Michigan State University Athletics
MSU Hockey Player Quotes
3/25/2002 12:00:00 AM | Men's Ice Hockey
March 25, 2002
JUNIOR DEFENSEMAN BRAD FAST
"It's definitely a relief to find out now as opposed to later on in the summer. We now have a chance to meet with him. It's going to definitely help our team chemistry out knowing who our coach is going to be next year, not having any uncertainties or whether or not we're going to get the right guy in here. I think we all believe that Coach Comley is going to be the right guy.
"I think he's a very intense coach and I think he'll turn that over to us and make us a more intense team. He also has a style that is a little more offensive than we've seen here in the past and that's what everyone seems to be talking about.
"My opinion of him has been formed over the past couple years. I have a great respect for him and the teams that he's put on the ice. He's always had very competitive teams and very hardworking teams. I had an impression before he got here but he only added to that (today). He's been straightforward and honest with us already - that's great to have in a coach."
JUNIOR DEFENSEMAN JOHN-MICHAEL LILES
"He said he's letting us know that he's very excited to come and coach us. And letting us know that ultimately the goal is to win a national title. Everything we do is designed to work towards that goal. He gave us a little bit of background. He let us know that he's here and excited to be our coach.
"It's always exciting when Coach Comley said he's going to try to inject a little more offense into our game. I am excited and I think a lot of the guys are too. I know him from playing against his teams. His teams are well-coached, they're very disciplined. They work extremely hard and I am sure he's going to bring that mentality down here. He told us that he expects a lot from us. I'm very happy and I think a lot of the guys are too.
"I think he'll bring a lot of energy. He seems very motivated in everything he does. He seems like a good guy. Obviously, Coach Mason wouldn't have brought him in if he wasn't a top-of-the-line guy and a top-of-the-line coach, and I think that's what we're all expecting."
JUNIOR GOALTENDER RYAN MILLER
"I know he's a really good guy and he really gets a lot out of the players. He utilizes what players have for talent or what they do with or without the puck and he finds a role for you. It's some of the same things Coach Mason does. He finds something you do well.
"He comes in with a great reputation. I don't think anybody gets bigger than the program. I think Coach Mason helped build it up and Bessone before him. (Coach Comley) just adds to the program as a whole. You still need the players, you still need Dave Carrier and Tom Magee and everyone that makes the program what it is. We have people who make this whole thing work, people behind the scenes who do a ton for our team."
JUNIOR WING BRIAN MALONEY
"Playing with the same coach for three years, (the change) is going to be a lot of fun. We haven't had a chance to sit down and talk to him one-on-one, but it's kind of like moving onto a new team. It's exciting.
"I have a couple buddies that play at Northern right now. They said he loves a physical style and he's a tough coach that loves to get 110 percent out of each player. Knowing that, that's what we need here. We need a pick-me-up - guys that play with a lot of heart. I think it will work out well for us.
"I think everyone wants to start playing tomorrow. That's what we're going to need. A new face around here could be a good thing to fire everyone up. It's going to take time, but by September and October, we're going to be ready to roll."
