March 6, 2008
Stir Over Teslak's Future at Michigan Tech
by Adam Wodon and Avash Kalra/CHN Reporters
Michigan Tech junior goaltender Michael-Lee Teslak started a stir recently when he wrote on his Facebook page that he was set to play his last home games for the Huskies. That was before last weekend's pair against Denver, a 1-0 loss and 2-1 win.
Michigan Tech finishes the regular season at Minnesota State this weekend, then will play a first-round playoff series on the road.
Reached by e-mail, Teslak said that talk of his leaving is premature.
"I meant (last home game) for the season but with what's been going on I should have used my words more carefully," Teslak said. "I just didn't really think that Facebook would cause a huge fuss but guess that's what it did."
Teslak is a free agent, believe to be being pursued by a few NHL teams.
"Rumours and stuff are starting to get out of hand over here," Teslak said. "Things change from day to day so I have no idea what's in store for me. Right now I'm just trying to put everything aside and just worry about leading us into the Final Five. I owe that to my coach and teammates whether or not I'm back next year."
Teslak, a 22-year old from Fernie, B.C., is 6-8-4 this season with a 1.95 goals against average and .926 save percentage. He emerged as the team's No. 1 last season, but was injured for part of this season, and went back to rotating with Rob Nolan. Teslak has since started the last six games.
"Michael-Lee Teslak is a big part of our team," said Michigan Tech coach Jamie Russell. "He enjoys his teammates here at Michigan Tech and is working with them to advance as far possible. As far as what he future holds, we will deal with that in the offseason as that is an offseason issue. As a team and individuals we are focused on the here and now."
be very careful what you write on your face book account.
Mar 6 2008, 3:28 pm by Walski fan, GF ND
Teslak is a great goalie that I'd love to watch next season. Let's hope that there ARE not talks during the summer!
Mar 7 2008, 10:47 am by Chris Haake, Grand Forks ND
I would love to see Teslak back for next season. I know as a student that there has been a lot of speculation, mainly that he will be gone. But we don't know until he makes a decision, regardless Tech is prepared with 2 goalies recruited and with Nolan being a junior too.
Mar 7 2008, 9:13 pm by Tim, N Wisconsin
hes gone, too many dang losers who check faebook and myspace to jock sbiff these guys....get a life, teslak will go out in style in his last 2 games ever, book it, hes gone and the sioux will make sure that happens..
Mar 10 2008, 8:00 pm by wchafan
Unlike, players in other positions, it is very rare that a younger goalie goes on to make a splash in the NHL right away. Sure there are exceptions, but it is much tougher to break into the NHL at goaltender. MLT might be going pro, but if he was NHL material, one would think he would have skipped college and just headed right for the AHL / NHL. I think MLT will be back at MTU next season along with Nolan. They are a solid tandem and if MTU could just find some scoring they could make the NCAA tourney. Only FOUR teams in all of Div-I hockey have scored fewer goals than the Huskies (74 goals through 36 games). While it would be great to see MLT back in 08-09, Nolan is up to the task as a senior provided he gets some help on offense. Asking a goalie to maintain a 2.00 GAA and still maybe not have a chance to win most games... that's rough. Good example, two weeks ago MLT only gave up two goals to Devner, but only got a split on the weekend (0-1, 2-1). Tech's goalies need help.
Mar 11 2008, 1:58 pm by Ryan, Central WI
What a young player SHOULD do is usually different than what they DO do.
Mar 11 2008, 2:02 pm by CHN Editor
Teslak is a awesome goalie and i am a Michigan tech fan so I like Teslak.
Mar 17 2008, 3:59 pm by Anthony Harris,South Range MI
and now he is gone. Good luck
Mar 18 2008, 9:55 pm by V, GF ND
He will be a great Flyer...
Rich T
Mar 19 2008, 9:28 am by GFAFB, ND
