So yesterday was a great opening day to March Madness for my bracket with the only game I missed being Purdue over Baylor. I only had Baylor into the second round anyway so I was happy.
I should have heeded Rich Rodriguez's advice from the press conference yesterday to not pat my bracket on the butt.
After only the first set of games today, I now find crap in my hands.
Thank you Gonzaga and Drake.
Gonzaga, first of all, was pathetic losing to one skinny twelve year old in Stephen Curry who dropped 40. Don't get me wrong, this was one of the toughest first round games for me to pick because of that aformentioned skinny twelve year old who is a phenom. But, I decided that he alone could not beat Gonzaga. For a majority of the game I was right, until that is Mark Few's terrible coaching. With Gonzaga still in control midway through the second half, Davidson started to go on a run. I was thinking "timeout" for FOUR STRAIGHT possessions, but Mark Few refused to call one resulting in Davidson's first lead of the half. Way to go coach.
And by the way, I had Gonzaga all the way in the elite eight. A stretch, maybe, but I think Georgetown is extremely overrated and thought Gonzaga would beat them. Now Davidson will have that opportunity and I think they have a good shot. They push the ball up the floor extremely quick offensively and with Stephen Curry, even though he looks like a 12 year old, Davidson will always have a shot.
Then, to continue the crapping on my hand, Drake decided to struggle for a majority of their game. But, as the second half clock was nearing under 6 minutes, they orchestrated one of the smartest comebacks I have ever seen. The defense was unable to stop Brazelton and WKU's quick offense, so even with 5-6 minutes left in the game, they started to press and foul WKU. This finally got their offense out of rhythm and allowed Drake to creep all the way back. Most of the time when you think comeback, you think of a team going on a quick run. Not this one. There was no 2 minute scoring run. This was a carefully orchestrated comeback getting the opposing offense out of rhythm and allowing their own offense to come along slowly. Hats off to the Keno Davis and the coaching staff for the comeback and to the players for executing the plan perfectly. Then I had to leave when overtime started for a meeting and I was feeling pretty good that my Sweet 16 pick Drake would pull it out. I just got back to my computer to see a game-winning three pointer with time expiring by WKU nullified the great Bulldog comeback. This was the big crap in my hands as another Sweet 16 team was knocked out AND I did not even get to see the game-winning three with time expiring.
I guess we all learn our lessons. Lesson here, "In Rod we trust." I was stupid enough to pat my bracket on the butt after yesterday even after going to Rod's presser and hearing his quote. Well now I have experienced getting crap on your hand and I have learned my lesson.
I hope you all learn your lesson too. Never be proud of your bracket. You WILL regret it.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Michigan Baseball Postponed Again
Michigan Baseball's game against the IPFW Mastodons today, scheduled for a 3:05 start, has been canceled due to "expected inclement weather." Basically, the snow is supposed to start falling in the early afternoon, and by the time Michigan would be taking the field, they would have most likely been trudging through five-eight inches of snow -- now that's what I call some inclement weather. No make-up date has been announced, and their next game will be the make-up of their last postponed game (the would-have-been Wednesday home opener) to be played on Monday, March 24th, at 3:05 against Oakland. You'll be able to listen to the game live on the WCBN sports stream.
UPDATE: The IPFW Game has been rescheduled for 3:05 on Wednesday, March 26th. This means that Michigan is slated to play games Monday (Oakland - Makeup from 3/19), Tuesday (Bowling Green), Wednesday, Friday (Iowa), Saturday (Doubleheader vs Iowa) and Sunday (Iowa). First of all, it's doubtful that all those games will be played due to weather. However, how can Michigan get through all those games with their current rotation? Some starters are going to have to step up and pitch deep into games or Michigan will have a depleted bullpen headed into Big 10 play.
UPDATE: The IPFW Game has been rescheduled for 3:05 on Wednesday, March 26th. This means that Michigan is slated to play games Monday (Oakland - Makeup from 3/19), Tuesday (Bowling Green), Wednesday, Friday (Iowa), Saturday (Doubleheader vs Iowa) and Sunday (Iowa). First of all, it's doubtful that all those games will be played due to weather. However, how can Michigan get through all those games with their current rotation? Some starters are going to have to step up and pitch deep into games or Michigan will have a depleted bullpen headed into Big 10 play.
WCBN Broomball Clinches Playoff Birth
Ann Arbor, Mich. -- WCBN Sports (3-0) slipped and slid to a hard-fought 3-3 win in the regular season finale at Yost Ice Arena. With the draw, and the 10 sportsmanship points that WCBN earned, they have clinched their second consecutive playoff berth in broomball, and their third consecutive playoff berth overall.
WCBN jumped out to an early 1-0 lead behind captain, Stuart Zaas's (Solon, OH/ Solon High School) fifth goal of the season. Zaas scored unassisted off a rebound as co-captain Andrew Seid's (San Antonio, TX / Ronald Reagan High School) slapshot from the left wing was blocked by the goalie, but before it could be covered up, Zaas roofed it over the sprawled out goalie.
Just a few minuets later, Chelsea Slater (Cincinnati , OH / Turpin High School) scored her team-leading eighth goal of the season. In an all-out sprint, Slater was able to outrace the goalie to the ball and sneak a wrister over his outstretched glove to give WCBN a 3-0 lead.
War Chinchillas then took advantage of a defensive lap by WCBN as #54 "Broomball Gretzky" broke loose and was able to finally beat goalie, Jon Moore (Searsport, ME / Searsport District High School) to cut the lead to 3-1 at the 14:34 mark. Off the ensuing faceoff, #54 took the ball all the way through the WCBN defense again and scored as time expired in the half. After video review, the ruling on the ice stood and the goal was counted making the score 3-2 at halftime.
Zaas tried to keep the team focused at halftime, but Kevin "Hulk Hogan" Gregus (Crystal Lake, IL / Prairie Ridge High School) was unable to control his temper as he was whistled for roughing after a vicious cross check against a War Chinchilla forward. After the game, the Chinchilla Captain asked for a urine sample from Gregus as he suspected the use of performance enhancers. Results of this drug test will be known later on in the week. Defensewoman Claire Otwell (Traverse City, MI / Traverse City High School) along with Sports Director, Tony Bolton (Canton, MI / Salem High School) starred on the penalty kill as the pair did not allow the War Chinchillas to register a single shot on goal during their one-player advantage. The War Chinchillas were able to find the net again to tie the game up at 4:45 in the second half on a one-timer that just flew by Moore's stick.
With the game's final seconds ticking off the jumbotron, both teams tried frantically to break the 3-3 deadlock resulting in a series of collisions and wipeouts. With just ten seconds to go and WCBN making one final push, Seid was taken out on an incidental collision. X-rays were negative and Seid is listed as day-to-day and hopes to practice with the team on Saturday. Zaas was also banged up in the second half as he slid knee-first into the boards. Zaas left the game to receive treatment on the bench, but was able to return later in the half. He is listed on the three-day DL saying after the game, "I'll be ready to go for the playoffs for sure, but I may have to sit out tomorrow's beverage shift at West Quad."
Watch for the replay of this game on ESPN Classic Canadian 8 - Da Eight Eh? sometime early next week. Playoff game time has yet to be announced for WCBN Sports as seeding is still to be determined. With the 3-0 regular season record, WCBN is guaranteed a spot in the Co-Rec Division B Novice A playoffs. Check back on Tuesday as the brackets are released at 6:01 EST.
Game One Recap
Game Two Recap
BOXSCORE:
Goals-Assists-Points
Slater 2-0-2
Zaas 1-0-1
Moore 12 Saves, 80% save percentage
Season Leaders:
Points:
1) Slater 10
2) Zaas 8
3) Gregus/Seid 5
Goals:
1) Slater 8
2) Zaas 5
3) Seid 4
Assists:
1) Gregus 3
1) Zaas 3
2) Slater 2
Goals-Assists-Points
Slater 2-0-2
Zaas 1-0-1
Moore 12 Saves, 80% save percentage
Season Leaders:
Points:
1) Slater 10
2) Zaas 8
3) Gregus/Seid 5
Goals:
1) Slater 8
2) Zaas 5
3) Seid 4
Assists:
1) Gregus 3
1) Zaas 3
2) Slater 2
GAME NOTES:
- With #54's goal in the first half, Moore's shutout streak ended after 74:34 without allowing a goal.
- WCBN's 3 goal output is their lowest of the season
- With the draw, WCBN Sports is on a franchise high three-game winning streak.
- Kevin Gregus's roughing penalty in the second half was the first penalty assessed to WCBN this season.
- Stuart Zaas and Andrew Seid are both listed as day-to-day on the official injury report
- Both teams received all 10 sportsmanship points
- Player of the game: Chelsea Slater - Scored two goals
- Game Time: 33 minutes
- Attendance: 1
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Rich Rod Presser
For the second time in less than a week new University of Michigan football coach Rich Rod held a press conference. This time the presser took place in the Michigan Football Meeting Room at Schembechler Hall-a place that got the nick name "Fort Schembechler " due to the reluctance of the program to welcome members of the media. However, all that seems to be changing with Coach Rod giving the media a level of inclusion not found around Ann Arbor in 40 some years.
There are two new signs up on the walls, one reading, "Spot The Ball" an offensive reference and on the other wall, "Hold The Rope" no doubt for the defense. Then a quote on the front of the wall which I loved, "When the time comes to perform, the time to prepare has passed."
I'll run down some of the more interesting quotes from the presser, today was the first practice in pads for the boys.
-Rod said three times that the players are still out of shape and still need to condition. Now, I know it has been the off season and the boys have been eating hamburgers, donuts, and milkshakes but how can they be THIS out of shape? It makes you wonder what "in shape" was under the Carr staff and just how different it is under Rod.
-The guys lift on Mondays and Wednesdays-Kevin Grady practiced full today, back from the sore hamstring he had. Not so lucky was running back Carlos Brown who broke a finger while lifting weights.
-Rod said he would not know the starting QB until Aug, and all three are learning the system as best as they can at this point in the process.
-There will be a Spring Game taking place on April 12th, and it will be at a local high school TBA. It will not be a game but an offense vs. defense scrimmage because there are simply not enough guys practicing to play a game. So, if I had to guess it will be much like the last Spring Game with the crazy scoring system they had in place.
-There is a lack of leadership on this team, and I guess thats to be expected with all the talent that left from last year's team. Right now Brandon Minor and Morgan Trent are starting emerge at the vocal leaders of the team but the coaches want more players to start stepping up, particularly the seniors.
