Almost a week has passed since Michigan starting goaltender Josh Blackburn's freak injury.
The first stage of the injury was the initial shock.
The next stage was anger, and now the third stage of reality has finally set in.
"It's kind of starting to set in," Blackburn said. "I kind of feel left out. I feel that I'm missing something."
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| DANA LINNANE/Daily Mark Kosick and the Michigan hockey team open their regular season home schedule tonight when they play host to Massachusetts-Lowell at Yost Ice Arena. |
He is out indefinitely after tearing the ligament between the first and second toes on his left foot.
Now the Wolverines are trying to put the events of last week behind them and focus on this weekend's matchup against Massachusetts-Lowell with a new outlook and a new goalie.
Michigan will return both senior captain Sean Peach and freshman Mike Cammalleri, who were out with injuries for last week's victory over Notre Dame.
Sophomore Jeff Jillson also endured a groin injury this week, but Michigan coach Red Berenson said he will be ready for this weekend.
But instead of Blackburn, sophomore Kevin O'Malley will probably get the starting nod in goal for the Wolverines. Junior goalie L.J Scarpace may also see playing time.
O'Malley - who played in nine games last season - compiled a 0-1-0 record, with a .887 save percentage.
As Blackburn's best friend, O'Malley is excited about his new role for the team, but at the same time concerned about his teammate's well-being.
"Last year is the first year I sat more then I played," O'Malley said. "It's really unfortunate for Josh, and the only way I can make it better is going out and playing well."
The Wolverines have acquired new goalie coach Stan Matwijiw to help with this process. Matwijiw was already scheduled to help the Wolverines before Blackburn's injury.
"He's been great for me because we haven't had a new one for the last year," O'Malley said. "Even the littlest things like keeping your glove it helps. He just knocks those points in your head and he's always there to let you know whats going on."
And now that Matwijiw has had a week to prepare O'Malley for his new role, O'Malley is ready and determined to lead the team into the new millenium. But first the Wolverines will have to get past Massachusetts-Lowell this weekend.
The River Hawks, a member of the Hockey East conference, come to Yost for the first time Friday night.
Needless to say, Lowell is excited about their first chance to play in front of the Yost fans.
Lowell is led by goaltender Scott Frankhouser, who has a 4.82 goal against average in his 32 games last season.
The River Hawks also bring back they're top goal scorer, senior John Campbell. Campbell led the team with 11 goals and 36 points last season, and is one of 17 returning players.
Berenson said the River Hawks remind him of a CCHA team, and he compares them to Ferris State.
"They have a lot of good skaters," Berenson said. "They work hard and play well together."
With a top goaltender and scorer returning, O'Malley has his work cut out for him this weekend.
The fourth stage of Blackburn's injury is the comeback. But until then, it will be O'Malley's time on stage.
10-15-99
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