Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Meet Your Freshmen 2007: Deron Cousens

Last [for right now...] but not least, I want you to get to know Deron Cousens. This is yet another fun interview from yet another MTU freshman who is ready to make a difference in our hockey program. It's going to be a great season!


Name: Deron Cousens
Hometown: Georgetown, Ontario
Number: 26
Position: Defense
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 190
Birthdate: 3/21/87
Last Team: Penticton (BCHL)
Favorite NHL Team: Toronto Maple Leafs


Tech Hockey Blog: Why did you come to Michigan Tech?

Deron Cousens: I came to Michigan Tech because of their rich hockey history and to play in the best conference in college hockey. [Good answer!]

THB: What other schools were you looking at (and did we steal you from)?

DC: Michigan Tech was where I wanted to go from the beginning. [Ooh, even better answer!]

THB: What hockey team are you most looking forward to beating?

DC: I would have to say North Dakota. [Ha! Where's the challenge in that? :)]

THB: What is the greatest number of times in which you have skipped a rock?

DC: Haha, probably about 4 times. [Rookie!]

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

DC: Detroit for the GLI.

THB: Where would you like to take your hockey career after Michigan Tech?

DC: Hopefully pro hockey an eventually the NHL. [Sounds like a great plan... you should give us four years first. :)]

THB: Besides answering my questions, what is something that really annoys you?

DC: Snoring is my biggest pet peeve. [Ok, so answering my questions must be your second biggest pet peeve?]

THB: What is your favorite smell?

DC: The dressing room. [...]

THB: Is this Tech's year at GLI?

DC: Yes it is. [That's what I like to hear. Now, I'm ready to see it!]

THB: What kind of music do you like?

DC: I listen to everything but I'm a huge country fan. [That can be remedied.]

THB: Have you ever bloodied up any opponents?

DC: I have bloodied up a lot of opponents' fists, haha. [Notice to the opposition: Don't even think about it.]

THB: Concerning hockey, what goals do you have for yourself this season?

DC: My goal is to help Michigan Tech win a NCAA Championship. [Excellent. You have four years. Ready? Set? GO!!]

THB: Are you any good at rubbing your tummy and patting your head at the same time?

DC: Haha, I can't say that I am.

THB: What size skate do you wear?

DC: I wear size 8.

THB: What is the best part of playing hockey?

DC: The best part of playing hockey is just playing it, and meeting so many great guys.

THB: Do you have any hidden talents that you would like to inform your fans about?

DC: I don't really have any hidden talents. [I think you're hiding something, Deron.]

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

DC: Haha, maybe if I was really hungry. [You gotta do what you gotta do.]

THB: Does the energy level of a crowd rub off on you when you're on the ice?

DC: Yes, big time. When the crowd is really into the game, it really helps with my on ice play. [Paging Michigan Tech Hockey fans: He's talking to YOU! Help the guy out, would ya?]

THB: Is there anything else that you'd like to tell the Husky faithful?

DC: Just that I hope everyone is ready for a great season.

Saturday, September 22, 2007

Meet Your Freshmen 2007: Jordan Baker

After a busy week, we're back in business here at the THB. The third Husky freshman I would like you to meet is Jordan Baker.

As usual, you'll get the Jordan Baker file, followed up by the Q & A. Hopefully sometime this upcoming week, I can post the final Meet the Freshmen 2007 of this semester, which will be on Deron Cousens.


Name: Jordan Baker
Hometown: Chestermere, AB
Number: 22
Position: Wing/Center
Height: 5'7"
Weight: 168
Birthdate: 3/28/88
Last Team: Olds (AJHL)
Favorite NHL Team: Calgary Flames


Tech Hockey Blog: Why did you decide to come to Michigan Tech?

Jordan Baker: To play hockey for the Huskies.

THB: Were you looking at any other schools for DI hockey?

JB: Yes. [Thanks for elaborating on that, Jordan. :P No need for secrets at the Tech Hockey Blog!]

THB: Is the "Fighting Sioux" a hostile and abusive nickname?

