Michigan splits with Notre Dame

By Bob Miller/Michigan Beat Writer

In a series that matched the two top teams in the CCHA, Michigan and Notre Dame, nothing was resolved in the standings, but anyone lucky enough to be at Yost Arena for either of the two contests was treated to an outstanding display of college hockey.

Notre Dame took the series opener Friday night, 3-1, and Michigan countered on Saturday with a 5-3 victory.

The split left Notre Dame atop the CCHA standing with Michigan in the second spot in the league, exactly the way the weekend had started.

Each game was filled with crisp up-and-down play, solid defense and goaltending and fast-paced offense.

Michigan goaltender Shawn Hunwick's 30 saves weren't quite enough Friday night as the Wolverines struggled to match Notre Dame's output in the closely played contest.

In a seesaw contest Saturday, neither team ever had more than a one-goal lead until Greg Pateryn scored a third period insurance goal to put Michigan ahead 5-3 halfway through the final period.

The Wolverines final three goals resulted from some wacky bounces, prompting amusing quotes by both coaches after the game.

“We're not the offensive juggernaut we were onceand we've got to be a blue-collar lunch bucket hockey team,” said Michigan head coach Red Berenson. “We've got to kick 'em in, deflect 'em in, bounce 'em in, and we did.”

“They score three goals that must have bounced in off 15 things,” said Notre Dame head coach Jeff Jackson. “It was a weird night in that regard.”

The Wolverines remain at home this coming weekend, hosting Lake Superior State for two games.