Ford Field and the Frozen Four

First off, let me start by saying that I have seen the future... and his name is Stephen Curry. Curry did not disappoint to the tune of 33 points, pushing his tournament total to 103. To put that into perspective, the career mark for points in the Tourney is 427, set by Christian Laetnner... and Curry has managed to get a fourth of the way there in 3 games. Bottom line: The kid is nasty with the jump shot, was able to create his own shot more often than I've seen previously against Michael Flowers (who held Manny Harris to single digits this year), and received a well deserved standing ovation from the 60,000 on hand at Ford Field. When you've got LeBron James at your game, swaying in his chair with amazement, you know you have arrived.

Speaking of Ford Field, I felt this was a terrific venue to watch a tournament game and a great atmosphere for basketball. While the court was raised up and at midfield, somewhat far away from the action, I enjoyed the fact that the distance from the court gave people a chance to see plays develop. While most people might think the court is too far away from the stands, I really enjoyed it and think it will be an excellent site for the Final Four next year.

However, I DO NOT think this will be a good site for the Frozen Four in 2010. While the NCAA did a great job of promoting it at the game, there is no way they will come close to filling that stadium. I think the awesome sight lines Ford Field has to offer will be good for viewing the game, but c'mon: This arena was nowhere near capacity for a Sweet Sixteen/Elite 8 game. How does the NCAA expect to fill it for college hockey?! There are 6,000 fans at an average college hockey game. That's a little less than one-tenth the capacity of Ford Field. This might not sit well with some of the college hockey fans, but a niche sport like college hockey will not even come close to filling that arena and empty seats take away from a solid atmosphere. I predict that the event will be somewhat of a disappointment, and would've been better off at a smaller arena like Joe Louis, or even the Palace.

NCAA East Regional Game 1

Wrapup:

After a slow first period that saw a lot of physical play from both sides, the Michigan first line simply took over the game, scoring all 5 of the goals for the Maize and Blue. Kevin Porter, the unanimous WCBN Sports player of the game and CCHA player of the year, scored four goals, including the natural hat trick. CCHA rookie of the year Max Pacioretty added a goal and 2 assists, while senior Chad Kolarik had 3 helpers on the night. Overall, the Wolverines did a great job of not overlooking their opponents and playing the successful style of hockey that they have won with all year. Niagara coach Dave Burkholder didn’t have a specific plan to stop Porter and ended his press conference statement with, “How do you stop that line?” He also added that Michigan did a good job not taking penalties.

Michigan’s win breaks a 3 game NCAA Tournament skid and was Red Berenson’s 24 win in the tournament. Berenson applauded the spectacular effort of the first line and added that the defense stepped up their play after he called them out in pre-tournament practice. He added that he was pleased with Billy Sauer’s effort, stopping shots when he need to even though he only saw 9 shots through 2 periods. Kolarik joked at the press conference that, “It’s about time he caught up to me,” referring to the 4 goal game Porter had. Kolarik has two 4 goal games on the year. Michigan knows that will face a tougher team in Clarkson, but they will spend the day preparing for there opponent.

Elsewhere in the NCAA Hockey Tourament, the CCHA was very successful. Notre Dame stunned top seeded New Hampshire 7-3 in Denver and Michigan State was able to pick up where they left off last year, knocking off number two Colorado College 3-1 in the same location. These 2 teams will play Saturday night, while Miami will play Air Force Saturday afternoon.

Unfortunately due to budget constraints, WCBN is unable to air these games live, but they are being recorded. Highlights will be up and the game will be put on the Sports Stream. Check back after the game tomorrow for the blog about Saturday night’s game.

Michigan v. Niagara: Game 1 from Albany

--10:02--

VICTORY! The Michigan Hockey Pep Band plays “The Victors” as the game ends, 5-1, in favor of the Wolverines. Michigan out shot Niagara 39 to 17 and added 3 more goals in the third period and Michigan captain Kevin Porter adds 4 goals to bring his season total to 32. I will be back with my final thoughts and hopefully a few highlights.

--9:59--

GOAL MICHIGAN! What a night for Kevin Porter as he adds an empty-net goal for the Wolverines. He took the puck away from a Niagara defenseman to score his fourth goal tonight and make it 5-1 Michigan. There is now less than a minute in the game and Michigan looks to close out the game strong.

--9:54--

Our media friend Mark Damico who was watching the game by us has handed me a sheet to promote a new college hockey website, http://d1hockey.com/. He knows his hockey and is just looking to spread the word. He tells me that there will be a nice article on Michigan hockey, including his interview with Michigan coach Red Berenson. The site will be fully operational after the Frozen Four.

UPDATE: In the middle of the second period, he predicted a 5-1 Michigan win, which it was. Like I said, he knows his stuff.

--9:51--

The shutout is done as Niagara scores for the first time tonight. Captain Matt Caruana scores his 17^th goal this year off an assist from Vince Rocco. There is a little under 4 minutes to play in Albany as Michigan looks to hold off the Purple Eagles for the remainder of the game.

--9:47--

The Niagara power play ends as Kyle Rogers is called for roughing. Once Hagelin’s penalty is done, the Wolverines will go back on their 2 for 4 power play unit.

--9:46--

Carl Hagelin takes an elbow to the head penalty for Michigan. The Wolverines penalty kill has been great all night, staving off the Niagara special teams that came into the game 3^rd in the nation. The Purple Eagles will look to add at least one goal tonight and take a little momentum away from Michigan.

