Tech Hockey Blog

Back From the Dead...

2010-10-22T22:48:00.009-04:00

...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

2010-03-15T22:42:00.002-04:00

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

2010-01-25T19:32:00.003-05:00

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.

The BET!!!

2009-11-13T17:41:00.003-05:00

Dear Huskies,

DO NOT LET ME DOWN TONIGHT. I haven't had time to post this earlier, so I'm just going to do this now. UMD fan Biddco and I have a bet going on tonight's game. If UMD wins at Tech loses, then I will wear a UMD jersey to the game on Saturday. If Tech wins and UMD loses, then Biddco will be wearing my Michigan Tech jersey... specifically, my game-worn Geoff Kinrade jersey.

OH PLEASE, HUSKIES.... do NOT let me down tonight!!

Twitch Boy's Weekend in Colorado Springs

2009-10-29T21:36:00.010-04:00

Well, here it is Thursday. I have a special treat for all of the THB readers! Michigan Tech alumnus and creative mastermind best known as "Twitch Boy" agreed to write a recap of his weekend. He is employed in Wyoming and he made the drive to Colorado Springs last weekend. Here was his experience:

Twitch Boy Attends a Puckkake Session in Colorado Springs
by Twitch Boy

Hi. I'm Twitch Boy. You may know me as that really loud guy with a clarinet who wears a hot dog on his head. I was the first person with enough geek cred to make a giant sign that says “pwn3d” and wave it around whenever Tech scored.

Somehow, through some miracle, I managed to escape Houghton with a degree and at least a portion of my sanity, and in my attempts to GTFO made several wrong turns and eventually gave up in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Naturally, I was keen to make the 3-hour journey down when I found that Tech was visiting CC, and some short girl who probably has a restraining order against her from the whole SCSU team started biting my ankles and asking me to write about my experiences. Seeing as how it's this or kill my brain with more Geometry Wars, here we go!

The ride down was uneventful, except when I hit Denver. It's 1:30 in the afternoon. The left lane is stopped. That's right, the fast lane. The lane meant for passing slower traffic to the right. That's Denver's response to anything unorthodox happening on I-25: stop. Massive accident on the side, stop. Someone merging on, stop. No reason at all, stop. A Denver driver wouldn't last 30 seconds in Detroit. And they love to congregate around trucks doing 60 and block traffic.

Pre-game. Don't mock my crappy cell phone camera

This is the place to hit in C-Springs. Just down the street from the Broadmoor Hotel, the Golden Bee is an English pub. Not a recreation of one, an actual English pub disassembled and shipped piece by piece over here. Upon sitting down, your server greets you by presenting you with a cool embroidered bee sticker as a souvenir of your visit – by tossing it so it sticks to your shirt.

...get your mind out of the gutter.

What they don't tell you is that the bee clings to dazzle cloth like a CS major clings to his 1-terabyte server of anime pr0n. If you get one on your jersey, forget it. It's there for life. I sadly wasn't able to visit in the evening and see the ragtime piano player. I wonder if he knows Journey. He better.

With that said and done, it was game time. I really wished it wouldn't have been. Yes, we have no penalty kill. 3 PPG for CC, 2 of them within ten seconds of the power play starting. I think we know what we need to work on in practice.

FINAL: 4-1 CC.

The next morning, I then proceeded to make the single biggest mistake of the trip. Some forklift jockey who is a Minny fan despite attending UMD recommended I check out the arcade in nearby Manitou Springs. I'm a Techie, I loves me some video games, this is a slam-dunk, right? I pull into Manitou Springs and it is a zoo. Apparently there is some kind of Halloween festival in town. People are everywhere, and Main Street is blocked off because they're running coffins down the street or something. I tried two pay lots, which turned out to be full, wasting me a good ten bucks total.

After finally finding what I thought was a parking spot, I went in to get my pinball on. Overall, the arcade wasn't terrible, though I've seen bigger and better. Some of the machines were in questionable shape, as I discovered upon plunking 50 cents into Lord of the Rings pinball to discover the left flipper didn't work.

I think this game was my favorite:

That's right, tSBFitW was in the parlor game business for a while.

After blowing a good $20 in quarters, I return to my car and there's a parking ticket, despite me being parked in a completely legal spot in front of a store. Squee.

Game number two. Holy crap, Tech showed up. They scored 4 goals within five minutes of each other in the second period. They're up 4-2 on CC. Even the Other Siders are going bonkers. I even got to bust out the “high school goalie” chant.

And then the PK happened.

Penalty.

4-3 Tech.

Shortie.

4-4 all.

Penalty.

5-4 CC.

Kivisto gets bounced for CFB.

6-4 CC.

Penalty.

7-4 CC.

Argh. My final thoughts on this game: bukkake. Bukkake bukkake bukkake bukkake bukkake. And finally, bukkake. (That oughta cause some interesting Google results.)

FINAL: 8-5 CC.

What worries me the most about that big ocho underneath CC's name? Tech's wins recently have usually come in the same manner: take a 2-goal or so lead by hook or by crook, then go into lockdown mode, sit on the lead, and drive Boosh insane. That's not happening now. This does not bode well.

One more thing I learned on my way back: if you are ever on I-25 north through Colorado and need to make a gas/food stop, DO NOT PICK EXIT 161. It's a maze. Total time to fill up, order a 10-piece McNugget, and get back on the expressway: 45 minutes.

In summary, there's a bee stuck to my weiner, I got a parking ticket, Tech went splat, and I probably caught swine flu from being around the crowds of crotchfruits dressed as Bella Swan at the arcade and just don't know it yet. FML.

I have no idea what else to talk about, so here's a YouTube video of Japanese Ronald McDonald dancing around like an idiot:

http://www.youtube.com/v/Q16KpquGsIc&hl=en&fs=1

Meet Your Freshmen 2009-2010: Anthony Schooley

2009-10-26T19:51:00.004-04:00

Next up in the slow process of Meet Your Freshmen 2009-2010, I have for you Anthony Schooley. For as long as I can remember, it seems that Schooley had been a recruit. It seems that we've had to wait years and years for him (kind of like the waiting period between each of my blog posts). Well, we will wait no more! He's here... Schooley's in session!

Number: 14
Position: Wing
Hometown: Gaylord, MI
Last Team: St. Louis (NAHL)

THB: Why did you choose Michigan Tech?
Anthony Schooley (AS): It was in my home state and they were the college that was most interested in me. [It's nice to have some Michiganders on the team!]

THB: How long did you know you wanted to go to Michigan Tech?
AS: I really didn't know until they started recruiting me. [They must've done a great job selling Tech. A lot of guys don't like to go there because of the girl situation.]

THB: What's your favorite type of music?
AS: Pop. [Not a bad choice. You've got a few of your teammates beat.]

THB: Who is your biggest influence in hockey?
AS: My father.

THB: Tell me about your best moment in hockey so far in your career.
AS: Scoring a penalty shot goal in a national championship game. [Let's see if you can repeat that this season, eh?]

THB: What is your major at Michigan Tech?
AS: Business Management.

THB: What's your favorite form of precipitation?
AS: Snow. [You came to the right place!!]

THB: Were you happy when the Lions broke their long losing streak? Were you secretly disappointed?
AS: Extremely happy. [Oh, I suppose... but it's kind of sad having that long streak end. That was pretty cool.]

THB: I have two coins totaling fifteen cents. One is not a dime. What coins do I have?
AS: A dime and a nickel. [A+ for you, Anthony!]

THB: Be honest, how many times have you heard that previous question?
AS: Never heard it until I told my roommate the question but he had heard it before. [Ah hah, we have a cheater. You get an F now.]

THB: If I send out all the freshmen surveys to you guys at the same time, who will be the last to return their survey to me?
AS: Witter. [Good try. He was the second one to return it to me though. There are a couple of guys who have not yet returned it........]

THB: What road trip are you most looking forward to?
AS: North Dakota. [You must have heard about the Red Pepper? It's really the only reason to go to Grand Forks.]

THB: What older Husky is your role model/mentor?
AS: Olson. [Excellent choice. He will serve you well as your role model!]

THB: Michigan or Michigan State?
AS: Michigan. [I like you. I like you a lot!]

THB: What can you tell me about Mitch's Misfits?
AS: No clue. [I'm sure if I asked you now, you could tell me plenty!]

THB: How did you enjoy the Ripley Run? Tell me a little bit about it.
AS: Haha, it was pretty tough but great team bonding.

THB: Does the energy and noise level of the crowd affect the way you play?
AS: Yes, very. [Mitch's Misfits will keep that in mind this season!]

THB: What kind of toothpaste do you use?
AS: Crest. [Great choice! Herbal Mint for the win!]

THB: Where is your favorite place to eat in the Houghton/Hancock area?
AS: Anywhere but the dorms. [FALSE, as Dwight Schrutte would say. Dorm food is GREAT! :)]

THB: What would you like to tell all the Michigan Tech fans that will be supporting the team all season long?
AS: We are going to have a great season and always cheer as loud as you can!

Meet Your Freshmen 2009-2010: Kevin Genoe

2009-10-19T22:23:00.005-04:00

Sorry for the long delay between these posts. The busyness never ends! But I cannot deprive my fellow Tech fans for of meeting a new freshman for another day!

Kevin Genoe is new guy between the pipes. Coach Russell gave him the nod against LSSU. Kevin had 29 saves on 32 shots that he faced, which is good for a .906 save%, not too shabby!

Number: 35
Position: Goalie
Hometown: Qualicum, BC
Last Team: Prince George (BCHL)

THB: When did you know that you wanted to be a goalie?
Kevin Genoe (KG): I knew I wanted to be a goalie since I was eleven years old.

THB: When did you know that Michigan Tech was the place for you?
KG: I knew Michigan Tech was the place for me after I had my visit. [You and me both! Once you make your first visit to Tech, you know exactly where you want to be.]

THB: What do you think of your teammates so far? Are you ready for lifelong brotherhood with them?
KG: I think my teammates so far are great guys; hard working and dedicated. I am definitely ready for the lifelong brotherhood with them. There are a lot of fun guys in the locker room and hopefully we will remain close long after our time at Tech ends.

THB: When was the first time you were dressed in full goalie equipment?
KG: The first time I was dressed in full goalie equipment was when I was eleven years old.

THB: Do you ski?
KG: No, I have never tried, too risky for me.

THB: Do you look both ways before crossing the road?
KG: I probably look both ways three or four times. [You could teach Ricky Doriott a thing or two. :)]

THB: Are you familiar with Mitch's Misfits? Can you tell me anything about them?
KG: Unfortunately I am not very familiar with Mitch's Misfits. [You best familiarize yourself with them! Trust me, you'll learn to love them.]

THB: What are your favorite television shows?
KG: My favorite TV shows would be The Hills, Two and a Half Men, and Fantasy Factory. [I've heard of one of those!]

THB: Even though you're not very far into it yet, what's your favorite part about being a Michigan Tech hockey player?
KG: My favorite part about being a Michigan Tech hockey player is when we go on the ice before a game and our crowd is so loud that we can't hear our own thoughts. [Remember those "Mitch's Misfits" that you claimed to not know much about? I think they're behind that. :)]

THB: Who is the craziest guy on the team?
KG: The craziest guy on the team would be Seth [Soley].

THB: Can you juggle?
KG: Yes. [You are my first yes!! You'll have to show my sometime!]

THB: What is your favorite piece of goalie equipment? Why?
KG: My favorite piece would be my glove, because when the puck is in my glove I have total control of the game.

THB: Do you get nervous before games?
KG: Nervous no, I get anxious to get going.

THB: Are they working you hard at Tech?
KG: Yup I am working hard here at Tech.

THB: Paper or plastic?
KG: Plastic

THB: Are you a person who will break out into movie quotes randomly or if the situation calls for it?
KG: No. [That is unfortunate! You should try it sometime. It's fun.]

THB: Where is your favorite place to go out to eat in Houghton?
KG: The Library.

THB: Who is your all-time favorite hockey goaltender?
KG: Patrick Roy.

THB: What kind of music do you like?
KG: Everything but mostly country. [Oh, Kevie! You're killing me here!]

THB: Is there anything you'd like to say to all of the Michigan Tech fans out there?
KG: Thanks for the support and Husky fans are the greatest!

Meet Your Freshmen 2009-2010: Aaron Pietila

2009-10-14T21:49:00.005-04:00

And finally! It's that time of year again! Actually, I normally do this in August, but I've been fairly busy this year. Lots of new freshmen for you Tech fans (and other faithful THB readers) to get to know! But I'd like to start with Aaron Pietila.

Let it be known that Aaron was the first of the guys to get back to me! Also, Aaron got the game winning goal at our exhibition game against Ryerson and has his first collegiate point against NMU.

Well, let's get on with it, shall we?

Number: 13
Position: Wing
Hometown: Brighton, MI
Last Team: Marquette (NAHL)

Tech Hockey Blog (THB): Pietila, eh? Any relation to former Michigan Tech Husky Phil Pietila?
Aaron Pietila (AP): Yep, Phil's my first cousin.

THB: Why did you choose Michigan Tech for your education and to continue your hockey career?
AP: I've always wanted to play for Tech ever since I was young. I have a lot of family and friends from the area.

THB: Who are your biggest influences?
AP: I would have to say my dad.

THB: Another question about relatives. Michigan Tech has had a few poeple from the Brighton area in the past few years who have all been related. Being from Brighton, are you any relation to them?
AP: Yeah, I have some counsins and a brother who go to Tech from down there.

THB: What size skate do you wear?
AP: Left 7.5, right 6.5.

THB: Where is your favorite place to spend your time in Houghton?
AP: On the water. [Ah, great answer. Houghton is a good place for that! Just wait until you turn 21 though. That answer may change!]

THB: Tell me about the best moment in your hockey career thus far.
AP: Scoring my first college goal last weekend versus Ryerson. [I think you're off to a great start so far! This best moment will soon be replaced with something even better if it hasn't already been.]

THB: Are you going to playing against any of your former teammates this season? If so, who are they and where do they play now?
AP: I played with my cousin Chad Pietila last season who is playing for Northern this season. [You and Phil are obviously the smarter hockey players in your family!]

THB: What's your major at Michigan Tech?
AP: Marketing.

THB: What other sports besides hockey do you enjoy?
AP: Golf and baseball. [I smell a Tigers fan!! Woot!]

THB: Michigan or Michigan State?
AP: Neither. [Well, the good news is that you're not a Michigan State fan. The bad news? You're not a Michigan fan either. What would Dwight Helminen (who is most likely your cousin, no?) say?]

THB: What do you think of the skating treadmill?
AP: Probably my least favorite thing to do. [I think that's a good thing! I think it means that it's working!]

THB: Who is your roommate this year? Tell me a fun fact about him.
AP: My brother. [He] will be graduating this semester. [That isn't a fun fact! It's a sad one. Leaving Michigan Tech is not easy.]

THB: How is the dorm food treating you?
AP: I live off campus, but I do eat there with the guys often. I think it's pretty good. [I'm going to have to agree. Michigan Tech has some damn good dorm food!]

THB: What series are you most looking forward to this season?
AP: Northern. [Good call. Beat up your cousin for being so silly.]

THB: How do you feel about BSU and UNO joining the WCHA next season?
AP: Should be a nice addition. Both [are] good programs. [Disagree and disagree. :)]

THB: Has your family bought their tickets to the Frozen Four this year?
AP: Of course. [Excellent! Maybe I will see them there.]

THB: What is your personal goal on the ice this season?
AP: Just to play every game and contribute any way I can.

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

THB: What do you want to say to all the Michigan Tech fans out there?
AP: Thanks for allt he support! That first game was pretty cool playing in front of a full house.

Thanks for taking the time to talk, Aaron! Oh, and if I ever call you Phil, I'm sorry in advance.

PACK YOUR BAGS! You're going to...... DULUTH?!

2009-10-13T22:07:00.011-04:00

Freshmen interviews are coming soon, I promise! But right now I want to make a Tech Hockey Blog entry directed to MITCH'S MISFITS.

Due to the Tech @ NMU series falling on Christmas vacation, Mitch's Misfits president Scott Yager will instead be going all out this year for the UMD trip! The previous record of Misfits brought to UMD is only a mere 34. Yager will be shooting for SIXTY this year!

Friday, November 13 and Saturday, November 14... MARK YOUR CALENDARS! Here's a rough itinerary of what to expect:

Friday throughout the day: Tech vans leaving at different times to accommodate different schedules.
Friday 8:00 Eastern: GAME TIME; cheer Huskies to victory
Friday after game: Hotel/food/Duluth shenanigans
Saturday during the day: Duluth shenanigans
Saturday 8:00 Eastern: GAME TIME; cheer Huskies to sweep
Saturday post-game: Head back to Houghton

Pretty simple... and it's a great time too!! And if you're wondering how much it'll cost, wonder no more, because I'm about to tell you!
$24 + food. $24 is the cost of two game tickets. So by my math, that would mean that transportation and hotel are both free! They're provided by Mitch's Misfits.

Is there a reason to NOT go? No. Only if you're dumb, to be honest. So don't be dumb. There are two ways to be dumb: (1) not emailing Yager (sryager@mtu.edu) to reserve your tickets and spot on the trip and (2) waiting too long to email Yager only to find out that all sixty spots are taken.

Please come along and be a part of the next post-victory picture:

After the game on February 4, 2005. Michigan Tech won in OVERTIME and you're looking at a huge reason why. The next night, Michigan Tech completed the SWEEP!

This picture was taken after Michigan Tech completed the SWEEP of the Bulldogs for TWO YEARS RUNNING at the DECC on January 14, 2006.

Now why wouldn't you want to be a part of that?? The players, coaching staff and hockey parents talked about it for weeks after. The Misfits were KEY in sweeping the Bulldogs. We were SO LOUD that entire weekend and it made a huge difference and definitely got the guys going.

And on a personal note, I have been on a TON of hockey road trips supporting the Huskies. I've seen them play in every WCHA arena, along with many other places. With all of those road trips under my belt (an estimated THIRTY-TWO trips, plus three random Frozen Four trips), the UMD trips are right up at the top for the most fun. Hopefully after this series, you can all say the same.

JOIN US IN DULUTH, MINNESOTA on NOVEMBER 13 and 14!!!

NMU Game Recap/Scoring Roundup

2009-10-13T16:24:00.011-04:00

F2B&G here. So as everyone knows by now, the Huskies got the year off to a good start with a 5-3 victory over rival Northern Michigan.

In an effort to further my hockey knowledge, I'm going to try something new this year (new for me anyway) and give a play-by-play of how each goal was scored. These reports will be based on what I am seeing/hearing via the Huskies Live feed and may not be 100% accurate, but should give readers the gist of the action.

First Period

NMU-1: Fernandez kept the puck in the Tech zone after Doriott sent the puck around behind the net, and passed up the boards to Olver. Olver weaved around a defender to the top of the right circle, and found Gustafsson wide open at the top of the left circle, madly tapping his stick for a pass. Olver quickly made the pass, and Gustafsson moved in and wristed the puck low stick-side past Robinson, who was at least partially screened by his own defender. Gustafsson (1) from Olver (1) & Fernandez (1). 7:26, 1st period. 1-0 NMU.

MTU-1: Pietila entered the NMU zone and fired an easy shot on Stewart, who made the save and pushed the rebound to the corner. A poor passing attempt allowed Pietila to get the puck back, so he darted behind the goal and attempted the wraparound, but Stewart was up to task. The puck drifted to the left boards, where Olson battled for and won it, skating back behind the net and tried to pass to the front while under pressure. A crazy deflection caught Stewart by surprise as the puck skittered five-hole, bounced off his right pad, and slipped into the net. A sievetastic goal by the drama queen. Olson (1) from Pietila (1). 9:18, 1st period. 1-1.

MTU-2: With NMU's Kaunisto and Fernandez off for interference and tripping respectively, and Tech's Gwilliam also off for interference, the Huskies had a 4x3 power play opportunity. They did a good job of maintaining possession and shooting. Olson moved the puck out of the right corner to Seigo, who was waiting in the high slot and one-timed it on net. Two NMU defenders went down to block, but the puck squirted loose, bouncing directly into the low slot right in front of the crease. Baker pounced on the opportunity to clean up the trash and backhanded the puck past a butterflied Stewart's stick-side, off the post and in, before he could react. Baker (1) from Seigo (1) and Olson (1). 13:36, 1st period. PPG. 2-1 MTU.

MTU-3: Doriott forced a turnover in the neutral zone and attempted to pass up the left boards. Gwilliam pinned Fernandez to the boards long enough for Olson to pick up the loose puck. He skated into the NMU zone 2-on-1 with MacLeod, but recognized there was no time to setup a passing play, moved in, and blasted a quick shot past Stewart to the low stick-side. Olson (2) from Gwilliam (1) and Doriott (1). 17:42, 1st period. 3-1 MTU.

NMU-2: An awkward rebound off the post forced MTU's Kattelus to trip an NMU player in the low slot, sending him to the box for an NMU power play. The Wildcats won the ensuing draw and worked the puck around the perimeter briefly. Butcher passed out of the right corner and up the boards to Hanson, who moved into the right circle and fired a wrister just under Robinson's glove on the short side. Hanson (1) from Butcher (1) and Gustafsson (1). PPG. 19:45, 1st period. 3-2 MTU.

