Peach sidelined for West Regional

In the middle of Michigan's first CCHA playoff game against Notre Dame two weeks ago, defenseman Sean Peach headed to the sidelines. He couldn't finish the game, having sustained a concussion.

This past weekend, Peach still wasn't feeling well enough to play. And again, Michigan coach Red Berenson didn't suit up the defenseman.

Now, it looks as if Peach won't play at all for the rest of the season.

"We'll all be healthy except for Sean Peach," Berenson said. "I don't think Sean will be."

The sophomore blueliner experienced headaches and some grogginess during the past few weeks, Berenson said. But now, Peach said he's feeling slightly better.

JOHN KRAFT/Daily The Michigan hockey team will no doubt miss the defensive services of sophomore blueliner Sean Peach this weekend when they face Princeton in the first round of the NCAA West Regional at Yost Ice Arena.

"I still got a little bit of a headache and stuff." Peach said. "It's easy to say that I feel good.

"I feel like I can play right now, but I don't want to rush it."

Peach, perhaps Michigan's best true defensive defenseman, has reason to be concerned. He has already suffered three mild concussions this season. Whether Peach returns depends on how long the Wolverines last in the NCAA Tournament.

"I just talked to the trainer and I should be able to ride the bike next Monday," Peach said. "You never know, if we do make the final four I might be able to play. I don't know."

But the Langley, British Columbia native has used his spare time wisely. The time off the ice has given Peach an opportunity to bone up on his biology and physiology knowledge.

"I've been reading up a lot about it," Peach said. "It's pretty scary what could happen down the road."

Peach is also aware of the current rash of head injuries in the NHL. Philadelphia Flyers forward Eric Lindros and Anaheim Mighty Ducks forward Paul Kariya are two notables who have sustained sidelining concussions this season.

"Eric Lindros' brother can't play any more," Peach said. "He played games he can't remember anymore. I never want to get to that point."

With Peach out of the lineup, the Michigan coaching staff has had to play musical chairs with the defensive lines.

Junior Bubba Berenzweig has been logging a lot of minutes in his teammate's stead.

Freshmen Scott Crawford and Bob Gassoff have also seen increased playing time.

The Commish: Throughout this season, the CCHA searched and interviewed candidates for the position of commissioner. And on March 18, the search ended.

Tom Anastos, president of the North American Hockey League, a junior league, was selected as the fourth commissioner in the 27-year history of the CCHA. He signed a four-year contract and will begin his duties on May 1.

The search for a new commissioner began back in September when current commissioner Bill Beagan announced that he will step down at the conclusion of this season.

During his tenure, Beagan was responsible for increased television exposure for the CCHA, including a landmark 20-game television deal inked for this season with Fox Sports Net.

Anastos played at Michigan State from 1981-85 and professionally in the Montreal Canadiens organization. He coached at Michigan-Dearborn and was an assistant for the Spartans after his playing days.

03-24-98