--9:41--

HAT TRICK FOR KEVIN PORTER! The top line adds another goal as the Michigan fans throw hats on the ice and rain “Hobey Baker” chants onto Porter, who now has 31 goals on the year. Michigan now leads 4-0 with 8:58 left to play in the third. Chad Kolarik picks up his fourth assist on the night and Max Pacioretty adds his third along with his goal. More pretty puck movement from the Wolverines led to this goal, allowing “The Victors” to resonate once again in Albany.

--9:40--

Shortly after the Michigan goal, a hooking penalty comes to Niagara winger Paul Zanette, so the Maize and Blue will have a chance to add another power play goal. They are 1 for 3 with the man advantage tonight.

--9:37--

GOAL MICHIGAN! Kevin Porter adds his second goal of the night off a shot from defenseman Tristin Llewellyn. The shot bounced around in front of the net, touching Max Pacioretty and Chad Kolarik before Porter puts the loose puck in the back of the net. Michigan’s first line is now responsible for all 3 of Michigan’s goals.

--9:32--

We are 6 minutes into this third period and Niagara has upped their physical play and intensity. Michigan seems to be playing back, but still have only allowed one shot on goal. Niagara has kept the play so far in the Michigan zone, but the defense continues to step up. Billy Sauer just made a nice save to keep the two goal lead.

--9:07--

End of the 2^nd period from Albany, the Wolverines up 2-0 thanks to goals from Max Pacioretty and Kevin Porter. Michigan out shot Niagara 19-5 that period, leaving Niagara in desperate need of some changes during this intermission.

--8:54--

Pagliero doing all he can to keep Niagara in this game as he has faced 26 shots so far this game, while only allowing 2 goals. The Wolverines have a 26-7 shot advantage with 6:30 left in the second period.

--8:45--

2-0 MICHIGAN! A great play by the top line, breaking out of the defensive zone and the perfectly run 3-2 break by Kevin Porter, Max Pacioretty, and Chad Kolarik. Patch brings the puck into the zone, drops it off to the trailing Kolarik who feeds the puck between the two Niagara defenders to Kevin Porter. Porter then beats Pagliero five-hole for a great goal and a 2-0 Wolverine lead.

--8:34--

After a tough first period, the Wolverines are absolutely dominating to start this second period, outshooting Niagara 7-0 in the first 5 minutes. Niagara will try to take advantage of the possible momentum killer as a pane of glass comes loose just over 6 minutes into the period.

--8:30--

The Wolverines successfully kill off another penalty, as Niagara gets no shots on goal during that power play and have been out shot by Michigan 11-0 since the Purple Eagles took an early shot advantage in the first period.

--8:28--

With 18:41 left in the second, the Wolverines now are back on the PK following a hooking penalty by Matt Rust.

--8:26--

GOAL MICHIGAN! Power play is finally taken advantage of by the Wolverines, as Max Pacioretty gets the power play goal, his 15^th of the season, to put Michigan ahead 1-0. Assists to Chad Kolarik and Aaron Palushaj, with the primary assist coming on a spectacular pass by Mr. Kolarik.

- 8:24--

The puck is dropped and the second period is under way here in Albany and Michigan resumes the power play left from the first period.

-- 8:09 --

The first period here in Albany has come to a close with Michigan and Niagara tied 0-0. Michigan has been slowed by some physical play by the Purple Eagles and numerous whistles by the referees. Michigan put 11 shots on goal, while Niagara has put only 4 on Billy Sauer. Both defenses are playing physical hockey and are trying to slow down the strong offenses from both teams. The Wolverines will be on the power play for 1:16 once play resumes in the second period.

--8:03 --

Not a minute after Niagara killed their first penalty, Michigan will go back onto the power play after Purple Eagles’ captain Matt Caruana was called for boarding.

--8:00 --

The Wolverines will go on the power play after Kevin Porter was tripped up by Niagara defenseman Scott Langdon, who was serenaded with the “See Ya” chant, at 14:09.

--7:58--

Michigan has just had two great scoring opportunities, including a Hagelin-Rust 2 on 1, but both have been turned away by two nice saves from Juliano Pagliero.

-- 7:46 --

Niagara will have the first power play opportunity as Chris Summers takes an elbowing to the head penalty at 7:46 on mid-ice. The penalty came in retaliation from a big hit from a Niagara player. Michigan’s 14^th ranked penalty kill will go to work for the first time against the potent Purple Eagles’ offense.

-- 7:34 --

The puck drops and the NCAA Men’s Hockey Tournament begins for the Maize and Blue.

--7:28 --

The Michigan Hockey Pep Band has just played the National Anthem and both teams are being introduced tonight, Michigan in their maize sweaters, Niagara in black. There are about 2 sections filled with Michigan faithful. One notable scratch for Michigan is Scooter Vaughn, who supposedly injured his shoulder in a pre-tournament practice and is replaced byEric Elmblad, whose only appearance was in the CCHA Tournament versus Nebraska-Omaha. Here are the starting lineups for each team:

Niagara-> LW – Vince Rocco
C – Matt Caruana
RW- Kyle Rodgers
D – Scott Langdon
D – Ryan Annesley
G – Juliano Pagliero

Michigan -> LW – Max Pacioretty
C – Kevin Porter
RW – Chad Kolarik
D – Mark Mitera
D – Chris Summers
G – Billy Sauer

--7:10--

Due to unforeseen complications with the NCAA blogging policy, we cannot bring you the first game live here at the East Hockey regional. We will be working throughout the game on getting credentials and will post highlights and the blog entry after the game is over.

