Michigan Hockey: Over 100,000 Tickets sold

Posted at 4:00pm -- 5/14/2010

Michigan Hockey: 30 seconds about "The Big Chill at the Big House"

Posted at 12:00pm -- 4/29/2010

Over 90,000 tickets sold already. That alone beats the all-time record.



on YouTube
from BigChillatBigHouse

Michigan Hockey: Tickets on Sale for "Big Chill in the Big House"

Posted at 3:00pm -- 4/20/2010

Michigan Hockey: At Michigan Stadium
"The Big Chill at the Big House"
Michigan State at Michigan
December 11, 2010
3:00pm

Tickets go on sale at 4/21/2010
at 8:30am EDT.

To Buy Tickets: Michigan Hockey Tickets at Michigan Stadium



Written by GBMW Staff

Go Blue -- Wear Maize!

Mailbag question: In regards to Michigan Hockey

Posted at 8:00am -- 4/14/2010

Mailbag question: In regards to Michigan Hockey

Hello GBMW,

After watching Boston College win another national title in our own state, where I bought tickets last year thinking Michigan would be there.

I know so close, but not close enough.

Seems like this team really turned it up the last three weeks of the season, but the same mistakes that kept happening early in the year crept up in the NCAA tournament.

What I am wondering is if/when Coach Berenson retires (I am not saying he needs too), if the Michigan Hockey program should be handled like the Michigan football program was handled when Coach Carr retired.

We saw a football program that was always good (at least by the records) a lot like the Hockey program. They would always compete for the Big Ten Title in most years a lot like the Hockey program. The football program would always make a bowl game a lot like the hockey program making the NCAA tournament, but hasn't really challenged to be the best in quite a few years and have had many disappointing seasons end while other teams seem to make the next step, or programs that seem like less talented teams pull it off.

We have seen in our own hockey league a program like Miami the last five or more years really step up their game and have been a force in the NCAA. Wondering if Michigan would make a run at the coach at Miami or would they stay in house and just promote within.

Seems like this program has become stale and needs something to pick it up a notch.

Don't get me wrong I love the fact that we have been to the NCAA 20 straight years, but it seems like we have more talent than a lot of teams, but aren't getting the job done when needed.

Thanks for letting me rant!

Tony S.

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

Hi Tony:

Thanks for dropping by. Let me address each question you posed individually.

Michigan did have a great three-week run during the playoffs. They finally committed to the type of consistent effort needed to win at a high level and showed that even the best talent needs cohesion to win. As coach Berenson stated, this team had the ability to compete with any team in the country and proved it during the playoffs. It was unfortunate to lose in the matter in which they did, especially after enduring a blown call that should have had Michigan advancing, but that is the bad medicine that has to be swallowed sometimes.

I actually thought that they were outstanding during their run- with a few of the issues they had during the regular season creeping back. The goaltending was terrific. The defense not only tightened their play, but made fewer mistakes in their own zone. The defense also contributed to the offense, especially in the last few games. The offense saw contributions from all four lines, but especially by the top guys. They stayed out of the penalty box except for the Bemidji game, where I thought the officiating was excessive, inconsistent and extreme. Their special teams were solid.

Overall, they lost to Miami (outside of the blown call) mostly on account of their failure to capitalize on their offensive chances and because Miami's goaltending and depth was a little better than our goaltending and depth. I definitely feel that Michigan would have represented the CCHA at the Frozen Four much better after witnessing Miami's meltdown. But in the end, Boston College proved to be the team that played the best hockey in the playoffs, and did it by beating some really good teams (Alaska, Yale, Miami and Wisconsin) along the way. I wish we had our crack at them, but it wasn't to be. They deserved to win the championship this season with a team similar in speed, talent and style to Michigan's program.

Now your next question regarding coaching is a little bit more complex. First of all, Red Berenson is one of the most respected coaches in the game. When he feels it is time to step down he will call the shot. He will also have a strong voice in who assumes the program and he should. You don't go to 20 straight CCHA appearances at JLA, or compete in 20 straight NCAA appearances (with 2 national championships) without doing something right. I doubt that radical changes will be made similar to the football program (I really don't want to get into that). Michigan still will continue to compete for CCHA Championships and NCAA Championships even after Berenson retires. My best guess is that he will do what Bo Schembechler did and hand the program to one of his assistants, either Billy Powers or Mel Pearson. Michigan still will attract top recruits and will play the same up-tempo style that is attractive to the speed and skill these athletes have. Michigan is still very much a top recruiting program that moves its athletes on to the professional ranks. It would be a very risky proposition for Michigan hockey to move away from that model.

Just the same, I know that there are many Michigan fans that believe that Berenson's program hasn't been able to get over the top, even with top talent, in the last decade. Call it stale, call it a criticism on coaching, call it what you want- but I steadfastly disagree with that sentiment. There are 58 division I schools that compete each season for the top prize- a little over half as many as in division I football (119 at last count, I think.) Of the 58 schools, there are 10-12 programs that legitimately have the talent and coaching to consistently do what Red Berenson has done with the hockey program in the past decade (Maine, BC, BU, UNH, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Denver, MSU, Miami, Notre Dame, Cornell). That means 12 schools out of 58 dominate college hockey as of late, Michigan included, with the championships going to a total of 7 of those schools during that time period. Those top schools not only compete for top talent amongst each other, but with the occasional athlete that goes to one of the other 46 schools- or worst yet- may opt out and go to the Canadian Major Juniors. My point is, the competition for top collegiate hockey athletes is much more extreme than the competition for Division I football talent. Yet, Berenson consistently fields teams with NHL draftees, wins CCHA titles and has multiple Frozen Four appearances. That is equivalent to being in the BCS year after year. That isn't stale and it is certainly not easy to win a championship. The degree of difficulty and separation between good and great teams is razor thin, especially with the rash of early departures and other factors that impact hockey far greater than football. That is not an excuse for Michigan alone, though, as other great programs have lost talent in the same manner.

When it comes down to it, hockey is much harder to predict than football- that typically has a couple of clear-cut superior programs in any one season. Hockey can produce several great teams and other good teams in a championship tournament where anything can and will happen, unlike the bowl system college football has, which pretty much uses the regular season and maybe a conference champion to install (with much controversy and angst) the two teams that play in the national championship game. To tab Michigan's hockey program as stale in the same measurement as the Bo/Mo/Carr football program is unfair given the parity and nature of the sport. There has not been a "less talented" team win the NCAA hockey championship in the past decade, BTW. BU, Wisconsin, Denver, UND and Minnesota were all favored to win their championships. BC has now been to something like 9 of the past 12 Frozen Fours, winning three championships. MSU was the only team in the past decade that came out with a surprise NC banner, and they did it the same way our 1998 team did it- by playing the best even though their talent may not have measured up "better" against the rest of the field. It doesn't mean they were less talented, it meant that they got breaks, stayed injury free, performed well- especially in goal-all factors that came together to win four games in a row in the national tournament. They earned their place in the tourney with the body of their regular season work- and, although it wasn't as good as some other teams- it didn't mean MSU couldn't compete with them.

Now, as far as Miami's hockey program is concerned-certainly it has had a revival under Enrico Blasi, but they have failed to win a national championship in the five or six seasons he has guided them. But, they are getting closer mostly on account of drawing talent, keeping it all four seasons, and providing a better system that matches the talent. It is eerily similar to the years prior to 1996 when Berenson finally won his first NC. It's good for the CCHA that they have become better, and provides Michigan with a tougher road to compete against. It doesn't necessarily make Blasi a good fit for Michigan, though, and, unlike other sports, coaches do not move around to other teams as readily. He is a Miami Redhawk alum, and is going to be coaching them for a long time.

So, I hope I answered your questions. It's not easy being a fan sometimes, especially when you have teams that you think should accomplish more than they do. I can't say that there is a good answer for everything- such as why Michigan hasn't gotten over the top more often- but I will say that Michigan hockey fans can be confident that their hockey teams under Red Berenson will always have a chance- which is more than most hockey programs can say. Enjoy the journey as much as the anticipated destination and you won't be as disappointed.

Thanks for the question and stay tuned for my end of season column coming soon. You can also hear my thoughts on the end of the season on the Michigan Man Podcast episode 15 hosted by Mike Fitzpatrick.

Catch it here: The Michigan Man Podcast


Written by Yostmeister -- GBMW Staff

Go Blue -- Wear Maize!

Michigan Hockey: Wolverines Hockey Season Ends On Bitter Note, 3-2 2OT

Posted at 4:00pm -- 3/31/2010

Wolverines Hockey Season Ends On Bitter Note, 3-2 2OT

The clock struck three minutes to midnight last Sunday night and the fairy tale story of the Michigan hockey revival came to a crashing halt. It was at that moment that the Miami Red Hawks willed a double OT 3-2 victory away from Michigan and abruptly ended any hopes of the Wolverines crashing the Frozen Four party in Detroit.

Only twenty four hours earlier had the Maize and Blue dispatched of a very talented Bemidji State team 5-1, setting up the re-match from the CCHA semi-final game.

