Finally got the technical problems I was having with Real Player worked out
and was able to record tonight's Red Berenson Show... only Red wasn't
there, so it was The Billy Powers Show.  It's on the main page of MHNet,
and I also cut out the commercials.

I don't know how much interest there is, but I'm considering switching them
from Real Player format to MP3 format, or perhaps offer both options.  I
have to record the shows in MP3 format to begin with anyway, so it's a
little less of a hassle.  And those of you with an iPod or something can
probably just download it and listen to it whenever and wherever you want.

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

http://webcast-1.gci.net:8080/ramgen/broadcast/GCI-Hockey.rm

You'll need a fast connection.  Make sure your Real Player connection
settings are properly set (at least DSL/Cable modem bandwidth needed).

Jason

If you haven't heard by now, Michigan lost their first game of the season last
night, 4-2, at Alaska Fairbanks.  UAF jumped out to a 3-1 first period lead,
with Michigan's goal coming from Travis Turnbull.

Andrew Cogliano made it 3-2 in the 2nd period, but then U-M got hosed by a
horribly missed offsides call that turned out to be Fairbanks' fourth goal. 
I've attached a photo a user on USCHO posted.  The arrow in the middle shows the
puck as it's about to cross the blueline.  To the top of the screen you clearly
see a UAF player already a good five feet in the zone.  The kicker is you see
the linesman, who isn't even situated on the line no less... he's a good 15 feet
in the zone!  And he's already waving his arms that the zone was clear.  You
can't blame the whole game on that one goal... UAF started strong and played
great... it was still a killer goal to give up, especially in that fashion.

U-M outshot UAF 36-23, but their power play went a cold 1-for-8 and Wylie Rogers
was strong in net for the Nanooks.

Game two is tonight at 11pm ET.  Those of you in the Ann Arbor area can watch it
on Comcast Local.  Last night's game was also broadcast online, apparently, so
if it is again tonight I'll pass along the link as soon as I get it.

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

That's all for now...

Go Blue!

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

WOLVERINES, SPARTANS DEADLOCK, 3-3

Michigan and Michigan State kicked off CCHA play tonight by renewing their
rivalry and leaving things unresolved with a 3-3 tie.

The Wolverines entered the game ranked No. 1 in the country and were looking to
avoid the jinx that the ranking has carried with it.

Last season just about every team that was ranked No. 1 lost the following week,
including twice for the Wolverines.  Just last week No. 1 ranked Minnesota lost
and tied Alaska Fairbanks to continue the trend.  Even U-M head coach Red
Berenson said earlier this week that he didn't want the No. 1 ranking because
every time they get it they do everything possible to lose the game.

In the opening period, it looked like the Wolverines were heading down that path
once again.  The Spartans jump out of the gates with several quality scoring
chances in the opening minutes.  They finally connected when Tim Kennedy stole
the puck from Andrew Cogliano and went in alone to beat goalie Billy Sauer 4:17
into the first period.

The Wolverines were looking flat but managed to get the goal back with 6:59 left
when Andrew Ebbett teed up a lose puck in the high slot over the shoulder of
Dominic Vicari to tie the game.

The Spartans outshot the Wolverines 14-4 in the first period.  U-M was lucky to
escape with a 1-1 tie, and they finished the period on a power play which
carried over to the second period.

On that power play, Brandon Kaleniecki took a backdoor feed and beat Vicari
shortside to put the Wolverines ahead 2-1 just 1:03 into the second period.

The lead would only last 2:19 when Jim McKenzie battled for the puck behind the
net and fed it out in front to Tyler Howells, who beat Sauer up top.

The Wolverines would regain the lead four minutes later on the power play when
Andrew Cogliano beat Vicari with a shot through traffic.

But in a scene that has been all too familiar for Wolverine fans over the past
handful of years, U-M once again suffered a late period breakdown that cost them
a big goal.

Tim Crowder picked up the puck along the halfboards and was allowed to walk
right out in front of Sauer and he fired it in with 43 seconds left in the
second period to tie the game, 3-3.

The third period was rather tame until halfway through when Jack Johnson picked
up a roughing penalty.  Then 23 seconds later, Tim Cook hit Drew Miller into the
boards and was nailed with a checking from behind penalty, which is an automatic
5 minute major and in this case he was given a game disqualification, meaning he
won't be able to play next Friday.  That gave the Spartans a 5-on-3 advantage
for 1:37, plus the rest of the major penalty to capitalize on.

The Wolverines pulled together and killed off Johnson's penalty, then with 2:28
left in the major penalty Spartan forward Justin Abdelkadaer took a high
sticking penalty to essentially negate the remainder of Cook's major.

In the overtime session, Michigan controlled most of the play and really poured
on the pressure during the final minute and did everything but score.

For the game, Billy Sauer really kept the Wolverines in it and earned No. 1 star
honors with 35 saves.  Dominic Vicari finished with 20 saves for the Spartans.

U-M took advantage on special teams going 2-for-4 on the power play, while
holding the Spartans 0-for-5.

The Wolverines finally leave the confines of Yost and hit the road as they make
the long trek to Alaska Fairbanks next weekend.

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

That's all for now...

Go Blue!

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

Didn't get to listen to the game today since I was out of town, but here's
quick summary: Michigan slaughtered Merrimack.

The Wolverines scored seven goals in the first period, including a hat
trick by Kevin Porter.  Freshman Andrew Cogliano finally got on the score
sheet posting two goals and two assists.  T.J. Hensick also had a
four-point game with a goal and three assists, while Jack Johnson and
Andrew Ebbett each recorded three points.

Senior netminder Noah Ruden got the nod in net.  He played just shy of 50
minutes, giving up both goals and making 25 saves for the win.  Mike Mayhew
played the final 10 minutes and turned aside all three shots faced.

Michigan kicks off CCHA play next Saturday when they host Michigan State in
another big showdown.  Game time is 7:35 p.m. and it can be seen on Comcast.

Also, the Dekers Blue Line Club will be hosting a pregame tailgate across
from Yost at the Michigan outdoor track.  You must register by Oct. 19 to
attend.  I've attached the sign up form for anyone interested.

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

That's all for now...

Go Blue!

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

Michigan 3, Boston College 2

After being denied three times last week, freshman Travis Turnbull made his
first career goal count in a big way.  It turned out to be the game-winning goal
in a 3-2 victory over Boston College.

A jam packed Yost Ice Arena saw a high energy contest between two national
powerhouses.  The Wolverines applied pressure from the get go, causing the
Eagles to take two early penalties.  At 1:49, Jack Johnson ripped a shot from
the right circle past BC goalie Cory Schneider on a two-man advantage.

T.J. Hensick would add a power play marker of his own at 7:20 to make it 2-0
Michigan.  It was Hensick's first goal of the season.

