Saturday, December 29, 2007

Words Cannot Even Say...



It is difficult to really describe the feelings of a Tech fan after GLI on Friday. If I block out the first game, it was such a perfect night. It has been a LONG time (~7 years) since Michigan Tech has gotten to the championship game.

On a personal note, I would like to thank the Tech coaching staff and the players for making this game end with a desirable result. I really, REALLY needed this. Currently, I am the most grateful college hockey fan and still sitting on Cloud 9.

One wonders what was different about this night as opposed to Tech GLI games in the past. Well, for one, we were playing the defending national champions. Probably pretty much everyone expected us to lose. I have compiled a quick, short list of reasons of things that were...different... this time around; why my team may have won (FINALLY!) on a GLI game:
- Twitch Boy didn't show up (the team is 0-10 when he's there)
- I wore my new black jersey instead of my gold jersey, which hasn't seen a game won at GLI
- The Darkness SAID we would win
- I forgot my camera :(
- Mitch's Misfits VP Andrew Kolbus got his wisdom teeth out earlier that day but still showed up to GLI, not allowing a bloody mouth to stop him from going to hockey
- There was no Spartan Brass (THANK GOD)
- I forgot my gold shoes... left them in Houghton
- I didn't play much of the cymbals for Pep Band, which I normally do at GLI
- My former housemate Rob came to GLI... It was his first GLI ever
- Karma to the State fans that were being jackasses
- Mitch's Misfits VP Andrew wore his amazing new tie ... gold and black striped.. just awesome.
Or maybe... the Huskies just played a great game. Maybe Robby Nolan played like all Tech fans KNOW he can play. Maybe they just got the bounces for once. Maybe they earned this win.

HIGHLIGHTS

Shelast's first goal - AWESOME redirect from Kerr that went right between Lerg's lil' legs.

Jordan Baker's AMAZING hit on a State player. This guy got totally flipped upside down... his feet were up 6' in the air and his head was on the ice. It was like a somersault. This hit was of Mike Batovanja proportions.

Pete Rouleau's rocket shot... beautiful!

I finally got to meet one of my favorite USCHO posters, Providence fan Jon

Robby Nolan got his mojo back. What a GREAT game played by Robby! He kept this Tech in this game and made some really amazing saves. THAT is the Nolan I know.

The atmosphere was created by Michigan Tech fans! UM and MSU fans were fairly quiet during the games, except when their teams scored.

The celebration after Shelast's ENG... FANTASTIC!!

There will be no UM-MSU game this season. :)

WE WON!!!! :D

Win or lose tomorrow, I am quite pleased with a win against my most hated team. I am extremely happy that I FINALLY got to witness at GLI win. And with that said, GO GET 'EM, HUSKIES!

Tuesday, December 25, 2007

GLI Preview/Pre-tournament Whining 2007

Ok, so the guys couldn't get it done against NMU during my LAST year as a student there. Fine. We'll compromise.

Dear Michigan Tech Husky Hockey Team:

You mother****ers better win at LEAST one game at GLI this year otherwise I will SERIOUSLY flip my lid. I've given you all so much in the past 5 years (even though you weren't all around to know), and I have asked for so little. One win is all I need. Of course I would love more, but I'm not a greedy Tech fan. I just want my GLI-win cherry to be popped this year! The game against MSU is the best place to start. Please win at least one game for me this weekend.

Love,
MeanEgirl
Now, a quick overview of the teams/matchups... I'd put more effort into this, but I'm on dialup right now.

UM vs PC - UM's been playing pretty well this season it seems. Probably expect a win from them, but then again there is a reason these games are played. No one is giving PC the time of day, but don't be too shocked if they come out and make things interesting.

MTU vs MSU - Oh god, how I hate State so much. Sadly, they've been getting lucky a lot this year (similar to post-season last year). I would greatly appreciate it if Tech could finally start finding the back of the net with some QUALITY chances. Not only would it be great for me and my fellow Tech fans if we won, but it would shut up those idiot commentators on FSN-Detroit.

And as for day two: ANYTHING but a UM-MSU championship game PLEASE. I know the FSN-D people always get a hard-on when it happens year after year. No more this year, please.

And to Michigan Tech parents and alumni: Be sure to bring your wallet to GLI. We will be selling raffle tickets for Robby and Michael-Lee's goalie masks from last season, along with 48 other great prizes. Again, this raffle is being put on by the Michigan Tech Blueline Club and all money earned will go directly to Mitch's Misfits and the Huskies Pep Band so that they may both continue their support of our Hockey Huskies!

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Pathetically Adorable(or not particularly bad)

IMG_0834.JPG

For anybody wondering the straights of Houghton or Marquette this weekend who happened to stumble upon a group of loud fans in Minnesota and North Dakota, I would like to apologize because you have in fact experienced THE INVASION.

And now I must pose a question to you. Listen closely because there may be a pop quiz on this later. So you're in a bar talking to a girl (or guy, whatever floats your boat) who you are interested in. This girl already has enough drinks in her that she probably won't be making the best decision in the world, but not enough that's she's noticeably incoherent. She says. "you're kind of cute." How do you respond? Think quickly; you only have precious seconds before she realizes you have never been hit on before and decides to look for somebody else.

So what do you say? "You're pretty cute yourself," "you're not exactly an ugly duckling yourself," "I would tell you how beautiful you were, but I'm afraid that even if I compared you to the Mona Lisa or a sunset or any of the most beautiful sights to ever grace this plane of existence, I would still fail by leaps and bounds to adequate grasp the depth of your beauty," or how about "you are so beautiful I would skip the third period of a game tied at 7 a piece just if it meant that I would have the opportunity to look into your eyes," or even "girl you so fine even if you went to Northern I would still take a run at that."

If you gave any of the above answers, good, you're not completely hopeless. In fact a vast majority of the answers you give in this situation are going to be okay. In fact I use to believe there really no way you could blow this opportunity short of comparing a girl to your mother or an ex-girlfriend, and in some occasion even one of these might work. With all that said I finally have found one of the absolute worse things a man could say, are ready, are you sure cause here it comes "you're not particularly bad."

Yes you read that right "you're not particularly bad". Really you're better off saying "you're the prettiest girl I can get to talk to me in here" or "I'm desperate and you will do." Not saying that anybody I know has said anything like this, just giving a word of advice to all those around to never do that again.

And with that I segment into the hockey part which will in short be a summary of the hockey that I viewed this weekend as the Huskies took on the Wildcats of Northern Michigan, breaking down my time into several key categories and doing an in depth analysis.

1)Goaltending: Pretty Good
Teslak gave up one goal in sixty-five minutes of play with the one goal coming off of a bad rebound after the puck bounced off of one hid defender skates really giving him no chance to do anything. Nolan turned in a solid performance Saturday making a lot of quality saves that a lesser goalie would of let in for sure, I once again feel more then confident have No Goalin Nolan in net.

