Hockey battles itself tonight

Blue/White and opener against Guelph gives good look at team

The Michigan Hockey team will play a familiar opponent - itself on Friday night in the annual exhibition, the Blue/White game. They drop the puck at Yost Ice Arena at 7 p.m.

MARGARET MYERS/Daily

By Chris Duprey
Daily Sports Writer

After almost six months of savoring its national championship, the Michigan hockey team finally appears ready to hit the ice again.

Michigan begins its season with a pair of games tonight and tomorrow to ease into the near-lurking CCHA schedule. Tonight's contest will pit the Wolverines against a familiar opponent - themselves.

The Blue/White game, held tonight at 7 p.m. at Yost Ice Arena, is Michigan coach Red Berenson's opportunity to evaluate all of his players in a game situation. Berenson will likely use the exhibition as a criteria for determining his playing lineup.

Nine capable defensemen are on the Michigan roster, competing for six playing spots. Captain Bubba Berenzweig and sophomores Mike Van Ryn and Dave Huntzicker seem to be virtual locks to play every day, but the remaining slots are up for grabs.

All nine will see time in tonight's contest.

The Wolverines are hoping a scoring leader will step forward to fill the void left by the graduated Bill Muckalt and Matt Herr. Finding scoring production is another goal this weekend for Berenson.

All three goalies should see substantial action in the Blue/White game. Freshman Josh Blackburn "will be given a good look" for the starting goalie's job, Berenson said, and tonight will be the young goalie's first audition.

Berenson does not expect to officially name a starting goalie until the middle of next week.

Fellow freshman and roommate Kevin O'Malley will also see time in net, as he tries to overtake Blackburn for the starting role.

And, despite being Michigan's third goaltender during his tenure, senior Greg Daddario has an outside chance of making his way into Berenson's playing rotation.

A Canadian opponent, Guelph, will provide the opposition for tomorrow night's battle, also at 7 p.m. at Yost.

"It's an important game for us, to get experience before we play a league game," Berenson said. "They are considered one of the top teams in Canada. We may make some mistakes, but you have to play a game to get the intensity."

The contest against Guelph will not count toward Michigan's overall record, because the opponent is from another country.

Berenson said he expects to be more selective with who will play against Guelph, but that multiple combinations of lines will be used and that many different players will see ice time.

Oct. 11's CCHA opener at home against Lake Superior State will provide the first true test for the young Wolverines.

The prospect of playing two games at home on consecutive nights to start the season excites Berenson.

"Playing the Blue/White game (the night before) could put us at somewhat of a disadvantage, because we'll be a little tired," Berenson said. "But it'll give our team a feel for what it'll be like most of the year."

YOST HOSTS: Tickets are still available for tonight's Blue/White game at Yost. Students and children tickets are $1, while adult seats are $4.

The Wolverines will be on the ice about 15 minutes after the conclusion of tonight's game to sign autographs and greet fans. Autograph seekers must be wearing skates to go on the ice. Rental skates will be available at Yost for a nominal fee.

10-02-98