The Michigan hockey team kicked off 2007 with a 5-0 blanking of last
place Bowling Green. It's their first shutout of the season, and the
win moves them into third place in the CCHA.

David Rohlfs and Chad Kolarik each had two goals, while sophomore
goalie Billy Sauer turned aside 22 shots for his second career shutout.

Kolarik put the Wolverines on the board 2:43 into the opening stanza
on their first power play of the game. T.J Hensick fired a shot from
the left circle that Kolarik redirected in front of the net past BGSU
goalie Jimmy Spratt. The goal gave Kolarik 100 points in his Wolve

The Wolverines continued to apply steady pressure throughout the
period and had several good chances, but they couldn't convert.

"I thought we started well," U-M coach Red Berenson said. "We did,
although the score may not have reflected it."

U-M outshot BGSU 13-1 in the period, with the Falcons lone shot being
a flip in front center ice that Sauer just had to steer aside with ease.

"I was just looking at the clock wondering when the period was going
to end," Sauer said. "It is hard to keep yourself in the game.
(Bowling Green) was getting good shots, but none of them were on net,
so it was real frustrating. I just wanted a little bit of work."

The Wolverines would extend their lead early in the second period on a
fluky goal by Rohlfs. The senior forward threw a weak knuckleball on
net from the blueline that beat Spratt's glove.

Michigan would make it 3-0 at 8:42 when Kevin Porter banged in a
beautiful give-and-go feed from Hensick that Spratt had no chance on.

The Wolverines struck early in the third period to go ahead 4-0.
Kolarik would net his second of the night, this time shorthanded when
he beat Spratt upstairs with a shot from the right circle.

Rohlfs would add his second tally of the night at 8:05 to cap off the scoring.

"(The win) gives us a nice little boost, a little bit of confidence
going into the second half," Rohlfs said. "We did not finish the
first half how we would like to and then guys left for the World
Juniors. But to come back together and get a strong performance, like
we did tonight, was a good way to start the second half."

"We haven't had our team together since early December and we haven't
won a home game since late November," Berenson added. "It's a good
feeling and we have to build on it. We don't have much time to enjoy
it, we have to refocus for Northern Michigan (this Friday). It was a
good step in the right direction."

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PARKING NOTE
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This note is up on MGoBlue.com's ice hockey page:

Parking Notice for Remainder of 2006-07 Season
Due to the construction beginning on Fisher Stadium, parking has been
limited in/around the parking areas of Yost Ice Arena. Fans are
advised to park at Crisler Arena in the blue lot and walk to Yost Ice
Arena. We thank you for your patience.

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That's all for now...

Go Blue!

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