Tech SID to go to Miami University

Michigan Tech's Associate Director of Athletic Communications & Marketing, Jon Oman, has accepted a position at Miami University as Assistant Athletic Media Relations Director.

Jon will be the "primary contact for the men's ice hockey program there, along with a few other sports."

He is greatly looking forward to this move, but will definitely not forget his experiences as the SID at Michigan Tech. Jon says, "I will always have the fond memories of Michigan and the many opportunities for growth I have been afforded here."

His last day at Michigan Tech will be on the 31st of this month and he will begin his new adventure on 6 September at Miami University.

Jon is a hardworking guy and Miami University will love having him. The THB staff wishes Jon Oman all of the best in the future.

Pictures from the Battys' Wedding

Well, as promised, the THB brings you some pictures from the wedding and wedding reception of Mike and Stefanie Batovanja. I would like to give credit and thanks to Stefanie Batovanja, Katie Harris, and Mary Holland for knowingly or unknowingly allowing me to post these photos here.

It appears as though it was an amazing wedding and a fun reception. We at the THB wish the cuter than hell couple all of the best in the future and again thank Mike for three amazing years as a Michigan Tech Husky.





Also, congratulations to Chris Conner who tied the knot last weekend with long-time love Lindsay.... AND Brandon Schwartz and former Husky volleyball captain Taryn, who were wed in July. 'Tis the season for Hockey Husky alum weddings!

Less than two months until hockey season!

Huskies to be CPZ-less Until December

Ugh.

This blogger doesn't know what more to say on the matter. Here's the link:

Click me

At least he will be joining us... although we could use him a lot sooner.

A Tribute to Mike Batovanja

When Mike Batovanja took the ice in his first shift as a Michigan Tech Husky, I could tell there was something different about the way he played. Somehow, he really stood out from anyone else on the Huskies, and from anyone else I've ever seen play before. I tried to figure out what it was, what it was that made him so different from anyone I'd ever watched before. Honestly, I never expected him to stick out like he did...

Mike Batovanja, or Batty as he is commonly referred to, came to Michigan Tech for his sophomore season after his last hockey program at Findlay University of College Hockey America folded. I had never expected much from him; just some guy from the CHA looking to join a team. He had connections with former assistant coach Ian Kallay back when Kallay coached him in the Drayton Valley Thunder, and that was how he found himself playing for Tech.

So what was it about Batty's first shift that had made me notice him so quickly? That made me see a different kind of hockey player?

We'll begin with effort and dedication. Most Michigan Tech players will put forth 100% effort on each or most of their shifts. Mike however, was giving about 123% effort EVERY shift. The determination that he always shows on the ice couldn't be more obvious, especially if even I can pick it out.

Mike is only 5'7" .. probably more like 5'6", which is smaller than about 95% of the people he encounters on the ice. Another huge reason that I admire him is that he's never let that stop him from being the agressive player he is. Mike has laid out some very BIG guys. It isn't good to be on the receiving end of one his checks, because he will just absolutely clobber you. Michigan Tech hockey has become more agressive and physical ever since he has joined the lineup.

Self-sacrificing... another one of Batty's great on-ice qualities. He will jump in front of any slap shot that he can to protect his net. Before Mike came along, that kind of blocked-shot play was something that I rarely if ever saw from my team. Now, many of the Huskies do the same thing. Whenever I go on hockey road trips, I often get comments from opposing fans similar to, "I can't believe how your players will just jump in front of any and every shot they can!" From my observation, the quality and quantity of those plays have been around only as long as Mike Batovanja himself.

On the bench and on the ice, Mike is a great leader. He always keeps the team together and focused. If you look at Mike's numbers since he's been at Michigan Tech, they're nothing to brag about. However, what he has done for the team is nothing that can be represented in his statistics. There's just no way to show it on paper. And while his numbers are not that great, him graduating and exhausting his eligibility for the Huskies is one of the biggest blows our hockey team could take. He was often called the "Heart of the Team." And there is of course a good reason for it. Not only could you see effort in each and every shift, but you could tell that he played with his heart. Mike also shared it with his teammates. The encouragement that always he provided to his teammates made a difference.

Mike also exhibits excellent character off the ice. Naturally, all of the guys love the support that they get from the fans, but Mike shows his appreciation a little more than many others do. He's never too good to say hi. He always thanks the fans personally for their support if possible. For me personally, it has been honor to know, work with, and cheer for him.

