HOUGHTON - Judging by the tone of recent practices, Michigan Tech is ready to get its hockey season going.
Players have been getting a bit antsy, and it's led to a few confrontations on the ice.
"September was a long month for everybody," Tech coach Jamie Russell said. "After our trip to Europe it was get back on campus, hurry up and wait.
"Everybody is ready to get started."
The Huskies will begin their 2010-11 season with an exhibition tilt against Ni****ing Saturday at 7:07 p.m. at the MacInnes Student Ice Arena.
Tech comes into the opener a step or two ahead of schedule thanks to its trip to Europe. The Huskies were able to implement some new systems and try them out during games with professional teams.
"We way ahead of things preparation-wise," Russell said. "(Assistant coach) Damon (Whitten) brought in some new systems that Pat (assistant coach Mikesch) and I really liked.
"We're changed our forecheck, our defensive zone coverage, and some of our offensive systems."
Along with making some changes in the systems, some new leaders were also named for this coming year. Junior Brett Olson and senior Deron Cousens will share the captain's duties.
Why two captains? Because Russell believes both bring something different to the table and that will help them share the leadership role.
"Deron has taken a good step in his development," Russell said. "He's really thrived under the responsibilities of being a captain.
"Brett is our vocal leader. He holds the players accountable."
Having newly named assistant captain Bennett Royer around doesn't hurt either. Royer has been able to take the edge off at practice with his sense of humor.
"Bennett has helped keep things loose at practice," Russell said of the team prankster.
The captains will be joined by 18 other teammates for the game.
Tech will dress three goalies, seven defensemen and 11 forwards.
One thing fans may notice is the size the coaching staff added to the lineup. To go along with three returning players who are at least 6-foot-4 and 210 pounds, Tech has four incoming freshmen that range from 6-2, 200 to 6-4, 230.
"We have a good balance of size and grit, and we upgraded our skill as well," Russell said. "We want to be aggressive and play puck-possession hockey.
"We want to make it so nobody wants to come in here and play us."
Tech will cut its roster down to 20 players when the regular season starts Friday at Northern Michigan.
K.D. Warvie can be reached at kwarvie@ mininggazette.com.
