PAPILLION, Neb – The Midwest regional will begin play on Saturday March 27, 2010 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The regional will feature two teams from the CCHA and two schools from the CHA. The University Of Miami (CCHA) is the number one overall seed in the tournament as well as this regional. The number two seed goes to Bemidji State (CHA) who compiled 23 wins this season and was last year’s most formidable foe in the tournament. The number three seed is the University of Michigan (CCHA). The Wolverines backed their way into the tournament winning the CCHA title after finishing seventh in the 12 team conference. Alabama-Huntsville (CHA) sneaks in as the number four seed after winning the CHA tournament.
Miami verse Alabama-Huntsville
The Miami RedHawks have somewhat limped into the tournament after being last season surprise team losing in the final moments of the National Championship game. Miami held well all season maintaining the number one ranking through the bulk of the calendar year. While the RedHawks have been the class of college hockey, Alabama-Huntsville has been the red headed step child. The Chargers began the season being rejected entrance into the CCHA and then finishing with a record of 12-17-3. While Miami is the clear favorite and should open with an easy win, the idea of sinking to CCHA schools in one weekend after being snubbed may be what it takes to light a fire in the Chargers.
Bemidji State verse Michigan
Had the Beavers picked up a couple more wins here or there, they could easily be a number one seed themselves. Expect Bemidji State to make a great showing yet again this year in the NCAA Tournament as they will look to build on their 23 wins. While Bemidji State has fallen little short of exceptional, Michigan has been a little more erratic. The Wolverines came on strong when it matters the most fighting their way through the CCHA. Red Berenson always has a team that is ready to play and this season is no different as Michigan enters the NCAA tournament. Expect the Wolverines to be an obnoxious opponent as they enter the regional confident and firing on all cylinders.
You may contact the author at: john.strathman@prohockeynews.com
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