The Marquette version of the Czech Select/WCHA tour entertained about 3,000 of us last night. It was fun watchingthe Czechs; their stick handling, passing and general movement was great. They were a BIT slower than I thought they'd be, but they have got to be tired by now. Also, the smaller Lakeview Arena ice surface probably keeps the speed from showing so much. The first period was scoreless and more like a good skating show than a hockey game. The second ended 3-2 NMU. The Wildcats got the first two goals on nice centering passes from behind the goal line, with the first being scored by Kory Korlander on a rather amazing 360-degree "turnaround" shot after receiving the pass from Greg Hadden. The Czechs got on the board with an excellent centering pass of their own which was knocked in from just in front of the net, past the Wildcat goalie's leg. Korlander and Brent Riplinger scored the second and third goals for NMU, I believe. I'm temporarily blocking on who scored the fourth, which came in the third period, almost immeditiately after the second Czech goal. With about 1:30 left in the game the Czechs made it 4-3 with their third power play goal of the night. They then pulled their goalie. The Wildcats soon thereafter got control ofthe puck, and Hadden ended up with a walk-in empty net goal to close out the scoring. NMU started freshman Paul Taylor in goal and he was outstanding, making 30 saves. It was only his second start of the season. Rick Comley says Taylor looks bad in practice, but certainly comes through in game situations and has earned another start with his performance last night. The consensus seemed to be that the Czechs are better on the larger ice surfaces, and not so great on the smaller ones. In any event, Comley was actually pleased with the Wildcat performance, and that's been a rare circumstance this year. The crowd enjoyed the game and the Czech team. They gave the Czechs good ovations when they were introduced and after the Czechs provided their salute to the crowd at the end of the game. Unfortunately, only about 500-1,000 were left in the stands by that time. ********************************************************************** * Steve Christopher, NMU [log in to unmask] * * * * * * NCAA Division I Hockey National Champions 1990-91 * GO * * * NCAA Division I Hockey Final Eight 1991-92 * * * WCHA League Champions 1990-91 * 'CATS! * * * WCHA Playoff Champions 1989-90/1990-91/1991-92 . . . * * * * * **********************************************************************