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Icers will be keeping eye on Vancouver

By Alex DiFilippo

Created:
02/17/10 6:33pm

Last updated:
02/17/10 6:33pm

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On Tuesday the big hitters of international hockey got off to a quick start.

Team USA, Canada and Russia all earned convincing wins to open the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Although the No. 12 MSU hockey team had practice during Team USA’s 3-1 win over Switzerland, the Spartans said they will be keeping a close eye on what transpires in Vancouver.

“I think the U.S. team is extremely interesting because they are new and young,” MSU head coach Rick Comley said. “Canada is going to be tough to beat and Russia is extremely talented.”

Comley said Canada was his pick to win it all, but added he hopes it comes down to a U.S. vs. Canada final.

Former MSU standout goaltender Ryan Miller has emerged as the starter for Team USA. Miller won the 2001 Hobey Baker Memorial Award and also holds the NCAA career shutout, posting 26 goose eggs in his three years with the Spartans.

“I think they all believe he can win a game by himself,” Comley said of Miller. “He isn’t just the starting goalie, he’s the face of the U.S. Olympic program right now. It’s a tremendous tribute to him to feature him like they are.”

Sophomore goaltender Drew Palmisano called Miller his favorite goalie. And because there isn’t a trapezoid rule restricting goaltenders from playing the puck in the Olympics, Palmisano said he’s looking forward to seeing the goalies’ puck-handling skills.

When Team USA and Canada meet at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, the Spartans will be glued to the television. With seven Canadians on this year’s team, there might be some friendly wagers taking place during the game.

“Not many people are giving the Americans a shot but I’ll put something on them,” junior forward Corey Tropp said. “I’m sure we will get some kind of dumb bets on it. All the American and Canadian jerseys will be out Sunday.”

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About Lighting the Lamp

Hockey reporter Dillon Davis takes you inside the MSU hockey team.

Follow Dillon on Twitter at @DillonDavis and the rest of The State News sports desk at @thesnews_sports.

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