JB: Ummmm, I suppose. I think it could get a little more abusive because their fans aren't as good as ours!

THB: Who is your roommate this year?

JB: Bennett Royer.

THB: Are you a good dancer?

JB: I'm not going to lie, I might be considered the best all round dancer in Canadian history.....NOT! [Well Jordan, as long as you can skate, that's all that matters.]

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

JB: I am most looking forward to The trip to Alaska or the trip to Wisco. [You will LOVE Alaska! The scenery is great, but it might not beat pissing off 10,000 Badger fans after you defeat their team at home.]

THB: How often do you get picked on, either by teammates or opponents, about your height? I sympathize with you.

JB: The truth, my teammates give me a rough time a lot but it's all fun and games; no hurt feelings. If an opponent said something I might take kung fu out on them! [Note: If you're an opposing player who will be playing Michigan Tech this year, DO NOT make fun of Jordan about his height.]

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

JB: Either Wisconsin or Northern

THB: What is your favorite type of music?

JB: I like alternative, punk, and country.....none of that rap stuff!

THB: Do you sing in the shower?

JB: Obviously. Who doesn't? [Good call.]

THB: What do you get on your pizza?

JB: Pepperoni with chili peppers.

THB: What are your feelings on the NCAA eliminating ties in college hockey?

JB: It's unfortunate but at the same time is great because overtime is twice and exciting because both teams are going for the win. They can't settle with just a tie.

THB: Are you the next Chris Conner?

JB: Well, those are some very big shoes to fill, but I would like to fill those given the opportunity with hard work and the right attitude.

THB: What can you tell me about Mitch's Misfits?

JB: I heard they're the craziest people ever...which is unreal!

THB: Briefly describe your best moment in your hockey career thus far.

JB: The best moment in my hockey career thus far is playing in the World
Under-17 hockey challenge. We place Silver.

THB: Who has been the biggest influence in your hockey career?

JB: I would have to say my family and friends.

THB: What other college hockey team besides Michigan Tech would you like to see do well this season?

JB: No one. I hope they all lose every game!

THB: Is there anything else you'd like to tell the Michigan Tech Hockey fans?

JB: I would like to tell all the fans to buckle up because it's going to be one amazing season. A season for the history books. Hope to see everyone from school there cheering the Huskies on!

Sunday, September 16, 2007

Meet Your Freshmen 2007: Eric Kattelus

Next up for MTU freshmen this year is Michigan native Eric Kattelus. It might be a while until I get to Jordan Baker and Deron Cousens because this will be a hellish week for me. But for now, it's time to get to know Eric, another ready and optimistic Husky ready to bring W's and happiness to Michigan Tech land.


Name: Eric Kattelus

Hometown: Traverse City, MI
Number: 15
Position: Wing/Center
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 185
Birthdate: 5/22/87
Last Team: Indiana (USHL)
Favorite NHL Team: Detroit Red Wings


THB: Were you looking at any other colleges?

Eric Kattelus: I had some other colleges looking at me, but Tech was the only college I was looking at. [Good answer! I like!]

THB: What has been your greatest moment so far in your hockey career?

EK: It would have to be playing in Bismarck, ND in the NAHL for the Bobcats and earning Rookie of the Year honors.

THB: Which team are you most looking forward to beating?

EK: That’s a tough question because of course I would like to beat everyone, but if I had to choose one I’d go with Minnesota. [I hope you get that joy at least four times this year.]

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

EK: North Dakota, I’ve heard their rink is gorgeous. [Yep, first rate rink... second rate fans. YEAH, I SAID IT.]

THB: What's your favorite kind of ice cream?

EK: Medium Twist in a cup with Sprinkles or Mint Mackinac Island Fudge.

THB: Are you a fan of skating treadmills?

EK: Yes and no; it's great for you but it can get the best of you sometimes.

THB: What's your major?

EK: Fitness and Sports Management.

THB: What other sports besides hockey do you enjoy?


EK: I enjoy golfing, beach volleyball, tennis, and bowling.

THB: What are some of your personal goals this year on the ice?