While the college hockey chapter has ended in Mike's life, he's about to begin a new chapter with fiance Stefanie. He and Stefanie will be married this July. Says Stef of her fiance, "I am so proud of Mike for all his accomplishments. I am very blessed to have him in my life. He is a wonderful person." I wish those two all of the best in their lives. Look for wedding pictures exclusively on the THB in July!

Batty, thank you for everything you have done for Michigan Tech Hockey. Thank you for giving us three wonderful years and for always showing such dedication. You will leave a lasting impression on this hockey program and community for years to come.

Thank you for the pic, Stef!

THB EXCLUSIVE: Jersey Unveiling 2007!

This entry is dedicated to dggoddard of the LetsGoDU blog. In a recent questionnaire over at LetsGoMavs, for the question "Who has the worst jerseys?", Mr. Goddard proceeded to answer "Michigan Tech." I assume he was really referring to the [now] old black ones, since that may be all he'd ever seen. Those ones are different, I'll agree. Of course, me being a Tech fan, I love them and don't understand how anyone could view those as the WORST in the WCHA. Maybe he has a bias against Michigan Tech. This I do not know. But Mr. Goddard, prepare to change your mind.

Two years ago, the Huskies Hockey Program switched their jersey supplier. They were also looking to switch from the usual jersey material into the much lighter and more breathable dazzle material. They first switched out their gold jerseys. Last year, Tech fans got to enjoy new home whites. This year, the road black sweaters will be changed.

The Tech Hockey Blog staff has acquired the jersey file 2007 and are happy to share it with our loyal readers. Click on it for the full size.


The Huskies Hockey staff and team are very happy with the product and service they have received over the past two years. They reportedly "do not anticipate further design changes for a while."

Feel free to post your comments and feelings about the new jerseys here at the THB. We'd love to hear what you think about Michigan Tech's newest jersey, which will debut on the ice on Friday, November 2nd as they take on the Wisconsin Badgers.

Remembering October 18, 2003

Friday 17 October 2003... it was this writer's first road trip, first college hockey game, first hockey game period. That night was also Coach Jamie Russell's first regular season game as head coach of the Michigan Tech Huskies.

The place... Northern Michigan University's Berry Events Center, located in the craphole that is Marquette, Michigan. When the Huskies and Wildcats get together, you KNOW you can expect one hell of a game. This night was no different. And like every Tech-NMU game, it was a close one throughout. Unfortunately, Michigan Tech had two players in the penalty box during overtime, which eventually lead to a 5 on 3 game winner for the 'Cats.

Heartbreaking, indeed. Not what Coach Russell was looking for in his first game as head coach.

Now onto the next night. The night I, and many others like me, will never forget. This is the night that made me who I am today. This is the night that changed my life forever.

The game was started off the right way, with a Chris Conner (Colin Murphy, John Scott) goal coming at 5:46 of the first. The lead didn't last long though, as NMU struck back less than 3 minutes later.

In the second period, Tech scored twice with goals from Brandon Schwartz and Colin Murphy to make the score 3-1. The Huskies thought they were sitting comfortably with a two goal lead; however, NMU wasn't done yet. In fact, they were only getting started. Those pesky Wildcats scored 5 more unanswered goals, 4 of those coming in the 3rd period with the last one at 15:22. Unfortunately, when NMU's 6th goal came around with less than 5 minutes left in regulation, many of the Tech fans decided that there were more important things to do than perhaps witness one of the greatest comeback games ever played in the John MacInnes Student Ice Arena. Not only did fans leave after NMU's 6th goal, but this awful, horrible, ugly and fat Wildcat fan took off his shirt and started waving it around. Maybe that was actually why the Tech fans left. Who knows.

This night isn't looking good for the Huskies, who were desperately seeking revenge for the previous night's game. Four and a half minutes is plenty of time to stage a comeback though, right?

Nick Anderson, with a little help from Jon Pittis, got things moving in the right direction with his goal at 17:55. Two goals to go to force OT... just over 2 minutes left. I looked at my friend with eyes that said, "...well... maybe it can happen..." And although he was happy about the goal we just got, he doubtfully shook his head no. For some reason, I wanted to keep the hope.

18:34 of the third: score one for Colin Murphy, his second of the game. One more goal to go. One minute and twenty six seconds left to do this. Coach Russell thought it would be a good time to call a timeout here to make up a play to push this one into overtime.

