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