Saturday night was special for Michigan, as they used their successful mix of speed, defense and timely offense to blow past BSU. Michigan held a third period lead thanks to a first period Luke Glendening goal and a late second period 4x4 goal by Louie Caporusso. BSU outshot the Wolverines 14-10 in the third period and finally broke through on Shawn Hunwick, as Ian Lowe scored a PPG halfway through the stanza. Michigan roared back on two Carl Hagelin goals, one shorthanded, to pull away. Michigan was penalized by the Hockey East Association officiating ten times for twenty minutes in the game, compared to BSU’s six times for twelve minutes. The wide open affair saw plenty of up and down action, plenty of scoring chances, and terrific special teams play by Michigan. Hunwick was dynamite again making at least four good stops to keep Michigan in the game. BSU ended their season 23-10-4 and will now move into the WCHA next season.

Miami ended UAH’s playoff hopes with a systematic 2-1 victory. They appeared to be fresher than Michigan on Saturday maybe due to the physical nature of Michigan’s game as well as having the advantage of playing earlier than Michigan. The Wolverines cam out flying, though, and Miami goaltender Conner Knapp had to be sharp in the opening seconds as Michigan had two great chances to take the lead.

The officiating once again called this game tight (at least through three periods) as Michigan was sent off six times and Miami was assessed seven penalties in the game. Miami opened the scoring in the first period with a PPG as Pat Cannone chipped home a centering pass over Hunwick at 12:08. Michigan’s David Wohlberg came right back and powered a rebound of his own shot past Knapp to tie the game at 13:42. Chad Langlais scored Michigan’s lone PPG of the evening at :49 of the second period, as he blasted a shot top shelf past a screened Knapp. The lead didn’t last long as Miami again took advantage of their power play chances as Cannone drove the net and pitch forked home a puck that Hunwick had frozen under his outstretched pad. It is important to note that this goal was allowed because of the proper positioning of the official and his generous allowance of time given for the play to continue even after Hunwick secured the puck.

The game remained tied even as both teams pressed. Michigan’s David Wohlberg was stopped on two clean-cut breakaways and Miami controlled the third period, hitting iron with 3:00 left. It appeared that Michigan was worn down and just hanging on near the end of regulation. They came out with fire in their eyes during OT, though.

Three minutes into OT, Michigan’s Carl Hagelin circled the Miami net on a strong rush. The Miami defenseman clipped his helmet and was going to be assessed a penalty. Hagelin centered the puck and it bounced off of a squirming Knapp in the crease and came to a streaking Kevin Lynch. Lynch buried the puck milliseconds after the official blew the play dead for presumably losing sight of the puck. The game should have ended, and Michigan should be dancing still. But after review it was waived off as the puck did not enter the net prior to the whistle (or the intent of the whistle). The only explanation, which was not offered was that Miami “touched” the puck long enough to consider control. My explanation is simple: The officiating was out of position in the corner, lost sight of the puck amongst a maze of players, and blew it dead prematurely. There is no reversing a judgment ruling like this, and Michigan was screwed for at least the third time in two seasons on account of officiating incompetence. Michigan did have other chances to end the game, such as a Hagelin breakaway that he was stopped on- or a Matt Rust cross bar that he clanked- but it shouldn’t have come to that. The Wolverines outshot Miami 20-6 in OT and were spent.

It took less than two minutes in the second overtime for the Red Hawks to push the Wolverines into their end, apply heavy forechecking pressure and force a turnover. Miami’s Alden Hirschfeld snapped a fifteen foot wrist shot from the circle that Shawn Hunwick would have liked to have back. The shot hit the inside of his pad, bounced off of his skate and into the net. The carriage had turned back into a pumpkin.

Now, I may be mixing in some slanted commentary into this, but as a Michigan fan I am getting tired of being on the short end of the stick in cases of officiating malfeasance. The stakes were too high and frankly, both teams deserved to win on their merits. It was a shame anyone had to lose this game. Miami’s Connor Knapp was simply superb and snatched this win, making 55 saves. Miami completely shut down the neutral zone and forced Michigan to play a dump and chase game. The physical nature of the game took its toll and in the end Miami was just a hair better than Michigan. That is, unless you consider the gaffe that allowed Miami’s season to continue and Michigan’s to end.

Miami will move on to play Boston College in Detroit, while Michigan will say goodbye to Captain Chris Summers, Brian Lebler, Steve Kampfer, Anthony Ciraulo and Eric Elmblad. When you look at the big picture, though, and see where this team was in mid-February and what they accomplished since then, you have to be proud as a Michigan fan. The team honored us with the best hockey in the country their last eight games and almost did the impossible. For that they should be honored and respected. Well done Blue.

YOST Bits

Ft. Wayne was very hospitable to the regional guests that they entertained and did a great job. Notre Dame should be commended for their hosting and the NCAA should be throttled for the idiotic sanitizing it does to take any fun from the fans in the name of “equality”. By this I am talking about how the NCAA dictates what teams can do and when they can do it (such as their bands or canned music in the event that they don’t have a band) in the spirit of competitive advantage. It totally doused any enthusiasm and spirit, if you ask me.

Secondly, for those of you that couldn’t make the trip, the NCAA capitalized on profitability here. The three game pass was outrageous as was the single game pass. Combine that with bowing down to ESPN for the game times, the event only attracted upwards of 4-5,000 in attendance per session. Quite pathetic considering the proximity to Detroit/Ann Arbor as well as Oxford, Ohio.

Steve Kampfer ended his career at Michigan with a four assist weekend, two in each game. He really was an anchor on defense, posting a solid plus/minus rating during the entire playoffs and cut his careless turnovers completely. He will truly be missed.

Brian Lebler also ended his Michigan career with the highest points total of his four seasons. He assisted on Caporusso’s GWG and also scored the empty net goal against BSU. He will be missed for his physical presence, although his discipline was less than acceptable at times.

Chris Summers made it back from injury to play in the Regional and was very solid. He was instrumental in drawing the penalty that led to Louie Caporusso’s game winner against BSU. Chris’ steady influence and outstanding speed will also be missed.

Michigan’s season long bugaboo- penalties- bit them hard again this weekend. Although I am quite boorish on the officiating skills of the HEA’s Bunyon and Gravelese, the Wolverines still were very careless in the taking of blatant penalties. Others were simply not called and/or missed leading me to further digress about the consistency of NCAA officiating in general. Nonetheless, Michigan’s discipline is something that hopefully will be improved with experience and confidence next season.

Carl Hagelin and Louie Caporusso paced Michigan’s attack this weekend: Hagelin was 2-1-3, while Caporusso was 1-1-2. Luke Glendening added 1-1-2, Lebler was 1-1-2 and Matt Rust added 2 assists. Chris Brown, David Wohlberg and Kevin Lynch added single points.

The offensive thrust from the blueline was also impressive: Chad Langlais was 1-2-3, Kampfer was 0-4-4.

Another glaring key to the Miami game was that the fourth line got abused to the point where they were only taking two shifts late in the third period and Overtime. Michigan pretty much went to three lines plus using Scooter Vaughn and simply got worn down by the extra depth that Miami has.

Looking forward to next season, Michigan will return barring any unforeseen early departures, all but one of their top 12 forwards. Michigan has talented freshmen forwards coming in to compliment the core scoring threats of seniors Carl Hagelin and Louie Caporusso. They also have a solid corps of returning defensemen including seniors Chad Langlais and Tristin Llewellyn, juniors Brandon Burlon and Greg Pateryn, and sophomore Lee Moffie. Michigan will have three freshmen blueliners coming in.

If anything, the emergence of Shawn Hunwick will stimulate a goaltending competition with Bryan Hogan. The real question will be whether Michigan will sign another goaltender for the 2010-11 season considering that both Hunwick and Hogan will be seniors. Their only returning goaltender for the following season would be a walk-on that hasn’t played a single minute. My bet is that Michigan will also sign another backup for next season to replace “baby” Summers and target a stud freshman goaltender for the 2011-12 season.

I’ll keep the GBMW hockey audience informed of any roster changes and present interesting tidbits about next season as the summer progresses. Thanks to our readers for their comments. I’ll be observing the Frozen Four in two weeks and will finish off this season with a final report on the event downtown.

Yostmeister three star selections:

Friday:
1. Michigan - Louie Caporusso - GWG
2. Michigan - Shawn Hunwick - stopped 26 shots and only allowed 1 goal
3. Michigan - Carl Hagelin - 2G and 1A, including the backbreaking 3rd goal

Saturday:
1. Miami - Connor Knapp - 55 saves, many of them ridiculous
2. Michigan - Steve Kampfer - 2A, solid play
3. Miami - Pat Cannone - 2G
Honorable Mention: David Wohlberg (1G), Chad Langlais (1G) and Shawn Hunwick (32svs) from Michigan; Jim McKenzie (2A), Alden Hirschfeld (GWG) and Carter Camper (2A) from Miami

Written by Yostmeister

Go Blue -- Wear Maize!