Play started back up, and as soon as it was okay to do so, goaltender Cam Ellsworth rushed to the team bench and a sixth skater scurried to the ice. Time was ticking down, but the Huskies kept on throwing shot after shot on NMU netminder Craig Kowalski. With just 28 seconds remaining, assistant captain Colin Murphy completes his hat trick and ties up the game.

What a great feeling that was! In response to NMU's fat, ugly guy who earlier removed his shirt, Michigan Tech had a fatter, hairier guy remove his shirt and start swinging it around. It was disgusting, but it was absolutely sweet.

Going into overtime, MTU held a 44-31 SOG advantage over NMU, with 18 of those coming in the 3rd period.

With the bonus hockey beginning, there was no other option for Michigan Tech other than to win this game. They had come too far to make it a tie or a loss.

And sure enough, at 2:58 in, Colin Murphy, with a little help from Jon Pittis, put the game away for Michigan Tech.

Now, my team has never won a National Championship since I've been following them or even since I've been alive... but I have a pretty good idea of what it might feel like. The feelings that I experienced when this game was said and done have to be at least similar to those one may experience when their team wins a national championship. The euphoria was SO INTENSE. Nothing had ever made me feel the way I felt at that moment.

And do you remember that fat, gross, hairy shirtless Tech fan I spoke about earlier? Oh yeah, he was definitely going nuts waving his shirt around... rubbing it right back in the faces of the NMU fans who were taunting us earlier. Ladies and gentleman, this is the night when the lengendary Shirtless Guy was born.

October 18, 2003 is a night that Michigan Tech fans will never forget. It was a game that it looked like for sure we were going to lose... but with the persevering attitudes of the Huskies and the great coaching by Jamie Russell, a great story was made for the history books. Welcome aboard, Coach Russell.

USCHO Box Score
USCHO Recap

2007-2008 Schedule

After a bit of a break, I return to you (via awful DIAL-UP) to bring the good news.

Michigan Tech has officially released their schedule for the 2007-2008 season. Here's what we're looking at for next season:

Sat 10-6 7:07 PM University of Toronto (EX)
Fri 10-12 7:07 PM Northern Michigan (Superior Classic)
Sun 10-14 2:07 PM Lake Superior State (Superior Classic)
Fri 10-19 7:07 PM Minnesota State, Mankato*
Sat 10-20 7:07 PM Minnesota State, Mankato*
Fri 10-26 7:07 PM North Dakota*
Sat 10-27 7:37 PM North Dakota* (Hall of Fame)
Fri 11-2 8:07 PM Wisconsin*
Sat 11-3 8:07 PM Wisconsin*
Fri 11-9 7:07 PM St. Cloud State*
Sat 11-10 7:07 PM St. Cloud State*
Fri 11-16 8:07 PM Minnesota Duluth*
Sat 11-17 8:07 PM Minnesota Duluth*
Fri 11-30 8:07 PM Minnesota*
Sat 12-1 8:07 PM Minnesota*
Fri 12-14 7:35 PM Northern Michigan
Sat 12-15 7:07 PM Northern Michigan
Fri 12-28 8:06 PM Michigan State (GLI)
Sat 12-29 4:06/7:36 PM Providence/Michigan (GLI)
Fri 1-4 7:00 PM Mercyhurst
Sat 1-5 7:00 PM Mercyhurst
Fri 1-11 8:37 PM North Dakota*
Sat 1-12 8:07 PM North Datota*
Fri 1-25 7:07 PM Colorado College*
Sat 1-26 7:07 PM Colorado College*
Fri 2-1 11:37 PM Alaska Anchorage*
Sat 2-2 11:07 PM Alaska Anchorage*
Fri 2-8 7:07 PM Wisconsin* (WC)
Sat 2-9 5:07 PM Wisconsin* (WC)
Fri 2-15 7:07 PM Minnesota Duluth*
Sat 2-16 7:07 PM Minnesota Duluth*
Fri 2-22 8:07 PM St. Cloud State*
Sat 2-23 8:07 PM St. Cloud State*
Fri 2-29 7:07 PM Denver*
Sat 3-1 7:07 PM Denver*
Fri 3-7 8:37 PM Minnesota State, Mankato*
Sat 3-8 8:07 PM Minnesota State, Mankato*

*WCHA game

The above is Michigan Tech's REGULAR SEASON (plus one exhibition game). Husky fans are looking forward to a post season of more than 4 games this year, including HOSTING UND for the first round of the WCHA playoffs.

