Seventh-ranked MSU probably won’t be challenged by Western Ontario tonight, but the Spartans know what’s looming just three days from now.
The ice hockey team’s exhibition game against the Mustangs tonight is a mere speed bump in MSU’s collision course with No. 2 Denver on Friday in the first round of the Maverick Stampede in Omaha, Neb.
But MSU head coach Rick Comley understands that in order to compete with the Pioneers later this week, the Spartans must sharpen their game at 7:05 tonight at Munn Ice Arena. Comley, in his first year as MSU’s coach, still is trying to ingrain his system into the Spartans so that they can simply react - instead of thinking - on the ice.
Comley said MSU did a decent job adhering to the system in Friday’s Green and White scrimmage and Saturday’s 4-3 exhibition win over the Under-18 U.S. National Development Team.
But he still wants to see improvement in two key areas - neutral zone movement and offensive zone puck possession.
“We had zero neutral zone movement out there, which is not unusual,” Comley said Friday, alluding to former head coach Ron Mason’s style of play. “We need more, we need to make that happen to be successful.”
Player and puck movement around center ice is essential to Comley’s up-tempo, offensive philosophy because it can create holes in the opponent’s defense for MSU to attack.
Once on the attack, Comley demands puck possession, and to his delight, MSU did more of that Saturday.
The most evident instance came during one shift in the middle of the second period when sophomore left wing Kevin Estrada, sophomore center Jim Slater and sophomore right wing Mike Lalonde held the puck in the U.S. team’s zone for roughly 45 consecutive seconds.
“When that line finally came off, Jimmy Slater asked, ‘How long do we have to keep it in there?’” Comley said with a smile. “We’re learning to cycle, but we have to recognize when you can take the puck to the net.
“Soon they’ll be able to feel when they can take advantage of beating people in the corners. That style is tough on us, but it’s really tough on the opponent.”
Senior left wing Steve Clark agreed, saying that MSU “dominated” the U.S. team despite the close score. But, as is always the case early in a season, there’s no shortage of things for the Spartans to work on.
“We need to cut down on our turnovers,” Clark said. “We need to get the puck into the zone and keep it away form the goalies.
“Puck possession tires teams out. Whether it’s Western Ontario or Denver, that’s the key to winning.”
MSU shouldn’t have much trouble winning tonight, considering the Spartans beat Western Ontario 7-0 in their last meeting in October 2000. Also, the Spartans haven’t lost to a Canadian university since 1983.
The Mustangs have already played two CCHA teams this year, losing 4-1 to Lake Superior State on Friday and falling 9-5 to Ferris State on Saturday.
MSU sophomore goaltender Matt Migliaccio is expected to get the start tonight after freshman goalie Justin Tobe played the entire game against the U.S. team. Migliaccio was shaky in the Green and White game, allowing six goals on 23 shots in regular play and then four more goals on seven penalty shots in a shootout.
But he’s being counted on to share the goaltending load this season, so Comley wants him to turn things around quickly.
“He needs a look, for sure,” Comley said. “He struggled (Friday) and he’s under a lot of self-inflicted pressure.
“I just told him, ‘This is the position you picked to play a long time ago, so get a good night’s sleep and come back strong next time.’”
About 75 tickets for tonight’s game are still available through the Athletic Ticket Office in Jenison Field House. Tickets are $20 for the public and $8 for students.
