MSU Blue Line Club Supporting Spartan Hockey Since 1962 NEWSLETTER • VOL. 1, 2016-17
Young Spartans Gain Confidence as Big Ten Play Begins By Neil Koepke MSUSpartans.com When Michigan State opened the college hockey season in mid-October, there were a myriad of questions to be answered about the direction of the new-look Spartans. How would MSU replace graduated standout goaltender Jake Hildebrand? Where would the scoring come from? And how would the Spartans respond with 10 freshmen on the roster and most playing key roles? Two months into the season, after experiencing the usual growing pains and some low and high moments, the answers to the prominent questions are starting to come. For sure, it’s taken some time for Michigan State to come together as a team and get its game in sync. But it’s apparent that there has been steady improvement, and that the skill level of this team is higher than in recent seasons. The low moment of the season was the opening weekend when the Spartans got swept at Lake Superior State, 6-1, 7-3. Ouch! That was misery for the players, coaches and fans. Steady improvement followed, and despite some disappointing losses, Michigan State showed it was more competitive, and several players elevated their game. Sticking to the process and improving steadily led to the highest moment of the season. The Spartans stunned No. 5 North Dakota over Thanksgiving weekend with a 4-3 victory and 2-2 tie at Engelstad Arena in Grand Forks, one of the most difficult buildings to play in throughout college hockey. MSU enters Big Ten play in December with a 4-6-1 record and more confidence and swagger than it had after a 0-4 start. Seven freshmen and four sophomores were in the lineup at North Dakota, and yet six seniors were still playing major roles and providing solid leadership. There were plenty of bright spots to savor as the Spartans were close to wrapping up the first third of the season. Two of the biggest positives are the rise of junior goaltender Ed Minney, who played in only four games and started one in his first two years in the program, and the exciting, up-tempo play by the forward line of freshman Patrick Khodorenko at center with sophomore Mason Appleton on right wing and freshman Taro Hirose on left wing. After an uneven start, Minney has looked poised and comfortable under pressure, and you can see his confidence growing with each game. Khodorenko, Appleton and Hirose are highly skilled and have developed into MSU’s most productive line. The trio is capable of lifting fans out of their seats, and especially threatening on the power play with defenseman Zach Osburn and
forward Villiam Haag. Minney started the season sharing the goaltending duties with freshman John Lethemon. In the first seven games, Minney made four starts and Lethemon three. Minney showed steady improvement and he was rewarded with both starts against Ferris State – a home loss and crucial road win – and played at a high level against North Dakota. For two seasons playing behind Hildebrand, an NCAA West All-American in 2015, Minney showed tremendous patience and a good attitude, waiting for his turn to play. This season, Minney was determined to make the most of his opportunity to play regularly. “I feel like I worked my way up to it. I’ve been chomping at the bit the whole time trying to get ready with my chance,’’ said Minney, one of college hockey’s tallest goaltenders at 6-foot-5 and 197 pounds. “I worked hard in the summer to get ready. I feel like I’ve gotten better each week, and the more you play and have some success, it helps your confidence.’’ In the win at North Dakota, Michigan State held a 4-1 lead midway through the third period. But UND scored two goals within 31 seconds, the lead was down to one goal, and the Fighting Hawks applied tremendous pressure after the two quick goals. “It’s hard not be nervous when you’re 2-2 at North Dakota,” Minney said with a laugh. “At the same time, as a goalie playing back to back games, the guys are looking to me to get a feel for the game and if they see me back there panicking, everyone is going to be getting on their toes. But when I’m back there and the other team is shooting from the point and I’m in control, calm and making saves, everyone gets a confidence boost.’’ That’s what Minney is doing for his team, and his teammates appreciate his level of play and consistency. Continued...
Blue Line Club President’s Letter
2016-17 SCHEDULE OCTOBER Sun. 2 UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO (Exhib.) Fri. 14 at Lake Superior State Sat. 15 at Lake Superior State Fri. 21 No. 6/6 DENVER Sat. 22 No. 6/6 DENVER Fri. 28 PRINCETON
T, 2-2 (OT) L, 1-6 L, 3-7 L, 1-2 L, 1-3 W, 6-2
NOVEMBER Fri. 4 Sat. 5 Thur. 10 Sat. 12 Fri. 25 Sat. 26
W, 3-2 (OT) L, 1-5 L, 1-4 W, 4-3 W, 4-3 T, 2-2 (OT)
DECEMBER Sun. 4 Fri. 9 Sat. 10 Sun. 18
MICHIGAN TECH MICHIGAN TECH FERRIS STATE at Ferris State at No. 5/5 North Dakota at No. 5/5 North Dakota USNTDP U-18 Team (Exhib.) No. 11/11 MINNESOTA * No. 11/11 MINNESOTA * NORTHEASTERN
W, 5-1 6:30 p.m. 8 p.m. 3:05 p.m.
