MSU starts tough stretch

EAST LANSING - Michigan State's impressive start to the college hockey season won't be that significant unless the Spartans continue to improve and have success against top-level teams.

In compiling a 6-2 record in October, MSU showed it can score goals, has good team chemistry and can compete with the best by splitting a CCHA series at No. 1 Miami (Ohio).

But now it's November and arguably the toughest stretch of the Spartans' schedule is just ahead.

Over the next five weeks, 17th-ranked MSU plays 10 games against six top-level teams - No. 10 Nebraska-Omaha, No. 4 Michigan, No. 9 Notre Dame, No. 18. Wisconsin, Minnesota and Northern Michigan.

"Every game is a challenge and we're looking forward to all the talent that's coming in,'' freshman center Chris Forfar said.

The Spartans (6-2, 3-1 CCHA), who have won three straight, begin the challenge with a two-game series against Nebraska-Omaha (4-0-2, 1-0-1-0) at 7 tonight and Friday at Munn Arena.

"It's kind of a make-or-break stretch for us,'' MSU coach Rick Comley said. "You have to win a certain number of games to move where you want to move to."

Next weekend, it's a home-and-home series against the Wolverines, followed by two games against Notre Dame - one at MSU and one in Fort Wayne, Ind.

After the Spartans play host to Wisconsin and Minnesota in the College Hockey Showcase over Thanksgiving weekend, they finish the 10-game run at Northern Michigan, always a difficult series no matter how the Wildcats seem to be playing.

"I don't see any reason why when we step on the ice, that we don't have a chance to win,'' Comley said. "We have to find out if we can beat the teams that were picked to finish high.''

Nebraska-Omaha didn't start the season ranked in the top 20, but the Mavericks have had a solid first month under new coach Dean Blais.

Blais, who led North Dakota to two NCAA titles in his 10-year stay as Sioux coach, took over at UNO last May when longtime coach Mike Kemp resigned to become an associate athletic director at the school.

"It's great to have Dean back in college. He's a great coach, he's won championships, he coaches with passion and enthusiasm and his teams will play that way,'' Comley said.

Next season, UNO leaves the CCHA to join the Western Collegiate Hockey Association. So, the Spartans may not see the Mavs for awhile.

"I watched (UNO) on tape and they play like North Dakota with the same pursuit and energy,'' Comley said. Blais' system is work hard, chase the puck and get the puck.''

Said Blais, "We have some players who still don't know what it takes to win. We have some talented freshmen who really haven't adjusted. Sometimes it's one guy on every line that shuts the line down.

"The players need to realize we need everyone doing their part to help the team win.''

The Spartans say they're excited about their start but understand there's always more to prove.

"There's a lot of confidence going around and that's good, but we have to keep a level head knowing that we have tough competition coming up,'' Forfar said. "And hopefully, some key wins.''