Spartan Preview
 
After going through an un-Michigan State like season in 1990-91,
Head Coach Ron Mason along with 17 returning letterwinners, look to return the
Spartan program back to one of the elite teams in college hockey after posting
an overall record of 17-18-5.  Michigan State's 14-13-5 CCHA mark, good enough
for fifth place, was the team's lowest finish in the league since joining it
in 1981-82.  The Green and White icers also hope to return to the CCHA
Play-off Championships and NCAA Tournament after missing out on those
tournaments last season after nine straight appearances.
 
The task will not be easy for the Green and White as they lost a total of
seven key performers from last season.  Five of those were to graduation while
last year's leading scorer, All-America Jason Woolley (15-44-59) opted to join
the Canadian Olympic Team.  In addition, veteran right winger Jim Cummins
(9-6-15) bypassed his senior year to sign a professional contract with the
Detroit Red Wings leaving a void in the toughness and experience
categories.
 
"Last year we were a product of people leaving early when we were unable to
plan for it," said Mason.  "Also, it was a product of having such ongoing
success that when adversity set in it was tough to handle.  So, consequently,
we went through some rocky times trying to get it together and it seemed like
it never came together."
 
A staple of the MSU program is sound defense and this season should not be
any exception.  After finishing second in the CCHA in goals allowed last year,
the Spartans feature a good defense along with outstanding goaltending.
Senior netminder Mike Gilmore (9-8-3), a second-team All-CCHA performer, is
back after compiling a goals-against average of 2.66, the fourth best MSU
seasonal mark and a sparkling saves percentage of .901.  Gilmore, who ranked
as the CCHA's number two goalie a year ago, will give the Spartans a solid
presence, along with stability between the pipes.
 
Mike has matured a great deal and is the type of goalie who can win a game
all by himself and there's not too many of those around," said Mason.  "He's
capable of making those 40 or 50 saves some nights that's going to give you
the victory you can't ask for anymore than that."
 
Gilmore, after splitting time last season with MSU's all-time winningest
goalie Jason Muzzatti, should have the number one spot heading into the
season.  Red-shirt freshman Eric Kruse, who dressed for three games at the end
of last season, and newcomer Mike Buzak, who played for the Fort Saskatchewan
Traders will battle to back-up Gilmore.  Buzak was an all-star in the Alberta
Junior Hockey League last season.
 
While MSU loses the service of Woolley on the blueline, the Spartans should
have a steady and dependable corps of blueliners to help keep the head off the
Spartan goaltenders.  Heading up the contingent is senior Joby Messier
(5-11-16), a hard-nosed and tenacious performer, and junior Michael Stewart
(3-12-15), who came on strong during the latter stages of last season.  Both
players have considerable experience and will point the way for some of the
younger Spartans.  Senior Doug Garbarz (0-1-1) is another vet to watch after
appearing in 20 games in 1990-91.  A talented group of young defensemen earned
their stripes last year and look forward to turning in fine seasons including
a trio of sophomores; Bart Turner (3-1-4), Steve Norton (1-4-5) and Nicolas
Perreault (1-7-8) along with junior Wes McCauley (1-2-3).
 
 
Offensively, MSU will hope to develop a potent and consistent offense
compared to last season where the Spartans generated plenty of scoring
chances, but had difficulty at times in finishing their opportunities.  Senior
wingers Dwayne Norris (26-25-51), the team's leading returning scorer, and
classmate Peter White (7-31-38) will serve as the catalysts of the offense.  A
number of veterans will have to increase their scoring totals from last year
if the Spartans are to be successful including junior center Bryan Smolinski
(9-12-21), junior right winger Rob Woodward (5-13-18), sophomore left winger
Michael Burkett (3-7-10) and sophomore center Kelly Harper (1-8-9).
 
Junior forward Bill Shalawylo scored 13 points (7-6) in just 20 games last
season, while sophomore Bart Turner (3-1-4) and junior Michael Thompson
(1-3-4) played in just 21 and 15 games, respectively last year.  Newcomers Rem
Murray and Steve Guolla were both all-stars last season.  Murray, the brother
of former Spartan Pat Murray, played last year with the Stratford Cullitons,
while Guolla performed for the Wexford Raiders.
 
MSU has also added centers Steve Suk and Matt Albers along with right wing
Ryan Folkening.
 
Overall, Mason knows the challenges that await his team for the 1991-92
campaign.
 
"Our goal is the top four in the league," said Mason.  "As inconsistent as
we were last year, it came down to the last game of the season.  Hopefully, if
we can remain consistent, we can be in the thick of things to get home ice for
the play-offs.  We will have, what I consider, a renewed interest in that now
we really have something to prove."
 
--
Keith instone @ (euclid bullwinkle andy) .bgsu.edu