Michigan hockey team entertains fans, but few students take up offer

Yesterday beyond the blowing snow and the arctic wind, almost 200 people spent some time with the Michigan hockey team.

The Dekers Blue Line Club, whose goal is to raise funds and support for the Wolverines, held its second annual "Deker Night at Yost," which included a tour of the lockerroom, autographs from players and Greg Crozier acting as the official greeter as fans came through the door.

For a $5 entrance fee any member ($25 annual general membership, $10 student required), gained access to the world of Michigan hockey.

But money wasn't the thought on this night. The defining word was "fun."

MARGARET MYERS/Daily After two nights of facing Ferris State, the Michigan hockey team took a break yesterday and hosted the second annual "Deker Night at Yost."

All of the players made an appearance, signing autographs and greeting the fans, but the real treat of the night is gaining access to the usually "closed" Michigan lockerroom.

Not even the media gains access to that area usually. But on this night, all could see the "hidden" areas - from the lockerroom with the team's list of season goals, to the secret door in the shower area - ironically it led to the outside hall where it locked from the outside.

And the fun was just beginning.

Mike Comrie led my tour with Craig Murray doing backup color commentary, but almost every player received the opportunity to lead an entourage of guests. And every fan's eyes, young and old, were wide as the sky as the "secret area" was revealed.

In the actual "locker" area, the team's jerseys hung neatly all color-coded by line position - dark blue and white for the defensemen, black for the goalies and red, yellow, light blue, and maroon for the forwards.

One had to just imagine the greatness of talent that had once graced this area.

And not one person didn't have a smile on his face.

Goalies Josh Blackburn, Greg Daddario and Kevin O'Malley worked the photo booth where fans put on the goalie pads and had their pictures taken.

Little kids like pads. Blackburn even admits that's why he first picked up the goal stick.

Yes, pads are cool, pads are fun, but as the fans found out, pads weigh a ton.

Near the end of the event, the aroma of sandwiches and chips led all to the table area in front of the concession stands, where players and fans together enjoyed dinner. The raffles were drawn and prizes such as sweaters and posters were given away.

This type of atmosphere just doesn't happen with a professional hockey team.

But while almost everything at this event fitted, something was missing.

Of the 200 or so fans who showed, the only university students that attended seemed to be the Michigan hockey players.

There are many diehard student fans out there, as any Yost hockey game would demonstrate. But this perfect opportunity to get to know a team that one cheers for wasn't snatched up by the students.

The club's officials say they have undertaken efforts to try to get students involved. This season two Dekers' booths are available in Yost to give information about the events and membership.

Blue advertisements about the event blanketed the Yost seats this past weekend. The Dekers even offer a 60 percent discount on student memberships.

Yet Michigan students seemed to stay away.

Maybe it isn't that important that students didn't show.

Maybe the higher ticket price soured some fans. And mother nature certainly didn't help yesterday.

But just remember, it is called the University of Michigan hockey team.

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