Starting out with SEVEN home games?!? Too cool! No doubt about it, my studies are going to SUFFER during that time. Oh wait, they suffer every year throughout the duration of hockey season.

We will not be visiting either of the Colorado schools, nor will Minnesota or Anchorage be coming to visit us. That's too bad about Anchorage, but I'm not too disappointed about the other three... except Denver, as that's the one trip I need to make yet...

I would like to be the first to welcome the University of Wisconsin Badgers as the next team to get pummeled in Houghton during Winter Carnival and NOT win the MacInnes Cup.

Last season was a huge season for Tech... We did a lot of things that we haven't ever done or haven't done in a long time, such as: sweep UND at the Ralph, shut out FIVE opponents, win a game (actually TWO!) in Colorado Springs, make an appearance at the WCHA Final Five, and have a WINNING record. This upcoming season will be another season of a few broken streaks. You know that tournament of ours where we haven't won a game in seemingly forever? I need to come up with a claim for that one. You may remember last year where I promised everyone that we would beat Lakehead or else I would get a mullet. Luckily, we did beat Lakehead and my hair was safe. If anyone has any ideas for me, let me know. We WILL get at least one win at GLI this year. Also, do not be surprised if you see Michigan Tech hosting a home playoff game. Do not be alarmed if you see the Michigan Tech Huskies in the NCAA's in some regional site. And for all those going to Denver or watching the Frozen Four on TV, don't be too shocked if you see us there too.

Old Rivalry, Brand New Chapter.

As far as rivalries in Michigan's Upper Peninsula to go there is one series that is head and shoulders above all others. The Huskies of Michigan Tech and the Wildcats of Northern Michigan have had some epic battles on pretty much every playing field that you can imagine. They have battled in Volleyball, Basketball, Football, Tennis as well as on the ice in Hockey.

This Saturday the two schools meet again on the ice for another memorable battle, this one being the first page in new type of rivalry between the schools. Before the puck dropped one thing was obvious, this match-up was going to be completely different then the matches of the past.

The first noticeable thing were the players, gone were the big names that made the rivalry great, however present were the ones who were really responsible for keeping the Battle of US 41, they are Misfits, Puckheads, and Dawgs.

This day a new tradition was formed as the two student sections and supporters of these two hockey programs met on the ice of the Lakeview Arena in Marquette, Michigan. It was what will be the first annual U.P. Shootout(more rules and details to come soon).

After a hard fought day, it was the Husky Hockey supporters who were able to capture the crown for the competition the first time around (Despite an inability by Northern score keepers to accurate count by one) . While we at the Tech Hockey Blog are sure that next year will bring more of the same, we will be happy to invite the Puckheads to assembly the best team they can and join us in Houghton next year to reclaim what we brought home with us, and maybe a little more, just leave your STI's at home.

Gopher fan for a day (or two)

What's a man to do when stuck at a hockey tournament in the middle of Minneapolis when his team is knocked out on the first day of competition. Well you can take one of three routes, you can continue to support your team while staying relatively neutral at all games, you can be a hockey whore (like a certain short girl I know) swaying your loyalties to whatever team fans are the closest, or you can pick a team based on whatever factors and ride with it. So as I got up Friday I was faced with a question who do I support now that I had decided that my usual college hockey attire was going to be retired.

Well let's be honest with ourselves, I'm not cheering for Wisconsin, ever under any circumstances (except maybe Wisconsin against Ohio State, in which there's a better chance of me hoping for a natural disaster to wipe the arena off of the map) I'm not cheer "Let's go Huskies" unless those Huskies are wearing Black and Gold because that's just confusing. So really I only had two options North Dakota or Minnesota. I wasn't trying to agree with Dirty, and I've always been thought to never bite the hand that feeds me, and the Gopher were literally feeding me so it was a no brainer, for the next couple days Rob Green was going to be a fan of the Golden Gophers. Besides with the level of arrogance that I already had I was a natural.

Let me tell you now, it's not easy being a Gopher fan in the middle of the Twin Cities, there's just so much pressure. From the second I walked into the parking lot on Friday morning for the GPL tailgate, I had people wanting to shake my hand and women wanting to hug me, of course that may of been more because I was me then because of the jersey I was wearing, but being the center of attention among that many people is a burden that I hope very few people have to suffer through.