-The topic of Captains came up and it will be quite different than what Michigan fas are used too. It was a bit confusing but here is what we gathered-there will be different captains for the offense and defense for every game next season. Then, at the end of the season the team will select the permanent captains at the end of the season, which will go into the record books. Sounds like Trent will be the guy on defense, offense might have to search for awhile.
-Michigan is very thin at three positions: Wide Receiver, where M only has 5 right now and they want 10. QB-Only 3 on the roster and only one coming in the fall. OL-future recruiting classes will fill these voids in the years to come.
-Michigan seems to be right on schedule making the transition to Rod's system. He said that the team is at the same point all his previous teams have been at this time, and he is seeing and experiencing the same frustrations that he has every where else. That's the good news, the bad news? In Rod's first season at Tulane the team went 7-4. In his first season at West Virginia he went 3-8.
-But without a doubt the best comment came towards the end of the presser when Rod let out this gem in response to if any player is starting to stand out, "Well, I don't pat players on the butt because you might end up with crap on your hands."
The days quoting elegant poets moved on when Lloyd did.
There are two new signs up on the walls, one reading, "Spot The Ball" an offensive reference and on the other wall, "Hold The Rope" no doubt for the defense. Then a quote on the front of the wall which I loved, "When the time comes to perform, the time to prepare has passed."
I'll run down some of the more interesting quotes from the presser, today was the first practice in pads for the boys.
-Rod said three times that the players are still out of shape and still need to condition. Now, I know it has been the off season and the boys have been eating hamburgers, donuts, and milkshakes but how can they be THIS out of shape? It makes you wonder what "in shape" was under the Carr staff and just how different it is under Rod.
-The guys lift on Mondays and Wednesdays-Kevin Grady practiced full today, back from the sore hamstring he had. Not so lucky was running back Carlos Brown who broke a finger while lifting weights.
-Rod said he would not know the starting QB until Aug, and all three are learning the system as best as they can at this point in the process.
-There will be a Spring Game taking place on April 12th, and it will be at a local high school TBA. It will not be a game but an offense vs. defense scrimmage because there are simply not enough guys practicing to play a game. So, if I had to guess it will be much like the last Spring Game with the crazy scoring system they had in place.
-There is a lack of leadership on this team, and I guess thats to be expected with all the talent that left from last year's team. Right now Brandon Minor and Morgan Trent are starting emerge at the vocal leaders of the team but the coaches want more players to start stepping up, particularly the seniors.
-The topic of Captains came up and it will be quite different than what Michigan fas are used too. It was a bit confusing but here is what we gathered-there will be different captains for the offense and defense for every game next season. Then, at the end of the season the team will select the permanent captains at the end of the season, which will go into the record books. Sounds like Trent will be the guy on defense, offense might have to search for awhile.
-Michigan is very thin at three positions: Wide Receiver, where M only has 5 right now and they want 10. QB-Only 3 on the roster and only one coming in the fall. OL-future recruiting classes will fill these voids in the years to come.
-Michigan seems to be right on schedule making the transition to Rod's system. He said that the team is at the same point all his previous teams have been at this time, and he is seeing and experiencing the same frustrations that he has every where else. That's the good news, the bad news? In Rod's first season at Tulane the team went 7-4. In his first season at West Virginia he went 3-8.
-But without a doubt the best comment came towards the end of the presser when Rod let out this gem in response to if any player is starting to stand out, "Well, I don't pat players on the butt because you might end up with crap on your hands."
The days quoting elegant poets moved on when Lloyd did.
Michigan Baseball Home Opener
Remember to listen to WCBN's Tony Bolton, Rushi Vyas, Stu Zaas, and Andrew Seid LIVE on the Sports Stream, as they broadcast Michigan's home opener against Oakland today at 3:05 PM.
UPDATE: Michigan ties the game at 1-1 on a bases loaded error by third baseman Jonathan Zalenski on a Leif Mahler grounder. Nate Recknagel would follow the Mahler ground ball with a line drive to Zalenski, who would redeem himself by snagging the hot shot to retire the side.
-- 4:00 P.M. --
UPDATE: Despite being no-hit by Oakland's Greg Welke thus far, Michigan has pushed their second run of the game across the plate on a sacrifice fly by Nate Recknagel. 2-1 Michigan, bottom of the 5th.
-- 4:43 P.M. --
UPDATE: Adam Abraham breaks up the no-no with a run-scoring double to left center, giving the Wolverines a 3-1 lead. Derek Van Buskirk followed with an RBI bloop single, and now Michigan leads Oakland 4-1. I'm off to go do the Daily Sports Report -- if you'd like to tune in live at 5:15, click HERE.
-- 4:48 P.M. --
UPDATE: I'm back from the Daily Sports Report, and Michigan's lead has been cut from 6-1 to 6-4 so far in the top of the 8th inning. A run-scoring balk by Eric Katzman and a 2-run double off of Tyler Burgoon has plated the three runs for Oakland in this 8th inning.
-- 5:49 P.M. --
UPDATE: Burgoon gets the backwards-K to retire the side in the 8th -- Michigan leads 6-4 in the middle of the 8th.
-- 5:51 P.M. --
UPDATE: Nate Recknagel smacked a solo shot in the bottom of the 8th to give Michigan an insurance run. 7-4 Michigan, top of the 9th with Tyler Burgoon staying on to try and close this one out.
-- 6:04 P.M. --
UPDATE: Michigan wins 7-4 -- Travis Smith gets the win with Tyler Burgoon picking up the save. Michigan is now 1-0 at home on the year and, if the weather permits, will take on IPFW at the Fish tomorrow at 3:05 P.M. Go Blue!
-- 6:10 P.M. --
UPDATE: Michigan ties the game at 1-1 on a bases loaded error by third baseman Jonathan Zalenski on a Leif Mahler grounder. Nate Recknagel would follow the Mahler ground ball with a line drive to Zalenski, who would redeem himself by snagging the hot shot to retire the side.
-- 4:00 P.M. --
UPDATE: Despite being no-hit by Oakland's Greg Welke thus far, Michigan has pushed their second run of the game across the plate on a sacrifice fly by Nate Recknagel. 2-1 Michigan, bottom of the 5th.
-- 4:43 P.M. --
UPDATE: Adam Abraham breaks up the no-no with a run-scoring double to left center, giving the Wolverines a 3-1 lead. Derek Van Buskirk followed with an RBI bloop single, and now Michigan leads Oakland 4-1. I'm off to go do the Daily Sports Report -- if you'd like to tune in live at 5:15, click HERE.
-- 4:48 P.M. --
UPDATE: I'm back from the Daily Sports Report, and Michigan's lead has been cut from 6-1 to 6-4 so far in the top of the 8th inning. A run-scoring balk by Eric Katzman and a 2-run double off of Tyler Burgoon has plated the three runs for Oakland in this 8th inning.
-- 5:49 P.M. --
UPDATE: Burgoon gets the backwards-K to retire the side in the 8th -- Michigan leads 6-4 in the middle of the 8th.
-- 5:51 P.M. --
UPDATE: Nate Recknagel smacked a solo shot in the bottom of the 8th to give Michigan an insurance run. 7-4 Michigan, top of the 9th with Tyler Burgoon staying on to try and close this one out.
-- 6:04 P.M. --
UPDATE: Michigan wins 7-4 -- Travis Smith gets the win with Tyler Burgoon picking up the save. Michigan is now 1-0 at home on the year and, if the weather permits, will take on IPFW at the Fish tomorrow at 3:05 P.M. Go Blue!
-- 6:10 P.M. --
Michigan in the 2008 NCAA Tournament (No, Seriously)
Ok, so there are other NCAA Tournaments that start today in St. Louis and in Columbus.
Let's start in St. Louis where #3 Michigan will be well represented in the 2008 NCAA Wrestling Tournament. One week removed from the Big 10 Championships where Michigan was the only team to post multiple champions, Michigan surged up in the national rankings and will look to improve on last year's 6th place team finish.
Russell (25-5) will be seeded #3 in the 141# weight class after his first place finish in the Big 10 Tournament. Russell is a true freshman out of the esteemed Blair Academy in New Jersey and has spent a few weeks holding the #1 ranking earlier this season. I like Russell to win it in the future, but he is too inexperienced for this year.
Predicted Finish: 4th place
Josh Churella (21-3) is the #5 seed in the 149# class as he looks to improve on his runner-up finish in last year's tournament. Churella has battled illness and injury towards the end of the season, so hopefully the extra week of rest has him back near 100%.
Predicted Finish: 3rd place
Jeff Marsh (21-12) will be unseeded as he earned his first NCAA berth with a fifth-place finish in the Big 10 Tournament last week. Marsh has wrestled well against top competition as he creeped into the top #25 after knocking off then #1-seeded Michael Poeta of Illinois earlier this year.
Predicted Finish: Does not place
Eric Tannenbaum (26-2) earned the #1 seed in the 165# bracket and is coming off his second career Big 10 title. Tannenbaum's toughest competition will come from Iowa's #1 ranked, but #2 seeded Mark Perry. The two wrestlers have split the four previous matches against one another with Tannenbaum taking the latest by a score of 3-2 in the Big 10 title match.
Predicted Finish: 2nd place
Steve Luke (25-2) is #2 seed in the 174# bracket. Luke took sixth place in last year's NCAA Championships but missed most of the season due to injury. He's healthy this year as he just won his second straight Big 10 crown. Luke is a tough wrestler as evidenced by his 26-minute marathon match in the Cliff Keen Invitational earlier this season when he just wouldn't stop bleeding. Luke lost that match in double overtime to #1 ranked and undefeated Keith Gavin of Pitt. The bracket is set up for a rematch of that classic match and I see Luke avenging the loss to take the National Championship.
Predicted Finish: 1st place
Tyrell Todd (21-3) is the #3 seed in the 184# weight class. Todd took second in the Big 10 Championships and he looks to improve on last year's 5th place finish at nationals. Looking at the bracket, Todd has a tough quarterfinals matchup should he meet #2 seeded and undefeated Mike Pucillo of Ohio State he pinned in last year's NCAA Championship 5th place match. Pucillo has defeated Todd twice this year, both by one-point margins. Most recently, Pucillo beat Todd 4-3 on a take-down with just 12 seconds left in the title match of the Big 10's. I look for Todd to get by Pucillo and reach the championship match.