Second Period

No scoring

Third Period

MTU-4: Tech began the third period with 1:48 of power play time after NMU's Cherniwchan was whistled for hooking near the end of the second. After a minute or so of Tech's usual coffee break, Cousens and Seigo worked the puck back and forth between them a couple of times, then Seigo passed to Olson in the left circle. Olson one-timed the puck high glove-side on Stewart, who was partially screened on the play and a bit overcommitted, positionally-speaking. Olson (3) from Seigo (2) and Cousens (1). PPG, HTG, GWG. 1:10, 3rd period. 4-2 MTU.

MTU-5: NMU's Follmer went off for interference at 12:58. Seigo worked the puck to Olson at the left circle, who passed to Gwilliam waiting down low near the left side of the net. Gwilliam started to switch places with Olson, but ended Stewart's night when he quickly spun around and fired the puck through the tired/lazy drama queen's gaping five-hole. Gwilliam (1) from Olson (2) and Seigo (3). PPG. 14:12, 3rd period. 5-2 MTU.

NMU-3: Kyle elected to pull backup goalie Reid Ellingson for the extra attacker with 4:22 to play. Tech's Gwilliam took a holding penalty at 16:53 (3:07 to play). NMU worked the puck back to the blueline, where Cherniwchan made a pass to Spady, who moved in towards the right circle and fired a slapshot. The shot went wide to the right, but unfortunately caromed off the end wall and quickly popped out in front and to Robinson's exposed right, where Nugent seized the opportunity and buried it. Nugent (1) from Spady (1) and Cherniwchan (1). EAG, PPG. 18:12, 3rd period. 5-3 MTU.

Final

NMU 3
MTU 5

Links

University Recap
Mining-Gazette Recap
USCHO Recap

I will have a similar post for the LSSU game within the next day or two. Michigan Tech already has its first bye weekend of the season, so naturally there will be no analysis of the upcoming weekend's series. The Huskies will make their first roadtrip of the season to take on the Colorado College Tigers at the World Arena in Colorado Springs, October 23/24.

Getting Things Started the RIGHT Way!

2009-10-11T13:16:00.005-04:00

Five to three. FIVE TO THREE. Tech scored FIVE goals in ONE game. This is definitely a great way to start the season!! It's great to be 3-0 against NMU in the last three games. :)

BRETT OLSON HATTY. I'm especially liking that, as Brett is on my WCHA Fantasy Hockey team. Hopefully he keeps this good stuff up!

Ahh, what else? Oh, Lake Superior State tonight. Let's take this great start to the season even further!

For those of you wondering WHERE the freshmen interviews are, they will start rolling in soon! I'm waiting for a couple more responses, but I can start getting them prepared for posting. What I will say right now is... Evan Witt for the win so far!!

What's This?! A Post?!!

2009-10-01T23:07:00.005-04:00

Yes, a post. But don't get too excited just yet. It's just me to tell you that I haven't died or abandoned the Tech Hockey Blog. Been a busy offseason though!

So I bet you're all wondering where the freshman interviews are. I can tell you that I have completed the questions for each of our eight freshmen. I'm currently just waiting on contact information for them. So it might be a while, BUT THEY WILL COME!

Almost time for the season to begin. Exhibition play starts this weekend. Has anyone heard of Ryerson before seeing them on the schedule? I haven't. I'm hoping for better exhibition results than we had last year... Captain Gwilliam will lead the way!

Let's go TECH!

Screwed Again

2009-05-26T22:41:00.005-04:00

Unsurprisingly, the hockey gods have again conspired to deny the Michigan Tech Huskies a highly-touted recruit, this time via the temptations of post-lockout NHL rookie contracts.

So if this is true (and there's no reason to believe it's not), Jake Hauswirth, the son of Michigan Tech alumni and owner of some nice USHL stats (28-24-52, +16), will be off to the minor leagues without ever setting foot in Houghton.

Frankly, this irks even more than the CPZ debacle, because up until this wonderful little news announcement, Jake had given just about every indication that he was planning to attend MTU. As I said, his parents are even alums. In his case, it did not sound like academics would be a problem as they ultimately were for Zabotel. So I get the feeling that the Capitals simply convinced him and his family that because he is 21 and has already impressed Caps scouts, they're willing to gamble on a contract right now to lock him up, get him developing in the minors, and have him for as long as possible before he becomes a free agent.

Really, I can't blame the guy for taking the money, but assuming I'm correct, this is yet another unfortunate case of the post-lockout NHL screwing college hockey out of potentially good players. Now, it's happening before some of these guys even make it to campus.

I'll tell you one thing though - that's the last time I will take the word of any recruit regarding enrollment until I actually see them in a Husky sweater. I definitely feel like we were being led on here, and it disappoints me greatly.

On a team as starved for offense as Tech is, my expectations for the next couple of seasons just dipped a notch.

Michigan Tech Players Recognized on All-WCHA Hottie Teams

2009-05-23T00:58:00.002-04:00

That's right, Tech fans. Some of our very own guys were honored on the RWD's prestigious All-WCHA All-Hottie Teams. Although these awards mean less because UW's Podge Turnbull totally got SNUBBED! Seriously... how can you possibly snub THIS:

YUM!! Makes NO SENSE if you ask me! But sadly, no one asked me. :(

Anyway! If you're curious to see who got what and on what team they were placed, you might want to go HERE. Now.

Here are the Tech guys that received honors: Coach Russell, Robby Nolan, Geoff Kinrade, Malcolm Gwilliam, Jordan Baker and Drew Dobson. And in speaking with RWD, she also wanted to honor Bennett Royer and Alex Lord... but there was just no room. So with the power vested in me (which is essentially none), I place them on the honorable mention list! Along with Brett Olson and Alex Gagne. Yep, I just did that.

ANYWAY, our very own Robby Nolan received a lifetime achievement award for being honored EVERY SINGLE YEAR of the All-Hottie teams. Congratulations to him!

Minnesota Series Recap!

2009-05-16T00:39:00.003-04:00

Better late than never, right? :)

So I've been busy! What else is new, right? Well, I think you all deserve a recap of Gopher weekend... senior weekend at Michigan Tech. If you remember back to 6-7 March of 2009, the Gophers came to town to try and clinch home ice. Sadly, they succeeded, but it came only with the help of UAA and MSUM taking more points than expected from UMD and SCSU.

Oh, before I go on... I'm just going to tell you that I lied. I will not be recapping the whole series against the Gophers, but just Friday night. What else matters?

What a crazy game that was! At one point, one-WCHA-win Michigan Tech was up 4-1 against Minnesota. It was like it wasn't even real. Reality did set in a while later though... as UMN quickly came back and tied it up... Stoa had two goals within 16 seconds of each other. But man... the goaltending for UMN that night was WEAK. Really weak! Tech had 4 goals on some 13 shots. In the second period, our first three shots on goal all went in!! Like I said... crazy! But alas, it didn't last long.

So along comes the third period. We're tied, but Tech pulls away by a goal. This goal was also Drew Dobson's hat trick goal. HOW ABOUT THAT! There is very little that feels as good as a Michigan Tech hat trick goal.

Eventually Patrick White scores the equalizer. Dammit. Then we have ourselves some OT.

Now, forgive me for not having much faith in my team. If you lived through a season like I just did though, you would understand. The guys NEED to believe in themselves. I do not, however. I've had my heartbroken enough this past season. No need to get my hopes high just to have them crushed....again.

Well somehow... with about 2 minutes left in the extra session, Deron Cousens pulled through and got the job done. It was just a regular season win. It was just 2 useless points in a lost cause (our standings in the WCHA). IT WAS JUST AWESOME!!!

The celebration the guys had was as if they'd won the whole shabang. And boy did they need that! And boy did they DESERVE that! It had been a rough season. Finally there is something to celebrate!

Seeing the guys THAT HAPPY made me even happier. Seeing the Gophers that UPSET was the icing on the cake. :)

You know, after the season from hell, it's moments like these that just make it all worth it. Makes it all so very worth it.

And to finish off the rest of the season: The next night sucked against the Gophers and then we played at #1 UND... lost a couple there... BUT! I went to Red Pepper three times within 24 hours... so it was all good!

What's a Tech Fan To Do?

2009-04-11T22:57:00.004-04:00

NOTE: This is F2B&G, not Bethlyn. I do not want to read any comments addressing me as Bethlyn or MEg. I'm male, thank you very much. :p

After watching BU win the national title in OT, the 2008-2009 college hockey season is now officially over. Thus, I feel like making a post on the state of Tech hockey. It's not like I have anything better to do, since no one has anything planned this weekend and my roommate is currently boning his fiance in some Houghton hotel room (just kidding Mike!), so I have the apartment and a bottle of decent gin to myself.

I'm not going to dwell too much on the season, because everything that happened has already been whined about. Injuries and youth plagued us all the way to the basement, but not without a few bright spots. We did sweep our bitter archrivals eNeMa U during our December showdown, salvaged third place at the GLI in a 2-1 win over the Fighting Sue, beat the Goofers in a 6-5 OT firehouse during our final regular season series, and pulled out a 3-2 road victory over Soo Tech to avoid Superior Showcase embarassment (which also happened to be the first road win I've been in attendance for). I thoroughly savored all of those, because I knew our victories would be few and far between this year.

That said, why should I be excited about Husky hockey next season? I'm graduating and won't be anywhere near campus, so I will not get to see most of the games in person. We finished tenth this year, scoring a measly 62 goals. For comparison UAA, the ninth place team, managed 95 goals, and eighth place Mankato managed 117. UAA finished with 23 conference points, 12 more than Tech's 11. *sigh*

Why? Well, let's look on the bright side. No one left early to join the pros (duh), which means we only lost our eight seniors. Some things will be missed from that class, such as Schwarz's steady defense, Kinrade's point shot, Angelow's faceoff skills, and Kitti's workhorse attitude. However, we don't lose anyone capable of scoring a lot of goals. We retain our top two scorers, junior-to-be Jordan Baker (16-11-27) and sophomore-to-be Brett Olson (10-13-23), who were easily the most offensively skilled duo on the team. Drew Dobson (5-14-19) will be back for his senior year, whether he stays at forward because of his results up there, or goes back to defense because of his veteran presence on a defensive corps that will be a tad thin, IMHO.

Junior-to-be Deron Cousens (5-11-16) was the unsung hero of the second half, finally coming into his own as an offensive defeseman during the later part of his sophomore campaign. Super duper senior Malcolm Gwilliam should be back for a sixth year of eligibility, following a successful medical redshirt of his fifth year after a bizzare mini-stroke incident (his true sophomore season was also spent recovering from an injury). He will pursue an MBA and potentially wear the C.

Other players to keep an eye on include junior-to-be Bennett Royer, who is basically Alex Lord or Derek Kitti with just as much energy, but more offensive skill. A great third or fourth line surprise for opponents. There is also Peter Rohn, who had the game-winner against eNeMa U in a 1-0 nailbiter back in December. The very small forward, who is probably about 5'4" and maybe 150 lbs, has some surprising speed and is tenacious on faceoffs. Once he adds some more muscle, he will be another trick up Jamie Russell's sleeve.

I also like Alex MacLeod, who finished the year 6-4-10, with all six of his goals coming on the powerplay. The question is whether or not the 6'0", 210 lb sophomore-to-be will learn how to take fewer penalties, or whether he will be the next Jimmy Kerr. Time will tell, I suppose.

On the goaltending front, sophomore-to-be Josh Robinson had four of Tech's six wins this past season. Even if his stats look shaky, let's keep in mind he played in front of an equally shaky team this year. He was the first MTU goalie to blank NMU in the history of the rivalry, allowing just one goal on 37 shots in the Friday game that weekend, and earning a 20-save shutout over the Mildcats on Saturday to take the season series for Tech, two games to one. While I don't expect him to dominate right away, he should be a good goalie for us by the end of the season.

The Techies most primed for a breakout seasons are Royer and Eric Kattelus; book it.

As for recruits, the crown jewel in the 09-10 class is probably Jake Hauswirth, who finished 28-24-52 and +16 for the Omaha Lancers in the regular season of the USHL. The Capitals are somewhat excited about him as a free agent prospect, and he's already got great size at 6'5", 216. I expect him to be next season's Brett Olson, but perhaps with more goals instead of assists.

Other notable recruits include Steven Seigo, a 6'0", 180 lb. offensive defenseman from Edenwold, SK who spent two seasons with the Bonnyville Pontiacs of the AJHL, finishing with a 14-25-39 line and 8 PPG this season in 47 games (registering only 19 PIMs). As previously reported on this blog, he spent last summer practicing with an Austrian Elite League team with the NC$$'s permission (though he was not allowed to participate scrimmages), and it is felt that the experience was very good for him.

Milos Goric has averaged over a point per game in the BCHL for the last two seasons. He put together a 46-35-81 line this year, which works out to 1.4 PPG.

Recruit Tommy Brown was the only SJHL defenseman chosen to represent Canada West in the WJAC for two years in a row. In that tournament, he has played with BCHL goalie recruit Kevin Genoe (thanks to Prince George head coach and former Techie Ed Dempsey, and the success of former Spruce King Michael Lee Teslak for selling him on MTU).

The middle of the WCHA (spots 3-8) should naturally be a meatgrinder again. Based on how things are looking, I don't think an 8th place finish and a chance for a WCHA first round upset are unreasonable expectations for the 09-10 team, barring another injury riddled season.

With that, there's not much else for me to do except root for the Red Wings and wait for October.

Playing Ketchup

2009-03-01T00:54:00.008-05:00

Alright, I know I've been slacking lately... and I apologize for that. Work and road tripping have pretty much taken over my life as of late and there is time for little else.

Let's see... where did I leave off at? Woah... at UAA?! UAA, Rohn interview, Huskies Pep Band at the Final Five and whining about the Misfits. This is more serious than I originally thought.

The hell with my recaps. I think they're pretty boring anyway and you can read better ones anywhere. We all already know that Carnival didn't exactly turn out like we hoped, but we did achieve our SEVENTH WCHA tie of the season, which ties a WCHA record and makes a new Michigan Tech record. UMD Bulldogs blogger RWD has coined the phrase "Tech win" for a Michigan Tech tie. It has certainly reached the point for many Tech fans that when we get a tie, it's pretty much a win. On the other side of the spectrum, when a team ties us, their fans feel as though their team has lost the game. So let's see... this team has had seven Tech wins this season and one real one in the WCHA. Cool. That sounds better than "Tech has one win in the WCHA this season."

You know what I just realized? I'm not really playing catch up in this post. I'm completely just rambling. Oh well, I guess. Hard to know where these blog entries are going to go once I start typing. Not like anyone reads them anyway though.

So we have the Gophers coming to town next weekend. Awesome. The Gophers are currently tied for 5th place or something in the WCHA? Ugh. They're out for blood next weekend, I'm sure. I'd love to be the team that takes away their home ice. How amazing would that be? Oh yeah, and winning on senior night would be nice too!!

Have I already complained about Mitch's Misfits lately? I have? Well... I feel the need to do it more. LOOK at this:

This picture was taken AFTER the game has already started.against UMD. Absolutely FRUSTRATING!! What happened to the days when Section L would be flourishing even during a losing season? I realize that Tech hasn't seen a season like this in quite some time... but come on now. With senior weekend coming this next weekend, I'm pretty sure it's going to be even WORSE. First of all, it falls on spring break. No one is going to stay for the games, especially on Saturday night... even if the games are against the Gophers. The MacInnes will truly be Mariucci North this weekend as the Gopher fans should have NO problem taking over the building to cheer on their team as they fight for home ice. I'm calling on the Husky parents to be ROWDY this weekend! Make some noise to make up for the terrible students at Michigan Tech. Let's try to get some atmosphere in the MacInnes because we know the guys just love that. Sadly, this season's team has experienced very little of it, at least at home (and UAA).

One more home stick salute left in the 2008-2009 season.

Next season will be better. So much better!

MISSING - Please help!

2009-02-22T21:53:00.004-05:00

Once crazy Michigan Tech hockey fans who called themselves Mitch's Misfits... Last seen in full force early during the 2008-2009 hockey season. They have been dwindling down in numbers ever since. Now they are nearly all gone.

They are pictured above in a game on 10 October 2008 at the Berry Events Center.

Please, if you find any of them wandering about on Friday 6 March and Saturday 7 March 2009, return them safely to the John MacInnes Student Ice Arena so that they may cheer on the Michigan Tech Huskies against the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers and crush their chance of getting home ice.

Mitch's Misfits will also be needed in attendance for a proper farewell to eight amazing seniors: Ryan Angelow, Alex Gagne, Geoff Kinrade, Derek Kitti, Alex Lord, Rob Nolan, John Schwarz and Justin St. Louis.

Damn, They're Good!

2009-02-07T14:23:00.002-05:00

The Huskies Pep Band is returning to the WCHA Final Five as the Official Band once again!!

Yes, it's true! Unless someone lied to me... So, to my hockey team: now that the band made it, you guys should too!

Meet Your Freshman 2008-2009: Peter Rohn

2009-01-30T17:29:00.006-05:00

I know you have all been waiting a long time. At long last, the time has come. The Tech Hockey Blog would like you to get to know the newest addition to our Husky Hockey team.

Peter Rohn had to sit out some 17 games because the NCAA is dumb. His first NCAA game came during the Saturday night game at Minnesota-Duluth. His fellow teammates made him take the ice first for warm-ups. It was a big moment for him. Soon after Peter started playing games for the team, we swept NMU for the first time in.....forever. Peter was key!

So here's some info on Peter, followed by the interview. ENJOY! And don't forget to comment. :)

#25

Position: Forward
Last Team: Green Mountain Glades (EJHL)
Hometown: Vettre, Norway
Birthday: 1/4/88
Height: 5'7"
Weight: 165 lbs

Tech Hockey Blog (THB): How the heck did we find you? Which coach saw you first?
Peter Rohn (PR): It started in '06, when I was first looking to come over to the US to play college hockey. Coach Mikesch was the first one I talked to and the main reason I'm here now.

THB: Why did you agree to come to Michigan Tech?
PR: Well it was between St. Lawrence and Tech for 08/09, and some other Hockey East/ECAC schools for 09/10 but I really wanted to get going with my college career so when it came down to the WCHA and the ECAC the choice was easy for me.

THB: Tell the Michigan Tech fans a little bit more about your background. Steve Vlaisavljevich mentioned how you've lived in a few places around the world and are very familiar with at least 4 cultures.
PR: Hah, Steve is the man by the way. [Yes. Yes he is.]

I was born in Oslo, Norway. My father is Norwegian and my mother South Korean. They met when my father worked in Seoul in the 80's. We lived in Nairobi, Kenya from 92-97. My father worked in a branch of the UN called the Norwegian Peoples Aid, and they worked mostly in Sudan. My mother ran her own help organization and did missionary work building schools, hospitals etc in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda. They have different jobs now, but both of them are still active down there.

THB: All the websites say that you're 5'7". Tell me the truth, Peter. How tall are you actually?
PR: 170 cm tall. [Cute. Alright, I'll convert that for my readers. Let's see... 170 cm comes out to be....5.577427821517 ft... or 5' 6.9291336". No way!]

THB: What has been your greatest moment thus far in your early career as a Michigan Tech Husky?
PR: Scoring the game winner against Northern felt pretty nice.

THB: Are you starting to become a Red Wings fan yet by living in Michigan?
PR: I was a Red Wings fan before I came to the States, and I've always been one! [Wow... that caught me off guard. Peter, you're such a smart guy!!]

THB: How is Wadsworth Hall treating you? Do you enjoy the dorm food?
PR: Good! I love the dorm food... [I agree. Wads food is delicious. Wads rocks! I miss dorm food... =( ...]

THB: Who are you rooming with this season? Tell me something interesting (or embarrassing!) about your roommate.
PR: I'm rooming with Michael Meads. He is a mechanical engineer major. He has a huge tattoo of Saint Michael slaying the devil on the side of his upper body.

THB: Which of the three Husky jerseys is your favorite?
PR: The black jerseys no doubt.

THB: Who do you think is the funniest guy on the team?
PR: Tough one, there are several candidates. [What a cop out! But I'm not surprised. There are a lot of comedians on the team.]

THB: Are you any good at rubbing your tummy and patting your head at the same time?
PR: Yeah, I can even do it with my hands tied behind my back. [Okay.... that's called talent!]

THB: How many national anthems do you know the words to? Which is your favorite?
PR: I only know the Norwegian national anthem by heart, but I do know parts of the Swedish, American and Canadian anthems. The Norwegian national anthem is my favorite, but I also like the Russian one.

THB: I realize you haven't yet taken many hockey trips, but of those few that you have taken, which was your favorite and why?
PR: The Denver trip. Nice city, nice weather and nice rink. Plus one of my best friends and my neighbor from back home in Norway plays for them, so it was really great to see him!

THB: How is the female situation looking for you?
PR: Come on get real...it's Michigan Tech. Does it look good for anyone? [Peter, you're avoiding the question. :) But yeah, it's a rough place.]

THB: If you could be any height, how tall would you want to be?
PR: 6'0" is a good height. [Don't you mean 182.88 cm? =P]

THB: How does the crowd's energy and noise level affect the way you play?
PR: It certainly fires me up and gets me going. I love it when it's loud and intense!