Update: I have sent an email the NCAA.com Blog Central to try and get this up for tomorrow. Even if we can, there are still regulations on how often we can blog and have a NCAA link on our page. Apparently there was an issue with a guy blogging play-by-play from a baseball game a few years ago. I've never worked directly with the NCAA before, and let me tell you, it's frustrating.

--4:34--

Just under 3 hours from drop of the puck for the Wolverines and Purple Eagles from Times Union Center in Albany. We have arrived safe and sound and will be heading over to the arena soon. Depending on wireless strength from the arena, we should have a continuous blog throughout the game. Check back closer to game time.

No Baseball Today

As anyone who looked outside today probably already knew, the Michigan baseball team's Big Ten season opener against Iowa today has been canceled. Because of how the Big Ten schedule works (games must be played in order), tomorrow's doubleheader will feature a 9-inning game followed by a 7-inning game, and Sunday (now a doubleheader) will feature a 7-inning game followed by a 9-inning game. Of course, those games are all weather permitting, and there is more rain in the forecast for Sunday.

NCAA Midwest Regional: Stephen Curry's Coming Out Party

Despite our best efforts to get media credentials for the NCAA Midwest Regional, a couple of us from the station will be headed down to Ford Field (an arena normally known as the "Epicenter of Misery" during football season) to get a first hand look at March Madness. Up to this point, the Madness has not disappointed fans, with the tourney producing two 12 v. 13 match-ups and showcasing some hidden talent among the lower seeds (Brazelton of WKU and Joe Alexander WVU to name a few). However, their has been no bigger storyline than Stephen Curry, who will bring his smooth jump-shot to the Motor City tonight. If you haven't heard of him, watch the game tonight. He'll be wearing No.30 in Red and carrying Davidson's entire roster on his back.

Curry has been the most intriguing player of the tourney for a lot of reasons, starting with the sweet jump-shot that obviously runs in the family. His father, Dell Curry, played 12 seasons in the NBA as a 3-point specialist, most of the time for the Charlotte Hornets. Stephen's game has been comparable to that of his dad's (he has Dell's quick release off the feed), but has also shown the Iverson-esque ability to get his shot off in traffic.

This brings me to his prospects as a pro: Curry is listed as 6'3, but that's being generous. He's also listed at 185 lbs. Now, I know media guides have a tendency to stretch the truth, but this kid would be lucky tip the scales at 165 in sopping wet clothes. He looks like he's 12 yrs old, and that puberty is still two years away. Let me put it to you this way: If he turned sideways, you'd have a hard time seeing him. Many analysts see this as the biggest knock on Curry, and one thing that might prevent him from making it in the pros.

I disagree. And the evidence to this lies across the Huron River at Eastern Michigan, where Earl Boykins' name is plastered all over the EMU record books. Boykins, a 5'5 guard out of Cleveland, has played nine seasons in the NBA. While Boykins isn't running people over, his best attributes are his quickness, and ability to get his shot off with a hand in his face (much like Curry). While I think Curry (who is still only a Sophomore) has the opportunity to be much better than Boykins, this shows that Curry doesn't need an intimidating physique to go high in the draft.

(I personally see Curry as a Rip Hamilton type guard when all is said and done: A guy who really can't create his own shot, but is lights-out coming off a solid screen).

As for this weekend, look for Curry to drop 27 on Wisconsin in a loss. Bo Ryan's teams always play tough D, they rebound extremely well, and tomorrow night will be no different. Holding Curry under 30 should be Ryan's goal, and I think if this happens, Wisconsin has a very good shot at meeting the winner of Nova/Kansas in the Elite 8.

It's Great...To Be......A Davidson Wildcat??

Talk about a school that has its priorities in line, Davidson University announced that any student who wishes to take the 11-hour trip up to Detroit and watch the Wildcats play in the sweet sixteen is free to do so. In fact, they are extremely free to do so as the university is picking up the entire tab. Transportation, lodging, and game tickets are being paid for by the University's trustees for any student who wants to go. Estimated cost - a mere $560 per student. The only catch was that the students had to respond within an hour and a half of receiving the email notification from the school president. Talk about some lucky cats!

Benedict Boren

Ok, so if you want to quit the team after four spring practices, fine. You want to badmouth the program saying the "family values have eroded?" Fine. But to leave the University of Michigan and then say you'd like to walk on at Ohio State??? That's crossing the line. How can you accuse Rich Rodriguez of eroding family values when you're about to walk out on your team and play for their archrivals? That is as hypocritical as you can get. Obviously those family values that you speak of didn't mean all that much to you that you're willing to walk out on your team like this. Oh yea, and your father who was a CAPTAIN here at Michigan is supporting your decision? Good for him and best of luck to you in your next two years that you'll spend without a scholarship backing up those great Ohio State O-linemen. Oh and it's good to see that you have your mug shot pose down pat, it might come in handy down in Columbus.

