Michigan
26-8-4 19-6-3CCHA
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Western Michigan
12-21-3 10-15-3CCHA
U-M Downs Western Michigan, Sweeps Playoff Series
3/11/2000 12:00:00 AM | Ice Hockey
With the series win, the Wolverines advance to the Central Collegiate Hockey Association Tournament semifinals at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit on Friday (March 17) at 5:05 p.m. As the top seed in the tournament, the Wolverines will face the winner of Tuesday night's (March 14) play-in game between Bowling Green and one of three other remaining teams -- Notre Dame, Ferris State or Nebraska-Omaha.
Michigan (26-8-4) opened the scoring at the 6:01 mark of the first period on Matzka's first goal. John Shouneyia (Bloomfield Hills, Mich.) scored his fifth goal of the season less than three minutes later to give the Wolverines a 2-0 lead after the first period.
Western Michigan (12-21-3) cut the lead to 2-1 on Brent Rumble's power-play goal just 1:44 into the second period. Comrie gave the Wolverines another two-goal lead with his first goal, at the 3:25 mark in the second period. His goal proved to be the game-winner, giving him a team-high four game-winning goals on the season.
Matzka's scored his second short-handed goal midway through the period. His two short-handed goals tied a CCHA Tournament single-game and first-round-series record that was set last night (March 10) by Michigan State's Troy Ferguson. Western's Michael Bishai scored with 30 seconds remaining in the period to make the score 4-2 at the second intermission.
Comrie's second goal of the game came five minutes into the third period when his wraparound beat Bronco goalie Jeff Reynaert to put Michigan ahead 5-2. Mark Kosick (Victoria, B.C.) closed out the scoring on a power-play goal with 3:57 left in the contest.
Michigan's Josh Blackburn (Choctaw, Okla.) stopped 25 shots and picked up the win to improve his record to 13-2-4. Broncos goaltender Reynaert made 20 saves in the defeat and fell to 12-19-3 on the season.
N O T E S
Mike Comrie's two goals give him a team-high 14 multi-point games this season.
Scott Matzka has now scored six goals, including four short-handed tallies, and three assists for nine points in the last four games.
Michigan State also advanced to the tournament semifinals, sweeping its series with Miami (Ohio) in East Lansing, Mich.
Q U O T E S
Head Coach Red Berenson
On tonight's third period ... "We really wanted to have a good third period, in terms of good defense, playing good team hockey, trying to stay out of the penalty box. We're a good team in the third period with a lead, just playing smart, playing good defense and playing hard."
On the play of junior Scott Matzka ... "Matzka's on fire, no question; he's hot. He's having fun. We've got guys who are pressing, and everything Scotty touches goes in the net. Scotty Matzka, right now, is a threat. It's a great threat to have as a short-handed player; he's starting to remind me of Johnny Madden (1994-97). We needed someone to give us a spark, and that's what you look for in the playoffs. It might be an unexpected player to jump up and play really well, and Scotty Matzka is one of those right now."
On the seniors' last game at Yost ... "There's a lot of emotion, and particularly with such a good way to end your last home game of your career at Yost with the band and the crowd. College hockey does not have a better environment than Yost in a game like tonight. I think those seniors will really appreciate that."
Sophomore Goaltender Josh Blackburn
On the game ... "Their goalie (Jeff Reynaert) played unreal. He made some outstanding saves, and I think he kind of kept them in it throughout the game. I think our guys played really hard. I think we pressured them around the net, and did a good job tonight -- defense, offense, everybody."
Senior Captain Sean Peach
On playing his last game at Yost ... "It was a good way to go out for me. We had a pretty solid game, so I'm happy about that. It's sad when you're leaving the best rink in the league. I didn't realize my Senior Night (vs. Bowling Green on March 4) that I had two games left. After tonight, at the end of game, it hit me that it was the last time I'll be playing here."
On the senior class ... "I kind of wish they were out on the ice with me. I thought we had a good night our Senior Night. We all had a chance to play. We may not have all the statistics that everyone talks about, but I think we bring a lot more to the team than just that. We have a lot of character. Those guys are the hardest-working guys in practice, even though they don't play. I think they are just as upset as I am; that rink meant a lot to them too."
Sophomore Forward Mike Comrie
On advancing out of the first round ... "We're going to take one game at a time. We'll see who we play. Our short-term goal is to get into the league finals, win that and get a bye (in the NCAA Tournament). It's not as easy as it is said; we have to work hard and keep on the same pace."
Contact: Jason Gerdom (734) 763-4423
