4B - The Michigan Daily - September 6, 2000 - SportsWednesday Icers still strong despite loss of star center Comrie 2000-2001 MICHIGAN HOCKEY SCHEI Sept. 29 Blue/Wh ite (Ex) 7:35 pm Sept. 30 WfilfEredaurer (Ex) 7:05 p.m. ICE BREAKER TOURN. Anrt Arbor) Oct. Midhigan vs. Colgate 8:35 p.m. By Joe Smith Daily Sports Writer A single player doesn't make a team. Even if that player is Mike Comrie. Despite losing their leading scorer just three weeks before classes began, the Michigan hockey team is still the favorite to repeat as CCHA conference champions. Comrie, a 1999 draft pick of the Edmonton Oilers, elected to forego his junior year at Michigan to play Major Juniors in an attempt to become an unrestricted NHL free agent. Instead of donning maize and blue this fall, Comrie will be a member of the West- ern Hockey League's Kootenay Ice in Cranbrook, British Columbia. "Mike's a great player, probably one of the best skill players who ever played at Michigan," Michigan coach Red Berenson said. "But he decided not to come back. I'm disappointed but we have to move on and not worry about what could have been. I like the returning team just as much now as I did before Comrie made the decision." Returning is a talented crop of seniors who tasted success as fresh- men, winning the national champi- onship in 1998. After two straight years of coming one game short of the Frozen Four, these Wolverines are hun- gry to return to title form. With the leading scorer gone, Beren- son feels that it won't be just one play- er who picks up the slack and puts the puck in the net, rather five senior for- wards in particular. Captain Geoff Koch and assistant captain Scott Matzka came on strong when it counted last season, and will be expected to do more of the same this year. Koch netted three game win- ning goals last year, including the over- time thriller against Colgate in the NCAA first round that kept the Wolverine's season alive. Matzka notched six points in the postseason, and had three game-winners in the sea- son of his own. Senior forward Josh Langfield is no stranger to pressure situations. He scored the overtime goal that clinched the team's last national title in 1998. Not to be forgotten is sophomore Andy Hilbert, who had an impressive freshman campaign, ranking third on the team in scoring. Scoring goals may not be such a necessity with the experienced and intimidating group that will be behind the blue line this season. "We'll be better on defense even with the loss of (senior Sean) Peach cause of the experience of the return- crs," Berenson said. All-American junior Jeff Jillson decided not to go pro this offseason and returns after a solid year where he teamed up with now senior and assis- tant.captain Dave Huntzicker to make up for a depleted front line. The Wolverines lost three defensermen before last season, including their cap- tain Mike Van Ryn to Major Juniors, and the two stepped up their level of play to hold their opponents in check. Huntzicker will return to his post at defense after spraining his knee in his first shift of the Wolverine's overtime win over Colgate. Three new recruits have also been added to add depth to the blue line, including 6-4, 240 pound Mike Komisarek, who is expected to receive ample ice time this season. If lined up with Jeff Jillson, it could be a scary combination. "Side by side they're like bookends," Berenson said. "It would be interesting to see them lined up together." Coaches and teammates alike notice the potential of the new recruit, but realize it will take time for him to develop. "Komisarek has the tools to be a solid Division I dcfenseman,"Berenson said. He has the size and talent, but it will take time to make the adjustment." The Wolverines will be facing the longest and largest schedule in team history, possibly having to face three of the four finalists in the NCAA Frozen Four. This includes October 6-7 when thev host the Ice Breaker Tournament. Defending NCAA champion North Dakota will be entering Yost, along with a Colgate team that will use revenge as its motivational tool when it faces the Wolverines in the first game. "We're really going to be up against it," Berenson said. "All eyes will be set on that game. There's no question they'll come in with