Predicted Finish: 2nd place
Predicted Team Finish: 2nd place behind Iowa
#11 Women's Swimming/Diving will also begin action today in Columbus as they are led by Seniors Elyse Lee and Katie Skendrovic. Stephanie O'Callaghan, Jillian Drow, Erica LaBonté, and Caitlin Dunphy-Daly round up the Diving qualifiers.
Michigan is coming off a successful Big 10 Championship runner-up finish. Melissa Jaeger set a conference record in the 200-yd butterfly breaking her own record with a time of 1:56.25. Emily Brunemann, who was named Big 10 Swimmer of the Year, took first place in the 1,650-yard freestyle, winning by over 25 seconds! Her time of 15:51.29 shattered her previous school record by over nine seconds.
My swimming background is not quite as strong as my wrestling background, so this preview will be much shorter than wrestlings, and I'm not going to offer any predictions here. Check out MGOBLUE for better coverage. The NCAA also provides great coverage including live stats and video for wrestling and swimming/diving.
Ok, with some non-revenue sport coverage out of the way, let's sit back, relax and enjoy the madness of March. George/Xavier tips off a little under two hours!
WRESTLING UPDATE:
Michigan will have four all-americans as Josh Churella and Tyrell Todd are still alive in the consolation bracket while Steve Luke and Eric Tannenbaum advanced to the Championship match which will be televised live on ESPN tomorrow night. Both should be excellent matches as Tannenbaum has a rematch from the Big 10 finals with Mark Perry of Iowa and Luke has his rematch with Gavin (I wish I was as good with my basketball bracket as I was with my wrestling predictions). Coverage starts at 7:30, Luke and Tannenbaum should be on around 8:15 or so. Michigan currently stands in 6th Place in the team standings but could definitely move up into the top three with a strong showing from the four wrestlers remaining.
Let's start in St. Louis where #3 Michigan will be well represented in the 2008 NCAA Wrestling Tournament. One week removed from the Big 10 Championships where Michigan was the only team to post multiple champions, Michigan surged up in the national rankings and will look to improve on last year's 6th place team finish.
Russell (25-5) will be seeded #3 in the 141# weight class after his first place finish in the Big 10 Tournament. Russell is a true freshman out of the esteemed Blair Academy in New Jersey and has spent a few weeks holding the #1 ranking earlier this season. I like Russell to win it in the future, but he is too inexperienced for this year.
Predicted Finish: 4th place
Josh Churella (21-3) is the #5 seed in the 149# class as he looks to improve on his runner-up finish in last year's tournament. Churella has battled illness and injury towards the end of the season, so hopefully the extra week of rest has him back near 100%.
Predicted Finish: 3rd place
Jeff Marsh (21-12) will be unseeded as he earned his first NCAA berth with a fifth-place finish in the Big 10 Tournament last week. Marsh has wrestled well against top competition as he creeped into the top #25 after knocking off then #1-seeded Michael Poeta of Illinois earlier this year.
Predicted Finish: Does not place
Eric Tannenbaum (26-2) earned the #1 seed in the 165# bracket and is coming off his second career Big 10 title. Tannenbaum's toughest competition will come from Iowa's #1 ranked, but #2 seeded Mark Perry. The two wrestlers have split the four previous matches against one another with Tannenbaum taking the latest by a score of 3-2 in the Big 10 title match.
Predicted Finish: 2nd place
Steve Luke (25-2) is #2 seed in the 174# bracket. Luke took sixth place in last year's NCAA Championships but missed most of the season due to injury. He's healthy this year as he just won his second straight Big 10 crown. Luke is a tough wrestler as evidenced by his 26-minute marathon match in the Cliff Keen Invitational earlier this season when he just wouldn't stop bleeding. Luke lost that match in double overtime to #1 ranked and undefeated Keith Gavin of Pitt. The bracket is set up for a rematch of that classic match and I see Luke avenging the loss to take the National Championship.
Predicted Finish: 1st place
Tyrell Todd (21-3) is the #3 seed in the 184# weight class. Todd took second in the Big 10 Championships and he looks to improve on last year's 5th place finish at nationals. Looking at the bracket, Todd has a tough quarterfinals matchup should he meet #2 seeded and undefeated Mike Pucillo of Ohio State he pinned in last year's NCAA Championship 5th place match. Pucillo has defeated Todd twice this year, both by one-point margins. Most recently, Pucillo beat Todd 4-3 on a take-down with just 12 seconds left in the title match of the Big 10's. I look for Todd to get by Pucillo and reach the championship match.
Predicted Finish: 2nd place
Predicted Team Finish: 2nd place behind Iowa
#11 Women's Swimming/Diving will also begin action today in Columbus as they are led by Seniors Elyse Lee and Katie Skendrovic. Stephanie O'Callaghan, Jillian Drow, Erica LaBonté, and Caitlin Dunphy-Daly round up the Diving qualifiers.
Michigan is coming off a successful Big 10 Championship runner-up finish. Melissa Jaeger set a conference record in the 200-yd butterfly breaking her own record with a time of 1:56.25. Emily Brunemann, who was named Big 10 Swimmer of the Year, took first place in the 1,650-yard freestyle, winning by over 25 seconds! Her time of 15:51.29 shattered her previous school record by over nine seconds.
My swimming background is not quite as strong as my wrestling background, so this preview will be much shorter than wrestlings, and I'm not going to offer any predictions here. Check out MGOBLUE for better coverage. The NCAA also provides great coverage including live stats and video for wrestling and swimming/diving.
Ok, with some non-revenue sport coverage out of the way, let's sit back, relax and enjoy the madness of March. George/Xavier tips off a little under two hours!
WRESTLING UPDATE:
Michigan will have four all-americans as Josh Churella and Tyrell Todd are still alive in the consolation bracket while Steve Luke and Eric Tannenbaum advanced to the Championship match which will be televised live on ESPN tomorrow night. Both should be excellent matches as Tannenbaum has a rematch from the Big 10 finals with Mark Perry of Iowa and Luke has his rematch with Gavin (I wish I was as good with my basketball bracket as I was with my wrestling predictions). Coverage starts at 7:30, Luke and Tannenbaum should be on around 8:15 or so. Michigan currently stands in 6th Place in the team standings but could definitely move up into the top three with a strong showing from the four wrestlers remaining.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
"It's the most wonderful time of the year.."
Tomorrow is the greatest weekday for sports viewing out of the entire year.
At noon, the NCAA tournament and its 64 team field will begin its frantic run for the national championship. It is arguably the greatest day to be a fan because for the next two days, college basketball games will be running for almost 12 hours, starting at noon and ending around 12:15am. Say "Good-bye" to soap operas, and "Hello" to Gus Johnson.
Some of my favorite memories from middle school and high school were on this day when the guys would sneak to the teachers lounge to catch part of the game at lunch time and then take 6 bathroom breaks per class period to keep checking the scores. My religion teacher probably thought I had the prostate of a sixty-eight year old man. This was obviously before the days of laptop computers, and the widely used strategy of college students who bring the computer to watch the games on-demand. Last year, I got to witness a great early round upset by Winthrop at 2pm because of the on-demand program from CBS.
God bless Spanish class at noon.
We all enjoy March Madness. Even if people don't follow college basketball, they are still filling out a bracket or flipping a coin to decide on who they should pick. Watching the evening games with friends is one of the best things about all the coverage. It brings together people who you might not have seen since this time last year, but you still remain the best of friends because of The Tourney and your annual NCAA pool. So with that...
Let the Madness begin.
At noon, the NCAA tournament and its 64 team field will begin its frantic run for the national championship. It is arguably the greatest day to be a fan because for the next two days, college basketball games will be running for almost 12 hours, starting at noon and ending around 12:15am. Say "Good-bye" to soap operas, and "Hello" to Gus Johnson.
Some of my favorite memories from middle school and high school were on this day when the guys would sneak to the teachers lounge to catch part of the game at lunch time and then take 6 bathroom breaks per class period to keep checking the scores. My religion teacher probably thought I had the prostate of a sixty-eight year old man. This was obviously before the days of laptop computers, and the widely used strategy of college students who bring the computer to watch the games on-demand. Last year, I got to witness a great early round upset by Winthrop at 2pm because of the on-demand program from CBS.
God bless Spanish class at noon.
We all enjoy March Madness. Even if people don't follow college basketball, they are still filling out a bracket or flipping a coin to decide on who they should pick. Watching the evening games with friends is one of the best things about all the coverage. It brings together people who you might not have seen since this time last year, but you still remain the best of friends because of The Tourney and your annual NCAA pool. So with that...
Let the Madness begin.
NCAA Tournament on TV Tomorrow (Thursday 3/20)
Well, March Madness is nearly here. 14 hours and counting. These are the games that you will see tomorrow in the Ann Arbor area on CBS:
Denver, CO 12:20PM: Michigan State-Temple
Washington, DC 2:40PM: Baylor-Purdue
Omaha, NE 7:10PM: Kansas State-USC (Beasley vs. Mayo!!!)
Denver, CO 9:45PM: Notre Dame-George Mason
Again, those are the primary games. While we get to see the entire MSU-Temple game, CBS will move us around from the other three games if they become blowouts. Your CBS announcers for the 8 sites are:
Thursday/Saturday:
Anaheim, CA- Dick Enberg/Carter Blackburn/Jay Bilas
Omaha, NE- Kevin Harlan/Dan Bonner
Washington, DC- Craig Bolerjack/Bob Wenzel
Denver, CO- Gus Johnson/Len Elmore
Friday/Sunday:
Raleigh, NC- Jim Nantz/Billy Packer
Birmingham, AL- Verne Lundquist/Bill ‘Onions' Raftery
Little Rock, AK-Ian (Eye-In) Eagle/Jim Spanarkel
Tampa, FL- Tim Brando, Mike Gminski
No real surprises from the announcers. The one name you might not know is Carter Blackburn. He’s in there to give the great Dick Enberg a break from calling four games in one day. Blackburn calls the two early games on Thursday, Marquette-Kentucky at 2:40pm and Cornell-Stanford at 5:00pm (west coast only). Enberg gets the two night games.
Two final notes:
(1) Matching the schedule with the announcers, you can tell we get Gus Johnson twice tomorrow. No better way to kick off the tourney than with Mr. Johnson.
(2) LET’S GO ORAL ROBERTS!!!
Denver, CO 12:20PM: Michigan State-Temple
Washington, DC 2:40PM: Baylor-Purdue
Omaha, NE 7:10PM: Kansas State-USC (Beasley vs. Mayo!!!)
