Under normal circumstances, a contest against the CCHA's ninth-place team would suit the Michigan hockey team just fine.
But following a tie to Cornell and possessing a lengthy memory that recalls an early-season visit to Alaska, Michigan is far from excited to see Alaska-Fairbanks.
Michigan (18-1-2) will host the Nanooks tonight and Ferris State (9-15-1) tomorrow, both 7 p.m. games at Yost Ice Arena.
The two opponents are contrasting, at least in how they have played the Wolverines.
It was nearly three months ago that Michigan traveled to Alaska for a two-game set. While it escaped with two victories against the CCHA cellar-dwellers, both games were hotly contested at Alaska.
Led by forward Cody Botwell, the Nanooks used their home ice to their advantage. Alaska (4-15-0) plays its home contests on an Olympic-sized rink (200 x 100 feet), which is 15 feet wider than most other college rinks, including Yost.
Odd bounces created problems for Michigan goaltender Marty Turco, a situation that shouldn't arise at home.
The meeting was early in the season, and both teams were still working out kinks in their games. Now, Michigan is in third place in the CCHA, three points behind league-leaders Miami and Michigan State, while Alaska shares the basement with Ohio State.
But the Nanooks had more than hockey on their minds then.
"That was a tough time for their team, with the accident," Berenson said.
Erik Drygas, a sophomore defenseman, fractured a cervical vertebrae during practice Oct. 7 and was initially thought to be paralyzed. But now there is good news for a team that can use some.
In recent weeks Drygas has shown improvement, gaining feeling in his arms and left wrist.
Prior to tonight's game, Michigan captain Brendan Morrison will present Alaska coach Dave Laurion with a photo of Drygas skating against Michigan.
Alaska is led by sophomore center Jeff Trembecky, who has scored in six straight contests. His streak has been highlighted by nine points as well as four power-play goals.
"(Alaska has) been practicing (at Yost) all week ... so they won't be intimidated by this building," Berenson said. "They'll give us a real good game."
While Michigan's most recent contest with Alaska was not one it would like to repeat, Ferris State will be a welcome sight for the Wolverines.
On New Year's Eve, Michigan trounced the Bulldogs, 11-1, in its most impressive victory of the season.
Thirteen Wolverines scored in the contest, and Michigan left a lasting impression on Ferris State.
"Ferris will come in with revenge on their mind," Berenson said. "They were embarrassed here, and they'll come back and play much better."