The Wolverines would suffer a major setback later in the opening stanza when
captain Andrew Ebbett was nailed with a 5 minute major checking from behind
penalty and automatic game misconduct (a new rule this season).  Chris Collins
would get one back for the Eagles on the ensuing power play with a shot that
trickled through U-M goalie Billy Sauer.

In the second period, the teams traded off goals.  Turnbull scored at 6:54 to
make it 3-1.  At 11:42, Brian Boyle's shot went off Sauer's chest and trickled
towards the net.  Dan Bertram tapped in the loose puck to make it 3-2.

Late in the second period, BC defenseman Tim Kunes would get nailed with a
checking from behind penalty and automatic game misconduct.  This put the
Wolverines on a 5 minute power play, 4:20 of it to open the third period. 
Listening to the game on WTKA, it sounded like a rather lackluster power play
when they had a big opportunity to put the game away.

Boston College would continue to kill itself with penalties, take a back-to-back
minors late in the contest.  Once again, the Wolverines couldn't convert on
either one, then with 1:09 remaining, freshman Andrew Cogliano took a horrible
penalty for charging in to the Boston College goalie.

On the ensuing power play, BC immediately pulled Schneider from net for the
6-on-4 advantage.  They thought they had tied the game with 28 seconds left when
Boyle put the puck in the net, but it was immediately waived off by Shegos
because Peter Harrold charged in to Sauer, resulting in a penalty to the Eagles.

The Wolverines then managed to hang on and clear the puck for the victory.

Sauer finished the game with 26 saves, while Schneider did all he could to hold
the Eagles in the game by turning aside 35 shots.  The Wolverines were 2-for-10
on the power play, while the Eagles were 1-for-5.

Michigan returns to Yost Ice Arena Sunday afternoon for a 3 p.m. contest against
Merrimack, who defeated Bowling Green, 3-2, tonight for their first win since
Dec. 31, 2004.

------------------------
CCHA SCORES
------------------------
Alaska Fairbanks 4, at Minnesota 3 (ot)
at Northern Michigan 3, St. Cloud State 0
at LSSU 2, Colgate 2 (ot)
New Hampshire 4, Ferris State 2 - Maverick Stampede
at Notre Dame 4, Waterloo 0 (ex)
at Colorado College 1, Ohio State 1 - End 1st Period

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

That's all for now...

Go Blue!

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

I just received the Coach's update for the next issue of the Dekers Newsletter
(which for those who don't know I'm now the editor of... schill time, become a
member today!  http://www.dekers.org).

In his update, Berenson says that juniors T.J. Hensick and Matt Hunwick will be
alternate captains, along with Brandon Kaleniecki, who was named an alternate
captain after Al Montoya left.

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

That's all for now...

Go Blue!

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

Dekers Blue Line Club
http://www.dekers.org/

Four days ago word hit the USCHO forum that junior forward Mike Brown was
signing with Vancouver.  After several days of waiting for word, well,
we're still waiting for some official press release, but Mike Brown was
removed from the Michigan roster on MGoBlue.com today and I believe Michael
Spath over at Rivals got confirmation from the U-M coaching staff, so
consider Brown good as gone.  He is the third Wolverine to depart this summer.

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

TAMBELLINI SIGNS WITH KINGS

Jeff Tambellini has decided to forgo his senior season and sign with the
Los Angeles Kings.  The announcement was made just minutes ago on the Kings
website.

That's all I have to say right now.  The rest would be profanity.

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

They dreamed of going one-two but ended up going one-three.

As expected Sidney Crosby went first overall to the Pittsburgh Penguins at
the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.  His good friend and former Shattuck-St. Mary's
teammate Jack Johnson, who will be a freshman at U-M this fall, went third
overall to the Carolina Hurricanes.  Anaheim passed over the future
Wolverine to take Bobby Ryan out of the Ontario Hockey League.  Johnson
becomes the highest drafted Wolverine ever and the first to ever break the
Top 5.

There was another first late for U-M late in the opening round as incoming
freshman Andrew Cogliano went 25th overall to Edmonton.  Arguably the
fastest player in the draft with an offensive flare, the big knock on
Cogliano is his size measuring just 5-foot-9 and 173 pounds.  But should
the NHL follow through on their rules crackdown, much like college hockey
did this past year, players like Cogliano will no doubt benefit at the next
level.

Others eligible to be drafted are T.J. Hensick, Jason Bailey, Zac MacVoy,
Tim Miller, and Steve Jakiel.

You can watch or listen to TSN's continuing draft coverage at NHL.com.

-----------------------------------
SUMMER HOCKEY FIX
-----------------------------------

Going in to summer hockey withdrawl?  Well flip over the dial to Fox Sports
Detroit tonight at 7 p.m. for a rebroadcast of The Cold War.  The outdoor
hockey game between Michigan and Michigan State set a world attendance
record and ended in a dramatic 3-3 tie.

Monday night at 5 p.m. FSD will rebroadcast the 2004 Great Lakes
Invitational between Michigan and Michigan State, which the Spartans won
2-1 in overtime.

Then Monday night at 7:30 p.m. it's the 2002 CCHA Championship between the
two rivals, with the Wolverines capturing their fifth CCHA tournament
championship in a 3-2 victory.

And if all that still isn't enough, get out to the 2005 Summer Hockey
Showcase Friday, August 5 at Yost Ice Arena.

The annual alumni games will kick off at 4:30 p.m. with the 35-50 year old
game, followed by the Over-50 game at 5:45 p.m.  The grand finale is the
Under-35 game at 7 p.m.

Some of the confirmed players are Red Berenson, Mike Komisarek, Bill
Muckalt, and Chris Tamer.  Others expected to appear are Bubba Berenzweig,
Matt Herr, Nick Martens, David Moss, Billy Powers, Alex and David Roberts,
and Frank Werner.

Tickets for the 2005 Summer Hockey Showcase can be purchased at the Yost
Ice Arena box office beginning at 4 p.m. when the doors open. All proceeds
will benefit the Michigan Hockey Scholarship Endowment Fund. Tickets are $5
for adults and $3 for children 12 and younger.

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

That's all for now...

Go Blue!

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

The New York Rangers announced this afternoon that University of Michigan
goaltender Al Montoya has agreed to terms and will forgo his senior year of
college hockey.

"It's disappointing to lose a player who is going into his senior year,"
head coach Red Berenson said. "He had a lot of pressure from the New York
Rangers organization to turn professional and he made the decision to do
it. He had a good career at Michigan, but I wish he would have stayed and
enjoyed his senior year."

