Lace bite claims another victim; this time Murray

As a veteran on the Michigan hockey team, Sean Peach can be counted on to provide key leadership.

Freshman Craig Murray likely would benefit more than others from Peach's past experiences. Why? Just as Peach did in the early part of the season, Murray has developed "lace bite," a soreness in the upper foot where the skate laces tighten, causing irritation in the area.

Sean Peach Disease? More like "British Columbia disease," Michigan coach Red Berenson said jokingly, in reference to the Canadian province from which both players hail.

The oft-injured Murray has had a difficult time getting in a rhythm this season, making the lineup for a small string of games, and then being sidelined with some ailment.

Red Berenson and the Michigan coaching staff are still looking for improvement on the power play, while defenseman Jeff Jillson (5) earned CCHA rookie of the week honors for his performance against Ferris State this past weekend.

Lace bite is an affliction that only can be healed with rest. Trying to come back from lace bite too soon can prevent total healing, so Berenson said Murray will be brought along slowly. A decision on his status for this weekend's or next weekend's games will be made at the appropriate time.

Riding the Ferris Wheel: The Wolverines will be reunited with their old friend, Ferris State, this weekend as Michigan travels to Big Rapids on Friday night to try and complete a regular-season sweep of the Bulldogs.

"We've done pretty well down there over the years," Berenson said. "I'm not as worried about the three games (in a row against Ferris State) as much as I am about us staying focused."

The two CCHA rivals mixed it up for two games last weekend at Yost Ice Arena, both competitive games that the Wolverines were able to pull out.

Michigan will return home for its first meeting of the season with Western Michigan the following night. The Broncos are currently tied for eighth place in the conference - and the final CCHA playoff spot - with Alaska-Fairbanks.

Rookie accolade: Michigan defenseman Jeff Jillson was named rookie of the week for the weekend of Jan. 8-9 by the CCHA.

Jillson's game-winning goal on Friday capped a Michigan comeback against Ferris State, and he added three assists on the weekend as well.

But the real story was his quick recovery from a physically demanding stint on the U.S. Junior National Team. Jillson flew home from the world championships in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and rejoined the team at practice immediately, despite dealing with jet lag effects. His solid play on defense was a major factor in the Wolverines' four-point weekend.

Power play breakout: Displeased with his team's power-play efficiency, Berenson and the Wolverines worked extensively on the five-on-four in practice last week.

Despite two goals on the power play over the weekend, and a third goal scored just after a Ferris State penalty had expired, Berenson is still searching for improvement.

"We're still patching up our unit," Berenson said. "We might get two or three power-play goals, but we're not really clicking yet."

MARGARET MYERS/Daily

01-12-99