UPDATE: Rumors are a-flying that another player has quit, supposedly a DE...more to come when we get it

WCBN Broomball Advances to Round of 32

Ann Arbor, MI -- WCBN Broomball fell behind early but never panicked, riding a stellar defensive performance to a 5-1 win in the opening round of the Co-Rec Novice B Level A Playoffs. After Born to Play Broomball scored a goal to take a 1-0 lead at the 12:03 mark, WCBN rallied behind two goals off the broom of Chelsea Slater (Cincinnati , OH / Turpin High School) to reclaim a 2-1 lead going into the intermission. Kevin "Hulk Hogan" Gregus (Crystal Lake, IL / Prairie Ridge High School) picked up the assist, his fourth of the season.

Content to grind it out defensively, WCBN played a conservative second half holding the one goal lead until captain, Stuart Zaas (Solon, OH/ Solon High School) picked off a Born to Play pass and roofed a shot just over the goalie's outstretched blocker to give WCBN a two-goal lead. WCBN did not relent however, as a goal scored by a Born to Play girl would have tied the game. Tony "Don't call me Michael" Bolton (Canton, MI / Salem High School) played outstanding defense throughout the game especially down the final stretch. As Born to Play pulled their goalie, Zaas launched a pass down the ice to a streaking Slater who dove, fully extended to tap in her fourth goal of the game and her team-leading 12th of the season. Slater and Rachel Burns played all 29 minutes, Burns even remained on the ice after suffering a nasty fall.

WCBN advances to the round of 32 where they will take on the winner of Armenian Assassins/Smoke on the Water on Tuesday, April 1st at 9:40 PM at Yost Ice Arena. Tickets are first come first served, so reserve yours before Yost sells out. WCBN also received some good news after the game as the league commissioner informed them that Gregus's urine sample from last week disappeared. The league cannot find the sample and since it never made it to the lab, Gregus will be presumed innocent and may continue to play. The league has no suspects in the disappearance and the league employee who was placed in charge of the sample has been dismissed.

Game One Recap
Game Two Recap
Game Three Recap

BOXSCORE:
Goals-Assists-Points
Slater 4-0-4
Zaas 1-1-2
Gregus 0-1-1
Moore 11 Saves, 91.6% save percentage
Season Leaders:

Points:
1) Slater 14
2) Zaas 10
3) Gregus 6

Goals:
1) Slater 12
2) Zaas 6
3) Seid 4

Assists:
1) Gregus 4
1) Zaas 4
2) Slater 2

Goalie:
Jon Moore .875 save percentage; 1.0 Goals Against Per Game

GAME NOTES:

• With the win, WCBN Sports is on a franchise high four-game winning streak.
  
• Ben Betzler's roughing penalty in the second half was the second penalty assessed to WCBN this season. Both were killed off successfully
  
• Rachel Burns is listed as probable on the official injury report with a high right ankle sprain
  
• Claire Otwell is listed as doubtful on the official injury report with a sore left shoulder
  
• Player of the game: Chelsea Slater - Scored four goals
  
• Game Time: 32 minutes
  
• Attendance: 7
  

Media Contact: Stuart Zaas (440-227-5897)

Lebron James "Graces" Cover of Vogue Magazine

A few weeks ago, it was announced that Lebron James would become the third male (first black male) featured on the cover of Vogue. We also knew that he would be posing with with Gisele Bundchen - I wonder how Tom Brady felt about this... Anyways, with the release of this week's issue, some are saying that the cover perpetuates racial stereotypes. Typically the cover of Vogue features well-dressed attractive models who are almost certainly smiling. On this cover however, Lebron is wearing raggedy gym clothes and in place of his pearly whites is a horrible animal-like facial expression. Gisele of course is pictured with a flawless smile, wearing a fancy dress, her hair flowing in the breeze.

The King-Kong comparison seems extremely fitting as if you look at their facial expressions. If Vogue wanted to feature Lebron on their cover, that's great, but why not dress him up nicely? We all know Lebron cleans up well. While I don't feel that Vogue intended to be racist, I do feel that they are exploiting Lebron by creating this controversy just to sell a few more magazines. It is unfortunate because they could have gained plenty of publicity simply by having Lebron on the cover. Lebron sells himself, there's no need to stoop to this level.

This isn't the first time a popular magazine cover has decided to conform with racial stereotypes. On the right is a Sports Illustrated cover from March 11, 2002. This photo shows Barkley breaking free of chains and shackles. Rolling stone used a photo of Dennis Rodman with red horns coming out of his head. I don't have as much of a problem with the Rolling Stone cover because a) That photo of Rodman probably didn't require much, if any, photoshopping and b) Rolling Stone is known for its provocative covers. Sports Illustrated and Vogue do not have that history with their covers so they don't get off so easy.

Lebron has done a remarkable job with his image since entering the league. While Carmelo Anthony was busy appearing in "Stop Snitching" videos, James instead chooses to be befriend multi-gazionaire Warren Buffet and do some film work of his own on behalf of Nike, Powerade, and Bubbleicious. Lebron has been able to keep his street-cred while maintaining a squeaky clean image.

I am disappointed that not only did he sign off on the photo itself, but now he sees no problem with it. James told the Cleveland Plain Dealer that he was “just showing a little emotion. Everything my name is on is going to be criticized in a good way or bad way. Who cares what anyone says?”

