PAPILLION, NEBRASKA – The Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) will kick off its postseason play this weekend with four best of three series. The top four seeds receive first round byes and will face the winners of this weekend’s series from March 12-14, 2010. The top four seeds are Miami, Michigan State, Ferris State and Northern Michigan.
This weekend’s upcoming series have been reviewed by Pro Hockey News and are listed below.
Western Michigan at Alaska – The Broncos had a tough season this year finishing with a 4-17-7 conference record. If there was one shining point for Western Michigan it would be their series against the University of Alaska Nanooks on December 4th and 5th. In Kalamazoo, the Broncos took game one by a score of 3-1 and tied game two 4-4 dropping the extra point in overtime. The series began a rough stretch for Alaska who would not begin to gain their form until February 5, 2010 when the Nanooks would go on their run. Western Michigan has done little since the early season series winning only two more games all season at home against Notre Dame. Alaska will host the Broncos who will face top freshman Andy Taranto and the Nanooks in Fairbanks. (PHN Prediction; Alaska wins 2-0)
Bowling Green at Nebraska-Omaha – This will be the very last season in the CCHA for the new look Mavericks who terminated their only head coach in favor of College legend Dean Blais. The Mavericks are finally beginning to gain some steam and have held steady in the Top 20 polls all season long. The two schools faced off in October over the Halloween weekend splitting the two game series in Omaha. Bowling Green has struggled at times this season while Nebraska-Omaha has begun to snowball towards seasons end. (PHN Prediction; Nebraska-Omaha 2-0)
Lake Superior State at Michigan – The Wolverines have been a roller coaster all season. After opening the season hot they went ice cold in November only two win the College Hockey Showcase over Thanksgiving. The Lakers have struggled to get the ball rolling most of the season only showing momentarily glimpses of potential. Michigan traveled to Lake Superior in October taking the series convincingly. (PHN Prediction; Michigan 2-1)
Notre Dame at Ohio State – Neither the Irish or Buckeyes have gotten much going this season, nor have they played poorly. Both teams have won a game convincingly, only seemingly to turn around be shut out. Each team could have played much better this year, and it could be said they could have done poorer as well. Notre Dame has the only win between the two this season winning 3-1 on October 30. Ohio state managed to gain the overtime bonus point on October 31 when the two teams tied by a score of 2-2. (PHN Prediction; Ohio State 2-1)
You may contact the author at; john.strathman@prohockeynews.com
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