Michigan Hockey: Midwest Regional Final -- Michigan vs. Miami

Posted at 4:00pm -- 3/28/2010

Michigan Hockey: Midwest Regional Final -- Michigan vs. Miami

NCAA Tournament
Midwest Regional

Michigan Hockey
Michigan vs. Miami
8:30pm EDT. - 10:30pm EDT.
DirecTV Channel 614
ESPNU

***Winner goes to Frozen Four in Detroit

Written by GBMW Staff

Go Blue -- Wear Maize!

Michigan Hockey: Midwest Regional -- Michigan vs. Bemidji

Posted at 4:00pm -- 3/27/2010

NCAA Tournament
Midwest Regional

Michigan Hockey
Michigan vs. Bemidji
7:30pm EDT. - 10:00pm EDT.

ESPN360

Also check out ESPN Alt.

Also check JustinTv.com

If you have a Playstation3 you can use that to see on your TV.

Also if you have DirecTV it is on 640 MASN
Must need "Sports Pack"

Written by GBMW Staff

Go Blue -- Wear Maize!

2010 NCAA Hockey Tournament Regional Preview -- Part 2 -- Michigan Preview

Posted at 8:00am -- 3/27/2010

Midwest Regional:

#1 Miami (CCHA) vs. #4 Alabama-Huntsville (CHA) 4:00 pm 3/27

#2 Bemidji State (CHA) vs. #3 Michigan (CCHA) 7:30 pm 3/27

Regional Final 8:00 pm 3/28

MIAMI (27-7-7)

The RedHawks are smarting after the Wolverines derailed their dream of sweeping the CCHA regular season and tourney titles. They enter play as the #1 overall seed and the #1 team in the country. Regardless of what happened against Michigan, this team still possesses one of the top ten offenses in the country scoring at 3.4 goals per game and still maintains the top defense in the country at 1.9 goals against per game. Senior Jarrod Palmer, junior Andy Miele, junior Carter Camper and junior Tommy Wingels all have 38+ points. Defensively, sophomore Chris Wideman leads the attack with 5-16-21 including three points last weekend. He and freshman Joe Hartman anchor one of the best defensive pairings in the CCHA. The goaltending is still solid although sophomore Cody Reichard got roughed up in the CCHA semifinals. Both he and Connor Knapp hold goals against averages under 2.00 and almost identical save percentages at .924 or slightly less. Miami fans must be concerned though, that their team has been a nominal 4-3-1 in their last eight games. Worst yet, Miami had only given up four or more goals four times in their first 33 games, but has yielded four or more goals three times now in their last eight games. They are still a loaded team looking to right the ship. My guess is that it will start with the goaltending reins being handed to Knapp, renew an emphasis on defense and better their overall discipline.

BEMIDJI STATE (23-9-4)

The Beavers secured their berth in the NCAA tournament with their consistent play and solid non-conference schedule this season. They won the CHA regular season title and lost in the first round of the CHA tournament. BSU played teams from the CCHA eight times going 4-2-2 against them, with wins over WMU, NMU, Miami and UNO. They also swept Minnesota-Duluth and beat Minnesota from the WCHA-going 9-5-2 in their non-conference tilts-more impressively because 11 of those 16 games were on the road or at a neutral site.

The Beavers have slipped lately, posting a 5-3-2 mark in their last ten games.

Bemidji State appears for the fourth time in Division I NCAA tournament play since the university moved up from Division II in 1998-99. Bemidji State has 13 total NCAA tournament appearances and are six time national champions: five times in Division II and once at the Division III level from 1983-1998.

The Beavers are led by their top line of All-CHA First Team junior Matt Read (19-21-40 / +29), freshman Jordan George (13-21-34/+22), and All-CHA Second Team junior Ian Lowe (20-10-30/+25). All-CHA First team sophomore Brad Hunt anchors the defense and contributed 7-26-33 /+17- and also shared the team penalty minutes lead with 33 minutes in the box this season. The lineup is also balanced with good secondary scoring from sophomore Ben Kinne (10-14-24), senior Tyler Lehrke (9-15-24) and junior Ryan Cramer ( 13-8-21 ). All-CHA First Team goaltender Dan Bakula sports a 19-7-3 record with a .919 save % and a 2.27 GAA. Back-up Mathieu Dugas holds a 4-2-1 record with a 1.93 GAA and a .918 save %.

BSU’s roster is predominantly Canadian (14) with (1) Swede and (10) Americans hailing from North Dakota (1), Wisconsin (1) and Minnesota (8). They have four seniors, six juniors, seven sophomores and eight freshmen on their team. When BSU is playing well, they feature an up tempo heavy forecheck and backcheck in order to utilize their team speed. They averaged two goals per game in their 9 losses and over four goals per game in their 23 wins and 4 ties. They can bang when they want to, but rely mostly on their pressure style to create turnovers. BSU likes to jump on opponents early, outscoring them 40-14 in the first period and finish well also- outscoring opponents 55-39 in the third period.

The Beavers will not sneak up on anyone in the tournament this season. Last season they shocked #1 seed Notre Dame and Cornell to advance to the Frozen Four before losing to Miami in the national semi-finals. They are well seasoned and are not intimidated. It will be a solid test for Michigan, very similar to NMU or a good WCHA team.

BSU is ranked 7th nationally in goals per game at 3.53 and are just as stingy defensively, only allowing a 5th best 2.28 goals per game. The Beavers PP is an average 19% (25th) and their PK is a commendable 12th at 84.8%. They are a disciplined team, only taking an average of 12.2 penalty minutes per game, good for 14th best in the country. Overall the BSU statistics demand respect, especially with a proven ability to play with the “big boy” conferences. I still surmise that their numbers are skewed by a weak conference and that their depth and defense is not as strong as it appears. Offensively, though, the Beavers can compete with most anyone in the country, especially since this is what their game is patterned to do.

ALABAMA-HUNTSVILLE (12-17-3 )

The Chargers are the Cinderella team of the tournament, having won the last CHA conference tournament title to gain entry into the NCAA playoffs. They are an experienced team on the blue line, with a total of 15 upperclassmen on the roster. They are not as gifted offensively, so they place their faith in solid defense and the CHA tourney MVP junior Cameron Talbot (11-17-3, 2.64 GAA and .922 sv %.) The offense is young, supported by freshmen Matti Jarvinen (5-12-17), Justin Csiter (5-7-12) and Keenan Desmet (3-9-12). Junior Andy Coburn (7-13-20) and sophomore Cody Campbell ( 7-13-20 ) are the top points leaders.

The Chargers are aggressive and physical but typically have been burned by sacrificing solid positional play to make those jarring hits. Former MSU Spartan Danton Cole coaches the Chargers and emphasizes a prevent defensive style, packing in his veteran defense around the net to block shots, clog up passing lanes and force turnovers, while setting up a semi-neutral zone trap when play is out of the Charger’s offensive zone.

The numbers bare out trouble for UAH- scoring at a 2.2 gpg clip, while giving up 2.7 gpg; an anemic .132 PP conversion while killing penalties at a solid 86.4%, 4th in the country. The Chargers average six penalties per game for 12.6 minutes.

UAH was 4-6-1 in non-conference play this season, with a split @ Notre Dame, and wins at Air Force and Mercyhurst of the AHA conference. Even worse, the Chargers enter the tournament 0-6-1 against other tournament teams (0-5-1 against BSU) with the other loss against Vermont.

This is UAH’s second appearance in the NCAA tourney, with their first in 2007. They took Notre Dame to overtime after coming back from a 3-0 deficit before losing in the Midwest Region in Grand Rapids.

Michigan has played the Chargers twice in games held in separate years at Yost arena and beat them both games.

UAH is looking for a new conference home since the CCHA rejected their application to join last summer. UAH will continue its program as an independent for at least the next two seasons.

MICHIGAN (25-17-1)

Some fast facts on the Maize and Blue:

Michigan moved up to 11th in the latest polls.

Michigan has scored 28 goals in the six win playoff run. The Wolverines have scored first in eight straight games and are 22-4 this season when doing so, including being 18-1 after holding a first period lead.

Carl Hagelin (17-30-47) has a point in 16 of his past 17 games and continues to lead the Wolverines. Matt Rust (13-25-38) has tallied in 12 of the past 17 games. The hottest Wolverine is Louie Caporusso who is 20-21-41 on the season with nine goals and four assists in his past seven games. Kevin Lynch got the game winner against Miami and added another to bring his totals to 6-9-15 for the season. Chris Brown was held off the scoreboard but is still leading the freshmen in scoring with 13-14-27. Steve Kampfer paces the blue line with 3-19-22 including three big assists last weekend. He is +12 for the playoffs.

Michigan expects Captain Chris Summers to return to the lineup this weekend. Shawn Hunwick will be given the nod in goal again. He is 7-2 this season with a 1.86 GAA and a .912 save %.

