4B - Monday, December 4, 2006
The Michigan Daily - michigandaily.com
CONTACT TO THE HEAD
NOTABLE QUOTABLE
"We were joking about it in between
periods. We figured out that Hunwick
and I were the only two ones who were
actually still healthy going into the third
period. We were trying to find wood to
knock on as much as we could."
- Michigan freshman STEVE KAMPFER when
asked if the defensemen were wondering
who would get injured next on Saturday.
PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Andrew Cogliano
MICHIGAN
The sophomore followed up his first-
career hat trick on Friday with a two-goal
effort, including the eventual game-winner,
on Saturday. Cogliano's twelve goals are
the second most for a Michigan player this
season.
TREVOR CAMPBELL/Daily
THE 'RED' LINE
In a system named for legendary coach Red Berenson, the
Daily hockey writers rate the Wolverines on their perfor-
mance in each of four areas. (Rated out of 4 pucks)
OFFENSE
On riday night, the pucks eret
going in. n Saturday, they ere.
Western Michigan goalie Riley Gill
deserves credit for repeatedly stop-
ping point-blank Michigan shots.
Nate Sandals
DEFENSE
You have to give the 'D' props
for sticking it out with just three
lines Saturday during the great
injury pandemic. Friday, how-
ever, left much to be desired.
Amber Colvin
GOALTENDING
Controversy? After Sauer gave up
13 goals over two games, Jakiel
made his first career start in a tough
road environment and some saves
that kept Michigan in the game.
Ian Robinson
SPECIAL TEAMS
The power play found its legs
again, scoring on four of its 12
chances this weekend. The penalty
kill also showed offensive prowess,
scoring a key short-handed goal.
James V. Dowd
IN THE STANDS
Western Michigan's sports marketing depart-
ment violated a few "fan laws" on Saturday night.
- Thundersticks
- Attaching sparkly tassels to the thundersticks
The Lawson Lunatics were loud enough with-
out the assistance of noisemakers.
BY THE NUMBERS
11 Seasons since Michigan lost to
Western Michigan at Yost Ice
Arena, before Friday's 6-3 loss.
SATURDAY'S BOX SCORE
Michigan 6, Western Michigan 5
M ich igan ................................................................... 1 3 2 - 6
W estern M ich igan ................................................ 2 1 2 - 5
FIRST PERIOD
1. MICH Brian Lebie 5 (Brandon Naurato, Matt Hunwick) 2:49. 2. WMU
Patrick Galivan 3 (unassisted) 3:37. 3. WMU Brett John 1 (Jonathan Lupa)
16:37. Penalties - Jason Moul, WMU (hooking)0:46; Matt Clackson,
WMU (cross-checking) 2:37; Jason Bailey, MICH (charging) 3:58; Matt
Hunwick, MICH (obstruction-tripping) 11:10; Brett John, WMU (obstruc-
tion-holding)14:27.
SECOND PERIOD
4. WMU Jason Moul1(Jeff LoVecchio, Nathan Ansell)11:39 5. MICH David
Rohlfs 10(T. J. Hensick)i15:02.6. MICH Andrew Coglianoe11 (T. J. Hensick,
chad Kolaik)1713. 7. Kevin Porter 13 (Chad Kolarik, T. J. Hensick)i19:14.
Penalties - Brian Lebler, MICH (cross-checking)5:13; Matt Hunwick, MICHi
(interference)9:43; Tim Miller (cross-checking ATW)I13:33; Jonathan Lupa,
WMU ttppine)l16:0v;Tle Ldig, WMU (hokng) 1753; Mtt iunwick,
MICH Jleshing)1 8:04 Matt Clacksn, WMU slshe) 18 04H
THIRD PERIOD
8. WMU Jeff Pierce 5 (Tyler Ludwig, Mark Letestu) 7:31. 9. MICH Brandon
Naurato 5(T. J. Hesick)11:29.10:MICH Andrew Cogiano s12(Chad Kolarik,.
Tim Miller)12:11.11. WMU Mark Letestu 8 (Jeff LoVecchio, Jeff Piere)J
13:31. Penalties - Jason Bailey, MICH (cross-checking) 5:24; Chris Frank,
WMU (high-sticking) 5:24; Chris Summers, MICH (high-sticking)12:23;
Brett John, WMU (high-sticking)12:23; Travis Turnbull, MICH (high-stick-
ing) 12:23; Patrick Galivan, WMU (high-sticking) 12:23; Danny Fardig, MICH
(10-minute misconduct)12:23; Chris Clackson, WMU (10-minute miscon-
duct)12:23; Chris Frank, WMU (hitting after whistle)18:24; Team, WMU
(too many men on ice)19:39.
htsgoal:MICH 11-1112-34 WMU 1013 629 Power plys: M CH 3 r 1 )WMU
1-l-S. Saes MICHSteeiski.( -124-24;WMUR:y3 G(100-10
- 28. Referee See Potosk. Atendneee3600.