Denver, CO 9:45PM: Notre Dame-George Mason
Again, those are the primary games. While we get to see the entire MSU-Temple game, CBS will move us around from the other three games if they become blowouts. Your CBS announcers for the 8 sites are:
Thursday/Saturday:
Anaheim, CA- Dick Enberg/Carter Blackburn/Jay Bilas
Omaha, NE- Kevin Harlan/Dan Bonner
Washington, DC- Craig Bolerjack/Bob Wenzel
Denver, CO- Gus Johnson/Len Elmore
Friday/Sunday:
Raleigh, NC- Jim Nantz/Billy Packer
Birmingham, AL- Verne Lundquist/Bill ‘Onions' Raftery
Little Rock, AK-Ian (Eye-In) Eagle/Jim Spanarkel
Tampa, FL- Tim Brando, Mike Gminski
No real surprises from the announcers. The one name you might not know is Carter Blackburn. He’s in there to give the great Dick Enberg a break from calling four games in one day. Blackburn calls the two early games on Thursday, Marquette-Kentucky at 2:40pm and Cornell-Stanford at 5:00pm (west coast only). Enberg gets the two night games.
Two final notes:
(1) Matching the schedule with the announcers, you can tell we get Gus Johnson twice tomorrow. No better way to kick off the tourney than with Mr. Johnson.
(2) LET’S GO ORAL ROBERTS!!!
Programming Notes
1. In case you have not yet heard, the Michigan baseball game today against Oakland, which would have been the team's home opener, has been canceled "due to wet grounds." If you ask me, it sounds like Wednesday, March 19th was just a bit hasty for the opening of the renovated Ray Fisher Stadium at the brand new Wilpon Complex. You can listen to WCBN's top crew of Tony Bolton, Rob Salaman, Stu Zaas, and Andrew Seid LIVE tomorrow at 3:05 for the new Michigan baseball home opener against Oakland on MGoBlue.com.2. We are going to attempt to bring you the Michigan hockey CCHA Tournament Semi-final match-up with Northern Michigan LIVE Friday night from Joe Louis Arena on the WCBN Sports Stream -- we are using some new technology on Friday night, so you may have to bear with us on the broadcast side of WCBN coverage, but we will certainly have a live blog of the game on both Friday and Saturday night right here at Maize & Blog. If we do have the live broadcast up and running, the live blog will feature highlights, much like the CCHA Quarterfinals against UNO.
3. If you would like to listen to Monday, March 17th's edition of Extra Points, please visit our brand new WCBN Sports Extra Points Archives Podcast. You can also listen to WCBN's Daily Sports Reports from yesterday and today on the WCBN Sports Daily Sports Report Archives Podcast, and you can hear the best banter from the WCBN crew on the WCBN Sports Game of the Week Archives Podcast.
4. To listen to the Daily Sports Report LIVE Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday at 5:15, click here.
UPDATE: WCBN's March Madness Bracket Preview is finally up and online along with our Michigan Baseball Update as their home opener will be tomorrow, to listen to these podcasts, just click here.
Red Sox go on Strike
The Boston Red Sox players have done something very unusual. The team has voted to boycott their final spring training game today against the Blue Jays, and are threatening to boycott their season opening series against the Oakland A's next week in Japan. The players are doing this because the team's coaching staff and other staff members are not getting the same $40,000 stipend from Major League Baseball for the series in Japan that the players are getting.
My prediction: Bud Selig folds and gives in to the players demands. MLB generated over $5 billion in revenue last year. In addition, this series in Japan means a lot for baseball as Selig tries to increase worldwide awareness for the game (plus MLB will probably make a ton of money on this trip, by far offsetting the cost of providing a stipend for the coaches and staff). I will provide updates as this situation unfolds.
UPDATE: Major League Baseball has apparently folded, as the Red Sox will make the trip to Japan and play the Oakland A's in the season opener next week (if you want to watch, get up early, game starts at 6am ET).
On a completely separate and hilarious note, Robert Weintraub, a writer for ESPN's Page 2, has come up with a modern-day update for the baseball classic with his Bull Durham: 21st Century Edition.
My prediction: Bud Selig folds and gives in to the players demands. MLB generated over $5 billion in revenue last year. In addition, this series in Japan means a lot for baseball as Selig tries to increase worldwide awareness for the game (plus MLB will probably make a ton of money on this trip, by far offsetting the cost of providing a stipend for the coaches and staff). I will provide updates as this situation unfolds.
UPDATE: Major League Baseball has apparently folded, as the Red Sox will make the trip to Japan and play the Oakland A's in the season opener next week (if you want to watch, get up early, game starts at 6am ET).
On a completely separate and hilarious note, Robert Weintraub, a writer for ESPN's Page 2, has come up with a modern-day update for the baseball classic with his Bull Durham: 21st Century Edition.
Terrelle Pryor to Sign at Noon
Finally. Apparently the Terrelle Pryor drama is about to come to a close, as he will officially announce the school to which he plans to sign a letter of intent today at noon. As Stu wrote earlier in the week, Pryor says he was down to two schools, and presumably has narrowed that down to one (although you never know with him -- I wouldn't be entirely surprised to see him call this press conference just so he can hear himself speak on TV a little more, just as he did on National Signing Day when he opted to not cancel his press conference, even though he had not decided which school he would be attending). While I don't agree with Rivals.com's assessment of Michigan still being in the race for Pryor (he was set on Ohio St. before his dad wanted him to look closer at Penn St. -- the Michigan-Ohio St. debate has been over for awhile in Pryor's head), I do agree with Stu that this is a done deal; Pryor will be a Buckeye. Wouldn't you go to a school where (1) you are already friends with some of the incoming freshman and (2) you will get snaps as the QB of a team that is a perennial BCS bowl competitor? Don't blame Pryor, just look forward to Michigan using him as a source of motivation for the next four years.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Basketball vs Hockey
Let's compare the performances of the Michigan Hockey and Basketball teams from last Friday:
And the edge goes to.....Michigan Hockey!
| Basketball | Hockey | Advantage | ||||
| (Field) Goals Scored | 10 | 10 | PUSH | |||
| (Field) Goals Allowed | 17 | 1 |  | |||
| Season Record Set for Points | Record Low | Record High | | |||
| Shooting % | 20 | 25 | | |||
| # of Players who Scored | 6 | 8 | | |||
| Fouls/Penalty Minutes | 14 | 14 | PUSH | |||
| Assists | 8 | 15 | | |||
| Blocks | 4 | 9 | | |||
| Advanced to Next Round | HAHAHA | Yes | ||||
| ||||||
And the edge goes to.....Michigan Hockey!
Michigan Hockey Photo Album
Michigan Hockey Photo Album
Click on the photo to see more, including pictures of the fight!
Michigan Spring Practice Photo Gallery
Spring Football Practice Photo Album
Click on the photo to see more spring practice photos
NCAA Tournament - Icy Version
Taking a look at the most recent Pairwise rankings, I decided it was too long to wait for the next bracketology to tell me who Michigan is playing. So here is a decidedly rudimentary look at who Michigan could be playing and also who Michigan fans should be rooting for.
In Denver:
Colorado College
- North Dakota
- Notre Dame
- Air Force
- Michigan
- St. Cloud State
- Michigan State
- Minnesota State
- Miami
- Denver
- Clarkson
- Niagara
- New Hampshire
- Boston College
- Minnesota
- Harvard
Teams to root for this upcoming weekend:
- First and foremost, you better be rooting for the Wolverines as they go for their first CCHA Tourney title in 3 years.
- As much as this hurts to say, root for BC and Notre Dame on Friday as they will be playing the two teams closest to Michigan in the Pairwise rankings (UNH and Miami respectively).
- Also root for Denver and the winner of the Minnesota/St. Cloud State games, as they will be playing North Dakota and Colorado College respectively, the two teams closest to Michigan in the RPI.
- Finally, root for St. Cloud State on Thursday, as any self-respecting Michigan fan would love to see Minnesota miss the tourney and this would seriously hurt their chances (though in my opinion, they are still probably in with a loss).
ESPN's "Knight" In Shining Armor
In a move that not many people ever thought to be possible, ESPN has upped the ante in its coverage by using Bob Knight in its coverage for the NCAA Tournament. While I believed this move was purely for ratings, the General has actually done a great job in his first few weeks on the job as an analyst.
Knight's broadcast style is unorthodox to say the least, often neglecting to look into the camera when explaining a point and sitting in his chair with his shoulders hunched over like a first-grader in a time-out. When asked by Rece Davis who he thought would win between Illinois and Minnesota on Saturday morning's show, Knight replied "I really don't care" and left his answer as that. When asked about what distance the 3-point line should be moved to next season, Knight replied, "They should move it back to the lockeroom!" Did anyone say anything in protest? Nope. He's Bob Knight! Just like his coaching press conferences, his on-air spots are ratings and sound-byte gold.
Besides, are YOU going to tell the winningest coach in D1 history what to say about his sport?
...That's what I thought.
Knight has also been able to take the job in stride, despite Dick Vitale's best efforts to get Knight to comment on the obvious coaching vacancy at Indiana, where Knight won 3 NCAA titles. Vitale has repeatedly said that Indiana would be stupid not to name their arena after Knight and bring him back. If Vitale is on College Gamenight at the same time Knight is, you can bet he is going to plug Knight for the job.
And Knight's reaction? All the while Vitale is goading the General for some type of reaction on the issue, Knight sits leaned over the newsdesk, head resting on his hand, staring expressionless at the camera while he waits for Vitale to finish.
Backstage, an ESPN producer is pounding Maalox like a frat boy at a case-race.
However, Knight doesn't get to answer the question as a nervous Rece Davis steps in to break the awkward silence and move the conversation along. ESPN knew exactly what they were doing when they put Knight on the same panel as Davis (a veteran of studio shows such as Gamenight and SC) and Digger Phelps, Knights good friend and former colleague in the coaching ranks. Phelps is a big player in this move, probably even being the one getting Knight a deal at ESPN and is the one person able to talk Knight back down to earth if he starts to lose it.
I look forward to hear what Knight has to say. For all his faults, the man knows basketball and his views about the game are usually dead-on. When he talks, I'm turning up the volume on the TV to hear what he has to say (as opposed to hitting the MUTE button every time Jay Billas opens his mouth). His unorthodox, rough style is exactly what Gamenight needs in order to inject some life into the show.
I can't wait to see how this March turns out.
