Headline: A mirror image; U, Tech similar Publish Date: 11/16/1994 Matthew Cross Staff Reporter When Michigan Tech arrives in Minneapolis for a pair of matinee games at Mariucci Arena this weekend, it will be as if the Gophers are looking in a mirror. The two teams are nearly identical in their strengths and weaknesses, but the 6-1-1 Gophers take both to the extreme. The Gophers and Huskies are ranked first and second in penalty minutes, penalty killing and power play statistics in the WCHA. The Huskies, who lost a pair to Wisconsin last weekend, are singing the ``Redemption Song'' after a dismal 13-27-5 last season. ``When you have the type of season we had last year,'' Huskies coach Bob Mancini said, ``you can't wait to redeem yourself. This is a new year and we have a new attitude. We put last season behind us in April.'' Michigan Tech has launched a respectable beginning in their campaign to come back with a 5-3-1 record. This includes a series sweep of Northern Michigan two weeks ago. ``The whole team has contributed to our limited success,'' Mancini said. ``Our upperclassman have developed nicely with a lot of work in the off-season.'' Their good start has come from an extensive training program much like the Gophers had over the summer. Junior center Pat Mikesch, Michigan Tech's leading scorer, said their training program has led to third-period success similar to that which the Gophers have enjoyed. The Huskies have outscored their opponents 14-8 in the third period, and the Gophers have forced a 19-2 margin against their foes in the third. The biggest question for Michigan Tech was whether it could handle the loss of goaltender Jamie Ram to graduation. Ram was among the top goalies in the WCHA last season. Enter sophomore Luciano Caravaggio. Caravaggio has successfully stepped into the goaltending role and he currently ranks third in the WCHA right behind the Gophers' Jeff Callinan. Caravaggio has a 2.98 goals- against average and a .898 save percentage in nine games. And like the Gophers, who have four rookies playing every game, the Huskies are dependent on first-year players as well. ``We don't put any pressure on the freshman to produce,'' Mancini said. ``That is the job of the seniors, so whenever they do produce, it's an added bonus.'' Rookies Dave Dupont, who has eight points, and Jim Roy have provided that added bonus for Michigan Tech. Typically, the Huskies try to slow the pace, and it won't be any different against the Gophers, who will try to run a speed game. ``We're a pretty boring team to watch,'' Mikesch said. ``There's really no stand-out people on this team. Brent Peterson is probably the closest person to a star that we have.'' Peterson, a senior wing who has nine points this season, creates an interesting tandem with Mikesch. As linemates, they compliment each other by assuming specific roles. Mikesch is the passer and Peterson is the receiver. ``They are enjoying playing with each other,'' Mancini said. ``They have complimentary styles and they work well.'' The contrast in tempo preference should be the most interesting feature of the series as the Gophers try to push the pace and the Huskies try to pull it back. The winner of that contest will have a significant advantage throughout the games. The weekend series begins at 1:05 on Saturday afternoon and concludes at 2:05 on Sunday. Afternoon games were scheduled because Michigan Tech has finals next week. Mancini said that the schedule change might be the hidden key to the series. ``We're hoping nobody told the Gophers that the games have been moved to the afternoon,'' he said. ``We'll show up and they won't be there.'' Pam Sweeney Go Gophers!!! [log in to unmask] 1993 & 1994 WCHA Playoff Champions Go White Bear Lake Bears!!! 1994 NC$$ PHinal PHour Skate to State!!! Ski-U-Mah!!!