Paula C. WestonCCHA fans, you have spoken–and I have heard. Ever since taking a puck to the head, my predictions have been terrible. I admit it. Now, I’m not saying there is any kind of cause-and-effect going on here, but the timing is interesting, n’est-ce pas? So, I’ve decided to seek professional help. I’ve consulted a Web … Read more
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. As chestnuts roast, turkeys baste, and everyone avoids Aunt Almira’s Jello mold, it’s time to take a look around to ponder blessings and be thankful for what we all have. The laughter of children, the warmth of a smile, that special glow you get whe– Oh, forget … Read more
The human skull can be shattered by an impact at 7-10 kilometers per hour. When stationary, however, it can apparently survive blows from faster-moving objects with such little consequence as a bump, loss of blood, and a couple of staples to the scalp. It’s estimated that head injuries occur with the frequency of 610 per … Read more
Having grown up a Catholic, I know the value of confession. And given the email I’ve received recently from fans of a certain CCHA team, I know what I have to do. Bless me, Readers, for I have sinned. It has been too long since I’ve been to confession, and this is my sin: I … Read more
Thank goodness it’s November. With ten points, No. 8 Notre Dame sits atop the CCHA waiting for everyone else to catch them. The Irish were idle last week, and head out East this weekend for single games against Boston College and Northeastern. No. 9 Michigan and Ferris State are tied for second with eight points … Read more
Ghosts? Goblins? Martha Stewart spinning hot caramel around unsuspecting apples? Things that go bump in the night? Try things that go bump in the rink. Try Notre Dame beating Ohio State 3-0, then losing for the first time this season to…Western Michigan. Try playing Michigan State and Michigan…back to back. Now that’s scary. It isn’t … Read more
Surprise, surprise. Western Michigan ties Michigan State. Michigan leaves a home series with two points. Ohio State is 1-3-0. Notre Dame is 5-0-0. Northern Michigan is 4-0-0. Wait a minute–is any of this surprising at all? As anyone who follows CCHA hockey knows, the Irish have been on the verge of waking up for two … Read more
The human skull can be shattered by an impact at 7-10 kilometers per hour. When stationary, however, it can apparently survive blows from faster-moving objects with such little consequence as a bump, loss of blood, and a couple of staples to the scalp. It’s estimated that head injuries occur with the frequency of 610 per … Read more
The word of the week for the CCHA is cautious, as in cautiously optimistic. It was the first week of regular-season play for some teams, while others have yet to see league or even NCAA play. Several winning coaches are happy with what they saw–to a point. "We played well for this early in the … Read more
After losing to Michigan in their NCAA semifinal game, New Hampshire’s Mark Mowers said that Michigan had one of the toughest defensive teams his team had faced this season. He also mentioned Miami as a tough, grinding hockey club. But he and coach Dick Umile were quick to say that there’s little difference between East … Read more
In downtown Boston’s historic Faneuil Hall, in front of an adoring home crowd, Boston University senior center Chris Drury was named the 1998 Hobey Baker Memorial Award winner. With 28 goals and 27 assists in his final collegiate year, the native of Trumbull, Conn., is the 18th recipient of the award given annually to college … Read more
The Wolverines are in Boston this year, which shouldn’t surprise anyone, given that Michigan has made a college hockey Final Four appearance seven of the last eight seasons. But this year, Michigan has advanced without The Michigan Nine, the phenomenal class led by 1997 Hobey Baker winner, Brendan Morrison. Gone are Morrison, Botterill, Madden, Luhning … Read more
It’s Monday, two days after Andre Signoretti’s overtime goal sent Ohio State to college hockey’s Frozen Four, and the Buckeyes are back in Columbus, where it’s 85 degrees. It’s the first day of Spring Quarter classes. After Buckeye hockey practice, the players linger a little. There are a couple of reporters, a couple fans. Everyone … Read more
He lives alone with his cat, and he’s afraid to cut his hair. And at just 166 pounds, he’s one of the toughest competitors on ice. Michigan State goaltender and Hobey Baker candidate Chad Alban answers the question that’s on everyone’s lips: “Just what is up with that hair?” “I just grew it out in … Read more
Baseball can have summer–and every bit of the glorious, pastoral mythology that goes along with it. But hockey has faith. What’s stronger than faith? Where were you in 1980? Where were you last weekend? When you watch four teams take the ice for the CCHA semifinals Friday night at fabled Joe Louis Arena, you’ll see … Read more
For Notre Dame captain Steve Noble, the impulse to help other people is something he learned from his own family. “My uncle has Down’s syndrome, so my grandma — his mother — actually helped co-found a school to teach mentally challenged people. It’s been in the family, and I’ve been exposed to people who are … Read more
It’s the Girl Reporter’s List of Sins and Graces, the worst and the best of the CCHA that don’t necessarily fit into the usual categories. Disclaimer: I have yet to visit Abel Arena, Lakeview Arena, and the Carlson Center. Sins Worst rink: The Joyce Arena. You’d think a school with the athletic tradition of Notre … Read more
It should be mentioned that this list is not an official endorsement by USCHO; nor was the all-rookie team of last week. It’s just the official Girl Reporter’s All-CCHA Team. If I were picking sides, these are the guys I’d want on my team. Goalies As I’ve been saying all season long, hands-down, without a … Read more
Goalies There are several rookie goaltenders who have made a difference for their respective teams. The most notable of these is Jeff Maund, Ohio State’s rookie who never–not for one second– played like one. Maund has considerable talent, considerable points–and considerable stats. He’s 14-6-0 in over 1,200 minutes of play; he’s 12-6-0 in league play. … Read more
Dear Miss Hockey Manners, When spearing, is it more appropriate to use the butt end of the stick, or can I apply the blade? Signed, Player Perfectionist Dear Gentle and Otherwise Reader, Ah! This is not the letter of a mere goon, but rather that of a true artiste! Your stick is your brush, your … Read more