Knight's broadcast style is unorthodox to say the least, often neglecting to look into the camera when explaining a point and sitting in his chair with his shoulders hunched over like a first-grader in a time-out. When asked by Rece Davis who he thought would win between Illinois and Minnesota on Saturday morning's show, Knight replied "I really don't care" and left his answer as that. When asked about what distance the 3-point line should be moved to next season, Knight replied, "They should move it back to the lockeroom!" Did anyone say anything in protest? Nope. He's Bob Knight! Just like his coaching press conferences, his on-air spots are ratings and sound-byte gold.
Besides, are YOU going to tell the winningest coach in D1 history what to say about his sport?
...That's what I thought.
Knight has also been able to take the job in stride, despite Dick Vitale's best efforts to get Knight to comment on the obvious coaching vacancy at Indiana, where Knight won 3 NCAA titles. Vitale has repeatedly said that Indiana would be stupid not to name their arena after Knight and bring him back. If Vitale is on College Gamenight at the same time Knight is, you can bet he is going to plug Knight for the job.
And Knight's reaction? All the while Vitale is goading the General for some type of reaction on the issue, Knight sits leaned over the newsdesk, head resting on his hand, staring expressionless at the camera while he waits for Vitale to finish.
Backstage, an ESPN producer is pounding Maalox like a frat boy at a case-race.
However, Knight doesn't get to answer the question as a nervous Rece Davis steps in to break the awkward silence and move the conversation along. ESPN knew exactly what they were doing when they put Knight on the same panel as Davis (a veteran of studio shows such as Gamenight and SC) and Digger Phelps, Knights good friend and former colleague in the coaching ranks. Phelps is a big player in this move, probably even being the one getting Knight a deal at ESPN and is the one person able to talk Knight back down to earth if he starts to lose it.
I look forward to hear what Knight has to say. For all his faults, the man knows basketball and his views about the game are usually dead-on. When he talks, I'm turning up the volume on the TV to hear what he has to say (as opposed to hitting the MUTE button every time Jay Billas opens his mouth). His unorthodox, rough style is exactly what Gamenight needs in order to inject some life into the show.
I can't wait to see how this March turns out.
Monday, March 17, 2008
March Madness
Well, the bracket is out...
...and WCBN Sports is hard at work. We'll have a Selection Sunday Reaction Show on the WCBN Sports Podcast tomorrow night (including our thoughts on who the committee snubbed, how the game locations impact each region, which region is the toughest to pick, who has the easiest road to the Final Four, which #1 seed runs into trouble first, etc.) and then we'll be making our picks on the WCBN Sports Podcast Wednesday night (sleepers, major upset picks, Final Fours, Championship game, and Champion picks), so you can get some last-minute bracket help from WCBN Sports.
For now, we'll leave you with a couple of notes...
1. Ohio St. is out -- they were 2-10 against the RPI Top 50 (Ohio St. had an RPI of 50), and although their strength of schedule was decent (16), their 9-4 record against a weak non-conference schedule simply wasn't good enough. They had a big win against Michigan St. at the end of the Big Ten regular season, but their loss to the Spartans in the Big Ten Quarterfinals, combined with a remarkable amount of upsets in other conference tournament, did in the Buckeyes.
2. Michigan St. is a #5 seed, and they have a tough draw -- they play in the South Region (Memphis is the #1 seed, and the road to San Antonio goes through Houston), and they'll start off in Denver against a dangerous Temple team. The Owls are led by Dionte Christmas, who, along with athletic guard Mark Tyndale, form a strong tandem in the backcourt. Despite getting off to a 6-8 start, Temple has rebounded with an 11-5 record in the A-10, including a 19-point win over #3 seed Xavier (West Region). Look for Temple to give the Spartans fits, especially with their scary speed and shooting ability from beyond the arc. If MSU can get past Temple, they'll play the winner of Big East Tournament champ Pittsburgh and Oral Roberts, who can also hit the triple, with guards Robert Jarvis and Moses Ehambe leading the way. By the way, this all precedes a likely meeting with Memphis in the Elite Eight, so Tom Izzo has his work cut out for him if he hopes to bring State to San Antonio.
Call me bitter, but without the Wolverines in the tournament, I've gotten used to rooting against the Spartans and Buckeyes... this year, the committee has helped us out.
Final Reminder: Listen to Extra Points on WCBN tomorrow at 6 PM to hear the WCBN Sports crew breakdown Michigan hockey's 2-0 series sweep over the University of Nebraska-Omaha, Michigan basketball's shooting display against Wisconsin, and Rich Rodriguez's first practice teaching the Wolverines the spread offense, which was open to the media, including our very own Tony Bolton and Stu Zaas.
...and WCBN Sports is hard at work. We'll have a Selection Sunday Reaction Show on the WCBN Sports Podcast tomorrow night (including our thoughts on who the committee snubbed, how the game locations impact each region, which region is the toughest to pick, who has the easiest road to the Final Four, which #1 seed runs into trouble first, etc.) and then we'll be making our picks on the WCBN Sports Podcast Wednesday night (sleepers, major upset picks, Final Fours, Championship game, and Champion picks), so you can get some last-minute bracket help from WCBN Sports.
For now, we'll leave you with a couple of notes...
1. Ohio St. is out -- they were 2-10 against the RPI Top 50 (Ohio St. had an RPI of 50), and although their strength of schedule was decent (16), their 9-4 record against a weak non-conference schedule simply wasn't good enough. They had a big win against Michigan St. at the end of the Big Ten regular season, but their loss to the Spartans in the Big Ten Quarterfinals, combined with a remarkable amount of upsets in other conference tournament, did in the Buckeyes.
2. Michigan St. is a #5 seed, and they have a tough draw -- they play in the South Region (Memphis is the #1 seed, and the road to San Antonio goes through Houston), and they'll start off in Denver against a dangerous Temple team. The Owls are led by Dionte Christmas, who, along with athletic guard Mark Tyndale, form a strong tandem in the backcourt. Despite getting off to a 6-8 start, Temple has rebounded with an 11-5 record in the A-10, including a 19-point win over #3 seed Xavier (West Region). Look for Temple to give the Spartans fits, especially with their scary speed and shooting ability from beyond the arc. If MSU can get past Temple, they'll play the winner of Big East Tournament champ Pittsburgh and Oral Roberts, who can also hit the triple, with guards Robert Jarvis and Moses Ehambe leading the way. By the way, this all precedes a likely meeting with Memphis in the Elite Eight, so Tom Izzo has his work cut out for him if he hopes to bring State to San Antonio.
Call me bitter, but without the Wolverines in the tournament, I've gotten used to rooting against the Spartans and Buckeyes... this year, the committee has helped us out.
Final Reminder: Listen to Extra Points on WCBN tomorrow at 6 PM to hear the WCBN Sports crew breakdown Michigan hockey's 2-0 series sweep over the University of Nebraska-Omaha, Michigan basketball's shooting display against Wisconsin, and Rich Rodriguez's first practice teaching the Wolverines the spread offense, which was open to the media, including our very own Tony Bolton and Stu Zaas.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Michigan vs Nebraska-Omaha Live Game Blog
Final Score: Michigan 2 Nebraska-Omaha 1
Michigan will move on to play the winner of Notre Dame/Ferris State series next Friday at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit. The crowd sends the Wolverines off the ice with a "thank you seniors" chant directed at Chad Kolarik and Kevin Porter, as those two have played their last game here at Yost. The crowd also requests a second encore performance from the band which obliges! It's about five minutes after the final horn and the students are still here dancing. Thanks for checking out tonight's blog...be sure to leave comments!
GO BLUE!
--9:56--
Michigan on the Power-play
Mick Lawrence was penalized for holding, giving the Wolverines their second power-play chance of the game.
UPDATE: Caparusso JUST missed putting Michigan up 3-1 as his slap shot from the right wing rang off the post. 0:48 left on the power-play.
UPDATE #2: Nebraska-Omaha able to kill of the rest of the power-play as the teams are back to full strength as there are now 2:00 left in the game
--9:50--
Great Crowd Tonight
The Student Section brought their "A" game tonight as they've moved on to a "fire Shegos" chant in reference to the poor officiating in tonights game. Shegos is a crowd favorite here at Yost, especially with the students. As Andrew just pointed out, Verizon has even installed "Shegos" as a preset word in their texting dictionary. 5:28 to go, Michigan still holding onto a 2-1 lead.
--9:42--
Northern Michigan defeats Michigan State 2-1!
They just posted the final score of Northern Michigan 2 Michigan State 1 which set off rousing chorus of "If you can't get into College go to State" by the student section. I love hockey fans. If you read Andrew "Swami" Seid's CCHA Tournament preview you'd see that he's been spot on in his predictions. He had Ferris St. beating Notre Dame in game one which they did and he's done it again tonight correctly predicting this upset.
--9:34--
2nd Period Intermission:
As the band played the traditional 2nd period intermission song: "Can't turn you Loose" by the Blues Brothers the students changed up their tradition a bit. Instead of one fan doing the dancing, the entire student section broke out in dance. Then, an unprecedented event occurred as the student section chanted for an encore from the band. This was followed by "Best Game Ever" chants...and I'd have to agree.
--9:23--
End of 2nd Period: Michigan 2 UNO 1
What a period! Michigan didn't score a goal, but they sure put up a good fight...literally! UNO seemed fired up after the brawl but Billy Sauer has been great in the goal as he's saved 18 of 19 UNO shots
--9:07--
3:20 left in 2nd period, still 2-1 Michigan
Nebraska-Omaha seems to be playing much more aggressively after that fight as they have gotten a couple of good shots off on Billy Sauer but he's been up to the challenge, keeping the score at 2-1 in favor of the Wolverines.
--9:00--
Fight! Fight! Fight!
A Brawl has broken out in the far corner of the UNO zone. There are about 10 players involved as Pacioretty is exchanging punches with a UNO player. Helmets are off, gloves are off and players have hit the deck. The officials finally drag everyone apart after about two or three minutes of brawling. Pacioretty for U of M and Nick Von Bokern for UNO have been kicked out as we'll see how all the penalties shake out
UPDATE: Now a fight has broken out in the stands between a UNO parent and U of M fan! The student section is loving it as the UNO parent is being escorted out by the Ann Arbor Police while being serenaded with the standard vulgar penalty chant.
UPDATE #2: Thanks to Christian's alertness and ability to find a pen, here's the final tally of penalties levied out after the brawl:
Michigan:
Tristin Llewellyn: 2 minutes for roughing
Kevin Porter: 2 minutes for roughing
Aaron Palushaj: 2 minutes for roughing plus another two for interference
Max Pacioretty: 5 minutes for fighting and a game misconduct
Nebraska-Omaha:
J.P. Platisha: 2 minutes for roughing
Dan Charleston: 2 minutes for roughing
Mike Phillippi: 2 minutes for roughing
Nick Von Bokern: 2 minutes for roughing and a game misconduct
YIKES!