THB: Do you ever see a Norway flag in the crowd at your games?
PR: I do and I love it! Reminds of where I am from, and it makes me proud. I appreciate it! [I'm glad you like it, Peter! It will be at all of the remaining games this season.]

THB: How many hours in the average day do you think you spend at the MacInnes?
PR: Too many. But it's all good since that's where I prefer to be!

THB: Do you prefer cats or dogs?
PR: Dogs. I hate cats, especially wildcats! [You. Are. Amazing!]

THB: Peter, I was there for your first game at UMD on Saturday night. When you guys were heading to the ice for warmups, the team was going to make you go first. You very shy and hesitated for a while. Why was this? :)
PR: The guys wanted me to go first since it was my first game. I thought they were messing with me so I hesitated since I was sure they were going to let me skate out there all alone and embarrass myself. And sure enough...

THB: And when you finally stepped onto the ice for the first time that night, how did it feel?
PR: It felt amazing. I waited a long time for that.

THB: Lastly, what would you like to say to all of the Michigan Tech fans out there (or at least the 10-20 of them that read the Tech Hockey Blog)?
PR: Thanks for the support and loyalty, you guys are great. Hopefully we can finish the season strong, make it to the Final Five and give you guys what you deserve! It's time to make Tech a national powerhouse once again!

Saturday @ UAA; Brett Olson as WCHA co-Rookie of the Week

2009-01-28T18:17:00.008-05:00

Here it is Wednesday and at last I will finish writing up on the weekend. Hey, I'm getting better and less lazy at this!

The WCHA basement brothers shared yet another tie last weekend. And again, UAA dominated most of the game. They of course went up early on us, 2-0. That was a bummer, but at least they were doing something to help us out: taking penalties. Before the third had ended, we tied the game 2-2 from two power play goals by none other than BRETT OLSON. This brings Brett's point count for the weekend to 3-1--4. What a great weekend for our awesome freshman.

Those two power play goals also brought our power play to 4 for 8 on the weekend. HOW ABOUT THAT?! Good stuff right there. Not to mention our penalty kill going 100%. Those two factors definitely had a hand in our two earned points this weekend.

Michigan Tech took their first lead in the longest time during the third period thanks to our new guy in up front--Drew Dobson. We were only able to enjoy this lead for a whopping minute and a half as UAA answered back almost immediately. Bummer.

But hey, a tie may not be a win, but it's not loss. I 'm happy with the point. Putting that point with the one from Friday night is like a win. Baby steps.

Hey you know, speaking of Brett Olson, he is not surprisingly WCHA Co-Rookie of the Week, along with RWD favorite Jack Connolly from UMD. Congrats to both Brett and Jack for great wekeends and a great honor. As I have mentioned before, I look forward to each and every week when Mr. Olson is on the ice. Oh geez, I just thought of something gay... but I will share it with my readers. It'll be a last thought type of thing. Here it goes -

The future looks very nice
When Brett Olson is on the ice

Playing Catch-Up

2009-01-24T15:03:00.007-05:00

I apologize for my absolute laziness going on lately. What can I say? I've been busy. Let's recap the last few weekends starting with where I left off --

Saturday night in Denver... Tech played hard. It was another absolutely solid game from them in the mile high city. Number 10 was with Number 1 for the entire night. Geoff Kinrade scored his SECOND goal (of the powerplay sort, 4x3) of the weekend to tie it up, 1-1 after 1. DU's Ostrow scored in the second however and DU took the lead. The final blow came with 3.2 seconds left in the game as DU was able to put one in our empty net. The result was obviously a bummer, but man... I was so proud of the guys for how well they played. It was wonderful hockey to watch with sadly nothing to show for it... but such is the story of Michigan Tech Hockey.

The next weekend, we allowed the hostile and abusives into our ice arena as we hosted the Sioux. Friday we gave two up power play goals in the first period. Boo! It seems that UND was out to seek revenge for the defeat at the GLI. They DOMINATED that first period, 15-4 SOG. We were probably lucky to be down by only 2. Second period was rally time. The hardest working guy of the weekend, Alex Gagne, put Tech on the board within the first five minutes of the second. Four minutes later, freshman Brett Olson (who is going to be OUTSTANDING in the years to come), tied up the game. Brett Olson is quickly becoming among many Tech fans' favorite. He's definitely another hard worker for the Huskies and I'm really excited to watch him play in the upcoming years. I can definitely see him wearing the "C" in two years.

The third period on Friday -- another one dominated by the Sioux. Finley fired a rocket into the back of the net. Even if Nolan had gloved it, the sheer energyof that thing probably still would've forced Robby's glove back behind the goal line. It was THAT good. The Sioux outshot Tech 18-6 in that period, but Robby played like a champ. And everyone's favorite little Norweigan, Peter Rohn, tied up the game just a minute and a half after Finley's goal. Tech managed to hold on to the tie, despite the Sioux's utter and complete domination. The Sioux probably deserved more in this game, but oh well. They can get points in other games. The hell with them.

Saturday night versus the Sioux.... yeah.... So what if we lost 5-0? A win is a win and a loss is a loss. We're 1-1-1 against the Sioux this season. I'll take it. =)

Okay, so that brings us Anchorage! Finally. God, what an amazing city this is. I am glad to be back here. So this year, there are four other Misfits and myself that made the trip. We came prepared to take over the Sullivan. I know the five of us can easily dominate in that arena, and sure enough, we did. We started out cheering loudly at the beginning of this game. This was annoying some UAA fans. They spent more time and energy yelling at us to shut up than they did to support their team.

Dear UAA fans sitting around us:

We're not here to annoy you. We have spent hundreds and hundreds of dollars and traveled across the continent to support our team, so dammit, that is what we will do. I'm sorry if you don't like it when people cheer for their hockey teams, but it will not stop us.

Our cheering and support makes the guys want to play harder and more desperate hockey. We were rewarded for our time and money spent last night by coming back from a 3-goal deficit.

My advice is to stop directing your energy toward us and focus on your team. The Seawolves need you.

When we went down 3-0, I saw Jamie in front of me point to the net and yell at Nolan, "Robby, GO." That was during the second period, a period that the Seawolves completely dominated. The second period wasn't a total loss though as Jordan Baker was able to at least get us on the board.

It was like music to my ears to hear these high school-aged Seawolves fans saying, "3 to 1, 3 to 1" in such a taunting way... and I knew then karma would run its course. Sure enough, it did.

In the third, Brett Olson put us to within one goal. What a PLAYMAKER he is! He also assisted on Baker's goal in the previous period. The future of this team looks bright with Brett. I can't wait!

The time's ticking down... and then with 2:15 left in regulation, Baker gets a penalty... one that I believe was for retaliation, but I can't comment too much on it. According to one of the Tech fans that did see it, I guess UAA's Clark was hitting at Baker's facemask and Baker was getting sick of it, so he tried to move him over, and Clark dropped like the pansy he is. When Baker got that penalty called on him, he was SO ANGRY. I watched the look on Clark's face as he skated away and it was a look of accomplishment and pride. According to one UAA fan, whose identity will be kept secret, "Clarky is a sneaky bastard." UAA fans know what's up! I hate cheating in hockey, but hey, I guess you need to do what you need to do for you team and to get the win.

If it's one thing I believe in though, it's KARMA. Clark's little stunt didn't pay off for UAA as Tech was able to score shorthanded with about 28 seconds left in regulation...!!! Derby Kitti of all guys! Absolutely perfect. Derby works hard day in and day out... He is FINALLY rewarded and rewarded with something great.

Tonight's game is going to be an absolute battle. The Seawolves are very frustrated, understandingly so, and are in need of giving to their fans who are all on the brink of insanity. If Tech wants to win tonight, they're going to have to turn it up a few notches from their play last night.

Man, this is a long blog entry.... Sorry if you actually read this.

Denver - Night One

2009-01-10T03:14:00.005-05:00

16.8 seconds. SIXTEEN POINT EIGHT SECONDS.

That was rough. Very rough. First and foremost, I must say that I am ABSOLUTELY SO PROUD of my team. Michigan Tech played SO WELL in the Magness. I know I've said this before, but I will say it again because it applies here: the Huskies deserved better.

There is pretty much one picture that can sum up the game -

It was up... then it was down... then up again, then down and down further. Then it was the top... The top is the point where one's FAVORITE player scores to tie the game with less than one minute left. Then with 16.8 seconds left, the roller coaster went down down down. Down to China! Ugh. This is probably the most depressed I've been this season... or at least close. It's tough for a game to end like that though. So heartbreaking. It was like the oxygen was just removed right from my lungs.. and that's a huge bummer because being up here in the mile high city, there's not much there to begin with.

I'm sure the team is heartbroken tonight... but let that be a reason for them to come out and play hard tomorrow... throughout the entire game. They're going to steal one somewhere if they keep playing like they did Friday night in Denver.

On a side note, Denver fans are amazing... amongst the best in college hockey.

That is all.

EDIT: No wait. That's not at all. Michigan Tech beat UND in the third place game at UND! Okay, now that's all.

At Least We Swept NMU Last Weekend

2008-12-28T10:12:00.003-05:00

I can't remember EVER being so disgusted at GLI. I think yesterday's game was the WORST I've seen my team play all season and I've seen some pretty bad stuff out of them. Well hey, at least it wasn't televised... because it would've been a COMPLETE embarrassment. Hell, it already was. I really don't even know what to say about it. The powerplay was typical for this team... with most of them being spent in the neutral end or our own end. As usual, the team couldn't get anything going. I don't think the Huskies had more than 2 or 3 scoring chances the entire game. I know my guys can play a hell of a lot better than they did last night... and I expect that they will tonight against the Sioux.

A NATURAL HAT TRICK scored against us in like the first ten minutes?! What a bunch of crap. I'd like to know what happened to Robo last night. I don't fault him at all for the third goal since he had a UM player on top of him. FOUR goals against on TWO saves?! That's not the Robo I know. Hopefully we can put that terrible showing behind us and never let it happen again. Should be interesting to see who gets the nod tonight.

Bleh, I don't even know what else to say. I haven't been this disgusted with my team since the BSU series. Get it together, Michigan Tech. >=(

Oh, here's one, or rather the only, positive from last night: Our penalty kill was 100% successful. At least we got SOME luck last night.

Shut out six times and counting............

WCHA Players of the Week - Schwarz and Robo

2008-12-24T00:31:00.004-05:00

Two out of three ain't bad. From here:

WCHA Defensive Player of the Week • John Schwarz, Sr., D, Michigan Tech
Michigan Tech University’s John Schwarz, who helped key a strong defensive effort while helping the Huskies to a home-and-home non-conference sweep over Upper Peninsula rival Northern Michigan last weekend, has been named Red Baron® WCHA Defensive Player of the Week for Dec. 23-29.

A 6-3, 215-pound senior from Calgary, Alberta, Schwarz and his Michigan Tech teammates held the Wildcats to just one goal in the two-game series while winning 2-1 in Houghton last Friday (Dec. 19) and 1-0 in Marquette last Saturday (Dec. 20). The Huskies blanked NMU on all seven of their power-play chances in recording their first sweep of the 2008-09 season and first over the Wildcats since 1994. Playing a lead role on the blueline, Schwarz was credited with six blocked shots on the weekend and also earned a +1 plus/minus rating.

Schwarz, who serves as team captain for the Huskies, has contributed a goal and nine assists for 10 points over his 108-game collegiate career at MTU.

WCHA Rookie of the Week • Josh Robinson, Fr., G, Michigan Tech
Michigan Tech University goaltender Josh Robinson, who yielded just one goal in a two-game, home-and-home victory sweep over Northern Michigan last weekend, is the Red Baron® WCHA Rookie of the Week for Dec. 23-29.

A 6-0, 185-pound freshman from Frankenmuth, Mich., Robinson started back-to-back games in the same weekend for the first time in his collegiate career, stopping 56 of 57 shots on goal in the series for a .982 saves percentage and posting five shutout periods. Robinson stopped 36 of 37 shots on goal in a 2-1 triumph last Friday (Dec. 19) in Houghton and then came back last Saturday (Dec. 20) in Marquette to post a 20-save shutout as Michigan Tech prevailed by a 1-0 count. The two wins stretched Michigan Tech’s unbeaten streak to three games at 2-0-1 and enabled them to post their first sweep of Northern Michigan since 1994.

On the 2008-09 season, Robinson sports a 2.33 goals-against average over 488:45 of action between the pipes to rank fifth among WCHA goaltenders overall and owns a .902 saves percentage and 3-4-1 record.

A Taste of Something New

2008-12-22T18:15:00.008-05:00

At long last! The greatness that I have been waiting for all season long has surfaced. Moments like these are why I am such a die-hard Michigan Tech fan. They are far and few in between, but when they occur, they're extra special and put me (and my fellow Tech fans) on Cloud 9 for days or longer. It's kind of like me golfing: I'll get one nice hit every nine holes that will keep me coming back to that game.

Well, we have finally swept Northern Michigan. I've only been following Michigan Tech since the 03-04 season and the last time the good guys swept was back in '94. Ah, the Jamie Ram days.

I must say... the underclassmen are AMAZING. While things are pretty rough this season, especially because of injuries, I'm a lot more optimistic about the future than I may have EVER been. The next two or three seasons are going to be pretty good.

But let's talk about this past weekend.

Both games we scored the first goal, including Friday's ever-so-RARE first period goal. In fact, it's only our FOURTH first period goal this season. I think the team should spend more time focusing on the first period during practices. For sure.

On Friday, especially in the second half of the game, NMU completely took over. As a fan in the stands at the rival game, when we have a one goal lead and the other team is completely dominating the game, it gets a little scary. Why does my team stop playing offense?? I'm sure our goaltender Josh Robinson wonders the same thing... but we'll get back to him in a minute.

So we swept NMU... and to that Coach Kyle said, "They absolutely deserve the wins. They did a great job and were able to score on opportunities when we weren’t. They were solid defensively on both ends of the ice and they beat us.” ... and to Coach Kyle I say... what a load of crap. Eighteen shots against in a single period on Friday? We only had 12 shots the WHOLE GAME on Saturday. We scored 3 times the whole weekend. The winner in this whole thing is Josh Robinson. HE deserved the wins. Michigan Tech was not the clearcut victor if you watched the games. I believe it was a mediocre effort for both teams.

Moving on...

Jordan Baker. Oh man, watching him this past weekend, I couldn't help but think of Chris Conner. He had some crazy moves to keep the puck away from the STD-infested Wildcats. Jordan had but one assist on the weekend, but he currently leads our team in goals and points. And if you watch him play, that fact is not all too surprising. We've got two beautiful seasons left of him. For such a small stature, he's such a physical presense on the ice. He had some massive Batty-like hits this weekend. I hope to see much more of that this season.

OH HEY! How about that Peter Rohn guy?! He might even be shorter than Mr. Baker, but he's definitely one of the hardest working guys on the ice. Much more to come on Little Peter later... including an overdue questionnaire. But for now, keep in mind that since he has been playing in games for the Huskies, we have not lost a game yet....

So for fun, I should comment on NMU goaltender Brian Stewart. Wow, what a TOOL. Although, this is not something new to me. He is the ROBBIE EARL of goaltenders. If you breathe too hard on him, he will flop all over the ice as if he has been shot. I swear, I thought he died about 4 times this past weekend. If I were an NMU fan, I would be EMBARRASSED about the terrible acting that Stewart does on the ice night in and night out. CUT THE CRAP. Just play HOCKEY. Your stupid games aren't fooling anyone, you idiot.

On the opposite end of the goaltender spectrum, we have Michigan Tech goalie Josh Robinson. What a guy! Yep, that's right, readers. My players wear halos on their heads 24/7. ;) Anyway, Josh Robinson, or Robo as he will be referred to from now on, is HOT right now between the pipes. He let only one goal in this weekend on 56 shots. He had a chunk of that goal, but not enough to stop it. After this past weekend, Robo now has an overall save percentage of 90%, the only Michigan Tech goalie that can say that right now. He also picked up his first career shutout as a Michigan Tech Husky on Saturday... I asked him how he felt after helping his team sweep NMU:

"It was very exciting. Northern is our biggest rival and anytime you get a win, it's a special one; but when you sweep, it's an extra special weekend."

Not only did Josh get his first career shut out and help his team to sweep the Wildcats, but he will go down in the record books as the first goaltender from Michigan Tech to have shut out NMU! Here are his thoughts on that:

"It's pretty cool being able to be the first Michigan Tech goalie to shutout Northern. I don't think any of us knew that it had never been done until Marksy told me after the game. I'm excited that I was able to get my first shutout this weekend and it just adds a little more to it being against Northern."

Well, it was quite the exciting weekend, but it's over... and the team is only looking ahead to the GLI right now. We'll be starting out with a rematch of last year's championship game against Michigan. Michigan is sitting in the middle of the CCHA right now. Hopefully we can pull through and take another shot at the championship game on Sunday. After all, this is OUR tournament, dammit. It's too bad that Michigan State has to be there this season though. They may prove to be a bigger cupcake than any of the invites to UMN's yearly crappy holiday tournament that they can't even win.

I'm going to go ahead and take a guess that Robo's getting the nod for Saturday at GLI. This is HUGE for him, as his hometome of Frankenmuth, MI is only a short distance away. I asked Josh about the GLI and who's coming to watch him. Here's what he said:

"Well, the GLI is actually very close to my hometown of Frankenmuth. The Joe is only an hour an a half from my house too. I'm expecting to have quite a few people in the stands for the games. My list of people that are coming is pretty long so here it goes.... Mom and Dad, Brother, possible my grandparents, my goalie coach from back home and his son... and I have quite a few friends who go to State and Michigan who will be there cheering against me haha. Obviously, my goal is to win the GLI and have our banner flying all year in the Joe."

Well, Josh... I hope you make your goal this season (and that you get new friends... like people who DON'T go to MSUcks). It is probably best achieved by letting in very few goals and making your team score more of them. It's going be hard to win a tournament by scoring only three goals all weekend. The rest of the Huskies need to step up and do their part.

DECC the Halls

2008-12-15T21:25:00.002-05:00

...That wasn't so bad. We didn't win, but we didn't get swept by UMD! Nor did we get shut out! I'm going to say what I've been saying all along... my team looks fine... they just can't finish. Nothing really new to report there.

Our goal on Friday was a beaut. More should go down like that. Everything was set up so nicely and it went as it should've. Baker was fed a great pass that was able to tip in and up past Stalock. This happened right in front of me and made me very happy. The goal on Saturday... eh, it was down in the other end. I didn't get a good view of it at all. Studly freshman BRETT OLSON got our second goal of the weekend, his third of his career. Good stuff.

Get this... BOTH of the goals that Michigan Tech scored this weekend were powerplay goals! We have GOT to be pushing 8 or 9% on power plays now! Oh! I just looked it up... we're at 8.7% overall and 8.1% in the conference. Not too shabby!

Let's see... other comments I have.... Oh, dear team: STAY OUT OF THE FRICKIN' BOX. We had TWO 5x3 goals scored against this weekend. If we did away with both of those, we may just have won on Saturday with our piddly one goal. Plus, whenever we go down 2 men, it gives me a heart attack. And then when the other team inevitably scores, I get more pissy than I do for even strength goals against us. So uh... let's play smarter hockey and limit ourselves to ONE Husky in the penalty box at a time. Thanks.

So there's NMU weekend coming right up. Oh boy. This is going to be some great hockey.... or not. Neither team is really making much of any waves in their respective conferences. Tech is going to need to set things straight this weekend and make up for that crappy first game played against NMU earlier this season. If we don't get at least one win this weekend, I'm going to be EXTREMELY upset. I worked yesterday during the great blizzard of '08 and for 11.5 hours today so I can take Friday off to watch my team WIN a game against the pukes from STDU.

A Stupid Format for a Stupid Game

2008-12-05T22:07:00.008-05:00

From the first picture... to the second....

What's going on??

Why are we so despised by the hockey gods?

To sum up this game -

To Sum EVERYTHING Up...

2008-11-29T22:38:00.002-05:00

Numbers and Other Stuff

2008-11-24T19:14:00.005-05:00

This past weekend goes to the Mavericks.

4 hours of PTO.

728 miles.

2 games.

4 3 Husky-scored goals.

2 more losses.

ZERO points.

Boo to all that... except the Husky goals part. Although a larger number would've been better. Am I wearing the gold and black goggles? I thought they played alright this past weekend. Many may disagree with me. I do have one complaint though: PASSING. I swear by it, if this team can fix that issue, things will start happening! That's a pretty big problem to have. It can and does screw up all aspects of the Husky game. For example: the power play! That's obviously one of the areas of concern. One of the things I notice about all the teams we play -- their passing is so much cleaner than ours. And what do you know! The opponent wins more games than we do.

I believe my team does have the talent it takes to win games. That's very optimistic talk coming from someone like myself; I like to be negative more often than positive. We get the chances. Anyone who watches Michigan Tech hockey will agree with me -- the chances are there. The bounces just normally don't go our way, or else we get Mason who "intended" to blow the whistle right before we score so he'll take away all of our legit goals in a game. Yeah, I said it. But there were two amazing things that happened this past weekend that rarely happen to this team, it seems. First, the Mavericks got a goal taken away from them. It's usually always us that something like that happens to. I must say, it's a great feeling being on the other side once. And secondly, we got a bounce. I can't remember exactly what happened, but Maverick assistant captain Blake Freisen helped to put a puck in his own net. It crossed the goal line ever so slowly. Just awesome.

