Sports: Hockey to Vie for CCHA Title

Despite three key premature departures, MSU hockey intends to compete for the league title.

            When Corey Tropp, last year’s MVP, announced in July he would pass up his senior season at MSU—as did star icers Andrew Rowe and Jeff Petry earlier—many hockey fans began to feel sorry for Coach Rick Comley.

            But Comley sings a slightly different tune.

            “We’ll be just fine,” he says, without any trace of panic.  “We’ll surprise some people.  You watch, we’ll contend for the league championship.”

            Comley explains that having lost 14 underclassmen in the past eight years, he and his assistants now know to build enough depth to withstand early departures to professional ranks.  He thinks MSU can improve on its second-place CCHA finish last season.

            “Two years ago, when (Tim) Kennedy and (Justin) Abdelkader left, we were devastated,” says Comley.  “We feel good that we produce so many players who have success in the pros, so it’s a question of anticipating that this will happen.  We’ll miss them, but our talent level is still very good and we’ll be in the hunt.”

              Drew Palmisano returns as goalie, a position that has become legendary in MSU history. Comley says MSU’s defense is solid, adding that he looks forward to the arrival of defenseman Jake Chelios (to join brother Dean). It’s a surname that by itself should inspire respect.  “He’s got a bright future ahead of him,” says Comley of the son of longtime NHL defenseman Chris Chelios.

            Who will pick up the scoring slack?  Comley points to senior Dustin Gazley, juniors Daultan Leveille and Brett Perlini, and sophomore Derek Grant, who amassed 30 points as a freshman and won CCHA All-Rookie honors last season. MSU also welcomes two freshmen forwards, Lee Reimer and Greg Wolfe, who Comley says will be able to contribute immediately.

            MSU will continue to play an aggressive, uptempo pursuit scheme, which fans will find more entertaining because of the pace.  “We copied it from the Red Wings and tweaked it a bit,” says Comley.  “It’s a faster game today.”

            The hockey staff remains intact with Associate Coach Brian Renfrew and Assistant Coach Tom Newton.