This may be the first slip-up that Lebron has made when it comes to his image. Thus far, Lebron has gotten by without a real agent or manager. Back in 2005 he fired his agent Aaron Goodwin, choosing instead to surround himself with a team of high school buddies led by best friend, Maverick Carter. Carter is not even a certified NBA agent which means that while he is able to negotiate endorsement deals for James, he can't touch anything having to do with the NBA. Should James be trusting his fortune to a guy who's education background goes as far as Akron St. Vincent St. Mary High School? It should be noted that it was Goodwin who negotiated over $135 million worth of endorsement deals for Lebron, not Carter.

Maybe an experienced agent or manager would have been able to come in and protect James here. Maybe it's time that Lebron rethinks his management model and brings in someone who knows what they're doing. He's done great so far, but allowing himself to be exploited like this seems like a rookie mistake made by a manager/agent who wasn't smart enough to think ahead and realize the type of controversy that was going to bring. I don't blame Vogue as much for trying to sell their magazine as I do blame Lebron and his team for allowing themselves to be taken advantage of.

Live Game Blog: Michigan Baseball vs IPFW

Recap
Michigan wins 4-2, with Kolby Wood getting the win and Tyler Burgoon picking up the save. Here are the highlights:

- Wilson K in the 1st
- VanBuskirk's tie-breaking single
- Berset's insurance run
- Final Out

And the final piece of good news--there is actually a tarp on the field, so maybe we will get some games in against Iowa this weekend. For Stu Zaas and Jeremy Kreisberg, good night and go Blue!

9th Inning
Surprise, surprise -- the new pitcher for the Wolverines is freshman Tyler Burgoon, although I'm sure Abraham will be ready in case there are any issues. Jared Davis finally shows us why he's on the Wallace Watch List, as he doubles over the head of Alan Oaks. Oaks seemed to be playing in and got turned around twice before the ball hit the wall, so IPFW has 1 on and 1 out. Rob Salaman has just noted that Kolby Wood is in line for the win for Michigan in his collegiate debut. A fly ball has moved Michigan one out away from the win. Check out the rest of the blog for some highlights, as they have begun to be uploaded. Michigan wins! Burgoon gets the strikeout of Aaron Kerns looking to end it! 4-2 final here at the Fish... I'll be back in just a few moments with highlights and a recap.

8th Inning
Kolby Wood makes his collegiate debut in a 2-2 game, and gets the first batter on a liner right back at him. Wood has looked very impressive, firing a fastball in the strike zone and attacking the hitters thus far. The 3-2 pitch to Quentin Brown is on the outside corner, strike three called! Great pitch by Wood to beat Brown in an 8-pitch at-bat. Wood has been using a nice slider to get ahead in the count, and he has now run the count to 0-2 on Mark Carden. Kolby Wood gets Carden swinging! Great pitching by Kolby Wood, and we head to the bottom of the 8th, still tied at 2-2. We've now switched computer, so live highlights should be available from this point of the game on. After Walker retired VanBuskirk, Abraham hit the ball past the diving attempt of the SS Carden. On a pick-off attempt, Abraham may have jammed his finger or wrist, and we'll have to watch Abraham to ensure his health. Abraham shows that he is healthy, as he steals 2nd base. VanBuskirk lines the ball into LF and Abraham is SAFE at home! Michigan leads 3-2! Listen to Stu Zaas and Michael Tobin HERE, as they had the call. VanBuskirk moved to 2nd on the throw home. Alan Oaks grounded out, with VanBuskirk holding on at 2nd, so Michigan has a runner on at 2nd with 2 outs. Berset has given Michigan a VERY valuable insurance run, as he lined a single up the middle, scoring VanBuskirk and giving Michigan a 4-2 lead. Listen to Stu and Mike HERE calling Berset's RBI single. Abraham is warming up in the bullpen, and we expect him to come on to try and get the save in this two-run game, unless Michigan can tack on a couple more. LaMarre strikes out swinging, but not before Michigan scored 2 runs to take a 4-2 lead.

7th Inning
Michael Powers will stay on to pitch in the top of the 7th inning! He's the first Michigan pitcher to stay on past his first inning of work. VanDriessche leads off the inning with a single. The 4th sacrifice bunt of the game for IPFW moves VanDriesche over to 2nd base with 1 out. Michael Powers fields the roller from Segraves and fires over to 3rd to nail VanDriessche. Great play by Powers! 2 outs, 1 on now in the top of the 7th with Jimmy Gilliland up at bat. The 1-2 pitch is handled by VanBuskirk in LF, and we go to the bottom of the 7th tied at twos. Ryan LaMarre hammers the first pitch of the inning into the left-centerfield gap! Stand-up double for Ryan LaMarre! Cislo is now up, facing a right-hander for the first time in this game. Cislo bunts LaMarre over to 3rd, with Taylor making a nice play to gun down Cislo at 1st. Mahler hit the ball to 3rd, but Gilliland fielded the ball easily and fired home, getting LaMarre in a run-down before LaMarre was tagged out by Taylor, the IPFW catcher... very disappointing turn in this inning for the Wolverines, as the game remains deadlocked at ones with a runner on a 1st base and 2 outs. Recknagel grounded the ball to short, where Carden got the force out at 2nd base, so we move to the top of the 8th tied at 2-2.

