CCHA PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Junior defenseman Matt Hunwick has been named the CCHA Defensive Player of the Week. Hunwick notched his second career hat trick Saturday night against Quinnipiac and finished the weekend 3-3-6 with a +4 rating. It's only the first weekend, but did you ever imagine you'd look at the stat sheet and say Matt Hunwick is the nation's leading scorer?

Hunwick's defensive partner Jack Johnson faired pretty good in his debut, too. Johnson had a goal and three assists Saturday night and was named the CCHA Rookie of the Week.

PAIR OF FRESHMEN LAND IN MCKEEN'S TOP 15 FOR 2006 DRAFT
Freshman goalie Billy Sauer and defenseman Mark Mitera have landed in McKeen's Hockey's Top 15 for the 2006 NHL Entry Draft.

Sauer is ranked 10th overall and the top rated netminder. According to a scout McKeen's talked to, Sauer is "beginning to separate himself from other goalies in this draft. He is uncanny in the way he energizes his team with his sheer presence. Outstanding athlete with superb instincts and quickness, along with a confident swagger."

Mitera follows closely at 12th overall and is the second best defenseman in the draft according to McKeen's (Minnesota recruit Erik Johnson is ranked 5th overall). According to the scout, Mitera has "a big rangy body with loads of potential. A possible defensive stalwart once he fills out and gets a little bit quicker. Offensively he will come along slowly, but he has very underrated hands."

The 2006 NHL Entry Draft will take place next summer in Vancouver.

NYSTROM MAKES NHL DEBUT
Former Wolverine Eric Nystrom made his NHL debut last night with Calgary in a 7-3 loss at Colorado.  Nystrom played about 15 minutes and did not register a point.  It was also his father Bob's 53rd birthday.  Bob told The Calgary Sun he was thrilled when Eric called to tell him he was called up, and he and his wife immediately headed out to Colorado to see the game.  "This is the best for an old fart like me," Bob said.

MONTOYA WINS AHL DEBUT
Former Wolverine goalie Al Montoya's American Hockey League debut with the Hartford Wolf Pack ended in victory.  Montoya made 22 saves as Hartford came from behind to defeat Manchester, 4-3.

RED BERENSON SHOW
I should have tonight's Red Berenson Show available a little after 7 p.m. I'll e-mail an update when it's ready for download.

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That's all for now...

Go Blue!

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