If Miller returns next year, Tobe will play another season of juniors.

“Whenever State needs me, I’ll be ready,” said Tobe, who turned 17 in December. “I’m an aggressive player, like (Detroit Red Wings goaltender) Dominik Hasek.

“I like to make the shooter make the first move.”

Tobe is 15-4-1 with a 2.57 goals against average and .905 saves percentage with Compuware this season.

He joins Rhode Island defenseman Evan Shaw as verbal commitments. Ontario forward Colton Fretter, Okemos defenseman Corey Potter and East Lansing forward Drew Miller all signed National Letters of Intent in November. Miller will join the team in 2003, while Shaw, Fretter and Potter will suit up next season.

The wild world of Mason

MSU head coach Ron Mason has a lot going on right now.

On Wednesday afternoon, the MSU Board of Trustees officially approved Mason to become the university’s next athletics director. He will replace Clarence Underwood, who will retire June 30.

Details of Mason’s contract were not discussed, but MSU President M. Peter McPherson said they will be finalized soon and Mason won’t be paid less than the $173,215 he earns as hockey coach.

Fans can ask Mason questions about the athletics director position, the MSU hockey season or anything else in the inaugural “Ask the Coach” session staged by the American Hockey Coaches Association. Visitors can submit questions by following a link from www.ahcahockey.com.

Mason’s answers will be posted on Feb. 20.

Broom room

The MSU team’s 26th annual charity broomball game against the Legal Eagles, a men’s league team of area lawyers, will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday in Munn Ice Arena.

Tickets for the event are $4 and available at the the door, MSU Athletic Ticket Office, Sparrow Hospital or from Kiwanis Club members.

Proceeds from the event benefit the Coaches for Kids foundation, of which Mason is an honorary chairman.