Although I did wear a maroon and gold jersey I kept my reminders that I was in fact a Tech fan, I kept on my black and gold Tech hat, mostly because I didn't have a maroon and gold one, and I carried a Tech flag in my pocket, anything to keep me from becoming a hockey whore. I received a lot of interesting looks that day and I think mostly because of the mismatched jersey and hat but regardless I met a lot of people. And then came Friday where the unexpected happened when the teams took the ice there was not a doubt in my mind that not only was my team going to win, but it was in fact the more talented and naturally gifted team on the ice. I'm sorry lately I've been expecting my Huskies to win and they have been doing so, but honestly knowing beyond the shadow of a doubt that they were the best team in the building is a new feelings, it's kind of creepy.

Saturday I was a quasi Gopher fan, I wore the jersey but I wore a ref jersey over the top. I even got to participate in the Gopher's pre-game march around it was definitely fun. I hate to admit but it was in fact fun and a good experience but never again. I learned something that day as Wheeler dove to put in the winning goal over Lammy's shoulder. It was an amazing goal and as happy that I was there to see it, it was nothing compared to Justin St. Louis's goal to beat Northern, or Tech winning in overtime at CC. At the end of the day I am what I am and that is Black and Gold all the way through.

Take It as You Wish

So, there's been a slight difference in opinion that has stemmed from quite a while ago, and came back up tonight, so I'm going to take a little break...Fitting that it happens this close to the end of the season as well.

The End of An Era

As I walked through the streets of St. Paul after my Huskies lost in the play-in game at the Final Five I didn't really know how to react. I wasn't sure rather to be thankful that they had made it this far or disappointed because I had such high hopes for them. This season was a good season, we've come so far from where we were last year, and next year just looks more promising.

This has a been a year where negative streaks were broken and new more positive streaks were established, and yet we fell just a few wins short of what could of been. Technically we can still make the NCAA tournament but at this point it is a long shot, so it appears that Tech's first game at the Xcel center may very well be my last hockey game as a Tech student, and this leaves me amazingly bitter-sweet.

So as I sat trying to figure out I wanted to say and what I wanted to do, and as I tried to comfort one of my partners in crime when it comes to this blog, I realized even though the game was over hours ago I still sat in my jersey. I was afraid to take it off, because once it was off it was over, not only the season my career watching Tech games as a student. I bought this jersey, which is a replica of the new home jerseys introduced this year, during the first home hockey game this year and it has brought me through this memorable season. For every game that I have wore this jersey in Five different States this year and at eight different arenas, including every tech game I've been to this year except two where I went in a toga.

This jersey has been as much a part of the season as the tickets, my seat, or my friends that I have had the honor to share the experience with. And these things are what it now represents to me.

If Tech makes the NCAA tournament, which at this point looks very unlikely, I will wear this faithful garment, but for now it is going into retirement. From now on it will be more a piece used to remember the good times then as a piece of clothing.

Thus I am wrapping up an era in my life, and as I close this area I would like to thank everybody who made it possible, to the RA who took me to my first hockey game (the greatest game I've ever seen) to the friends who gave me the chance to experience more, to my friends who stood by me as I became a fanatic, to the ones I shared memories with on roadtrips (don't worry I love you now more then ever) to the alumni who generously help to partially fund these trips when I just couldn't.

Thank you all.

MISSING: Michigan Tech Husky Hockey Team

St. Paul, Minnesota
Unassociated Press

The Michigan Tech Hockey Huskies, who were supposed to show up at the Xcel Center in St. Paul, Minnesota, were reported missing on Thursday evening. The Huskies, who were to make their first appearance at the Final Five in some 11 or 12 years, and first appearance since the Final Five has been at the Xcel Center, did not show up before a crowd of 16,449. Many Husky fans who were looking forward to watching their team take the next big step were disappointed when they realized that the Husky Hockey team didn't come to play hockey. These Husky fans left the Xcel in absolute disbelief, not to mention anger and embarrassment.

The missing hockey team last night was just a shame. With all the steps forward they have been taking, this is one huge step backwards.

If you have any information on the whereabouts of this team, you are encouraged to contact MeanEgirl or leave a comment in this blog. Any information would be appreciated, although it is now too late to do anything about it. Closure is always a good thing however.

Possibly more to come later.

Just for the night

I don't know what to say, we came we skated and we walked away with a 4-0 lost. The puck just bounced in places it shouldn't have. We didn't skate all that well, we didn't move the puck all that well, and at times we just looked rusty and tired. I would post more but I'm afraid I may start crying, and I don't want to start crying tonight. Tomorrow, I'll do more I promise but for now this is all that I can manage.