revenge in mind." For the second year in a row, the Wolverines will open the season in September, not leaving a lot of time for practice before their first test on the 30th against Wilfred Laurier. "It will challenge our team early" Berenson said. "We'll find out what kind of team we are and what kind of team we have to be. "It'll be a great challenge, but I'm certainly not afraid of it and I don't think the players are either. I think they look forward to the challenge." Jan. 20 at Western Michigan 7:05 p.m. Jan. 23 Notre Dame 7:05 p.m. Jan. 27 Michigan State 7:35 p.m. (Detroit, Mich.) Feb. 2 at Nebraska Omaha 7:05 p.m. Feb 3 at Nebraska Omaha 705 p.m. Feb. 9 Northern Michigan 7:35 p.m. Feb. 10 Northern Michigan 7:05 p.m. Feb. 16 Notre Dame 7:35 p.m. Feb 17 Michigan State 7:35 p.m (Detroit' Feb 22 at Lake Superior 7:05 p.m. Feb 24 Lake Superior 7:35 p.m. (Detroit) Mar 2 at Michigan State 7:05 p.m. Mar 9-11 CCHA First Round Series Mar 13 CCHA Play-In Game Mar. 16-17 CCHA Championship (Detroit) Mar 23-24 NCAA East Regional (Worcester. Mass.) Mar. 24-25 NCAA West Regional (Grand Rapids) Apr. 5-7 NCAA Frozen Four (Albany N Y.) 4 NSSAN C errimack5 5 laska-Ancholr (Anchorai )M. Oct20 atBowli Sun., Oct. 22 at Oct. 27 Miamif( Oct. 28 Miami ( Nov. 4 Mictgan Nov. 10 F :rrSl$ Nov. 11 it Fe~ri Nov. 17 Aaska-I Nov. 18 AIir.) COLLEGE HQCKJ Nov. 23 at WiscI Nov. 25 at Minn MICHIGAN ROSTER ) p.m. 05 p.m. Dec. Dec. Dec. Dec. Dec. 1 at Northern MIchigan 7:05 p.m. 2 at Northern Michigan 7:05 8 St. Lawrence 7:35 p.m. 9 St. Lawrence 7: p.m. 12 U.S. NTDP U-18 texf 705 n.m. No. Name Pos. Yr. 29 Josh Blackburn G Jr. 4 Andy Burnes D Fr. 13 Mike Cammalleri C So 7 Brad Fraser D So 3 Bob Gassoff D Sr. 19 AndyH Hlbert C So 27 Dave Huntzicker D Sr. 5 Jeff Jillson D Jr. 11 Joe Kautz RW Fr. 18 Geoff Koch LW Sr 8 Mike Komisarek D Fr. 9 Mark Kosick C Sr. 21 Josh Langfeld RW Sr. 10 Scott Matzka Rw Sr. 25 Mark Mink LW So 14 Craig Murray LW Jr. 34 Kevin O'Malley G Jr. 26 Jed Ortmeyer RW So. 23 Mike Roemensky D So. .31 L.J. Scarpace G Sr. John Shouneyia C So. 2 J.J. Swistak RW So. 22<: Bill Trainor LW Sr. 15 .! ay Vancik D Jr. 24 .David Wyzgowski LW Fr. Head Coach! Red Berenson (Michigan, '62) Associate Coach: Mel Pearson (Michigan Tech, '81) Assistant Coach: Billy Powers (Michigan, '88) GREAT LAKES If Dec. 29 Michig Boston College kL.LDt oit MI) ate 4 or 7:35 p.m. Jan. Jan. Jan. Jan. Jan. 5 Lake SuperIor 7:35 .m 6 Lake SuperIor 7:05 p 12 at Ohio State 7:05 p.m*. 13 at Ohio State 7:05 pm. 19 Western Michigan 7:35:p.m. Comrie bolts for pros, Ar Arbdr CcmeF.ry O FU "Where Service and Qualty Come First" leaves M' hanging 1224 Packard 5t Between -tote - Stadiumn (734)761-2749 MTWF: 10-6 Th,: 10-8 5at.1- Sun: 12-4 Sales, Service, anid Accessories for all makes andmodels. WAe sell CT 4t Diamondback exclusively. COMRIE Continued from Page 1B year last season to play for Sarnia of the OHL. After one year of major juniors, Van Ryn still was not signed by the Devils. According to league rules, Van Ryn should have been re- entered into the draft. Arguing that he was too old, Van Ryn sought to be an unrestricted free agent. The Devils disagreed and thought they still had the rights to the for- mer Michigan defenseman. But an arbitrator ruled in Van Ryn's favor, savine that he belonged under rules governing Major Junior players and he was awarded unre- stricted free agency from New Jer- sev. Later this summer, Van Rvn signed a three year deal with the St. Louis Blues for over three million dollars. The success of Van Ryn's deci- sion has paved the way for other players, first Maine forward Barrett Heisten and now Comrie to leave their college teams after two sea- sons to pursue free aeencv from their drafted teams. Many argue that this "Van Rvn" decision is neither good for college hockey nor the athletes, who can leave college early without pursuing their degree, and often times before they are developmentally ready for the NHL. "It's a big risk that he's taking," Berenson said of Comrie. "lie's putting himself in the position that if he wants to play in the NHL, he's only got one year to get ready. It's not cut and dry that this (decision) will help Mike Comrie." The only question is whether the risk of giving up two years of eligi- bility at Michigan, a