Even with two lucky things happening to us last weekend, we just couldn't win. THIS is the weekend to start turning things... against those stupid Beavers at Bemidji State... those WCHA-member wannabes. The hell with that! The Huskies need to shut them down this weekend and show the college hockey world that the Beavers are not worthy of being in the WCHA. We need to SWEEP them this weekend, just like what happened the last time these teams met. If we lose one or both games this weekend, I'm going to be pretty steamed.

UMN Recap; Looking Ahead to MSUM at Home

2008-11-17T22:59:00.006-05:00

One point out of the weekend. Considering that we got that one point from the now #1 Gophers, it isn't such a bad deal. We were able to salvage a tie on Saturday and ALMOST won it at the last second. Special thanks to Jay Barriball for missing two WIDE OPEN nets. More thanks to Robby Nolan for playing a great game--a great series--this weekend. Robby made some amazing saves that I haven't seen out of him in like two years. He deserves much kudos for the great job he did this past weekend.

Sunday's game... what a bummer that was. Michigan Tech was outplaying Minnesota in every way. It took two stupid penalties to turn the game around in only an instant. Despite the game being turned around so quickly, the Huskies kept at it. They had SO MANY great opportunities, but Kangas stood tall. In the end, Tech got 38 shots through to Kangas, but Kangas chose that day to have his first career shut out. That jerk.

Tech outplayed the Gophers on Sunday and the Gophers are lucky to have gotten their two points. I am SO PROUD of my team for all of their effort and heart put out there this weekend. We didn't get the results, but I can't be TOO upset with how great they played.

My thoughts on my team--they have the talent, they just need a little more luck to go with that. OH! And how about Johnny Kivisto's CLANKING of the crossbar? Oh man... that was so close. If the net was only a half inch taller, that would've been a goal. So yes, more luck and the ability to finish.

So, this weekend we have the Mavericks at home. Last season, the Mavericks were the only team that Michigan Tech swept at home. Can we repeat the sweep this season? With Zacharias in goal for the Mavs, it's a tall order. Having seen Zacharias play the Sioux earlier this season, he's one tough cookie. And as for the rest of the team, I've only seen them play one game this season, but from what I have seen, their passing is nice... much better than Tech's. This might prove to be a pain this weekend.

And lastly, I just have a few things to say to the players -

1) WIN. I hate driving through the state of Wisconsin all the way to Michigan Tech to see my team lose to a bunch of pansies in purple.... or ANYONE for that matter.

2) STOP taking STUPID penalties! Play SMART! We no longer have Chris Conner playing on our team, so typically good things do not come from us being a man or two short.

...Um, I guess that's all I have for now. I thought I had more, but apparently not.

(Btw, Blogger is being EXTREMELY stupid and not registering my enters... so I made the first couple of words of each paragraphs a different color. Blogger sucks.)

MEg becomes NMU Fan

2008-11-14T19:54:00.000-05:00

It's true.

OMGWTFBBQ

2008-11-08T22:51:00.007-05:00

Alright, I've done enough whining, time to face the cold, hard truth. The Huskies just finished taking it right up the ass in Madison, losing 0-6, including five, count 'em, FIVE Badger PP goals. Friday, Tech lost a 2-3 bout in which they tried to sneak back into the game when it was already too late.

Where do we go now? Onward to Minneapolis next weekend, to face a Gopher squad that completed a third period thumping of their own against New Hampshire, winning 6-2. One thing is for sure - play like that next weekend, and the Gophers will have zero problem torching us faster than one of my grandpa's gasoline-soaked bonfires. As I pack my bags, I can only prepare for the worst and hope the Huskies prove me dead wrong.

UAA Recap; UW Preview

2008-11-06T19:49:00.005-05:00

Ok, so I've been slacking a bit this week... and this season. Cut me some slack. That reminds me, I still need to introduce you all to Peter Rohn. That'll come sometime this season.

So.... the UAA series. It seems so long ago now. I remember that we split the series. I also remember that we absolutely BIFFED it on all the minutes of 5-on-3. We've been extremely unsuccessful in that area this season. I can't even begin to tell you how many 5-on-3's for over a period of a minute that we've been given this season. We just can't do anything with it. By the way, "biffed" is one of the most awesome words ever.

The power play was rather successful this weekend (not the 5-on-3, obviously) ... at least more successful than normal for the Huskies. It was just one weekend though. We'll see if that trend continues.

What a recap, eh? Hey, I do what I can around here. Work keeps me busier than school. Oh, and on a side note, I'd just like to say that UAA fans are the most amazing fans that there are.

Now, onto this weekend... I'm looking forward to another fun weekend in the Kohl Center. The Badgers haven't been doing well lately. This is either because they've had a tough schedule or that they're stupid cheeseheads. Maybe a little bit of both. Either way, Michigan Tech needs to at least split this weekend... because taking a game in front of 14,000 angry fans is a VERY beautiful thing. Plus we could always use the WCHA points. Wisconsin doesn't need them.

And lastly... Go Huskies!

Teenage Angst

2008-10-26T15:39:00.005-04:00

A wild Friday evening at the John MacInnes Student Ice Arena, filled with penalties and much whining by the U-18 Team. They supposedly have some of the best talent in junior hockey, but they sure as hell don't have the sportsmanship or class. I guess that's what happens when you put a bunch of prima donnas on the same squad.

Tech started strong out of the gate, picking up an early PP goal off a rebound that was buried by freshman Brett Olson, with assists from Alex Gagne and Deron Cousens.

John Kivisto made it 2-0 early in the second period with an awesome shot from the inside the top half of the left circle. Who knew the guy had it in him? Olson and Geoff Kinrade picked up assists on the play.

RPI recruit Jerry D'Amigo cut Tech's lead in half on a shot that evaded Robinson with just over five minutes left to play in the second, but the Huskies regained the two-goal lead when sophomore Eric Kattelus wristed a bullet over Haxwell's left shoulder. The goal again came on the powerplay, with assists from Drew Dobson and Eli Vlaisavljevich (yes, I looked up the spelling).

The third period scoring began with Gwilliam capping off Tech's scoring, apparently poking in a puck that Haxwell mishandled (my interpretation from what I could see sitting in Section N). That turned out to be the game-winner, when UNH commit Ryan Bourque scored twice in the final two minutes of regulation to bring the U-18s within a goal, but not close enough.

Haxwell? He's not just a goaltender, he likes rough play too! He hauled down a Tech player (once again, I didn't see who it was from my end of the ice) and held him there for a good five seconds while the refs stared off into space and didn't call anything. Of course, a makeup call came a bit later on, but still, pretty funny shit. I'm sure Jerry York will approve of such play when he shows up at BC. (/sarcasm)

The game was a penalty-fest, with the high schoolers acting like a bunch of little pussies once they had dug themselves into a big hole, hacking it up all over the ice. Of course, Russell wisely did not allow the Huskies to throw any serious punches (for obvious reasons), though I was pretty sure Ryan Bunger would've been more than happy to rearrange BC commit Kenny Ryan's face, after he jumped on Bunger's back and started cheapshotting him without even taking his own helmet off.

*sigh*

Kids these days...

Anyway, exhibition hockey is finally over with, and next week we're hosting the Alaska-Anchorage Seawolves for a pair of WCHA games in Houghton. UAA is 4-1-1 through their first six regular season games, including a 3-1 defeat of Maine, and a 3 pt. weekend at home against the Bulldogs of Duluth. This is shaping up to be a tough Anchorage squad that MTU should not take lightly, like they did last season. Coming out flying and playing a consistent, strong 60 minutes of hockey should be the goal for both nights.

To Our Injured Huskies

2008-10-22T00:13:00.006-04:00

Over 20% of the team is out with injuries right now. That's um... that's a lot of guys that we need to be healthy instead of hurt. I wanted to do something special for them... maybe send a card or something, but we all know I'm too lazy for that. So I looked online for 'get well soon' images. As expected, there were teddy bears and balloons, roses and sunshines, other flowers and hearts. Then I found something that would be more likely to appeal to the team and that fits the situation a little better.

Before I get to that, here's a breakdown of the player outages that Michigan Tech is currently experiencing -

Schwarz: Up to 8 weeks, depending on how he heals
Angelow: Sounds like 2-4 more weeks
St. Louis: Not playing this weekend, sounds questionable for UAA
Reddick: 6-8 weeks
Licktieg: 4-6 months
Doriott: 2-4 weeks

(Special thanks to F2B&G for compiling that information since I'm too lazy to)

So to my injured guys, I leave you with this...

No, I don't know why her ass is throbbing, but that's not the issue here. Just listen to her, guys!

"Pat, I'd Like To Buy A Goal..."

2008-10-19T03:14:00.004-04:00

Make that multiple goals.

This weekend was not the greatest way to start conference play, but it could've been much worse. Indeed, the Huskies were swept by the #3 Colorado College Tigers, 2-0 and 4-2.

On Friday evening, the stellar play of senior goaltender Rob Nolan kept the Huskies alive for most of the game. He stopped 36 of 38 shots, including 18 shots alone in the 2nd period, making several outstanding saves. Unfortunately, the offense gave him absolutely no support after the first 10 minutes of the game, with the Tigers spending a majority of the time in the MTU zone. CC's Scott McCulloch capitalized on a shorthanded breakaway after poking the puck away from Deron Cousens at the blueline and skating it down the ice, deking right and beating Nolan five-hole with a backhand. That goal turned out to be the game winner. Alex Gagne fanned on what was probably the best opportunity all night for the Huskies to beat reigning WCHA Player/Rookie of the Year, CC sophomore goaltender Richard Bachman, taking just one second too long to shoot the puck.

Saturday evening, Tech started out slow, handing the Tigers a goal in the first five minutes of the game and beginning the parade to the sin bin that has become all too familiar with Husky teams as of late. Bachman robbed Ryan Bunger with a diving save on Tech's best offensive chance in the first period. Finally, in the second period, sophomore Jordan Baker got MTU on the board, poking the puck home in the midst of a crease fustercluck, with freshman Alex MacLeod picking up his first collegiate assist after scoring two PP markers last weekend, and sophomore Bennett Royer also grabbing his first assist of the year. Unfortunately, a mistake by the Tech defense early in the third allowed Bill Sweatt to capitalize on a pass from Eric Walsky, skating in behind the defenders and wristing a shot into the top-corner of the net over Nolan's left shoulder. Steve Schultz extended CC's lead to two goals with a PP marker about halfway through the third.

The Huskies called their TO and pulled Nolan with 2:31 to play in regulation. The move paid off when freshman Brett Olson scored his first collegiate goal, firing the puck through traffic and past Bachman with 21 seconds remaining. Unfortunately, CC iced the game with a long-range ENG that slipped into the empty net with about 2 seconds left on the clock, leading to the final score.

Overall, Tech played two tough road games against the pre-season favorite to repeat as WCHA champions. On Friday the offense failed to get anything going, and on Saturday the Tigers' talent simply prevailed. I'm looking forward to the Winter Carnival matchup slated between these two teams here in Houghton. Maybe all it'll take is a little of the Huskies Pep Band and the Misfits to get Bachman to cough up five goals again. ;)

The U-18 kids are in town next weekend, which should be a good exhibition tune-up to help ensure we don't completely embarass ourselves by not sweeping the Seawolves out of the MacInnes the following weekend. It'll also allow time for lingering injuries to do some healing before four straight WCHA series against Anchorage, Wee-sconsin, Arrogance!!1!11, and the Landcows.

"You Can't Always Get What You Want...

2008-10-13T00:02:00.007-04:00

...but if you try sometimes, you might find, you get what you need." ~Mick Jagger

First of all, props to Yager for the awesome photo.

So we wanted to sweep this weekend, but of course, we didn't. Red Light Robbie struck again, but thankfully the weekend wasn't a total waste of my time and money.

After Nolan's questionable performance on Friday night, Josh Robinson (or "Robo", as he apparently goes by in the locker room) got the nod on Saturday against the Lakers and notched his first collegiate W with a solid performance that included a few clutch saves to preserve the one-goal victory.

I am proud of this team though. Even after Rob began playing head games with himself right out of the gate, the Huskies in front of him never really gave up and it eventually paid off when they scored the final two goals of the evening; they needed that. They didn't whine about some pussy little finger injury in order to get a break (I'm looking at you Brian Stewart), and only took one penalty the whole night. They delivered big hits, battled hard in the corners, and deserved better than what they got.

A lot of the NMU fans I ran into on Friday were serious douchebags. No, I'm not talking about any of the Puckheads - they're the cool, diehard fans (even if I do hate their team). I'm referring to those drunk bandwagon 'fans' who only show up to rivalry games to antagonize the opposing fanbase and aren't really there to watch hockey. They would do better to stay out of the arena in the future.

Saturday night, Tech went up twice only to give up the tying goals thereafter. They overcame a nasty CFB on Geoff Kinrade towards the end of the second period that drew blood and sent him to the locker room for stitches, head bandages, and a fresh jersey. Kinner insisted on coming out to play the third and still battled out there, playing solid shifts. The Huskies peppered LSSU goalie Brian Mahoney-Wilson with shots and finally, with about five minutes remaining in regulation, Jordan Baker banged home a rebound off a quick shorthanded rush led by Drew Dobson and the team never looked back.

With only a few exceptions, the LSSU fans I ran into were classy in spite of their team's loss and the fact that seven guys managed to turn their arena into MacInnes East. Of course, the fact that one particular group of them were relatives of Chris Conner may have had something to do with my impression. ;)

Also, it'd be awesome if there could be a battle of the LSSU band and the Huskies Pep Band sometime in the future, though I'm not sure exactly how it would go down since bands technically aren't allowed to play in opposing hockey arenas anymore, and I doubt the home team would want them there anyway in most cases. That banner above prompted one of their 'tones to come running over and tell us to bring our band next time, and we would have a throwdown. :D

The WCHA schedule gets rolling this weekend with a pair of games against the Tigers out in Colorado Springs. Jamie Russell seems to think the NMU debacle wasn't entirely Nolan's fault, so it's very likely that Robbie will get a chance to redeem himself on Friday evening, squaring off against reigning WCHA Player (and Rookie) of the Year, Richard Bachman. I'm sure the Tigers' offense will put up plenty of shots on the big ice, so if he's up to task, he should be able to get a rythym going. If not, look for Robo between the pipes on Saturday, with a chance for the Huskies to light up CC's backup Drew O'Connell.

A Preview of What's to Come?

2008-10-05T18:34:00.006-04:00

Sigh. We lost our exhibition game to Toronto. Embarrassing.

Is this a preview of what's to come?? No. I'm sure Coach Russell was just seeing what a lot of the freshmen are made of. Goaltending was the difference in this game. Nolan turned in a .8125 save percentage for the night while Brownell, Toronto's goalie, was able to manage .976, despite our best efforts to lower that.

The Huskies were also not physical enough. There were a few hits, but not enough. We need someone to step up and act as a Batty. There just wasn't the jump in their skate stride like there should be!

The passing looked pretty sloppy at times. It was definitely frustrating to watch. Luckily it's only the beginning of the season. Luckily that game didn't count. There's some time left yet to get to where we should be.

And our powerplay? Ugh. There really isn't too much good to say about it. There were 2 times of a minute or more of 5 on 3, and we did NOTHING with it.

Hopefully we'll be looking a lot better next weekend. Key to beating NMU: FINISHING. Let's work on finding the back of the net!

Meet Your Freshmen 2008: Brett Olson

2008-10-01T19:01:00.007-04:00

First of all, I'd like to thank Brett Olson for this entry. Without him, this wouldn't be possible. Not only did he answer my questions, but he has unknowingly provided me with a photo of him to use... because for whatever reason, his roster pic isn't up yet.

As usual, we'll get things started off with some words from Coach Russell. Coach thinks Brett "will be an impact player. [He is] already 21 but a late bloomer. Brett has some great leadership qualities."

I for one am very excited to see what Brett has to offer the Huskies, not only this season, but for the following three years also. If he's as good at hockey as he is doing interviews, it's going to be an amazing 4 years!

#16
Position: Center
Last Team: Waterloo (USHL)
Hometown: Superior, WI
Birthday: 2/19/1987
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 175 lbs

THB: Was there any other place you had your sites on… like… UMD?
Brett Olson (BO): Yes, there were other places that had been recruiting me. UMD was one of them. My goal was to play in the WCHA, so when the opportunity presented itself I felt that Michigan Tech would be a great fit. [I'm glad you picked us over Daloot. Especially since you were amazing at doing this interview!]

THB: What do you think about Houghton and Michigan Tech so far?
BO: I really like the Houghton area as well as Michigan Tech. The area is pretty similar to my hometown and not too far away. Michigan Tech is a great place to get an education and the campus isn't very big so it's easy to get around and the people are friendly as well as interesting.

THB: What are your expectations of your hockey coaching staff for this season?
BO: My expectations of the coaching staff are very positive. I like what they have done with the program over that last few years. Getting to know them and experience their insight for the game is something I look forward to being apart of. I expect they will push me and help me develop as a person and player.

THB: Do you have an unusual talent or interesting fact about you that you’d be willing to share with the Tech Hockey Blog readers?
BO: I guess I wouldn't say I have an unusual talent but an interesting fact might be that I have a chocolate lab back home and he doesn't play fetch. That's kind of weird, might be interesting.

THB: Did you watch a lot of the 2008 Summer Olympics?
BO: Yes, that's all I had on TV from when it started to the finish. I think it's probably the greatest event in the world and can't wait for the Winter Olympics next.

THB: How is dorm life treating you?
BO: Pretty good, but it's still early.

THB: What would you do if you had a million dollars?
BO: I have no idea. Maybe save it for a rainy day.

THB: What’s your favorite TV show?
BO: Everybody Loves Raymond. [Oh geez. Well at least you didn't say Will and Grace.]

THB: Compare your hometown of Duluth, MN to that of Houghton, MI.
BO: Actually, I'm from Superior, WI which is right across the bridge from Duluth. My hometown is about twice the size of Houghton and you don't have to walk up or downhill everywhere there. The outdoors are very similar and we are right on Lake Superior so there are a few similarities. [Hm. I guess I got some false information before I sent this out. PS, Duluth is way better than Superior. If I had known you were from Superior, I would've asked you another question... pertaining to deer... of the dead type.]

THB: What can you tell me about Mitch’s Misfits?
BO: From what I saw while I was on my visit up here a year ago they seem like a very energetic group and get into the game. It's nice to have fans like that.

THB: Do you ever spontaneously break out into movie quotes?
BO: Yes. [Apparently not Office Space ones though... even when being set up... :P]

THB: What is the greatest number of times in which you have skipped a rock?
BO: Maybe 8. I haven't skipped a rock in a long time.

THB: What team are you most excited about beating this season?
BO: UMD, because it's basically going back to my hometown.

THB: Tell us your feelings on the skating treadmill.
BO: I don't want to talk about the skating treadmill. [Aww... it isn't THAT bad now, is it? You may hate what it does to you, Brett... but the rest of the Tech fans love it.]

THB: What would you do for a Klondike Bar?
BO: Nothing, I have never had a Klondike Bar. [You know, I don't think I've ever had one either... but I would at least do a jumping jack or something for one. It's gotta be worth at least that.]

THB: What are your favorite websites to visit?
BO: YouTube and Hockey websites.

THB: Does the noise and energy level of your home crowd affect the way you play the game?
BO: I definitely think that noise and energy level can create a home-ice advantage and is always great to have on your side, but you have to be prepared to play the game how you play it every night anywhere.

THB: What was the best feeling you’ve ever had while playing hockey?
BO: I have two. Winning the Anderson Cup with my Jr. team the Waterloo Blackhawks in the USHL and winning the Wisconsin State Hockey Championship twice with my high school. [Um... Brett.. I think that adds up to three...]

THB: Do you like to play video games? If so, which ones?
BO: I'm not really a "gamer" but will play a game or two here and there.

THB: Do any of your other family members play hockey?
BO: Yes, both my younger sister and brother.

THB: Is there anything you’d like to say to all the Michigan Tech fans out there?
BO: I am looking forward to a successful season and excited to get underway. I know we have a very loyal, energetic, and knowledgeable fan base and can't wait to play in front of them. For Mitch's Misfits, don't be afraid to do a little homework on the teams coming in to play us. Find some dirt on the other guys; get into their heads. It can be pretty hilarious when the whole crowd is chirping guys on the other teams.

I've been doing these interviews for three years now... and this may be the best one I've ever gotten back. Thanks again, Brett!

Meet Your Freshmen 2008: Alex MacLeod

2008-09-29T21:37:00.005-04:00

After a little break (and outage of Huskymail), we're now onto Alex MacLeod. I think Alex is this year's smartypants of the incoming class. He's possibly the next Eli Vlaisavljevich.

Coach Russell says that Alex is "a physical player. Nicknamed Mac." So without any further delay, I'll get some facts out there and then the interview!

#14

Position: Wing
Last Team: Camrose (AJHL)
Hometown: Nelson, BC
Birthday: 5/4/87
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 210 lbs

THB: What made you decide to want to bring your hockey career to Michigan Tech?
Alex MacLeod (AM): I chose MTU Hockey because it has a great tradition. [It has many great traditions, actually. We're looking to add "winning" back to the list too... Get it done, Mac!]