2)Defense: Not Particularly Bad
The Huskies played strong defense all weekend, they stopped alot of shots before they reached the Teslak on Friday and a lot more Saturday night playing in front of Nolan, however I believe that all of Northern goals this weekend came off of turnovers, or poorly played pucks in our own defensive zone.

3)Intensity: Not Particularly Good
Friday night I felt it, they wanted to play hard, they wanted to hit people, they wanted to score, they wanted that game and I could feel it. Saturday not so much, if you can't fired up to play your in state rivals a game after your entire fan based followed you to another arena and took the place over only to watch your starting goalie taken out of the game and a game that clearly dominated from whistle to whistle end in a brawl and and a tie game, there's a problem.

4)offense: Particularly Bad
65 shots on goal, 1 goal. What more do I have to say this team can't score against Northern, maybe it's because they're so use to scoring with Northern girls that scoring on their guys just feel weird, or maybe it's the complete and total opposite, maybe they've heard so many times the pitfalls of scoring in Northern that didn't want to put the puck in the net without proper protection.

That's my recap, I don't think it was particularly bad, and hopefully the rest of the college hockey season will bring more moments that are not particularly bad or better yet pretty good.

Monday, December 17, 2007

Hang On....

Due to stupid finals week... I'll recap the game on Wednesday... after I'm done with all my finals and junk I have to do. Hang in there!

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

The Greatest Story Ever Told (okay maybe second best)

October 13, 2006 | MTU-1 NMU-1 | :03 remaining
300367535_c14eabd5ea_b

The End.

*Special thanks to Reynolds for this excellent picture, hopefully this weekend we will be able to get a couple more just like it.

Sunday, December 09, 2007

The Commandments of Mitch's Misfits

As an experienced road tripper, I have witnessed and been through some things on the road at various hockey arenas. I've seen excellent displays of class by opposing fans and I've seen and experienced first hand quite the opposite. Also, being a hockey fan, I have heard many stories of classless acts done by various fan bases; things involving words that shouldn't be yelled out in a hockey arena, batteries, a cheerleader named Molly, inappropriate treatment of mascots, and angry fans throwing things at their own team.

As the president of Mitch's Misfits, Michigan Tech hockey's relatively new student section, I hope that visiting fans have only positive things to say about us upon departure of Houghton. I like to instill class, sportsmanship, and respect in Michigan Tech hockey fans. So here for you now, I'd like to present an idea that I thought of about two years ago and something that I would like implement this season. Ladies and gentleman, I give you the Commandments of the Misfits:

I. Thou shalt always stand, remove thy cap, and be RESPECTFUL during the Star Spangled Banner.
II. Thou shalt ALWAYS stand upon hearing the Michigan Tech Fight Song and clap along proudly.
III. Thou shalt always treat opposing fans with respect.
IV. Thou shalt not yell out obscenities.
V. Thou shalt never throw anything onto the ice, with exceptions of hats, and ONLY hats, for Husky hat tricks.
VI. Thou shalt arrive ON TIME to the game and never leave early, regardless of the score.
VII. Thou shalt continue to support the Huskies all season long, regardless of their record.
VIII. Thou shalt despise the Northern Michigan Wildcats with all one has and bask in every victory against them.
IX. Thou shalt always represent Mitch's Misfits, Huskies Hockey, and Michigan Tech with dignity, pride, and class.
X. Thou shalt be loud and supportive of the Michigan Tech Huskies at every game.

If every Misfit can put forth an effort to follow and live by these commandments at our own arena and all others, there is no doubt in my mind that it will make us the best that college hockey has to offer. I would also encourage all other hockey fans to strive to improve their sportsmanship as well. As always, the THB staff welcomes your comments and thoughts.

Sunday, December 02, 2007

Curses!

Okay, so evidently, whenever a fan from another team goes to a Tech game and cheers for Tech, they lose. So, sorry guys, it's my fault. I take full responsibility.

MEg asked me, "Why do other fans always want to be Tech fans?" Well, that's not a direct quote, but I've been up since like 6:30, so forgive me for not recalling it exactly.

I think, historically, the answer isn't exactly complimentary. I think people cheered for Tech because they figured they were pretty harmless, or even because they felt bad for them. I also think people have cheered for Tech because they want to hook up with MEg. I also know I will be killed for writing that, but I've lived a good life. Tonight, I cheered for Tech because 1. I was sitting with Tech fans 2. MEg forced me to cheer for Tech 3. Tech is very similar to TDogs and 4. They were playing TStinkin' Gophers!

I'd like to apologize to Tech fans for the crappy conditions of the roads. I mean, there wasn't THAT much snow, and it's not like we live in freaking HAWAII or something. We SHOULD know how to clear our MAJOR HIGHWAYS. And the city streets were disastrous: I almost got stuck about 50 million times, probably because I drive a Saturn and not, oh, a Patton Tank.

It took me quite awhile to get to the arena, which majorly sucked, and my "date" for the evening had ditched me to go save lives or fight fires or something. Oh well, his loss, as Gopher wins seem to be hard to come by. There were plenty of other ticketholders missing, and our entire group (approx. 10 people) managed to sit behind the Tech bench (key for viewing my favorite Huskies, RN and JR!) for the whole game. Those ticketholders? Literally fair-weather fans.

MEg is a very popular person. I don't like this, as I love attention and she was TOTALLY ignoring me for people like Melmac, Flagguy, Flagguy's tall friend, her "boyfriend" from last year's Old Chicago Schmooze 'n' Booze, BPH, Shirtless Guy, etc. NOT COOL. Also, I really wish she had given me a Cliff's Notes on Misfits cheers, as there were very few I could participate in, since there were so many words. I just clapped along in my ill-fitting Huskies windbreakers and Mardi Gras beads, and waved and blew kisses to the Gopher student section when they chanted "Husky Women." I pointed out that MEg, the three girls behind us, and I equalled probably one St. Cloud fan. And that's being polite to St. Cloud!

(I should point out that MEg is a slave driver when it comes to posting. I VOLUNTEERED to write this article and she is breathing down my neck pestering me to finish it. Therefore, if you think it sucks, just remember it was written under duress. And if I get crap grades in Accounting, it will be because she is making me do this article RIGHT NOW instead of studying.)

So, the game was rather disappointing. It looked good, as the Huskies put the puck in the net first, but it was overruled by Goon's BFF Don Adam. Kinrade (the goal scorer, and also a Hottie) was the only player (other than MLT and LIF) on the ice at the time, and when it was waved off, I could swear there was a tear in his eye. The Gophers scored soon after, but the Huskies came back to tie it on a goal from Seth Green. Oops, I mean Peter Rouleau. SHAVE YOUR BEARD, DUDE. Then the powers-that-be started hyperventilating at the though of the Mighty Mighty Gophers getting swept by the lowly Huskies, so Mr. Belding got on the phone to Mikey, and then Malcolm Gwilliam was called for a CFB 5/10. The Huskies killed off the entire penalty, which was totally sweet, but then things just kind of... sucked. There were some not-so-fantastic defensive breakdowns that led to a few breakaways by random Gopher players, but MLT is a genius (no, he doesn't "stand on his head" to make those amazing saves... he just makes them because he is THAT GOOD you idiots!) and kept the game within reach. Sadly, the Huskies were never able to get much going offensively, and in the 3rd period only had 2 SOG, which is quite a depressing number. I was surprised that JR didn't pull MLT, since he pulled him against TUMD and then left the net empty after the first ENG, but you never know what's going on inside that handsome head of his.