--8:40--
Michigan 2 UNO 1
UNO has finally converted on a power-play opportunity as Michigan got a little bit too aggressive looking for a short-handed goal. Tony and Andrew had the call
--8:31--
Yet another penalty on Michigan
This time Chris Summers is the guilty party as he's pegged with a blatant cross-check. Two more minutes coming for UNO on the power-play
UPDATE: Billy Sauer is amazing
--8:31--
Early power-play chance for UNO
Michigan must feel bad for UNO because they keep committing penalties in order to give UNO a chance to put the puck in the net. That latest culprit is Chad Langlais who was called for hooking as the UNO man was in all alone on a breakway at the 18:00 mark.
UPDATE: Penalty killed off with ease by the Wolverines
--8:28--
End of first period - Michigan 2 UNO 0
End of the first period from Yost, Michigan leading it 2-0. Tony Bolton, WCBN's voice of Michigan Hockey says that the last Hagelin goal of the night really took any fight that UNO had left completely out of them. Tony even pointed out the body language of the UNO players showed a lack of energy...and that was for the pre-game introductions! Michigan is rolling right now and it sure is fun to watch.
--8:19--
Michigan 2 UNO 0
GOAAAAAAALLLL!!! Michigan's Carl Hagelin pushes the U of M lead out to 2-0 on a spectacular backhanded shot to beat the UNO goaltender. Hagelin got the puck all the way back at the Michigan blue line and took it himself, beating two UNO defensemen on his way to the net. Travis Turnball on the assist, Tony and Christian on the call
--8:10--
Power-play for Michigan
Now Michigan will have an opportunity with a one man advantage as Mick Lawrence is sent off for tripping. The crowd has filled in nicely as now just about all the seats are full with the exception of the edges of the student section-side
--8:02--
Another power-play opportunity for UNO
Another Michigan penalty, this one called on Brandon Naurato for goaltender interference. Michigan able to kill it off, making UNO just 1-8 on the power-play for the series. All we heard about coming in was that vaunted UNO power-play unit, but so far the Wolverines have met the challange.
--7:55--
Penalty on Michigan give UNO game's first power-play
Caporusso draws the game's first penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct - contact to the head, but the Wolverines have killed it off successfully. Crowd was upset with a no-call on a suspect hit put on Michigan alternate captain, Chad Kolarik.
--7:46--
Michigan 1 UNO 0
Palushaj is out on the ice and appears to be skating well as Michigan is off to another great start. Brandon Naurato has just put the Wolverines on top 1-0 at the 3:14 mark. Brian Lebler found Naurato streaking down the right side of the ice and threaded a pass off the boards to the wide open forward. Naurato made his move across the crease before wristing a backhanded shot into the upper-left corner of the net. Assists credited to Lebler and Mitera. Here's Tony and Christian on the call.
--7:41--
The crowd is slowly trickling in as we are about 10 minutes from faceoff. So far the student section is about half full with the rest of the arena not much better. On an unrelated, but equally disappointing note, the press row has already run out of pizza.
--7:25--
And we're back for game two of the 2008 CCHA quarterfinal matchup between #1 seed Michigan and #8 Nebraska-Omaha. Hopefully I can do as good of a job as Jeremy did for you last night, I know I have big shoes to fill.
We'll see if Michigan has any goals left after scoring 10 in the 10-1 victory last night. It seemed like everyone that hit the ice registered a point for the Maize and Blue so hopefully the boys saved a few for tonight as they look to complete the sweep and move onto the CCHA semifinals next friday night at the Joe.
More bad news on the injury front for Michigan as Aaron Palushaj will be a game-time decision as he battles a cold. So far he looks ok in the pre-game skate. More on this to come...
--7:03--
Michigan will move on to play the winner of Notre Dame/Ferris State series next Friday at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit. The crowd sends the Wolverines off the ice with a "thank you seniors" chant directed at Chad Kolarik and Kevin Porter, as those two have played their last game here at Yost. The crowd also requests a second encore performance from the band which obliges! It's about five minutes after the final horn and the students are still here dancing. Thanks for checking out tonight's blog...be sure to leave comments!
GO BLUE!
--9:56--
Michigan on the Power-play
Mick Lawrence was penalized for holding, giving the Wolverines their second power-play chance of the game.
UPDATE: Caparusso JUST missed putting Michigan up 3-1 as his slap shot from the right wing rang off the post. 0:48 left on the power-play.
UPDATE #2: Nebraska-Omaha able to kill of the rest of the power-play as the teams are back to full strength as there are now 2:00 left in the game
--9:50--
Great Crowd Tonight
The Student Section brought their "A" game tonight as they've moved on to a "fire Shegos" chant in reference to the poor officiating in tonights game. Shegos is a crowd favorite here at Yost, especially with the students. As Andrew just pointed out, Verizon has even installed "Shegos" as a preset word in their texting dictionary. 5:28 to go, Michigan still holding onto a 2-1 lead.
--9:42--
Northern Michigan defeats Michigan State 2-1!
They just posted the final score of Northern Michigan 2 Michigan State 1 which set off rousing chorus of "If you can't get into College go to State" by the student section. I love hockey fans. If you read Andrew "Swami" Seid's CCHA Tournament preview you'd see that he's been spot on in his predictions. He had Ferris St. beating Notre Dame in game one which they did and he's done it again tonight correctly predicting this upset.
--9:34--
2nd Period Intermission:
As the band played the traditional 2nd period intermission song: "Can't turn you Loose" by the Blues Brothers the students changed up their tradition a bit. Instead of one fan doing the dancing, the entire student section broke out in dance. Then, an unprecedented event occurred as the student section chanted for an encore from the band. This was followed by "Best Game Ever" chants...and I'd have to agree.
--9:23--
End of 2nd Period: Michigan 2 UNO 1
What a period! Michigan didn't score a goal, but they sure put up a good fight...literally! UNO seemed fired up after the brawl but Billy Sauer has been great in the goal as he's saved 18 of 19 UNO shots
--9:07--
3:20 left in 2nd period, still 2-1 Michigan
Nebraska-Omaha seems to be playing much more aggressively after that fight as they have gotten a couple of good shots off on Billy Sauer but he's been up to the challenge, keeping the score at 2-1 in favor of the Wolverines.
--9:00--
Fight! Fight! Fight!
A Brawl has broken out in the far corner of the UNO zone. There are about 10 players involved as Pacioretty is exchanging punches with a UNO player. Helmets are off, gloves are off and players have hit the deck. The officials finally drag everyone apart after about two or three minutes of brawling. Pacioretty for U of M and Nick Von Bokern for UNO have been kicked out as we'll see how all the penalties shake out
UPDATE: Now a fight has broken out in the stands between a UNO parent and U of M fan! The student section is loving it as the UNO parent is being escorted out by the Ann Arbor Police while being serenaded with the standard vulgar penalty chant.
UPDATE #2: Thanks to Christian's alertness and ability to find a pen, here's the final tally of penalties levied out after the brawl:
Michigan:
Tristin Llewellyn: 2 minutes for roughing
Kevin Porter: 2 minutes for roughing
Aaron Palushaj: 2 minutes for roughing plus another two for interference
Max Pacioretty: 5 minutes for fighting and a game misconduct
Nebraska-Omaha:
J.P. Platisha: 2 minutes for roughing
Dan Charleston: 2 minutes for roughing
Mike Phillippi: 2 minutes for roughing
Nick Von Bokern: 2 minutes for roughing and a game misconduct
YIKES!
--8:40--
Michigan 2 UNO 1UNO has finally converted on a power-play opportunity as Michigan got a little bit too aggressive looking for a short-handed goal. Tony and Andrew had the call
--8:31--
Yet another penalty on Michigan
This time Chris Summers is the guilty party as he's pegged with a blatant cross-check. Two more minutes coming for UNO on the power-play
UPDATE: Billy Sauer is amazing
--8:31--
Early power-play chance for UNO
Michigan must feel bad for UNO because they keep committing penalties in order to give UNO a chance to put the puck in the net. That latest culprit is Chad Langlais who was called for hooking as the UNO man was in all alone on a breakway at the 18:00 mark.
UPDATE: Penalty killed off with ease by the Wolverines
--8:28--
End of first period - Michigan 2 UNO 0
End of the first period from Yost, Michigan leading it 2-0. Tony Bolton, WCBN's voice of Michigan Hockey says that the last Hagelin goal of the night really took any fight that UNO had left completely out of them. Tony even pointed out the body language of the UNO players showed a lack of energy...and that was for the pre-game introductions! Michigan is rolling right now and it sure is fun to watch.
--8:19--
Michigan 2 UNO 0GOAAAAAAALLLL!!! Michigan's Carl Hagelin pushes the U of M lead out to 2-0 on a spectacular backhanded shot to beat the UNO goaltender. Hagelin got the puck all the way back at the Michigan blue line and took it himself, beating two UNO defensemen on his way to the net. Travis Turnball on the assist, Tony and Christian on the call
--8:10--
Power-play for Michigan
Now Michigan will have an opportunity with a one man advantage as Mick Lawrence is sent off for tripping. The crowd has filled in nicely as now just about all the seats are full with the exception of the edges of the student section-side
--8:02--
Another power-play opportunity for UNO
Another Michigan penalty, this one called on Brandon Naurato for goaltender interference. Michigan able to kill it off, making UNO just 1-8 on the power-play for the series. All we heard about coming in was that vaunted UNO power-play unit, but so far the Wolverines have met the challange.
--7:55--
Penalty on Michigan give UNO game's first power-play
Caporusso draws the game's first penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct - contact to the head, but the Wolverines have killed it off successfully. Crowd was upset with a no-call on a suspect hit put on Michigan alternate captain, Chad Kolarik.
--7:46--
Michigan 1 UNO 0Palushaj is out on the ice and appears to be skating well as Michigan is off to another great start. Brandon Naurato has just put the Wolverines on top 1-0 at the 3:14 mark. Brian Lebler found Naurato streaking down the right side of the ice and threaded a pass off the boards to the wide open forward. Naurato made his move across the crease before wristing a backhanded shot into the upper-left corner of the net. Assists credited to Lebler and Mitera. Here's Tony and Christian on the call.
