Michigan State University Athletics
The Miller Diaries
3/20/2002 12:00:00 AM | Men's Ice Hockey
March 20, 2002
I thought the six-team format for the Central Collegiate Hockey Association tournament was good. It allowed more teams to come down and compete at Joe Louis Arena, which sometimes plays more of an emotional role for a team like Alaska Fairbanks, which was pumped to be there. They didn't advance, but I thought it was good (for them to be there). It's kind of tough to play a play-in game on Tuesday after the first round of the playoffs. I think it's a little easier for the teams to regroup and go down there.
I thought we played well this past weekend. The first game against Northern Michigan was a battle and we came through with a win. Against Michigan, we came up a little short. It was a one-period game and it came down to a power-play goal.
I was honored with some end-of-season awards Thursday night before the tournament. It's not what you're aiming for, but it reflects well on the program. We've done some great things this year as a team. We haven't had any championships, but I think it's good that we're making progress and we're going to see what we can do in the following weeks. It looks promising.
We've been matched up with Colorado College for the first round of the NCAA Tournament. I know the seniors have some experience against them. The last time my class played them was at their place for the first game of the year and they kind of took it to us, but it also sparked us on a 10-game win streak that year. They're a good team and they're well coached. It should be interesting. Obviously, they're coming from the (Olympic-sized) rink down to more of an NHL size, and hopefully, that will work to an advantage for us.
With the West Regional being played at Yost Ice Arena, I would have to say there's probably going to be a lot of Michigan fans there that don't like us a whole lot. But there's also probably going to be more Michigan State people there, so it's going to be a nice mix. It will probably feel a lot like Joe Louis Arena.
In addition to playoffs, I have a lot to prepare for school this week. Starting next Monday, I have four tests in two days. I am going to try and get everything done early.
