March 3, 2011 - 4:17pm
Berenson, 'M' captains comment on Big Chill experience, rivalry with MSU
BY MARK BURNS
Following the No. 12 Michigan hockey team's practice at the Big House on Friday, Michigan coach Red Berenson and three players — seniors Louie Caporusso and Carl Hagelin and junior Luke Glendening — fielded a series of questions from the media about The Big Chill at the Big House on Saturday. Below are some of their responses.
Red Berenson
On what the Big Chill means for the University, the Michigan-Michigan State rivalry and the state...
“It’s a great statement for the state of Michigan number one. Michigan needs some good news, and this is some good news for the state, whether you’re a State fan or a Michigan fan. This is going to be a great attention-getter … This is the real deal. These players will never forget it, and they’ll remember it better if they win.”
On the Go Blue banner being present for the Big Chill...
“It’s part of the Michigan tradition. When the team comes out, and it’s former Michigan players and alumni that have held the banner. It’s an honor to do that. The M Club has taken charge of that in recent years. In this case, we’ve had a drawing amongst all former alumni, and the lucky ones — one of them is from my class — he’s excited to hold that banner. He’s honored to hold it like he’s part of the team for this game tomorrow. All the little things that are happening around the game are by people that really care about the team, and care about the program and care about Michigan.”
Louie Caporusso
On walking down the tunnel and onto the ice earlier this week...
“It’s a dream come true. It’s going to be great having 110,000 people watching you, but at the same time, I think I appreciated the silence of it too. It reminded me of being back home and sometimes playing with my brothers and my dad outside on the pond. Just the silence was beautiful too. So, we’ve been trying to cherish it everyday, too."
On playing in front of 110,000 people on Saturday...
"I think at the end of the day, we got to also remember to bury our heads and do what we have to do on the ice. There’s a lot of distractions that come with this game. But at the same time, if we don’t do our jobs, and that’s keeping it simple, and doing what we’re meant to do, it’s not going to be as great as it should have been.”
Carl Hagelin
On walking down the tunnel and onto the ice earlier this week...
“On Monday, we walked out with no coaches on the ice, and we went out there and had some fun with a little scrimmage. We were just enjoying it, talking trash to each other, just skating around and having fun. Tomorrow’s just another day where we have to come out more focused, and I think the whole team is excited. If you’re not prepared for this game, you’re never going to be prepared for any game.”
On outdoor rinks potentially player slower...
“I think you have more energy when you play outside. I remember last year’s game at Wisconsin, it felt like a lot of guys could take longer shifts than usual, and I felt the same way ... At the same time, I don’t know if the pace is as fast as it is indoors, but we’ll see tomorrow.”
Luke Glendening
On playing in front of 110,000 people at the Big House...
“It’s pretty incredible. We play in front of 6,800 at Yost, and it feels packed. Obviously, those fans are a little bit closer. But to think that 110,000 people are willing to bear the cold and come out and watch us is pretty neat."
On the quietness of the Big House during practice…
“It reminds you of when you were a little kid being back home. My dad used to make a rink in our backyard. It was just me and the rink, and it wasn’t anything special. Me and Carl stayed out afterward (on Wednesday), and just skated around. You play a two-hour, two-and-a-half-hour game, and then it’s done. So, you really have to appreciate the moments you get out there when nothing is going on.”
On the Michigan-Michigan State rivalry...
“Maybe we don’t get as big a crowd as football or basketball, but I think the rivalry is still there. It’s someone that we love to play against, and I know they love playing against us. It’s a fun game to be a part of. It’s a fun rivalry to be a part of.”
On former players and alumni returning for the Big Chill...
“It makes you realize you’re a part of something bigger than just us. Maybe this is the 2010-2011 team, but there’s people coming back just to see this game. We’re just part of the legacy that’s already been started here.”