THB: How’s the college life going for you so far?

AM: I'm enjoying all the new experiences. It is a huge change, but a good one.

THB: Who is your biggest hockey influence?
AM: My Father. Always took me to the 6 AM practices and always pushed me to be my best. [It seems this year's incoming class have a bunch of great dads!]

THB: Are you any good at patting your head and rubbing your tummy at the same time?
AM: Simply horrendous. [It's okay... as long as you're good at other stuff on the ice.]

THB: Name one reason why you chose Michigan Tech over a school that was your second choice.
AM: MY other choices were all in the IVY league. I really didn't want to re-write the SAT's when I could come to a fantastic school and play for a great coach and school. [So it boils down to laziness? Fair enough. :)]

THB: What’s your favorite smell?
AM: WINNING!!! The smell in the air after winning is absolutely priceless... [I've never noticed the smell of winning. I'll pay attention to that this year.]

THB: Are you a good dancer?
AM: Do you know Chris Brown?? [This guy? Actually, no. Not until today.]

THB: Do you ever spontaneously break out into movie quotes?
AM: Anchorman occasionally, but Happy Gilmore all the time. [Fine choices indeed.]

THB: Who is your roommate this year?
AM: Bryce Reddick.

THB: How do you like the John MacInnes Student Ice Arena?
AM: UNREAL. I LOVE the Facilities we get to use day in and day out. I can't wait to see the place packed and Misfits bumpin'... [I'm a fan of that answer.]

THB: Can you name the only student section in Division I college hockey with their own gong?
AM: THE MISFITS??? [You're a freakin' genius!! Watch out, Eli! You may have some competition!!]

THB: Would you ever skydive?
AM: HELL YES. [You're a freakin'... crazy person! Insane.]

THB: What’s your major?
AM: Environmental Engineering.

THB: Tell me about one hockey-related goal that you have for yourself this season.
AM: I wanna be a regular player in the line-up. and lead the team in hits.

THB: Pick any of your fellow teammates. Give me one fact about them.
AM: Mikael Licktieg - Great tight turns. [I'll be watching for that this year!]

THB: What sub do you get at Subway?
AM: Oven Roasted Chicken Breast

THB: What is your least favorite NHL team?
AM: The Detroit Red Wings. [This is unfortunate. I love the hate though, so it's okay.]

THB: How do you mentally prepare yourself before a hockey game?
AM: I have a nap. I play Super Mario Brothers to get my hands going.

THB: How many WPM can you type?
AM: Probably about 2000. [Wow, Alex... that's uh... impressive!]

THB: Tell me how a home crowd can affect your game play.
AM: A home crowd pumps me up like no other. It gets all my juices going and I just go out there and I'm ready to fly.

THB: What would you like to say to all of the Michigan Tech fans out there?
AM: Let's make it happen!

Meet Your Freshmen 2008: Mikael Lickteig

2008-09-24T22:03:00.007-04:00

Alright... it's on to Mikael Lickteig now. On Mikael, Coach Russell says that he's "a late addition to this recruiting class as Rohn's status was unclear." Crap, that reminds me... I still need to send Peter Rohn a survey. Doh!

Let's just focus on Mikael for now. He gave me an awesome interview... even though I interrogated him for an embarrassing past. I was probably the roughest on him of all the freshmen. He handled it well though.

#33
Position: Forward
Last Team: Alexandria (NAHL)
Hometown: Little Falls, MN
Birthday: 5/4/87
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 185 lbs

THB: What is your favorite type of pie?
Mikael Lickteig (ML): Strawberry.

THB: How long do you think you could last on the skating treadmill at a 10% incline going 7.5 MPH?
ML: Umm... a minute and thirty seconds.

THB: Did you enjoy playing Blueline Club’s Moonball Golf? Tell me about the three people you were assigned to.
ML: Yeah it was a lot of fun! Ross, Joel, and Scott were very cool to play with and pretty good golfers. They carried our team for sure. [Sure they did. I bet it was just Scott that carried the entire team. Joel and Ross didn't do crap!]

THB: What is the greatest number of times in which you have skipped a rock?
ML: I am going to say 12.

THB: What’s your favorite TV channel, not including ESPN?
ML: NHL Network or Comedy Central. [Very good choices. I should've figured NHL Network.]

THB: Of this year’s incoming class, who do you think will be the last one to return their survey to me all filled out?
ML: Ricky Dorriot. [Heh, well... surprisingly, Ricky was the first one to have his survey in. The last one: Mr. Olson. :) ]

THB: Specifically what part of this upcoming hockey season are you most looking forward to?
ML: Stepping out on to the ice in front of a packed crowd and hearing the band play.

THB: What Michigan Tech jersey is your favorite – the white, black or gold one?
ML: Gold.

THB: Who are you rooming with this year?
ML: Corson Cramer.

THB: What team are you most excited about beating this season?
ML: Easily the Gophers since I am a Minnesota boy, but St. Cloud State is a close second.

THB: How is the babe situation at Michigan Tech?
ML: Outlook for me is not looking to good as of now. [Don't worry, Mikael... that'll change soon I bet... :P]

THB: What’s your favorite card game?
ML: Omaha Hi/Lo. [We should play sometime. I can take all your money! Um... I mean... I've only played once or twice and I always lose...]

THB: How do you like your steak?
ML: Medium well.

THB: What is your fascination with Minnesota State University, Mankato? And by that, I mean… if you go to this site: http://profiles.berecruited.com/athletes/52687 and look along the right side at your player card. You might want to start explaining that…
ML: I honestly haven't looked at that in over a year and a half and impressed you found it. I have no idea why it says they are a favorite college of mine beside maybe they showed interest in me when I was still in high school. P.S. I deleted that profile now. [Alright... It's obviously gone now, but there was a player card on the side. One of the things it had on there was a place for Mikael to list his favorite teams. He listed MSUM, but NOT Michigan Tech. I obviously have to grill him for that.]

THB: Did that last question make you break out into a sweat at all?
ML: Actually yes a little...But I couldn't ask for a better fit than coming here to Michigan Tech. [Good... you're starting to recover your reputation. I think we should give him a second chance, Tech fans.]

THB: Let’s allow you a fresh start, shall we? I’ll ask you that question again. What are Mikael’s favorite colleges? (Feel free to answer with only one college if you’d like.)
ML: Michigan Tech of course!

THB: What has been your favorite lunch/dinner so far in the dorms?
ML: Chicken quesadillas. [Mmm! Those are good. Be sure to try the chili crispitos. Those are the BEST! Or Husky Melts. I miss dorm food!!]

THB: If you’re not lifting weights, skating or doing school work, what are
you probably doing?
ML: Hanging out with the guys or playing some NHL '09.

THB: Tell me about your best moment so far in your college career.
ML: Throwing on the Michigan Tech sweater for the first time for the team photo. We looked good! [Oh Mikael... your answers make me very happy. And the team photo better look good! I'm buying one from the Blueline Club!]

THB: Besides answering my questions, what is something that really annoys you?
ML: Waking up early. [I couldn't agree more.]

THB: Mikael, there are a ton of Michigan Tech fans out there… What would you like to say to all of them?
ML: Get ready for a great season as we have a good mix of players this year that are going to be making some noise in the WCHA and the rest of college hockey.

Meet Your Freshmen 2008: Seth Soley

2008-09-23T23:51:00.003-04:00

Man have I been busy! Someone should start paying me for writing the THB. Drop me an email if you're interested. :)

But for now, I'd like everyone to get familiar with Seth Soley. Coach Russell says Seth is, "a true freshman. A big hunter and fisherman." If you ask me, Seth is just just a cool guy.. or at least seems like it (even though he's from Wisconsin). You decide for yourself!

#11
Position: W
Last Team: Omaha (USHL)
Hometown: Elk Mound, WI
Birthday: 12/21/89
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 190 lbs

THB: Why did you choose to come to Michigan Tech?
Seth Soley (SS): Because I really liked the coaches and thought I would get the most from Tech. [You are wise.]

THB: Are you proud to be from Wisconsin?
SS: Absolutely. Born and raised. [What is it with you people from Wisconsin and being so proud about it? That's just silly.]

THB: What did you think of running up and down Mont Ripley?
SS: I hated it. My legs were burning the entire time. [Have you been formally introduced with the skating treadmill yet?]

THB: Have you been checking out Michigan Tech football games?
SS: Just one but I liked what I saw. [You're a fan of the tight football pants too, eh? Can't say I blame ya! I kid, I kid.]

THB: Who is your biggest hockey influence?
SS: My father.

THB: Name at least one sport you’re not a fan of and tell me why.
SS: Basketball because I suck at it. [Well I'm glad you didn't answer this question with "hockey." I agree though... basketball does suck.]

THB: What’s your favorite fruit?
SS: Bananas. [Thanks for saying a fruit that I've heard of!]

THB: Name as many words as you can that rhyme with “best.”
SS: Test, pest, chest... [No "breast"?! Seriously? You were thinking it... just didn't want to type it. Fest... blessed... c'est --er, wait..]

THB: What is your favorite class so far in your college career… or at least the one you dislike the least?
SS: Favorite class is my perspectives class on leadership. [I'm sensing a future Michigan Tech Hockey captain in the making!]

THB: What is your personal goal in college hockey this season?
SS: To play in every game.

THB: What type(s) of music do enjoy listening to?
SS: everything!

THB: What road trip are you most looking forward to this season and why?
SS: Colorado because it’s beautiful there. [I agree... Colorado is beautiful. Has anyone informed you yet though that you'll be going to ANCHORAGE?]

THB: Which Husky veteran have you found to have the best sense of humor so far?
SS: Eli Vlaisavljevich. [Good call. He's a great guy for sure.]

THB: Are you ready for a Houghton winter?
SS: Oh yea, bring it on! [Ooh... now you're sounding cocky.

THB: How are you going to balance hockey practice, away games, home games AND being a student at Michigan Tech?
SS: Lots of study and rest to do my best. [Ha! I got you into that whole rhyming thing, didn't I? And good luck with balancing all that. It was tough for me just to balance being a student and a hockey fan at the same time.]

THB: Do you or have you ever read the Tech Hockey Blog?
SS: No I have not. [Good. Don't waste your time. It's a crappy site.]

THB: Describe your greatest hockey moment so far in your hockey career.
SS: Winning the Anderson and Clark cups in juniors.

THB: Do you always look both ways before crossing the road?
SS: Yes I do. [One of your fellow freshman Husky hockey players--I won't say who--but one of them could use your guidance!]

THB: Who is your favorite active NHL player?
SS: Sean Avery.

THB: How does the energy and noise level of your home crowd affect your game?
SS: It gets me really into the game if they are loud. [Well, prepare to be really OUT of the game when you visit Minnesota. I think most of those fans nap while at the game.]

THB: Is there anything you’d like to say to all the Michigan Tech fans out there?
SS: Let’s go get a championship! [Er, I think that's something you should be saying to your teammates....]

Thanks for answering my questions, Seth!

Meet Your Freshmen 2008: Ricky Doriott

2008-09-21T12:35:00.004-04:00

Yeah so... I took two days off instead of one. Oh well! I'll get back with the program now, then I should study for my FE exam.

Ah, Ricky, Ricky, Ricky. Tech fans, here's a guy to watch this season. Michigan Tech is going to transform him into quite the athlete. When asked about Ricky, Coach Russell said, "the conditioning of the athletes at this level was quite a shock for Ricky." Hmm. Well, here goes the usual:

#23
Position: Defense
Last Team: N. Iowa (NAHL)/S. City (USHL)
Hometown: Blaine, MN
Birthday: 10/2/87
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 225 lbs

Tech Hockey Blog (THB): So Ricky, what is your secret to being so tall? Do you have advice for people, such as myself, who strive to one day be 5’4” and beyond?
Ricky Doriott (RD): Um, I don’t know what my secret is. It’s probably because I have tall parents. They are both above 6 feet. And some advice is to get on a stretcher. [I'll keep that in mind....]

THB: Are you a fighter, not a lover, on the ice?
RD: Um I am both. I love to smile all the time because it really upsets the other team. And then I like to get mad and I would love to fight… but I don’t know if Coach would be too happy unless we are playing Northern. [Well I think we know what to expect this year against NMU. If you really want to make them mad, skate within about 2' feet of that pansy Brian Stewart. He'll flop all over the ice as if he got hit by a train, then all hell will break lose. Be ready to rock!]

THB: What do you think of Houghton and Michigan Tech so far?
RD: It’s a lot different from what I’m use to but I like it a lot so far.

THB: What is your personal goal on the ice this season?
RD: I would like to play a lot and whoop the Gophers. [We all want that too.]

THB: How do you think the WCHA will compare to the NAHL?
RD: It will be a lot faster and a lot better competition and it will be intense. [Sounds about right... as you're starting to see already.]

THB: What size skate do you wear?
RD: 9 and ¾.

THB: Do you look both ways before crossing the road?
RD: Never. I just kind of walk on out and hope I don’t get hit. [That's one way to do it...]

THB: Are the Fighting Sioux really hostile and abusive?
RD: I don’t know yet… [Let me assure you that they are.]

THB: What can you tell me about Mitch’s Misfits?
RD: They sound really supportive and like a good group of people who can help us get into other teams’ heads. [You should teach Bryce all about this group. Seems like you have a good handle on your knowledge of them.]

THB: If Coach Russell and Chuck Norris got into a boxing match, in how many rounds would Coach Russell win?
RD: 1st round TKO. [No arguments there.]

THB: What’s your favorite class so far at Michigan Tech?
RD: Probably my social studies class because I love history.

THB: Can you juggle?
RD: No way.

THB: Do you take requests for people to beat up on the opposing teams?
RD: Yeah, I guess I could do that. [I will DEFINITELY be keeping you in mind this season.]

THB: How do you feel when you stand next to Jordan Baker?
RD: Very tall but he’s really tough so it evens out. [That's for sure. No offense, Ricky, but I bet Jordan could take you...]

THB: Tell me exactly how you feel about Northern Michigan University.
RD: I hate them already. [Excellent answer.]

THB: Do you sing in the shower?
RD: Not usually. [Lies!]

THB: Do you find Sarah Palin to be attractive?
RD: Don’t know her. [Umm... click here and get back to me on that.]

THB: Which road trip are you most excited about this upcoming season?
RD: Definitely Minnesota. [I'm looking forward to that one myself. It's the least amount of travel for me all season and I'll be hosting a swarm of Misfits.]

THB: How does the energy level and noise of a crowd affect your play on the ice?
RD: A lot. It helps you get pumped up and get mean. [Well I hope the Tech fans contribute a lot to your pumped-upness and meanness this season. They should.]

THB: Is there anything you’d like to tell all of the Michigan Tech fans out there?
RD: Be loud and get in the other teams’ heads.

Thanks, Ricky, for answering the questions for all of us!

Meet Your Freshmen 2008: Bryce Reddick

2008-09-18T22:35:00.006-04:00

Next on the hot seat, freshman Bryce Reddick, son of this guy. Bryce has some hockey blood in him for sure. This year, he's hoping to keep it in him and do some good for Michigan Tech.

Coach Russell only had a couple of things to say on Bryce: "A true freshman. Not allowed to wear white skates here..." What the hell does that mean?! Must be a total inside thing. I'll get the THB Investigation Crew on the case. Hopefully they'll have a report for you later on that. (F2B&G: That's you.)

So without any further delay, I present to you... Bryce Reddick!

#17
Position: Wing
Last Team: Cowichan Valley (BCHL)
Hometown: Las Vegas, NV
Birthday: 8/5/89
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 180 lbs

Tech Hockey Blog (THB): So you were born in Manitoba, but then moved to Nevada? How old were you when you moved?
Bryce Reddick (BR [not to be confused with Bennett Royer]): I actually lived in many different places because my dad played in the NHL. Las Vegas used to be just our summer home so I can’t remember how old I was when we moved there full time. [I should probably do more thinking/research before I ask questions. Oh well. Made you talk lots! Ha! It was all a part of my plan.]

THB: Who inspired you to play hockey?
BR: My dad. [Somehow, this makes complete sense.]

THB: What made you want to come to Michigan Tech to spend your college hockey career?
BR: Well I lived in Michigan when I was younger and I wanted to come to a smaller school and I wanted to play for a school in the WCHA. [In Michigan, smaller school AND the in the WCHA? There can only be one! Thank god we're in the WCHA... That's our recruiting gold.]

THB: Were there any other places that you were looking at?
BR: Alaska-Anchorage and Duluth. [We're glad you chose Tech!]

THB: Are you proficient in the area of rubbing your tummy and patting your head at the same time?
BR: Haha, I have no idea. [Translation: he's terrible at it but doesn't want to admit it!]

THB: What is your favorite form of precipitation?
BR: I prefer just the sun. [You're going to be hating life here really soon. I hope you like the color gray...]

THB: What do you want to accomplish on the ice this season?
BR: To be in the lineup every game and help the team win anyway I can. [I approve!]

THB: How do you like the new seats in the MacInnes?
BR: I think they look really sharp.

THB: Which one of the veteran guys on the team will be your main mentor?
BR: Either Bennett Royer, Justin St. Louis, Geoff Kinrade or Jordan Baker. [All great role models!]

THB: Who is your favorite comedian?
BR: Will Ferrell.

THB: After being asked question number 5, did you try rubbing your tummy at patting your head at the same time? If not, did you think about doing it?
BR: Haha, no. [I still think you're avoiding it because you know you're bad at it.]

THB: If given the chance to skydive, would you do it?
BR: Nope. [Good. You're fairly sane.]

THB: What is your favorite part of Houghton/Michigan Tech?
BR: The small town.

THB: What do you think about the behind-the-scenes facilities at Michigan Tech, such as the locker room, skating treadmill, etc.?
BR: I think it’s unreal. [Oh, it's real, Bryce. You better believe it!]

THB: Besides answering my questions, what is something that really annoys you?
BR: People telling me I did something when I didn’t. [Or saying that you suck at patting your head and rubbing your tummy at the same time when you don't? Point taken. I'll be nice now.]

THB: Can you tell me anything about “Mitch’s Misfits?”
BR: Can’t say I can. [Oh man... What am I going to do with you, Bryce? You better be just being lazy... There is NO WAY you can't tell me SOMETHING, ANYTHING about Mitch's Misfits!]

THB: Where is your favorite place to be?
BR: Las Vegas because of the weather.

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

THB: How much does the noise and energy level of a crowd impact your game play?
BR: I love it. The louder it gets the harder I want to go.

THB: Describe at least one experience that you’ve at so far at Michigan Tech that is unlike anything else in your life.
BR: Living in the dorms, haha.

THB: What would you like to tell all the Michigan Tech fans out there?
BR: It’s gonna be a great season, so come to as many games as possible!

Thanks for taking your time to answer my questions, Bryce! And do your research on Mitch's Misfits! Here's a link to help get you started: http://www.mitchsmisfits.com :)

And for tomorrow's Meet Your Freshmen 2008... I don't know yet who I'm going to pick. I'll probably take a day off.

Meet Your Freshmen 2008: Corson Cramer

2008-09-17T18:21:00.002-04:00

Moving on in our Tour de Freshmen, we come to the other new guy who'll be fighting for time between the pipes, Corson Cramer.

According to Coach Russell, Corson is "the first player every to hail from Colorado and play at Tech." How about that! Michigan Tech recruiting is slowly taking over not only Canada, but the US, state by state. As usual, some facts on new guy, then the interview -

#31
Position: Goalie
Last Team: Ohio (USHL)
Hometown: Colorado Springs, CO
Birthday: 10/15/88
Height: 5' 11"
Weight: 185 lbs

THB: Do you have any family ties to Michigan Tech?
Corson Cramer (CC): No.

THB: What is your favorite fruit?
CC: Lilikoi. [Who now?? Typical goalie... can't be normal!]

THB: What is your personal goal for this season?
CC: To gain experience and learn. [Good. I can promise you that you will make your goal this season.]

THB: What’s your favorite NHL team?
CC: Philadelphia Flyers. [I bet Michael-Lee Teslak would agree. Most likely.]

THB: Besides you, who is the coolest guy on the team?
CC: Rob Nolan. [I doubt that! I think there's some goalie bias going on here...]

THB: Can you rub your tummy and pat your head at the same time?
CC: Yes.

THB: Name a sport you dislike and tell me why.
CC: None; I appreciate most sports. [Even BASKETBALL?! Puh!]

THB: What size skate do you wear?
CC: 9 EE.

THB: Tell me what you think of Strength and Conditioning Coach Kyle Bangen.
CC: Kyle is a great trainer and pushes us hard.

THB: Do you think you could beat Coach Russell at a game of golf?
CC: No. [Come on, Corson! Where's your confidence at? I hope you have some this season on the ice! I think that's somewhat important for a goalie...]

THB: How did the camping trip go?
CC: It was fun. [Ok... we can leave it at that... Don't worry about sharing any details or random moments or anything... :P]

THB: Tell me how much you’re looking forward to this season.
CC: I am so excited for this upcoming season to start!

THB: What’s your favorite cartoon?
CC: Family Guy. [You have good taste. That's what I'm watching as I'm getting this thing published.]

THB: Which road trips are you most looking forward to?
CC: Colorado College and Denver University.

