Meet Your Freshmen 2008: Bryce Reddick

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

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

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

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.

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...

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

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

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)

*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

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!

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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.

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

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

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!