10 - The Michigan Daily - Wednesday, February 16, 2000 'M' hockey thrives on Dekers' support Michigan hockey fans seem to be unlike any other fans in the country - this has already been established. With their raucous cheers and undying loyalty, the Yost Ice Arena faithful put their hearts on the line week in and week out. But there are a few patrons whose enthusiasm extends beyond the confines of the Wolverines' home rink. The mem- bers of the Dekers Blue Line Club live and breathe Michigan hockey. They unite in support of the Wolverines often following the team to distant locales and bringing an element of the Michigan spirit with them. "We're all just hockey lovers and we love Michigan hockey," said Dekers club president Dave Linebaugh, who has been a season ticket holder since Yost became an ice rink in 1974. Linebaugh is not alone in his support. The Dekers boast members from all walks of life - including fans like Otto Myznir who came to the United States from Austria only ten years ago. Since skiing, not hockey, is Austria's most prominent sport, Myznir wasn't a fan until he arrived in Ann Arbor. But now, by self-admission, Myznir is hooked on the sport. Through the Dekers Club, Myznir and his family have formed a strong bond with the Michigan hockey program. The club - founded in 1962- was organized to support the Michigan hockey program through financial and event contri- butions. "There's a lot of history behind the club," Michigan coach Red Berenson said. "They're a huge support group. They're hockey fans and a lot of them will go on the road with us. "The team understands that these people are more than just fans - they're big supporters of the program., They're just tremendous." The volunteer, non-profit organization raises funds through the 50/50 raffle held during home hockey games, banquets and fundraisers. All the money goes to benefit the Wolverines. For example, this past year the club endowed a hockey scholarship. JESSICA JOHNSON/Daily Michigan goalie Josh Blackbum is one of the many beneficiaries of the Dekers Blue ine Club's support. But perhaps more importantly, the Dekers enjoy a close rela- tionship with Michigan coach Red Berenson and his team. They also organize events such as a golf outing, the senior banquet and Dekers fun night at Yost. This past weekend, ninety members turned out to have break- fast with the coach. Berenson-addressed the crowd, as did CCHA Commisioner Tom Anastos. Though attendees peppered Anastos with ques- tions including debating questionable refereeing calls, when Berenson spoke he had everyone's attention. In return, the coach awarded his fans the same respect, divulging his thoughts on a variety of topics from the team's upcoming playoff run to the recent resignation of Michigan ath- letic director Tom Goss. "We see a lot of the Dekers at (my weekly) radio show," Berenson said. "I feel like I know most of them and they've done a great job. Everyone has a different reason for liking hockey whether it's the speed, the action, the contact and so on. But it's hard to enjoy a baseball game or a basketball game after you've been to a hockey game." For the Dekers, Berenson's statement holds a lot of truth. These Michigan fans are hockey fans for life. Arbitrator rules against Sanders DETROIT (AP) - The Detroit Lions were awarded some - but not all - of the money they wanted returned from retired running back Barry Sanders. Sam Kagel, an NFL arbitrator, ruled yesterday that Sanders must pay back $1.83 million of his $11 million signing bonus. For the Lions to get the rest of it, they have to wait - and Sanders must stay retired. The Lions wanted Sanders to return $5.5 million of the bonus he got in 1997. He played two years of a six- year contract before shocking the football world by abruptly walking away from the game July 28, on the eve of training camp. "We have contended all along that just because you've retired you don't owe the entire amount back," Sanders' agent David Ware said after the ruling was handed down. "He ruled consistent with our position." Sanders hasn't paid any money back yet. "Barry is retired," Ware said. "As long as the circumstances remain what they are, he will remain retired." Gophers' star center Pryzbilla suspended MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Just a day after being selected Big Ten Player of the Week, Minnesota center Joel Przybilla was suspended indefinitely from the team for failing to meet academic requirements, Minnesota coach Dan Monson said during practice yesterday. Monson did not immediately specify what standards Przybilla did not meet, other than to say the sophomore 7-footer fell short of team rules in several areas. Przybilla did not attend practice. Monson said the suspension will last as long as the problem exists. "There's a definite lack of commit- ment," Monson said. "There's more than one thing. But I'm not going to elaborate much more than that. It's an academic thing. He's got to commit to academics or he's not going to be a part of this." Monson said he had previously dis- cussed the problem with Przybilla, who was named Big Ten Player of the Week on Monday for a 33-point, 14-rebound effort in the Gophers' upset win against Indiana..The sophomore was averaging 17 points and I . rebounds in Big Ten play this season. 0 -C, Cl 404f iront beacn ra panama city, fI 32413 850.234.6644 www. ho II ow ayh o use .com 1.800.346.4709 Hear about: *THE JOB SCENE IN BOOK PUBLISHING *ELECTRONIC PUBLISHING - WHAT'S THERE FOR YOU -GETTING PUBLISHED - TO BE AN AUTHOR IN TODAY'S BOOK WORLD SELLING AND MARKETING BOOKS & BOOK PRODUCTS Get an insider's view of the publishing world. How do you go about getting an inter- view - and a job? 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Lost 1 Won 2 Lost 2 LLat 5 Last I Last I WVun I HOME AWAY SK 18-i 20 Wn4 214 15-7 Wor:n4 19. 11- 15iWon2 15-8 1612 Won .i 21.5 3-14 Won i 717 5-18 Last 3 8.16 1-22 Lest 7 Yotcru~ty', tv-wlm (liarloitte 95, P1) IAD FITI hA 93 TORO.NTO 9 1, Nov York 70 A11.A\NT.- 105, New Jcr*xyS (i f\Ami92 SinAntmn*i8I MIAMhI 107, LA Clitpv" LA LikcrsMS.iI u:A o 76 Itt-rawerat NMINNFN iTA, late M1viiikee at 1x.Alatre Ikttia iO IU-TO N, late Kitnat AIIlt:\-telt ponurlaik at Glj)Fi'uN St:, late Ready to Live, Learn and Earn in the most magical place on earth? Then become part of the Walt Disney World College Program. It's your opportunity to spend a semester making friends, making magic and making a difference. February 23,2oo 6:oo pm St.-Cisa. Detroit Nash illy Chi"Iu. 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