Michigan State University Athletics
Ice Hockey Team Defeats Field Hockey in Cross-Team Scrimmage
4/23/2010 12:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
April 23, 2010
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EAST LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan State ice hockey team defeated the field hockey team when the two teams went head-to-head today in a cross-team field hockey scrimmage at Ralph Young Field.
The Spartan ice hockey team captured the 3-2 victory after being tied at two following two 20 minute halves of play. The icers had to learn how to adapt to the completely different style of play than which they are accustomed to on the ice.
"It was definitely the same kind of shooting motions," said ice hockey defenseman Torey Krug. "Obviously, you have ten other guys on the field with you and you're not used to using all of them when you're on the ice."
Besides the amount of players on the field, the field hockey team demonstrated that only one side of the stick is used, rather than both, like in ice hockey. It was also difficult for the ice hockey players to adapt to the different rules of field hockey, such as making sure the ball didn't hit their feet.
Defenseman Matt Crandell, didn't just have to learn how to play a different sport, he also had to learn to play a different position. He served as the ice hockey team's goalie, and made some impressive saves that helped push his team to victory.
"I played goalie in soccer, so I was kind of used to being out there," said Crandell. "I didn't think it was too different. We had a lot of guys out here showing support. It's always fun to hang out with other teams and compete at what they do best."
The field hockey team got on the scoreboard first when forward Chelsy Coil scored off of a penalty stroke after a defensive foul. Krug answered for the icers with a shot from the right post to tie the game at one. Julie Mackay put the field hockey team ahead going into halftime after she netted a goal during a scramble in front of the cage. Krug once again tied the score for a second time in the game midway through the second half when he snuck a goal past goalie Molly Cassidy from the left corner of the circle.
Heading into the shootout, the teams changed the rules up as each team was allowed to have every player take a penalty shot against the respective goalies. The ice hockey team netted one more penalty stroke than field hockey, allowing it to capture the 3-2 win.
"It was definitely different because they were a little more physical and definitely hit a lot harder and our defense had a fun time experimenting out there," Cassidy said.
The scrimmage provided an opportunity for the ice hockey team to learn a new sport for the second time this year. In the beginning of the fall semester, the icers learned how to row with the Michigan State women's rowing team. Even though they lost, the field hockey team enjoyed the opportunity as well.
"They played their hearts out, but it still was not enough I thought," forward Jantine Steinmetz joked. "It's hard for us because we have no idea what they're going to do because they play with one hand and everything's mixed up."