Montoya was the 6th overall pick in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft.  He
considered turning pro last summer, but opted to return to Ann Arbor where
he posted a 30-7-3 record to help U-M win the CCHA regular season and
tournament championships before bowing out to Colorado College in the NCAA
Midwest Regional final.  Despite his superior record, his goals against
average fell to 2.52 and save percentage dipped to .895 and let in more
than his fair share of soft goals in what was considered a subpar season
for him.  Even he himself admitted this summer that he would lose focus
from boredom at times.  The move to the pros is probably the best for both
sides.

"Al is one of the top goaltending prospects in hockey and we are extremely
pleased to have signed him," stated general manager Glen Sather. "We feel
this will be a big step for Al in advancing his development. He has been
working extremely hard this summer and we are looking forward to seeing him
on the ice at training camp in September."

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

That's all for now...

Go Blue!

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

MONTOYA ALL BUT GONE

Both the New York Post and New York Daily News are reporting this morning that
Michigan netminder Al Montoya is very close to signing a three-year deal with
the New York Rangers and forgoing his senior year at U-M.

According to the Post:

Al Montoya, the 20-year-old Michigan goaltender whom the Rangers selected sixth
overall in 2004, is closing in on a contract agreement with the club, The Post
has learned.

Montoya, who had led Team USA to the 2004 World Championship gold medal, had a
sub-par junior season and disappointing 2005 World Junior experience after
returning to the Wolverines.

While the bonus package is still being negotiated, it's believed Montoya will be
paid what is now the re-set 2004 Entry Level cap of $984,200, including an
annual signing bonus of $328,067 for the three years of the Entry Level system.

And the Daily News says, "The Rangers are nearing agreements on three-year
contracts with Al Montoya and Hugh Jessiman that will enable the 2004 and 2003
first-round picks to turn pro and join the organization this season."

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

So what will be the effect of Montoya's departure?  I don't think it'll be as
bad as some people think.  His head has been in New York since getting drafted
last summer.  After his subpar season in which he himself even admitted loss of
focus from boredom, perhaps this is the best decision for both parties.  In just
about every interview this past month, Montoya seemed more interested in turning
pro than returning to U-M.

It's not like the coaching staff is being caught off guard with this, either. 
Flash back to last summer and you might recall coach Berenson saying to Al's
mother that Monty was too good for two more years and even he didn't expect him
to stick around.

2006 goaltending recruit Billy Sauer has been in a holding pattern waiting for
Montoya's decision.  He was originally slated to come in this fall, but then it
was decided he would go back to the USHL for another year of seasoning if
Montoya returned.  When asked by McKeen's Hockey a few days ago where he will
play this season, Sauer replied, "Most likely for the University of Michigan, if
not then I will play for a team in the USHL."  It has been like that in every
interview and article I've read this summer, that Sauer has believed he'll be a
Wolverine this fall.  While there are risks with another 17-year-old netminder
(especially with all the other freshmen coming in), he was set to come here this
fall originally and I think he's been well prepared for this situation.  It's
not like a few years ago when Mike Cammalleri unexpectedly left and the coaches
brought in Andrew Ebbett a year early to fill the void.

The bottom line for me is, I'd rather take my chances on someone with strong
potential, whose mind set is ready to step in at Michigan, and whose draft year
is coming up next summer and will be working hard to earn that first round draft
status than someone who is only returning to Michigan because the Rangers don't
want him yet.  One wants to be here, the other sounds like he doesn't.  I want
the kid who is focused on the Maize n' Blue.

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

WOODLIEF COMMENTS ON COGLIANO

The Red Line Report's Kyle Woodlief conducted an online chat on USA Today's
website yesterday answering questions about this weekend's NHL draft.  When
asked about incoming freshman Andrew Cogliano, Woodlief said:

"I've been waiting for someone to ask this. I think he'll go right around #20
overall, despite the fact he's only 5-9, 173 pounds (which tells you a bit about
how good he is). He is, bar none, the fastest skater in this entire draft class,
and has loads of skill with the puck. He is exactly the type of player who will
be helped if the NHL clamps down on obstruction and opens up the game. In fact,
if a team were absolutely convinced that the NHL will truly become a more
wide-open, offensive league, I would not consider it far-fetched to see someone
jump up and grab him in the top 10, though it's not likely."

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

That's all for now...

Go Blue!

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

Now that the deal has been ratified, the NHL Central Scouting Bureau has
finally released their Final Rankings for the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.

Sidney Crosby retains his #1 ranking among North American skaters and will
be taken by the Pittsburgh Penguins with the #1 overall pick (unless
they're insane).  His good friend and former Shattuck-St. Mary's teammate
Jack Johnson, who will be entering U-M this fall, comes in at #4 among
North American skaters and is the top ranked defenseman.  It is very
possible that Anaheim will pick Johnson with the #2 pick in the draft.

Forward recruit Jason Bailey, a teammate of Johnson's at the U.S. Under-18
program, was ranked #56, while Ontario super prospect Andrew Cogliano came
in at #63.  Wolverine star center T.J. Hensick was ranked #78, Under-18
forward recruit Zac MacVoy at #99, and Omaha Lancers forward Tim Miller at
#140.

Keep in mind that this list is just the opinion of Central Scouting and not
the teams themselves.  TSN columnist Bob McKenzie ran an article a few
weeks ago in which he polled actual scouts from teams for their Top 30 and
Cogliano was ranked 19th (I'm guessing that was his average
position).  McKenzie said that some teams have him ranked as high as Top 10
to second round, which vastly differs from Central Scouting's ranking of him.

The NHL draft will take place July 30 in Ottawa.  No word if it will be
televised in the U.S. and I won't be surprised if it's not, but you should
be able to follow along on NHL.com, ESPN.com, or TSN.ca.

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

That's all for now...

Go Blue!

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

MONTOYA UPDATE

A couple of New York area papers have articles today on the Rangers' draft picks
Hugh Jessiman and Al Montoya.  Both are working out at the Rangers practice
facility.

With a new NHL CBA about to be ratified, obviously a decision must be made soon
as to whether the Wolverine netminder will return for his senior season or turn
pro.  As of now, Montoya is still undecided on the matter.

"I'm hoping as soon as possible to figure it out," Montoya told the Star-Ledger.
"But until this whole CBA thing's finalized, you can't even talk about (a
contract). So the later it goes -- I can't be mid-August, telling my team that
their only (scholarship) goalie's not coming back for the rest of the year."

The New York Daily News has some interesting bits about Montoya's play last
season.  The Daily News writes:

"In fact, coming off a heady 2003-04 that included leading the United States to
the World Junior championship, Montoya conceded he found himself getting bored
to the point of distraction with the college game.

"He attributes part of that to not preparing adequately last summer in the
aftermath of his drafting by the Rangers. Promising he'll be ready and focused
no matter where he plays this season, Montoya understands there are persuasive
reasons to turn pro now. One is the chance to work closely with accomplished
Rangers goaltending coach Benoit Allaire. Another is the desire to get in the
battle before budding Swedish star Henrik Lundqvist gets the inside track in the
race to become Mike Richter's successor as the Rangers' franchise goalie."