The Wolverines will play in their 33rd NCAA Tourney which is #1 amongst all Division I schools. They have a 46-25 record and have won a Division I leading nine national championships. Michigan has appeared in 23 Frozen Fours and has won 24 Frozen Four games. This will be the first meeting against Bemidji State . A victory will give Coach Berenson his 700th victory in his career.

Michigan moved up another spot in scoring this week, now averaging 3.28 GPG, 14th in the country. The Wolverines improved two spots to 6th in goals against, averaging 2.28 GPG, essentially tied with BSU. The PP jumped from 24th to 17th, converting at a 19.6% clip on the strength of three PPG’s over the weekend. The PK dropped from 7th to 8th even though their percentage improved to 86.5%. Michigan continues to improve their discipline, with the average penalty minutes dropping to 16.2 per game, 15th worst in the country.

Michigan improved to 5-5-1 against tournament teams with Wisconsin being the only out of conference team the Wolverines played this season.

Yostmeister keys this weekend:

1. Bemidji State is a talented team that can skate with Michigan and will apply the same formula that has jumpstarted the Wolverine’s success. The Wolverines must be patient and disciplined against them.

2. BSU doesn’t fare well in tight checking, low scoring games. It will be better to take what BSU gives and not try to engage in a wide open up and down affair with them. The first goal will be important, especially since BSU is an underrated defensive team. A strategy is to force BSU to take chances and counterattack, stay focused on protecting Hunwick.

3. Hunwick has to be his steady self. Bakula also doesn’t appear to be a goaltender that will steal games. Call it a slight edge to Bakula, but not by much right now.

4. Take away the top line and let Michigan’s depth counter BSU’s. Michigan has gotten at least one point from every starter in the past six games. Depth Edge: Michigan.

5. Conversely, BSU will have match-up problems now that Michigan is getting scoring from three lines. They’ll most logically try to take Caporusso away, so the entire BSU lineup must produce or Michigan will win. Offensive/defensive Edge: Michigan

6. Special Teams: Michigan has been solid on the PK all season, getting production on the PP. Edge: Michigan.

7. If Michigan defeats BSU and moves on, my presumption is that the Wolverines will face Miami again. If that is the case, the same formula applies: force Miami’s defense into mistakes, make the chances count, and stay focused defensively. Lightning can and will strike twice, but Michigan will have to play perfect against a Miami team seeking retribution.

Midwest Regional Predictions:

Saturday: Miami 5 Alabama-Huntsville 1

Michigan 4 Bemidji State 3 (OT)

Sunday: Miami 3 Michigan 2

Mind: Miami will move on to face North Dakota in the Frozen Four in Detroit .

Heart: Secretly I know Michigan can defeat Bemidji on Saturday and show the RedHawk faithful that their Dynasty is yet to be established on Sunday. Michigan advances on a double OT winner from Matt Rust. Joy fills Ann Arbor and silent glee is echoed amongst the committees that established the Frozen Four in Detroit. GO BLUE!

Written by Yostmeister

Go Blue -- Wear Maize!

2010 NCAA Hockey Tournament Regional Preview -- Part 1

Posted at 8:00am -- 3/26/2010

2010 NCAA Hockey Tournament Regional Preview

WHAT: The NCAA Hockey Tournament first and second-round action

WHEN: Friday 3/26, Saturday 3/27 and Sunday 3/28

WHERE: Four Regional Sites: West (St.Paul, MN.) Midwest (Ft.Wayne, IN.) East (Albany, NY)

Northeast (Worcester, MA)

TV: ESPN holds all broadcasting rights to the NCAA hockey championships. Games will be on ESPNU or via web on ESPN 360/tape delayed to ESPNU. Some games could be locally syndicated (Comcast 900 for instance)

What’s At Stake:

Sixteen teams are vying for the opportunity to advance to the Frozen Four held at Ford Field in Detroit this season. Here is a look at each regional and specifically the Midwest Regional that Michigan will be participating in.

East Regional:

#1 Denver (WCHA) vs. #4 Rochester Institute of Technology (Atlantic Hockey Association) 3 PM 3/26

#2 Cornell (ECACHL) vs. #3 New Hampshire (Hockey East Association) 6:30 PM 3/26

Regional Final 6:30 PM 3/27

DENVER (-9-4)

Shared the #1 rank all season with Miami. Won the WCHA regular season title, but went 0-2 in the WCHA tournament, losing to North Dakota and Wisconsin. First back-to-back losses all season. Denver is led by Hobey Baker candidate Rhett Rakhshani and Hobey Baker Finalist (goaltender) Marc Cheverie. The Pioneers roll a deep scoring lineup and a mobile defense. Denver is seeking its eighth national title, with the last one in 2005.

CORNELL (21-8-4 )

Cornell is arguably one of the biggest and most physical teams in the tournament. The Big Red won the ECAC tournament title after finishing second to Yale in the regular season. Most of the Big Red’s success is due to Hobey Baker candidate, goaltender Ben Scrivens, who has posted three straight shutouts in the ECAC tournament. Cornell boasts one of the top power plays in the country, and also ranks as one of the stingiest defense in the country. They have already beaten UNH once this season, and have the luxury of playing close to home.

NEW HAMPSHIRE (17-13-7)

UNH was the HEA’s regular season title winner. They are led by Hockey East’s player of the year, Bobby Butler and by senior goaltender Brian Foster. They play a quick transition style and have the offensive depth up front to make it successful. Most of their wins occurred in league play, though. They only have a 3-7-4 mark against other teams in the tournament, and no wins against teams outside of Hockey East. They have also struggled on the road this season, posting a 7-9-2 away record.

RIT (26-11-1)

RIT is making its first NCAA Division I tourney appearance after being a powerhouse Division III program. The Tigers took both the Atlantic Hockey regular season and playoff titles and hold the nation’s longest winning streak at ten games. The Tigers are led by senior goaltender Jared DeMichiel and have an experienced squad with their youngest player being 20 years of age. The Tigers play a solid, vanilla style and showed no significant inconsistencies this season, except for the fact that they did not beat any other team outside of their conference.

Prediction: Denver over RIT and Cornell over UNH. Cornell upsets Denver to advance to Detroit.

Northeast Regional:

#1 Boston College (HEA) vs. #4 Alaska Nanooks (CCHA) 1:30 PM 3/27

#2 North Dakota (WCHA) vs. #3 Yale (ECACHL) 5:00 PM 3/27

Regional Final 5:30 PM 3/28

BOSTON COLLEGE (25-10-3)

BC finished second during the regular season and won the HEA tournament title with a wild 7-6 OT game against Maine. They probably have the deepest offensive lineup in the tournament with seven double-digit scorers and the seven players from their 2008 national championship team. BC can also lock it down defensively as long as their experienced junior goaltender (John Muse) can regain the same form he flashed during the 2008 championship run. BC is not big, and could get pushed around, but is extremely fast and uses this speed to relentlessly backcheck, forecheck and transition from defense to offense.

NORTH DAKOTA (25-12-5)

The seven-time NCAA champion is stocked, locked and loaded for another run and is fresh off of their WCHA tourney title win-driving through Denver and SCSU to do it. The Fighting Sioux, tied for fourth in what is arguably the deepest conference in the country, is the hottest team in the nation right now. UND has won 12 of their past 13 games and are peaking offensively. The Fighting Sioux are led on the ice by senior Chris VandeVelde, sophomore Jason Gregoire, and freshman phenom Danny Kristo. Goaltender Brad Eidsness is streaky and could be the weakest link in the Sioux chain.

YALE (20-9-3)

The Bulldogs are an unknown quantity of sorts outside of their two top guns, junior Broc Little (26-14-40) and 21 goal scorer Sean Backman, who unfortunately will miss the tourney due to injury. Yale typically is successful by utilizing their speed and forcing quick transition into offense. They press on both ends of the ice, clog passing lanes and do not allow many shots on goal. They will need to play extremely well defensively to advance in this regional.

ALASKA (18-11-9)

This is the Nanooks’ first NCAA tourney appearance and first by an Alaskan school since 1992. Their mode of operation is typically a suffocating defensive style, then pray for enough offense by committee to win. This season, though, they boast the CCHA Rookie of the Year Andy Taranto and also offensive leader senior Dion Knelsen. Goaltender Scott Greenham is big and mobile and has the capability of shutting down any foe. He will be tested in this regional. UA will need to win the special teams’ battle and stay within their system to advance.

Prediction: BC defeats Alaska, UND upends Yale. North Dakota upsets BC to advance to Detroit.

West Regional:

#1 Wisconsin (WCHA) vs. #4 Vermont (HEA) 5:30 pm 3/26

#2 St. Cloud State (WCHA) vs. #3 Northern Michigan (CCHA) 9:00 pm 3/26

Regional Final 9:00 pm 3/27

WISCONSIN (25-10-4)

This is most likely the most talented and deepest team in the field, especially on the blue line. Like Michigan, the Badgers have 11 NHL draft choices on their roster, although their leading scorer and goaltender are undrafted. Wisconsin is led by senior Michael Davies, junior defenseman Brendan Smith, junior Blake Geoffrion, and goaltender Scott Gudmandson. Eight players on the roster have 20 or more points, with seven players having scored more than 10 goals. Wisconsin has firepower to spare and is dangerous on the power play. Their downside is usually engaging with other high scoring teams in an open run and gun fashion or falling behind to solid defensive teams. Even with the offense to come back, it is difficult in a one and done tourney like this to give other teams too many chances. One other note- SCSU has had the Badgers number this season, with Wisconsin losing to the Huskies three times, including the WCHA tourney semi-finals.

