Spartans post six in Anastos’ debut

Anastos led the Spartans to a 6-1 win in his first game as head coach. (Michael Caples/Michigan Hockey)

By Michael Caples –

EAST LANSING – Tom Anastos said he didn’t hear the student section at Munn Ice Arena chanting his name after his first game as head coach of the Spartans.

The new Spartans coach, who changed the structure of the student section to wrap the students around a corner of the end zone in the opponents’ end and place them on the glass, walked across the ice after the game to thank the young crowd.

“This is embarrassing to tell you – I didn’t hear them chanting my name,” Anastos said. “I had no idea. I don’t even know when that happened. I went over to the student section after to thank them for the turn out and their energy, because it’s important for our guys.”

They had reason to cheer – the Spartans posted an impressive 6-1 win over the visiting Western Ontario Mustangs in an exhibition contest. Sophomore Greg Wolfe posted two goals, while Brett Perlini, Torey Krug, Tanner Sorenson, and Dean Chelios also found the back of the net for the Spartans in the lopsided win. Goaltender Drew Palmisano recorded 22 saves in the win.

“Well it was a good start,” Anastos said. “I was really proud of the guys. They really worked hard. We talked about making a good impression, and I think they made a good impression. I was really proud of the effort.”

Anastos said he was pleased with his team's performance Monday night. (Michael Caples/Michigan Hockey)

Since taking over for Rick Comley last March, Anastos has been saying that his team would play hard-nosed, fast-paced hockey and outwork their opponents. If the exhibition game against Western Ontario was any indication, the Spartans have bought into the new coach’s system.

“I thought we did a good job tonight,” captain Torey Krug said. “The coaches set a goal for us, and that goal was to stay disciplined, get up and down the ice, and play with speed. I thought we did that very well. It’s definitely exciting. But I think we have a lot to work on, and a lot to move forward with.”

Wolfe, a Canton native, was named first star of the night after recording back-to-back goals four minutes apart in the second period. The sophomore forward’s two goals jumped the Spartans’ lead from two to four, in what seemed to be the final blow for a Western Ontario team that played three games in four nights.

“We were real happy with Wolfie,” Anastos said of his sophomore forward, who recorded three goals all of last year. “He had a big night. He’s a very skilled guy.”

However, Anastos repeatedly pointed out that the competition level will increase dramatically when the Spartans head to North Dakota for the Icebreaker tournament next weekend during his postgame press conference. What the new Spartans coach is hoping for is that the Spartans’ opening night win will improve their confidence level.

“I would hope that with the number of scoring chances we had tonight, we had a lot, I would hope that would give guys confidence, and that’s a major focus for us,” Anastos said. “We can’t give players confidence, but we can try to create an environment that gives them the opportunity to build that confidence. Because they know when they’re confident, and they know when they’re not.“