Watching this game was especially frustrating because I was getting text messages of TUMD game, and they were losing as well. The sad thing was, I was pretty sure that, by watching how Tech played, I was watching how T'Dogs played, except we got a SHG. However, I can also guarantee you that the Mavs looked NOTHING like the Gophers, but that's self-evident.

I guess this is my way of making up for missing TInvasion, which sounds like SO MUCH FUN, and we all know I am the Anti-Fun. I'll now return you to your regularly scheduled blogging.

Was It Worth It?

The picture to your left is of two guys named John Flansburg and John Linnell, the geniuses behind the awesome band known as They Might Be Giants. I have been a fan of TMBG since 1999, when my then boyfriend introduced their greatness to me.

Well, these guys came to Michigan Tech on the night of Saturday 1 December 2007... the same night that Michigan Tech played their second game of the series against Minnesota in Minneapolis.

When I found out that TMBG was coming to Tech, my first reaction was "they're still together?!" Next, I saw that it their show date fell on one of my favorite road trips - UMN. I decided that, although a tough call, I'm skipping the UMN trip and going to see this classic band. The day that TMBG tickets went on sale, I was the first one in line and got tickets for the center in the front row.

Well, we all know by now that... I didn't exactly go to the TMBG concert as planned. Once hockey season got here, I got back into hockey mode. Three days before the series began, I caved and of course decided to go to Minnesota, even though I knew I should not have.

The question remains... was it worth it?

Friday's game started out very frustratingly for the Tech faithful. Going down 2-o to the Gophers was rough... but with goals from John Schwarz, Deron Cousens (FINALLY! and with less than 5 minutes left in regulation to tie the game) and an overtime tally from Gagne ... It was definitely a turn around that night. Each of those three Huskies scored their first goals of the season. The feeling of coming back from being down two goals to come back and win during OT is pretty indescribable... especially for a Tech fan... especially on the road... and especially against Minnesota, no matter how much poorer their team may be this season. That win made us 4-1 in our last five games in the Mariucci against the Gophers. Not too bad, eh?

So with the feelings felt on Friday, it seemed to already be worth missing the concert. I would've been willing to bet that Tech would take at least one game. Many of you may have seen me talking about my hockey dreams lately. So far my hockey dreams for this season were 100% correct. During the offseason, I also had a dream that we split with Minnesota on the road. I was ready to bank on that one.

And as I dreamed, a split it was. I wasn't too upset after the loss. I was fully prepared for it.

So far, the trip has been worth it... but the suffering and paying of this trip will continue until at least Thursday of next week, so my mind could ( and probably will) change at anytime M-W of this weekend.

By the way, I heard that the TMBG concert was amazing... But of course it would be.

Expect THB's favorite guest writer to write up an entry on her experience at the Saturday MTU @ UMN game. Should be a good one.

------------------

Now I'm going to start a new part of the THB that I should do after each game/series. This is called "Why We Won/Lost" ... a special segment where I will make up an excuse as to why we didn't get the W or what it was that enabled us to win.

We'll start out with the Friday night game vs Minnesota. Why we won: Michael-Lee Teslak made some key saves for us throughout the game. Also, although he had been playing strong all game long, UMN's goaltender, Kangas, completely missed a save that he should've easily had, costing the Gophers the game in overtime. Wasn't the prettiest goal, but Tech doesn't get many of those, so WE'LL TAKE IT!

Saturday 1 December 2007: Why we lost - getting our early goal taken back by minimal goaltender interference kind of knocked the wind out of my team. Combine that with how UMN scored soon after that to take first official blood and a poorly called "checking from behind" penalty called on Malcolm Gwilliam after he hit some guy in the side. Even though Tech was able to kill all five minutes of the penalty, it was quite an exhausting task, plus we were down a man. And lastly.... why we lost: the Gophers wanted the two points more than anything and they were fully ready to earn them.. and that they did.



Monday, November 26, 2007

HELP Mitch's Misfits and the Huskies Pep Band!

Calling all alumni! ...As well as other people interested in helping out Mitch's Misfits and the Huskies Pep Band or people interested in really cool prizes...

Michigan Tech's Blueline Club is hosting a raffle in which proceeds will benefit the Misfits and the Pep Band. This isn't just any raffle, however. There are FIFTY prizes available! Let's take a look at some of the cool stuff you can win:

* Goalie Mask (Teslak's or Nolan's from last season - your choice)
* Goalie Mask

* One Night Stay -
Country Inn & Suites
* (13) Autographed Goal-Scored Puck from last season

* Oil Change Keweenaw Automotive
* Bike or Ski Tune Up -
Down Wind Sports
* (3) $25 Gift Certificate and Mug
- Harbor Haus
* (5) Pep Band CD

* (2) Pep Band Vinyl

* (10) Pep Band DVD of Bash at the Big House
* Pair of "Retired" Pep Band Stripes

* Sweatshirt
- School of Business
* (3) $10 Gift Certificate
- Eagle Harbor Inn
* (3) Sunset Cruise - Isle Royale Queen
* (3) $25 Gift Certificate
- Ragamuffins
* Hat & T-Shirt
- Center Ice and Sport

Now, go back up and take a look at prizes one and two again. You can win Teslak's or Nolan's goalie mask from last season!! How cool is that?!

If you're interested in trying to win any of the above prizes... or interested in helping out Mitch's Misfits and the Huskies Pep Band, you're welcome to purchase raffle tickets.

In order to do this, send a check made payable to "MTU Blueline Club" for as many tickets as you want to buy (each ticket is $1). Include with your check a separate piece of paper with the following information:

Name
Address
City, State, Zip
Phone
Email

Please write LEGIBLY! I will fill out each and every raffle ticket you purchase. Send your information and your checks to:

Mitch's Misfits
160 Memorial Union Building

1400 Townsend Dr.

Houghton, MI 49931

The drawing will occur on Saturday 26 January 2008 in the MacInnes at 8:00 PM. NO, you do not need to be present to win.

As previously mentioned, all proceeds will go to Mitch's Misfits and the Husky Pep Band, in order to help both of those organizations better support our Michigan Tech Hockey Huskies. We thank you so much for your generosity!

NOTE: The above photo is NOT one of the goalie masks up for grabs. It's just the only picture that I happen to have. It's Teslak's mask for the 07-08 season.