Friday's Game
WESTERN MICHIGAN 6 - MICHIGAN 3
Saturday's Game
MICHIGAN 6 - WESTERN MICHIGAN 5
Wild wild Western
Freshman wins in first career start
By AMBER COLVIN
Daily Sports Writer
KALAMAZOO - Since the start
of the season, Michigan coach Red
Berenson has emphasized that sopho-
more Billy Sauer is Michigan's start-
ing goalie, hands down, no questions
asked.
When Sauer allowed five goals in
one period in last weekend's 8-2 loss
at No. 1 Minnesota, he stayed planted
between the pipes.
When an inferior Western Michi-
gan squad fired five pucks past Sauer
Friday night, he never got sent to the
bench.
But Saturday at Lawson Ice Arena,
freshman Steve Jakiel got the starting
nod over Sauer as the Wolverines took
a second stab at defeating the Broncos.
"Too many goals against," Beren-
son said of his choice to bench Sauer.
"Whether Billy was tired, or whether
he wasn't sharp ... when you give up
13 goals in two games, you've got to
look for ways to improve. Jakiel hasn't
played. We had to find out if he can
help this team."
After the loss at Minnesota, Beren-
son said he kept Sauer in for the entire
game because he didn't want to send
Jakiel out to the charks for his first
real playing time. The Santa Clarita,
Calif., native's only experience this
season had been a third period against
cupcake opponent Alabama-Hunts-
ville, when he faced just eight shots.
Now the rookie netminder has a
full game under his belt.
It wasn't a perfect first outing; Five
of the 29 shots the Broncos fired his
way made it past him. But Jakiel still
worked his way to a road win that the
Wolverines desperately needed after
two straight losses.
His most spectacular save of the
night came in the third period with
Michigan clinging to a 5-4 lead. West-
ern Michigan'sBrianBicekthreatened
in the slot, swooping from right to left.
But Jakiel stuck his right skate out and
denied Bicek's attempt.
Thirteen seconds after Jakiel
stoned Bicek on the doorstep in a
potentially game-tying play, Michigan
got the insurance goal it needed from
sophomore Andrew Cogliano's one-
timer from the blue line.
"He made some huge saves for us in
the last seven minutes," alternate cap-
tain T.J. Hensick said. "You're going
to have some butterflies putting on the
uniform for the first time, playing on
the road. You got to give your hats off
to him. He made some big saves when
he needed to."
Theraucous crowdsatsLawsondidn't
make things any easier for Jakiel in
his first career start. Fans yelled at
ear-splitting levels every chance they
could, and when the Broncos put any
form of offensive pressure on, the
"Lawson Lunatics" lived up to their
name.
But with two years of experience
in the United States Hockey League
backing him up, Jakiel wasn't fazed.
Michigan sophomore Billy Sauer didn't start Saturday after allowing13 goals in two games.
When asked about the pressures of like this."
having his first career start in a hos- With Berenson's steadfast belief in
tile road environment, the goaltender Sauer as his starting goaltender, it's
laughed it off doubtful that Jakiel will get to start
"It was all right," Jakiel said. "I've again soon, especially with No. 5
played juniors for a couple of years and Notre Dame waiting in the wings.
there have been some rowdy barns. So But at least Berenson has an option
I was kind of used to it. It was a good now if Sauer looks less than invincible
experience. I like playing on the road in the crease.
Consistent Cogliano continues to create goals
By IAN ROBINSON
Daily Sports Writer
KALAMAZOO - One man was responsible for
Michigan's offense Friday night.
Sophomore Andrew Cogliano notched his first
career hat trick in the embar-
rassing 6-3 home loss to NOTEBOOK
Western Michigan.
"That's too bad (that), in a
losing cause, (Cogliano) had a strong game," Beren-
son said.
Coming off an 8-2 loss to Minnesota in the final
game of the College Hockey Showcase, the Wolver-
ines returned to Yost Ice Arena with a chance to
rebound.
"We took them too lightly," alternate captain
Jason Dest said.
Cogliano was one of the players who didn't look
past the Broncos.
He attacked the net all night long, earning his
first two goals on rebounds and his third on a feed
from junior Chad Kolarik.
