Big Chill at the Big House

A2 Journal reporter Mike Larson is currently blogging live from the Big Chill at the Big House! Check back to see what he has to say about the game.

1st 13:18- So far the game has been fast-paced. During the game's first TV timeout, UM quarterback shows off his Silver football award.

1st 9:50- The crowd is really into the game. Despite early weather reports, it's not too cold outside. Then again, it's easy to say that from the comfort of the press box. Both teams are getting opportunities, but goaltenders Shawn Hunwick (UM) and Drew Palmisano (MSU) are playing well.

1st 7:32- I guess I typed too soon. Jon Merrill just put one past Palmisano on the power play. Michigan leads 1-0. Got to say, those fireworks are pretty cool.

1st 5:06- The fireworks are blasting again! Merrill puts his second goal in the net with a nifty shot. The Spartans need to do something big to get into this thing.

End 1st- Both teams finish the first period with eight shots, but Brighton-born freshman Jon Merrill really seems to have found his groove. For the first intermission, a large carton of Arby's curly fries took to the net to block shots. If you could get one past the fries, you win free Arby's for a year...god I love hockey.

Intermission 5:02- I'm looking over the rosters, and I can't help but pull for Michigan senior Scooter Vaughn. How could you not root for a dude named Scooter?

2nd 17:36- Michigan State's Zach Josepher and Michigan's Chris Brown get sent to the penalty box for "hitting after the whistle." I never understood college hockey players trying to fight. You guys are both wearing cages over your face...

2nd 16:06- Michigan State goes on a 4-on-3 power play. Will Sparty get on the board? No. Still 2-0 Michigan.

2nd 12:12- This seems to be just a special team's game. Both teams have been heavily penalized, however, neither team is taking advantage in the second period. On a side note, Michigan senior Shawn Hunwick is playing admirably in goal in absence of starter Bryan Hogan. Hogan injured his groin during the pregame warmups.

2nd 9:56- Hockey fans are getting into the Big House spirit. The fans have started the "slow wave." You can tell the press box folks who have never been here for a football game. They are really enamored with the waving... I'm anxious to see what they do when it speeds up...

2nd 7:22- Michigan's Carl Hagelin puts the Wolverines up 3-0. Penalties are killing the Spartans. Michigan State needs to score the next goal, or this game is over. By the way, those fireworks after a goal is scored are still the coolest thing ever...
Mike Legg gets voted No. 2 best Michigan hockey moment... I wonder what No. 1 is?




2nd 2:36- The Spartans are starting to look tired. Down 3-0, coach Comley needs to get his players motivated, and needs to get them to score. Every second that goes by tips this game more and more toward Michigan.

Intermission 15:00- I was hoping the curly fries would come back. They didn't. So disappointed.

Intermission 2:58- It's starting to look dark around the Big House, but the lights are shining bright on the ice. Last week, during the high school games, a lot of the prep players said the lights added a completely different aspect to the game. I wonder how the college guys will adjust.

3rd 18:08- I just glanced at a TV here in the press box. That glare on the ice looks like it's really rough!

3rd 13:20- They just announced the attendance. Over 113,000. A new Guiness World Record! It is also the most attended event at the Big House, and an NCAA record!

3rd 11:03- Michigan scores again on the power play. State might have had a better chance if they had just started those curly fries in net... 4-0, Michigan.

3rd 9:02- Wolverines get another goal. This one is over folks.

3rd 4:25- The fans are singing "The Victors," and it can be heard clearly in the press box. That's really saying something as the box has been pretty well insulated all day...

Final- Michigan wins 5-0 in a game that really wasn't much of a game. The two teams shake hands afterward in a show of sportsmanship, but all 113,000+ fans know that the Spartans got beaten like eggs in a bake off today.