52nd Annual Great Lakes Invitational Thur. 29 Western Michigan [1] 7 p.m. Fri. 30 Michigan/Michigan Tech [1] 3:30/7 p.m. JANUARY Fri. 6 Sat. 7 Fri. 13 Sat. 14 Fri. 20 Sat. 21
at Wisconsin * at Wisconsin * at Penn State * at Penn State * at Michigan * MICHIGAN *
9 p.m. 8 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7 p.m.
FEBRUARY Fri. 3 Sat. 4 Fri. 10 Sat. 11 Fri. 17 Sat. 18 Fri. 24 Sat. 25
WISCONSIN * WISCONSIN * Michigan [1] * at Michigan * OHIO STATE * OHIO STATE * PENN STATE * PENN STATE *
7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:05 p.m. 7:05 p.m. 7 p.m. 7:05 p.m.
MARCH Fri. 3 Sat. 4 Fri. 10 Sat. 11
at Ohio State * at Ohio State * at Minnesota * at Minnesota *
7 p.m. 8 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 8 p.m.
Big Ten Tournament Thu. 16 Fri. 17 Sat. 18
As I am writing this, we are coming to a close on the non-conference portion of the schedule. While the win-loss record isn’t exactly as good as everyone had hoped it would be, the team is playing hard and showing improvement while integrating 11 new players. Most definitely, the future is bright for Spartan hockey.
Comcast 900 Comcast 900
BTN BTN
FS Detroit FS Detroit BTN BTN BTN BTN BTN
I encourage all members to take a look at the luncheon and reception schedules and attend as many as possible. These events are fun, informative and, most importantly, support Spartan hockey. We are trying different locations than usual for these events, and would really appreciate any feedback you have. This past summer, as everyone is aware, we lost the legendary Ron Mason. His support of the Blue Line Club over the years was nothing short of extraordinary, as was everything else he did. I personally appreciated his friendship and all of the help he gave during my service to the Club, which is why I wanted to pay tribute to him when designing the membership pin for this year. I hope everyone wears it with pride, not only for the Club and the Michigan State Hockey program, but for Coach Mason. The Club established the Ron Mason Endowment Fund when he retired from the Athletic Department. I would strongly encourage all members to donate to this Fund in his memory. Alan Corrie Blue Line Club President
FS Detroit
BTN
ESPNEWS
Quarterfinals [1] Semifinals [1] Championship [1]
* - Big Ten game | All times ET [1] - Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, Mich. All games broadcast on BTN, FS Detroit and Comcast are available on BTN2Go.com Rankings are USCHO.com/USA TODAY-USA Hockey
2016-17 Home Game Promotions
1-800 GO STATE or MSUSpartans.com for Tickets Family Four Pack - $50 for 4 tickets, 4 drinks & 4 hot dogs, pretzels, or nachos Available: Dec. 10 vs. Minnesota; Dec. 18 vs. Northeastern; Feb. 4 vs. Wisconsin; Feb. 18 vs. Ohio State; Feb. 25 vs. Penn State 4 Seats, 4 Treats - $44 for 4 tickets, 4 Udder Delights Ice Cream Sandwiches Available: Dec. 9 vs. Minnesota; Feb. 3 vs. Wisconsin; Feb. 17 vs. Ohio State; Feb. 24 vs. Penn State
Koepke: Young Spartans Gain Confidence as Big Ten Play Begins “Minney had an incredible game. He’s probably the reason we won that game,’’ MSU senior right wing and captain Joe Cox said after the win at UND. “He’s making the saves we need him to make and he’s making the big saves we need to win games.’’ Said MSU coach Tom Anastos: “Ed Minney is playing very well. He had a productive off-season and he’s in a good place mentally and physically. He looks very comfortable, he’s in control and his confidence is growing. And our team has confidence in him. He was ready for this and he’s responded. Now, it’s keep improving and consistency.’’ On the offensive side of the puck, Appleton, Khodorenko and Hirose have made a major impact and appear to have the potential to develop into one of the best lines the Spartans have had in several seasons. Through the first 11 games, Appleton led MSU in scoring with five goals and six assists for 11 points. Hirose was tied for second with two goals and five assists for seven points, while Khodorenko was in a four-way tie for fourth with six points (2-4). “That line has really come together and they’ve played very well. They’ll get better as they get more experience,’’ Anastos said. “They’re highly skilled, they play with speed and they make the players around them better.’’ Appleton, the veteran as a sophomore, said he shares different tips with his rookie linemates but doesn’t think it’s a big deal. “It’s a little bit of a leadership role,’’ he said. “You have to pull them along here and there, but they’re really talented players so it’s not anything too big. They’re freshmen but they don’t play like freshmen. They’re both playing a lot of minutes and being relied on big time.’’ “For our line, going to get pucks and recovering pucks is huge, because once we have the puck, that’s when we can be dangerous.’’