Don't Stop Believing.

It's the night before play-ins and tensions are definitely high around here so here is a quick pep talk from the staff of the one and only Michi-
gan Tech Hockey Blog to the men of the Michigan Tech Hoc-
key team.

They've called up perennial doormats, and push-overs, they laughed at us and wrote us off, they petitioned to get us out of our own league, they didn't want us, they wanted to get rid of us. But the tables are beginning to turn now, now they're beginning to learn the last team you want to see standing in front of you is us. Now is the time to crawl away from the proverbial kiddie table and on to the buffet. This is the time boys to shock the world to announce this is our time and you will not take this from us.

We've fought as a team, we've won as a team we've lost as a team and now it's time for us to succeed as a team or to crumble as a team. Everything to this point means nothing if we lose another, nothing means anything if we can't step on the ice and shock the world, if we can't go out show that we are a force that cannot be over looked. We have everything it takes to beat any team they put in front of us. Bring on the Badgers, bring on the Gophers, bring on those fake wanna be Huskies, bring on the Sioux, and if they have the courage bring on the Red Wings. I have faith that we can take on anybody as long as we play our game. If we go out there, we hit hard, we skate hard, and put the puck in the net we will win this game.

WE WILL WIN THIS GAME. We will play our game, we will skate like there is no tomorrow, we will hit like we can not be hurt, we will pass, we will shot and we will score, WE WILL WIN THIS GAME.

I know you've played a lot of hockey in the last week and I know we're asking a lot out of you, but I promise you make it to the end of the week and you will feel no pain. We've come to far to give it up now, we've done to much, we've learned to much, we have to many expecting so much, we will win this game. We've done our part we supported you, we've followed you, we've believed in you when no else would, and all we ask in return is this one game. We will win this game.

Resident Midget Gives Up Hope Early

Yes Husky fans, it is true. Recently, this picture was found of our beloved MeanEgirl, apparently distraught with the effort taken to reach this point in the season, has gone and given up hope of a Husky victory this Thursday night. MEg is seen here with a newly converted Gopher fan, adorned in Badger gear, ready to cheer for the Badgers on Thursday, hoping that backing the defending national champion can save her from potential disappointment this Thursday.

What, you may ask, caused this transformation? Experts believe it was the thin Colorado air, combined with continuous cowbell ringing, which sometimes causes people below 5 and a half feet to experience dizziness and loss of memory. Apparently MEg has lost all memories back to last spring, when the Badgers convincingly took the national title. Hopefully someone in the Twin Cities area can get to her and remind her that the Huskies are on a hot streak and may win the game Thursday before any Badger fans learn of her new allegiance and complete the transformation. Even worse if the Badger fans see her associating with a Gopher fan, she may be in danger from both sides.

Further investigation has yielded this photo, apparently of Boba Fett's youngest son aprehending MEg before converting her to the Dark Side. Perhaps confronting the Badgers will be more difficult than first imagined, seeing as they have hired (the short son) of a skilled bounty hunter to aid them. Only one thing could help us now...

Get your baseball bats people

Note: All pictures were taken without permission courtesy of tDarkness

Doormats No More (or 21+25+29 = X)

It was a slap shot from the blue line from freshman walk-on defensemen John Kivisto. The puck was deflected bounced up hit freshmen walk-on forward Ryan Bunger in the facemask and eventually ended up behind Colorado College's senior Goaltender Matt Zaba. That goal came at the 12:59 mark of the first period putting Tech up 1-0, 47 minutes worth of game time later The Michigan Tech Huskies were celebrating a 1-0 victory over the Colorado College Tigers and a berth to the Final Five.

Tonight we played Husky hockey, we skated hard, we played hard, we hit hard, and even though Zaba did a great job from the first minutes of the first period Tech dominated the game. They took shots, they played the angles they picked up the extra man when on defense. And even on the odd chances when the defense did break down Teslak was there to make an awe inspiring stop. This is the team we've been waiting for, and this is the team that is going to give nightmares to any team that draws them for the rest of the year.

While this was a complete team effort and the entire team deserves the credit for this victory I would like to give a special mention for a great effort put forth on the weekend from the Michigan Tech freshmen class. Their determination and effort never failed on the weekend and in the end it only seems fitting that the series winning goal was a product of the effort two walk-on freshmen.