Special Deal for Tech Fans - GLI Lodging

Attention Michigan Tech fans and GLI goers: The Doubletree Hotel Dearborn is offering a great deal for fans needing a place to stay for GLI. This is a new Doubletree Hotel and from what I hear, it's very nice!

CLICK HERE

to see the details and book your room today! This deal is available until December 24th or whenever rooms run out.

Friday, November 23, 2007

Finally - A Break!

Yes, Tech fans. Finally our team will get a weekend off. This could not have come a better time, as there are a lot of injuries to nurse. There will be no losses this weekend, nor ties for the Huskies. Sadly, no wins either. I definitely need this break... I think we all do.

Guys, I hope you're preparing for a fun weekend in Minneapolis against the Gophers. I dreamed of a split for this series during the offseason, so I expect to get at least that.

Thursday, November 22, 2007

My Thanksgiving Post

So I haven't been around for a while. It's not because of any particular reasons, there is no bad blood between me and anybody and I'm not rebelling or feeling bitter. Life has just been hectic and I haven't had time to rather sit down and gather my thoughts. Luckily I actually got Thanksgiving off and surprisingly I get another day off tomorrow, so I decided now would be as good of a time as any to reflect on things.

So as the fleeting moments of the day slip through the cracks of time I have decided to take a second and really examine the things in my life that aren't driving me crazy. As of today Thanksgiving day, whatever the date may be I'm not all that sure right now, these are the things in my life that I can truly say over the last year I've been thankful for.

1. New faces and old friends
Over the last year I have met so many people, quite a few through hockey, and they have proven themselves to be a bright spot every time I'm dealing to well. I've also had the opportunity to get to know a lot of individuals who I already knew even better. They have been better to me than I ever could have possibly imagined, and I await the day when I'm able to repay the kindness they have shown me in a way that truly shows how much of an impact they have had on me. Among these individuals who have, I'm glad I got to spend some time. I can think of a certain short girl who I took more then my fair amount of road trips with last year who is going to be pretty high on my payback list when I make it big. I can also think of another girl I met this year who I still want to get to know a lot better (yeah I'm an idiot), but that's a totally different story and has little to nothing to do with hockey at all.

2. A Hockey team that actual plays hard (sometimes)
I haven't been watching hockey for a really long time, but I've been watching Tech hockey long enough to know the difference between a struggling hockey team that has a chance to win every game, and an under performing team that steps on the ice with no chance of winning. Watching a struggling team is more stressful, but it just feels good to expect to win and actually believe you can. This time last year, sure I was going around saying that I expected to win every game but I was at best skeptical about it, now I expect to win and I can't wait to this team starts living up not only to my expectation but also to theirs. Finally I have something to keep me sane as the Michigan Wolverines Football program lets me down.

3. A new coach in Ann Arbor
I am probably one of the biggest Michigan Football fans you have ever come across, when I say we, that's what it feels like. I identify with that team, my emotions are greatly impacted by that team, and when I get to the point where I expect to lose it likes me expecting myself to lose. That is way I thank God that come next fall there will be a new coach on the side lines besides Lloyd Carr. Don't get me wrong Carr is a good man and a decent coach but sometimes it time to move on. Lloyd Carr's time was about three years ago. But now there's hope again in Ann Arbor which that I can have hope again (maybe I'm not as much of a loser as I thought).

And those three reasons are why when I wake up tomorrow I can look forward to another. And to all those that made this year one of the best of my life I will just like to say thank you. Finally to my beloved Huskies, now is the time to get off your behinds, score some goals and win some games, and we can all be thankful together in Denver in April.

Sunday, November 18, 2007

One Point from the Bulldogs

I think allowing RWD to do a special guest entry for the THB gave us bad luck. Or... maybe it as the terribly zambonied ice that only the Bulldogs were used to playing on. Maybe we just didn't get the bounces. Friday's effort was alright, started out slow as most of our games do (including Saturday night), but it picked up. On Saturday night, despite our team's best efforts (which wasn't too bad with 40 SOG for the night), UMD goaltender Alex Stalock had no interest in even giving us a shot. When Stalock decided not to suck is beyond me, but he is definitely what earned the Bulldogs a win this weekend. He made some absolutely stellar saves. There's really not much left to to say on the games. Congrats to the Bulldogs who took 3 points this weekend.

On another note, I will say the Penalty Box made a great showing this weekend. I was quite impressed with their noise, enthusiasm, and energy this weekend. Not to mention the band... They were fantastic and have a great selection of music... including JOURNEY and REEL BIG FISH!

Anyway, the Huskies are OFF this weekend before traveling to Minneapolis to take on the Gophers. Points that weekend are CRUCIAL. The Huskies have a lot of work to do.

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

An Ode To Jamie Russell

Hello, I'm RunninwiThThedogs. You may remember me from such blogs as, The one you'd beTTer already be reading, biTch!

GreaT, I goT The blog pimp ouT of The way immediaTely. LeT's geT This show on The road. This is a very exciTing Time in my young life. As you may already be aware, I am SMITTEN wiTh MTU Head Coach Jamie Russell (unless he is sporTing ThaT misguided Beard of NasTiness). And THIS WEEKEND, I am going To MEET HIM. I Think. If I can geT up The courage.

I mean, hello. Rrrar.

















Aside from The issue ThaT he has The Thousand-yard sTare of a major sToner (and who am I To judge?) he is a Major HoTTie. AcTually, he is a Five-STar General HoTTie, and Five-STar Generals are hard To come by.

I hope you didn'T come To This siTe looking for acTual hockey conTenT, because you're going To be sad. And Then you'll cry like a NorTh DakoTa fan afTer a loss To Michigan Tech.

Okay, okay, dry your Tears. I'll Talk abouT JR's mad recruiTing skillz.
I mean, look aT some of The people he's recruiTed:
















Seriously. Michigan Tech has a long TradiTion of recruiTing ToTally HoT HoTTies. And I am definiTely in favor of This pracTice. And I have definiTely undermined any credibiliTy I may have once had (alThough I'm jusT deluding myself To Think ThaT I ever had any!) by wriTing This jersey-chasing (well, suiT-chasing, as JR doesn'T wear a jersey) arTicle. AND JR is probably Taking ouT a resTraining order on me as we speak, but ThaT's cool. All I wanT is Two BULLDOG WINS, and Then I'll be around To console any Techies ThaT may need me. HEAR THAT! I'LL BE IN DULUTH! GLORY, GLORY HALLELUJAH! LET'S GO BULLDOGS!

*note* There are no small Ts in This arTicle aT all!

Support Husky Strength

The Blueline Club is working on a great fundraiser for the hockey team. The team is need of more weights in their weight room. If you'd like to donate to this great cause, simply

CLICK HERE

and print out this form. Each dollar donated goes to getting our guys more free weights. Make your checks/money orders payable to MTU Blueline Club. The address is included right on the form. Your cutout will be displayed in the Blueline Club's Husky Skybox.

The Michigan Tech Hockey program, the Blueline Club, and myself personally thank you for your generosity. Thank you for being a part of the resurgent Michigan Tech Hockey program!

