DESPITE LOSSES, DEFENSE AS CONFIDENT AS EVER
By Jason Paul
September 30, 2002

ANN ARBOR--There have been a lot of questions surrounding the University of
Michigan's defense coming into the season. With the loss of the Wolverines
top line of Jay Vancik to graduation and Mike Komisarek to the pros and
only one incoming recruit, the blueline looked thin with seven players. But
the returning core has put the summer behind them. They aren't looking at
what might have been, they're looking at what is, and they're as confident
as ever.

"We're looking forward to the year," junior assistant captain Andy Burnes
said. "We all know our roles on the team and each defenseman brings their
own special ingredient to the table.

"As far as Mike Komisarek leaving this summer, it's great for him, but he's
gone now. We're looking beyond, we're looking up, we're looking forward to
this season. Whatever happened with Mike, we all wish him the best, but
this is our team now, and Mike's out of our minds. We're going to focus on
the core that we got, and we're real excited."

Komisarek, the CCHA's Top Defensive Defenseman, bolted the Wolverines in
July to pursue a professional career with the Montreal Canadians. To help
fill his void, the coaches converted junior forward Dave Wyzgowski to defense.

Wyzgowski has seen limited ice time during his first two years at U-M
playing in 23 games with two goals and two assists. Not only has he handled
the transition well, but Burnes says he adds the physical element that was
lost.

"He adds that great physical intensity to the defense," said Burnes. "If
you ask any of the forwards on the team, they don't like going down on a
one-on-one with Dave because they know he's going to punish them. He's a
physical player, hard-nosed, and it's great. It's everything you look for
in a defenseman."

Komisarek's departure also opens up a lot of opportunity for playing time.
One player expected to take part of his role is freshman Danny Richmond.
The highly touted recruit from Buffalo Grove, Ill., led the Chicago Steel
(USHL) in scoring last season and even scored a Mike Legg lacross-style goal.

"He's got real good hands, and he can move the puck well," said Burnes on
Richmond's offensive abilities. "He can jump in the play and make things
happen offensively, and I think he's going to fill in a bit of Mike
Komisarek's role. He's an exciting player, and he'll have a great career here."

Another adjustment for the blueliners is playing in front of a new
goaltender. Gone is four years of experience in Josh Blackburn, someone
they could count on when they needed him most, and in is a 17-year-old who
just got his driver's license. But Burnes is positive Al Montoya will
succeed like those before him.

"To be picked to come to Michigan out of all the goalies in the country,
that says something about [Montoya's] style and his level of play," said
Burnes. "If you look at the history of goaltenders that have come to
Michigan's program, you got guys in the NHL now. Just great goaltenders,
great people, and Al Montoya, I think, is going to fit that mold perfectly,
and we're very confident and looking forward to what he's going to do here."

While there have been many changes and adjustments for the defense, their
main goal always remains the same: keeping the opposition scoreless.

"The bottom line for defense is you got to keep the puck out first and
foremost, and that's our main job and our main concern," Burnes said.
"That's the only thing we're trying to do is keep the other team's goals to
zero."

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

I'll have the rest of my interview with Andy Burnes available shortly. In
it he talks about why he chose to play hockey over other sports, his
decision to go to Michigan, the honor in being named an assistant captain,
his thoughts about the way the game has changed, and the best prank that
has been pulled on him.

Don't forget that Blue-White game tickets are now on sale at Yost. Tickets
are $5 for adults and $2 for children 12-and-under. The game takes place
this Friday at Yost.

That's all for now...

Go Blue!

Jason
Michigan Hockey Net
http://MichiganHockey.net/