ST. CLOUD STATE (23-15-5)

The Huskies finished third in the WCHA and were the tournament runner ups, losing to North Dakota in the final. They have an experienced team up front led by junior Garrett Roe, senior Ryan Lasch and senior defenseman Garrett Raboin. Goaltending has been a question mark at times, with the duties shared between freshman Mike Lee and junior Dan Dunn. If the Huskies best players disappear, so will the team’s chances this weekend. One of the biggest problems for SCSU this season has been penalty killing which ranks 40th in the country at 80%, the worst of any of the 16 teams in the tournament. Both NMU and Wisconsin have potent PP’s, so this is one area that may hurt the Huskies. SCSU has yet to win a NCAA tournament game in its history and will be looking to break that spell now that St. Cloud has an appearance in the cozy confines of its home state.

NORTHERN MICHIGAN (20-12-8)

The Wildcats enjoyed a fine season finishing fourth in the CCHA, and advanced to the CCHA tournament championship game before losing to Michigan. Still, since mid January, NMU is 10-2-2 rolling into the NCAA tournament. Both of those losses were to the Wolverines. The Cats are led by CCHA player of the year junior Mark Olver, junior Gregor Hanson, and defenseman (junior) Erik Gustafsson. Senior goaltender Brian Stewart also holds one of the best save percentages in the conference at .927 and is money when his team stakes him to a lead. NMU rolls three solid lines with the first two lines as good as any in the country. They are well coached, solid defensively and have good special teams. They have a tendency of taking too many penalties, though and that is dangerous in this regional. NMU has one national championship to its credit, in 1991, while in the WCHA.

VERMONT (17-14-7)

Perhaps the weakest at-large team selected in the field, the Catamounts probably made the tournament over Minnesota Duluth and Ferris State based on the strength of their out of conference record and HEA tourney sweep of UNH. Vermont finished 8th in the HEA, but ironically only finished three points out of 3rd. This team suffered heavy graduation losses from the Frozen Four team of a year ago, and the offensive production is living proof of this year’s shortcomings. Still, the Catamounts have received productive help from seniors Brayden Irwin, Colin Vock and Brian Roloff. Goaltending chores are handled by sophomore Rob Madore, who is being promoted as one of the best in college hockey. Vermont depends on a big, experienced, rugged and talented defensive corps that focuses on shutting down opponents rather than relying on offense to win games. The special teams are not special either, as the Catamount PP is 45th nationally (15th versus other teams in the tournament) at 16%. Madore and co. will have to win 1-0 or 2-1 to advance.

Prediction: Wisconsin over Vermont and SCSU over NMU. Wisconsin beats SCSU to advance to Detroit.

Tomorrow the Midwest Regional and Michigan Preview

Written by Yostmeister

Go Blue -- Wear Maize!

Michigan Hockey: Michigan Completes Improbable Sweep To CCHA Tourney Title

Posted at 4:00pm -- 3/23/2010

Michigan Completes Improbable Sweep To CCHA Tourney Title

Note: I apologize for the tardiness of this column due to illness.

Al Michaels had nothing on the Michigan Wolverines this past weekend. You remember Al Michaels, the ABC announcer with the infamous “Do you believe in miracles? YES!” call at the closing seconds of the 1980 Olympics USA win over the Soviet Union. Well, okay, if you haven’t- go look it up. Riding the tidal wave of confidence and solid goaltending from a little known walk-on, the Wolverines steamrolled the #1 team in the country (Miami) 5-2, and then proceeded to will themselves to a narrow 2-1 win over a very good NMU team for the CCHA Tourney title and a trip to the NCAA playoffs.

Miami came into Friday night’s tilt poised to take both the CCHA regular season and tournament titles. The Wolverines had other ideas, fueled by the memory of the sweep in November at the hands of the RedHawks. Miami carried a distinctive swagger and was the aggressor in the opening five minutes. Michigan withstood an early barrage, got their barometer steadied, and then went to work. Shawn Hunwick anchored the team’s confidence, turning aside all 8 shots he faced in the first period. The Wolverines were relentless in their ability to cut off Miami ’s attack in the neutral zone and counterattacked quickly. Finally, the Wolverines were rewarded at 8:50 of the opening period when Tristin Llewellyn fired a knuckling shot from the point that found its way past Miami goaltender Cody Reichard to give Michigan the momentum it needed. Carl Hagelin and Matt Rust did the yeoman’s work in the Miami zone to set up Llewellyn. Hunwick made the lead stand up, including making a diving stick save to keep Michigan on top.

The second period started just as it had ended, with Michigan forcing Miami to the outside and blocking many of their shots. Michigan got a huge break at the 5:13 mark when Miami was caught on a line change and coughed up the puck near the benches. AJ Treais tied up his man just inside the zone, freed the puck for Steve Kampfer, who had jumped into the rush, and started a 4x1 attack. Kampfer fed Treais, who then spotted a breaking Lee Moffie at the edge of the crease. He fed a perfect pass to Moffie, who slammed home a shot to give Michigan a 2-0 lead. The Wolverines held that lead until late into the period when, while playing 4x4 hockey, Miami converted a giveaway into a 2x1 break. The RedHawk’s Tommy Wingels wired a perfect shot over Hunwick’s shoulder after toe dragging past a sliding Chad Langlais. The teams went to the dressing rooms with the game still in doubt.

The Wolverines came out charging in the third period though, and scored three times in the first seven minutes. Kevin Lynch converted a pass at the side of the net on the PP at 2:49 to give Michigan a 3-1 advantage. Brian Lebler followed with a nifty tip of a Matt Rust shot at 5:34 to make it 4-1. Lynch struck again at 7:17 to put the game out of reach, as he converted a beautiful 3 on 2 rush to force Reichard from the game. Michigan gave up a late PPG to Miami, but skated off with a 5-2 win, holding one of the best offenses in the country to only five third period shots, and a total of 22 for the game. The Wolverines fired 28 shots at Reichard and Connor Knapp. Both teams were whistled for 6 penalties for 12 minutes and scored on 1 of their 5 PP chances.

Saturday night, the Wolverines were severely challenged by a talented Northern Michigan team, seeking a first Mason Cup victory. NMU had defeated Ferris State 5-4 in OT Friday, and was also playing with confidence. The first period was very physical as both teams tried to maintain a rugged and rapid pace. Neither team could muster any grade A chances and went to the locker rooms tied at 0-0. Michigan outshot NMU 15-7 in the period. The second period was more reminiscent of the typical Michigan game this season with a few turnovers and undisciplined penalties. Michigan’s Luke Glendening was whistled for a borderline five-minute HFB penalty and a game misconduct giving NMU a golden chance to take the lead.

I say this with obvious bias, but the call was marginal since, in my view, the NMU player turned his back on Glendening as he hit him. A minute later Michigan was called for another penalty, giving the Wildcats a full 5x3 for two minutes. But, as fate would have it, NMU took two penalties that cancelled the lengthy PP chances, and did not capitalize. Michigan did receive a late period power play chance and did cash in. Louie Caporusso came off the bench after Matt Rust broke his stick and received a nifty pass from Brandon Burlon. Caporusso took a stride and fired a seeing eye wrist shot that beat NMU netminder Brian Stewart stick side and off of the inside of the post to give Michigan the lead entering the third period. The goal came with: 20 left in the second period. Michigan held a 26-15 shot advantage at the end of two periods.

Michigan appeared a bit rattled early in the third period as NMU really pressed their forecheck hard. NMU’s leading goalscorer and CCHA player of the year, Darren Olver, broke in on Hunwick after a turnover and fired a high wrist shot that Hunwick barely got a piece of, but deflected it enough that it bounced wide of the net. Michigan countered soon after and drew a penalty. Caparusso struck again late into the power play, as he had just fired a rebound off of the cross bar, circled the net, called for a pass and deftly deflected a perfect Steve Kampfer shot-pass behind Stewart for a 2-0 lead at 8:53. Northern wasn’t done though, and two minutes later converted an A.J. Treais turnover in front of his net into their only goal of the night. Hunwick had little chance as the puck squirted between a mass of skates in the slot right onto Andrew Cherniwchan’s stick. The big forward shoveled a shot high glove side.

Michigan was content to roll four lines and keep NMU pinned deep into their zone. NMU had a late opportunity upon pulling Stewart for an extra attacker, but could not convert the tying goal. Michigan completed its six game conquest and took home the Mason Cup. Stewart stopped 33 of 35 shots, while Michigan limited NMU to 3 third period shots. Hunwick stopped 17 of the 18 shots he faced. Michigan was penalized 6 times for 23 minutes, while NMU was penalized 7 times for 14 minutes. Michigan converted 2 of 6 PP chances, where NMU was 0 for 5.

