ESPN

Mike Eidelbes

  (1:28 PM)

Good afternoon and welcome to Inside College Hockey on "The Show". We're joined by Michigan State forward Jim Slater.

Jim Slater

  (1:28 PM)

I'm here and ready for your questions.

Ben (Long Island, NY)

Jim, are these the biggest games of the season for you guys?

Jim Slater

  (1:31 PM)

These two games are definately big for us. We only have 10 games left in the regular season and we are in a log jam for home ice advantage. Anytime you can beat a team like Michigan it is going to help you in so many ways, so this series is very big to us in what we want to accomplish.

Rochester, MN

How do you feel the WCHA and CCHA match up down the stretch after the season has been able to mature.

Jim Slater

  (1:33 PM)

Both leagues are very good leagues. It is always fun to be able to play Minnesota and Wisconsin over Thanksgiving. The WCHA is just like the CCHA in any team can beat anyone on any givin night. Thats what makes this league so fun is that you have to bring your best game every night.

Jack (St. Ignace, MI)

Jim, who do you think will come out of the four-place tie for sixth to take home-ice advantage. My bets are on you or LSSU. Your thoughts?

Jim Slater

  (1:36 PM)

Well the good thing about this is we play Alaska and BG which are teams we are fighting for points. I definately believe in the guys in our lockerroom and i feel we definately get home ice advantage in the playoffs. For the second team to get home ice, that is a toss up. It is definately tough to go to Alaska at this time of year. Honestly were really concerned about where we are and where we are going.

Mike: (Northville, Michigan)

Jimmy, Glad these guys finally got you on the show. This is a big weekend for the Spartans. Do you feel like the team has underacheived this year? Also, this is the year that the Munn sell out record was stopped, what do you attribute that to?

Jim Slater

  (1:39 PM)

I wouldn't necessarilly say we have underachieved just based on the fact we have beat some quality teams this year and have on the GLI. We definately don't like where we are in the league and the polls but there are still 10 games left in the regular season plus playoffs so there is still alot that can be achieved. About the attendance, we are still getting 5,000 plus a night and it is always a great arena to play in front of. I think that fans want to see there team win at home and we haven't gotten the job done there.

Bob (Tucson, Arizona)

Jim I was wondering what you think about all the new High tech equipment, like the Easton Stealth? Also what is your stick of choice?

Jim Slater

  (1:42 PM)

Personally i am a player that likes to try the new equipment out. I started off the year using Louisville XN10 sticks and i really liked those alot. There nice and light but i don't like the yellow J/K. I am actually using the Easton Stealth right now and i am a big fan of that. I really like how it holds up and it fits me real good. Now if it can only help me score a little more.

Julie (east lansing, mi)

Jimmy - what has been your favorite game in play in the michigan state-michigan rivalry?

Jim Slater

  (1:43 PM)

Every game is a great game. My favorite game is anyone we win. Anytime you can beat a team like Michigan it is a great feeling. The Cold War was a game that will never be matched. Nothing better than a World Record game.

Ben (boston, MA)

When is the toughest time of the season for any college hockey player?

Jim Slater

  (1:45 PM)

The toughest time for any college hockey player is the waiting part of the season before it starts. From then on your going non stop for 6 months and it is nothing but a great time. Tough times included in the season is the frustrating times especailly for a captain to try and get things turned around. Those are the toughest times for a hockey player.

Al (Dexter, Mich.)

Jim, as the team's captain, do you feel a lot of pressure to be a vocal leader?

Jim Slater

  (1:48 PM)

Well being my second year as captain i learned alot about myself as a person and a player. I am not a real vocal leader but when something needs to be said i am there to say it. I like to lead on the ice and off the ice and guys will follow. At this level i feel that players should be able to prepare mentally and physically by themselves and to get up for a game. I like to lead by example and by my work ethic.

Mike Eidelbes

  (1:49 PM)

Jim has time to answer one final question...

Rich (100 Mile House, B.C.)

In the CCHA, you face a tough goalie every night. Which one gives you the most trouble?

Jim Slater

  (1:51 PM)

Every goalie is tough in the CCHA. Personally i don't think there is one goalie that gives me more trouble than another. I like to think i can beat anyone at anytime. Right now i believe Jordan Sigalet is outstanding and keeping his team into it everynight, especially with what he is going through is tremendous. It is fun to shoot on one of the best though every practice in Dominic Vicari. Who leads the league in shutouts.

Mike Eidelbes

  (1:52 PM)

Thanks, Jim, and best of luck against Michigan this weekend. We've got time for a couple questions from elsewhere in the hockey world.

Corey (Bowling Green, Ohio)

Hey what are your thoughts on the team we have over here at BGSU? They have made some huge improvements over last season, and the future looks pretty good with so many freshmen contributing.

Mike Eidelbes

  (1:54 PM)

Well, they had Jordan Sigalet to build around. All they needed was some consistency on offense and they seem to have found that -- over the last six games, guys like Minnabarriet, Pilkington, Matsumoto, Foster, Hodgson and Falk have all scored for the Falcons. I think they might be playing their best hockey right now.

Andy (Houghton, MI)

I have two questions, both about our local team Michigan Tech. With all the great players out there, is it possible for Colin Murphy to get considered for the Hobey Baker Award? Chris Conner is having a average year, having said that, do you think he was overrated at the beginning of the season?

Mike Eidelbes

  (1:56 PM)

Good question. First, Colin Murphy was one of the hottest players in the country until Colorado College slowed him down a little bit. He's certainly had a great season and merits consideration for the Hobey, but team success always seems to play a role, rightly or wrongly. In my opinion, team success is an extension of individual success.

Mike Eidelbes

  (1:57 PM)

As far as Chris Conner, I don't think he's overrated. Jamie Russell was trying to get some balance on offense at the beginning of the season, and he thought the best way to do that would be to split Conner and Murphy. The plan didn't work, so he's reunited the Run DMC line of Taggart Desmet, Murphy and Conner.

Mike Eidelbes

  (1:57 PM)

Time for one more...

Jon (Breckenridge, CO)

Can you use some of your connections with ESPN and get them to show some college hockey highlights on Sportscenter. The games are usually only on Friday and Saturday and since we are not gettting any NHL highlights some college hockey highlights would help fill this void. College bball has its own show, all I'm asking for is some highlights. Thanks!

Mike Eidelbes

  (2:00 PM)

Jon, it's awfully flattering for you to assume I have connections. That said, I think there has been an uptick in college hockey highlights on the various ESPN outlets. And next month's launch of ESPNU, the 24-hour college sports channel, opens up another avenue for college hockey, so stay tuned.

Mike Eidelbes

  (2:00 PM)

Thanks for your questions. We're out of time. Enjoy the great weekend of college hockey!