PAPILLION, NEBRASKA – This weekend’s CCHA schedule featured a matchup of two top five teams in Miami and Michigan. Along with the marquee matchup was a wonderful supporting cast that saw the ninth ranked Irish travel to 14th ranked Alaska and 10th ranked Nebraska-Omaha travelling to Michigan State; the current front runner in the CCHA.
Nebraska-Omaha at Michigan State
East Lansing, Michigan – The 10th ranked Mavericks travelled to play a Thursday/Friday series with the Spartans. Michigan State took advantage of home ice in the opening game defeating Nebraska-Omaha 3-0. Drew Palmisano led the way for the Spartan stopping 31 shots on net for the shutout victory. Corey Tropp would contribute two points for the Spartans to lead the offensive attack. The Mavericks avoided the sweep Friday night by tying Michigan State in regulation and then defeating them in the shoot out for the extra point. Nebraska-Omaha would use two power play goals to guide themselves to the tie.
Notre Dame at Alaska
Fairbanks, Alaska – The ninth ranked Irish traveled to Alaska to face the 14th ranked Nanooks. Notre Dame would take the opening game using two power play goals as the difference maker. The Nanooks held the Irish to just 14 shots on goal but were unable to capitalize more than once on the 35 shots as the Irish would take the win behind the play of goalie Mike Johnson. Saturday saw Derek Klassen split the series as he would score twice for Alaska. Scott Greenham would hold the Irish to one goal on 27 shots.
Bowling Green at Ferris State
Big Rapids, Michigan – The Bulldogs used home ice to their advantage sweeping the Bowling Green Falcons. The Ferris State goalies, Pat Nagle and Taylor Nelson held Bowling Green to three goals all weekend on 54 shots. On the offensive end of the ice, Ferris State would win by a combined team effort led by Aaron Lewicki’s four assists.
Northern Michigan at Ohio State
Columbus, Ohio – Reid Ellingson stopped 32 shots for the shutout victory for the visiting Wildcats Friday evening. Mark Olver would score the game winning goal 22 seconds into the first period for Northern Michigan. Saturday night saw Ohio State split the series. Peter Boyd would score three points and Sergio Somma and Shane Simms would add two points apiece for Ohio State.
Lake Superior State at Western Michigan
Kalamazoo, Michigan – The Broncos benefitted from a tie and a win with four conference points this weekend as they would win the shootout on Friday evening. In a heated series, neither team seemed willing to subside to their opponent. Saturday evening saw the Lakers score once on their lone power play from Chad Nehring who had two goals in the series. Western Michigan played sound hockey giving up a total of four power plays and limiting the Lakers to few rebounds despite the 80 shots on goal throughout the series.
Miami at Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan – Enrico Blasi’s squad continued their ongoing dominance dating back to last season this weekend. The topped ranked RedHawks made little of the fifth ranked Wolverines as Miami would allow Michigan two goals the entire series. Cody Reichard made 47 saves for Miami throughout the series limiting Michigan to little more than frustration and a sweep. The Wolverines held Miami to 13 shots on goal Friday night to no avail as Michigan goalie Bryan Hogan would allow three into the net.
Schedule Results:
November 5, 2009 Michigan St. 3, Nebraska-Omaha 0
November 6, 2009 Notre Dame 3, Alaska 2 Ferris State 5, Bowling Green 1 Nebraska-Omaha 3, Michigan St. 3 (OT) Northern Michigan 1, Ohio State 0 Lake Superior St. 3, Western Michigan 3 (OT) Miami 3, Michigan 1
November 7, 2009 Ferris State 3, Bowling Green 2 Alaska 3, Notre Dame 1 Ohio State 5, Northern Michigan 4 Western Michigan 2, Lake Superior State 1 Miami 5, Michigan 1
Upcoming Series:
Alaska at Bowling Green Western Michigan at Ohio State Ferris State at Miami Lake Superior St. at Nebraska-Omaha Michigan St. at Michigan Northern Michigan at Notre Dame
Players of the Week: Offensive Player: Jarod Palmer, Miami Defensive Player: Brett Wysopal, Ferris State Goalie: Cody Reichard, Miami
You may contact the author at: John.Strathman@prohockeynews.com
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