Monday, September 25, 2006

Meet Husky Hysteria

Mitch's Misfits will be undergoing a name change starting in the 2006-2007 hockey season. In an attempt to make it easier for marketing, there will be one joint name for all student supporters of Tech Athletics. The name "Husky Hysteria" will grow to be even more recognizable around campus than "Mitch's Misfits" currently is. This move will allow the Michigan Tech Athletic Department and their marketing people to make shirts and other giveaway items for every sport, instead of individual giveaways for this sport, something else for that sport, etc. In the long run, this will save the athletic department money, as well as the Husky Hockey student section currently known as Mitch's Misfits, as they will no longer have to buy their own shirts.

Current president of Mitch's Misfits, Bethlyn McCallum says, "It's going to be difficult at first... especially knowing all the time, money, and work put into what is today known as 'Mitch's Misfits', but it the long run, it's definitely for the best. The athletic department footing the bill will make it much easier as well. This move has my full support."

Negotations have started, and have succeeded, to keep the Mitch's Misfits logo of the rabid husky as the Husky Hysteria logo.

This year will be the transitional year. This is a year in which the student section will be both Mitch's Misfits and Husky Hysteria, as "Mitch's Misfits" will be phased out completely by the start of offseason 2007.

If anyone has any questions on this name changed, they are encouraged to drop me an email or post a comment.

Saturday, September 23, 2006

Meet Your Freshmen Part III: Phil Axtell

Our next featured freshman is Phil Axtell, aka Someone You Do NOT Want to Mess With. He's a native of New Windsor, Maryland. Phil joins the Huskies after playing for the Cedar Rapids Roughriders (USHL). In the next four years at Tech, Phil will be be majoring in Construction Management, and kicking some serious &#$ on the ice.


THB: Why did you come to Michigan Tech?

Phil: I came to MTU because of the coaching staff and the environment. I love the winters up here and being in a small town. I lived in Marquette for 2 years and loved the small town environment. You get to know everyone personally and they know you just as well.

THB: What do you think of the skating treadmill?

Phil: I think the treadmill is also another reason I chose Tech. It is helping me with my stride and my conditioning. Kyle really pushes us to the max when on it.

THB: What road trip are you most looking forward to?

Phil: The road trip I most forward look to is the Alaska road trip. I was there once before for peewee nationals. It was beautiful, and I have a friend that I know that lives and plays up there.

THB: What team do you MOST want to beat this season?

Phil: I want to beat UMD the most this year. My former teammate (Al Stalcok) plays for them.

THB: What's your favorite website?

Phil: collegehumor.com

THB: What is your personal goal for this season?

Phil: My personal goal for this year is to better myself as a hockey player and to help MTU have a winning season.

THB: Are you a reader of the Tech Hockey Blog?

Phil: I didn't even know we had one until I got this email.

THB: If you were a hot dog, would you eat yourself?

Phil: I would. I'd slother myself in brown mustard and relish...I'd be delicious!

THB: Can you name the only student section in Division I Hockey with their own gong?

Phil: No. [For the record, if you asked him that today, he would be able to tell you.]

THB: How much does the noise level and enthusiasm of your fans effect your
game?

Phil: The noise level really gets me going especially when at home. To know you have the fans behind you... I think it gives us an edge, when we are on the road, it gives me a reason to shut them up.


The countdown until Michigan Tech's hockey season is less than two weeks now!

Tuesday, September 19, 2006

Meet Your Freshmen Part II: Ryan Bunger

Ryan Bunger comes to Michigan Tech after playing for the Bozeman Icedogs (NAHL) for three years. The 6'1", 185-pound wing hails from Sammamish, Washington. This year, he'll be wearing number 21 for the Huskies. This outdoorsman is majoring in Exercise Science here at Tech.

As with Eli, Ryan was kind enough to answer some questions posed to him by the Tech Hockey Blog Staff.


THB: Why did you decide to play for Michigan Tech?

Ryan: It's [in] the best college league (WCHA).

THB: What other schools, if any, did you consider going to?

Ryan: None.