6th Inning
Mike Powers now in to work for Michigan, the sixth pitcher to work today for the Maize and Blue. We'll see if he can record the first 1-2-3 inning of the day as IPFW has had somebody reach base in each inning so far. Powers strikes out the first two Mastodons...could this be the inning? And it is! Comebacker to the mound is handled by Powers so on to the bottom of the inning, still tied at 2. Freshman right-hander Samuel Walker is now on to pitch for IPFW. Ryan VanDriesche went the first five innings, giving up two runs on six hits, walking two and striking out three. Adam Abraham leads things off for Michigan as they look to break this tie. Two up, two down to start the inning for Michigan as Mr. Double, Alan Oakes comes up to bat. Oakes doesn't disappoint delivering a single back up the middle. Nothing comes of it though as we go to the 7th still tied 2-2.

5th Inning
For the 5th consecutive inning, IPFW has a runner aboard as Ben Jensen, the new Wolverine pitcher hits Aaron Kerns to lead off the inning. Sacrifice complete for IPFW so they have a runner on 2nd, one out in this tie game. Jensen able to get out of it, so we head to the bottom of the fifth still tied 2-2. After falling behind 3-0, VanDriesche battles back to strike out Mahler, his third K of the game. Michigan goes down 1-2-3 so after five innings, we're tied 2-2.

4th Inning
Jeff DeCarlo, the southpaw from Medford, Mass. is the 4th pitcher for the Wolverines. DeCarlo got Scott Macinski to ground out to 3rd baseman Adam Abraham to begin the top of the inning. DeCarlo then walked Quentin Brown on seven pitches. Brown broke on a number of pitches, with DeCarlo playing cat-and-mouse with Brown on numerous pick-off attempts, but Brown would ultimately move to 2nd base on a single by Mark Carden into center-field. Bob Keller has now gone out to talk to DeCarlo with 2 on and 1 out. Devin Taylor takes a 2-1 pitch to left for his third hit of the game, as Quentin Brown comes in to score, giving IPFW a 2-1 lead. DeCarlo got Jared Davis looking for the 2nd out, so IPFW now has a runners on at 1st and 2nd with 2 outs. A wild pitch moves the runners up, with 2 runners now moving into scoring position. Mahler just scooped up a groundball and fired on to 1st to end the top of the 4st, but not before IPFW grabbed a 2-1 lead. In the bottom of the inning, VanBuskirk popped up to lead off the inning, but Alan Oaks doubled into right-center. After Berset flew out to CF, Ryan Lamarre delivered the RBI single on a ground ball up the middle, tying the game at two-a-piece. After a passed ball moved LaMarre to 3rd base, Cislo walked on 4 pitches. Leif Mahler is now up with runners on at 1st and 3rd. VanDreissche got Cislo in a pickle which ended up with Lamarre being gunned down trying to score from third.

3rd Inning
Travis Smith is the new pitcher for the Wolverines to start out the top of the third with the score tied 1-1. Devin Taylor leads things off with a single to right for IPFW but Smith is able to work out of the jam as the score remains 1-1 as Michigan comes to bat. Recknagel rips a single to left and then shows some rare speed as he swipes his first base of the season. Good opportunity here for Michigan to break the tie with a man on 2nd, one out. Putnam and Abraham were then retired so we head to the fourth, still tied 1-1

2nd Inning
New Pitcher for Michigan is Chris Fetter as Rich Maloney told us before the game that he plans to use many different pitchers today in order to keep arms fresh. Fetter is off to a rough start as the first batter, Kerns reached via a Nate Recknagel error then came around to score on a bunt single by Micinski. 1-0 IPFW leads midway through the second. Now to the bottom of the first...VanBuskirk starts things off with a bloop single to center and Alan Oakes follows with a double off the right field wall on the next pitch. Promising start to the inning as Michigan has runners on 2nd and 3rd with nobody out and Chris Berset at the plate. Chris Berset wastes no time lining the first pitch to right, deep enough for VanBuskirk to tag and score to tie up the game 1-1.

1st Inning
Wilson gave up a hit in the top half of the inning, but rallies to strike out the next two Mastodons to get out of the first unscathed. In Michigan's half, Leif Mahler was able to draw a walk and advanced to second on a nice piece of hitting by DH Zach Putnam who took a breaking ball over the outside corner the other way for a basehit. Michigan was unable to put a run on the board though as Abraham ended the threat by popping out to first

Pregame
For the first time in the last three attempts, Michigan will actually get to play a game today. Mike Wilson will be on the hill for the Wolverines while Ryan VanDriessche will get the ball for IPFW. Jeremy and I will be here live blogging the game, complete with all the highlights as they happen. You can also listen to our call online via MGOBLUE. First pitch will be at 5:05

We MAY Play Baseball Today!

I've been refreshing MGoBlue.com since I woke up, and I noticed at 9 a.m. that they've pushed today's start time for the game against IPFW to 4:05 p.m., perhaps giving them an extra hour to get the field ready for the game. Don't get excited just yet... be cautiously optimistic.

UPDATE: As Mike has pointed out, first pitch is now scheduled for 5:05

O-lineman Justin Boren off the Team

Last year's starting center/guard, junior Justin Boren has left the team, according to head coach, Rich Rodriguez. At today's press conference, Rodriguez refused further comment on the situation other than to offer his new trademark, "I only talk about players who play for the University of Michigan."

Speculation says that strength and conditioning coach, Mike Barwis, is the main reason behind Boren's departure. Boren now joins two other former starting O-linemen (Alex Mitchell and Jeremy Ciulla) as players who had eligibility left but have left the team. Michigan certainly will be thin at Offensive Linemen come fall. Rodriguez admitted that it is rare to have true freshman on the two-deep depth chart as Michigan certainly will in the fall.

