Palmisano Has Fine Role Model
12/11/2010 12:00:00 AM | Men's Ice Hockey
Dec. 11, 2010
This week, the Spartan hockey program will prepare for the Big Chill at the Big House, a showdown with archrival Michigan at Michigan Stadium which is expected to draw a world-record crowd of nearly 110,000 spectators. Nearly a decade ago, the Michigan State athletic department staged the first modern outdoor game, and it has grown from novelty to a now-annual event in the National Hockey League. Michigan State successfully hosting this event was the genesis for no fewer than 20 outdoor events executed or planned for the 2010-11 season since MSU put on the first one on Oct. 6, 2001.
Come back to www.msuspartans.com every day this week to revisit that inaugural event through the recollections of current and former Spartan players, staff, and administrators who helped give birth to one of the beloved now-annual events of a hockey season.
PREVIOUS STORIES:
MONDAY: Hockey Pioneers
TUESDAY: Hockey in the Shadows of Tragedy
WEDNESDAY: Fresh-Faced Hero
THURSDAY: Beloved Memories Reside in Game's Roots
The picture of Ryan Miller walking from the Spartan Stadium tunnel to the ice surface with flames shooting into the sky may is one of the most iconic photos of the Cold War. Miller, who had won the Hobey Baker the year prior, was seen as the leader of that Spartans team, and he was a crucial part of the historic tie between MSU and U of M.
When he was asked what he was going to wear during Saturday's game at Michigan Stadium, current Spartans goaltender Drew Palmisano said he was planning on copying off the last goalie to play in an outdoor game for the green and white.
"I just I think I'm going to wear a little head gear under my helmet, and long sleeve Under Armor. I usually wear short sleeves, and I'm definitely going to mimic Ryan Miller with the eye-black."
MSU fans everywhere will be hoping that Palmisano can mimic Miller in more ways than just wearing eye-black. According to Torey Krug, this won't be the first time that Palmisano is trying to follow in the footsteps of the Spartans' legendary goaltender. The Spartans' captain said his goaltender wants to be `just like Ryan Miller'.
"Yeah it's true," Krug said with a laugh. "We always joke around with him. He wants to be just like Ryan. I think part of his facemask, I actually recognized it yesterday when we were watching [the Cold War], that it's just like Ryan's. But who doesn't want to be like Ryan Miller, especially as a goaltender. He's so special; he's done something that might never be matched."
Palmisano defended himself, saying that his goalie mask was designed to look like "Miller's with an edge". Yet at the same time, he confirmed that he does admire the Spartans' record-holder for career goals-against average, save percentage, and shut outs.
"Yeah, I definitely look up to Ryan Miller," Palmisano said. "The fact that he went to Michigan State and had a great career here, and what he's doing in the NHL now, it's just inspirational. If someone like him can make it, from Michigan State, it just inspires me to be a better goalie."
Palmisano will not have the luxury of playing in East Lansing when the Spartans take on the Wolverines on Saturday. However, it will be a home game for him. The MSU goaltender's childhood home is a five-minute drive away from Michigan Stadium, and his high school was right across the street from `The Big House'.
"I haven't been able to sleep much, I can tell you that much. Just laying in bed thinking about walking out there, especially going home to Ann Arbor, being in that stadium many times growing up watching Michigan football, with all my family and friends. It's just exciting to have a chance to go back home and play."
However, Spartan fans should not be concerned about Palmisano's loyalty. Despite growing up so close to the Michigan program, Palmisano said it was a childhood dream of his to play for the Spartans, and he is determined to leave Ann Arbor victorious.
"There's always the drive from the big rivalry between Michigan and Michigan State," Palmisano said. "With the success that they've had over the last 15 years, we're trying to turn it around a little bit, and we're especially going to play with an edge since they knocked them out of the playoffs last year."
One thing is certain - Palmisano's idol will be watching and cheering him on. Miller said that he is excited to see how his alma mater does on Saturday. As for advice for Palmisano, Miller kept it simple.
"Just stay warm, have fun," Miller said. "I don't know if they've adjusted the lighting issues, playing in a football stadium, it's a little tough with the lighting, but for the most part, just try to have fun with it."