But the article finishes with Montoya not slamming the door on staying in
school.  "I know I'm ready for this level - I know that," Montoya said. "But the
thing is: Is another year of college going to hurt me? I don't think so."

If Montoya does turn pro, expect 2006 recruit Billy Sauer to join the maize n'
blue early and take over netminding duties.

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

U.S. UNDER-18/UNDER-17 SELECT TEAMS

Speaking of Sauer, he, along with 2006 defensive recruit Steven Kampfer, have
been named to the U.S. Under-18 Select Team which will compete at the 2005
Under-18 Junior World Cup in Slovakia and the Czech Republic August 9-14.

Kampfer is the only returning blueliner.  Last year he captained the U.S.
Under-17 Select Team that finished second at the Under-17 Five Nations
Tournament in Germany.

Sauer will split goaltending duties with Neil Conway.  The pair shared the net
at last year's Under-17 Five Nations Tournament with Sauer posting a 1-1-0
record and stopping 56 of 59 shots.

And at this year's Under-17 Five Nations Tournament, 2007 defensive recruit
Tristin Llewellyn has been named to Team USA's squad.  The International
Scouting Service currently has Llewellyn ranked #2 among 1989-born U.S. players.

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

SKILLE COMMENTS ON JOHNSON

U.S. Under-18 Team member Jack Skille, who is expected to be a Top 15 pick at
this month's NHL Entry Draft, was recently interviewed for an article that
appeared on the McKeen's Hockey and Slam! Hockey websites.  In it he is asked
about his teammate and incoming Wolverine defenseman Jack Johnson, who is the
top ranked defenseman for the NHL draft and considered among many to be the next
best player after his best friend and former Shattuck-St. Mary's teammate Sidney
Crosby.

"When I'm on the bench it's amazing to see him go out there and just crush
guys," Skille marveled. "He's just a man among boys out there - it's scary. I'm
going to have a rough time playing against him next year, but it's going to be
fun. He's great. His stick-handling skills; he fakes one way and goes the other;
the spin move; those are all the little things he does that are just amazing.
They're things I probably wouldn't be able to do and it's just fun to watch."

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

ALUMNI GAMES

With the first week of August approaching means it's almost time for the annual
Alumni Games.  This year's event will take place Friday, August 5 at Yost Ice
Arena.  Doors open at 3 p.m.  The 35-50 Game will be at 4 p.m., the Over-50 Game
at 5 p.m., and the main event, the Under-35 Game at 6:30 p.m.  Admission is $5
for adults and $3 for kids 12-and-under.  No list of participants is available
yet, but I'll pass it along as soon as I find out anything.

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

That's all for now...  Hope everyone is enjoying the summer!

Go Blue!

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

Tambellini, Hensick Share Downes Trophy as Team MVP
From MGoBlue.com

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The University of Michigan ice hockey team handed out its
annual awards to eight players while also announcing its captains for the
2005-06 campaign at the annual Dekers Blue Line Club Banquet on Saturday (April
16) at the Ann Arbor Sheraton.

T.J. Hensick (Howell, Mich.) and Jeff Tambellini (Port Moody, B.C.) shared the
Hal Downes Trophy as U-M's most valuable player. Tambellini led the Wolverines
in scoring with 24 goals and 33 assists while collecting West All-America second
team honors. For leading the Wolverines in points, Tambellini also was the
recipient of the Doc Losh Trophy. Right behind Tambellini in the team scoring
race was Hensick, who had 23 goals and 32 helpers. Hensick was a West first team
All-American, and both players were All-CCHA first team honorees.

Matt Hunwick (Sterling Heights, Mich.) was the winner of the Vic Heyliger Trophy
as U-M's most outstanding defenseman as determined by his teammates. Hunwick had
a 6-19-25 scoring line and was +15 on the season. He was an All-CCHA second team
selection.

The Alton D. Simms Trophy for the most improved player was given to Milan Gajic
(Burnaby, B.C.). As a senior, Gajic set career highs in games played (42) points
(39), goals (20), power-play goals (9) and multi-point games (13). His
plus/minus rating of +4 tied his career best.

Chad Kolarik (Abington, Pa.) garnered the Dekers Club Award as the "most
colorful rookie" per the Dekers Club membership. Kolarik had a bright freshman
campaign, playing in all 42 games while tallying a scoring line of 18-17-35,
good for fifth on the team in points. His 11 power-play markers were tops on the
team and the most by a U-M rookie since 1990-91.

The Howard Colby Award for Sportsmanship went to David Moss (Livonia, Mich.).
Moss was whistled for just 13 penalties for 26 minutes this season while
assuming a primarily defensive forward role. He notched 10 goals and 20 assists
in 38 contests.

Chosen by the coaching staff, the Joseph E. Barss Award for the best team player
was given to outgoing captain Eric Nystrom (Syosset, N.Y.). Nystrom had a
career-best 32 points and 19 assists in 38 games. He was honored with the CCHA's
Best Defensive Forward laurel in March.

Tim Cook (Montclair, N.J.) was the recipient of the Carl Isaacson Award given to
the player who exhibits the highest scholastic average as well as athletic
ability. Cook is a sophomore enrolled in the College of Literature, Science and
the Arts.

With 10 graduating seniors, Michigan is losing its largest senior class ever.
Head coach Red Berenson selected three rising seniors to share the captaincy for
the 2005-06 season. Tambellini, Al Montoya (Glenview, Ill.) and Andrew Ebbett
(Vernon, B.C.) will all wear a "C" for the Maize and Blue next season. Both
Tambellini and Montoya were assistant captains as juniors in 2004-05.

The Wolverines went 31-8-3 in 2004-05 en route to winning the CCHA
regular-season and tournament titles and being NCAA Midwest Regional finalists.

HOCKEY JERSEY AUCTION

The Michigan hockey team has started taking bids on game-worn hockey jerseys. 
The auction closes Monday, April 25 at 3 p.m. ET.  Minimum bid is $150.  For a
list of the jerseys being auctioned and to place your bid, head to
http://michigan-hockey.com/jerseys/

LIMITED EDITION POSTERS

MGoBlue.com is selling off 2004-05 Michigan hockey collector's series game
posters.  There are a limited number of sets available.  There are 14 posters in
each set, each measuring 11 x 17 inches.  Cost is $15 (shipping included) per
set.  To view the posters, go to
http://www.mgoblue.com/document_display.cfm?document_id=17983

MGoBlue.com's site said to call/fax/e-mail the Athletic Media Relations.  I
called them and they told me to mail a check.  Wish they would just put that on
the website to save each side the hassle.  Make your checks payable to the
Michigan Athletic Department and mail it to:

Michigan Athletic Department
1000 South State Street
Ann Arbor, MI  48109

Be sure to include a note that it's for the hockey posters and where to send
them.