Michigan won its ninth CCHA Tournament title in seventeen seasons and the Wolverines earned their way into the NCAA tournament. They had redeemed themselves from a full season of disappointment, proving that they indeed had the talent and depth to challenge the other elite teams in the NCAA. This current group in winning a championship actually proved more than the 2008-09 team. The squad overcame injuries to the starting goaltender and Captain, and found a way to play past adversity.

Coach Berenson also gave the Michigan fans credit in supporting the team, even when things did not look promising. He applauded the support shown at Yost, at Munn Arena, and at JLA.

Four Michigan players took CCHA All-Tournament honors:

Steve Kampfer, who had a tremendous run in the playoffs, ended up with a +12 and was outstanding on both ends of the ice.

Carl Hagelin, who continued his offensive and special team’s prowess during the playoffs.

Louie Caporusso who caught lightning in a bottle, leading Michigan offensively down the stretch.

Shawn Hunwick who not only played solid hockey in goal, but outplayed three of the best goaltenders in the CCHA in the process: MSU’s Drew Palmisano, Miami’s Cody Reichard and NMU’s Brian Stewart.

Hunwick was also named CCHA Tourney MVP for his outstanding play- making a number of phenomenal stops in both games this weekend. He ended up only allowing nine goals in the past six games.

Hunwick, in classic humbling style, deflected the praise on to his teammates.

I will preview Michigan ’s Regional bracket in the NCAA tourney, and give breakdowns of the other regional seedings in my next report. Michigan will play in Ft. Wayne in the Midwest Regional and will face (the now defunct) CHA conference regular season champ, Bemidji State next Saturday night. Miami, the overall #1 seed in the tournament, will also be in the regional and will play CHA tournament champ Alabama-Huntsville in the opening game.

YOST Bits:

Michigan ended up with the 12th overall seed out of the 16 teams that qualified for the NCAA tournament. This will give them the lowest seeding amongst the other teams in that “band”-Yale, NMU and New Hampshire being the others. It made little difference in how the NCAA tournament committee decided on where to ship each team. Michigan was sent to the Midwest to boost attendance and was rewarded for their play down the stretch, even though the straight numbers suggested they draw a tougher regional.

Michigan remains a perfect 11-0 against Miami, NMU and Ferris State in the CCHA Championships at JLA. Miami has yet to beat Michigan three times in a season, with a possible fourth match-up looming in the NCAA playoffs.

Louie Caporusso tallied twice this past weekend, and leads Michigan in goal scoring with 20 goals on the season. Caporusso has now added 9-4-13 in his past seven games. Kevin Lynch blew open the tilt on Friday with his two goals. Defenseman Steve Kampfer added three assists to boost his numbers to 3-19-22.

Carl Hagelin’s logged three assists this past weekend to nudge his numbers to 17-28-45. Matt Rust also assisted on three goals to increase his totals to 13-25-38.

Kudos to my favorite target, Tristin Llewellyn, who not only opened the scoring for Michigan against Miami, but played rock solid defense, steady with the puck and only took one penalty in the two games. He was instrumental in breaking up several dangerous chances and deserved to be mentioned for his contributions during the playoffs. Matter of fact, the whole defensive squad was outstanding, with very few glaring turnovers or poor clears. Part of this is due to the increased emphasis on the forwards’ backchecking and forechecking, but for the most part, the defense helped Hunwick when needed and certainly contributed to the offense.

Yostmeister three star selections:

Friday:

1. Michigan - Carl Hagelin - 3A

2. Michigan - Shawn Hunwick - stopped 20 shots and only allowed 2 goals

3. Michigan - Matt Rust-3A

Honorable Mention:
Tristin Llewellyn - huge first goal, and Steve Kampfer- 2A

Saturday:

1. Michigan - Louie Caporusso - 2G including the game winner

2. Michigan - Shawn Hunwick - stopped 17 of 18 shots

3. Michigan – Steve Kampfer - 1A and solid defensive play

Honorable Mention:
Carl Hagelin - 1A

Written by Yostmeister

Go Blue -- Wear Maize!

Michigan Hockey: Michigan in the NCAA Tournament

Posted at 2:00pm -- 3/21/2010

2010 NCAA Men's Hockey Championship Bracket

Midwest Regional - March 27-28
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Allen County War Memorial Coliseum

Bemidji St (23-9-4)
vs.
Michigan (25-17-1)

Saturday:
3/27/2010
7:30pm EDT. - 10:00pm EDT.
Will be on ESPN360

Bracket:
2010 NCAA Hockey Bracket

Tickets:
Memorial Coliseum Midwest Regional

Written by GBMW Staff

Go Blue -- Wear Maize!

Michigan Hockey: Michigan vs. Northern Michigan -- CCHA Championship at Joe Louis Arena

Posted at 4:00pm -- 3/20/2010

CCHA Championship at Joe Louis Arena

Michigan Hockey

Michigan vs. Northern Michigan
7:30pm EST. - 10:00pm EST.
DirecTV Channel 636
FSN Detroit

Written by GBMW Staff

Go Blue -- Wear Maize!

Michigan Hockey: Michigan vs. Miami -- CCHA Tournament Semifinal Round at Joe Louis Arena

Posted at 12:00pm -- 3/19/2010

CCHA Tournament Semifinal Round at Joe Louis Arena

Michigan Hockey

Michigan vs. Miami
8:00pm EST. - 10:30pm EST.
DirecTV Channel 610
BTN

Written by GBMW Staff

Go Blue -- Wear Maize!

Michigan Hockey: Michigan vs. Miami -- CCHA Tournament Semifinal Round at Joe Louis Arena

Posted at 8:00am -- 3/19/2010

MICHIGAN VS. MIAMI HOCKEY PREVIEW

WHAT: CCHA Semifinal game #2

#17 MICHIGAN (23-17-1) 7th seed
#2 Miami (26-6-7) #1 seed CCHA Regular Season Champs

Friday, 3/19 8:05 PM Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, Mi.

TV: Big Ten Network or FSD live streaming

What’s At Stake?

Michigan is driving to become the first CCHA team to win a CCHA tourney title from below the 4th seed. They come into this game red hot, sweeping their first two opponents in the first and second rounds, including the epic brooming of instate rival Michigan State at Munn Arena.

The Wolverines face their biggest challenge yet, taking on the #2 ranked Miami Redhawks. Michigan is making its 21st straight appearance in the CCHA semi-finals, and is 14-6 in the past 20 years. They have played in the final 8 of the past 9 seasons and have an overall 8-6 record in the championship game. Michigan has secured 8 Mason Cups in the past 16 seasons.

Michigan leads the overall series with Miami, 68-22-3, and stand 4-0 in the CCHA playoffs against the Redhawks, including 3-0 at Joe Louis Arena. The two teams last met in the 2008 CCHA tourney championship game, with Michigan prevailing 2-1. Miami and Michigan are deadlocked at 5-5-1 since the ‘06-‘07 season. The high flying team from Oxford, Ohio swept Michigan earlier this season at Yost, winning a tight 3-1 affair and then cruising to a 5-1 penalty filled game the next night. This started a 4 game home losing string at Yost for Michigan and sent the Wolverines reeling.

The Redhawks have been a consensus #1 or #2 team in the country for the entire season, although the coaches and media did not predict such a dominating year for Enrico Blasi’s squad. Most had Miami picked to finish in the CCHA behind Michigan and Notre Dame. Miami’s veteran team caught lightning in a bottle after succumbing at home in the first round of the playoffs last season, and charged all the way to the national championship game before giving away a two goal, late third period, lead and eventually losing in overtime to Boston University.

Miami has never won the Mason Cup, awarded to the CCHA’s tourney champion. The Redhawks make an 8th Joe Louis Arena appearance in the CCHA championships, and possess a 4-8 record in Detroit. Miami has registered an overall 24-34 CCHA tournament record. Miami boasts of three regular season CCHA championships, 92-93, 05-06 and 09-10.

Miami and Michigan hold the best winning percentages in the country the past four seasons. Miami’s .702 is #1, where Michigan’s .664 is #2. Both teams are looking to achieve objectives this weekend: Michigan needs to win a 9th conference tournament championship to move on to the NCAA tourney for a 20th consecutive year. Miami is eager to hang its first CCHA tourney championship banner at JLA and secure a #1 seed in the NCAA tournament, and possibly win a first ever national title. As a matter of fact, two of the four teams playing this weekend are looking to hang a first ever CCHA tourney championship flag. Number 12 Northern Michigan (which won titles on its home ice in 1980 and 1981) will face #8 Ferris State (who lost to NMU in 1980 and Michigan in 2003) in the first game for the right to meet Miami or Michigan in the championship game on Saturday. The last team (not named Michigan, MSU or Notre Dame) to win the CCHA tourney title was Ohio State back in 2004. Previous to that, it was Lake State in 1995.

