Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to Ryan Turek. Charges were filed and your name wasn't on the list, yeah. In fact, there were no Spartan Icers on the list.

Merry Christmas to David Booth. Despite missing 7 games to injuries you're keeping pace with Zetterberg, Selanne, Datsyuk, Spezza, Lecavalier and a host of others in goals.

Merry Christmas to Tim Kennedy. Finally getting that call-up that makes leaving school early worth it.

Most of all, Merry Christmas to Spartan fans. After a disastrous first half, the Spartans found a way to win against one of the best in the West. Schepke and Lerg had an outstanding game. The team did a great job of fending off the Sioux's desperation flurry at the end of the game. They have a chance to bring home another GLI Championship and make the second half interesting for the rest of the CCHA. Good job guys! A little bench trimming, home cooking and a short break seems to be just what the doctor ordered.

If I'm not mistaken, and I rarely am, the last time State lost to the US Development Team and won the GLI, they also won the NCAA Championship. If the wicked weasels find a way to beat Spartans, as unlikely as that seems, we can forget the last part of that statement.

Black Friday?

Friday Dec 18 Junior Defenseman Ryan Turek was dismissed for failure to meet expectations. The date coincided with the day Ingham County Prosecutor, Stuart Dunnings III, was expected to file charges in the Oct 18 MSU hockey/football fight. This, along with the fact that falling to meet expectations would result in the dismissal of several players, has fueled speculations that Turek will face charges. Good luck Ryan, your presence will be missed.

Also on Friday, freshman forward Mike Merrifield left to join the Green Bay Gamblers of the USHL. Merrifield hadn't had a point in any of his 6 starts. Coach Comley stated it would give him a chance to play 30 games over the second half and work on his physical strength. He's expected to return to Michigan State next season.

I'm officially calling this a "rebuilding year."

2009 World Junior Schedule

has been released.

Full schedule on TSN.ca

US Schedule:

Fri, Dec 26, 3:30PM vs Germany
Sun, Dec 28, 7:30PM vs Czech Rep.
Tue, Dec 30, 7:30PM vs Kazakhstan
Wed, Dec 31, 7:30PM vs Canada

Quarter finals are Fri, Jan 2
Semi finals are Sat, Jan 3
Medal games are Mon, Jan 5
Withe relegation matches Fri, Sat and Sun.

The 2009 US National Junior Team

has been announced. Sadly, none of the younger Spartans were invited.

Release and Roster at USA Hockey

Crappy, Crappy News

Apparently, the weak-dicks at the NHL home office decided to suspend Sean Avery for some comments that could only be heard on Canadian television (and American cable TV, you know because we still have some Puritan blood).

Anyway, Sean had a piece of brilliant diarrhea of the mouth while he was explaining how he loved being back in Canada. Saying how he couldn't understand why other players enjoyed his "sloppy seconds." It was aimed at Calgary Flames' Dion Phaneuf but also applies to former Wolverine Mike Komisarek. Although, how could you blame Komo? He had to spend a couple of years in the People's Republic of Ann Arbor, with the less-than-appealing women who forgot how to shave the armpit hair.

Now I'm not an Avery fan. Just the opposite, actually. But I enjoy nothing more than watching Sean Avery get his ass kicked. Here we had a perfect opportunity, first with the boring Iginala remarks and then the sloppy seconds. But the dumbasses in Toronto had to ruin my night.

Why can't Gary Betman make some stupid remark. His ass needs to be suspended, permanently.

Good News, Good News

USA Hockey and the NHL Network signed a 3 year deal allowing NHLN to carry the World Junior Championships. Well, not all of the WJC but all the American and all medal-round games. Since I just got NHLN this is huge. No illegal stream watching for me this year. If you know me and he games aren't broadcast at a ridiculous hour, stop by and watch 'em at my place.

Big hat tip to Bruce Macleod, the best Red Wings beat writer there is, at least when he's allowed to be a eat writer.

Kissing Your Sister Never Felt So Good

The title, obviously, doesn't apply to "ladies" down the road. But a tie against the number one ranked rodent should provide a decent amount of momentum. Momentum needed when taking on the lady rodents down the road. I wish I could have seen more of the game, so I could provide some excellent commentary. Alas, I missed all but a few minutes and I wasn't what one would call sober during those moments.

So the road leading to the winter/Christmas/holiday break has been a little rocky. But this team has learned a lot. After they sweep the completely surprised Wolverines this weekend, they'll have some time to reflect on their education. They'll have time to build on this new found confidence. he practices will be faster, more intense. Leading to a team ready to find they're way to another national championship.

Give 'em hell Sparty!