March 29, 2003

Post-Game Quotes
Goal Descriptions
Post-Game Notes

Ann Arbor, Mich. - The No. 4 seeded Wayne State University men's hockey team (21-17-2) dropped a 4-2 decision Saturday afternoon in an NCAA Regional semifinal contest to No. 1 seeded Colorado College (30-6-5) at Michigan's Yost Ice Arena.

Cheered on by the Michigan faithful and an extremely large WSU contingent, the Warriors battled one of the top teams in the nation. In fact, WSU outscored the Tigers 2-1 during five-on-five play but special teams were a key. CC scored three power-play goals in five chances (the Tigers entered the game with the nation's best power play at 30.2%), and stopped all nine Wayne State man-advantage opportunities statistically (the Warriors scored one second after a power play had ended).

With the game scoreless midway through the first period, Tiger defenseman Andrew Canzanello viciously cross-checked Wayne State forward Chris Vail from behind into the end boards. Canzanello was assessed a five-minute major but the Warriors were unable to capitalize.

Colorado College scored the lone goal of the opening period as Brett Sterling deflected in a shot by James Laux during a Tiger power play. CC held a 7-5 advantage in shots on goal during the first stanza.

WSU's first goal of the game which tied the score came at exactly two minutes after a roughing penalty to CC's Reid Goolsby. Senior Keith Stanich's fifth of the season was assisted by classmates Dustin Kingston and Jason Durbin.

Forty seconds after WSU had tied the game, the Tigers scored their lone even-strength goal of the game as James Laux netted his seventh of the season.

Colorado College increased its lead to 3-1 with 5:51 left in the middle stanza on a power-play goal by Noah Clarke.

The Tigers held a 15-9 advantage in shots on goal during the second period.

Wayne State cut the deficit to one at 3-2 as Billy Collins scored during a goal-mouth scramble 6:31 into the third period. His 12th of the year was assisted by Greg Poupard and Stanich.

Just past the halfway point of the third period, CC scored its third power-play goal of the game as Tom Preissing, a Hobey Baker Award finalist, netted his 23rd of the campaign.

Wayne State senior netminder David Guerrera made 27 saves in his final collegiate game, while CC goalie Curtis McElhinney stopped 23 Warrior shots.

This marked the final game for 12 Wayne State seniors who have been with the program since its inception:

Jon Brink - played in 108 games; had 50 career points on 27 goals and 23 assists.

Jason Durbin - four-year captain; all-time leader in assists (76) and points (131).

David Guerrera - started 112 games over four years and finished with a 56-46-10 record.

Tyler Kindle - only missed one game in four seasons; all-time leading scorer among defensemen (98 points).

Dustin Kingston - only player to play in all 141 games; all-time leading goal-scorer (65).

Steve Nichols - key penalty killer and face-off man; five of his 11 career goals were short-handed.

Jack Redwood - had career-highs in goals (12) and game-winning goals (4) as a senior.

Brent Renfrew - key penalty killer; had four career short-handed goals.

Nick Shrader - physical forward, who played 117 career games.

Marc St. Jean - had best year offensively as a senior with eight goals, 16 assists and 24 points.

Keith Stanich - three-year captain, who set a career-high with five goals as a senior (fifth came against CC).

Maxim Starchenko - consistent player who had 22, 22 and 21 points in the last three seasons.