Michigan State, 6 def. Colgate, 3
10/19/2007 12:00:00 AM | Men's Ice Hockey
Oct. 19, 2007
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Colgate Head Coach Don Vaughan
Opening thoughts...
Michigan State is obviously a very good team, and they were way better than we were tonight, especially early on. We were kind of back on our heels. I think they came to play, and we looked like deer in the headlights for the first 30 minutes of the game. We got outplayed by the better team tonight. We knew they would be ready for this one after last week and with the energy in the building. They took it to us early; they hit us hard down low, and I just thought they outplayed us for the better part of two periods.
On what his team needs to improve for Saturday's game...
We have to find a way to get the puck deep and get possession of it. You don't want to be spending that much time in your own zone. This Michigan State team is really good at taking the puck low, and they're great from the dots down. They bring it hard to the net, and if you spend enough time in your own zone, they're going to kill you. I thought that happened tonight. We have to get the puck up, get it deep, and play in their end a little bit more.
Michigan State junior forward Matt Schepke
On scoring the team's first goal, after being shut out last week...
It was a good feeling after losing 6-0 to a good North Dakota team. Obviously, at home it feels really good to pop the first one, especially because it gives you the edge. The fans get into it quicker, which gets you into it quicker.
On the team's biggest difference from last week...
We kind of took North Dakota as a kick in the butt and said, `Okay. We have to put everything that happened last year behind us, and we have to come together as a new team, not as last year's team,' Everybody just kind of took on a new role and left last year behind us. We're taking this year as a new chance to do something different with new guys, and everybody just came together.
On the chemistry with his linemates...
I like playing with Lerg and Gazley. They are really fast and like to get the puck down low. That helps because they can get it in the zone a lot quicker then I can get it there. I like playing with them because they like to cycle it a lot; and it helps me because I like to get low, and obviously bang around a little bit. Both of them are goal-scorers, so it's a lot of fun to be on the line with them.
Michigan State Forward Dustin Gazley
On his patience on his goal...
I didn't even think I had that much time, but I just got it and it went in.
On shooting right off the face-off...
It was actually a set play. We talked about that play; Bryan said, "Cut across. I'll get the puck back." And he did, and I got off a shot.
On being a part of Banner Raising Night...
It was great. Right from the ceremony, it was great to be a part of it and be there with the guys from last year. They worked hard, and they deserved it. It was nice to be there for them.
Michigan State Senior Forward Bryan Lerg
Overall impressions...
We needed [the win]. I think that we came out hard and made a statement, but like Coach said, I think we played 30 minutes real well and 30 minutes kind of sloppy. (Colgate) didn't give up the whole game, and they were able to bounce back with a couple of goals. Luckily the time ran out, but overall, I think we played a good game.
On the play of the offense...
I thought that we had a lot of good cycles, and we were taking the puck to the net. I think that came from having a good forecheck and playing the body.
On performing well after the banner ceremony...
I thought it was good, but you've got to seal it up. We've got to put that behind us. We can't be living off of that the entire year, because if we do, we're not going to get anywhere. I think it's good that everything's done with; the ceremony was very exciting, but it's obviously a good thing to be done with it.
On Dustin Gazley...
I think he's been pretty shocking for a lot people because maybe he hasn't been a bigger name coming in as a freshman. He's five-foot-eight and he battles. He's one of the toughest competitors on our team. He's a quick little kid, and I just love playing with him because he's so fast.
