Michigan State University Athletics
Western Ontario - Post Game Reactions
10/14/2005 12:00:00 AM | Men's Ice Hockey
Oct. 14, 2005
Michigan State Spartans Hockey
Post-Game Quotes (Oct. 14, 2005)
MSU vs. Western Ontario (Exh.)
MSU Head Coach Rick Comley
Opening statement...
"It was a hard game to play, and that's what I expected it to be. It was probably good for our kids because they had to play in a very physical hockey game and keep their composure. The only time they really came close to scoring on us was on the power-play, and it was a good game for our young players. I think it was a hard game for our older players, and a good game for our younger kids."
On the team's growth...
"I tried to play a lot of different people tonight when it became obvious that there were going to be a ton of penalties. Bryan Lerg is definitely getting better, Jim McKenzie you can see growth in him also, and our defense was strong tonight. But mentally I think we're half in, half out, and we play half out. Jeff Lerg made some real good saves, and had no chance on the goals he let in. It was a good opportunity for him to get his feet wet."
On Fretter's game winner...
"That's the kind of shot we want him getting. There were ample number of scoring opportunities that we didn't convert on, but I don't mind that. The freshmen needed to come back and see a game that was ugly. The stick-work was intense, so it's a good game for those kids to be in as we now get ready for Michigan."
Western Ontario Head Coach Clarke Singer
On Michigan State:
"I think Michigan State has a real nice team. They've got a lot of speed, they're great offensively, and they're a quality team."
On dealing with penalties:
"Our guys battled hard. The power plays were 12-3 for Michigan State, but our guys battled through it. I think the rules are a little different here compared to our league so it's hard to go from one to the other."
On Western Ontario's effort:
"I thought we played really well, and when one of the tops teams in the CCHA scores an empty net goal with :20 left that's a good effort by us."
Bryan Lerg, So., F
On Western Ontario's physical play...
"We expected it to be pretty physical, but they were strong on our sticks. Sticks were flying everywhere, bodies were flying everywhere, and we knew it would be a hard-fought game, but it was still too tight."
On the timing of the game..
"It is always tough time to play a game like this the weekend before we play a big game like Michigan. You are always worried about players like (David) Booth getting hurt. You just have to play through it, and we did, but I think we played a mediocre game."
Peder Skinner, So., F
On Western Ontario's play...
"They played a pro-style game with more control. In the second period they bounced back and give us a surprise.
On the upcoming Michigan game...
"Going into the Michigan game, it is better to fight the battle and take the win than to win a blowout. Now we know how hard we have to work every night."
Jeff Lerg, Fr., G
On his first game...
"It actually was not a very exciting first game but it was good to get back into the game and back onto the ice. It was good to get the first college game out of the way."
On Western Ontario's shots on goal...
"They didn't have a lot of shots, but the ones they took were good, tough shots. That's why you have to keep your head in the game at all times."