Next stop St. Paul from there the skies the limit. This is only the beginning not only do we have more to do this year, the future is definitely bright.

The Fifth Longest Game in College Hockey is Over

SCSU has finally scored a goal, Andreas Nodl finished off the UMD Bulldogs in the third overtime period. This result means that the Michigan Tech Huskies will be forced to face the University of Wisconsin Badgers for the third time, in a do-or-die faceoff to make it to the semi-finals. Winning that game should send them to face the Golden Gophers for the fifth time, and then the winner of the SCSU-UND Friday game, should they win that one. We won't get too ahead of ourselves, but congratulations to all the teams looking to stay alive this upcoming weekend.

Holy Crap

Wow...I really don't know how to react...I think I'll let Captain Emotion take care of this one, but holy crap. The Michigan Tech Huskies, a team that couldn't even win 8 games last year is on their way to the WCHA Final Five for the first time in a decade. This year's team has given us so many ups and downs, but in the games that mattered most, we have prevailed. I can't believe I'm actually writing this stuff. If you would have told me I would be doing this at the end of last season, I would have called you insane. I probably sound like a stupid idiot bragging about how wonderful making it to the WCHA semifinals is, but holy crap.

Enough talking about this...I don't know if I'll be very coherent any longer. Elsewhere in the conference, UAA, who forced a third game, fell to the Gophers in a valiant effort by a 3-1 final. UMD and SCSU are still locked up in their second overtime period, and I really don't want to wait to post this. I guess I'll fill you in when that ends, but as of right now, were the Bulldogs to win, MTU would defer to the Friday game vs. North Dakota, and if they lose, we would play Wisconsin in the play-in game on Thursday.

So the elation has kind of died, but I guess I need to find some Final Five tickets now. Keep on waiting for more, because I'm sure tDarkness will be wetting his pants with joy later. Good night for now hockey fans.

JUST PUT ME OUT MY MISERY PLEASE

Why can't we just play hockey the way I know we how to. So many blown opportunities, so many chances to put the puck into the net and nothing. Where was the intensity that we all have come to know and love, where were the big hits and the never say die attitude that wins games. Why are we having so many problems picking up open players sitting in front of our own goals. Come on this is not the best we can do, we can not keep doing this to ourselves.

You have made a believer out me, you made me expect something great, and now when it's all on the line this is the best you can come out with. I expect more, I've spent the last week exclaiming to every possible person who was willing to listen that Tech was going to sweep and this is the best we can come up with. Sure we won last night, but really we still were playing nowhere near our best. Tomorrow night I expect to see more from you, I expect to see the intensity and determination that makes this a team that other teams have learned to fear.

Well it's time for this collection of Tech faithful to start the rehabilitation process. A bad day is a good cause for a good night, and we would like to thank the staff of The World Arena for starting us off on the right track. Huskies if you read this I want you know tomorrow night I expect more and you better deliver.

Do or Die, or Die, or Die

So, for the first time in 9 seasons, a WCHA quarterfinal playoff series involving Michigan Tech hasn't ended in two games of disapp-
ointment. Unfortu-
nately for the Huskies, who came out strong Friday night, Saturday wasn't meant to be for them. CC goaltender Matt Zaba was unbeatable tonight, and despite a second amazing performance, Michael-Lee Teslak stopped everything sent at him except two shots. The loss tonight sends the series to a third game tomorrow night.

Elsewhere in the WCHA, St. Cloud was able to stay alive against Duluth with a 3-2 victory, and Minnesota State was swept out of any hope for further post-season play by North Dakota. The UW Badgers finished off their series as well, upsetting #3 Denver in 2 games, winning 2-1 tonight. The second overtime game of the playoffs this year occurred in none other than Mariucci Arena, where the Golden Gophers of Minnesota were unable to finish off their series with the #10 Alaska-Anchorage Seawolves, who held on for a third game with a 2-1 victory.

With these results, only the Badgers and Sioux are sitting on spots in the Final Five. Three Sunday night games will determine final seeding, and two real upsets could take place. If the Seawolves and Bulldogs can take wins, the top two WCHA teams will be out of their own conference playoffs. Not only are Final Five spots on the line, but wins or losses tomorrow, possible spots in the NCAA playoffs could be won or lost. No predictions can be made, as was shown by the results of the past two nights, so stay tuned tomorrow night. This is the stuff that makes the WCHA the best conference in college hockey.