--7:41--
The crowd is slowly trickling in as we are about 10 minutes from faceoff. So far the student section is about half full with the rest of the arena not much better. On an unrelated, but equally disappointing note, the press row has already run out of pizza.
--7:25--
And we're back for game two of the 2008 CCHA quarterfinal matchup between #1 seed Michigan and #8 Nebraska-Omaha. Hopefully I can do as good of a job as Jeremy did for you last night, I know I have big shoes to fill.We'll see if Michigan has any goals left after scoring 10 in the 10-1 victory last night. It seemed like everyone that hit the ice registered a point for the Maize and Blue so hopefully the boys saved a few for tonight as they look to complete the sweep and move onto the CCHA semifinals next friday night at the Joe.
More bad news on the injury front for Michigan as Aaron Palushaj will be a game-time decision as he battles a cold. So far he looks ok in the pre-game skate. More on this to come...
--7:03--
Friday, March 14, 2008
Michigan vs University of Nebraska - Omaha Live Game Blog
Editor's Note:
First of all, Jeremy did a great job keeping up with this barn-burner of a game. He had no idea what he was getting himself into by signing up to do WCBN's first live game blog. Secondly, I would like to apologize for those who were listening on WCBN FM 88.3 in Ann Arbor and missed the first two goals in the third period. Cell phone reception is not very good in the basement of the Student Activities Building so I missed the cue to send things back to the boys at Yost.
We hope you enjoyed the broadcast and the blog. Please leave any comments you have!
Final from Yost: Michigan 10 - UNO 1
Whew, what a game. Michigan takes the first game of this Quarterfinal CCHA match-up with Nebraska-Omaha. Andrew Seid is going to be on later tonight to give you a full recap of this game, so I'll save the statistics for now. You can listen to highlights of seven of Michigan's goals on the WCBN Sports Podcast. The podcast is complete with pictures and blurbs for those seven goals, and I know I'm going to be pumping myself up for tomorrow night's game with some Tony Bolton-Christian Montgomery-Andrew Seid goal highlights. I'm signing off for the night, thanks for joining WCBN for the extensive coverage of the game tonight. Go Blue!
--9:46:00 PM--
Michigan 10 - UNO 1
Well, I was finally beat by the Michigan offense, as I don't have a highlight for this goal, but Michigan is now up 10-1 on UNO. With 3rd-string goaltender Eric Aarnio, a small, mobile goaltender standing at 5-10, 190, in the game, Michigan took advantage. Danny Fardig picked up his 1st goal of the game, with Naurato and Lebler assisting at the 5:53 mark of the 3rd period. Shades of the Michigan-Notre Dame CCHA Tournament game in 2005 anyone? They won that one 10-1, and then won the next night 1-0 in OT... hopefully tomorrow night will be a little easier.
--9:40:00 PM--
Michigan 9 - UNO 1
Wow. Mr. Hobie Baker picks up his first goal of the game on a three-on-one break, with Palushaj picking up the assist, as Michigan goes up 9-1, 11:44 into the 3rd period. Tony Bolton and Christian Montgomery had the call.
--9:39:00 PM--
Michigan 8 - UNO 1
Michigan simply will not let up, as Chad Langlais picked up his first point of the night, assisting on the Mark Mitera goal. Michigan goes up 8-1, as Tony Bolton and Christian Montgomery had the call.
--9:28:00 PM--
Michigan 7 - UNO 1
After Michigan put up 2 goals in the first 1:25 of the 3rd period, UNO ended Billy Sauer's shutout bid on the power play, as Tomas Klempa took the pass from Scero and put it behind Sauer. Tony Bolton and Christian Montgomery had the call.
--9:27:00 PM--
18:35 in the 3rd: Michigan 7 - UNO 0
We were a little delayed coming back on the air, and normally 1:25 of missed hockey wouldn't be too big of a deal, but with this Michigan team, you simply can't relax. Michigan puts up two goals in the first minute and a half of 3rd period hockey, as they have played a relentless style of hockey against UNO tonight.
1st Goal: 0:30, Chad Kolarik from Max Pacioretty
2nd Goal: 1:25, Louie Caporusso from Chris Summers and Aaron Pulashaj
To recap, Kolarik tallied a hat trick in his first game back from the injury, and with Palushaj and Summers picking up assists on the 2nd goal, Michigan now totals 13 players with points in the game!
--9:11:00 PM--
End of the 2nd: Michigan 5 - UNO 0
11 players have points, every forward line has a goal, and Michigan is simply (in the words of Tony Bolton) "clicking on all cylinders." In the 2nd period, Hagelin put the puck past Kaufmann, with Tim Miller and Tristin Llewellyn picking up the assists. Hagelin swept behind the net and, with seemingly no angle, found a way to beat the UNO goaltender, who would promptly be benched in favor of Jeremie Dupont. Dupont wouldn't fare too much better, giving up a goal to Travis Turnbull, who took a beautiful pass from Louie Caporusso and wristed it past Dupont to give Michigan a 5-0 lead. Mitera also picked up an assist on the Turnbull goal, shifting Michigan from defense to offense with a nifty play to give Michigan control of the puck. Things are looking up here at Yost, as Michigan looks to win the first game of this Quarterfinal series against UNO.
--9:03:00 PM--
Michigan 5 - UNO 0
Oh baby, oh baby. Travis Turnbull gets a well-deserved goal, as he takes the feed from Louie Caporusso and puts it past new UNO goaltender Jeremie Dupont. Tony Bolton and Andrew Seid had the call.
--8:58:00 PM--
Michigan 4 - UNO 0
Carl Hagelin went streaking down the near-side wing, and he was not to be denied, as he wrapped around the net and roofed the puck over Kaufmann, giving Michigan a 4-0 lead. Tony Bolton and Andrew Seid had the call.
--8:50:00 PM--
16:16 in the 2nd: Michigan 3 - UNO 0
With Eric Elmblad in the penalty box, Billy Sauer has had to stand on his head. UNO's strong power play finally showed up, as they passed the puck around the perimeter, firing two strong shots at Billy Sauer, who gloved the last to give the Wolverine defense a much-needed whistle. Michigan is holding strong with their three goal lead.
--8:32:00 PM--
End of the 1st: Michigan 3 - UNO 0
Michigan played a phenomenal first period in their CCHA Tournament debut, beating up on a slower, less talented Nebraska-Omaha squad. UNO showed the ill-effects of playing a triple-OT game less than a week ago against Alaska, coming out fatigued and seemingly unable to finish any checks. Michigan took advantage of a loud crowd at Yost, who is loving the return of Chad Kolarik. Kolarik, in his last series at Yost, is making the most of his Senior year appearance in the CCHA Tournament, scoring two goals in the 1st period. Michigan will look to continue their strong play as the 2nd period is underway with Michigan up 3-0, and Nebraska-Omaha still stuck at 2 shots on the game against Billy Sauer.
--8:28:00 PM--
Michigan 3 - UNO 0
Welcome back, Chad Kolarik! The first line picked up a point a piece, as Porter and Pacioretty assisted on Kolarik's 2nd goal of the game. 3-0 Wolverines with 1:55 remaining in the 1st. Tony Bolton and Christian Montgomery had the call.
--8:10:00 PM--
Michigan 2 - UNO 0
10:29 into the game, Michigan has opened up a 2-0 lead on UNO. Chad Kolarik, in his first game back from the groin injury, took the puck away from Juha Uotila and wristed it past Kaufmann for the unassisted tally. Tony Bolton and Christian Montgomery had the call.
--8:00:00 PM--
Michigan 1 - UNO 0
GOAL! Brandon Naurato puts Michigan up 1-0 on UNO, 4:43 into the 1st period. Kampfer and Mitera picked up assists for the Wolverines, who got off to a quick start here at Yost against the Mavericks. Tony Bolton and Christian Montgomery had the call. You can also listen to the highlight on the WCBN Sports Podcast.
--7:40:00 PM--
Michigan-UNO Lines Posted
Our very own Andrew Seid did a remarkable job at predicting the make-shift lines that Red Berenson has put together for tonight's game:
Michigan Wolverines
Forwards
1st Line: Max Pacioretty, Kevin Porter, Chad Kolarik
2nd Line: Tim Miller, Carl Hagelin, Aaron Palushaj
3rd Line: Ben Winnett, Louie Caporusso, Travis Turnbull
4th Line: Brian Lebler, Danny Fardig, Brandon Naurato
Defensive Pairs
1st Pair: Mark Mitera, Chad Langlais
2nd Pair: Steve Kampfer, Tristin Llewellyn
3rd Pair: Chris Summers, Eric Elmblad
And, of course, Billy Sauer will be in net for the Wolverines.
Notables:
1. Andrew Seid was 100% correct in his prediction of the forward lines -- his only mistake came on the defensive pairs, where he assumed Coach Berenson would complement the more aggressive style of play that Chris Summers brings to the table with Tristin Llewellyn, who has played in 28 games this season. However, Berenson elected to pair Summers with Eric Elmblad, filling in for the injured Scooter Vaughan and playing in his first collegiate game.
2. Chad Kolarik is in the lineup, playing in his last series at Yost. Kolarik is back on the first line with Kevin Porter, playing for the first time since his groin injury here at Yost against Lake Superior St.
3. Matt Rust, who banged knees with the aforementioned Eric Elmblad, is not in the lineup -- as Andrew Seid correctly predicted, Carl Hagelin slid into the center position on Michigan's exciting, young 2nd line, with Junior Tim Miller taking Hagelin's spot on the left wing.
Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks
Forwards
1st Line: Brandon Scero, Joey Martin, Mick Lawrence
2nd Line: Dan Charleston, J.P. Platisha, Tomas Klempa
3rd Line: Nick Fanto, Jeric Agosta, Matt Ambroz
4th Line: JJ Koehler, Bill Bagron, Dan Swanson
Defensive Pairs
1st Pair: Eddie Del Grosso, Mark Bernier
2nd Pair: Juha Uotila, Eric Olimb
3rd Pair: Nick Von Bokern, Mike Phillippi
It looks like Jerad Kaufmann will be the goaltender for the Mavericks tonight.
Notables:
Bryan Marshall, #1 in the nation in assists per game, is not in the lineup tonight. He hasn't played in a game since UNO's 5-2 win over Ohio St. on February 9th at the Qwest Center in Omaha. Joey Martin continues to take Marshall's spot on the top line.
