Some random comments on the topic of Michigan hockey: Friday - MICHIGAN 6 Alaska Fairbanks 1 Certainly not what the Nanooks wanted from their first CCHA appearance in Ann Arbor. UAF looked very flat (somewhat expected from the travel) and much slower than anticipated. Given the larger ice surface in Fairbanks, UAF's advanced billing was one of speed. However, Michigan looked to be the faster, quicker and generally crisper team. The UM power play had it's best game (and weekend) of the season to date, as UAF constantly found themselves in the box. Michigan's first goal is one for the highlight real as Brendan Morrison made the perfect pass from the left point to Kevin Hilton below the dot on right wing and Hilton didn't waste it as he buried a one-timer past Larry Moberg, who didn't go from post to past as swiftly as Morrison's pass did. The game was over early in the second period when Michigan opened up a 5-0 lead and Moberg gave way to freshman Ian Perkins. Although the shot total doesn't reflect it, UAF played much better from that point on. Perkins was one of the highlights of my evening. His performance was pure Steve Shields-ian. To begin with, he's 6-4/200...Shields like proportions. Beyond that, his play smacked of Shields' early days in Ann Arbor. Perkins was flopping all over the crease, often finding himself on his butt making "ice angel" saves, but he managed to keep the puck out of the net. UAF can only hope that he has half the collegiate career that Shields did. Turning back to Michigan, fine individual performances were given by Morrison (3-2--5), Hilton (2-1--3), RW Bill Muckalt (0-4--4), C Bobby Hayes (all heart) and D Bubba Berenzweig...who, IMO, played the best game of his brief UM career to date. Also, backup netminder Gregg Malicke mopped up the final 20 minutes, seeing more heated action than Turco did over the first 40. (Turco made some comment about having to pay for a ticket given that he never got into the game, making but 6 saves on the night.) Malicke surrendered the first goal of his UM career (60 total minutes played), but it was arguably his best showing because he wasn't really tested in his earlier appearances. Saturday - MICHIGAN 4 Alaska Fairbanks 1 A tighter game, both on the scoreboard and on the ice, but Michigan was clearly the dominant team. Moberg returned to the UAF nets and was superb, making 47 saves and keeping the 'Nooks within striking distance. Michigan seemed to be doing what they wanted...making crisp passes, outmuscling UAF down low and creating second and third chances, but couldn't make the big finish. The UM power play was clicking again, accounting for the first three goals. Warren Luhning (2-0--2) and Hilton (0-4--4) were the stars on the stat sheet for the Wolverines. BU coach Jack Parker was "in the house", checking out Berenzweig and UM RW Sean Ritchlin for possible selection to the US WJC team. Weekend Overall In reality, Michigan coasted to two fairly routine wins. The Wolverines had the opportunity to put up a double-digit goal count each night, while UAF was limited to only a few quality chances each game. The officiating certainly didn't help the visitors. On Friday, Mark Shegos (the evil half of the Brothers Shegos) was brutal. It was Steve Piotrowski's turn on Saturday and, although I think Pi is one of the best around, his big downfall is that he's often too big a part of the game. I'd say his performance was kind of a 'tweener. I've seen him showcase himself more (i.e. have worse nights), but there were a few times where he was a little authority happy with the whistle. For the weekend, UAF received 23 minors and UM received 16 minors and one misconduct. The Wolverine power play was 7-19 while the Nanooks were held to 1-11. Cumulative shots were Michigan 99 Alaska Fairbanks 29, which is probably a better indication of UM's control of the games than the 6-1 and 4-1 scores. Tuesday - The Red Berenson Show Fans were blessed with a pair of special guests. First, former UM (WTKA) play-by-play man Ken Kal dropped in on the ol' gang. Ken has replaced HoFamer Bruce Martyn with the Detroit Red Wings (WJR). And, Ken had Wing coach Scotty Bowman in tow. Scotty entertained the listening audience, except for when he mentioned that he considered taking the MSU job in the 1970s. (WTKA's Jim Hunt commented to Red Berenson that it's bad enough to lineup across Ron Mason, imagine if he to square off with Bowman several times a season. :-) Looking forward to seeing everyone in Milwaukee this weekend... John Haeussler ([log in to unmask]) Of course, I tried to entice Scotty into a game of air hockey, but he would have none of it. :-) HOCKEY-L is for discussion of college ice hockey; send information to [log in to unmask], The College Hockey Information List.