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Tonight's Red Berenson Show is now available on MHNet. This week the Coach talks about the exhibition game against the U.S. Under-18 game, which saw the Wolverines have to rally from a 3-1 deficit to win 4-3. He answers fan questions, talks about tomorrow night's game against Michigan State, and this weekend's contest against Bowling Green.
On the injury front, Chad Kolarik last week was reported to be out, possibly long term, with a hernia. He then got a second exam and the results came back that the injury wasn't as bad as first thought. Red said tonight that it was a hernia injury, but something that he can play through and deal with after the season. Red said senior forward Brandon Kaleniecki remains questionable, however. He's dealing with a sports hernia.
In net, Red said they haven't decided if they'll start Billy Sauer or Noah Ruden. They split time against the U18 team, with Noah making some big saves while Sauer gave up the goals (though the team didn't really play well in front of him, either).
Michigan and Michigan State have tied in their last three meetings. This will be their second battle this season, and the first of three times they meet over the next 11 days.
Tomorrow night's game starts at 7:35 p.m. ET and can be seen on Fox Sports Detroit.
NHL CENTRAL SCOUTING MID-TERM RANKINGS
The NHL Central scouting Bureau has released their Mid-Term Rankings for the 2006 NHL Entry Draft.
Among North American skaters, freshman defenseman Mark Mitera is the highest ranked Wolverine at #15. Signed U-M recruits U.S. National Team Development Program defenseman Chris Summers follows at #52 and forward Brian Lebler (Penticton/BCHL) at #94.
U.S. NTDP U-18 defenseman and Minnesota recruit Erik Johnson is ranked #1, followed by current Gopher forward Phil Kessel at #2 and North Dakota forward Jonathan Toews at #3.
Among North American goaltenders, U-M freshman goalie Billy Sauer is ranked #4. Jonathan Bernier of Lewiston (QMJHL) is ranked #1, followed by Leland Irving (Everett/WHL), and Kevin Armstrong (Spokane/WHL).
Among North American skaters, freshman defenseman Mark Mitera is the highest ranked Wolverine at #15. Signed U-M recruits U.S. National Team Development Program defenseman Chris Summers follows at #52 and forward Brian Lebler (Penticton/BCHL) at #94.
U.S. NTDP U-18 defenseman and Minnesota recruit Erik Johnson is ranked #1, followed by current Gopher forward Phil Kessel at #2 and North Dakota forward Jonathan Toews at #3.
Among North American goaltenders, U-M freshman goalie Billy Sauer is ranked #4. Jonathan Bernier of Lewiston (QMJHL) is ranked #1, followed by Leland Irving (Everett/WHL), and Kevin Armstrong (Spokane/WHL).
THREE EX-WOLVERINES NAMED TO AHL ALL-STAR CLASSIC
Three former Wolverines have been named to the 2006 American Hockey League All-Star Classic. Defenseman Danny Richmond and goaltender Al Montoya will represent PlanetUSA, while Jeff Tambellini will play for the Canadian All-Stars.
Tambellini is the second-leading rookie scorer in the AHL and 13th overall. He has 18 goals and 20 assists in 32 games, putting him one point behind Patrick O'Sullivan (who has played 37 games) as the top rookie point getter.
Richmond has posted three goals and 11 assists in 31 games for the Lowell Lock Monsters, but has a minus-11 rating.
Montoya, who recently came back from a hand injury, has posted a 12-3-0 record. His 2.45 goals-against average is eighth best in the league, and he has a .915 save percentage to go with it.
The 2006 AHL All-Star Classic takes place at the MTS Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba on February 1 at 8 p.m. ET.
Tambellini is the second-leading rookie scorer in the AHL and 13th overall. He has 18 goals and 20 assists in 32 games, putting him one point behind Patrick O'Sullivan (who has played 37 games) as the top rookie point getter.
Richmond has posted three goals and 11 assists in 31 games for the Lowell Lock Monsters, but has a minus-11 rating.
Montoya, who recently came back from a hand injury, has posted a 12-3-0 record. His 2.45 goals-against average is eighth best in the league, and he has a .915 save percentage to go with it.
The 2006 AHL All-Star Classic takes place at the MTS Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba on February 1 at 8 p.m. ET.
BIG PRO NEWS UPDATE
The Dallas Stars have locked up former Wolverine goalie Marty Turco for four more years.
The two-time All-Star and soon-to-be Olympian signed a $22.8 million contract extension, ensuring he won't become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. Turco, 30, is now signed through the 2009-10 season.
