The more things change

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Last hurrah at home

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

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

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

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

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

Two tallies in a row

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

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

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

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

Tough cookie to crack

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

He helped his team kill all six Sioux power plays.

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

Keeping it close

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

In the second, the game turned physical.

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

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

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

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

An official apology from The Darkness

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

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

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

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

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

#10 Two words, Skating Treadmill

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

#9 The Darkness will be in the building

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

#8 MEg will be in a toga

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

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

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

#6 Mitch's Misfits

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

#5 Lammy is an idiot

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

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

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

#3 The Oshie is a pansy

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

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

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

#1The Dirty factor

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

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

Rank-a-Rama

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

USCHO.com/CSTV Poll

October 22, 2007

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

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

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USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine Poll

October 22, 2007

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

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

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

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

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

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

Break out the Brooms

As a Michigan Tech fan, I just want to say how pleased I am with the way my team played tonight. I hope they can carry that type of play into next weekend, as #1 North Dakota will be coming to town.

So, here are some highlights from the game played earlier this evening in the John MacInnes Student Ice Arena:

• Freshmen Huskies Jordan Baker and Eric Kattelus scored their first goals in the Huskies jerseys
• Red Hot Robby Nolan had a .972 save percentage
• Malcom Gwilliam had FIVE freakin' points (2-3--5)
• Jimmy Kerr was injured... Still waiting to hear more on that... :(
• Pete Rouleau had three points on the night (1-2--3)
• Geoff Kinrade had three points on the night (0-3--3)
  
• Bennett Royer got his first collegiate point, with an assist on one of Malcom's goals
• ELEVEN different Huskies got points
• We completed the SWEEP!
  

With UMD sweeping SCSU and CC sweeping UMN, there is currently a 3-way tie for first place in the WCHA. If the Huskies want to stay up there, they will need to continue playing great hockey next weekend.

I'm not sure what else to say. Tech wins 2-0 and 7-1 this weekend. See you next weekend, Siouxzies.

Kings for a Day (or at least a couple minutes)

Ladies and gentlemen, brace yourself for the next couple of words may lead you fall from your chairs with a sudden rush of glee or surprise or disappointment depending on what team you like to throw your alliances behind. Are you ready? Then here we go.

Michigan Tech is tied for first place in the WCHA with Minnesota Duluth and Colorado College.

Who said it couldn't be done; who said that these three teams, all picked to finish in the bottom half of the WCHA by the coaches couldn't do big things this year? Believe it or not first place, and sure you may argue that it's after one game, but Duluth beat St. Cloud (it's not NCAA time yet so St. Cloud can actually win games), and CC beat Minnesota, so those wins definitely mean something. Tech beat a Minnesota State team that wasn't actually expected to do much but hey it was a very impressive shut out victory for Michael-Lee Teslak, and most importantly the team looked good and played hard for three periods.

Could the college hockey season prove to be as exciting as exciting as the college football season with big historical upsets happening week after week, or am I just making too much out of the first day of WCHA inter conference games. Well today's a new day which promised to deliver new results, and no matter what those results are I promise you this: don't expect to understand them until it's over.

TGIHS (Thank God It's Hockey Season)

Before I go into this article there's just one thing I would like to say to of you still fortunate enough to still be in school. Working for a living sucks. I know a lot of you may not be surprised by this statement but I would just like state this one more time, it really sucks. I for one actually enjoy what I do, I like the people I work with and yet this still sucks. I was so use to sleeping till noon waking up for lunch maybe catching a class or two and then going to take a nap. Now it's up by 6:30 everyday, and then working for 8 plus hours, this really sucks.

Now to hockey.

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

Ladies and gentlemen, the long wait is finally over and hockey season is finally upon us. Last weekend marked the first Superior Showcase, a cross conference battle between the three D-I college hockey teams in Michigan's Upper Peninsula and Minnesota Duluth who I guess is the next closest thing. Despite all the preseason hype Michigan Tech only managed to escape with two points on the weekend losing on the opening night to Northern Michigan and beating Lake Superior State on a nationally televised Sunday night game.

I know some journalist like to focus on the good things that there team does. For instance, we scored four powerplay goals on the weekend, which is almost half the total scored on the powerplay all of last season; the four freshmen currently on our roster didn't seem completely over matched and at times actually played inspired hockey; and in a whole the team seems to have stepped their offensive efforts at a whole. With that being said I would just like to point out that I am a journalist so let's get to my observations from the weekend.

What happened to the team that last year played tough disciplined defense and rarely ever gave up an easy goal. That definitely was not the team that I saw this weekend, not only did we give up as many goals as we gave up through the first two weekends last season, must of the goals seemed to be the clear result of Huskies making mistakes--this isn't even counting a goal scored on Nolan from the opposite blueline which did in fact just look like an unfortunate bounce.

Maybe I'm just being overly critical, but all in all on the weekend the team played sub-par hockey and was lucky to savage any points on the weekend. If we expect to reach all those lofty goals we've been setting we're going to have to play better. There's no doubt in my mind there is better hockey in these players than we saw over the weekend and if we don't see it, it's going to be a long here starting in two weeks when North Dakota comes in town; and I'm sure they're still not over what happened in Grand Forks last year. If they are, they won't be for long because I'm sure the Misfits will take every opportunity to remind them.

In conclusion, to any member of the Huskies hockey team that happens to read this, keep up the good work on offense, and let's start playing good disciplined defense again.

Meet Your Freshmen 2007: Deron Cousens

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

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

Favorite NHL Team: Toronto Maple Leafs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DC: Detroit for the GLI.

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

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

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

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

THB: What is your favorite smell?

DC: The dressing room. [...]

THB: Is this Tech's year at GLI?

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

THB: What kind of music do you like?

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

THB: Have you ever bloodied up any opponents?

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

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

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

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

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

THB: What size skate do you wear?

DC: I wear size 8.

THB: What is the best part of playing hockey?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Meet Your Freshmen 2007: Jordan Baker

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

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


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


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

Jordan Baker: To play hockey for the Huskies.

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

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

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

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

THB: Who is your roommate this year?

JB: Bennett Royer.

THB: Are you a good dancer?

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

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

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

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

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

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

JB: Either Wisconsin or Northern

THB: What is your favorite type of music?

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

THB: Do you sing in the shower?

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

THB: What do you get on your pizza?

JB: Pepperoni with chili peppers.

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

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

THB: Are you the next Chris Conner?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Meet Your Freshmen 2007: Eric Kattelus

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


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


THB: Were you looking at any other colleges?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THB: Are you a fan of skating treadmills?

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

THB: What's your major?

EK: Fitness and Sports Management.

THB: What other sports besides hockey do you enjoy?

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

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

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

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

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

THB: What is your second favorite college hockey team?

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

THB: What websites do you most often visit?

EK: The “Book”, Facebook.com.

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

EK: The greatest thing to happen since slices loaves.

THB: Who is your celebrity crush?

EK: Jessica Alba and Rachel Bilson.

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

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

THB: Can you dance?

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

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

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

Meet Your Freshmen 2007: Bennett Royer

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

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

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


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

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

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

BR: No.

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

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

THB: What are your personal goals this year?

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

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

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

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

BR: Beating Wisconsin in the Winter Carnival.

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

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

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

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

THB: What is your favorite form of precipitation?

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

THB: What kind of music do you enjoy?

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

THB: What other sports besides hockey do you like?

BR: I like golf and lacrosse.

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

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

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

BR: No.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BR: My dad.

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

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

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.