University of Michigan-Flint

Each week Club Sports will ask Head Coach, Don "Doc" Edwards about the team, upcoming opponents, goals and a whole lot more. Keep checking back!

2/8/2012

1.       This past weekend the club played an outdoor game, even though it wasn’t the outcome you’d want, how was the experience?

It was a very memorable game for the team, truly enjoyable..A lot of history at the rink, seeing the ambassador bridge in the background, all special moments that I am sure they will remember for a long time.

2.       What did the team do differently during the second game against the University of Detroit-Mercy to come away with a  win?

We talked about focusing on the things that have allowed us play our best. Skate hard, be disciplined, and follow our motto. "Make every shift better than your last".

3.       What should the team expect from Oakland University this weekend?

This is another team that we have never beaten before, so a great challenge as we head into playoffs. They are always tough and very strong.

4.       Any final thoughts on graduating seniors and their accomplishments with the team?

I am always very proud when one of our players graduates and moves on to the next level; as we say..For some , they are the first in their family to graduate from college...It is also a time when I realize I will not have the pleasure to coach them again.. I am a lucky fellow to have had the opportunity to coach them , and hopefully make a small contribution in helping them move ahead with their lives..

1/25/2012

1.       Since we last talked, the team took second place at the Big 10 tournament. Tell us about how the team played and what this means for them and the University.

The team played well. We had never played 4 games in 4 days before, so a new experience. The fact they beat some big name programs was satisfying but still some disappointment from not winning it all.

2.       Team got a pair of wins this past weekend against Northwood, how did you feel about their play?

We talked about having to jump back from the loss a week before, plus we had never beaten them before.. They raised their game and played very well both nights over a very good team.

3.       Favorite moment so far this season?

Easy. Beating then number 1 in the nation, SVSU, was a monumental moment for the program. That was priceless and always something they will remember for the rest of their lives.

1/10/12

1.        The team got a big upset win over #1 Saginaw Valley before Christmas break, what did this win mean to the team?

This was a great win for the program, probably the biggest to date. It raises the bar for our expectations. I would call it one of those  program defining moments that  lets the guys know what they are capable of.

2.       Any thoughts on Matt Murdoch, Will Dawson, Dan Cowan, Chad Cross, Brian Gibbons, Ron Van Waggoner and Kirk Allen being named all stars?

While I am happy for those that went, they are only a reflection of the team's overall performance. All deserving players for different reasons.I try not to focus on individual accomplishments while the season is ongoing, but I am very aware of how they feel.I am very proud of each of them.

3.       The team travels to Evanston, IL this weekend for the Big 10 tournament, what will the club have to do to come out winners in this tournament?

 My challenge and motto to the team is unchanged.."Make each shift your best one".  We accomplish that, and good things are ahead.

4.       Any new year’s resolution(s)?

Try to not be late.

12/14/11

1. Team got two wins to improve to 16-1-2, how do you feel they performed this past weekend?

They performed very well with an even shorter roster. We have no complaints about ice time.

2.       Team has its highest ranking ever achieved, reaching 9^th in the ACHA North, what are your thoughts from seeing the start of the team to now?

This team has worked harder and been closer than any team we have had to date.I am happy they can enjoy this success.

3.       Team will be facing off against #1 Saginaw Valley in the ACHA North, what are something’s the team will have to do to pull off an upset or two?

It is a great challenge to play one of the top 2 teams in the country. I have told our players that every shift they play this week must be the best one they play for the season so far. Adversity creates opportunity.

4.       What is on your Christmas wish list this year?

Pavel Datsuk enrolls at UM Flint. A safe Christmas and New Years for myself, the team and all our families. Special time indeed.

12/8/11

1.       How did you feel about the teams play against IPFW this past weekend, taking both games?

The team played very well, winning two games against a strong and physical team. We found a way to win each game a bit different.

2.       Robert Morris is coming up this weekend, how does the team match up against them and what is the strategy going in?

You never know until you play them to determine what they are capable of, our strategy is the same: play our game , remain disciplined , and outskate and outwork our opponent.

3.       Favorite Christmas Decoration?

The ornaments that have the family traditions behind them.

11/21/11

1.     The team played close against Adrian but came away with the overtime loss, thoughts on the game?

It was a great game against a great team..One shot off the goal post was the difference. Could have gone either way but still leaves us room to improve.

2.       The good news for the team is they beat Lansing Community College again, thoughts on the teams rebound from Friday’s OT loss?

We take one game at a time.We put the Friday game away after talking about it and focused on what was ahead.