In other news, the Spring Game/Practice will be held on April 12th, at Saline High School. No word on whether or not this will be open to the public since Saline High can't hold the couple of thousand that usually attend when it's held at the Big House.

UPDATE: Boren decided not to leave quietly as he released a statement saying, "Michigan football was a family, built on mutual respect and support for each other from Coach Carr on down. We knew it took the entire family, a team effort, and we all worked together. I have great trouble accepting that those family values have eroded in just a few months. That same helmet, that I was raised on and proudly claimed for the last two years, now brings a completely different emotion to me, one that interferes with practicing and playing my best and mentally preparing for what is required."

Boren will have two years of eligibility left after transferring unless he tried to pull a Ryan Mallet and petition the NCAA for a special exception to the transfer rule. No word on whether the NCAA considers "erosion of family values" as a valid reason to transfer and not sit out a year.

Gotta Love that Michigan Weather

On the way to Rich Rodriguez's press conference, Stu and I walked into the Fish to check out the field conditions... and there's snow. It's on the outfield grass. It's on the parts of the dirt that the tarp missed. It's everywhere. On a baseball field. It hasn't snowed in Michigan since last weekend... they were supposed to play baseball games on that field Monday and Tuesday. Honestly, I'll go out there and shovel, but were they really so sure that it was going to snow today that they had to cancel today's game (it still hasn't rained today) against Bowling Green? Were they so darn confident that it would snow today that they neglected to shovel the field on MONDAY so that they could even have a prayer at playing tomorrow against IPFW? Way to go Michigan baseball -- this is the most hyped season in years (rightfully so, this team has a ton of talent), and they can't get the field together for the first two weeks of home games. I understand Michigan weather makes baseball in March a tough task, but either stop scheduling home games in mid-March or get the field ready. I've had enough of the "inclement weather" excuse when I live in Michigan and I'm able to have a catch outside.

On a brighter note, check out the Daily Sports Report Archives and Extra Points Archives if you missed any of our recent shows. And pray that we'll be able to bring you a game tomorrow (3:05 vs. IPFW) live from Ray Fisher Stadium on MGoBlue.com.

WCBN Sports Podcast

The WCBN Sports Podcast has been updated furiously in the past couple of days, with all of the goal highlights, highlight compilations, and pictures from this weekend's CCHA Tournament. The podcast is also headlined by Tony and Stu's phenomenal interview with Jim Carty. Check it all out, and bookmark the podcast because it will continue to be updated constantly with original WCBN Sports material, made exclusively for the podcast. Next up: MLB Season Preview, NCAA Hockey Tournament Preview, Michigan Baseball Update (if they ever play again).

Can I Root For Michigan Hockey?

Wow! Can you believe it, a team of college students wearing those proud winged helmets, in the final stretch of the season, and still favored to win the National Championship! Sounds great right. Well it is great. But for your typical Michigan fan, the names Billy Sauer, Kevin Porter, and Chad Kolarik don't quite mean as much as the likes of Mike Hart, Chad Henne, and Mario Manningham... that is if they have even heard of the #1 ranked Michigan Hockey super-stars.

Yost Arena, the home of Michigan Hockey holds 6,603 of the most raucous, dedicated, and maize blooded Michigan fans in the world, which is a mere six percent of the Big House. But trust me, those six thousand plus fans are much more intimidating than any crowd I've seen march through the gates of Michigan Stadium on Saturday afternoons. I myself have only been to one hockey game at Yost in my life, I had fun, but, obviously haven't made it back since. With Hockey not being as prominent of a sport around the rest of the country, you find that most of the dedicated students who follow Michigan Hockey are from within the state, and grew up watching the likes of Steve Yzerman and the "Russian Five," win Stanley Cup's for the Detroit Red Wings.

But for the rest of us who never cared about, or for that matter even thought about hockey, is it wrong for us now to want to get in on the fun? I was raised to hate Duke basketball, Yankee baseball, and Dallas Cowboys football; raised to hate the perennial forces in most sports, and raised to always hate front-runners or fair weather fans. So while we die hard Michigan football fans fear being labeled "band wagoners," which is essentially the closest thing to traitor you can call a fan in sports, how can we resist getting excited about the possibility of seeing one of our glorious teams that rock that beautiful maize and blue winged helmet win a national championship? Who knows when we'll have another opportunity to.

Can you blame us Californians, New Yorkers, and Floridians for wanting something to cheer about here? But my real question, which I am posing to all of you loyal Michigan Hockey fans is: are you going to embrace the new Michigan Hockey fans, or are you going to chastise them for being fair weather fans? Because as I said, those six thousand plus that sell out Yost Arena every night are the most intimidating Michigan fans I have ever been around in my life. I don't want you guys calling me ugly, or telling me to put my mask back on... because that is hurtful. But seriously, Isn't this how you build up Michigan Hockey's fan base for future generations to come? But I understand that it is hard for those of you who have stood by the Wolverines through thick and thin, to watch as fans come in and bask in the glory that ought to be yours. So I bid you to let me know, can I root for Michigan Hockey? Or should I be ashamed for even thinking that I can?