THB: Are you a good dancer?

Ryan: Terrible.

THB: What is your personal goal for this season?

Ryan: Play hard and improve my game.

THB: What do you think of the skating treadmill?

Ryan: It will help improve skating huge.

THB: How much does the noise level and enthusiasm of your fans effect your game?

Ryan: I love it, really gets you going and into the game.

THB: What road trip are you most looking forward to this season?

Ryan: Every one.

THB: What team would you most like to beat this season?

Ryan: Every one. [That's the attitude we like, Ryan!]

THB: Name one reason why Michigan Tech is better than North Dakota.

Ryan: Because it is!!!!!! [You got that right!]

THB: What are your early impressions of Assistant Coach Chris Tok?

Ryan: Very nice guy.

Tuesday, September 12, 2006

Meet Your Freshmen Part I: Eli Vlaisavljevich

He's the opposing announcer's worst nightmare, and his name is Eli Vlaisavljevich. The 5'11" Shoreview, Minnesota native will be joining Tech's defense this year.

Being the unbiased writer I am, I would like to say that Eli is the most awesome guy ever, because it took him less than 24 hours to answer my questions and get back to me.


THB: Eli, first thing's first. Please give us a pronounciation guide for your last name.

Eli: Vli Sav La Vitch

THB: Why did you come to Michigan Tech?

Eli: [I] wanted to play hockey in the WCHA my whole life and loved the area up here on my visit. The academics also fit what I am looking to do for a career. [Eli is majoring in Biomedical Engineering.]

THB: What do you think of the skating treadmill?

Eli: I love the skating treadmill. I use it a lot back home working out at Acceleration Minnesota with Miles Van Tassel another former tech standout. He has done a lot for me with working out and training on the treadmill. I think it will continue to improve my game a lot in the future.

THB: If you were a hot dog, would you eat yourself?

Eli: Only if I had some Heinz to put on myself.

THB: What is your favorite thing about Houghton so far?

Eli: Getting to know new people.

THB: How much does the noise level and enthusiasm of your fans effect your game?

Eli: I never realized how much of a boost you get until playing last year down in Lincoln with absolutely crazy loud packed houses every night. It feels great to have support and I appreciate everyone that comes to watch the games that is what makes it so special.

THB: What is your personal goal for this season?

Eli: My goal is to make a positive contribution on a winning team. My goal is to be successful and consistent both personally and as a team.

THB: What road trip are you most looking forward to?

Eli: Denver because my cousin played there and I have a whole crew going to it. Also Minnesota because I grew up watching the Gophers. It is right by my house so everyone back home can come.

THB: What is your favorite NHL team?

Eli: Minnesota North Stars.

THB: What team do you MOST want to beat this season?

Eli: Minnesota, Wisconsin and Denver.


Hopefully in the near future, THB will feature Phil Axtell, Ryan Bunger, and Drew Dobson... If ever they check (and REPLY) to their email...

Wednesday, September 06, 2006

Skating Treadmill Q & A

People want to know more about the Skating Treadmill, so Tech Hockey Blog asked some questions of 3 Michigan Tech hockey players: sophomore Ryan Angelow, junior Jordan Foote and senior Tyler Skworchinski. They are able to give us an idea of the progress being made because of this new, fantastic addition to the Michigan Tech hockey program.


(1) How was your first experience on the treadmill? Was it easier/harder than you thought it would be?
Ryan Angelow (RA): I found the treadmill more difficult that expected. I have a terrible skating stride so I struggled the first time I hopped on. But by the end of the first session I felt like I was beginning to get the hang of it.

Jordan Foote (JF): My first time on the treadmill was when I was 12 years old in Edmonton, it didnt look to difficult, but when I got on I almost puked after my 4th or 5th skate.

Tyler Skworchinski (TS): The first time was very difficult. I didnt think it would be that much different from normal skating but was I wrong. I could barely stand up on it at first. I couldnt believe how hard it was the first time.

(2) How often do you use the treadmill during the offseason, and for how long?
RA: I couldn’t give you an exact time, but I pretty much went until my legs told me to get off.