MSU Blue Line Club • Supporting Spartan Hockey Since 1962
From the Desk of the Head Coach
Spartan Hockey All-Access returns to Fox Sports Detroit this season with the premiere on Wednesday, Dec. 14 at 6 p.m. The Emmywinning program takes you behind the scenes of the Spartan program with exclusive footage and features. All seven episodes will re-air multiple times on both Fox Sports Detroit and FSD Plus. Show Premiere Schedule Wednesday, Dec. 14 6 p.m. (FSD) Thursday, Dec. 29 3 p.m. (FSD) Friday, Jan. 20 6 p.m. (FSD) Friday, Feb. 3 6:30 p.m. (FSD Plus) Friday, Feb. 17 6:30 p.m. (FSD) Friday, March 3 8 p.m. (FSD Tuesday, March 14 6 p.m. (FSD)
THE TOM ANASTOS RADIO SHOW
The Tom Anastos Radio Show takes place at Reno’s East (1310 Abbot Rd., East Lansing). The show can be heard locally on WJIM 1240 AM as well as at SpartanSportsNetwork.com and the SSN 24/7 mobile app. 2016-17 Show Dates Wednesday, Dec. 7 Tuesday, Dec. 13 Tuesday, Jan. 3 Tuesday, Jan. 10 Tuesday, Jan. 17 Wednesday, Jan. 25
Tuesday, Jan. 31 Monday, Feb. 6 Wednesday, Feb. 15 Tuesday, Feb. 21 Tuesday, Feb. 28 Tuesday, Mar. 7 Tuesday, Mar. 14
Get To Know... #17 Taro Hirose
Turn Back The Clock
What’s your nickname? T: The guys call me ‘Tars’ or ‘Tarzy.’
What’s your biggest fear? T: Getting locked in bathrooms. I got locked in an airplane bathroom when I was little and they had to stop the plane to get someone to come and get me out. My other fear - a bowl of cereal with no milk Who would be your cartoon sidekick? T: Phineas from Phineas and Ferb. What’s your favorite movie? T: I’m a big fan or Will Ferrell, but I loved Matt Damon in The Martian. Ovechkin or Crosby? T: Crosby - he’s a good Canadian guy. Steve Colp takes the puck to the net during a game at Munn in the 1974-75 season. The Spartans went 22-17-1, including 11-8-1, in their first season playing at the brand new Munn Ice Arena.
What makes your hometown (Calgary) so special? T: It’s in Canada.
MSU Blue Line Club • Supporting Spartan Hockey Since 1962
Blue Line Club Membership Application 2016/2017 (form also available on-line) www.msublueline.org
(Please Print) Name: Address: City: Zip Code: Email Address:*
Telephone #:
MEMBERSHIP: Renewal _____ New _____ STUDENT - K-12, secondary or post-secondary ($10.00)
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SINGLE – individual person ($30.00)
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TWO PERSON – Married couple or 1 adult/1 child under the age of 18 ($35.00)
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FAMILY – Parent/Parents w/ children under the age of 18 ($40.00)
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Additional pins: #__________ x $5.00 =
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Names of Family Members:
________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________ Membership Includes:
• • •
Membership Card Membership Pin Decal (new members)
Membership’s will receive Student Single Two Person Family
# Membership Card 1 1 2 1 per member listed above
• •
$2.00 off coupons for concessions at Munn (limited supply) 10% at area restaurants. Good from 10/2/2016 through 3/18/2017. Back of card will identify participants & any exceptions.
# $2.00 Concession Coupons 2 2 4 6
# Pin(s) Add’l pins available – see above 1 1 2 3
# Decals – new members, (renewing members upon request) 1 1 2 3
Membership packet will be available for pick up at the first and subsequent games. *Email address will be used to provide club updates throughout the year. Make checks payable to:
MSU Blue Line Club
Mail to:
MSU Blue Line Club P.O. Box 804 East Lansing, MI 48826-0804 ’66 Champs Honored The Spartan hockey program celebrated the 50th anniversary of its first National Championship by honoring the 1966 team on Nov. 10 vs. Ferris State. Nearly 20 members of the team were on hand for the between-periods recognition, including: Richard Bois, Bob Brawley, Gaye Cooley, Mike Coppo, Nino Cristofoli, Tom Crowley, Bob Fallat, Willie Faunt, Jerry Fisher, Doug French, Don Heaphy, Mike Jacobson, Brian McAndrew, Tom Mikkola, Matt Mulcahy, Larry Roche, John Schuster and Dainis Vedejs. The son of late head coach Amo Bessone, John Bessone, also attended. The ‘66 Spartans won 12 of their last 16 games, including wins over Michigan (3-2) and Michigan Tech (4-3) in the WCHA Playoffs to reach the NCAA Tournament in Minneapolis. MSU beat Boston University, 2-1, in the semifinals and then crushed Clarkson, 6-1, for the national title.
