Men's Hockey Game Notes Vol. IV | Page 24

IN FRONT OF THE MIC by ADAM HILL H MARIAN HOCKEY ockey is a game that provides lots of firsts. Players can score their first goal, assist on a goal, or get their first win in net. A team can win their first game, shut out a team, or win a shootout. I remember my first hockey game that I ever got to do playby-play. The Sabres were playing Concordia Wisconsin in 2010. I had never broadcasted hockey before, and I was never so nervous in my entire life. I’ve always heard that hockey is the hardest sport to broadcast. I’ve always loved the game, and I wanted to help the team out. We had some major technical difficulties before the game started, and the broadcast didn’t start until the beginning of the third period. But once the broadcast began my nerves went away, and it was show time. I felt like a fish in water, and knew that I would always want to call hockey games. This was despite all of the technical difficulties and my inexperience. I will sometimes listen to that game and just laugh about that experience. This weekend brought many firsts for the 2013-2014 Sabres Hockey team. They of course earned their first victory of what should be many on the season. Freshman Mike Baldwin was in net and won his first game that he started for Marian. We also had some first time goal scorers for the Sabres. Freshmen Scott Milnthorp and Derek Perl scored their first goals of their college careers. Sophomore Ben Morgan also lit the lamp for the first time donning a Marian University jersey. I often wonder if players remember their first goals at every level or if it’s just business as usual for them. This weekend ended in a thrilling way. Lawrence and Marian split the weekend series, and it was a shootout that would determine who would get the Highway 41 Trophy. This was the first time that I have seen a shootout in college hockey. I also must admit that I’m not a huge fan of shootouts, but it was an amazing way to determine who gets the trophy. The excitement of the fans and the team after the shootout win was awesome. It was a great way to cap Freshman defenseman Derek Perl off a weekend of firsts for the Sabres. This past weekend was also parent’s weekend, and we had our annual dinner at the Coliseum. I always love meeting the parents of our new players and catching up with the parents of our returning players. It was another amazing event, and I want to thank Joe and Karin Frederickson for all of their work that they do planning and coordinating our team events. They are so instrumental in setting everything up and I don’t know if any of it would be possible without their help. Right now I’d have to say the best Movember mustache on the team has to be senior Josh Baker. His stache looks like something that you would see on Sons of Anarchy. Or he could be the villain in Over the Top and arm wrestle Lincoln Hawk. Until next week, it’s your dream you can make as big as you want. SabreHockey @MU_Mens_Hockey