AWARDS BANQUET

The Michigan Hockey awards banquet is tonight.  I'll send out the award winners
as soon as I get the results.

Michael Spath over at TheWolverine.com is reporting that coach Berenson will be
announcing tri-captains for next year: Jeff Tambellini, Al Montoya, and Andrew
Ebbett.  There will be no alternates.

FROZEN FOUR FINALIST

The city of Detroit has been named one of six finalists to host the NCAA Frozen
Four between 2009-2011.  The other finalists are the TD Bank North Garden in
Boston, the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia, the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul,
the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa Bay, and the MCI Center in Washington, D.C.

The CCHA submitted a bid to host the Frozen Four at Ford Field in either 2010 or
2011.  NCAA ice hockey committee chair Wayne Dean and another staff member will
visit each site, and each finalist will give a presentation before the full
committee June 7-10.  The committee will send their recommendations to the
Division I Championships/Competition Cabinet for approval at their Sept. 20-22
meeting.

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

That's all for now...

Go Blue!

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

Hensick, Tambellini Collect AHCA All-America Honors
MGoBlue.com Press Release

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- T.J. Hensick (Howell, Mich.) and Jeff Tambellini (Port
Moody, B.C.) of the University of Michigan ice hockey team have been selected as
2004-05 CCM West All-Americans, the American Hockey Coaches Association
announced Thursday (April 7). Hensick was named to the West first team, while
Tambellini was named to the West second team.

A sophomore forward, Hensick had a tremendous season to become U-M's first Hobey
Baker Memorial Award finalist since 2000-01. Hensick set career highs in goals
(23), points (55), game-winning goals (2) and plus/minus (+19) this season. Over
39 games played, he recorded multiple points in 18 contests. He had an
impressive career-best point streak of 10 games that spanned December and
January during which he tallied an 8-7-15 line. When Hensick scored a goal the
Wolverines were a perfect 18-0-0 on the year. Hensick was the Central Collegiate
Hockey Association's scoring champion while earning All-CCHA first team honors.

A junior forward and assistant captain, Tambellini led U-M with 24 goals and
career highs of 33 assists, 57 points and a +30 plus/minus rating. Additionally,
he had a career-best nine power-play goals. Tambellini played in each of U-M's
42 games, recording multi-point efforts on 19 occasions. This season he also
received recognition on the NCAA Midwest Regional all-tournament team, All-CCHA
Tournament team (MVP) and the All-CCHA first team.

Hensick is Michigan's first West first team All-American since 2002 when Mike
Cammalleri and Mike Komisarek were both first teamers. In 2004, Al Montoya
(Glenview, Ill.) was a West second team All-America honoree. A Wolverine has
earned All-America recognition in 12 out of the last 15 seasons. A total of 57
Michigan players have received All-America honors 78 times in Michigan's 83-year
history.

----------------------
TAMBELLINI NAMED CCHA PLAYER OF THE MONTH
----------------------

In addition to being named a West second team All-American, Jeff Tambellini was
also named the CCHA Player of the Month for March.

Tambellini had eight goals and seven assists in eight games during the month to
help lead the Wolverines to a 7-1-0 record and capturing the Mason Cup.  He was
named the MVP of the CCHA tournament.  He then led the Wolverines with three
goals and two assists in the NCAA Midwest Regional against Wisconsin and
Colorado College, and was named to the All Regional Team.

-----------------------
KNUBLE NAMED TO U.S. WORLD TEAM
-----------------------

USA Hockey has selected former Wolverine Mike Knuble to play for Team USA at the
2005 International Ice Hockey Federation's World Championship.  Knuble is one of
20 players selected represent the U.S.  The tournament takes place April 30-May
15 in Innsbruck and Vienna, Austria.  Three more players will be added in the
coming weeks to fill out the roster.

-----------------------
HOCKEY FOR HOPE ROSTER
-----------------------

Thanks to Josh Richelew for passing along the confirmed list of players for the
Hockey For Hope fundraiser April 15 at Yost Ice Arena.

List of Attendees

Manny Legace – DRW
Chris Tamer –Atlanta
Shean Donovan – Calgary
Bill Muckalt – Vancouver/Dallas
Nick Lidstrom – Detroit Red Wings
Bryan Smolinski – Ottawa Senators
Jason Wooley - Detroit Red Wings
Shaun Horcroft – Edmonton Oilers
Bryan Berard -Chicago
Darryl Sydor – Tampa Bay
Brad Lukowich – Tampa Bay
Adam Hall – Nashville
Tyson Nash – Phoenix
Darian Hatcher – DRW
Sean Avery – LA Kings
Doug Brown – Detroit Red Wings
David Harlock (former UM and Atlanta Thrasher)
Kevin Hatcher
Kevin Miller
David Roberts

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

That's all for now...

Go Blue!

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

List of Attendees

Manny Legace – DRW
Chris Tamer –Atlanta
Shean Donovan – Calgary
Bill Muckalt – Vancouver/Dallas
Nick Lidstrom – Detroit Red Wings
Bryan Smolinski – Ottawa Senators
Jason Wooley - DRW
Shaun Horcroft – Edmonton Oilers
Bryan Berard -Chicago
Darryl Sydor – Tampa Bay
Brad Lukowich – Tampa Bay
Adam Hall – Nashville
Tyson Nash – Phoenix
Darian Hatcher – DRW
Sean Avery – LA Kings
Doug Brown – DRW
David Harlock (former UM and Atlanta Thrasher)
Kevin Hatcher

Kevin Miller
David Roberts

--
Joshua M. Richelew
Director of Hockey Operations
University of Michigan Hockey
w: 734-647-7824
f: 734-647-7825


Quoting "Jason A. Paul" <jasonpaul@...>:

> Here's your reminder...
>
> Thanks,
>
> Jason
>
>
> At 12:46 AM 3/26/2005 -0500, you wrote:
> >Still working on the list.. remind me on monday
> >--
> >Joshua M. Richelew
> >Director of Hockey Operations
> >University of Michigan Hockey
> >w: 734-647-7824
> >f: 734-647-7825
>
>
>
>
>

The final Red Berenson Show of the season is now available on MHNet.

This is a special 1 hour, 45 minute edition of the program in which the entire
team stops by to reflect on the season, tell some stories, and look ahead to the
future, where it may be for them.  Al Randall phones in, as do, well... Charlie
and David from Ann Arbor and I'll leave it to you to listen to the show to get
that one.

This is always the one show of the season you shouldn't miss!

One program note: the show does abruptly end during Berenson's last words.  The
show was out of time and WTKA just cut them off.

--------------------------------
HOCKEY GARAGE SALE
--------------------------------

The annual Hockey Garage Sale will take place Saturday, April 9 beginning at 9
a.m. at Yost Ice Arena.