THB: Have you gotten to experience the atmosphere at John MacInnes Student Ice Arena before? If so, what did you think of it? If not, what are you expecting?
CC: No, I can't wait. [You won't be disappointed.]

THB: Tell me your feelings on Northern Michigan University.
CC: I want to beat them. [With what? I bet baseball bats work well.]

THB: Is that gold or yellow on the Michigan Tech jerseys?
CC: Gold. [Good. Just making sure!]

THB: What is or would be the perfect warm-up song to get you ready for competition?
CC: Everlong by the Foo Fighters. [Dear Ian Marks: please take note of this and get that song on the warm-up playlist. Thanks.]

THB: What is the greatest number of consecutive hours in which you have slept?
CC: 14 hours.

THB: Do the noise and energy levels of your home crowd really affect your game play?
CC: Yes. [Dear Michigan Tech Huskies fans: TAKE NOTE!!!]

THB: Is there anything that you’d like to say to all of the Michigan Tech fans out there?
CC: Come watch us play!

Right on. Thanks for answering questions for us, Corson!

Meet Your Freshmen 2008: Josh Robinson

2008-09-16T22:47:00.008-04:00

It's just about hockey time! And like every year, the Tech Hockey Blog needs to introduce everyone to the newest Huskies. We're going to kick things off with Josh Robinson this year.

When I asked Coach Russell about Josh, he says that Josh is "a true freshman. [He] will push Robby for playing time."

Here is some basic info about Josh, then Q&A! [My comments are italicized and in square brackets like this!]

#30
Position: Goalie
Last Team: Sioux City (USHL)
Hometown: Frankenmuth, MI
Birthday: 12/1/89
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 175 lbs

THB: So, born in Wisconsin, I see… When did you make the move to the better state?
Josh Robinson (JR): I moved to Frankenmuth when I was around 3 years old.

THB: Are you a Wolverines or Spartans guy?
JR: My mom is an alumna at State so I am a Spartan fan. [Boo! Go Wolverines! :P]

THB: Why did you want to come to Michigan Tech?
JR: The reputation of the school and the hockey program. [Sure it wasn't for the girls?]

THB: What is your favorite NHL team?
JR: The Wings. [Good call!]

THB: What about least favorite NHL team?
JR: New Jersey Devils. [Another good call.]

THB: Are you any good at dancing?
JR: Absolutely not. [I bet you'll be doing a lot of that this year...]

THB: What is your favorite form of precipitation?
JR: Hail. [Hope you like snow too!]

THB: What is the worst hockey injury you’ve had?
JR: High ankle sprain [Ouch...]

THB: Do you have much experience with skating treadmills?
JR: I've used it once. [Hehe... you'll get plenty of experience with it in the upcoming weeks... and next four years.]

THB: How much does the crowd noise and energy affect your on-ice play?
JR: It pumps me up and keeps me in the game.

THB: What road trip are you most looking forward to this series?
JR: The Northern/Lake State trip.

THB: Which game this season will feel the best to win?
JR: The Final Five championship game / national championship game. [THAT is a FANTASTIC answer!! Now make it happen, Josh!]

THB: Besides answering my questions, what is something that really annoys you?
JR: Stupidness. [You must be annoyed a lot! There's a lot of that going on...]

THB: Do you believe that the North Dakota Fighting Sioux are hostile and abusive?
JR: No. [Well they are... and their fans suck too. Ha!]

THB: Will you be playing against any former teammates this season? Who and where do they play now?
JR: Yes, Matt Crandell, Michigan State; Anthony Mianai, Denver; Travis Oleksuk, Duluth; Ben Kinne, Bemidji, Joe Miller, Minnesota; Andrew Rowe, Dustin Gazley, Michigan State.... and more... [Too many Michigan State people!]

THB: What kind of music do you like?
JR: Anything but rap.

THB: Share an embarrassing moment you had in the past with the Tech Hockey Blog readers.
JR: I once lost my swimming trunks while tubing. [Nice! I hope you found them eventually.... or not.]

THB: Do you or have you read the Tech Hockey Blog?
JR: Yes. [Wow! That brings up my readers to a total of like 16 now! Excellent! And... note to self: Don't say anything bad about Josh Robinson.]

THB: What’s your golf handicap?
JR: Like 17ish.

THB: What would you like to tell all of the Michigan Tech fans out there?
JR: Texas $ [I couldn't have said it better myself, Josh!]

Best Moments of 2007-2008

2008-07-20T22:29:00.004-04:00

Ah yes... the misery that is offseason. It continues on. So I thought I would reminisce on the awesome moments of the past season. Here are my picks for the best games of the season.

- - - - - -

WHAT: Minnesota State Mavericks @ Home
WHEN: 19-20 October 2007
WHY: This marked our first sweep of the season, and our ONLY sweep against a WCHA team. This game put our record at 3-1 for the season, making it look very promising.

It isn't all too often when Husky fans are rewarded with a sweep... And this was one of those rare moments... making it worthy of being on this list.

- - - - - -

WHAT: Michigan Tech Huskies @ Wisconsin Badgers
WHEN: Friday 2 November 2007
WHY: Eh? Why not! It's always great to get a win in the Kohl Center. This one was especially sweet. You see, we came out playing like absolute garbage. We were getting outshot pretty badly and we weren't playing like we should've been.

About an hour away in the children's hospital in Milwaukee, Coach Russell's son, Ben, lay very ill, listening to the game on the radio. Besides health, Ben is hoping that his father's team can get a win for him against the Badgers.

Wisconsin scores a goal and things seem out of control. If Michigan Tech doesn't change the way they play, the game could be over. Here's where I come and save the day.

I made three large signs that say "WIN IT FOR BEN." I made three because I knew the Kohl Center staff would try to take them away. So I am sitting behind Connelly, UW's goaltender. I hold one of my signs up and I KNOW the guys can see it. They can read it. Starting on the next play, it seemed like a different team to me. They completely took over the game and made it theirs. They scored an extra attacker and power play goal before the first period's end (both courtesy of Captain Kerr). Early in the 2nd, Tech strikes again. Geoff Kinrade skates around a bunch of guys in red with a feed from Michael-Lee Teslak and puts yet another away on a 4-on-3.

By this time, the Kohl Center staff was going crazy trying to take away my signs. They managed to get one, but that was it.

I should also mention that I turned down a FREE trip to Vegas AND a free show at Michigan Tech of one of my favorite bands, Mustard Plug. Was it worth it though? Probably not. Oh well. :)

The final of this game was 4-2, with a W in the win column of the Huskies.

- - - - - -

WHAT: Michigan Tech Huskies @ Minnesota Golden Gophers
WHEN: Friday 30 November 2007
WHY: An OT win over the Gophers IN the Mariucci. Need I really say more than that? No, but you know I'm going to.

This game was certainly something special. After one period, we were down 2-0. Boosh's all-time favorite, Ryan Flynn scored a goal. It was a real bummer.

The second period came around though and Michigan Tech came out firing. We outshot the Gophers 15-6 that period... and cut their lead in half.

With less than 6 minutes left in regulation, freshman Deron Cousens scored his first collegiate goal. And what a great time it came at! That goal was enough to push this one into OT.

In the extra session, Tech had control of the puck. Gagne was at the blueline, going to shoot it into the zone. He aimed it toward Kangas. Clearly, it was not meant to be a shot. When the puck left his stick, NO ONE in the building thought anything of it. This is including Alex Gagne.

The person in the building that REALLY wasn't thinking anything about it was Alex Kangas. Somehow he just let the puck go right past him and into the net. Victory for the Huskies.

It was definitely a crappy goal, but I'll take it. Whether it was a good goal or a crappy goal like that one in OT, the feeling is pretty identical. OT victories in the Mooch are always great.

And as a side note, I surrendered my FRONT AND CENTER ticket to They Might Be Giants in Houghton to make this series. Was that worth it? BARELY. But only because TMBG are soon coming to the Cities and I'll have another chance to see them. :)

- - - - - -

WHAT: Michigan Tech Huskies @ North Dakota Fighting Sioux
WHEN: Saturday 15 March 2008, First Round WCHA Playoffs, Game 2
WHY: What an absolute roller coaster that series was! On Friday, we didn't manage one stinkin' shot on goal during the first period. After that, we cheered for every shot on goal we had. At least we had something to cheer about since we didn't score a goal on Friday.

Now Saturday...! As usual, the game starts out all UND. After two periods, Michigan Tech finds them going into the last period with a two goal deficit of what could and probably will be their last game of the 2007-2008 season.

Begin third period. Things were started off right. Less than a minute and a half in, the Huskies score a PPG. Tech plays hard in the last period. But again, they find themselves in trouble. There's less than a minute left in the game, they're on the penalty kill, and the faceoff is in their defensive zone. This faceoff could be their last of the season.

The Sioux fans bring out their keys. There are keys ringing EVERYWHERE throughout the Ralph... a common tradition when the Sioux are going to sweep. *jingle jingle jingle*

Here's where crazy stuff starts happening. Tech wins the faceoff. Shorthanded, they take the puck down into the offensive end. The seconds are ticking down... 10...9... Somehow, and I still to this day do now know how... Shelast gets the puck past Lammy... with a mere 5.5 seconds left in what should've been the rest of their season.

The game was tied. With 5.5 seconds left, there was another period of hockey on the way. The keys were no where to be seen or heard.

When that puck crossed the goal line, it was the most amazing feeling. My team's hockey season was allowed to carry on for just a bit longer. Sigh. And apparently I was crying tears of joy or something. Apparently it was on the jumbotron and apparently it was broadcast across Grand Forks and wherever else the Fighting Sioux Sports Network comes in. Lovely.

So the extra session starts. And less than two minutes later... the extra session ends. I can't even remember the play that led up to the OT goal. I can't even remember the OT goal itself. But we won. Michigan Tech had come back to score 3 unanswered to win in Grand Forks and extend their hockey season for at least one more day.

Sadly, the next day didn't bring us the results we had hoped for... but we were SO CLOSE. After the loss, it was fun leaving Grand Forks around midnight and driving straight to Houghton... missing all Monday classes. Ah, good times.

- - - - - -

WHAT: Michigan Tech Huskies vs. Michigan State Spartans
WHEN: Friday 28 December 2007 at the GLI
WHY: You'd think the that the first win in some eight or so years would be the entire reason why. Well, it's not. Reason enough, yes, but there is more. Being that this is MY blog and I hate Michigan State with a passion... This is the perfect #1 moment from last season.

The Huskies played a COMPLETE game. The power play was 100% (yay for 1 out of 1!). Goaltending was solid... and the results were everything I have always hoped for.

This was the win that felt the best. Tech got to be in the championship game for the first time in YEARS. Not only that, MSU was forced to play in the consolation game the next night, where they were dominated by a very good Providence College team.

And Tech's championship game... Probably our best game of the season. We lost it by an inch to the right, unfortunately... but it was still a fantastic game.

- - - - - -

And there you have it... the moments from the past season that I regard as the best. As always, your comments are welcome and encouraged.

Hell, why not.

2008-06-07T04:45:00.005-04:00

Yes, I know I haven't updated in a while. Being offseason and all, there's obviously not much to say. I'll just leave you with one thought:

It's Out...

2008-03-21T12:55:00.004-04:00

Michigan Tech Huskies 08-09 Schedule

What I Like About This Schedule

*The National Development Team will come to town for an exhibition game in October. I like this mostly because it is something new.

*North Dakota at the GLI - this is no doubt going to be the best/toughest holiday tournament in the country this season.

*CC for Carnival - we've done well against them lately, but mostly I'm just happy they scheduled someone different.

*Only two games against SCSU, and they won't be in our barn, so I won't have to watch us extend that losing streak.

What I Don't Like About This Schedule

*Sans the exhibition game against a TBD Canadian school, we start the season on the road. Then, we go to Colorado to open up WCHA play. At high altitude. On Olympic ice. Boo.

*We don't get back-to-back home weekends until the end of the season - even then, they are separated by a weekend in-between.

*They scheduled the road series against Wisconsin and Minnesota on back-to-back weekends. I was planning to make both. Yikes.

*Duluth the weekend before finals. Curse you, whoever scheduled that.

MAKE IT COUNT

2008-03-16T02:46:00.007-04:00

Wow, yet another rollercoaster of a game. But this time, the rollercoaster went up. And this time, that's where it stayed.

BOX SCORE

With 10 seconds left in regulation, I thought that there were 10 seconds left in my fifth and final season of MTU hockey as a student. With 5.5 seconds left and as I watched the goal slowly cross the goal line... ... ... I can't even finish that sentence. I don't even know what to say.

I think with this entry, I'm just going to tell it like it is.

After that first goal, I figured it would be the same old, same old story like most times we play UND... especially in the Ralph. The first goal was a complete disappointment. There's no question that Michael-Lee should have had that one. But feces happens sometimes.

Despite being down 1-0 early (as usual), Michigan Tech was dominating play. UND started to take over. This is yet another common occurrence with this Huskies team: no matter how good they're dominating, when they don't get results, the other team just starts taking over.

The Sioux took what was once ours, the first period, and made it theirs.

The second period was fairly even, but again, the Sioux were able to capitalize and the Huskies were not. UND's Brad Miller had one hell of a game. I'm not sure where that came from, as he rarely does anything on most nights.

Tech scored early in the third on a powerplay goal. It was a KKK goal... Kerr from Kinrade and Kattelus.

As the clock was winding down, I think reality was starting to set in. IF THEY DON'T WIN, THEY ARE DONE.

With less than two minutes to go, Tech was called for a penalty. This is the point where many teams wave the white flag and just bend over for the other team. However, following that penalty, from puck drop until the end of regulation, they played with the most determination I've seen from this team all season long. They immediately took control of the puck and played Keep Away with the Sioux. The Huskies took the puck down the ice. Michael-Lee Teslak raced to the bench so an extra Husky skater could take the ice. With about 10 seconds left, the puck was in the corner near the Sioux net. I fully expected the worse... no goal. However, what happened next is the reason why I am a hockey fan. Those miracles, those unlikely turn of events... Somehow, the puck made its way to the front of the Sioux net. It sat in the crease for what seemed like an eternity until assistant captain Tyler Shelast poked it past the goal line.

We were supposed to be 5.5 seconds from the end of our season. Six seniors were to be on the ice in their Husky jerseys for the last time. However, they weren't ready to be done.

The feelings felt when the tying goal happened are in no way describable. But like I said, things like that are a huge reason why I am a hockey fan--a Michigan Tech Hockey fan.

On a side note, I'd just like to call attention to a post in the SiouxSports forum by northfieldsioux22. CLICK HERE and check out post 172. Good job, dude. Way to jump the gun there. :)

In the overtime period, the Sioux get called for an early penalty. Tech once again takes control of the situation. It didn't take long for them to do what they needed to do. Shelast puts away his second of the game, along with the help of Kinrade and Rouleau.

This series is NOT over yet!

Congratulations to Shirtless Guy for getting to take his shirt off in yet another arena. And how that girl in the picture is smiling and not puking is beyond me...

Sunday night either marks the beginning or the end. If Michigan Tech can play with that determination and urgency, they may be able to join their band at the Final Five. Otherwise, they will sit back as their bands racks up more Final Five experience than they have. The choice is theirs.

I would like to thank the Sioux fans for their hospitality, as always; especially those who kept asking us during the game how it felt to be watching our last game of the season. To those people, I'd like to say: "AWESOME! Thanks." Sometimes, karma works like it's supposed to.

= = = = =

A SIDENOTE: To those Husky parents and Sioux fans whom I told that UAA won, I received false information via a text message. I was later texted that CSTV had lied and UAA was only up and did not win, sadly. I apologize to those of you who I "lied" to. I was upset to find out the truth too, believe me.

Three More Periods of Scoreless Husky Hockey in the REA

2008-03-15T01:54:00.003-04:00

ZERO shots on goal in the first period. WHAT THE HELL.

I think there was a solid 8 minutes or so of good Husky hockey played during that game. Unfortunately, eight minutes is not enough... especially when playing one of the best teams in the nation.

I really don't have much to say about this game. It was a typical MTU-UND game played in REA: The Sioux score lots of goals; the Huskies do not.

Dear Michigan Tech Huskies: Unless you want your season to end tomorrow, it's time to really GET SERIOUS about this whole hockey business. We need nine straight games and they start TOMORROW.

While it is no secret that my favorite Husky is Geoff Kinrade, it's time for me to again sing his praises. Geoff had 5 of our 14 SOG for the night. He continues to make smart plays, log a TON of ice time, and be a solid guy in our lineup. The rest of the Huskies could really learn a thing or two from him. There were not very many strong points in MTU's game last night, but Geoff was certainly one of them. Keep it up, Geoff... and the rest of the Huskies: get your asses in gear.

Like There Is No Tomorrow (or Just for Now)

2008-03-13T10:54:00.006-04:00

*Warning: The following post contains clichés. Not only does it include clichés, it includes desperation and the fading hope of a college hockey fan. With that being said, there is no telling the way the post will come across, but understand it is what it is.

This is it. Thirty-six games in the books. We've had some good moments, and we've had some bad moments. We've gotten bounce that went in our direction, and we've gotten bounces that have destroyed us. We've played smart, and we have made some stupid mistakes. There's been times were we've felt and played like we couldn't be beat, and there's been some times were I'm sure any pee-wee team off the streets could have blown us out of the building. Well right now none of that matters. Those last thirty-six games mean nothing, we can just call those practice. We can write those down as us figuring out us, what works, what doesn't, what we can take and what we can give.

Now matters, this moment, this second, this team, this game. Don't worry about yesterday and don't worry about tomorrow, neither matters, today matters. We can't change what we did yesterday, and tomorrow only depends on today, today matters. So tonight when you take the ice, as long as we're playing whenever you take the ice, play like there is not tomorrow, because there might not be. Every game might be your last game, so play like you don't want it to be. I don't mind if you take risk and make mistakes, but do it big, mess up trying to make a big hit, mess up trying to change the game, but make sure when you skate off the ice you skate off knowing that at that moment you gave it everything you had.

Other teams may look at you and see weaknesses, they may see a fragile team this has given up and is just waiting for someone to put their season away. Honestly if any of you see that when you look into the mirrors, please don't take the ice tonight. Instead when you look in the mirror I want you to see yourself for what you are, desperate and capable of anything.

No matter what remember this, this moment matters. There may not be a tomorrow but there will always be a now, live in the now, play in the now, compete in the now. So when you go out there, make the most of all of your nows, because at the end of the day that all that matters, now. Now is the time to get this done, now is the time to prove to ourselves that we can do this, now is the time to be who we know we our. Nothing else matters but now. There is no tomorrow, there is no next game, there is no next time. There is only now, so I am asking you and I am telling you, go play, go compete, go live, go give everything you have, go be now.

Weekend in Mankato - Recap

2008-03-10T13:53:00.003-04:00

Could've been worse... Could've been better... I thought the team played fairly well on both nights. The defense was slightly lacking on Friday though. I definitely can't place the blame on Teslak for all of those five goals. With John Schwarz being out with an injury this past weekend, it definitely hurt the team.

On Friday, the team got an early power play. The way they were moving that puck around, actually taking shots, and maintaining control of the puck was fantastic. Even though nothing came of it, it was great to see a much improved-looking power play.

Unfortunately, during one of our power plays, the Mavericks were able to bury it in our net. That concluding the first period. Tech came out strong, played hard, and nothing came of it.

During the second period, the Huskies kind of lost control of the game. The Mavericks buried four more goals. After they scored their second of the game, Malcom Gwilliam (assisted by MeanEgirl favorite Geoff Kinrade and Pete Rouleau), were able to put one away for the Huskies. That was closest that our comeback attempt came, however. Shortly after our goal, Mick Berge scored two goals for the Mavs.

Not much else happened for the rest of the game. With around 5:00 left, Mark Malekoff scored one for the Huskies. Too little, too late, however. Also, Rob Nolan came in during the 3rd period to finish off the game. He played very well and didn't let anything by him.

All in all, that game was a very clean game that was fun to watch.

Saturday night was senior night for the Mavericks. I guess the Huskies, and especially Geoff Kinrade, were out to spoil that for them though.

The Huskies took first blood less than six minutes into the game. Eric Kattelus, with a little help from Foote and Kinrade, were able to bring some Husky cheer. The Tech fans in attendance, myself included, were barely able to finish all of our cheering for that goal. When we got to "Do it again! Do it again! We liked it! We liked it!", the Huskies (Gagne (Shelast, Vlaisavljevich)) indeed did it again, right after we said it. Now that's the way to start a game.

During the second period, power play extraordinaire and MeanEgirl favorite Geoff Kinrade had a really nice shot on the man-advantage that would later become the game winner. :)

Luckily, the Huskies didn't completely choke away the lead and the game, though it came so close... Tech needs to work on holding a lead a little better...

And for the record, Geoff Kinrade was the first star of the game on Saturday night. :)

A special thanks goes out to the Minnesota Golden Gophers for losing yet another game on Saturday night, which cost us a trip to Denver. Now, thanks to the Gophers not doing their part, we have to go to Grand Forks for the first round of playoffs. Ugh.

Let's hope for a repeat of the events of two Decembers ago......

Huskies Pep Band to Make THIRD Appearance at the Final Five!

2008-03-05T00:44:00.002-05:00

The WCHA just can't get enough of the Huskies Pep Band! And who could blame them?