--6:53:00 PM--
Michigan-UNO Live Game B-Logging
We're at Yost Ice Arena setting up for tonight's broadcast, which can be heard live on WCBN 88.3-FM Ann Arbor on your radio or live on the web during the "Game of the Week" show from 7-10 PM (the game starts at 7:35, so enjoy sports talk prior to the game and during intermissions). I'll be providing a live blog of the game, and hopefully linking you to some highlights of goals right after they happen from our new WCBN Sports Podcast.
Tune in with WCBN all night on the air and on the web for extensive coverage of Michigan's CCHA Quarterfinal Game One match-up with the University of Nebraska-Omaha.
--6:41:00 PM--
First of all, Jeremy did a great job keeping up with this barn-burner of a game. He had no idea what he was getting himself into by signing up to do WCBN's first live game blog. Secondly, I would like to apologize for those who were listening on WCBN FM 88.3 in Ann Arbor and missed the first two goals in the third period. Cell phone reception is not very good in the basement of the Student Activities Building so I missed the cue to send things back to the boys at Yost.
We hope you enjoyed the broadcast and the blog. Please leave any comments you have!
Final from Yost: Michigan 10 - UNO 1
Whew, what a game. Michigan takes the first game of this Quarterfinal CCHA match-up with Nebraska-Omaha. Andrew Seid is going to be on later tonight to give you a full recap of this game, so I'll save the statistics for now. You can listen to highlights of seven of Michigan's goals on the WCBN Sports Podcast. The podcast is complete with pictures and blurbs for those seven goals, and I know I'm going to be pumping myself up for tomorrow night's game with some Tony Bolton-Christian Montgomery-Andrew Seid goal highlights. I'm signing off for the night, thanks for joining WCBN for the extensive coverage of the game tonight. Go Blue!
--9:46:00 PM--
Michigan 10 - UNO 1
Well, I was finally beat by the Michigan offense, as I don't have a highlight for this goal, but Michigan is now up 10-1 on UNO. With 3rd-string goaltender Eric Aarnio, a small, mobile goaltender standing at 5-10, 190, in the game, Michigan took advantage. Danny Fardig picked up his 1st goal of the game, with Naurato and Lebler assisting at the 5:53 mark of the 3rd period. Shades of the Michigan-Notre Dame CCHA Tournament game in 2005 anyone? They won that one 10-1, and then won the next night 1-0 in OT... hopefully tomorrow night will be a little easier.
--9:40:00 PM--
Michigan 9 - UNO 1
Wow. Mr. Hobie Baker picks up his first goal of the game on a three-on-one break, with Palushaj picking up the assist, as Michigan goes up 9-1, 11:44 into the 3rd period. Tony Bolton and Christian Montgomery had the call.
--9:39:00 PM--
Michigan 8 - UNO 1
Michigan simply will not let up, as Chad Langlais picked up his first point of the night, assisting on the Mark Mitera goal. Michigan goes up 8-1, as Tony Bolton and Christian Montgomery had the call.
--9:28:00 PM--
Michigan 7 - UNO 1
After Michigan put up 2 goals in the first 1:25 of the 3rd period, UNO ended Billy Sauer's shutout bid on the power play, as Tomas Klempa took the pass from Scero and put it behind Sauer. Tony Bolton and Christian Montgomery had the call.
--9:27:00 PM--
18:35 in the 3rd: Michigan 7 - UNO 0
We were a little delayed coming back on the air, and normally 1:25 of missed hockey wouldn't be too big of a deal, but with this Michigan team, you simply can't relax. Michigan puts up two goals in the first minute and a half of 3rd period hockey, as they have played a relentless style of hockey against UNO tonight.
1st Goal: 0:30, Chad Kolarik from Max Pacioretty
2nd Goal: 1:25, Louie Caporusso from Chris Summers and Aaron Pulashaj
To recap, Kolarik tallied a hat trick in his first game back from the injury, and with Palushaj and Summers picking up assists on the 2nd goal, Michigan now totals 13 players with points in the game!
--9:11:00 PM--
End of the 2nd: Michigan 5 - UNO 0
11 players have points, every forward line has a goal, and Michigan is simply (in the words of Tony Bolton) "clicking on all cylinders." In the 2nd period, Hagelin put the puck past Kaufmann, with Tim Miller and Tristin Llewellyn picking up the assists. Hagelin swept behind the net and, with seemingly no angle, found a way to beat the UNO goaltender, who would promptly be benched in favor of Jeremie Dupont. Dupont wouldn't fare too much better, giving up a goal to Travis Turnbull, who took a beautiful pass from Louie Caporusso and wristed it past Dupont to give Michigan a 5-0 lead. Mitera also picked up an assist on the Turnbull goal, shifting Michigan from defense to offense with a nifty play to give Michigan control of the puck. Things are looking up here at Yost, as Michigan looks to win the first game of this Quarterfinal series against UNO.
--9:03:00 PM--
Michigan 5 - UNO 0
Oh baby, oh baby. Travis Turnbull gets a well-deserved goal, as he takes the feed from Louie Caporusso and puts it past new UNO goaltender Jeremie Dupont. Tony Bolton and Andrew Seid had the call.
--8:58:00 PM--
Michigan 4 - UNO 0
Carl Hagelin went streaking down the near-side wing, and he was not to be denied, as he wrapped around the net and roofed the puck over Kaufmann, giving Michigan a 4-0 lead. Tony Bolton and Andrew Seid had the call.
--8:50:00 PM--
16:16 in the 2nd: Michigan 3 - UNO 0
With Eric Elmblad in the penalty box, Billy Sauer has had to stand on his head. UNO's strong power play finally showed up, as they passed the puck around the perimeter, firing two strong shots at Billy Sauer, who gloved the last to give the Wolverine defense a much-needed whistle. Michigan is holding strong with their three goal lead.
--8:32:00 PM--
End of the 1st: Michigan 3 - UNO 0
Michigan played a phenomenal first period in their CCHA Tournament debut, beating up on a slower, less talented Nebraska-Omaha squad. UNO showed the ill-effects of playing a triple-OT game less than a week ago against Alaska, coming out fatigued and seemingly unable to finish any checks. Michigan took advantage of a loud crowd at Yost, who is loving the return of Chad Kolarik. Kolarik, in his last series at Yost, is making the most of his Senior year appearance in the CCHA Tournament, scoring two goals in the 1st period. Michigan will look to continue their strong play as the 2nd period is underway with Michigan up 3-0, and Nebraska-Omaha still stuck at 2 shots on the game against Billy Sauer.
--8:28:00 PM--
Michigan 3 - UNO 0
Welcome back, Chad Kolarik! The first line picked up a point a piece, as Porter and Pacioretty assisted on Kolarik's 2nd goal of the game. 3-0 Wolverines with 1:55 remaining in the 1st. Tony Bolton and Christian Montgomery had the call.
--8:10:00 PM--
Michigan 2 - UNO 0
10:29 into the game, Michigan has opened up a 2-0 lead on UNO. Chad Kolarik, in his first game back from the groin injury, took the puck away from Juha Uotila and wristed it past Kaufmann for the unassisted tally. Tony Bolton and Christian Montgomery had the call.
--8:00:00 PM--
Michigan 1 - UNO 0
GOAL! Brandon Naurato puts Michigan up 1-0 on UNO, 4:43 into the 1st period. Kampfer and Mitera picked up assists for the Wolverines, who got off to a quick start here at Yost against the Mavericks. Tony Bolton and Christian Montgomery had the call. You can also listen to the highlight on the WCBN Sports Podcast.
--7:40:00 PM--
Michigan-UNO Lines Posted
Our very own Andrew Seid did a remarkable job at predicting the make-shift lines that Red Berenson has put together for tonight's game:
Michigan Wolverines
Forwards
1st Line: Max Pacioretty, Kevin Porter, Chad Kolarik
2nd Line: Tim Miller, Carl Hagelin, Aaron Palushaj
3rd Line: Ben Winnett, Louie Caporusso, Travis Turnbull
4th Line: Brian Lebler, Danny Fardig, Brandon Naurato
Defensive Pairs
1st Pair: Mark Mitera, Chad Langlais
2nd Pair: Steve Kampfer, Tristin Llewellyn
3rd Pair: Chris Summers, Eric Elmblad
And, of course, Billy Sauer will be in net for the Wolverines.
Notables:
1. Andrew Seid was 100% correct in his prediction of the forward lines -- his only mistake came on the defensive pairs, where he assumed Coach Berenson would complement the more aggressive style of play that Chris Summers brings to the table with Tristin Llewellyn, who has played in 28 games this season. However, Berenson elected to pair Summers with Eric Elmblad, filling in for the injured Scooter Vaughan and playing in his first collegiate game.
2. Chad Kolarik is in the lineup, playing in his last series at Yost. Kolarik is back on the first line with Kevin Porter, playing for the first time since his groin injury here at Yost against Lake Superior St.
3. Matt Rust, who banged knees with the aforementioned Eric Elmblad, is not in the lineup -- as Andrew Seid correctly predicted, Carl Hagelin slid into the center position on Michigan's exciting, young 2nd line, with Junior Tim Miller taking Hagelin's spot on the left wing.
Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks
Forwards
1st Line: Brandon Scero, Joey Martin, Mick Lawrence
2nd Line: Dan Charleston, J.P. Platisha, Tomas Klempa
3rd Line: Nick Fanto, Jeric Agosta, Matt Ambroz
4th Line: JJ Koehler, Bill Bagron, Dan Swanson
Defensive Pairs
1st Pair: Eddie Del Grosso, Mark Bernier
2nd Pair: Juha Uotila, Eric Olimb
3rd Pair: Nick Von Bokern, Mike Phillippi
It looks like Jerad Kaufmann will be the goaltender for the Mavericks tonight.
Notables:
Bryan Marshall, #1 in the nation in assists per game, is not in the lineup tonight. He hasn't played in a game since UNO's 5-2 win over Ohio St. on February 9th at the Qwest Center in Omaha. Joey Martin continues to take Marshall's spot on the top line.
--6:53:00 PM--
Michigan-UNO Live Game B-Logging
We're at Yost Ice Arena setting up for tonight's broadcast, which can be heard live on WCBN 88.3-FM Ann Arbor on your radio or live on the web during the "Game of the Week" show from 7-10 PM (the game starts at 7:35, so enjoy sports talk prior to the game and during intermissions). I'll be providing a live blog of the game, and hopefully linking you to some highlights of goals right after they happen from our new WCBN Sports Podcast.
Tune in with WCBN all night on the air and on the web for extensive coverage of Michigan's CCHA Quarterfinal Game One match-up with the University of Nebraska-Omaha.--6:41:00 PM--
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