"My third goal brought the team up a bit, but we
couldn't do it," Cogliano said.
After his third goal, Michigan had some good
chances to tie the game before Western Michigan
extended its lead to two.
Cogliano continued his offensive exploits on
Saturday night with another two goals, including
the game-winner on a rebound midway through
the third period. His five-goal weekend is the most
goals in a weekend by a single player since Jeff
Tambellini scored five against Miami in Nov. 2004.
Cogliano's hat trick is Michigan's fourth this
year - its most since 2003-04.
INJURY REPORT: Michigan coach Red Berenson
called it "old-time hockey."
T.J. Hensick called it "adversity."
Tim Cook called it a "test."
The trainer might call it "working overtime."
All four would be valid ways to describe Michi-
gan's injury situation in Saturday's win over West-
ern Michigan.
Defenseman Jack Johnson led the pack into the
trainer's room. The sophomore didn't return to the
ice after the first intermission because ofa shoulder
injury.
The blue line sustained another injury when
alternate captain Jason Dest dislocated his shoul-
der early in the second period.
"We'll have to wait and get official X-rays and
whatnot, but they're definitely hurt," Berenson
said.
At the end of the first period, defenseman Chris
Summers was checked into an open door in the
Western Michigan bench. He experienced some
numbness in his arm during the first intermission,
but feeling returned by the second period and so did
he.
Defenseman Mark Mitera played with a cast on
his right wrist.
Because players on a hockey team cycle in and
out of the game constantly, having Summers return
to the lineup and Mitera playing through the pain
proved important with the loss of more Wolver-
ines' blue liners. By the end of the game, just two of
Michigan's six regular defenders were completely
healthy.
In addition to the new injuries from Saturday
night's game, other Wolverines are still suffering
from lingering injuries.
Sophomore Brandon Naurato, who had a goal
and an assist Saturday night, continues to show the
effects of getting hit above the foot with a puck in
last week's loss to Minnesota. After the game, the
Livonia native limped to the bus.
FORTY YEARS OF PIM: The black-shirted student
section at Lawson Ice Arena erupted about eight
minutes before puck drop as people emerged from
the locker room.
Was the team coming on the ice? No.
Was it the mascot, Buster Bronco? No.
It was the penalty-box attendants.
The penalty-box attendants?
Bill Saunders emerged from the underbelly of the
arena in a black blazer with a gold CCHA logo to
repeated chants of "Bill, Bill, Bill."
The Marine City native turned Kalamazoo
celebrity has sat in the Western Michigan penalty
box since 1966. Saunders has become a hero to the
Lawson Lunatics for his overall demeanor and for
giving pucks to students before the game and in
between periods.
"When I was afreshman, I didn'tknowwhatthey
were cheering about," Western Michigan sopho-
more Matt Baron said. "When you get to know him,
he is one of the coolest guys at Western."
Saunders was playing in a city hockey league in
the early 1960s when the Western Michigan offi-
cials asked the league if anybody wanted to work
Broncos games as minor officials. Saunders worked
a Friday night game and has been involved with the
program ever since.
In recognition of Saunders's service to the pro-
gram, Western Michigan named its award for the
player with the highest plus-minus total after him.
Whenhe's notinthe penalty box, Saundersworks
on his apple and grape farm. He played in the Kal-
amazoo senior hockey league until 1996.
WE'RE ALL GOING STREAKING: Junior Kevin Porter
extended his point streak to 13 games with a power
play goal on a rebound in front of the net in the final
minute of the second period. The reigning CCHA
Player of the Month has tallied 24 points over that
period. His current run is Michigan's longest since
Andy Hilbert's 16-gamer in 2000-01.
I
'M' STATS
GP G A Pts
Player
+/- PIM |ISht
Hensick 17 7 26 33 +9 14 39
Porter 17 13 16 29 +10 8 62
Kolarik 17 11 12 23 +6 12 74
Cogliano
Rohlfs
Johnson
Miller
Naurato
Lebler
Hunwick
Mitera
Cook
Dest
Ward
Kampfer
Turnbull
Fardig
Summers
Bailey
17
17
16
17
16
12
10
6
3
5
10
10
7
6
3
22
20
13
9
8
+1
+13
+10
+6
0
10
6
33
33
4
35
39
47
25
40
BRONCOS
From page 1B
after salvaging a split in the home-and-
home series with the Broncos.
"Even though we lost Jack Johnson
and Jason Dest for the third period,
I thought our guys really dug in and
played hard," Michigan coach Red
Berenson said.