This year will mark the third time in three years that the Huskies Pep Band has been invited by the WCHA to act as the official or host band to the WCHA/Red Baron Final Five.

Sadly though, St. Patrick's Day does not fall during the same time as the Final Five, so there will be no HPB appearance in St. Paul's annual St. Patrick's Day Parade.

Now that our band has made the tournament, hopefully our Huskies do too!

Thanks Seniors

2008-03-02T14:27:00.004-05:00

So last night I was all set to make my first post for THB. I sat down and realized I had multiple potential topics. These were my options:

1. I could talk about the exciting weekend of hockey we got from the Huskies, in spite of only coming away with a split. Reasonable enough, so see below.

2. I could talk about what a horrible job Campion did on Saturday, letting things get out of hand, and seemingly trying to hand Denver the game in the third period with a string of shitty calls. In spite of it though, we still won that game and as bad as the officiating regularly is in the WCHA, I try not to whine about it much, because it's like beating a dead horse.

3. I could rant about the woman I was seated close to, who objected to my friend and I singing the 'Refs' and 'Sex' verses of No Beer because, "there are children around" and pointedly suggested that if we wanted to use 'that language' (oh no! They said 'sex'!) we should go join the Misfits or the band. However, I will post my thoughts on that over at the tSBFitW blog and try to maintain at least a shred of journalistic integrity here at THB.

4. I could simply thank our seniors for their four years of dedication to Tech hockey. This was my best idea, so I will run with that in a bit.

First, about the games. Both of them were very entertaining and the Huskies played well, which made their inability to finish several scoring chances on Friday very frustrating. Both goaltenders had good weekends, with Teslak and Mannino coming up big many times, and getting lucky a few times. Tech's defense played very well, particularly on Saturday when they successfully killed off a DU 6-on-3 advantage for the final minute and a half of regulation to hang on for the win. Additionally, Kinrade had a beauty of a GWG and the Huskies worked hard to generate chances all night.

I'd like to thank our senior class for really leading the way this season, even if things didn't turn out quite as we had hoped. We had a solid start and still came away with more than ten wins (plus, the season isn't quite over yet!). We also gave ourselves plenty of chances to win games, and even though we couldn't finish many of them, that still says a lot about how far the program has come under Jamie. They are in a position to win almost every night; now it's just a matter of finding the right balance between hard-hitting grinders and soft-handed snipers, and getting them enough playing experience to put the Huskies back on top.

These seniors have helped put Tech hockey back on the map and given the program some positive media coverage these past two seasons. While we may be still be referred to as 'upstart Michigan Tech' (and rightfully so), it's a heck of a lot better than being called the 'perennial doormats' of the league, and you can bet that plenty of opposing coaches have been circling their games against MTU this season and making sure they are well-prepared for us.

So now, looking to salvage some pride and finish potentially as high as 8th, the Huskies turn towards their final regular season series at Mankato. The Mavericks have been playing much better hockey in the second-half of the season and are definitely not the team that we swept in Houghton back in October. I look forward to reading about the results of these games next Sunday night, as I won't be traveling to Mankato, nor will I able to listen in either night. I just hope for a couple of good road games to close out the season and then we'll see who Tech will be paying a visit to for the WCHA first-round, and whether or not I should start looking forward to summer.

The Hockey Gods are A-Holes

2008-02-24T18:32:00.002-05:00

Another hockey game, another disappointment.

During the first period on Saturday night in the National Hockey Center, it was ALL Michigan Tech. Everything was looking so great... pretty passes, definite opportunity and chances for scoring, keeping it in the SCSU zone.... Michigan Tech outplayed the &$#% out of St. Cloud State. It was one of the best periods I've seen from them this season.

And then there was the St. Cloud power play. It was called with about :45 left in the period. Unfortunately, SCSU scored with only :10 left in the first period.

To outplay a team as much as we outplayed St. Cloud... and to give up a last second first period goal like that was back breaking. All the hard work put into the entire first period backfired in only a matter of seconds.

This is only one goal though. This is only one obstacle to overcome.

During the second period, it really didn't get any easier. We came out strong again. As the period progressed, St. Cloud started to take over. The SOG margin was getting closer and closer, as SCSU began to break down Michigan Tech more and more. Around the halfway mark of the second, St. Cloud struck again to break Tech's back.

Now begins the part where I'm going to make up excuses for my Huskies. They put so much out there in the first half of the game... however, no matter what they did, Jase Weslosky stood tall (something I'll never be able to do) for St. Cloud and stoned them every time. There were also many times where St. Cloud got lucky. My team was no question frustrated. They had to have been exhausted. After the lack of results they were getting after all of their efforts, they were down.

Tech had played two great periods of hockey and had nothing to show for it. Each period they had 15 SOG, many of those being GREAT opportunities to find the back of the net... yet it could not be done.

In the third period, St. Cloud took over for the majority of the time. Tech was still getting their chances... and still unable to bury any of them. With just under 5:00 minutes left, SCSU put the nail in the coffin. Tech went yet another game being shut out.

And go figure, Jase Weslosky would go on to be the WCHA Defensive Player of the Week, as so many goaltenders become the week after we play them.

I pose these questions to the hockey gods:
- WHY can't we beat SCSU? Can't do it at home, can't do it in their building... WHY.
- How is it that we can put up 5 goals on one of the best goaltenders in the nation (Bachman from CC), but most other weekends we can't get more than 1 or 2 goals per game?
- Why did you give the Michigan Tech fans so much hope at the beginning of the season for a great finish and home playoffs, and then leave us in shambles?
- Why did you make Casey Pierro-Zabotel lack anything that remotely resembles a brain?
- Why couldn't any of our four post or pipe hits at the GLI against Michigan been just 1" to the right or 1" lower?
- Why can't you see that these guys deserve better and that the Husky fans deserve better?
- Why do you hate Michigan Tech and their fans so much? :(

I know this season isn't over yet, but with the way the hockey gods are treating us, it may likely soon be.

UMD Recap, SCSU Game 1

2008-02-23T11:55:00.005-05:00

Alright... so, I'm in the process of recruiting a new writer for the THB, but of course, no one is stepping up. My application process was simply to write something covering the UMD series, but I got nothing! Maybe I should try the new blogger WWN from this blog, that way I'd at least get more people commenting here. Oh well... the wait will continue.

So how about some much delayed coverage over the games versus UMD? it. Friday ='ed good. So much good and fun happened in this game... Let's first touch on some line change ups. Due to illness spreading around Houghton like crazy, a lot of changes were called for as the team is sadly not immune to diseases. Was this illness a blessing in disguise? Moving Alex Gagne to the first line with Tyler Shelast and Peter Rouleau was... wow. Just wow. For this game, that line's point breakdown looks something like this:

Gagne 2-1--3
Shelast 0-1--1
Rouleau 3-2--5

Not too shabby, eh? Peter Rouleau's hat trick... fantastic. He got a shorty, a PPG, and an empty netter. If it's one things I like, it's variety. I should also mention that my hat was the first on the ice. ;)

The next night wasn't as happy though. The crowd was good... I'll say that much. However, due to a poorly called CFB on Michigan Tech (which even the Duluth fans shared with me that they thought that was the poorest CFB call they'd ever seen), Tech had some problems on their hands. Of course UMD scored one goal on that major powerplay and we also lost by a mere goal. As much as I want to blame referee Anderson for that loss, Michigan Tech certainly had their opportunities, but just weren't able to finish. Bummer.

Home ice is slipping further and further away...

And now to touch on the first game of the series in St. Cloud. It was very frustrating, to say the least. Although Tech lost 4-1, in my personal opinion, the guys in black and gold didn't play that poorly! SCSU goaltender Weslosky was fantastic and kept shutting us down.

Despite how much this loss hurts Tech, again... MeanEgirl favorite Geoff Kinrade scored... so she's happier than she should be.

And since I'm hungry and will soon be going to IHOP, I will leave you all with these words: Uh, Tech needs to win tonight.

An Open letter to The Michigan Tech Huskies Hockey team

2008-02-21T12:10:00.005-05:00

Dear Huskies,

Hi, many of you know me, but for those of you who do not, my name is Robert Green. I am a former Michigan Tech student who graduated last spring and I like to think I am one of the bigger and outspoken fans of the program. I have seen you play in every state where WCHA hockey is played, except for Wisconsin(I hate that entire state) and Alaska(I want to go but I just haven't been able to make it), all so that I can support this program. Last year I had the honor of watching one of the greatest series I could possibly imagine in Colorado Springs, another great calling card series in North Dakota, a Justin St. Louis hat trick in Minnesoat, and our first appearance at the Final Five since it moved to the Xcel Energy Center. Above all of that as you may have already figured out I write for this prestigious blog.

Last year I attended the Frozen Four in St. Louis, and as you all probably already realize you didn't. We had a great year last year and I got so much more than I expected out of you, so not being in St. Louis wasn't really a big deal. I still remember last year at the conclusion of the championship game as the Michigan State players rushed the ice in celebration, I spoke these words "Tech will win another national championship before any CCHA team". Outside of that game everywhere I went, as well as the fellow Tech fans I was with, we sang your praises. Big things are coming out of Houghton soon, look for us to bring our team with us in the next couple years, prepare to be shocked, this is what we told people. We laughed, we joked, we song, and the people around us started getting excited by our hope and our joy in our program in which we had so much faith in.

The world is ready for you, they are waiting for you, they want you. Even though things aren't looking all that good right now, there is still hope, and I can't shake the feeling that this is our year. Sure we can live and learn from this year, we can reload and try to make another run next year and sure the future looks bright, but this year is not over yet. There is still a chance to shock the world, and if any team can do it this team can.

When I look at this team, I see a group of players with the ability to play with any team in the country and I hope when you step on the ice you see the same. The future is in your hands, as they say the future begins now. The future is not next year, the future is tomorrow night the future is next weekend, the future is April 12.

Some of my fellow fans may have given up hope on you but not me. Some of you may have given up hope but not me. I know what you are capable of and I know the rewards of playing up to what you are capable of. I have already staked my name on a Tech championship please do not make me a liar, so in the words of Al Bundy, "Just Win Baby". Regardless of rather you are there or not I'll be in Denver and I'll be cheering for you. I hope to see you there.

Sincerely

Robert Green
AKA "The Darkness"
AKA "That loud black kid who keep showing up with his shirt off"

Peter Rouleau - WCHA Co-Offensive Player of the Week!

2008-02-19T23:57:00.004-05:00

From: http://wcha.cstv.com/sports/m-hockey/spec-rel/021908aaa.html

Red Baron® WCHA co-Offensive Players of the Week
Peter Rouleau
Sr., F, Michigan Tech

Andrew Kozek
Jr., F, North Dakota

MADISON, Wisc. - A pair of veteran forwards - Peter Rouleau of Michigan Tech University and Andrew Kozek of University of North Dakota - have been named Red Baron® WCHA co-Offensive Players of the Week for Feb. 19-25 as a result of their outstanding efforts this past weekend.

Rouleau, a 5-7, 165-pound senior left winger from Hancock, Mich., notched a three-goal hat trick and two assists for a career-high five points as he factored in on all five Michigan Tech goals in last Friday's (Feb. 15) 5-2 conference victory over visiting Minnesota Duluth at the Huskies' John MacInnes Student Ice Arena in Houghton, Mich. His hat trick included a shorthanded goal and a game-winning power-play tally.

In addition to his five points, Rouleau fired five shots on goal in the series and earned a +2 plus-minus rating.

(I cut out that junk on Andrew Kozek. Who really cares? ;))

Congrats to Pete for getting WCHA Co-Offensive Player of the Week... and for getting a "three-goal" hat trick on Friday, as opposed to a 2-goal hat trick...

I'll also mention that Eli Vlaisavljevich was nominated for Defensive Player of the Week! Eli put on an outstanding performance this past weekend, likely the best hockey I've ever seen from him with this Huskies team. Great job, Eli!

I might put up a recap of the series if I get time later on this week...

Black (and gold) Thursday/ or Happy Emo Day

2008-02-14T11:50:00.004-05:00

I would very much like to bore you with a long post about how Michigan Tech is going to bounce back this weekend against Duluth and start the push towards the playoffs. I would like to be optimistic and ensure all my fellow Tech fans that everything is going to be alright, but I can't. It's not because I don't believe it, because personally I think I might, but I just can't today. As many of you may know, every year on the 14th of February people are forced to be uncharacteristically sappy towards one another for no apparent reason. Don't get me wrong, The Darkness has absolutely no problem romancing the ladies, in fact I personally enjoy it a lot. But not today, for me today is Black Thursday, a day to remember just how much you hate your life and the idiots around you.

So today I'm forced to be emo. I hope the Huskies can pick up at least one point this weekend. Not that it really matters, they're just going to lose eventually anyway. At least Duluth can't score either, maybe they'll skate to two more 0-0 ties. That might be interesting.

Alright enough with the emo talk, The Darkness is still a believer in romance and such, for no particular reason, because let's face it all things just eventually fall apart anyway, so what's the point in even trying. So instead of sitting here and boring you with why the world sucks and how much the Huskies are going to let me down this weekend I will instead leave you with a perfect example of true love in action, or why we should never fall for anybody ever, depending on how you look at things.

Sigh.

2008-02-10T12:19:00.000-05:00

What a huge disappointment this past weekend was. It was sort of a double whammy. Not only did we lose the Winter Carnival Cup, but we lost 3 crucial WCHA points. We have dug ourselves in VERY deep and I will be shocked if we can get out of this and get home playoffs.

And for my usual Why We Lost segment: We can't find the back of the net. We can't finish. We can only tie at best if we have the best defense in the world but no offense. Our power play and penalty kills are another area of concern. It was nice to finally get a power play goal, however. (THANK YOU, GEOFF KINRADE!)

On Friday, freshman Bennett Royer, with a little help from fellow freshman Eric Kattelus, got the Huskies on the scoreboard first. I might also mentioned that Bennett played an AMAZING game and had many chances all game long. He was certainly one of the bright spots of the evening.

The game was a very close, evenly matched one the whole way. Sadly, in the third period, Kyle Turris was able to get one by Michael-Lee Teslak to tie the game. Since it finished as a tie, the team to win on the next night would be the 2008 Winter Carnival champions.

What is it about that 4-1 score? We've lost many games this season by a score of 4-1. Well in any case, that was the score with which the Badgers were able to defeat us and take our own Winter Carnival Cup. In fact, if it hadn't been for the fact that MeanEgirl favorite Geoff Kinrade scored a goal for Michigan Tech, I may have jumped off the lift bridge that night. So now, thanks to Geoff, I am here today and will suffer through the rest of the season.

Last year, the team finished at 18-17-5 overall. This season we're at 10-13-5 overall with 8 regular season games left in our schedule, and at least another two for post-season. The 2007-2008 season started out so bright, but came crashing down so quickly. We started the season at a comfortable 5-2, messing up a game against a young NMU team and losing at home to #1 UND... but with a sweep over a now HOT Mankato team, a victory over #1 UND at home, as well as defeating Wisconsin on the road. In our next five games, we went without a win. In the next nine after the win against UW at the Kohl Center, we went 1-6-2. From the GLI on to now, we have only been able to win four games, two of those against Atlantic Hockey's Mercyhurst. The question I would like to pose is: WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED?!

I know what this team is capable of... But I am just confused as to why they're not doing it. What would Mike Batovanja say to get this team fired up? Mike, if you're reading this, give the guys a call and light a fire under their asses.

This weekend, UMD is coming to Michigan Tech. They always play us very tough in our own building. points NEED TO HAPPEN this weekend. I don't know what more to say.

Huskies Fight Back to Earn the Tie

2008-02-03T09:40:00.000-05:00

Yeah, so this is a few days late.

Box score

I don't know when it really started happening, because I wasn't there to see, but Tech started to really come alive somewhere along the line last Saturday night. They were able to kill a two goal deficit and come back to tie a very tough Seawolves team.

I am grateful that we were at least able to get a point on Saturday, but I was hoping for and expecting so much more...

Ok, that is enough about last weekend's unfortunate events.

Here's a look at the WCHA standings (with poor formatting that I can't fix):

Team	WCHA Record	Points
Colorado College	15-4-1	31
North Dakota	14-7-1	29
Denver	12-6-0	24
Minnesota-Duluth	7-8-5	19
Wisconsin	8-9-3	19
Minnesota State	7-9-4	18
Minnesota	6-10-4	16
MICHIGAN TECH	6-9-3	15
St. Cloud State	6-10-2	14
Alaska-Anchorage	3-12-5	11

It's a tight race in the lower part of the WCHA. If we end up typing UMD (0-2), SCSU (0-2) or UAA (0-1-1) as of right now, we would lose the tie breakers with those teams. Although we do have series coming up with UMD and St. Cloud. We have the tiebreaker on MSUM (2-0); however, we have a series coming up with them soon. Hopefully they cool down by then. And currently, we have split series with UMN (1-1) and UW (1-1). We're done with UMN in the regular season. I'm not sure what happens after head to head record... Goal differential, maybe? If that's the case, UMN has a one goal edge on us. And as for UW... well, we'll know for sure after this weekend.

Here is the good news! We are only four points out fourth place with TWO games in hand on everyone else from 4th to 10th place in the WCHA. It has never been more crucial to start getting points than it is right now.

I must ask of all Michigan Tech fans to come out to the games, be vocal... keep the support coming. The the team will reward you if you do so.

Huskies: The Preferred Food of the Seawolves

2008-02-02T01:30:00.000-05:00

So, my team got pummeled tonight in the beautiful city of Anchorage, Alaska. The hungry Seawolves were looking to please their home crowd, and they did just that... although if you ask me, it was a bit of an overkill!

This is the first game that I will write on this season that I didn't actually see. Judging by what I heard from Dirk Hembroff on the radio, it was a fair combination of great UAA play and piss poor Tech play. I kind of want to excuse it a little bit. Having traveled to Anchorage last year myself, it isn't the easiest thing to adjust... And all I did was eat, sleep, drink, and watch hockey. I cannot imagine playing hockey!

Tomorrow is another day, however. Another whole day that the team would have to adjust to being in Anchorage. Come tomorrow, I cannot make up more excuses for this team. Tomorrow's game is a MUST-WIN, especially with how hot the Mavericks are right now.

After the game, Coach Russell told it like it was, "I thought we were completely useless in front of the net." What more needs to be said? Also according to Russell, he was pleased with Schwarz and VanWagner. The rest of the guys.... not so much.

And for my random feature.... Why We Lost: This can be blamed on a number of factors... goaltending, our play in front of the net, the brilliant play of Olthius and the rest of the Seawolves... However, I'm not going to say it is any of those. I'll just say it's because I wasn't there. It was tough missing my first game of the season, on both me and the team... as you can see. :)

Let's go guys.. salvage a split from this weekend!

Confessions of A College Facepainter

2008-01-31T14:57:00.000-05:00

In response to a post left on the USCHO fan forum by screen name Burnt Orange Husky.

You face painters make me laugh, you're such homers! You should get out of Houghton more often.

The team finally played well at GLI this year and I acknowledged that in a post. I bet you weren't even ALIVE the last time Tech won GLI. They won it SIX YEARS IN A ROW when I was at Tech. The 1979 Ann Arbor News sports section lead story had the headline, "Tech Owns GLI".

So excuse me when I don't pat Russell on the back and say, "Good Job. We had a winning season last year." I expect more than that. When they play well, I'll cheer them on. But when they play poorly, I'll kick them in the butt. They can call their moms if they want a hug...

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

We are not band wagoners, we are not the ones who cheer for our team because everybody else is, and then disappear when they fall out of fashion. We are not fair weather fans, we are the not ones who have no problem cheering for the team when they are on top, and then turn around and rip on the players and coaches when things aren't going in our favor.

We are facepainters. We are the upper echelon of sport fans, or the bottom tier depending on where you're sitting. We are the ones on the front lines, forsaking the small aspects of our own live for the sole affirmation that comes with watching other pursue their craft. We are the irrational, we are the manic, we are the lunatics bordering on insanity that always believes that the next game will be the best game.

We are the ones who have spent hundreds if not thousands of dollars in the name of supporting our team. We are the ones who have skipped parties, and weddings, and funerals, exams and countless other activities just so that when the puck dropped we would be there. We are the ones that fells the world spinning off it's axle every time a goal is scored and we're not there to celebrate it. We are the ones who have been driven to tears at the sound of galvanized rubber hitting an iron post. We are the ones who have celebrated to the brink of causing injuries to ourselves and others because this time the score worked out in our favor.

We are the ones who cheer our team no matter what. We are the ones who have no problem wearing our allegiance on our skin, because we know are loyalties will never change. We are the ones willing to to lose our voices for weeks at a time, because we know that sometimes the difference in playing hard and hard enough to win is simply knowing that others believe in you.

We may be homers, our glasses may be colored in the shade of our schools colors but that doesn't mean we are blind to the truth. We are still the ones who feel the pain when our team drops a game to the last place in the league, and even when they are that last placed team, but we still cheer. We know the pain of being called celler-dwellers and a disgrace to the sport, but we still believe. We know the feeling of shame as other programs cheer for you because you're harmless, but we know that one day it'll be different. And even though we know that our team is not as dominant as it once was, it is still our team. We know that the second you give up hope that you can't win is the moment you should stop playing. And we know that the day when you step into a building and don't feel like you can win is the day that you should stop cheering.