Items for sale will include practice jerseys, Nike apparel, hockey sticks and
skates, hockey equipment, goalie equipment, and tape.

---------------------------
HOCKEY FOR HOPE
---------------------------

I'm still waiting for word on the Hockey For Hope charity game participants,
however I think I can guess who some of them will be.  Michigan State is holding
their own Hockey For Hope game April 16 at Munn Ice Arena featuring Spartan
Alumni vs. The Pros and their press release mentions Kris Draper, Mike Knuble,
and Marty Turco as some of the feature players.  I won't be surprised if they
are playing the night before in Ann Arbor.

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

Despite being in the off season now, there's still plenty of hockey going around
elsewhere involving Michigan's recruits.  I hope to have an update on them on my
site later this week.  I do know that Andrew Cogliano's St. Michael's Buzzers
are now in the league semifinals against East Conference champions Port Hope,
and they lead the best of seven series 1-0.  Cogliano had two goals in their 5-0
victory, and leads the league in playoff scoring with 18 goals and 12 assists in
15 games.

That's all for now...

Go Blue!

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

COLORADO COMEBACK ENDS WOLVERINES SEASON, 4-3

Heartbreaking.  There's no other word to describe it.

For the first 22 minutes of the Midwest Regional Final between Michigan and
Colorado College, everything was going the Wolverines way.  They jumped out
to a 3-0 lead, had the crowd at their back, and Columbus in their sights.

But then, bit by bit, their hopes and dreams of another Frozen Four slowly
came crashing down.  Penalties, special teams breakdowns, and the Tigers
came roaring back.  Colorado College rallied for four unanswered goals,
capped off by Trevor Frischmon's game-winner 10:06 into the third period,
to end the Wolverines season and punch their ticket for the Frozen Four.

The Wolverines converted on their first two power play opportunities to
take a 2-0 lead in the opening stanza.  Jeff Tambellini scored at 9:17 on a
blast from the blueline, and Brandon Kaleniecki knocked in a rebound at
15:14 and U-M was rolling.

Then 1:32 into the second period, Andrew Ebbett and Eric Nystrom had a
2-on-1 with Nystrom's shot being stopped by Tigers goalie Curtis
McElhinney.  He had the puck covered up, but before the referee could blow
the whistle Colorado defenseman Jack Hillen crashed into McElhinney and
knocked the puck in to the net.

But the Wolverines would soon find themselves in penalty trouble, taking
three in a row resulting in a 5-on-3 power play for the Tigers.  At 6:13,
Hobey Baker finalist Marty Sertich put in a rebound to make it 3-1.

Michigan would continue to play well, getting a power play opportunity of
their own later in the period, but McElhinney made a big save which WTKA
play-by-play announcer Al Randall said, "Remember that one, folks!"  He was
right because moments later that big save turned in to a 3-on-2 shorthanded
rush for the Tigers.  U-M goalie Al Montoya made the initial stop, but
Frischmon tucked the rebound under him with 4:33 left in the second period
to make it 3-2.

Milan Gajic had a golden opportunity seconds after the CC goal with a
breakaway, but his shot hit the crossbar and sailed out of play.

In the third period, Joey Crabb tied the game at 4:24 on an oddball
goal.  His shot off the draw in the U-M zone appeared to be going
wide.  Montoya reached for it and had the puck go off the tip of his glove
and in to the net.

Shortly thereafter, another missed Michigan opportunity as Andrew Ebbett
had a wide open net off a rebound and pulled the puck too much, sending it
rolling through the crease.

Then at 10:06, the Tigers held the puck in at the U-M blueline and threw a
shot on net.  It ricocheted off a few players and ended up on the stick of
Frischmon, who went top shelf to beat Montoya.

The Wolverines had one more chance late in the game as David Moss was
hauled down on a breakaway, resulting in a power play with 2:33 left in
regulation.  Michigan had a few great chances, but McElhinney came up with
the big saves.  The Tigers killed the penalty and the clock to win the game.

Curtis McElhinney finished the contest with 23 saves, while Montoya had 19
stops for U-M.  The Wolverines were 2-for-5 on the power play, while CC
went 1-for-7.  Michigan finishes the season with a 31-8-3 record.

The bottom line is Colorado College got the saves they needed from
McElhinney and put in their chances.  Michigan, on the other hand, didn't
convert several of their opportunities and forgot to play a full 60 minutes
of hockey.

A disappointing end for 10 seniors, who gave us a great ride this year and
gave it their all tonight and fell short.  The seniors will give their
final goodbyes Tuesday night on a special extended edition of The Red
Berenson Show from 6:15 to 8 p.m.

-----------------------------------------------
NCAA TOURNAMENT SCORES
-----------------------------------------------

West Regional
#1 Minnesota 1, #4 Maine 0 (ot)
#2 Cornell 3, #3 Ohio State 2

Northeast Regional
#1 Denver 4, #4 Bemidji State 3 (ot)
#2 New Hampshire 3, #3 Harvard 2 (ot)

East Regional
#2 North Dakota 3, #1 Boston College 0 - End 1st Period

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

That's all for now...

Go Blue!

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

WOLVERINES ADVANCE WITH 4-1 VICTORY

The Michigan hockey revenge tour was rolling for the second game in a row
as this time they avenged their loss in the College Hockey Showcase to
Wisconsin by ending the Badgers' season with a 4-1 victory tonight at the
Midwest Regional.  The Wolverines will take on top-seeded Colorado College
tomorrow evening at 5 p.m.  Plenty of tickets are still available, so if
you have the chance, go support the team.

Jeff Tambellini had a pair of goals and assists, while T.J. Hensick scored
a goal and added two helpers to lead the attack.

Tambellini got the Wolverines on the board 7:08 in to the opening stanza on
the power play.  Off a faceoff win in the Wisconsin zone, Tambellini fired
a blast from the blueline that beat Badgers netminder Bernd Bruckler.

U-M thought they had another power play goal with 7:09 remaining in the
opening period when it appeared Chad Kolarik put the puck in the net,
however upon replay review the goal was waived off because it was
inconclusive if the puck fully crossed the goal line.

However, a minute later the Wolverines would get that goal back and there
would be no disputing this one.  Hensick had the puck poked away from him,
but Brandon Rogers stepped in and fired a shot through the five hole of
Bruckler to make it 2-0 head into the first intermission.  Michigan outshot
the Badgers 18-4 in the first period.

In the second period, the game slowed down... way down... due to the
Badgers icing the puck what seemed to be every five seconds.  At least it
came across that way on the radio.  Shots on goal were five apiece for the
middle stanza, but it was Michigan getting a break late in the period to
extend their lead.

