07-08 College Hockey

[mannysBETTER3434 1]

Season kicks off tonight. U-M plays No. 2 Boston College it should be interesting. I'm picking MSU to win the CCHA because of Lerg. What are your thoughts this year?

[BlakChamber 8]

I think the top four are going to be (in no particular order) MSU, UM, ND, and Miami.

[Icer 0]

MSU gets to kick off it's title defense against #1 North Dakota on the road. Rough start. State's in great shape, though. Lerg is back. The 09 Line is back. They only lost one key player and they have a lot of freshmen talent coming in. The only problem I see is no veterans on the blue line.

ND lost their starting goalie so I expect them to slip back into the pack. Michigan is full of freshman. Talented freshmen, but still freshmen. Miami returns a loaded team so I think they will be the main competition for the Spartans.

As for the rest of the league.

UNO lost a lot. I don't see them doing anything.

OSU is also full of freshman. 14 I believe.

Western lost the rookie of the year.

Ferris has no offense and a freshman goalie.

Lake Superior has a goalie and nothing else.

Northern is full of juniors and seniors, but so far they haven't done a lot with their careers.

Bowling Green is awful at every position.

Alaska has a new coach and is rebuilding.

Edited October 12, 2007 by Icer

[BlakChamber 8]

Lake State doesn't even have the goalie anymore, Jakatis is gone.

[Hockeytown Red Wings 245]

I have no idea what to expect from OSU, they'll probably blow. Oh well, a hockey game for 6 bucks...can't beat that.

[mannysBETTER3434 1]

I can't believe Ferris is going with a freshmen goalie, Nagel when they have O'Keefe, and MacIntyre (O'Keefe was ranked 9th in North America, and Mac is a SJ draft pick). Their offense is horrible though, no one can score goals.

U-M upset BC tonight! Thats a good sign, but the CCHA is very good (at least the top 4). I've watched OSU's Palmer when he was on the NTPD, and he was very solid. ND has Pearce in net...he is solid, but not experienced enough, but that could change.

Edited October 13, 2007 by mannysBETTER3434

[BlakChamber 8]

Bad start for MSU, getting smoked 6-0 by North Dakota. Granting, there's no shame in losing to a team like the Souix, but still, you want to do better than 6-0.

But, there's a lot of hockey to be played, no point getting worried.

[Icer 0]

Lake State doesn't even have the goalie anymore, Jakatis is gone.

Doh!.. Sucks to be them.

[mannysBETTER3434 1]

Jakatis was such a stud. Is he playing anywhere? Why wasn't he drafted? Is it his size?

[BlakChamber 8]

Looks like he's playing in the ECHL

http://www.charlotte.com/sports/story/318232.html

It's funny, I always read about what a great goalie he was, but the times I saw him play State, he never did that hot. Still, I wish him the best.

[Guest DetroitIan]

For some reason, I've just never been able to get into college hockey. Although, I find myself watching the frozen four here and there. I think it's just a little sloppy for my taste. But I will always root on the Wolverines any time I catch a game.

[mannysBETTER3434 1]

Looks like he's playing in the ECHL

http://www.charlotte.com/sports/story/318232.html

It's funny, I always read about what a great goalie he was, but the times I saw him play State, he never did that hot. Still, I wish him the best.

Thanks. There are many college athletes who are great in college, yet the road ends for them. Wish him luck.

Can't believe I'm saying this, but Lerg is my favorite college hockey player this year now that Jack Johnson is gone. I love watching the little guy play! Sad thing is the same thing will happen to him.....

Edited October 16, 2007 by mannysBETTER3434

[timothy1997 0]

For some reason, I've just never been able to get into college hockey. Although, I find myself watching the frozen four here and there. I think it's just a little sloppy for my taste. But I will always root on the Wolverines any time I catch a game.

same here. I will watch a few games during the season...mostly Michigan-Michigan State games..and the frozen four and thats it. Maybe lack of TV coverage factors.

