The Michigan Daily -Thursday, September 9, 1993 -17 Former Wolverine dons his country's colors * By CHAD A. SAFRAN DAILY SPORTS EDITOR CROMWELL,Conn.-Dave Rob- erts' thoughts were far from being fo- cused on the 1994 Olympics following a disappointing USA Cup last Decem- ber. How far? Say, the distance from Ann Arbor to the site of the games - Lillehammer, Norway. Michigan's second all-time leading point producer would complete his stand-out career for the Wolverines, before heading to St. Louis and an NHL career with the Blues, who drafted him in the sixth round of the 1989 Entry Draft. bygones be bygones." That does not mean Roberts and St. Louis GeneralManager Ron Caron have not had discussions concerning Rob- erts' future with the Blues. "We've been talking for the last couple of months," Roberts said. "It's a difficult decision to make. I'm glad I don't have to make it right now." Taylor knows that Roberts can make an impact on the club's showing in the pre-Olympic tune-ups as well as the Games themselves. "He's very versatile with lots of skill," said Taylor, who is taking a year off from his head coaching position at stead of the traditional 200' x 85' ice surface in most college and NHL are- nas. In addition, the space betweeen the back of the goal and the boards is greater. It all adds up to more of a passing game, not the more physical dumping andchasing dominantinNorthAmerica. Ifaplayeris not in shape, he'll be sitting next to the oxygen tank rather than rushing the puck up the ice. "I like the bigger rink more," Rob- erts said. "It is much more open." Despite his hockey tools, Roberts was still a bit apprehensive when the coaches came to the players' rooms at the hotel to announce the roster. in plus-minus rating and was Michigan's steadiest performer. Neaton was not one of the 25 who remained at the team's home base in Cromwell on Aug. 11. "It was sad to see him go," said Roberts, who roomed with Neaton at theteamhotelfromAug. 3-10."Ithought Pat had a chance. It had to be a difficult decision for the coaches to make. I wouldn't want to choose." Despite being nearly five months removed from Michigan's 4-3 loss to Maine in this year'sNCAAfmals, Rob- erts is still reminded of his final colle- giate game. However, Roberts may get to meet one of his former teammates in Lillehammer for an on-ice reunion.- Former Michigan captain and defenseman David Harlock, who played from 1989-1993 with Roberts, is trying out for Team Canada "It would be great to play against Dave," Roberts said. "I always enjoy playing against people I know and I don't let up." And while it may be boring to sit in a Holiday Inn in Connecticut, some- times Roberts does allow himself to think about the situation he has entered. "When you sit back and think about it, it's a pretty special event. It's another stepping stone; another challenge to look forward to." . Dave Roberts has made his personal past mental history and perhaps if he can continue to improve, he will help Team USA make hockey history. Tell these advertisers you saw their ad on CAR PAGE VI±1 ;b'1 AT "WHERE SHOPPING ENDS AND BUYING BEGINS" DOUGLAS KANTERIDaly Dave Roberts looks to continue the success he enjoyed at Michigan as he prepares for the 1994 Olympic hockey team. The games are being staged in Lillehammer, Norway. PROMPT & DEPENDABLE . J However, something happened on the way to the Gateway City. Roberts putthe differences thatarose with Team USA coach Tim Taylor dur- ing the USA Cup behind him and de- cided to attend USA Hockey's Olympic training camp at the Tri-Town Sports Center in Cromwell, Conn. Following eight days of practices and various workouts, Roberts remained as one of 25 players selected to play for the U.S. in its pre-Olympic schedule from a pre-camp roster of 36. This all but assured him of a spot on the squad which willrepresent the Red, Whiteand Blue in February. "You can't make decisions based on emotions," Roberts said. "You have to look athow beneficial itcan be andhow much growth can occur. You have to let Yale. "He's comfortabale on the power play. He could be a real force." Yet Roberts and Taylor realize Michigan's all-time assist leader can improve on some skills between now and February. "I need to work on my skating," Roberts said. "He needs to work on his tenacity," Taylor added. What has given Roberts an advan- tage over many of his fellow teammates is his physical conditioning. After work- ing out all summer, he is undoubtedly in the best shape of his life, a huge asset in the international game. If college hockey rinks were your front lawn, then the international sur- face would be a farmer's field. For the Olympics, the rink is 200' x 100' in- "It is a sense of relief not to get cut. I tried out in 1992, so I know what it feels like tobecutand Ican handle itjust a little bit better." One former Wolverine who discov- ered how it feels to be cut is PatNeaton. Last season, Neaton was a first-team all-CCHA defenseman who led the team Why? The "Maine" reason - six Black Bears dot the roster. "We joke about it a bit," Roberts said. "But you don't dwell on it. It is one thing you dream of and I don't know if you ever get over it. Wehadpretty good back-to-back years." r iii i VIII Mechanical Service & Collision Repairs on ALL MAKES & MODELS INCLUDING HEAVY TRUCKS & DIESELS -Service Shuttle Bus Available The Chief E " Z Liner Body & Frame Alignment System one of the most advanced equipment designs available I LOW COST AUTO RENTALS & LEASING I SPECIAL RATES " " Commuter Transsortation Co. Metro Airport Service r r=r rr r i r"r"""i" "" i""i"" " i . 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Stewart, 21, was elected co-captain along with Brian Wiseman for the up- coming campaign. "Cam will always be a credit to Michigan. Wereally hatetoloseaplayer of Stewart's status and experience," Michigan head coach Red Berenson said. "He would have been a great senior leader for us." The Waterloo, Ont., native was Boston's second pick, 63rd overall in the 1990 NHL Entry Draft. Stewart amassed 20 goals and 38 assists in 39 games last season. His total of58 points placed him third on the club and eighth The5'11",195-poundwingerplayed in 127 games over his three-year career with the Wolverines, amassing 41 goals and77 assists for 118points, togo along with 297 penalty minutes. "The team faces a big challenge CALL NOW FOR INFORMATION AND RESERVATIONS! *Located in baggage claim areas of Detroit Metropolitan Airport *Prompt service to and from the Michigan Union and the Detroit Metropolitan Airport TOYOTA VOLVO. 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