3.       The team has a little break, what is your evaluation on the team to this point?

We have a great group of young men. We are very satisfied on where we are to this point. I think we all would have been happy at the beginning of the season to be here with our record to this point.

4.       Where will you be spending your Thanksgiving this year? Do you travel or have relatives over?

Thanksgiving at home with family and friends, it's our turn to host.

11/14/11

1. What are your thoughts on the teams play beating MSU and sweeping Holy Cross?

We have made great strides and had to overcome some adversity in beating MSU and Holy Cross. I was very happy for the team.

2. Coming back and beating MSU after the close loss earlier, how did it feel for the team?

MSU is a great team and fun to compete against. They are well coached , work hard, and skilled. We match up well with them. Our players felt we should have beat them the week prior and were eager to prove that the overtime game was no fluke. A real benchmark on how far we have progressed.

3. The team gets a second chance for redemption playing Adrian this weekend, what is the thought process going into this weekend? Is the team still thinking about the loss they suffered earlier in the year?

Keep the game simple, relax and try to find one more goal .(They beat us by a goal).  Redemption can feel great .We put that loss behind us by the next practice. We learn from our mistakes and work on those things that make us better and not dwell on the past.

4. Hard to believe Thanksgiving is so soon, what’s your favorite side dish for turkey day?

My favorite side is my mom’s stuffing. An old family recipe..

11/1/11

1.       What are your thoughts on the teams play against MSU this past weekend?

I thought it was our best team effort of the year. We were missing key players which left us a very short roster. We talked about facing adversity before the game in how everyone needed to step up and play their best game. Adversity in not for us to ask "why "about, but face it and conquer it   We ended up picking up one point for a regulation tie, and that left me very proud of the effort.

2.       What are the keys to the game this Friday against MSU, for UM-Flint to come away with the W?

Continue to play with the confidence and effort we had this past weekend. In the past we wanted to compete and now we have developed an atmosphere where they expect to win and set that as their goal every game.

3.       On Saturday the team takes on Kettering; is it a little tiring to take on rivals back-to-back?

Never get tired playing rivalry games close together. In fact, it keeps the energy at a high level.

4.       What’s your favorite hockey warm up song?

The last verse of Lynyrd Skynyrds "Free Bird"... If that does not get the heart moving ....

10/25/2011

1.       How do you feel the team played against Northwestern this past week? Things they did well, things to improve?

It was 2 strong wins against a physical team and some adversity. We had a long dirve Friday, followed by a late night game. By the time we were back at the hotel it was late. We were faced with a 1 1/2 hour delay Saturday so the guys had a very long 24 hours and played well despite that.

2.       With the next games against rival Michigan State, is the intensity level a little higher at practice?

It will need to be much higher as this will be one of the toughest teams we play all year. We were missing almost a third of the team Monday due to illness, injury, and staying ahead of schoolwork. We will have a lot to accomplish Wednesday before playing this weekend.

3.       What was the feedback from the team raising almost $800 for the American Cancer Society?

A good feeling that they were able to help contribute to a higher cause than simply hockey.

4.       What’s your favorite Halloween costume of all time?

Can never go wrong with a good set of scrubs and a stethescope....

10/18/11

1. What can the team learn from the win against Kettering and their first loss this season?

You have to play every shift and every minute of every game.. Momentum can change quickly and you must be ready to capitalize when it does in your favor..

2. What are your expectations of team going into this weekend’s games against Northwestern?

Play hard both games , the entire game , and come back with 2 more wins.

3. Who is the most improved player from last year?

Too early to termine a most improved player, but many have stepped up their game and made major strides.

4.       What is your favorite Halloween tradition?

 Pumpkins and seeing all the kids in their costumes.

10/13/11

How did you feel about the team’s performance this past week?

I think we played well against a very good team finding a way to win each night. We have made considerable improvement in some areas but must continue to work on our weaknesses in others.

What are the goals for the team this year?

Beat teams we have not beaten before. Stay healthy. Push each other to improve on the ice and in the classroom.

What were the biggest challenges the team had to overcome thus far?

We are a very young team and have a smaller roster.  My challenge to the team is to play each game better than the previous one, and finish every practice a better player than when you went on the ice that day.

What is the biggest reason for UM-Flint Students to come support the team?

To show them their school is more than the classroom and helps build life long ties to their university. Our players work jobs, are full time students who are focused academically, and play a game they love.

Who is your all-time favorite hockey player?

Steve Yzerman, he has a tremendous work ethic, is a fierce competitor, and has the highest moral standard.