"My belief is that I had to put my stake in the ground and build the team around one player," Stars general manager Doug Armstrong said. "It's not that one player can win or lose for us, but you have to put a statement, and in my mind a statement player."
Meanwhile, former Wolverine defenseman Aaron Ward will miss three to six weeks after suffering a hernia. Ward didn't return to the ice after the second period of Carolina's 3-2 win over Detroit. He underwent surgery today to repair the injury.
Hot Streak: Mike Cammalleri is starting to find his groove in Los Angeles. The former Wolverine standout has registered a point in four straight games and nine of his last ten. During that span he has posted six goals and six assists. For the season, Cammalleri is fifth on the Kings in scoring with 15 goals and 17 assists in 43 games.
Montoya makes big save... Former Wolverine netminder Al Montoya made a big save during Hartford's 5-1 win over Manchester. With the Wolf Pack ahead 1-0 and going on their first power play of the game, Montoya denied his former Michigan teammate Jeff Tambellini's breakaway bid.
"[Tambellini] is probably kicking himself," Montoya said. "I think he tried to get the shot up but couldn't. But every time we play these guys he has several chances, so I just try to do my job."
The two-time All-Star and soon-to-be Olympian signed a $22.8 million contract extension, ensuring he won't become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. Turco, 30, is now signed through the 2009-10 season.
"My belief is that I had to put my stake in the ground and build the team around one player," Stars general manager Doug Armstrong said. "It's not that one player can win or lose for us, but you have to put a statement, and in my mind a statement player."
Meanwhile, former Wolverine defenseman Aaron Ward will miss three to six weeks after suffering a hernia. Ward didn't return to the ice after the second period of Carolina's 3-2 win over Detroit. He underwent surgery today to repair the injury.
Hot Streak: Mike Cammalleri is starting to find his groove in Los Angeles. The former Wolverine standout has registered a point in four straight games and nine of his last ten. During that span he has posted six goals and six assists. For the season, Cammalleri is fifth on the Kings in scoring with 15 goals and 17 assists in 43 games.
Montoya makes big save... Former Wolverine netminder Al Montoya made a big save during Hartford's 5-1 win over Manchester. With the Wolf Pack ahead 1-0 and going on their first power play of the game, Montoya denied his former Michigan teammate Jeff Tambellini's breakaway bid.
"[Tambellini] is probably kicking himself," Montoya said. "I think he tried to get the shot up but couldn't. But every time we play these guys he has several chances, so I just try to do my job."
And gets first shutout... Montoya made 31 saves for his first career shutout in a 4-0 win over the Hershey Bears on January 13.
Gretzky's toughest decision: What has been Phoenix first-year coach Wayne Gretzky's toughest decision so far? Benching former Wolverine Mike Comrie says Coyotes assistant Rick Bowness.
"Gretzky is close friends with his father (Bill) and he's known Mike since he was a kid. There were 14 people there that night to watch (Comrie), but instead of thinking with his heart, (Gretzky) used his head because he had to do what was right for the team," said Bowness.
Gajic lighting it up: The Providence Bruins (AHL) recently assigned former Wolverine Milan Gajic down to Gwinnett of the ECHL. Since his arrival, Gajic has been on fire. In nine games he has posted seven goals and six assists, including a hat trick.
Langfeld lifts Sharks: Former Wolverine Josh Langfeld scored his first two goals of the season last Tuesday night to help lift the San Jose Sharks past Boston, 6-2.
Gretzky's toughest decision: What has been Phoenix first-year coach Wayne Gretzky's toughest decision so far? Benching former Wolverine Mike Comrie says Coyotes assistant Rick Bowness.
"Gretzky is close friends with his father (Bill) and he's known Mike since he was a kid. There were 14 people there that night to watch (Comrie), but instead of thinking with his heart, (Gretzky) used his head because he had to do what was right for the team," said Bowness.
Gajic lighting it up: The Providence Bruins (AHL) recently assigned former Wolverine Milan Gajic down to Gwinnett of the ECHL. Since his arrival, Gajic has been on fire. In nine games he has posted seven goals and six assists, including a hat trick.
Langfeld lifts Sharks: Former Wolverine Josh Langfeld scored his first two goals of the season last Tuesday night to help lift the San Jose Sharks past Boston, 6-2.
That's all for now...
Go Blue!
Jason
Michigan Hockey Net
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