Back From the Dead...

...and no, not because Michigan Tech is having their best season start since the early 70's. I know I have been slacking lately, but I've been--yup, you guessed it--busy.

So there hasn't even been any freshmen interviews this year. Hell, I didn't even finish the ones from last year! Any Tech fans want to volunteer to take that over? I have a bank of questions to choose from...

Anyway, enough of that. On to talking about Michigan Tech Husky Hockey. So we're having a good start to the year, it appears. With all due respect to LSSU, NMU and MSUM, the Huskies haven't been challenged TOO much yet... although I'm liking a lot of the things that have been occuring so far this year. It's so great to see Bennett Royer, Eric Kattelus and Deron Cousens really stepping up this year. And how about Steven Seigo? He's off to a great start also. It's also nice to see Milos Gordic finally playing and doing well! It's strange to see Brett Olson not in the top four point-getters for Michigan Tech, but yes, it's early. Nothing is better than spreading out the points...making each line a threat to the other team.

The powerplay has been amazing thus far. The team is scoring 37% of the time! That will probably not continue into the WCHA season, but so far it's great news...especially given our embarrassing past with powerplay percentage.

Next weekend will be Michigan Tech's biggest challenge of the season thus far, as they travel to a very intimidating Kohl Center to face the Badgers...during Halloween weekend. Will Dustin be there to make fun of Badger Phil? Will Shirtless Guy be there to enjoy all the chants that the Crease Creatures throw his way? Will MeanEgirl show up and set a record number of visits from Kohl Center staff and police officers? (The current record is 5 in one game.) Only time will tell.

And for your 2-second viewing enjoyment, below is a picture of me and the ONLY cool Kohl Center staff person from two years ago. Hopefully this year's picture will not involve handcuff's, like that year's picture almost did.

Post-Season Thoughts

Yeah, it was a rough one... for all of us. The team didn't quite do what they were hoping they would do... and the same goes for me. I absolutely sucked at updating the blog... and especially at publishing all of the freshmen interviews (although I didn't receive all of them back!! But I guess I didn't pursue the matter either). This has probably been the busiest year of my life though and I apologize to all (fifteen) of my readers, especially Yager, for that.

It got off to a promising start when the Huskies were packing some offensive punch there for a short while. We put up 5 goals on NMU (Yay Olson hatty!) and five goals on CC. But of course much of the time, we just weren't doing enough to win. In the first half, the penalty kill was one of the most atrocious things I've ever seen...but that became MUCH improved with the second half of the season. And here's something to think about: We were shut out once this season. ONCE!! I've never seen us shut out so few times in a season. As a Tech fan, there's little that I hate more than seeing my team not manage to come up with on goal in sixty minutes of hockey. That was one bright spot this year.

And just like last year, we were an injury-plagued team. What a difference it could make if we could consistently dress a full team. But for so many games this season, that just didn't happen.

No matter what results this team brought, however... there were always those Husky fans that continued their support... regardless of the number of W's earned. Unfortunately, yes, the attendance at the MacInnes was down this season. However, there were still Husky faithful that made it to every game. Among those Husky faithful... the cream of the crop, the Pride of Pastyland, the Second Best Feeling in the World: the Michigan Tech Huskies Pep Band. The Huskies Pep Band doesn't care what the record of any of their teams are. They were be there to support their teams no matter how shitty their season is. So here's a word FROM the wise... THANK THEM for their support. Appreciate and embrace them for everything that have done for you...and sticking with you no matter what. Be grateful that you even have them there for you game in and game out at home. Enjoy them and be happy with them, rather than joining a facebook group called, "Tech pep band needs to shut the fuck up." Because if that's how you really feel and you're willing to make those feelings public, maybe you should just go play for your favorite team, Minnesota-State Mankato.

Meet Your Freshmen 2009-2010: Carl Nielson

How long has it been since I've posted in the Tech Hockey Blog and NOT used the word "busy?" Probably a while. Another word I'd like to add to the mix is "lazy." However, thanks to Yager's consistent nagging, I'll put up an interview. Oy... I've only done 3 this year! And this season is half over... Maybe I will do a "Meet Your Sophomores" feature next year? :)

For now, let's meet Carl Nielson, shall we? Keep in mind this interview was done and turned into me on October 14, 2009... heh.. heh...

Number: 25
Position: Defense
Hometown: Amherst, Ohio
Last Team: Mahoning Valley (NAHL)


THB: Let's begin with the fact that you're from Ohio. Does this make you an Ohio State fan?
Carl Nielson (CN): At one point yes. Not so much any more. [Good. Hopefully they're teaching you things like "GO BLUE!" at Michigan Tech.]

THB: Why did you decide to come to Michigan Tech?
CN: I wanted to keep playing hockey. Tech gave me that opportunity.

THB: What is your favorite Husky jersey?
CN: Personally, I like the black ones.

THB: Which team are you most excited to beat this season?
CN: NMU, and well, every team in the WCHA. [I'm glad we got to see a Husky over NMU victory this year!]

THB: Are you playing against any of your former teammates this year? If so, who are they and where do they play?
CN: Nope, no old teammates. [Hmm... rare.]

THB: Recite your favorite movie quote... and just in case, tell me what movie it's from.
CN: "You hit that guy! Shouldn't have been standing there." -Happy Gilmore.

THB: Do you know the words to O Canada?
CN: Most of it. [It's a damn good song.]

THB: What is your favorite NHL team?
CN: Don't really have a favorite team. Not a big Penguins fan though. [You should start being one! At least whenever Chris Conner is up and playing with them. In fact, he scored his first goal with the Penguins today! He used to wear your number.]

THB: Where is your favorite spot to relax?
CN: My bed.

THB: What are your hockey goals after Michigan Tech?
CN: Hopefully play pro hockey.

THB: Which older Husky player on the team is your mentor?
CN: I don't really have one mentor. I try to learn a little bit from all the older guys.

THB: Tell me what you know about Mitch's Misfits.
CN: Not much except they are loud and have some amusing chants. [Not bad... I hope you know more about them now than you did back then!]

THB: Who are you rooming with this year? Tell me something fun about your roommate!
CN: I'm living in a house with Jordan Baker, Seth Soley, and Drew Dobson. [You forgot the "tell me something fun" about them part. :P]

THB: What do you think of Kyle Bangen? Does he work you hard on the skating treadmill?
CN: Kyle's a good guy and yes unfortunately he works us on the treadmill.

THB: Do you look both ways before crossing the road?
CN: I try to. [You know, Carl... you could teach Ricky Dorriott a thing or two. :))

THB: What piece do you like to be when you play Monopoly?
CN: Battleship.

THB: Are you going to fight a lot this season? Do you take requests for people to pound?
CN: Oh I wish I could. We'll see how games turn out; we might get one. And yes I will be taking requests. [Yes!! I know I'm a little late with this one, but the next time you see Kevin Clark (UAA), make sure you take care of business. ALSO! This weekend, look for Kurt Davis for the Mavericks. I know I'm asking you to beat up on the little guys, but these two particular individuals deserve it the most. Kurt Davis could very well be the biggest piece of crap that plays Division I college hockey. He deserves to have his head beat in. Thanks, you're the best!]

THB: Paper or plastic?
CN: Plastic.

THB: What's your favorite class at Michigan Tech so far?
CN: Umm, none? I guess if I had to chose one, it would be Prospectives class... it's only once a week. [That's a good one. Did you get the History of Hockey one? I had Human Sexuality. Perspectives was fun!]

THB: What would you like to say to all of the Michigan Tech faithful?
CN: I'm glad to be here in Houghton. Get ready for a much better season this year.