Monday, November 12, 2007

Gotta Play Catch Up

Alright so, I need to go over the last two weekends quick in a nutshell, since I have been so busy lately (and still am ... and I should definitely not be doing this right now). So... Wisconsin. What a terrible state. Nothing disturbs me quite as much as how Madison does not sell certain liquids after only 9:00 PM! But alas, this should probably be about hockey here.

The Friday night game at Wisconsin, the Huskies started out just as flat as could be. Wisconsin absolutely dominated the play. That was disappointing, but yet another disappointing note - the Crease Creatures were pathetic that day. The section was nearly empty, and I was late into the arena, as I had to wait for my ticket to arrive. It was definitely not starting out to be the UW experience I was hoping for. Michigan Tech was getting outshot by 11 shots to only 1 or 2. And with play like that, of course Wisconsin took first blood. It was definitely time to bring out my "WIN IT FOR BEN" sign. Maybe it was a coincidence that I started holding up that sign and they then played noticeably better, I don't know. Captain Kerr lit 'em up twice, once on as a PPG and one goal being an EAG, as we were heading to the power play. That's more like it.

During the second period on Friday, the only Husky goal was yet another PPG, this time from Geoff Kinrade, with offensive threat Michael-Lee Teslak getting an assist. Going into the third, it was MTU 3, UW2. With about 14 seconds left in the game, Tyler Shelast put the nail in the coffin with an ENG.

The last thing that some of the Badgers fans had to see on their way out was the all too familiar view of this guy:
It's not something that I personally enjoy, but when it happens, you know something else good happened. :)

The Saturday night game wasn't as good. I think we still played well... we just didn't get the results.

One of the highlights of the night was definitely the Crease Creatures' clearly heard chant "GASTRIC BYPASS!" for the guy in the picture above. The Crease Creatures who, by the way, made a much better showing on Saturday night.

I'm not unhappy with a split at #10 Wisconsin. It was my first time I was able to witness a Husky win there. Two out of the three previous visits, I witnessed my team getting shut out.

And now onto this past weekend at home vs. St. Cloud State...

Friday... What the hell happened there? That had to have been the worst hockey I've seen from this team all season long. I don't have much else to say on that. We played very poorly and St. Cloud was definitely on their game.

Saturday night, although the score was even worse than the night before, I wasn't too upset. The Huskies (MTU, that is) played a LOT better. They had the chances, but just couldn't finish. Hopefully this will be a bit of a wakeup call. This team is now 5-5 overall and 4-4 WCHA. It's really gone downhill since the early part of the season.

This weekend we're headed to Duluth, whose Bulldogs just got swept last weekend in their own building as well. I'm confident this weekend will be a great showing by BOTH teams, who are desperate to get back into the swing of things. If Michigan Tech really wants those WCHA points that are up for grabs this weekend, they are going to need to step up their play.

...Oh geez, since it's UMD weekend, that reminds me... UMD bloggerRWD may be doing some guest writing for the THB later this week... More to come on that.

Friday, November 09, 2007

Great Article from St. Cloud Times

Link:

http://www.sctimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071109/SPORTS/111090031/1002


SCSU hockey: Russell feels relief at the rink
By Kevin Allenspach kallenspach@stcloudtimes.com

Published: November 09. 2007 12:30AM

Jamie Russell feels on top of the world these days.

His team is in first place in the WCHA, ranked No. 13 nationally and has taken some strong early strides toward restoring a proud tradition at Michigan Tech.

And that all pales in comparison to simply having his 9-year-old son home from a Milwaukee hospital, where he recently went from having flu-like symptoms to battling a bacterial infection that attacked his kidneys and threatened his life.

But on Tuesday, 14 days after he was air-lifted out of Houghton, Ben Russell made the six-hour ride home with his parents. They navigated a snowstorm, including 40 mile-per-hour winds, but arrived safely shortly after midnight.

So, for the first time since his team opened the WCHA season, Russell will truly be able to focus on hockey tonight when his Huskies take on the 17th-ranked St. Cloud State Huskies at MacInnes Student Ice Arena.

“From a personal standpoint, it’s been tough,” said Russell, who has three boys under the age of 10 with his wife, Linda. “My family means the world to me and I spent a lot of time going back and forth to Milwaukee. Our team showed great leadership while I was gone. I really had no other choice. When something like this happens, you have to sort of drop everything.”

His assistants, Pat Mikesch and Chris Tok — each of whom have young children — took over.

“We went from a Monday when Jamie said Ben wasn’t feeling well to a Tuesday when he got called out from practice at 4 o’clock to learn he’s got to get on a jet to go someplace where they can treat his son better,” said Mikesch, who has two sons and a daughter. “My oldest boy is about the same age as Ben, so the past two weeks have been very emotional, to say the least.”

Mikesch and Tok, in daily phone contact with Russell, ran practice every day leading up to a home series against North Dakota and again last week before a road trip to Wisconsin.

“Everything becomes simple,” Mikesch said. “You just get out there and do what you’ve got to do so you can get off the ice and move on. The guys wanted to play for Ben and I think it’s great that they didn’t let that desire cause them to lose their composure.”

The players are used to seeing Ben Russell and all of the coaches’ kids around the dressing room, and they usually skate with their dads following practice on Thursdays when they’re home. It’s a tradition Russell started when he became head coach five years ago.

“Coach got back just before our first game against North Dakota and we knew how hard it was for him,” senior forward Tyler Shelast said. “He wrote us a message on our board that gave us a lot of incentive.”

Russell, who arrived about the time the team was on the ice for warm-ups, was too choked up for a speech. Instead, he let his players read the following: “I thought I knew what tough was. This past week, my 9-year-old son introduced me to a whole new world of toughness and courage. I really want to win tonight for Ben.”

Like something out of Hollywood, and as Ben Russell listened to the radio broadcast from his hospital room, Michigan Tech went out and knocked off the No. 1-ranked team in the country, 3-1. The Sioux stomped MTU 6-0 the next night, but by then victory and defeat had taken on new meaning.

“We gave Ben the game puck from that win against North Dakota,” said Shelast, who scored a goal and assisted on another last Friday as Michigan Tech beat the Badgers as part of a split. “It’s great to hear he’s doing better and it’s going to be good to see him around here again.”

While the outpouring from the community, locally and throughout college hockey, has been amazing, Jamie Russell said his son still has a long way to go in his recovery.

Fortunately, Linda Russell is a registered nurse. This week, Ben is receiving antibiotics intravenously every six hours and blood thinner medication every 12. He’ll take treatment in some form for six months, meaning he won’t be able to play hockey this season.

“I think that’s what’s been hardest on him,” Jamie Russell said. “But I’ve promised he can come on some road trips later in the season, so hopefully that will make up for it a little.”

