Lancers faceoff against Wolverines

For the first time in 34 years, the University of Windsor men’s hockey team traveled just 45 minutes for an away game.

 

The Lancers went south of the border for a weekend series against National Collegiate Athletic Association I teams to prepare for the Ontario University Athletics season. However there are noticeable differences between the teams north and south of the border. One of these is the equipment. With the NCAA teams having to wear full face shields compared to the Lancers’s half visors. Another is the age difference in players.The Lancers boast an older team, with players often two or three years older compared to their NCAA opponents on average. The last is experience. A majority of players on the Lancers play Junior ‘B’ hockey, while NCAA teams consist of U.S. Hockey League players and NHL draft picks.

 

Wolverines captain and Victoria B.C., native Nolan de Jong said he feels there are similarities between the teams.

 

“The style of play is a little different,” said de Jong. “The shot blocking stands out for me. When you get to the Big Ten you see more people sacrificing the body and I think the face shield has something to do with it. The skill level is definitely there and there are guys who have played in similar leagues as us.”

 

Windsor began the series in Bowling Green, Ohio. The Lancers fell behind 3-0 before drawing themselves back within one goal. Although when the final whistle sounded, the game did not end, with players from the benches jumping onto the ice to ignite a full team brawl.

 

To close out the weekend the Lancers traveled 45 minutes to Ann Arbor to play the 11th ranked Michigan Wolverines on Oct. 2. It was the first time since 1982 and third time ever the teams had played. The prior meeting, Oct. 16, 1982, the Wolverines prevailed 7-2. From the start it looked similar with the Lancers falling behind 1-0 just two minutes in. Unlike their previous meeting, the Lancers rebounded and matched their strong division one opponent in shots, hits and penalties. The Lancers did score in the second period however the goal was overturned due to a high stick. Michigan would go on to score an empty netter as they prevailed 2-0.

 

Former NHL player and current Wolverines coach Red Berenson says he’s proud of the way his three goalies played and that he’s unsure who to start.

“It was a good feeling” said Berenson. “I’m sure Steve Shields will be talking about this and we’ll be debating it maybe all year. But right now it’s a good start for all three.”

 

The Lancers used this experience Oct. 7 in their OUA season opener as they defeated the Toronto Varsity Blues 3-2 for the first win of the season.