JF: When I was in houghton I used it three times a week; when I am back home in Edmonton I was on twice a week.

TS: I was on it 3 times a week for the 7 weeks I was on it. Each session was about an hour, sometimes longer.

(3) How often will it be used during the onseason?
RA: I hope to use it as regularly as Kyle will allow. I know it will improve my skating stride, which is a point of emphasis for me.

JF: During the season I would like to get on it at least once a week, maybe on a Monday or Tuesday.

TS: I am not sure how often we will use it during the season. Probably less frequently as the season progresses. We will probably use it quite often during September.

(4) What is it like to be instructed under Strength and Conditioning Coach Kyle Bangen?
RA: You know that you’re going to be pushed to your limit when working with him.

JF: Banger is great, he knows how to push us till we feel like puking. He also has designed exercises that will improve our speed, endurance and quickness.

TS: It is very beneficial being instructed by Kyle. He knows the mechanics of the skating stride very well and he gives pointers for improvement. He also helps you achieve that next level.

(5) How much of a difference do you notice between your first session on the skating treadmill and now? Do you feel that your strength, speed and endurance have increased?
RA: I hope that I’m a little faster since starting, but for me it is too early to tell just yet.

JF: When you havent been on the treadmill for a few months you get fatigued very easily. After 3 weeks it feels like night and day from your first session.

TS: The difference between the first time and now is like night and day. It is amazing to notice the progress you make in such a short amount of time and you can definitely notice the improvement, You can feel your stride get stronger and more effecient and the speed and length of time you can go on the treadmill greatly increases.

(6) Do you think it will make a big difference in your game, and especially during the third period?
JF: I definitely notice a difference in my skating after being on it. It forces you to use a longer stride. As for being in better shape for the third period I do believe the treadmill will help. When you're on the treadmill it forces you to work hard, if you're having a day when you're tired and don't feel like going too hard, the treadmill is perfect because when you are on it and you have to go as fast as the treadmill or you will fall.

TS: I can already tell the difference when I am on the ice. There is no doubt in my mind it will help when it comes to actual games and the improved conditioning and skating effeciency will be very noticeable come the end of games.

(7) Have you noticed improvements with your teammates sine they've started on the skating treadmill?
RA: A lot of guys look really fast this year, so it looks like the treadmill has done the job to this point anyway.

JF: I haven't skated with anyone on the team since summer has started so I havent had the opportunity to see any of them improve.

TS: It is amazing watching the other guys improve on the treadmill. Each session you can notice the difference in their strides and the speed and strength improvements.

(8) How big of a recruiting tool do you think the treadmill will prove to be?
TS: I think it will be very beneficial. The treadmill is excellent for improving your skating and conditioning and I think recruits will be impressed with the effects they have and the idea of how much they can improve as a player.

JF: I think the treadmill will be a great recruiting tool. If a player sees that Tech spent all that money on a the machine, it shows that they are serious in improving their players.

RA: It should help recruiting by appealing to players who are serious about improving their skating and getting into better shape.

(9) Is there anything else you'd like to add about the treadmill?
RA: I think it was a smart purchase by the University and would like to thank everyone who made its acquisition possible. I also think that the fans will notice a difference in our skating this year because of it.

JF: I think we have covered everything. Thank you.

TS: Nope, you covered pretty much everything.

Thank you to Ryan, Jordan, and Tyler for answering the questions for the THB! Tech hockey fans hope to see the effects of the skating treadmill on the ice this season.

Sunday, September 03, 2006

Just So You Know That the THB Hasn't Been Abandoned...

Yes, we're still here... There just hasn't been much to write about in the offseason... Either that or a very lazy Tech Hockey Blog staff...

Michigan Tech got a new assistant coach, Chris Tok. Hopefully we'll have some questions and answers with him posted sometime soon...

The Skating Treadmill is still rocking the Tech fans' world. The room looks better right now than shown on the pictures. Etc.

Hockey offseason is reaching the home stretch. JUST ABOUT DONE! We've all made it this far; we can finish it off!