How depleted were the Wolver-
ines? When the night started, the
visitors' bench was as crowded as the
CCHA STANDINGS
Team CCHA Overall
1. Miami 9-3-0 13-5-0
2. Michigan 8-3-0 12-5-0
3. Notre Dame 6-2-1 11-3-1
4. Ohio State 5-5-2 5-8-3
5. Alaska 4-2-3 6-3-4
Lake Superior 5-4-1 10-5-1
Michigan State 5-5-1 7-7-1
Nebraska-Omaha 5-6-1 6-7-4
Western Michigan 5-7-1 6-7-1
10. Northern Michigan 4-5-1 7-8-2
11. Ferris State 2-8-1 4-10-1
12. Bowline Green 1-7-0 3-10-1
state penitentiary. By the time the
game reached its climax, the remain-
ing eight players on the Michigan
bench had all the room of the presi-
dential suite at the Ritz.
Senior Tim Cook, who had been
penciled into the lineup as a forward,
returned to defense for the second and
third periods.
It was lucky enough that Cook could
even skate after struggling with back
spasms all week. It was even more for-
tunate that he has the talent and expe-
rience to step in at defense whenever
-- -
17
17
17
12
17
9
14
17
17
17
17
5
0
I
0
0
0
1
0
0
2
7
6
4
3
3
1
1
2
2
0
6
4
3
3
12
2
2
a
-3
+5
+3
+3
+1
+3
+1
-4
0
+3
-9
22
24
18
2
12
0
6
24
20
28
25
31
24
4
7
6
9
31
17
14
Pts
18
16
13
12
11
11
11
11
11
9
5
2
AROUND
THE CCHA
Friday's results:
Western Michigan 6, MICHIGAN 3
MicHIGAN STATE 4, Ohio State1
Nebraska-Omaha 4, BOWuNG
GREEN1
LAKESUPERIRi2, Northern Michigan0
MIAMI 5, Ferris State 3
Saturday's results:
Michigan 6, WESTERN MICHIGAN 5
Nebraska-Omaha 7, BOWUNG
GREEN1
NOTREcGAME 3-Alaska 1
Ohio Stale 4, MICHIGAN STATE 1
MIAMI7,-Ferris State 2
LAKE SUPERIOR S, Northern Michigan 2
'Home teams in caps
necessary.
"It was kind of hectic for the first
little bit," freshman defenseman Steve
Kampfer said. "That was a big help
with (Cook) in the lineup, coming back
and giving us an extra defenseman.
With all the guys dropping (out) it was
a big help."
A night after they admittedly took
a mediocre Bronco squad "too lightly"
in a 6-3 loss, the Wolverines came out
fast, getting on the board less than
three minutes into the game.
But unlike previous games when a
fast start has led to runaway Michigan
victories, the Broncos held tough and
their physical style of play wore down
the Wolverines.
Western Michigan, which seemed
to skate a bit harder on Saturday after
winning its first game in Ann Arbor
since 1995 the previous night, scored
the game's next three goals and led 3-
1 with five minutes remaining in the
second period.
Maybe it was fitting that, on a night
when the Wolverines were perpetually
short-handed, it was a man-down goal
that turned the tide.
In a turn of events befitting the
game's frenetic flow, Michigan (8-3-
0 CCHA, 12-5-0 overall) seized the
momentum just when the Broncos
should have put the game away.
After suppressingsustainedWestern
Michigan power-play pressure, seniors
T.J. Hensick and David Rohlfs had a
2-on-1 counterattack. Hensick slid the
puck across ice to Rohlfs, who patiently
moved the puck to his backhand before
depositing it past Bronco goalie Riley
Gill for the short-handed tally.
The assist was one of Hensick's
career-high four on the evening.
Before Western Michigan could
blink, the Wolverines had added two
more goals, both on the power play,
and turned a 3-1 deficit into a 4-3 lead
heading into the second intermission.
"The power play definitely gave us
a spark," Berenson said. "They got a
spark in the game and then it was any-
one's game."
The Broncos (5-7-1, 6-7-1) tied the
score early in the third period when
junior Jeff Pierce deflected a point shot
past Jakiel.
Unwilling to be swept by the Bron-
cos for the first time in two decades,
Michigan stormed back with sopho-
mores Brandon Naurato and Andrew
Cogliano scoring goals less than a
minute apart.
Cogliano's goal, the eventual game-
winner, was his second of the game
and fifth on the weekend.
On a night where so many factors
seemed to go against Michigan, Hen-
sick summed up the result, simply say-
ing with a shrug, "We found a way."
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