Spartans hope to wrangle CCHA dominance away from Michigan

There have been whispers about it all over the CCHA this season.

'Pssst. Pass it on - Michigan is done ... it's Michigan State's turn now.'

But as with any rumor, you always need to go back to the source to find out if it's true.

Tomorrow night will be the first step in answering the questions of all those inquiring hockey minds when Michigan State (1-0-1 CCHA, 3-0-2 overall) faces Michigan (0-0, 3-1) at 7 p.m. at Yost Ice Arena.

You would think the one man who could put an end to all these rumors would be Michigan coach Red Berenson.

Guess again. Berenson is anticipating tomorrow night's game as much as the next guy.

"I think no matter what I say (about the game) - it's all speculation until the teams play," Berenson said.

Despite all of the rumblings about Michigan's expected fall from grace, Berenson is confident in his team's chances - even after a 2-1 loss to Colgate last week that ended the Wolverines' 36-game home winning streak.

"I think we're a pretty good team, and the comparison is good between the two teams," Berenson said.

Excluding the preseason hype, Berenson would be dead-on with his assessment of the two clubs. While Michigan's slower start isn't surprising to most hockey 'experts,' Michigan State's crawl out of the gate has definitely raised eyebrows.

The Spartans fought back from a two-goal deficit against Western Michigan a week ago to earn a tie. And while a tie with a middle-of-the-pack squad like the Broncos may not be all that surprising, the Spartans first contest of the season was.

Michigan State struggled to a 3-3 deadlock with Guelph, a Canadian college team. Meanwhile, Michigan handily defeated its one Canadian foe, Toronto, 9-2. While most games against Canadian teams serve as tune-ups for conference schedules, the Spartans found Guelph to be anything but.

Nevertheless, the Spartans are ranked No. 2 in the country and No. 1 in the conference for a reason, despite their early difficulties.

The reason being the huge amount of experience present throughout the team, starting with senior goaltender Chad Alban who garnered honorable-mention All-CCHA honors last season. Alban has started this season where he left off, posting a 1.35 goals-against average.

Offensively, center Mike York has been scorching opponents for the Spartans, leading them with three goals and four assists. York's performance thus far this season has been overshadowed by Michigan right wing Bill Muckalt, who has scored five goals and added four assists.

"Even though Michigan lost a lot of good hockey players, they have a strong goaltender and some good snipers up front," Michigan State coach Ron Mason said. "I still think they are going to be right here."

If Mason's prediction is to hold true, the Wolverines will need support from their freshmen - who will be playing their first CCHA game against the intrastate-rivals.

"Early on in the game home ice could be a key for the freshmen, as opposed to playing the at Munn (Ice Arena)," Berenson said. "But, Michigan State has always come here and played well in the past.

"I think it will be a good game wherever it is played."

But, what could affect the quality of play tomorrow night is the injury situation of both teams.

Michigan freshman Troy Kahler, who was suffering from bursitis in his right elbow, practiced this week but will not play against the Spartans.

In addition, Michigan captain Matt Herr is still out of action due to a groin injury he sustained in a game against Minnesota on Oct. 10.

On the bright side, however, center Bobby Hayes should return for the Wolverines tomorrow night after leaving Saturday's game against Colgate early with a hip pointer.

10-24-97