Tambellini jump started a 3-on-1 rush and dished the puck off to Hensick on
his right.  T.J. sent the puck back across the crease to Brandon
Kaleniecki, but it went off the Wisconsin defenseman's skate and in to the
net.  Jim Hunt and Al Randall on WTKA originally thought it was Kaleniecki
who knocked the puck in, but by the middle of the third period they
realized he was never awarded the goal.

In the third period, it was Tambellini whistling a wrist shot past Bruckler
at 7:04 to make 4-0 Michigan.

At this point they put it in cruise control, though finally had a slip up
with 5:17 remaining to ruin the shut out.  Adam Burish beat Al Montoya to
cap off the scoring.  The goal came literally about two seconds after Al
Randall finally proclaimed victory and gave out the phone number to call
for tickets to tomorrow's game.  So you can thank WTKA for the jinx.  That
number, by the way, is (616) 456-3333 or you can head to any Ticketmaster
outlet or Ticketmaster.com.

Montoya finished the game with 17 saves.  He was hardly tested, so
hopefully that means he's well rested for tomorrow.  Bruckler made 27 saves
for Wisconsin.  The Wolverines went 1-for-8 with the man-advantage, while
the Badgers were 0-for-5.

It was an interesting opening day to the NCAA tournament.  In the day's
early games, both #1 seeds survived a pair of shootouts, while in the late
games both #2 seeds cruised to victory.  Colorado College scored with 4:33
remaining in regulation to defeat Colgate, 6-5.  The Raiders had scored
just a minute earlier to tie the game.  Out East, Boston College held off
Mercyhurst, 5-4, while North Dakota shutout host Boston University, 4-0.
The Eagles and Fighting Sioux will battled for the East Regional crown
tomorrow.

Quite a showdown set for Grand Rapids tomorrow night.  The game between
Michigan and Colorado College will feature the top four scorers in the
nation--Marty Sertich and Brett Sterling for the Tigers, and Jeff
Tambellini and T.J. Hensick for the Wolverines.  U-M's key to success will
definitely lie in their ability to contain Sertich and Sterling, who make
up half of CC's total offense.

----------------------------------------
HOCKEY FOR HOPE 2005
----------------------------------------

Former Wolverine David Roberts is putting together another Michigan Alumni
vs. The Pros hockey game to benefit C.S. Mott Children's Hospital and the
Michigan Hockey Endowed Scholarship Fund.

Hockey For Hope 2005 is a two-day event April 14 and 15.  A VIP dinner will
be held the 14th at 6 p.m. with your chance to meet and greet with players
and take photographs, access a special silent auction, and there will be a
surprise guest speaker.  Tickets for this event are limited.  VIPs also
receive Club Level seats for the game, where you'll be sitting among the
players families and friends, as well as the post-game party at Conor
O'Neill's in Ann Arbor at 10:30 p.m. on Saturday the 15th.

The hockey game will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, April
15.  Tickets for the hockey game are $20.  I am working on obtaining a list
of players who will be appearing.  If it's anything like Under-18 Team vs.
Pros game at Yost, I'm sure the place will be packed once again.

Check out the attached flier (Adobe Acrobat required) for all the
information and a ticket order form.

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

That's all for now...

Go Blue!

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

For anyone who has a big satellite dish looking to pick up the Midwest
Regional games, I just got the coordinates from an online forum.

G3R C-Band Analog Transponder 23 H

Colorado College vs. Colgate is on right now, followed by
Michigan/Wisconsin.  CC is leading Colgate 3-2 in the first period.

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

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

Here is the list of LIVE clearances for the Michigan vs. Wisconsin game, as well
as the regional final game Saturday night should Michigan advance:

Michigan vs. Wisconsin (live clearances)
Friday, March 25 – 8:30 PM ET

ESPNU
FSN-North (Wisconsin)
Comcast Local (Michigan)
Mediacom (Iowa)
Charter Cable (St. Louis)
Metro Sports (Kansas City)
Time Warner Cable (Syracuse)
Cox Cable (Wichita)
Cox Cable (Oklahoma City)
Time Warner Cable (Memphis)
Cox Cable (Tulsa)
Cox Cable (Omaha)
Time Warner (Albany)

CC/Colgate winner vs. Mich/Wisc. winner (live clearances)
Saturday, March 26 – 5 PM ET

ESPNU
FSN-North (Minnesota)
FSN-North (Wisconsin)
Altitude Sports & Entertainment (Colorado)
Comcast Local (if Michigan)
Mediacom (Iowa)
Charter Cable (St. Louis)
Metro Sports (Kansas City)
Time Warner Cable (Syracuse)
Cox Cable (Wichita)
Time Warner Cable (Memphis)
Time Warner (Albany)
Time Warner (Rochester)- if Colgate advances

For a full list of LIVE clearances for all regional games, go to
http://www.ncaasports.com/icehockey/mens/story/8310797

No word on any tape-delays (though I certainly hope Fox Sports Detroit picks it
up).

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

That's all for now...

Go Blue!

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

As expected, the Michigan hockey team received the #2 seed in the Midwest
Regional at Grand Rapids and will open their quest for the NCAA title against #3
seed Wisconsin.  The game will take place Friday night at 8:30 p.m., so get your
tickets now!

The Badgers defeated the Wolverines 3-1 earlier this season at the College
Hockey Showcase, so no doubt the Wolverines would like to dish out a little
payback.

In the other Midwest Regional match-up, #1 seed Colorado College will face #4
seed Colgate.

As for the rest of the field...

West Regional - Minneapolis, MN
#1 Minnesota vs. #4 Maine
#2 Cornell vs. #3 Ohio State

East Regional - Worcester, MA
#1 Boston College vs. #4 Mercyhurst
#2 North Dakota vs. #3 Boston University

Northeast Regional - Amherst, MA
#1 Denver vs. #4 Bemidji State
#2 New Hampshire vs. #3 Harvard

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

That's all for now...

Go Blue!

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

SWEET REVENGE!
Wolverines capture CCHA championship with 4-2 win over Buckeyes

One year ago it was Ohio State upsetting top ranked Michigan in the CCHA
Championship game by a 4-2 count.  One year later, same game, same two
teams, same score, different victor.  For the third time in four years and
seventh time overall, the Wolverines have won the CCHA tournament.

A crowd of 16,891 saw Michigan come flying out of the gates looking like
they were on a mission.  Typically U-M plays a game based on speed, but the
Wolverines were dishing out big hits left and right.

Just 2:04 into the contest, Milan Gajic drew first blood for the Wolverines
on the power play as he ripped a one-timer from the left circle past OSU
goalie Dave Caruso.

The Wolverines continued to control the tempo during the opening period and
had several great scoring chances get denied by Caruso.

At the other end of the ice, the sleeping giant has awaken.  For any Al
Montoya doubters out there, tonight's game probably finally shut them
up.  Montoya saw plenty of action and made several big saves of his own to
preserve the Wolverines 1-0 lead heading in to the second period.