Huskies notebook

» SCSU coach Bob Motzko said he would decide late Thursday or before the game today whether to dress Chris Anderson or Brett Barta on defense. He also was unsure of the exact make-up of his fourth line, which included Marty Mjelleli and Ryan Peckskamp in alternate games last weekend.

» Michigan Tech was 10th in the WCHA in overall scoring offense (2.25 goals per game) and power play (9.3 percent) last season. Through eight games this year, MTU is averaging three goals a game and is third on the power play at 20.4 percent.

» The series matches the teams with the two lowest penalty-minute averages in the WCHA. SCSU averages 10.2 minutes per game. MTU averages 14.0.

» Andrew Gordon, who scored the overtime winner for SCSU the last time the teams met on Dec. 2, 2006, was sent from Hershey of the AHL to South Carolina of the ECHL this week. Bobby Goepfert, who earned that victory last season also is soon expected to begin his pro career in the ECHL.

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THB staff is thrilled to hear that Ben is home and doing better. We knew he could do it. :) Continue getting well, Ben!

Monday, November 05, 2007

Busy!

Alright, so I went to UW this past weekend. I probably have lots of stories to share and opinions to put out there on the Huskies' performance, but now is not the time. This is probably the busiest week of my college career thus far. Hopefully I can touch on this past weekend soon... But right now, I'm entirely too busy. So if you haven't heard, we split.

More to come later... maybe...

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Great Story on Inside College Hockey

I may not be the biggest fan of Inside College Hockey, but I'll be damned if this story didn't bring tears to my eyes. I don't think it matters if you're a Michigan Tech fan, college hockey fan, or just a human being. This is an amazing story. Jess Myers did a great job on it.

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From http://www.insidecollegehockey.com/7Archives/News/0708/russell_0607.htm:


October 30, 2007
Father First, Coach Second
With a young son ailing in Milwaukee hospital, Michigan Tech's Russell juggles family, hockey.

By Jess Myers

In a world in which a Disney-fied sports movie hits the multi-plex seemingly every week, we’ve all seen tales of family anguish, coaching genius, and stirring inspiration “based on a true story.” But every so often, an actual true story comes along that lacks the soundtrack and the popcorn, yet provides a narrative more inspiring than anything a screenwriter could dream up.

Monday, Michigan Tech coach Jamie Russell sent out an e-mail detailing the trials of his past 10 days, an ordeal previously known by only a select few close to the Huskies hockey program. The previous week had started like any other hectic in-season stretch for the coach, with the nation’s top-ranked team, North Dakota, set to visit Houghton over the coming weekend. That routine was shattered on Tuesday of last week, however, when the oldest of Russell’s three sons developed an illness and got progressively worse.

Ben Russell, 9, quickly went from being hospitalized in Houghton with a relatively routine viral infection to being flown to a Milwaukee hospital with a life-threatening bacterial infection that was attacking his kidneys. Jamie immediately left the team in the hands of assistants, Pat Mikesch, Chris Tok, and Randy McKay, and went to Milwaukee with wife, Linda, to be with their boy.

Ben’s condition had stabilized enough by last Friday that Russell was able to return to Houghton in time for the Huskies’ game with the top-ranked Sioux. But upon arriving in the locker room, Russell found that the emotions of the week made it nearly impossible to talk. When the team returned to the room after pregame warm-ups, they found their coach had left this message on the chalkboard:

I thought I knew what tough was. This past week, my nine-year-old introduced me to a whole new world of toughness and courage. I REALLY want to win tonight for Ben, who is going to try his best to listen to the game.

Aware of what was happening with Ben in a hospital 300 miles away, the message hit the players hard and let them know a special effort would be required on the ice.

“There was a feeling that ran through the room that we had to find a way to win that game not just for us or for the two points, but for coach and his family,” said goaltender Michael-Lee Teslak. “He’s a pretty intense guy, so when we saw tears in his eyes, there was a really intense feeling in the room that we had to put coach on our back.”

Russell asked his team to deliver 50 hits in the game, and 20 in the first period. In their 3-1 upset of the Sioux, the Huskies recorded 51 hits for the game, 25 of them in the first period.

“I’ve never heard our rink as loud as it was that night,” said Teslak, who had 26 saves in the win.

After it was over, as Huskies captain Jimmy Kerr handed his coach the game puck, to be delivered to Ben’s room in that Milwaukee hospital. Russell was again rendered speechless, able only to say, “Thank you,” before emotions got the best of him. Assistant coaches addressed the media after the game that night as Russell succumbed to the combination of intense emotion and his inability to sleep or eat much for several days.

Later that night, Jamie called Ben and told him of the gift that was on its way to Milwaukee. According to Russell, the puck brought the first smile that they’d seen in several days to Ben’s face.

“It was pretty emotional for everyone,” said Russell Tuesday. “Ben’s been having blood drawn every four hours and he’s in considerable pain, but that moment when he got the game puck produced the biggest smile we’ve seen in a long time.”

Last weekend ended with the Huskies leading the WCHA, and Ben still hospitalized, fighting to get better with his father back at his side in Milwaukee. While a handful of specialists attended to Ben, Jamie planned to join the team in Madison for this weekend’s series with Wisconsin, if not sooner.

His doctors have said that Ben will be on blood-thinning medication for at least six months, which means no hockey for him this winter. According to Jamie, that was the toughest disappointment his son has had to deal with since the illness set in. On the flip side of the tough times has been the outpouring of support the Russell family has received from friends in Houghton-Hancock and throughout the college hockey world.

“The notes and cards and flowers we’ve gotten from folks at the school and the pep band and Mitch’s Misfits (the Tech student section) have really meant a great deal to our family,” Jamie said. “The number of cards and e-mails and calls have really been overwhelming.”

Jess Myers can be reached at jess@insidecollegehockey.com.

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The Tech Hockey Blog wishes all of the best to young Ben Russell and all of the Russell family. And to the Michigan Tech Husky Hockey team:

WIN IT FOR BEN.

Sunday, October 28, 2007

Our excuse and lessons learned

Well I'm sure by now you know the final score, 6-0, it wasn't even close. The Sioux came out early capitalizing on a 5 on 3 powerplay in the first half of the first period and never looked back. I know I hate when fans make excuses for their teams lost as much as anybody, the refs screwed us over, the ice was bad, we played like crap, well Tech didn't play their best but that's not necessarily why they lost. If they would of played their best they would of had a chance but at the end of the day, which now it seems like it is, North Dakota is not necessarily a better team but they are beyond a shadow of a doubt a more talented team. They are faster, more skilled, more accurate and quite possibly stronger. For the majority of the night today they looked it.

Yet there are still lessons to be learned from for the entire WCHA and the college hockey world.

1) When the Huskies play hard and they control the game, they can play with teams that are truly superior to them as far as talent goes.

2) If they don't play their best the difference in skill levels become obvious (just wait till we start getting the talent).

3) The Oshie is good.

4) Duncan is still not the best player on his line, and he may not be second best.

5) Lammy is still an idiot(any objections? didn't think so).