Ironically, Miami has been the bridesmaid and not the bride three times: 1993 (vs. LSSU) 2006 (vs. MSU) and 2008 (vs. Michigan). Coach Enrico Blasi lost his first ten meetings with Michigan before turning the program around. He is 8-20-1 all time against the Maize and Blue.

Miami Hawkey Highlights:

Miami has one of the deepest, most talented rosters in college hockey and are led by a large cast of upperclassmen, highlighted by senior Jarod Palmer’s (17-27-44). Junior’s Andy Miele (15-27-42), Tommy Wingels (16-25-41), Carter Camper (15-23-38) and Pat Cannone (12-16-28). Further, the Redhawks highlight one of the most potent offenses in the CCHA. Miami’s strong on the blue line with freshman Joe Hartman ( 6-8-14), junior Vincent LoVerde (3-8-11) and senior Brandon Smith (6-4-10). The outstanding sophomore goaltending tandem of Cody Reichard (18-3-3, 1.64 GAA and .930 save %) and Connor Knapp (8-3-4, 1.96 GAA and .920 save %) backstops the best defensive team in the country.

Miami was not gun shy about playing one of the toughest non-conference slates in the country. The Redhawks enjoyed marquee wins over SCSU and UNH, while tying North Dakota and UNH. They also suffered losses to the (soon to be defunct) CHA conference champion Bemidji State and a humiliating sweep to Robert Morris. Miami also swept CCHA foes Michigan, NMU and Ferris State this season.

Tale Of The Tape:

Michigan and Miami play a fast, up-tempo brand of entertaining hockey. Miami has been more successful this year in containing opponents and by being more balanced offensively. Still, the comparisons are not ridiculously different. The Wolverines moved from 21st in scoring nationally last week to 15th this week (3.27 GPG) while the Redhawks are 8th (3.51 GPG). Similarly, the Wolverines are 8th in defense, only allowing 2.32 GPG. Miami allows a meager 1.79 GPG, good for 1st overall amongst the 58 D1 hockey schools. Both teams have nominal powerplay numbers, with Michigan ranked 24th (19.2% conversion) versus the Redhawks’ 33rd (18.4%). Michigan’s penalty killing statistics dropped to 7th best (86.3%), where the Redhawks are 4th nationally at 87.3%. Michigan finally faces a team with the same discipline issues, though. Michigan has improved to 16th worst in the country, averaging of 16.1 minutes per game. Miami is #1 in the country at 21.5 minutes per game.

Wolverine Notes:

Michigan is finally looking like the team we all thought they could be this season. The team performance last weekend was dominating, and it will have to be even better this weekend. They will still have to get the job done without their Captain, Chris Summers, who hasn’t recovered from a knee injury. Bryan Hogan has recovered sufficiently enough to practice, but will not start against Miami. Instead, Shawn Hunwick will be asked to backstop the Wolverines against one of the toughest teams in the country. He brings a 5-2 record with a 1.97 GAA and a .908 save % into this weekend. Hogan, if pressed into duty, sports an 18-15-1 record with a 2.33 GAA and a .901 save %.

Louie Caporusso has taken the team’s offense on his back, taking over the team lead in goals with 18. He has 39 total points on the season. He will need to continue his torrid production for the Wolverines to advance.

Carl Hagelin improved his point leadership with a goal and an assist last weekend to move his totals to 17-26-43. Matt Rust follows both Caporusso and Hagelin, holding a 13-22-35 total. Steve Kampfer continues to lead the blue line with 3-16-19.

Michigan is looking to stay perfect in the CCHA championships against Miami, NMU, and/or Ferris State this weekend. The Wolverines are a perfect 10-0 combined against these teams at JLA. Conversely, Miami has never beaten Michigan three consecutive times in one season.

Five Reasons Michigan Will Beat Miami:

1. Miami is 7-2-1 in the last ten games, while Michigan is 6-4. The difference is, Michigan is playing extremely confident right now, and actually has a better neutral ice record this season than Miami. This is an improved and more dangerous team than the Hawks saw in November, even with the injuries.

2. Michigan has to/should score more than the one goal Miami allowed them in each game earlier this season. The offense is finally clicking, and Miami showed chinks in the armor last week in the three game series with Ohio State. The Bucks took the Hawks to the brink before bowing out.

3. The Wolverines will continue to buy into the aggressive forecheck and backcheck used last weekend. The best offense has been an ability to shut down opponent chances and counterattack. The Wolverines have scored 21 goals in their past four games.

4. Michigan is finally clicking on the power play, and Miami may get frustrated enough to give them multiple chances. The Wolverines must capitalize on at least one of them.

5. Hunwick will outplay Reichard or Knapp. If not, the season will end on Saturday in the consolation game. Tall order for a guy whose heart is bigger than his ability, especially in a pressure packed game like this. But, he is a gamer and I believe the team is better in front of him.

Five Reasons Miami Will Win This Game:

1. Miami is big and fast- the Redhawks wore Michigan down in the previous meetings to the point where Big Blue erupted in frustration. The Redhawks have the best depth in the CCHA, the best goaltending tandem in the country and play the best team defense in the country. They are on a mission.

2. The Redhawks are so serious about this game that Blasi refused to let his team talk to the media to give Michigan any bulletin board material. The Redhawk team will either come out in business like efficiency, or look tight and nervous. I am betting on the former. They have big time talent and the experience from last season to get beyond any butterflies.

3. Miami will not make the same mistakes that a young MSU team made last week. They will patiently wait and force Michigan’s vulnerable defense into turnovers, cycle the puck and attack the net. Hunwick will not be able to stop what he cannot see.

4. Miami has better offensive production across the top three lines, and has more blue line scoring punch.

5. Secretly, Miami knows that a win not only puts them in the position to claim both CCHA titles, but also knocks Michigan out of the NCAA tournament. It will be sweet vindictive justice for every fan not rooting for Michigan, which will probably be about a 50/50 split at JLA. Blasi personifies that attitude at Miami and would enjoy every minute of it.

Predictions:

Friday

Semi-final #1
Northern Michigan 4 Ferris State 3

Semi final #2
Miami 3 Michigan 1

Saturday

Consolation:
Michigan 3 Ferris State 2

Final:
Miami 5 Northern Michigan 2

Written by Yostmeister

Go Blue -- Wear Maize!

Mailbag question: Hockey

Posted at 8:00am -- 3/18/2010

Mailbag question: Hockey

Hey guys,

I cannot believe the turn around in this team the last two weeks, they must honestly believe it is now or never for them.

What do you guys think happens now with Hogan?

Do you go back to him if he is ready to play, or do you go with the "hot" goalie?

Does this team have to win the CCHA to get in or can they just win one game and make the CCHA championship to get into the NCAA tournament. It would be sad to see Red's run in the NCAA tournament end.

Greg R.

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

Thanks again for the questions.

Very simply, Michigan has had the talent to beat most teams this season. The difference is, they are getting a complete effort from every aspect of their game.

1. Goal scoring from each line, including a suddenly hot Louie Caporusso. It doesn't mean that this team is as offensively gifted as previous teams. It means that the talent on this team is finally executing their opportunities, which is coming from the defensive work they are doing.

2. A more concerted effort to play defensive hockey- meaning that the forechecking and backchecking is much more passionate, the defensive zone clears have been better and the battles along the boards are being won.

3. Solid Goaltending. I don't know if Shawn Hunwick is the answer long term, but he has proven in his relief stint that he can make the stops he should. He still has his "moments" and needs to work on his crease positioning and overcommitment, but for the most part his teammates believe in him and that has helped them focus better on their overall game.

4. Special teams. Penalties are still a problem, especially with the team already shorthanded. But they are getting more PP production and still are one of the better PK teams in college hockey.

If Bryan Hogan is healthy enough to play next week it will be a difficult call for coach Berenson to make. Hunwick is not going to steal games, but obviously has had a large influence in how this team has amped up their play. I think this is Hunwick's job to lose now in the playoffs, even if Hogan is healthy. For the long term, Hogan will be the goaltender. We'll see what happens next Fall, especially if Michigan lands another goaltender.

As far as the NCAA picture, it is pretty clear that Michigan most likely has to win the CCHA tournament to gain an auto bid. See my MSU weekend game re-cap for more details about the NCAA picture.

Written by Yostmeister

Go Blue -- Wear Maize!

Michigan Hockey: Michigan Icers Broom MSU In CCHA Quarterfinals

Posted at 4:00pm -- 3/15/2010

Michigan Icers Broom MSU In CCHA Quarterfinals

Hand me a towel, because I need to GLADLY wipe the egg off of my face. In the meantime, bottle whatever the Wolverine hockey team is doing because it is finally working. Michigan not only swept the Spartans out of the CCHA playoffs on their home ice, but just ended their NCAA hopes as well.