degree, a pos- sible chance of winning a national title and developing more as a play- er under coach Red Berenson is worth playing major juniors for one year and taking the chance of becoming a free agent. While some argue that collegiate competition is a better place to develop as a player as well as a stu- dent than major juniors, Bob Torry, general manager of the Kootenay Ice, feels that the "business" of hockey is becoming more relevant and agrees with Comrie's decision. "I don't think that one league develops better than another," Torry said. "The business of hockey is so big now. Education you can always come back to. But hockey you can't play forever." While Comrie and the Wolverines go their separate ways, the contro- versy over this decision and its effects on college hockey is being heavily discussed. Problems that could arise are that many players will skip out of school after two years as a mere bargaining ploy, or even to just get away from the team that drafts them. This will lead to NHL teams being reluctant to draft college play- ers in fear that they would just jump ship and leave school early to force free agency. Comrie reported to his new team, the Kootenay Ice, on Sept. 1, but will not forget what he's leaving behind. "I'll miss the whole atmosphere," Comrie said. "Any Michigan hock- ey player will tell you how exciting it is to play all their games at Yost with the fans behind you. I'll miss my teammates that I've developed good relationships with, and I wish them well." Berenson named tUP Saskatchewan's Hall Michigan head coach Red Berenson was elected as this year's hockey- ep- resentative to the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame and Museum in his hometown of Regina. Saskatchewan on June 17th. He joins sev other idin als and °twvo Saskatchewan based teams in this years class. Other notable mniembers of the Berenson museum are former Red Wing greats G-ordie Howe and Sid Abel. "It was a nice gesture and nice to remembered since J left Regina when I was 19 years old," Berenson said. After leaving his hometown, Beren- son went on to play 1 years in the NHL for the Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers and Detroit Red Wings-- winning two Stanley Cups along the way. After retirement, lie coachedtdhe Blues for three years and won Co of the Year in 1980-81 beforeW rejoined his alma mater, the Wolver- ines, in 1984 where he has coached ever since--winning two national titles in 1996-1998. "It (award) was very thoughtful and much appreciated by me and my fami- 'v, Berenson said. Nationals possible y f ' A" school I &work is es ...when you work at the We offer: " Flexible hours to fit your class schedule * Competitive wages e A 20% discount on your textbooks and up to a 35% discount on other store merchandise! * Career opportunities for juniors and seniors through our Bestseller Management Training Program To find out more about our job opportunities, call I . REUSABLE MATERIAL AVAILABLE STUDENTS: we have SCRAPImfltor YOUR PROJECTS Friedman's Scrap Metals just a short drive from cam us 915 Maiden Lane 662-337 for two M icers The season didn't quite end in April for two Wolverines. Sophomore center Mike Cammalleri tried out for the Canadian junior national team and freshman defenseman Mike Komis- arek tried out for the United State's team. Both should find out in Decem- ber if they made their respective teamis. Canucks sign forme wolverine Morrison VANCOUVER (AP) - The Van- couver Canucks on Friday re-signed center Brendan Morrison, who was acquired from the New Jersey Devils at the tradedeadline in the deal for Alexander Mogilny. Terms were not disclosed. "We are happy to have Breno under contract and ready for our training camp in Sweden," Cain cks president and general manager Brian Burke said. "Brendan is a skilled center who played well here aftev we acquired him last season." Morrison, a 25-year-old Briiish Columbia native, played in 12 games with the Canucks after the March 14 trade, recording two goals and stn assists. He had five goals an"Ii assists in 44 games with the Devils. Morrison was one of the NHL's top rookies in 1998-99, posting~ 13 goals and 33 assists in 76 g"pes with the Devils. 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