[Packer487 3]

same here. I will watch a few games during the season...mostly Michigan-Michigan State games..and the frozen four and thats it. Maybe lack of TV coverage factors.

You guys are missing out. Sure the quality of play isn't what the NHL is, but there are a lot of really fun teams to watch and a ton of talented players. The Michigan games this weekend were as good as it gets. Plus you don't really get the teams going through the doldrums of the Mid-January weeknight games in college hockey.

Depending on what cable/dish provider you have, there's more games on than you'd think. I don't live in Michigan anymore but I'm still getting close to half of Michigan's games on TV. I'd get a few more if I was able to get Comcast Local. After having Dish Network, I'm really not sure why anyone would want cable TV anymore unless they're not able to get satellite.

Back to the thread, I was really impressed with Michigan this weekend. They knocked off the #2 team in the country and while they didn't get a win over Minnesota, they outplayed the Gophers and they kept it close, which is something they haven't done in a long time. I like our chances back at Yost next month.

Hagelin is going to be a special player for Michigan. I love that kid.

[timothy1997 0]

You guys are missing out. Sure the quality of play isn't what the NHL is, but there are a lot of really fun teams to watch and a ton of talented players. The Michigan games this weekend were as good as it gets. Plus you don't really get the teams going through the doldrums of the Mid-January weeknight games in college hockey.

Depending on what cable/dish provider you have, there's more games on than you'd think. I don't live in Michigan anymore but I'm still getting close to half of Michigan's games on TV. I'd get a few more if I was able to get Comcast Local. After having Dish Network, I'm really not sure why anyone would want cable TV anymore unless they're not able to get satellite.

Back to the thread, I was really impressed with Michigan this weekend. They knocked off the #2 team in the country and while they didn't get a win over Minnesota, they outplayed the Gophers and they kept it close, which is something they haven't done in a long time. I like our chances back at Yost next month.

Hagelin is going to be a special player for Michigan. I love that kid.

I have directv. I get games every now and then on Fox Sports Detroit. I am hoping that the Big Ten Network will cover some games this year.

[BlakChamber 8]

The Big 10 Network is going to cover college hockey.

[Guest jaytan]

Definitely? That's fantastic!

They don't list ice hockey as a sport on the website: http://www.bigtennetwork.com/

I try to follow my Gophers as well as I can, but it's a bit difficult because of the lack of media coverage out here.

Edit: http://www.bigtennetwork.com/corporate/PR092107.asp

Woo-hoo! Confirmation on televised hockey.

Edited October 16, 2007 by jaytan

[Packer487 3]

I have directv. I get games every now and then on Fox Sports Detroit. I am hoping that the Big Ten Network will cover some games this year.

I guess it depends what package you've got, but you should get a bunch of games on CSTV, ESPNU, Big Ten Network, and all the Fox Sports stations if you've got em. Fox Sports North in particular shows a lot of Gopher and Badger games. Through Dish Network I also get Altitude out in Denver which I believe shows the Colorado schools, plus NESN for the Boston games. It's pretty sweet.

For Michigan, the Big Ten Network is showing both games in the College Hockey Showcase (against Wiscy and Minnesota over Thanksgiving), plus our late season game with Ferris.

[Izzy24 44]

I guess it depends what package you've got, but you should get a bunch of games on CSTV, ESPNU, Big Ten Network, and all the Fox Sports stations if you've got em. Fox Sports North in particular shows a lot of Gopher and Badger games. Through Dish Network I also get Altitude out in Denver which I believe shows the Colorado schools, plus NESN for the Boston games. It's pretty sweet.

For Michigan, the Big Ten Network is showing both games in the College Hockey Showcase (against Wiscy and Minnesota over Thanksgiving), plus our late season game with Ferris.

They have some, usually the CC/Denver games and a few others. Hopefully they show more this season.

