Quick update...

Wolverines can't hold on to lead again, tie Spartans 1-1

Fit to be tied, I suppose.

For the second night in a row, the Michigan hockey team couldn't hold their lead
and tied rival Michigan State, this time by a 1-1 count.

A much more even game tonight at Joe Louis Arena, if less exciting, saw Eric
Nystrom net his 50th career goal to put U-M ahead 1-0 in the second period.

The Wolverines held that lead until 3:13 left in regulation, when Jim McKenzie
nixed in a loose puck to tie the contest.

Michigan had their chances to put away the game again and couldn't do it. The
Spartans took two penalties in middle and latter part of the third period and
the Wolverines couldn't connect. U-M then got another power play with a minute
to go and with time winding down, Chad Kolarik one-timed a centering pass right
in to MSU goalie Dominic Vicari, who wasn't even looking in his direction.
Kolarik had the entire shortside of the net wide open and he ended up shooting
the puck right at Vicari on the far side with a few seconds left.

Another disappointing night for the Wolverines and another point lost to Ohio
State, who beat Lake Superior, 3-2, in overtime tonight. The Buckeyes now trail
U-M by two points.

The month of Februrary has had a rough history for the Wolverines, and this year
is proving to be no different. Michigan hits the road to Nebraska-Omaha for two
tough games next weekend.

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

SWYSTUN COMMITS TO U-M

Camrose Kodiaks (Albert Junior Hockey League) forward Tyler Swystun has verbally
pledged his allegiance to the Michigan Wolverines. The highly sought after
Swystun had reportedly narrowed his choices between U-M and New Hampshire.

The 5'11, 165-pounder has 12 goals and 16 assists in 42 games this season. The
17-year-old Swystun is one of three '88-born players on Camrose's roster, and
the other two have played a combined four games. All the top scorers on the
team are '84- and '85-born players, so he's fairing well against older
competition.

His arrival is to be determined. He is accelerating his studies and could join
U-M this fall. However, that spot is currently being held open for Phil Kessel.
If Kessel decides to join the Wolverines, Swystun will be pushed back until 2006
(which, as good as he has been, isn't necessarily a bad thing according to one
Camrose fan who believes another year of development would serve him well).

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

That's all for now...

Go Blue!

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