Scarpace means success for 'M'

Novice netminder takes over, leads Blue out of three-game losing streak

Before leaving the ice after Saturday's 4-1 victory over No. 3 Wisconsin, captain Sean Peach picked up the puck and handed it to goalie L.J. Scarpace.

The puck expressed Peach's and the team's sentiments toward Scarpace, who led the team to the end of its longest home losing streak since 1988.

After a year of not even practicing with the team, Scarpace entered this season as Michigan's third-string goalie, behind sophomores Josh Blackburn and Kevin O'Malley.

But the starting job remained open after Blackburn suffered an injury to his foot earlier this season.

KIMITSU YOGACHI/Daily Junior L.J. Scarpace stopped 15 shots in the first win of his Michigan career. Scarpace was chosen to start after Michigan suffered a 6-1 loss to Minnesota.

Blackburn is on track with his rehabilitation and is expected to return in January. But until then, the two goalies know that the starting job is at stake with every puck that goes past them, and every puck they stop.

O'Malley was pulled immediately after letting in three goals off four shots in the first period of Friday's loss to Minnesota. And after a solid two-plus periods of play by Scarpace, the decision was made to start him the next night.

"O'Malley is a better goalie than he has shown," Michigan coach Red Berenson said. "In the meantime the job is open. The ironic thing is Scarpace hasn't played a game in two years, for him to step in these situations is impressive."

Scarpace transferred two seasons ago from Western Michigan, where he only played three games as a freshman. Since Blackburn's injury he has seen some playing time, but has until recently served as backup to O'Malley.

After Michigan was shut out last weekend and lost 6-1 to Minnesota, the coaches decided a change in goal could jumpstart a sluggish Michigan squad.

"The more that L.J. plays, the better he is going to get," Michigan goalie coach Stan Matwijiw said. "He got better as the game went on. The past four games have just shown that goalie tending makes a big difference."

Scarpace made 15 saves on Saturday, as the Michigan offense fired 25 shots the other way. Saturday's combination of strong offense, tough defense and solid goaltending was what had been missing during the home losing streak.

Even though he may have lost his starting job for the night, O'Malley is one of the first players off the bench to congratulate Scarpace on his tremendous play and victory.

And for now, Blackburn just watches the other two from his spot in the press box. Even though he said he feels a little guilt with every Michigan loss, he lends his support in whatever way he can.

"After the game I tell them good job and if they want help, I'll help them," Blackburn said. "I try to be as supportive as I can. I tell them what I see that they can work on."

Until January, the fight for the one spot in net will continue. But for the time being, Scarpace can take his congratulations and game-winning memorabilia back into his starting position in net.

"I'm going to play the hot goalie, I always have and I always will," Berenson said. "Scarpace finished the game well and I anticipate starting him next week. I don't see changing that until there's a reason."

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