Prior stellar in goaltending rivalry

Miami goalie stops 67 shots in two weekend games against Blue

OXFORD - Just more than two weeks ago, Michigan goaltender Marty Turco was celebrating his 112th victory, which made him the NCAA all-time leader in that category.

On several occasions, the senior Wolverine has been the deciding factor in victories, making game-saving stops for Michigan.

But in the two Michigan losses this past weekend, it was Miami (Ohio) goaltender Trevor Prior who outplayed Michigan's All-America netminder.

"You've got to give Trevor Prior credit," Michigan right wing Bill Muckalt said. "He was obviously the key to their success this weekend. He played really well for them."

JOHN KRAFT/Daily Michigan goaltender Marty Turco is used to being in the spotlight. The senior netminder is the NCAA's all-time victories leader. But this weekend he was overshadowed by the play of Miami (Ohio)'s goalie Trevor Prior. The senior RedHawk saved 67 shots during the weekend against the Wolverines.

Prior stopped 67 shots this past weekend. He was particularly impressive in the third period in Friday's game, turning away all 15 shots the Wolverines fired at him.

The senior RedHawk wasn't as remarkable in Saturday's game, allowing three goals. He still managed to make 34 saves, which included stoning Michigan forwards Matt Herr and Bill Muckalt on breakaways.

"What's kind of ironic between Prior and Marty is that they both played junior hockey together in Ontario," Miami coach Mark Mazzoleni said. "So they've been competitors for the past six or seven years.

"Trevor Prior was a second-team all-league goaltender last year, and I think he made a statement again this weekend."

Turco has been able to have the upper hand on Prior many times in the past. But this weekend, Michigan's backstopper seemed to be playing below his ordinary level of performance. Turco was beaten by three similar-looking goals from the left slot - two on Friday and one onSaturday.

The performance was a far cry from recent outings where Turco kept Michigan alive, often preserving one-goal leads.

"We go back to my junior days," Turco said. "It's a good rivalry. I like playing against Trevor because he's such a good goaltender. It's unfortunate that he got the better hand on us.

"The league is not over. We've got one more time in Yost."

The next time they meet will be at Yost Ice Arena on Feb. 13.

But right now, Prior's .907 save percentage is edging out Turco's 0.905.

Both trail Michigan State's Chad Alban who leads all regular starters with 0.917 in the CCHA.

Hayes days: Although Michigan had a tough time this weekend, one Wolverine has been playing remarkably for the past three weeks.

Center Bobby Hayes hasn't had trouble scoring recently. He's recorded at least a point in his last eight games.

Against the RedHawks, the Westland, Mich., native scored the only goal in Friday's game and another one on Saturday. He also added an assist in the series finale.

Last week, the junior center scored two goals and recorded two assists in Michigan's 5-1 blowout against Alaska-Fairbanks.

"Luckily for me, I'm the one who's on a roll, right now," Hayes said. "It could be anyone on this team - Muckalt, (Dale) Rominski or anyone."

Hayes has been able to play big for the starting forward line. Ordinarly, the starting line is the production line, getting things done for Michigan. But Miami was able to control the high-octane offensive attack of Bill Muckalt.

"I thought we controlled the tempo for the majority of the game," Mazzoleni said.

Muckalt was held to a single point on the weekend. He recorded an assist on Friday.

Politically incorrect: The past weekend marks the first ever meeting between the RedHawks and the Wolverines.

Until this season, Miami's nickname was the Redskins.

But due to the potentially offensive nature of their name, Miami decided to change the name from Redskins to RedHawks - an animal that doesn't exist, incidentally.

Miami even boasts a large, skating RedHawk mascot - a big eagle-like creature with lockjaw replete with high-pitched quacking noises.

Although it was a nice and politically correct gesture - unless you're a duck - Miami still hasn't made all the necessary changes just yet. A Native American still appears on Miami's jerseys, and the old logo still remains on the ice at Groggin Ice Arena.

The more things change, the more they stay the same.

01-27-98