The Buckeyes would tie the game 5:32 into the second period when Tom
Fritsche knocked in a rebound off Domenic Mainai's shot top shelf past a
stretching Montoya.  Fritsche had the rebound to himself as defenseman Eric
Werner lost his footing for a second, allowing Fritsche to get in behind him.

Back come the Wolverines 1:14 later.  On the power play again, Brandon
Kaleniecki tossed a low shot from the top of the right circle towards the
net.  The puck deflected over to Gajic on the left side of the net and he
banged it past Caruso to make it 2-1.  The goal is Gajic's 20th of the season.

Just 11 seconds later, however, the Buckeyes would get the fluke goal of
the night to tie the game back up.  JB Bittner whipped the puck from the
right corner towards the slot and it redirected perfectly off Werner's
skate and in to the net.

The deadlock would carry over to the third period when the Wolverines would
get a bit of luck of their own to retake the lead.  Jeff Tambellini broke
in on a breakaway but lost control of the puck before he could get a shot
off.  He managed to regain control behind the net and skate around to the
left boards and threw the puck on net, where it deflected off an Ohio State
player in front, who was tying up Brandon Kaleniecki, and in to the net.

Ohio State tried to mount a late period comeback but the Wolverines and
Montoya kept the puck out.  With about 10 seconds remaining and a faceoff
just outside the U-M zone, the Buckeyes won the draw but the puck sailed
all the way down ice.  With icing waved off, Jason Ryznar beat everyone to
the puck and slid it in to the net with half a second remaining to start
the celebration.

Both Montoya and Caruso were fantastic in net.  Montoya turned aside 27
shots, while Caruso made 35 saves.  The Wolverines were 2-for-10 with the
man-advantage, while the Buckeyes were 0-for-7.

The Wolverines are currently 6th in the PairWise Rankings and should end up
a #2 seed in the Midwest Regional at Grand Rapids, while the Buckeyes are
10th and should be a #3 seed somewhere else.  The two teams will be the
CCHA's only representatives in the field of 16.  The official tournament
brackets will be revealed tomorrow morning at 11am on ESPN2.

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

CCHA ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM
Forwards
Jeff Tambellini, Michigan
Tom Fritsche, Ohio State
Ryan McLeod, Alaska Fairbanks

Defensemen
Brandon Rogers, Michigan
Sean Collins, Ohio State

Goaltender
Wylie Rogers, Alaska Fairbanks

Tournament MVP
Jeff Tambellini, Michigan

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

I hope to have video clips of the CCHA Super Six up by Tuesday on MHNet.

That's all for now...

Go Blue!

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

WOLVERINES POWER PAST NANOOKS, 3-1

For the fifth consecutive season, the Michigan hockey team will be fighting
for the CCHA Championship as they powered their way past Alaska Fairbanks,
3-1, this evening at Joe Louis Arena.  The Wolverines are 2-2 in their last
four CCHA championship games, winning back-to-back titles in 2002 and 2003
and losing last year to Ohio State.

It wasn't easy to get there, however.  The Nanooks were coming off a huge
upset win over Northern Michigan and, despite being outshot in the opening
stanza, seemed to have a little more zip than the sluggish
Wolverines.  They also had a freshman netminder playing out of his mind in
All-Rookie selection Wylie Rogers.

Much like Morgan Cey last Saturday night, Rogers turned aside several
excellent scoring chances throughout the night, often times flashing a
quick glove hand or being in solid position to make one of his 43 saves.

After a scoreless first period, the Wolverines picked up the pace in the
second period and finally got one of their pucks to go in the net.  With
7:47 remaining in the period, Jeff Tambellini sent a pass to Brandon
Kaleniecki, and the Pitbull fired a wrist shot from the left hash mark that
beat Rogers shortside.

Tambellini would then get a huge goal for the Wolverines with under a
minute left in the period.  After get the puck in the neutral zone,
Tambellini beat the defenseman along the right boards, cut towards the net
and zipped a wrist shot from the right circle past Rogers to make it 2-0
heading in to the second intermission.  It was also Tambellini's 20th goal
of the season.

Early in the third period, the Nanooks would capitalize on a U-M turnover
and cut the lead in half.  The Wolverines won a faceoff in their own zone
back to defenseman Nick Martens, but Martens lost his handle on the puck
and turned it over to Ryan McLeod, who quickly cut to the net and beat Al
Montoya between the legs 2:43 into the period.

But three minutes later the Wolverines would get the goal back on the power
play.  Andrew Ebbett handed off the puck to Eric Nystrom over in the right
circle and the captain fired a pass across the crease to Chad Kolarik
waiting at the backdoor to slam home the puck in what has become a very
familiar play for the freshman this season.

The Wolverines kept up the pressure the rest of the way and didn't allow
the Nanooks much.  Alaska Fairbanks came into this game averaging six goals
per game in the CCHA playoffs, but apparently changed their strategy
tonight to play a defensive oriented game.  UAF only mustered 13 shots on
Montoya, their best scoring chance coming in the first period when Montoya
had to go down and stack the pads to stop a few whacks on the doorstep.

Michigan will face the winner of the Ohio State/Michigan State semifinal
contest, which the Buckeyes currently lead 1-0 in the first period,
tomorrow night at 7:35 p.m. ET.  The game can be seen on Fox Sports Detroit.

--------------------------
INJURY UPDATE
--------------------------

Senior forward David Moss did not play tonight.  Moss bruised a calf and
was questionable all week for the game.  A fan on USCHO reported seeing
Moss up in the stands yesterday during the CCHA quarterfinal games walking
on crutches.  I don't know if he'll play tomorrow, but right now it sounds
doubtful.

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

That's all for now...

Go Blue!

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

The first game of the CCHA Super Six is over and for the second week in a
row Alaska Fairbanks showed that they didn't travel 4,000 miles to go home
early.  The Nanooks took care of CCHA Player of the Year goaltender Tuomas
Tarkki and his Northern Michigan Wildcats, 6-3, this evening at Joe Louis
Arena and will face No. 1 seeded Michigan tomorrow afternoon.  The puck
drops at 4:35pm ET and the game can be seen on Fox Sports Detroit.

The second quarterfinal match between Michigan State and Nebraska-Omaha is
just getting underway.  The winner will take on Ohio State in the late game.

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

Speaking of those CCHA Awards, Eric Nystrom was the lone Wolverine winner
last night taking home the trophy for Best Defensive Forward.  He is the
third consecutive Wolverine to win the award, following Jed Ortmeyer and
Dwight Helminen before him.

And T.J. Hensick has been named one of 10 finalists for the Hobey Baker
Memorial Award given annually to the nation's top college hockey player.

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

That's all for now...

Go Blue!

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