Pregame Press Conference: Michigan
3/23/2007 12:00:00 AM | General
March 23, 2007
2007 NCAA Hockey West Regional
Pepsi Center - Denver, Colo.
March 23, 2007
Michigan Press Conference
Michigan
Coach Red Berenson
Q: Opening Statement
A: We were interested in the whole bracketing, but we pretty much projected that we'd be in Denver. We're excited to get back at the team that beat us last year. Three out of four teams that were in North Dakota last year are down here in Denver. This will be a real good match-up.
Q: Can you talk about the explosiveness of both teams' top lines and do you know who is going to match-up with Towes' line?
A: Both teams have a top line. By looking at their numbers they could end up playing head to head tomorrow, but we'll see how the match-ups go. Their team is led by that line that is pretty scary, but our top line holds their own. So if they do play against each other, it will be a good match-up.
Q: How different is your team from the one that faced North Dakota last year in the tournament?
A: You can ask me that tomorrow night around 8pm. I hope we are a different team because we have a lot of the same players that played in that game, but they are a year older and more mature. I think they are more confident and certainly they're more respectful of North Dakota. If we didn't know what we were getting into last year, we know now. We did not match-up well against them last year, but hopefully this year will be a different story.
T.J. Hensick, Yr. Senior, Position: Forward
Q: Opening remarks
A: The same thing along with what Matt said. We're happy to be in the tournament. It's something that Michigan expects to be in at the end of the year, in this tournament. We know we're in a tough bracket with some pretty good teams, teams that have been playing very well lately so we're looking forward to it.
Q: As Colorado draft pick, what was it like for you to get out on the Pepsi Center Ice today?
A: It was a good feeling, a pretty nice place. The organization has been pretty respectful toward me and is a class organization. It's good to get familiar with the building that hopefully one day you'll be lucky enough to play in.
Q: How much have you been following what the Avalanche do? And what has enticed you to stay at Michigan through your entire career?
A: I definitely pay attention to the NHL and pay attention to the Avalanche regularly. I know they are fighting for a play-off spot right now and that they are doing well. Right now my focus is here in Michigan and one of the reasons that I came back is to play in tomorrow's game. Hopefully a chance to leave a legacy, not only for myself, but for this program. Hopefully we can go out and get a win for this team.
Matt Hunwick, Yr. Senior, Position: Forward
Q: Opening remarks
A: I think that everything has been going pretty well. We got out here two days early, and I think that we are acclimated to the environment. We had a couple of good days of practice and we're excited to get on the ice tomorrow.
Q: Matt, can you take us through a couple of keys for tomorrow's game?
A: I think we have been saying it all season long, but for us it will be how well we check, how good our defense is, and just getting good goaltending. With a team like North Dakota you have to stay out of the box and stay disciplined, and when we have a chance to be on the power play we need to make some things happen. We've been a little sluggish on the power play of late. We need to get the special teams going a bit. I think as long as we get out there and get our feet moving and be physical, then we will be in the game.
Q: Can you explain what type of player T.J is, and what people can maybe expect out of him in the next couple of years?
A: Obviously he is an explosive offensive player; he has great vision, is good with the puck, and makes all of his teammates better. I think over his four years he has matured a lot and his defensive game has rounded out. He's the guy we put on the ice if we need to score a goal or defend a goal. He's great on face-offs and I think you should expect a lot because he is a great player.