All that may be common knowledge, but here's the confession, deep down inside we are the ones who know, that the players aren't playing for us. They are playing for themselves, they are playing because they want to be the best, they are playing because they love the game, they are playing for pride. We know that we can't change how they play, or change why they play so the only way we can effect the game is to make sure that they fell the confidence and pride that we feel.

We are the ones that know that in the long run coaches and players may come and go, but facepainters are forever.

State of the Season Address

2008-01-28T12:50:00.000-05:00

Thank you very much. I am very happy to be here today to discuss with you the state of Michigan Tech Hockey this season. [ Applaud me here ]

The late Coach John MacInnes would be very happy with the strides that this program has taken over the past few years. This team has gone from a 4-win season only a few years ago to a team that is now much more respected. [ Applaud me here ] This team will continue its uphill climb. [ More applause, please ]

Coach Russell, I commend everything you have done since you have returned to Michigan Tech, but this time as a coach. It was rough at first and many players didn't buy into your system, along with some fans. You kept with it though and recruited your own guys... and it is really beginning to pay off. [ Applaud me, fools! ]

Today I will be discussing where we are at now and where we will be in the future. Currently, we're in a three-way tie for 7th place in the WCHA, a mere one point behind Minnesota who sits alone in 6th, and only three points behind the two teams tied for fourth place, Wisconsin and Minnesota-Duluth. This is of course not where we had hoped to be at this time in the season; but there are many reasons to remain optimistic about the future, as there is a lot of hockey left to be played. [ Applause ]

Earlier this season, we started out at a strong 4-2 record, with a sweep over Mankato. [ Insert your clapping here] After a bit of a slump, we pulled it back together and had a great showing at GLI. The team was definitely prepared for that weekend as they beat Michigan State for the first time since 1991 (?) by a score of 4-1. [ Clappity clap clap! ] For the first time in several years, we were playing in the GLI championship game, with an outstanding showing by Michigan Tech fans and alumni. This team took #1 Michigan through 4 scoreless periods of hockey, hitting two crossbars and two pipes in the process. [Applause ] Unfortunately, Michigan had 'won the cointoss' as was able to sneak one by goaltender Rob Nolan, who was just amazing all weekend long. Even though it went down as a loss in the books, it gave the team and the fans a lot to look forward to for the rest of the season. [ You know the drill ]

After faltering in North Dakota, the team went through their last off weekend, a well-used one as they bounced back and played WCHA leader and the nation's #3 team Colorado College at home, tying them the first night and defeating them 5-2 on the second night. [ Yep, more applause ] CC goaltender Richard Bachman was the WCHA's leading goaltender at that time. After that weekend however, he has fallen to the number two spot and Michael-Lee Teslak has taken over. [ Lots of applause ]

We have big goals for the rest of this year... and one of those is to get home ice for the first round of the WCHA playoffs. [ Applause ] In order to do this, we need to win conference games. [ More applause ] Our team can do great things on home ice, and hopefully they will get that opportunity. [ Keep it coming ]

Home ice or not, the team is looking forward to their SECOND trip to the WCHA Final Five in two years. [ Applause ] As most of the team has been there before, they will know what to expect this time, and you can certainly expect a much better performance this time around, along with RESULTS--the results that we're looking for! [ You know what to do ] The ultimate goal is to WIN the Final Five... and make our first appearance in the NCAA Tournament in quite some time. [ More applause ]
A future of hope and opportunity requires that all our fans have readily available support. When it comes to winning, our team has an obligation to win for the fans and making them happy. And they will meet those responsibilities. [ Applause ]

And so tonight, I propose two new initiatives that may not be new because they have probably been done before. First, I propose that each and every member of the team eat their vegetables. Many tests have shown that vegetables are healthy. If the guys remain healthy, they will probably play better. [ Applause ]

My second proposal should help the guys consistently play hard during each and every game. I suggest to them that they play each and every game as if it were the most important game of their lives. Perhaps if they always keep that in their mind while they're on the bench or on the ice, they will push themselves that much harder. The W's will then start rolling in. [ Yep, more applause here ]

Yet even with these steps, we cannot guarantee home ice playoffs, a Final Five Championship, or a NCAA tournament appearance. Michigan Tech fans must do their part as well, by attending games and cheering loudly. They must create a superior home atmosphere for which our Hockey Huskies can get their job done. [ Applause ]

With such determination and passion, ladies and gentlemen, we see the spirit and results of our Michigan Tech Hockey Huskies. They are a decent and honorable hockey team--resilient too. The team and the fans have been through a lot together. Yet we can go forward with confidence -- because the State of our season is strong, our cause in the hockey world is right, and tonight and for the rest of the season, that cause, winning, goes on. [ You're almost done ]

See you next game. And go Huskies! [ Okay, lay it on thick here! ]

Why we cheer.

2008-01-27T09:46:00.000-05:00

Friday shortly before 6 o'clock, as I was on my way home from work, I had an unpleasant experience. I will not go into the details of how it happened, but I was involved in a rather bad car accident, no injuries (thank God) but the front end of my car will probably never be the same again.

After cautiously driving home and being lectured on not driving so fast I really needed a way to vent, which lead to me breaking my SD card which had very crucial information on it that I need for a client, on top of all that I had to deal with my nephew, who I love but I really have no desire to spend more time around him then I have to. All things considered it was probably very understandable that I was not in the best of moods as I set down to watch my Michigan Tech Huskies play the first game of a two game series against Colorado College. I was feeling discouraged, frustrated and feed up with my situation and my surroundings and I really just needed something good to happen. That night the Huskies skated to a 2-2 tie in a game they probably should of won.

Saturday I took my car to a collision shop to get an estimate of how much it would cost to repair the damage. I found out it will cost less to get a new car then to fully repair the damage, definitely not good news. On top of all of this I again had to deal with my lack of personal solitude as I had to deal with my nephew, my sister and their friends, who don't live in my house and I really wish would go away (seeing as it is Sunday morning and they are still here). Again discouraged, frustrated and feed up with my situation and my surroundings, not to mention I had the biggest headache I have had in a long time. That night the Huskies took the ice against the Colorado College Tigers and left the building with a 5-2 win, that many will call an upset but I expected.

My situations haven't improved, but for approximately six hours over the two nights everything was okay. It didn't matter that I now have to rely on other people to get around, or that I have no idea what the future will hold, for those couple of hours life was good, and that's all that mattered.

For all those who don't understand, this is why we cheer. Because sometimes when life isn't going in your favor it's just good to escape. Different people do it in different ways, some read, some run, some go about doing things to their body that they can never reverse, and some like me, invest their time and energy in the support of others.

Some may look upon us and see crazed maniacs hopelessly devoted to things that don't matter, or pathetic individuals living vicariously through the lives of others, but there's more. To us it's more than just the pursuit of the dreams of others, but when their dreams become your dreams, then you have a way to accomplish things that you probably will never have a chance to do on your own. You can feel the accomplishment of winning a championship, or the adrenaline rush of scoring a game winning goal, and at least for a little while you get to be more than you are.

For those of us who have a problem expressing your emotions, it's an excuse to yell to cheer and sometimes to cry. It's a reason to give your all, to lay it all on the line, to act like a complete and total fool without worrying about what anybody else thinks of you.

This is why we cheer, this is why we don't mind investing our money and time into an obsession that many can't understand. We all have our obsessions and the things we love for no apparent reason, and anybody who doesn't I feel sorry for. If nothing else this I know on any given Saturday I can watch a college football game and no matter what is going in my life, that's all that matters. Most importantly I know I can watch my Huskies and I lay my emotions and my thoughts on their shoulders, and this weekend they proved they can handle it.

So to Jamie Russell and the Michigan Tech Huskies, I would just like to say thank for not letting me down, and no matter what, just as I will always be a fan of the University of Michigan Football team, win or lose, I will always be there to support you.

Great Play, But It Didn't Go Our Way

2008-01-26T02:57:00.000-05:00

I really don't have much to complain about tonight. I suppose I could rant about the results. There's really no point to that, however.

Bottom line... my team played a GREAT game. I am so proud of all of them! The physicalness, determination, effort... the pretty passes... It was excellent hockey. Kudos also to the Tigers. They played a very good game as well, which was unfortunate for us.

A tie against the #3 team in the nation is nothing to be ashamed of.

Btw, Derek Kitti for the win. Oh... and Deron Cousens... ANOTHER point! He's making it 5 points in 5 games.

---

I'd like to see MORE of this type of hockey as the season goes along; and not just here and there... but in EVERY SINGLE GAME for the rest of the season. THIS is how the Huskies need to play. Now let's finish off the weekend right.

On a side note: ARBY'S is now open for business in Houghton!!! :-D

Sioux Sweep, Huskies Weep

2008-01-13T15:50:00.000-05:00

My deepest apologies to my coaching staff and players... but I had a bad feeling about this weekend. The Sioux did not forget about what happened last year in the REA, plus they were due for their first sweep of the year. This weekend was definitely a major disappointment for Michigan Tech. These WCHA points would hold a lot more value coming from a team ranked closely with us than the CC points up for grabs in two weeks. The gap has widened greatly and the team is REALLY going to need to get it together.

Here's a look at the WCHA standings as of today, Sunday 13 January 2008:

1 CC 15-3-0 30
2 DU 12-4-0 24
3 UND 9-7-0 18
4 UMD 6-6-4 16
5 SCSU 6-8-2 14
6 MTU 5-8-1 11
6 UMN 5-8-1 11
6 UW 5-8-1 11
9 MSUM 3-7-4 10
10 UAA 2-9-3 7

A three-way tie for 6th place is probably not where the team had hoped to be at this point. As I mentioned earlier, the Huskies are really going to need to get it together. One observation I made this past weekend is that the team didn't play with... that fire. "That fire" is a certain way they played when Mike Batovanja played for the team. My suggestion is that someone needs to step up on the team and be that motivator. "That fire" is always a noticeable thing, and the team used to be able to play a full sixty minutes with it. Now it isn't uncommon to have it for only about 5 minutes per game. Each game should be played as if they're playing for their lives. The Husky fans definitely enjoy watching the game more and typically the results end up in our favor more often. Jimmy Kerr, Ryan Bunger, and Jordan Baker... I think you three possess that fire and need to bring it out in the rest of your teammates.

All of the above are just my observations and what I think will help the team. This is only my view from the stands. I'm not in the locker room nor on the ice. I could be right, I could be wrong (although that is quite rare). All I know for sure is that the Michigan Tech Huskies are one hard working hockey team and they deserve great things. Many of these guys have been through so much, and it's about time for them to be getting rewarded. First thing is first however... we need to play better than we played against the Sioux.

And my Why We Lost feature: The Sioux were better. Plain and simple. They did what they needed to do to win. Not really much to say here.

And for my last note on this entry... You'll see above that I posted a picture of the Sioux stick salute. Believe it or not, Michigan Tech fans, this is the first time the Sioux fans have been able to see their team's salute this season, as the Sioux ONLY do it after a home sweep (or tie on Friday and win on Saturday). This very example is yet another reason why I am glad to be a Michigan Tech hockey fan. Win, lose, or tie, the fans are rewarded after each and every home game with a stick salute to thank us all for coming out and our support.

What Was That?

2008-01-12T12:44:00.001-05:00

That was... a poor effort last night. There were moments of okayness, but all-in-all this is one very unhappy Tech fan.

In Psychology of Coaching last semester, we learned about the sandwich technique... that is... saying something positive first, then criticism in the middle, and end it on another positive note. I'm going to apply this method right here and now.

GOOD: The penalty kill. Yes, we got a powerplay goal against us last night. It happens... but all-in-all, the PK unit is the bright spot right now.

BAD: Oooh boy, where to begin! The Huskies need to learn to CONTROL THEIR TEMPERS. The last thing I want is for my team to have a reputation as being a dirty team. Let's just play hockey, guys. Cut the bs. Seriously. Cheap shots are unnecessary. Quit taking stupid penalties... and so many of them!

Also, quit flopping around all over the ice. You might think you're good at making it look like the Sioux player made you fall, but it looks really pathetic from the stands. Again I say... quit the bs. No need to Robbie Earl it.

And moving along... when we go on a powerplay, we have one (at least) more player than the other team... therefore, we should be spending a majority of the time on the Sioux side of the ice... or at least part of the time over there. There were at least two of the worst Husky "power plays" that I have seen all season long last night. It is getting to the point where I cringe when we go on the power play. With the way we've been looking, it's basically a guaranteed no-scoring two minutes for my team. So to my team: please get the whole concept of the power play figured out and make good use of that time.

A question I pose to the team: Where is our offense? Fifteen shots on goal? ONE shot on goal in all that power play time last night? How are we going to get ANY goals if the puck never goes in the general direction of the net? I'm not trying to discredit the Sioux defense, because they were great last night... but much of the time, my offense looked lost.... or non-existent. Let's get the puck to the net guys... the past Lamoureux.

GOOD: Leave Deron Cousens in the line-up. I'm rather pleased with him as of late. He may be our future Lars Helminen.

Now as you can see, there's a lot of negative stuff going on with my team right now. Hopefully most of that will get fixed tonight and the Huskies can assist the Sioux in continuing with their 2007-2008 season tradition of splitsville.

==============

On a side note! I would like to bring up a personal experience I had last night while in the REA. For the second year in a row, I brought my favorite sign that I faithfully hold at every MTU-UND meeting. This sign says, "SIOUX PLAY LIKE PIOUX." Observe:

Like I said earlier, this is the second year it has come to this series in the REA. Last year it was just fine to have that sign. Also, to get it in, security needs to look at it. Again, this was alright. It has gotten by security three times without any issues whatsoever.

However, last night before the game started, a lady from the REA staff (not an usher, but someone higher up) came to me to try to take my sign away because they were receiving many complaints about it. Then I was lectured on how UND is having issues with their nickname right now. So... here's what I got...

Dear UND fans and REA staff:

I KNOW about the lawsuit and the NCAA stupidness. I am behind the University of North Dakota 100% on this issue. I understand the respect that university has for their nickname and why it's important to them. I am not in any way trying to disrespect the nickname. UND fans, get over it. I am just a college hockey fan enjoying myself and coming up with creative, witty things to do to entertain myself and others. I have even received many compliments from UND fans on the creativity of my sign. REA staff and America: please quit giving into the whiny people in this world who are so easily offended by everything. That is the base of the problem with the nickname issue... people being upset about the use of the "Fighting Sioux" (plus some money issues that we needn't discuss).

So again, I will be bringing my sign tonight and I will be holding it up. I will again not allow it to be taken and I will fight to keep it until I'm escorted out in handcuffs (also known as doing The Oshie). I am only a college hockey fan and people need to relax about silly things that don't matter. Stop trying to make what should be a good time (a hockey game) a miserable time for people who do not deserve it (REA staff, other fans, etc). It's unnecessary. Just enjoy the game and appreciate college hockey and fans that love the game.

Can't we all just get along (or UND Mayhem part Deux)

2008-01-10T13:39:00.000-05:00

[ original picture deleted to protect the midget ]

In a little over twenty-four hours from the time I post this, the Huskies of Michigan Technological University will take part in game one of a two game series against the (name removed in order to comply with NCAA wishes) from The University of North Dakota. The last time these two teams met in Houghton, MI, in the early part of the season, there was definitely no love lost from the previous year. A contest where the Huskies ran the (name removed in order to comply with NCAA wishes) out of their own barn in a weekend that included a great showing of sportsmanship as North Dakota goalie (I'll just call him Lammy because I'm not trying to go and figure how to spell it right now) was booed by the home team fans after being brought into the game on Saturday to relieve the poor goalie who had the misfortune to start against the perennial cellar dwellers of the league. This season as the two teams met, the sportmanship was taken to a new level as verbal abuse was handed down by a North Dakota assistant coach to a tech student as well as threats of physical violence by varsity hockey players who were currently scracthed from the (name removed in order to comply with NCAA wishes) line-up. I'm not saying the Tech student wasn't blameless, but you would think the assistant coach and players from a major university would have handled the situation better.

Added to all of this several fans of the (name removed in order to comply with NCAA wishes) men's hockey team took offense to a post made in jest by this very site. (most of these facts still apply to this series by the way). These reactions eventually led to an apology (which also still applies), and more banter followed. After the way both teams and their fans have acted over the last couple meetings I think the name (name removed in order to comply with NCAA wishes) is actually pretty accurate, if of course the North Dakotans were Native American.

So here's my point to this post, okay there isn't a point. I just wanted to put it in writing. Let's go Tech, keep our run in that marble morgue running.

P.S. Dirty you might want to try to punch something softer after the Huskies sweep your (name removed in order to comply with NCAA wishes) this year.

Sweet Sweep

2008-01-06T03:20:00.000-05:00

This weekend against Mercyhurst concludes our regular season non-conference play. As a Michigan Tech fan, I don't think I could ask for anything more than we got - a sweep on the road.

This particular trip was quite a different experience for me. I'm definitely used to the nicer, larger WCHA arenas. The Mercyhurst Ice Center was much smaller and much more laid back. It can definitely be a rocking arena if even twenty people decide to be loud. The Tech fans brought a group of less than ten this past weekend, and we easily dominated the atmosphere.

Here are some random highlights from the trip and the games:

Robby Nolan turned in a .933 save% for the weekend
Our penalty kill continues to be unbeatable, even against a 5 minute major
Atlantic Hockey refs call a LOT of penalties it seems
Peter Rouleau had a shorthanded goal on Saturday night--the team's FIRST this season
Deron Cousens's mom and dad are great people and were a pleasure to meet
The drive thru beer place is a very interesting idea
Erie, PA is a terrible city
Gold Crown Billiards/Andy's Pub is a redeeming point for Erie; great place!
Don't stay at the Red Roof Inn in Erie
Mercyhurst has a gate on the outside of the campus and the purpose of it is unknown
The Michigan Tech Huskies are now at .500 overall! (9-9-2, 5-6-1 WCHA)

Next weekend brings the SIOUX! As of right now, this writer is unsure on the latest about the goaltending situation and Teslak's leg. Hopefully we can bring a full healthy team to Grand Forks. Even more hopefully - we can repeat the wondrous events that occurred last season at the Ralph Engelstad Arena when we were in town.

SIOUX PLAY LIKE PIOUX. GO HUSKIES!

Robby Nolan - Red Baron WCHA Defensive Player of the Week

2008-01-04T00:53:00.000-05:00

I know this is a few days late... but I've been on dial-up. Cut me some slack.

From here:

Red Baron WCHA Defensive Player of the Week
Rob Nolan
Jr., G, Michigan Tech

MADISON, Wisc. - Goaltender Rob Nolan, who turned in a stellar performance between the pipes as Michigan Tech University finished second in the annual Great Lakes Invitational Tournament last weekend, has been named Red Baron WCHA Defensive Player of the Week for Jan. 2-7.

A 6-0, 180-pound junior from Sherwood Park, Alberta, Nolan started both games of the tournament for MTU against defending national champion Michigan State and No. 1-ranked Michigan on Dec. 28-29, stopping 74 of 76 shots on goal for a .974 saves percentage, yielding just two goals, and recording seven shutout periods.

In a 4-1 Michigan Tech victory over Michigan State last Friday (Dec. 28) evening at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Mich., Nolan stopped 29 of 30 shots on goal and blanked the Spartans on all four of their power-play chances.

Nolan then came back in the GLI championship game against Michigan last Saturday (Dec. 29) night, stopping a season-high 45 shots and blanking the Wolverines on all eight of their man-advantage opportunities in a 1-0 double overtime defeat.

Also nominated for the award this week were: Jon Olthuis, G, UAA; Nate Prosser, D, CC; Chris Butler, D, DU; Nick Canzanello, D, MSU; and John Swanson, D, SCSU.

Final Thoughts on GLI 2007

2008-01-01T22:09:00.000-05:00

So there are a lot of things I could say about the 2007 version of the Great lakes Invitational.

One of the greatest games ever.
Michigan State Sucks
Next year is going to rock (yes I said rock)
Robby Nolan should play like that more often
The rest of the year should be pretty fun
Why couldn't Sauer play like he played last year.
GLI = Mecca for Michigan Tech Alums
Etc. etc.

But I will save all of those comments for another day so that I can focus on what I believe is the biggest topic that should be dealt with.

Quite simply I hope that in some point in the near future Tech plays in these throwback jerseys(and more importantly not only do I want to be there to see it I want one of these jerseys):

Words Cannot Even Say...

2007-12-29T05:36:00.001-05:00

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!

GLI Preview/Pre-tournament Whining 2007

2007-12-25T21:51:00.000-05:00

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!

Pathetically Adorable(or not particularly bad)

2007-12-18T15:55:00.000-05:00

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.

Hang On....

2007-12-17T07:12:00.000-05:00

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!

The Greatest Story Ever Told (okay maybe second best)

2007-12-11T08:38:00.000-05:00

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

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.

The Commandments of Mitch's Misfits

2007-12-09T13:22:00.000-05:00

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.

Curses!

2007-12-02T21:42:00.000-05:00

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?

2007-12-02T01:23:00.000-05:00

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.

HELP Mitch's Misfits and the Huskies Pep Band!

2007-11-26T22:55:00.000-05:00

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

2007-11-26T11:44:00.000-05:00

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.

Finally - A Break!

2007-11-23T22:46:00.000-05:00

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.