the Spartans 35-27, made it look easy as they got out to an early 3-0 and held a 16-2 advantage in scoring chances through one period of play. Goals by A.J. Treais, Chris Summers and Brian Lebler aided Michigan’s effort.

But two Michigan State second-period goals — off the sticks of Andrew Rowe and Brett Perlini — closed the gap.

Then in the third, after Jeff Petry tied the game with a power-play goal, Dean Chelios (pictured below) stuffed a wrap-around attempt past Michigan netminder Brian Hogan for a 4-3 advantage.

Matt Rust’s goal with fewer than five minutes to play tied the score again. Rust’s marker was the second shorthanded goal of the game. Rowe scored the other early in the second period.

“It’s disappointing when you give up a shorthanded goal, but exhilarating when you score one,” Berenson said.

With less than two minutes later Brown poked a shot past MSU goalie Drew Palmisano for the winning tally.

Michigan State coach Rick Comley was none too pleased with the way his team gave away the game after rallying from a poor start.

“It was a hard-fought game,” Comley said. “We expected Michigan to come out and play hard. We hung around and hung around and were in a position to win the game.

"When you've got a lead late, you'd like to be able to hold it."

Brown said it was important for the Wolverines to beat the Spartans at least once this season prior to tournament time.

“It’s really gonna boost our confidence going into next week,” he said.

Michigan State (17-9-4, 12-6-4-1 CCHA) next plays twice at Alaska, while Michigan (15-12-1, 10-9-1-0 CCHA) faces Bowling Green in a single game.

Photo by Karl Henkel/MiCHO

LIVE BLOG: Spartans look to make it four in a row over Wolverines

By Karl Henkel/At the Joe

Detroit -- Welcome again to another hockey night in Hockeytown ... or something like that. Michigan State and Michigan are about 40 minutes away from their fourth meeting of the season. The Spartans have won all three, including last night's 3-2 victory at Munn Ice Arena. I'll be live blogging throughout the game, and, if any fights break out in the stands, I'll post the exclusive video.

25 minutes 'til puck drop: Michigan in maize and State in the green tonight. Looks as if Drew Palmisano and Bryan Hogan will get the starts in net for MSU and UM, respectively.

15 minutes 'til puck drop: Joe Louis Arena popcorn is both addicting and stomach-churning. Right now I'm in the addicted stage.

10 minutes 'til puck drop: It's the 278th meeting between these two teams, an NCAA record. Has anyone out there seen them all? I've got a pair of "Big Game" tickets for the first one who has.

Nine minutes 'til puck drop: MiCHO's lawyers have advised me to state that I do not really have any "Big Game" tickets to give away. Wait a minute ... we have lawyers?

:11: MSU's Derek Grant with an early chance in front of the net; Hogan with the save.

4:10: Pretty uneventful first few minutes. MSU's Torey Krug had a turnover in his own zone, but nothing more than a scoring chance transpired.

7:00: After an early chance for MSU, the Wolverines have fired the last six at Palmisano. The latest was a point-blank opportunity off the stick of A.J. Treais.

8:30: If anyone knows what song is played during the "Make some noise" segment of game stoppages, please let me know.

9:35: MSU has its first real sustained pressure. Krug had one shot blocked, then his ensuing point shot was smothered by Hogan.

9:58: An offensive zone penalty won't help the Spartans. Dean Chelios goes off for tripping.

11:15: Let's even things up. Louie Caporusso gets a two-minute sit session for obstruction holding.

11:20: Which school won the first NCAA hockey Championship in 1948? Find out the answer at the conclusion of the first period. (Don't go and Google it; you'll ruin the fun.)

12:14: MSU's power play lasted about as long that piece of pizza stayed on my plate. It's five-on-five for a minute after Derek Grant goes off for interference.

13:07: Too many scoring chances to keep up with, but Michigan takes the lead on a goal from Treais. A diving Palmisano can't reach far enough left to knock down the shot from Treais.

15:05: In an "I can't make this up" moment, a former college economics professor at Wayne State -- Mike Faulkner -- was just honored for his time and dedication to hockey on the big screen.

15:46: Michigan State has the puck deep in Michigan territory, but the Wolverines come away with a two-on-one scoring opportunity. Palmisano has looked strong so far for the Spartans.

17:51: Just as Palmisano looks good, he lets one squeak through the five-hole. We'll tentatively award the goal to Chris Summers.

18:45: MSU captain Nick Sucharski limps off with an apparent upper-body injury.

19:34: Brian Lebler, quickly becoming a fan favorite amongst the Maize and Blue faithful, roofs one over Palmisano for a 3-0 UM lead.

19:52: Michigan takes a late interference penalty. Scooter Vaughan will finish out the penalty in the second period.

Trivia question answer: Michigan.

Second period

:45: Palmisano comes up with an critical save on a redirection from Summers to keep his team in the game.

2:00: The shot advantage now favors Michigan, 17-8. MSU looks like a team on the ropes, much like Michigan did earlier in the season.

3:16: Real tacky call against Corey Tropp, and the replayed was just shown of an elbow thrown by Michigan's Kevin Lynch.

3:48: Andrew Rowe with a shorthanded goal from in front of the net. It's his 13th of the season, and MSU has an inkling of life.

4:14: In two more seconds, MSU will go on a power play. Steve Kampfer got a little too close to Palmisano.

7:30: State can't hold onto the puck ...

7:36: ... but it can shoot. Brett Perlini fires a laser past Hogan. It's 3-2 Wolverines.

9:34: Anthony Hayes goes off for high-sticking and Michigan has a chance to regain its two-goal advantage.

11:52: Game is pretty chipper at this point. Most of the sellout (unconfirmed) is enjoying it.

15:15: This game has settled in, and Michigan holds a 10-shot advantage. The Spartans should feel lucky to be only down one considering the number of scoring chances they've allowed.

9:00 p.m.: Billy Joel time ...

16:59: Michigan State elects to take its time out.

18:54: MSU with a golden opportunity after Carl Hagelin gets called for roughing.

End of period: The Spartans will have nearly a minute of power-play time to begin the third. Michigan has doubled up MSU in terms of shots, 26-13.

Third period

:50: Rebound poked in by Jeff Petry. Michigan has officially blown a three-goal lead.

1:52: Not getting any better for the Wolverines. Brian Lebler is called for elbowing. MSU on the power play with a chance to take its first lead.

2:47: Two good-looking chances for MSU, both turned aside by Hogan.

5:20: Treais with a chance right on the door step for Michigan, but he couldn't get his stick on the puck.

6:39: Petry's one-timer from the point is gloved by Hogan.

8:55: After a Michigan giveaway, MSU's Trevor Nill fires a seed right to Bryan Hogan. Almost a costly turnover.

12:40: Anthony Hayes misses from close range. Michigan State has it deep in Michigan territory.

13:09: The Spartans have taken their first lead of the game after Chelios' wraparound sneaks beneath Hogan. MSU leads 4-3.

13:49: Michigan shoots itself in the foot and picks up another penalty.

15:12: Michigan finally stops the bleeding. Matt Rust's shorthanded tally from the near the right post has this game knotted at 4.

17:51: With a scramble at the doorstep, Chris Brown finds a way to sneak one in. Michigan leads 5-4.

18:25: Michigan State with the empty net.

End of game: Hell of game, to say the least. Michigan breaks the temporary curse with a 5-4 victory.