Buoyed by the resurgence of complete team hockey, the Wolverines are now poised to make a run at the CCHA Championship for the 20th consecutive season. The Wolverines pulled off the sweep in convincing fashion at Michigan State, a site that could be considered as their most difficult opponent site. Taking a “just us” attitude, the Wolverines smothered the Spartans 5-1 on Friday and then, after giving up a 2-0 lead in the first period, rallied to steal a 5-3 victory on Saturday. It was the first back-to-back victories at Munn arena for Michigan since the program turned the trick in March of 1975 and December of 1975.

On Friday night, Michigan came out as the confident aggressor, beating MSU to every loose puck, out-skating the Spartans and taking advantage of MSU’s sluggish play to roll out to a 3-0 first period lead. Carl Hagelin got Michigan started seven minutes into the game with an unassisted breakaway goal just seconds after MSU’s Cory Tropp ripped a shot off of the goalpost. Three minutes later David Wohlberg- playing some of his best hockey this season- took a Lee Moffie pass and beat MSU’s goaltender Drew Palmisano to make it 2-0. Louie Caporusso then capped off the frame with a pinpoint laser from the slot to stake Michigan to a 3-0 lead at the 13:35 mark. Luke Glendening and Greg Pateryn assisted.

MSU took a late penalty to end the first period, and Michigan’s Steve Kampfer converted a PP point shot past Palmisano at: 21 to give the Wolverines a commanding 4-0 lead. Freshman Derek Grant banked a shot off of a Michigan skate on the power play to draw the Spartans closer, but Caporusso notched his second goal of the game at 19:17 to break the Spartan’s back. Michigan locked down the Spartans in the third period and skated off with the win.

Shawn Hunwick stopped fifteen MSU shots. Michigan State pulled Palmisano to start the third period and inserted senior Bobby Jarosz. He stopped all seven Michigan shots in the period, where Palmisano stopped twenty shots in his two periods of work. Michigan fired thirty-two shots in the game.

Not only was Michigan’s performance on the ice dominant, but Michigan fans were very audible in the sparse Munn arena crowd. You could often hear Michigan fans clearly producing chants such as “I can’t hear you” or other typical Yost arena chants after goals. The Spartans seemed to be in such a daze that they even activated their scoring horn when Steve Kampfer scored the fourth Michigan goal. It was surreal.

Saturday night drew a more partisan MSU crowd, but it had little impact on the Wolverine’s confidence. MSU’s coach, Rick Comley, made line-up changes and also was forced to insert a substitute for star forward Corey Tropp who stepped on a puck during warm-ups and sprained his ankle. The Spartans came out with more emotion, but Michigan matched it and got the all-important first goal. Matt Rust blistered a shot from the right circle on the power play at 8:25 to start the Wolverines. Palmisano got a piece of it, but it deflected just under the crossbar. Ben Winnett and Brandon Burlon assisted on the goal. AJ Treais followed: 21 seconds later by burying a blind pass into the slot from David Wohlberg from behind the goal to stretch the lead to 2-0. It was at this point that Comley yanked Palmisano and replaced him with Jarosz.

The Wolverines then took a series of bad penalties- a trademark of the entire season- to get the Spartans back into the game. Chad Langlais hooked Jeff Petry on a partial breakaway, and then a minute later Tristin Llewellyn took an undisciplined elbowing penalty behind the net to give the Spartans a 5x3 chance with about four minutes left in the period. Junior Andrew Rowe- who has haunted the Wolverines all season- scored seconds into the opportunity, bouncing a shot off of Kampfer’s skate and past Hunwick. Rowe followed up: 36 seconds later with a rush into the Michigan zone, circled the net and stuffed a wraparound between Hunwick’s pad and the post to tie the score at 2-2.

Llewellyn took another bad penalty at the 19:00 mark, and the Spartans capitalized. Senior Nick Sucharski accepted a pass to Hunwick’s right and was checked as he weakly dribbled a shot towards the net. Hunwick slid over and anticipated a harder shot- and the puck slipped through his pads with: 007 seconds left to give the Spartans the momentum.

The Wolverines re-grouped in the second period and held MSU to one shot for the entire period, while totaling 16 shots of their own. Ben Winnett made a terrific play to hold the puck into the Spartan zone on a power play (he typically plays the point on the first unit), stepped around a defender in the slot, and fired a shot just inside the post to knot the score at 3-3 with sixteen minutes left in the period. The score remained that way heading into the third period, although Michigan had a wide advantage in shots (32-10) and scoring chances.

Michigan hemmed in the Spartans to begin the third period and it paid off. Steve Kampfer kept the puck deep into the Spartan zone, while both Chris Brown and Brian Lebler did excellent work along the boards. Lebler forced a shot from the side of the net and jammed away at the puck, which squirted free to Brown. He lifted a shot that squeezed between Jarosz’ pad and the post to give Michigan a 4-3 lead with seventeen minutes left. The officials went to review and confirmed the goal- which was very similar to the GWG Brown scored at JLA against the Spartans. Both teams had glorious chances to score during power plays and other opportunities- with the best being during a Spartan shorthanded chance when Leveille missed a wide open net after a 3x2 break. The Wolverines locked down the last seven minutes of the game and David Wohlberg salted it away with an empty net goal assisted by Louie Caporusso at 19:29.

Michigan fired 44 shots on the Spartan goaltending, and was 2 for 3 on the PP. The Spartans fired 21 shots- 11 in the third period- at Hunwick, but could only mange the three first period PP goals. Hunwick made 18 saves, while Palmisano made 6 saves. Jarosz played well stopping 33 shots in his last appearance as a Spartan. The Spartans are now sitting 18th in the pairwise rankings and are most likely done for the season at 19-13-6.

Michigan now moves on to face either #2 Miami at JLA OR, if Miami gets upset on Sunday night in the third game of their series with OSU, the Wolverines will face NMU in the CCHA semi-finals next Friday night. Northern Michigan defeated Alaska in their series and Ferris State will also be at JLA after knocking off UNO.

YOST Bits:

Michigan finished the season series against the Spartans 3-3, not only sweeping the last two games at Munn, but winning the last three games against MSU away from Yost. Michigan is now 8-3 in their last 11 games against the Spartans.

The one sore spot that bit Michigan this weekend was penalties (12-24 minutes) and penalty-killing, the team gave up 4 goals in 9 PP chances in the two games. The 3 PPG’s allowed Saturday were the most Michigan has allowed in one game this season. Michigan had lost every game this season that they had given up multiple PP goals up until last night. Maybe it wasn’t the frequency of penalties as much as the timing of when they took them. The penalties not only negated two other Michigan power plays, but also allowed a 5x3 chance that the Spartans capitalized on. I’m sure Coach Berenson will remind his troops that this is something to work on before next week.

Louie Caporusso continues to take to the offensive. He tallied 2-2-4 this weekend, and took over the goal scoring leadership from Carl Hagelin with his 17th and 18th goals on Friday. Hagelin also added his 17th on Friday. Caporusso has now accounted for 7-4-11 in his past five games.

David Wohlberg is also on a roll, contributing 4-3-7 since February 27th. Ben Winnett added his 5th multi-point game of the season on Saturday. Chris Brown has four GWG’s this season to lead the team, two of which have come at the Spartan’s expense.

As of this article, Michigan is sitting just on the outside of qualifying for the NCAA tournament as an at-large team. They have moved up to 17th in the PWR. They will still (in all reasonable terms) need to win the CCHA tourney to secure an NCAA berth. The Pairwise rankings are very fluid right now, with several teams needing to play a third game today (Sunday) in their conference tournament to advance.

Michigan is just behind Vermont, U-Mass Lowell and U-Minnesota Duluth. If those teams all lose in their playoff series third game tonight, the Wolverines may move up slightly, depending on whether that gives them enough to flip the comparisons against those teams into their favor. Furthermore, Michigan’s at-large opportunity was further damaged by the upset of Bemidji State in the CHA conference tournament. BSU has a strong enough PWR to qualify as an at-large team. UAH (the team the CCHA rejected entry to the league) won the CHA tourney championship last night to gain the autobid. This means that there is one less spot open in the NCAA tourney. Michigan would most likely have to climb to 14th spot to gain an at-large bid. The Atlantic conference tourney winner (probably RIT) will take the 15th spot, and UAH the 16th spot.

I’ll update the PWR later this week as part of my next preview.

Yostmeister three star selections:

Friday:

1. Michigan - Louie Caporusso - 2G and 1A

2. Michigan - Luke Glendening - 2A

3. Michigan - Carl Hagelin - 1A

Saturday:

1. Michigan - Ben Winnett - 1G and 1A - no bigger goal than the tying goal to change momentum

2. Michigan - David Wohlberg - 1G and 1A - playing as good as he has all season

3. Michigan State - Andrew Rowe - 2G and single handedly brought the Spartans back

Honorable Mention: Chris Brown - the new Spartan killer scores the GWG

Check out this video to watch Michigan celebrate in the bowels of Munn Arena:
Michigan Hockey celebrate at Munn

Written by Yostmeister

Go Blue -- Wear Maize!