Parents, fans 'get into' game

By Ryan C. Moloney

Daily Sports Writer

It wasn't "Slapshot" or even a minor-league rock-'em sock-'em video.

Nobody threw their car keys at players, and by the same token, no players climbed over the glass to take a few swings.

But the Saturday night verbal altercation between a Michigan student and a Miami parent was extreme in an arena full of extremes.

The Yost experience is raucous to start with, certainly in comparison to its cerebral siblings, Michigan Stadium and Crisler Arena.

But with Michigan State looming, is there potential for a more intense, dramatic incident?

"I hope not," center Mike Cammalleri said. "When emotions are flying around in the stands, it takes away from the game."

According to witnesses, heckling between Miami parents and Michigan student section fans carried on throughout the game, culminating with the incident at just over a minute left in the second period.

"One of the parents walked up and started yelling at us - there were words between us and the yellowcoats (ushers) kicked out my friend Rishi," said fan Matt Comsak, who saw the incident develop.

Comsak said Rishi Moudgil, a recent graduate, was kicked out because "the usher said he threatened" the parent.

Michigan coach Red Berenson was asked if the incident was blown out of proportion.

"That could be," Berenson said. "I think parents who have been here before understand some of the rituals - maybe the parents took it personal without realizing it was more of a chant.

"I hope Yost is a place where I can bring my grandson and my daughter-in-law and my wife and my mother and they will still enjoy the energy and noise and not be embarrassed."

Defenseman Bob Gassoff said the Halloween atmosphere might have riled up people in the crowd a notch more than usual.

"With all the costumes and the holiday, kids probably got a little excited," Gassoff said. "Certainly in a game like this weekend it will be a totally different, unique atmosphere. This place will be rocking and we are really looking forward to it."

Maize Out: There will probably be more maize than blue Saturday, as the second annual "Maize Out" is slated to take place. The first 1,000 fans through the door will receive a maize t-shirt.

"I can't wait for it," freshman defenseman Mike Komisarek said. "It's like when the Winnipeg Jets had the 'white-out.' It's pretty amazing."

No word as to whether or not the Wolverines will don their famous maize jerseys for the game.

"That's a game-time decision by the coach," Cammalleri said. "But I know last year we were maize also" for Maize Out.

Blackburn update: Goaltender Josh Blackburn practiced for the first time this week and reported no lingering effects after injuring his shoulder in Saturday night's game.

"It feels pretty good - like brand new," Blackburn said. "We stretched it a lot. I think it was just a little thing, but we're just being cautious, I think."

JEFF HURVITZ/Daily

After the tussle in the stands during the game against Miami on Saturday night, Andy Burnes and the rest of the Wolverines are hoping that the action stays on the ice when the Spartans come into Yost.