I attended both games of the UMD-MTU series, so here are a few of my observations and comments regarding the games. Friday's 6-5 UMD win in overtime was quite a wild game with all the penalties and injuries. Michigan Tech continued their penalty-filled brand of hockey that they have been known for in recent years (check the WCHA penalty-records they have set the last few years). UMD goaltender Taras Lendzyk was rammed 4-5 times before he was finally knocked out of the game with a groin injury. Enter UMD backup Jim Moellman, who stood strong in net as the Bulldogs's won in overtime on Mike Peluso's goal. The brawl began as Ruutu laid a vicious shot to Dan Jablonic's head in front the the UMD bench. Garatti grabbed Ruutu and both ended up DQ'd. Rick Mrozik jumped from the UMD bench to join in the fracas, and was later DQ'd after the refs viewed videotape after the game. The referees delayed the game about 15 minutes trying to sort things out, but still did not get all the penalties figured out until after the game. Saturday night's game was less-penalty filled, but Tech continued running the UMD goaltender. Moellman withstood numerous hits throughout the contest and somehow stayed in the game. The biggest hit came in the third period, when Pat Mikesh checked UMD defenseman Chris Snell from behind, and both crashed into Moellman and the three flew into the net. Snell was rammed into the post and suffered injuries, while Moellman injured his groin and played hurt the rest of the game. Mikesh received a major penalty for the incident. UMD captain Joe Ciccarello notched the game winner with 38 seconds left, on a blistering 45-foot slapshot as he streaked down the right wing. For the weekend, UMD suffered injuries to approximately 6-7 players. Lendyk(groin), Moellman(groin), Snell, Peluso(knee), Jablonic, Hanson(neck/back) I can remember off the top of my head. Reports I've heard say Lendzyk might be out 2-3 weeks. If I remember right, no Tech players suffered any injuries. I really don't understand how Michigan Tech can ever expect to move into the upper echelon of the conference if they continue this style of play. They kill themselves with penalties every game. Of these penalties, most are the type of stick-infractions, after-whistle roughing, behind-the-play interference, running the goaltender, etc. Very few are "smart" penalties, such as those preventing a goal-scoring opportunity. Tech does seem to have quite a bit of talent and very solid goaltending, but are really hampered by the consistent penalties. Overall, it was quite a gutsy effort by UMD, particularly Saturday with all the injuries, a rookie goaltender, and two regular defenseman out with DQ's. Hopefully they can heal up fast as a tough road trip to North Dakota awaits next weekend. Paul Thalacker Go Bulldogs!!! HOCKEY-L is for discussion of college ice hockey; send information to [log in to unmask], The College Hockey Information List.