WCBN Interview with Jim Carty

WCBN's Tony Bolton and Stuart Zaas sit down with Jim Carty of the Ann Arbor News and discuss his 4-part special on Academics and Athletics at the University of Michigan. We will discuss this issue more in-depth during our Game of the Week broadcast a week from Friday.

Listen to the full audio

This Week's Programming Schedule

Monday: Michigan Baseball vs Oakland 3:05 - listen live at Mgoblue.com
Extra Points: 6:00-6:30 - listen live at WCBN.org
Tuesday: Michigan Baseball vs Bowling Green 3:05 - listen live at Mgoblue.com
Daily Sports Report 5:15-5:30 - listen live at WCBN.org
Wednesday: Michigan Baseball vs IPFW 3:05 - listen live at Mgoblue.com
Daily Sports Report 5:15-5:30 - listen live at WCBN.org
Thursday: Daily Sports Report 5:15-5:30 - listen live at WCBN.org
Friday: Michigan Baseball vs Iowa 3:05 - listen live at Mgoblue.com
Michigan Hockey vs Niagara 7:35 - listen live on the WCBN Sports Stream
Saturday: Michigan Baseball vs Iowa 1:05 (doubleheader) - listen live at Mgoblue.com
Michigan Hockey (hopefully) vs Clarkson/St. Cloud. State TBA - WCBN Sports Stream
Sunday: Michigan Baseball vs Iowa 1:05 - listen live at Mgoblue.com

I hope those pitchers' arms are loose...

UPDATE: And the trend continues...today's game has been postponed due to poor field conditions. Hard to imagine they'll improve much for tomorrow as the forecast calls for more wet weather.

UPDATE: Tuesday's game has been canceled as well... no make-up date has been announced for either game. My major concern at this point is that the rain and snow will kill the field yet again, making it impossible to get any games before Saturday at the earliest (it's supposed to rain again on Friday). Gotta love baseball in Michigan.

Upset City, Baby!!!

March Madness is the most anticipated sporting event in March (apologies to college hockey fans). And it did not disappoint during the first weekend of play. Like most, my bracket is screwed-up beyond all recognition. However, after the dust settled, I found myself only a point out of first place (Thank You, Scottie Reynolds). In case you missed it, here's a breakdown of this weekend's past events/ honors:

Biggest Shot: This goes to Western Kentucky at the buzzer against Drake. Now, I know some people would like to argue San Diego with 1.2 seconds left, which probably was a bigger upset. But that play can't beat a 3 pointer at the buzzer from 2 feet behind the line off a drop pass. Bob Knight said it was the best play out of a timeout he has seen all year. I'll side with the General on this one.

Team to beat: It's a toss-up between UNC and Kansas. Take your pick. Both looked strong in the first two rounds of play. Each team mirrors each other, with both teams having the ability to go 7 or 8 deep by just rotating players in off the bench (Chalmers, Lawson, Rush, Ellington, Hansborough, Ginyard,Collins... Getting the picture?). If things play out, these two will play each other in the national semi-final (in what would be a heavyweight prize fight), with the winner most likely cruising to a national title.

Biggest Upset: I'm going with Davidson over Georgetown. Stephen Curry has beaten two tourney regulars (Gonzaga and G'town) essentially by himself. Yes, he looks like he's twelve and probably couldn't grow a beard if he wanted to... but he's got a grown man's game. I think he's got problems coming up with Bo Ryan and Wisconsin, but I wouldn't be surprised to see him drop at least 30 on the Badgers. Apologies to San Diego on their tourney run, but when a kid drops 70 in two games (and his name isn't Kobe or Lebron) you need to show him some love.

Biggest Disappointment: Far and away, this was Duke. I didn't have them getting past the second round, but c'mon! They shoot the lights out all year and then basically lay an egg in their two biggest games against Belmont and WVU?! I'm still trying to figure out how they beat UNC. And don't give me the typical Ty Lawson excuse. This team couldn't have beaten Michigan in its last two weeks of play (Yeah, they were THAT bad).

Michigan Earns Overall #1 Seed

Michigan will be the overall #1 seed and head to the Albany, NY Regional where they will take on the Niagara University Purple Eagles in opening round play. Should Michigan advance, they would face the winner between St. Cloud State and Clarkson. Friday's game will be televised by ESPNU at 7:30, or you can listen to Tony, Andrew, and Kevin on the WCBN Sports Stream.

UPDATE: Now online are the highlights from the weekend set to music...check them out by clicking here

Michigan Wolverines Win the CCHA Championship!

So there was absolutely no internet at the Joe tonight, thus no broadcast and no blog. To make up for it, I stayed up late cutting up the highlights for you so please check them out by clicking on the links below! Full recap to come tomorrow when I am well-rested.

Goal #1: Michigan takes a 1-0 lead as Aaron Palushaj scores his ninth goal of the season off a BEAUTIFUL feed from Matt Rust at the 7:38 mark of the 2nd Period. Tony and Andrew have the call

Goal #2: Michigan takes a 2-0 lead behind another beautiful play. This time it was Brandon Naurato who pokes it off of a Tim Miller assist. Miller did a spectacular job winning the faceoff, but instead of hitting it back, Miller directed the puck in front of the net where a charging Naurato was able to drive it past Zatkoff. Tony and Christian call this one and Christian displays his excellent journalistic skills in the post-game press conference as you'll hear.

Michigan Wins the CCHA Championship!