EK: Everyone wants to help their team with scoring but anything that I can do to help our team be successful is what I’m here for.

THB: Do you look both ways before crossing the road?

EK: Yes, even when it’s a one-way street. [Excellent. I do the same thing! At least now I know I'm not the only one.]

THB: What is your second favorite college hockey team?

EK: Boston College. [No comment on that... except to say that I have no comment.]

THB: What websites do you most often visit?

EK: The “Book”, Facebook.com.

THB: How do you feel about the NCAA eliminating ties in college hockey?

EK: The greatest thing to happen since slices loaves.

THB: Who is your celebrity crush?

EK: Jessica Alba and Rachel Bilson.

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

EK: Nope. [Eh, it's ok. If I didn't write for it, I probably wouldn't read it either.]

THB: Can you dance?

EK: I've been know to cut a rug, yes. [I learn something new everyday.]

THB: Is there anything else you'd like to say to Michigan Tech Hockey fans?

EK: Don’t be afraid to approach us and we hope to see you at our games.

Thursday, September 13, 2007

Meet Your Freshmen 2007: Bennett Royer

It's that time of year, THB readers... when we get to know our incoming freshmen for the season!

We'll start off with Bennett Royer. He was nice enough to answer some questions posed to him by the THB Staff. First, we'll start with the Royer file, then get into the Q&A.

Name: Bennett Royer
Number: 16
Hometown: Calgary, Alberta
Position: Wing
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 190
Birthdate: 1/31/88
Last Team: Calgary (AJHL)
Favorite NHL Team: Calgary Flames


Tech Hockey Blog (THB): Why did you come to Michigan Tech?

Bennett Royer (BR): I decided to come to Michigan Tech because I loved the atmosphere on campus when I visited, and they have a great hockey program.

THB: Do you have any other family connections to Tech?

BR: No.

THB: What other schools were you looking to take your college hockey career to?

BR: Michigan Tech was at the top of my list for schools that had interest in me.

THB: What are your personal goals this year?

BR: I aim to help the team succeed as much as possible in any way that I am asked to.

THB: What is a realistic goal for the team this season?

BR: I think that with the group that we have this year we should expect nothing but the best. A realistic goal would be to advance far into the Final Five and make the NCAA tournament

THB: Which team do you look forward to beating the most?

BR: Beating Wisconsin in the Winter Carnival.

THB: Is this Michigan Tech's year at GLI?

BR: Yes it is. [I agree! Our time has come.]

THB: Describe your best hockey moment so far in your career.

BR: Scoring the winning goal in quadruple overtime in game 3 of the playoffs in my rookie season in junior, against Jordan Baker and the Olds Grizzlies.

THB: What is your favorite form of precipitation?

BR: Snow. [You came to the right place!]

THB: What kind of music do you enjoy?

BR: Mostly everything except for punk, emo, and rap. I love rock and roll. [Aww, c'mon, Bennett! Punk is good!]

THB: What other sports besides hockey do you like?

BR: I like golf and lacrosse.

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

BR: Not yet. [I have a feeling that's about to change...]

THB: Do you have a second favorite college hockey team?

BR: No.

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

BR: GLI. [While GLI will be fun, so will the Frozen Four trip to Denver this year!]

THB: How do you like the behind-the-scenes facilities (lockerroom, weightroom, etc) at MTU?

BR: They are great, top notch. [Eat your heart out, UND. Do you guys have a skating treadmill yet??]

THB: Describe the effects on you of having a rowdy crowd on your side.

BR: I think the best thing to get an athlete pumped up to play is a ton of screaming fans and when they are on your side its even better. So if I come out of the locker room hearing the fans getting behind the team I'm gonna be ready to go. [Misfits, please take note. In fact, all MTU Hockey fans, take note!]

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

BR: Yes, but only because i know i would be an extremely tasty hot dog.

THB: Who has been the most influential in your hockey career?

BR: My dad.

THB: Is there anything you want to say to the Michigan Tech Hockey fans out there?

BR: Keep coming out to the games and supporting us because the more fans we get the better we will do as a team.