Michigan State 5, Western Ontario 2
10/5/2009 12:00:00 AM | Men's Ice Hockey
Oct. 5, 2009
Michigan State Head Coach Rick Comley
On scoring five goals...
We had a lot of scoring chances, I thought their goalies played really well. We could have had a bundle, but it's encouraging to see the talent upgrade and the chances that the guys are getting and creating. That's what you want, you want the Green and White [game], and you want this to be a good hockey game and it gets you ready for next weekend.
On the encouraging play of the Freshman class ...
It is encouraging. We've had a good feeling in practice that we have a better package to work with. And I think we've changed our style of play and they're learning that too. It's a nice situation after going through what we went through last year. There are a lot of tough days ahead of us to get better, but this team has a chance.
On the outlook of the power play throughout the season...
I thought they bobbled the puck today. They had so many great opportunities, just never received the puck clean. But, again I think you can see where [Torey] Krug adds power play-wise, and [Derek] Grant adds too. And Sucharski, as he gets some games under his belt...he'll get better every game too.
On winning the exhibition game...
I like the looks of their team in the warm-up, they've been on the ice for three weeks and that was their third game. They made us play and I thought our young kids reacted very well today.
On his team's goaltending effort...
Drew Palmisano, I think is going to be a really good goalie, but Bobby [Jarosz] is going to play and they are going to compete for playing time and I think that's healthy. I don't even know who will start Friday, to be honest. So, I think we'll let them battle out. Last year we had no competition, we couldn't even get twenty players to dress. Now we've got some competition to play for people at all positions and I think that's really healthy for everybody.
On the differences between this year's team and last...
It has for sure. There's not a lot of confidence out there right now, but we are better. Our talent is better, our depth is better, and the package is better. I think the style of play will be better and that will reinforce things, and this team has a chance to get better every day and has a chance to be competitive. It doesn't matter how it's picked or how it's rated, there's enough good players. You always hate to use the word "rebuilding," but it became obvious to us all last year that we were. And I think this is kind of step two in it, and you need to hit on a good class. Nationally, this freshman class isn't viewed as a top recruiting class, but I think it's pretty darn good.
On Corey Tropp's potential this season...
He's very young, too. He had a separated shoulder last year, prior to the suspension; it was kind of a wasted year for him in some ways. But I think it was a growing up year, too. So I think we'll see Corey have a very good year.
On the makeup of the lines he played during the game...
I can't necessarily rank them one, two or three, but the four lines--and actually the fifth line--it is who it is. You saw tonight, [Brett] Perlini has improved, [Mike] Merrifield certainly benefited from going back and playing Juniors. Unless something happens, we'll go into the week with the lines like that. The big thing that you didn't see tonight was [Matt] Grassi. He's a very, very talented player who is a 6-4 defenseman who we need in that lineup. He won't play this weekend, but he's got a chance and that will help us a lot.
Michigan State Freshman Forward Derek Grant
On how his first game felt...
It felt good, I mean playing on top line with those two guys. I think we had a really good game. I think our team played well and I think it's going to be a really good year.
On how he feels about the team even though there are a lot of freshmen...
I think with a young team everyone is battling for spots. I think day in and day out we're pushing each other be the best that we can be, and I think the group of guys that coach has brought together here we have all of our roles covered. We have checkers, we have offensive guys and great goaltending. I just think the combination we have here is a right fit. I think that the work ethic we have at practice day in and day out, it's going to be a great year.
On what Nick Sucharski and Corey Tropp have told him to make him feel more comfortable...
If you make a mistake they are right there to get you back on your feet and they say `just don't worry about it.' If you make a good play they're going to compliment it. I think just giving those guys the puck creates opportunities for our whole line - they're two marvelous players. I'm just honored they are there for me and I make the most of it.
On how the exhibition game prepares them for the season...
It's great anytime you can play an exhibition just to get the feel for things. Yesterday we had an inner squad game, but that's playing against your team, it's not quite as intense, it's not the same. So, playing against this Canadian school is really good, they were on top of their league last year and it's a great competition for us to get us set for the year.
On his goal...
It wasn't much of a goal that's for sure. I just went to the net and Krug made a great play just getting the puck there - I think he saw me at the back door. I hit the guy's stick and swiped it in as hard as I could. I could have had a couple more, I guess, but I took the ugly one.