6) When UND is at their best it's going to be hard to beat them.

7) I'm not sure if any team is looking forward to traveling to Houghton this year.

8) Maybe this is the year Tech brings our cup home (and I promise not to mention that again for awhile)

9) Jordan Baker is crazy did anybody else see him go after Finley, that was awesome. And I get the feeling if they would of went at it Baker had a chance.

Once again to UND congrats on the win, win em all (until we see you in Grand Forks of course).

Beyond that we'll see in the Final Five and hopefully in Denver, this isn't over.

Saturday, October 27, 2007

Just a Few Things to Say...

It's past 5 AM right now... and yet here I am, still awake. I only have a few quick things to say, then I'm going to bed.

1) To the Michigan Tech Huskies.... thank you so much for all of your effort tonight. The MacInnes was rocking like never before and we beat #1 UND. Such an amazing night. Thank you again.

2) Rob Green, please read your entries before you post them. Half of them don't make sense... your grammar is poor. =P Also, please JUSTIFY your entries, so that they line up on both the right and the left.

3) To the crowd in the MacInnes tonight... you all were AMAZING. I've been saying it all along... the guys NEED your help to win. If we can be like that every night, losing would be ever-so-rare in the Mac. KEEP IT UP!!!

4) Regardless of what happens tonight... I am so grateful for the win on Friday night. Both teams played very hard and very well. I'm happy to get a win against the #1 team in the nation. But... let's do it again, Tech. =)

5) I've got my plane tickets to Denver for the Frozen Four this season. I hope I can cheer for MY team there, instead of UND.

That's pretty much all I got for now. It's games like this one that make me the hockey addict I am. May I witness many more of them in my last year.

GO HUSKIES!!!

Friday, October 26, 2007

The more things change

So the final score looks awfully familiar so I'll just say great game, I really wish I could of made it up because watching it was just a great feeling. Two teams that played sixty minutes of hard fought evenly matched hockey anchored by strong defense and excellent goaltending, what's not to like about that.

This score is the exact same as I witness the Huskies walk away in the first game of the last series between these two teams, so instead of writing a recap of this game instead I turn the floor over to Brad Schlossman with the Michigan Tech game one victory of North Dakota from December 16, 2006, published in the Grand Fork Herald December 17, 2006. I'm sure very few of the Huskies have forgotten and odds very few of the Sioux either.

*******************************************************************************

Nothing is coming easy for UND this season, not even the perennial doormats of the league.

The Sioux lost for the sixth time in seven games Friday, a 3-1 decision to Michigan Tech in front of a silent, stunned Ralph Engelstad Arena crowd of 10,321.

The game mirrored UND's most recent seven-game stretch, which began in mid-November with a pair of losses to typical bottom-feeder Alaska Anchorage.

The Sioux gave up opportunities Friday in the first, goals in the second and didn't generate enough offense until it was far too late in the third. The loss dropped UND to 7-9-1 overall and 5-7-1 in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association.

Last hurrah at home

UND's six-game homestand comes to an end at 7:07 tonight, when it finishes a two-game series against Michigan Tech - a team that snapped several dubious droughts against the Sioux on Friday.

The Huskies won a game for the first time in more than a month, and they broke an 0-12 stretch against the Sioux, which dates back to a time when no current Husky players were in college.

And if it weren't for Brad Miller's tally with 1:27 left in the game, UND would have been shut out by Michigan Tech for the first time since Rube Bjorkman was coaching in 1977.

“We have to stay very mentally tough,” UND coach Dave Hakstol said. “We have a job to do. We have to do that job. Things don't always go right. Things don't always come easy. Certainly things aren't coming easy right now for us.”

That includes games at home, where the Sioux are 2-6-1 in the last nine games. On the current homestand, UND is 1-4.

Two tallies in a row

After a scoreless 35-plus minutes, Michigan Tech popped a pair of goals past Philippe Lamoureux before the end of the second period to spark the victory.

Sophomore Alex Lord scored for the first time in his career (37 games) from the inside of the left circle at 15:48 and Peter Rouleau helped the Huskies break a 5-for-92 drought on the power play at 19:31.

Ryan Bunger (two points) added a goal at 13:08 of the third period to help put the game away.

“We were flat in the first period,” Sioux captain Chris Porter said. “We had a lot of turnovers, and that gave them a lot of jump. When we're down, we always play good. But we've got to come out and get a lead early. We're never playing with a lead.”

Tough cookie to crack

The Sioux generated several chances early in the game, but Michigan Tech goaltender Rob Nolan was able to stop all of them. Nolan, who was winless in 13 games last season, totaled 29 saves.

He helped his team kill all six Sioux power plays.

The Huskies, who improved to 7-8-2 overall and 4-7-2 in the WCHA, have been strong penalty killers all season. They came into the weekend ranked No. 2 in the conference in penalty killing with an 87.5 percentage. Nolan made nine stops while the Huskies were skating a man down.

Keeping it close

On the other end, Lamoureux finished with 24 saves. He helped keep the game scoreless through the first period, turning away a pair of Husky breakaway chances.

In the second, the game turned physical.

UND's Darcy Zajac, Andrew Kozek and Joe Finley all laid out Michigan Tech players with big hits. Finley and defenseman Kyle Radke were both ready to drop the gloves in the final half of the game, but referees intervened.

“I thought our effort was very good,” Hakstol said. “When it comes to execution, offensively, we're struggling right now. I don't think that's putting any pressure. That's just saying how it is. We're struggling to finish plays. We had some plays that were there to be finished, but we didn't finish on them.”

Notes: The Sioux played without sophomore forward Jonathan Toews, who is participating in the World Junior Championship selection camp for Team Canada. Toews was named assistant captain Friday. . . . The Sioux moved Chay Genoway from defenseman to forward to fill the void. Genoway played on the blue line last week.



The game mirrored UND's most recent seven-game stretch, which began in mid-November with a pair of losses to typical bottom-feeder Alaska Anchorage.


An official apology from The Darkness

Yesterday I wrote a post that some people apparently took issue with. I got some feed back and a couple Sioux fans who decided to take a few shots back, and honestly I'm fine with that. Yet some responded that they felt like the image I portrayed was unprofessional and less then classy, again it was said respectfully and I respect your opinion, think you for reading. But then I got some comments that said that I went to far, apparently calling a man who enjoys sharing his bed with other men and puppies a pansy is just mean or something. Also calling a guy you've seen do some of the stupidest things you ever seen in a hockey game an idiot is also uncalled for, even though I don't actually remember anybody objecting to that part. And I seriously doubt that anybody will object to my comment that Duncan wasn't the best player on his line last year, and it was debatable rather or not he was second best player on his line.

For everybody who is just trying to take a good natured shot back at Tech so be it, but to anybody who was truly offended by any of the comment in my last post I would just like that I am sorry that you take something that is posted on an internet blog that seriously, I am sorry that you can't see the humor in the post I made for a series that I am obviously very excited for (you didn't see a post like this for any of the other series did you) I am sorry that you don't realize that your goalie is in fact an idiot and your star player may be a little lite in the brezzers, all in all I am just sorry for you.

