Hockey vs. UAF: Post-Game Quotes
11/5/1999 12:00:00 AM | Men's Ice Hockey
Nov. 5, 1999
Head Coach Ron Mason: "We were skating hard right off the bat, and we knew that would be important because they play with a lot of emotion, esepcially at home. Those two early goals really set the stage for the game and were probably the reason we won. I thought the fact that we had more jump than they did early was really the key. We came out and drew a penalty, then scored on the power play. Then getting that second goal right away really set them back on their heels."
"It was one of those games which looks easy on the scoreboard, but there was a lot of hard work which went into it."
"Goals were coming from some different people tonight, and I think that is indicative of the character on this team. When players like that get goals for you, you don't have to turn to the Dolynys, Horcoffs and Halls to score. That makes everyone on the team feel better."
"We played Brody Brandstatter a lot tonight when Jon Insana was hurt, and Brody really responded. That goal that made it 3-1 was really a big goal for us."
(On tomorrow's game): "I think they will play a lot more agressively, because that's where they had the most success. They gave us some trouble when they were forechecking hard, so we will have to be ready for that."
Freshman defenseman Brad Fast: "This game was really important to us, because it's tough to come out here and have success, especially early. The travel is tough, and there is a lot of emotion in the building. We weathered the storm early and even forced thema bit. I don't think they are used to that and it definitely helped us out."
Junior goaltender Joe Blackburn: "I wasn't surprised at how well we came out, because we're kind of on a roll right now. We really thought that they would come out flying, so we knew those first five minutes would be the key. We were ready to match their intensity, and those two goals really set the tone."
(On UAF bouncing back after MSU's 2-0 lead): "They didn't give up, and to their credit had their best chances after it was 2-0. When it was 2-1 we were really hanging on, but that shows good character, especially when we weathered the storm in the second period."
(On getting goals from different people): "It seems like every night on this team a different guy steps up. That really helps some of the big guys, because they know there are other guys who are going to contribute. And as long as we are winning, the big scorers aren't going to get down when they don't score."
Junior left wing Damon Whitten: "I thought the first five minutes were big because we knew they were going to come out emotionally charged. Getting the first goal was big, but to come right back and get the second goal on the next shift was really the key."
(On getting goals from different people): "I think that's a huge part of the success of this team. We have a really balanced attack and five or six guys are scoring goals regularly for us."
(On tomorrow night's game): "I expect a lot of the same. They are going to come out hungry and we are going to have to play as hard as they do, especially early. They are really tough to play against, especially in their own zone. It feels like two or three guys are battling you whenever you have the puck."
Junior right wing John Nail: "My game is not to score goals, but when I get one, it's a bonus. After the first goal we went out there and talked about trying to keep the momentum going in our favor."
"We thought that they would come out hard in the first period, and we had to control that emotion. It was really important to get those two goals quickly."
(On helping out the big goal scorers on the team): "That is a key, for sure. We can't expect them to score every night. When people like me score, it takes the pressure off them. We know there will be times when we need them to come through, and hopefully they will be there then."