[Icer 0]

Comcast users will also get several hockey games on Comcast Local and Comcast East Lansing. I get Comcast Local here in GR on channel 23 and we get the Spartans on 10/19, 10/26, 11/15, 11/23, 12/8, and 2/15. A bunch of other games are on FSD. A quick check of the shedule shows that well over half the games are televised.

MSU Hockey Schedule

[Guest jaytan]

I get a couple games a week on ESPNU and CSTV, but a lot of the times they're showing some teams I have little interest in watching. I'll tune in, but if it's an East Coast game or some low-level teams from the CCHA I'll probably be channel surfing.

My satellite package gets Fox Sports Northwest, which doesn't show anything but Pac-10 stuff, Mariners baseball and Blazers basketball. :yawn:

[Skiing - Puck 0]

I have Michigan State season tickets again this year. I am looking forward to tonights game because they are raising the banner. I also try to go to two or three road games a year.

[BlakChamber 8]

I have Michigan State season tickets again this year. I am looking forward to tonights game because they are raising the banner. I also try to go to two or three road games a year.

I really wish I was back home in Lansing for tonights game. Have fun I heard that all three championship banners are new.

[T.Low 1,011]

Michigan State vs. Northern Michigan, Oct 26-27

Anyone likely to go?

Skiing-Puck?

Our hometown (Bellingham Wa,) rink rat Matt Butcher is now a sophmore at Northern Michigan. Son of NHL defensemen Garth Butcher. Matt was number 2 in scoring his last year in the BCHL while playing for the Chiliwac Chiefs. He didn't get much time as a freshman at Northern last year but his minutes are increasing and he has two assists in 3 games so far this season. If anyone is going to the game, keep an eye on him. I think they play UofM in Marquette tommorrow night.

In the BCHL, everyone wanted a peice of "Garth Butcher's kid" so he's a decent fighter and power skates like a freight train. Maybe I'm a little biased because I've tryed to defend against him and his dad and he is a much better skater than his dad. Just an outstanding young man. At half my age, I'd beat on him and try everything and after he'd score with ease he would then proceed to tell me how great I was doing. Class act kid. Takes after his father, nothing but praise from all the locals here in Bellingham.

I wish him well and miss being able to see him play. If anyone goes to the game, I'd really appreciate a little recap. Thanks

Edited October 20, 2007 by T.Low

[Packer487 3]

Anyone likely to go?

Our hometown (Bellingham Wa,) rink rat Matt Butcher is now a sophmore at Northern Michigan. Son of NHL defensemen Garth Butcher. Matt was number 2 in scoring his last year in the BCHL for the Chiliwac Chiefs. He didn't get much time as a freshman at Northern last year but his minutes are increasing and he has two assists in 3 games so far this season. If anyone is going to the game, keep an eye on him. I think they play UofM in Marquette tommorrow night.

In the BCHL, everyone wanted a peice of "Garth Butcher's kid" so he's a decent fighter and power skates like a freight train. Maybe I'm a little biased because I've tryed to defend against him and his dad and he is a much better skater than his dad. Just an outstanding young man. At half my age, I'd beat on him and try everything and after he'd score with ease he would then proceed to tell me how great I was doing. Class act kid. Takes after his father, nothing but praise from all the locals here in Bellingham.

I wish him well and miss being able to see him play. If anyone goes to the game, I'd really appreciate a little recap. Thanks

This might be helpful: Northern Michigan has a video feed for all of their home games and some of their road games. It's only one camera, but it's video and I've heard the quality is pretty good. They synch it up with the radio play-by-play. It's $6 a game, but I think you can get the entire NMU season for $50, which isn't half bad.

http://www.b2livetv.com/seasonpassselect.asp

If I didn't have my own game tonight, I would've purchased the NMU/Michigan game. I'm debating if I'll do it for tomorrow's game since it's opposite Michigan football, the Wings, and the American Le Mans race.

Butcher had an assist against Michigan tonight.