So in closing to all those that feel offended by anything I write in this blog I would just like to say from the bottom of my heart, suck it up pansy-boy this isn't basketball.

Thursday, October 25, 2007

Rob Green's Top 10 (The Pink and Green edition)

Ladies and gentlemen I would like to present to you the top ten reasons the Fighting Sioux of the University of North Dakota is in for a long weekend against the Huskies of Michigan Tech.

#10 Two words, Skating Treadmill

We might as well start with the obvious. I know you're probably sick of hearing it by now just like we're sick of reminding you, but it's true, we have a skating treadmill and the Hostile and Abusive foes from the west don't. You can't argue with results, really what's the Sioux record against Tech since this marvelous investment. Prepare to be skated off the ice.

#9 The Darkness will be in the building


That's right ladies and gentlemen, for all of you have not heard, The Darkness will grace the JMSIA with his presence this weekend. The Huskies record at home with The Darkness in the building is simply remarkable, (atleast it is if you only look at last year). In fact the Huskies record with The Darkness in the building is pretty good no matter where they are playing. There's no way those Notre Dame wanna bes can compete with that type of mojo.

#8 MEg will be in a toga

Honestly I just hope that the home team isn't to distracted. We all know that The Oshie can't resist the sight of half naked women under five feet tall, oops sorry that's half naked men over six feet tall. Well maybe I'll wear my toga too, that way we'll have all of our bases covered.

#7 Their ears will be bleeding thanks to the Second Best Feeling in the world.

I'm not sure how many of you have actually had the "pleasure" to experience the pep band in person, but they are truly special. Trust me when I tell you that hearing them at home, playing for their own team at full volume is very interesting. The home team is use to it, but everybody else, not so much.

#6 Mitch's Misfits


You want a home field advantage well there it is. You can say a lot of things about a lot of fans in a lot of places, but if you want some of the loudest, most inappropriate, not afraid to say anything fans in the WCHA you have to come to the JMSIA. I promise you a couple of the Misfits take more joy in figuring out new ways to offend the opposing team then they do in there own homework. And with The Darkness there, I don't see things getting much better.

#5 Lammy is an idiot

I believe this speaks for it self. I'm happy to see that Lammy started the year good, and I hoping after the thrashing he takes in Houghton, he'll finish the year well but the boy is still an idiot. I have never seen one goalie do so many things that just bluntly makes you stop and ask what was his momma drinking when she was pregnant with him, lead paint. As soon as the goals start rolling for Tech I wouldn't be surprised to see a goalie change by the end of the weekend.

#4 Duncan is going to be slowed down by the weight of his Hobey Baker
Trophy

I'm not even going to mention that he didn't deserve it, or that Eric Ehn probably should of won it or even that TJ Hensick might as well of just bent over a chair bit down on something and closed his eyes. I'm not going to say that, but I will say that last here he wasn't even the most talented player on his own line, probably not even the second most talented. I do have good news for Duncan, this year he might just be the second most talented player on his line.

#3 The Oshie is a pansy

Yeah I said it, The Oshie is a pansy, let's be honest with ourselves the only reason he's still in North Dakota is because he enjoys the view in the locker room and he's not sure if the view will be quite as good when get to the pros. The Oshie isn't here to win, he's here to prove he was better then his line mates from last year. One good hit from Baker and the Oshie will have to big of a crush on him to put forth any type of an effort.

#2 The Sioux are cursed by the ghost of Sitting Bull

It's kind of hard to focus on hockey when you have the ghost of one the greatest Native American warriors ever patrolling your bench. You may not see him but I assure you pink bunch of girly men that he's there and he's not happy.

#1The Dirty factor

And the number one reason North Dakota is in for a long weekend, is that Dirty will be there to cheer for them. In all the time I've known Dirty every time he's been in a building with the Huskies the team he wanted to win didn't. The Huskies must really hate that boy because even when they're the team that he's routing for in the stands, they just can't stand to make him happy. Let's hope that trend continues.

And ladies and gentlemen is scientific proof which can lead us to one conclusion.
Huskies sweep(again).
and dirty goes home crying(again).

Monday, October 22, 2007

Rank-a-Rama

So Michigan Tech is making an appearance on a few well-known college hockey polls...

USCHO.com/CSTV Poll

October 22, 2007

No. Team (First-place votes)
Points
Last Poll
1. North Dakota (42)
991
1
2. Miami (7)
950
2
3. Michigan
794
6
4. Colorado College
777
10
5. Boston College
747
4
6. Denver
723
5
7. New Hampshire (1)
700
8
8. Michigan State
653
9
9. Clarkson
645
7
10. Minnesota
677
3
11. Wisconsin
515
13
12. Notre Dame
470
11
13. Maine
293
17
14. Michigan Tech
242
NR
15. St. Lawrence
197
15
16. Massachusetts
194
20
17. Minnesota Duluth
190
NR
18. Cornell
165
19
19. Ohio State
156
12
20. Alaska Anchorage
106
NR

Also receiving votes: Air Force 86, Nebraska-Omaha 59, Boston University 47, St. Cloud State 44, Quinnipiac 33, Vermont 33, Union 24, Western Michigan 24, Dartmouth 21, Rensselaer 13, Merrimack 9, Harvard 7, Niagara 6, Colgate 4, Northeastern 3, Holy Cross 2.

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USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine Poll

October 22, 2007

No. Team (First-place votes)
Points
Last Poll
1. North Dakota (24)
499
1
2. Miami (9)
482
2
3. Michigan
378
6
4. Colorado College
376
10
5. Boston College
353
4
6. New Hampshire (1)
350
8
7. Denver
303
5
8. Clarkson
295
7
9. Michigan State
254
9
10. Minnesota
189
3
11. Wisconsin
182
T-13
12. Notre Dame
151
11
13. Maine
53
NR
14. Ohio State
47
12
15. Michigan Tech
37
NR

Also receiving votes: Minnesota Duluth 33, St. Lawrence 27, Massachusetts 20, Alaska Anchorage 16, Cornell 16, Air Force 9, Boston University 3, Merrimack 2, Niagara 2, Nebraska-Omaha 2, Union 1.

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Michigan Tech also made #17 on the INCH Power Rankings Poll, but I don't like INCH, so I'm not going to post that poll.

They made a pretty nice jump on the polls. If they want to stay up there longer than a week, they're going to have to do something really cool against North Dakota this weekend. Coming out like they did against NMU won't cut it either. I'm still confused as to what happened there. That game will be a thorn in my side all season long, I'm sure.

It's also nice to see UAA on the USCHO.com/CSTV Poll. I don't know if that's happened since I've been a college hockey fan. The WCHA as a whole has a nice representation in the polls. That always makes me happy to see. This weekend in college hockey should prove to be another interesting one.