Sports: 2005-2006 Icers Focus On Wins

            MSU won national championships in 1966 and 1986.  Can the 2006 icers uphold this tradition?

            The answer is “Yes, they can.”  After finishing sixth in the league and missing the NCAA tournament for the second time in three seasons one year ago, the 2005-06 MSU ice hockey team is ready, focused and aiming for success.

            Fourth-year head coach Rick Comley will return 12 forwards, seven defensemen and one goaltender and welcome nine players.  With the departure of two-time 48-point producer and captain Jim Slater, MSU will be paced by senior Colton Fretter (see photo) and junior Drew Miller this season.

            “Offensively, we have to find a way to score goals,” says Comley.  “Drew and Colton both had breakout seasons offensively, and several other individuals also stepped out.  We must continue to find a way to be creative on the offensive side.  Our biggest challenge will be finding a second line that can score consistently.”

            Defensively the Spartans finished 13th in the nation, allowing just 2.44 goals per game, thanks largely to two-year starter Dominic Vicari, who appeared in 38 games and posted an 18-16-4 overall record with a 2.30 goals-against average.  Senior Corey Potter and junior Ethan Graham, who averaged almost 35 minutes of ice time last year, will key the defense.

            “We are in a very good position defensively with the return of seven blueliners and Dominic in net,” says Comley. “There is always room for improvement if we are going to challenge for the CCHA Championship.”

            After missing the final 10 games of the 2004-05 season due to injury, senior forward David Booth also will be counted on to step up and take a leadership position in his final season.  Sophomores Chris Mueller, Jim McKenzie and Bryan Lerg are expected to take on a more prominent role. Comley also will count on senior Chad Hontvet and junior Tyler Howells to put their experience last season to good use. 

            Chris Lawrence, Zak McClellan, Peder Skinner and Dan Sturges will add experience and depth up front, while newcomers Justin Abdelkader, Tim Crowder, Tim Kennedy, Kurt Kivisto and Nick Sucharski will compete for playing time.  In addition, senior Jared Nightingale, juniors Tyler Howells, Chris Snavely and Brandon Warner; and sophomores Jeff Dunne and Daniel Vukovic will help out on defense.