PAPILLION, NEBRASKA – As the limited possibilities begin to tick away for schools wanting to play bonus ice hockey in the post season, a handful of schools are showing what they are made of. Teams like Miami and Michigan State are fighting for better seeding while teams such as Notre Dame, Michigan, and Nebraska-Omaha fight for survival. The CCHA currently has five bubble teams for the eight school tournament with Ohio State and Northern Michigan a stone’s throw behind the other three.
Schedule Results:
January 22, 2010
Miami 1, Alaska 1 (OT)
Western Michigan 4, Bowling Green 4 (OT)
Notre Dame 6, Lake Superior State 1
Nebraska-Omaha 7, Northern Michigan 2
Michigan State 5, Ohio State 2
Michigan 2, Ferris State 0
January 23, 2010
Bowling Green 3, Western Michigan 2
Ohio State 4, Michigan State 2
Notre Dame 1, Lake Superior State 1
Miami 5, Alaska 0
Nebraska-Omaha 5, Northern Michigan 3
Ferris State 3, Michigan 2
Series Reviews:
Miami at Alaska
It looks as if fatigue may have finally caught up with Scott Greenham. After a terrific showing on Friday night, Greenham found himself being pulled in the first period after giving up three goals on nine shots. Miami was not very reluctant to pursue their relentless attack of the Nanooks as evident by four players finishing the game with two point evenings. Reilly Smith, Brandon Smith, Matt Tomassoni, and Tommy Wingels recorded two points apiece for the RedHawks to compliment Connor Knapp’s shutout in net.
Western Michigan at Bowling Green
The Broncos would use two third period goals with extra attackers to fight their way to a tie with the Falcons taking the extra point in the shoot out. Nothing could have been more equal on the night as both teams would record four goals and 36 shots on goal. Western Michigan’s Max Campbell would lead all scorers with four assists in the Broncos fifth tie this season.
James McIntosh had a goal and a save to lead Bowling Green over the Broncos. After a Friday night tie and bonus point for the shootout win, Bowling Green made successful work of their two game series with Western Michigan. Broncos goalie Riley Gill made 34 saves in the losing effort as the Falcons would send 37 shots on net.
Notre Dame at Lake Superior State
No one look now, but the Irish are starting to find a little fight. Don’t believe me? Just ask the Lakers. Steven Kaunisto would score two minutes into the first period for Lake Superior to give the Lakers the early lead. Notre Dame’s Ryan Thang would tie the game 11 minutes later to tie the game at one all going into the first intermission. That is when the wheels would come off. The typically trustworthy Brian Mahoney-Wilson would have one of those unfortunate off-nights against Notre Dame who would score five times in the second period to take the win. Calle Ridderwall would have a natural hat trick (three goals one after another) for Notre Dame to raise his goal total to 16 this season. The Junior Business Administration major is a native of Stockholm, Sweden.
After a staggering route on Friday night, the Lakers looked to bounce back against the Irish. Notre Dame would score 23 seconds after Lake Superior State’s third period goal by Zach Trotman. Nick Larson would score the game tying goal for the Irish to seal the tie.
Northern Michigan at Nebraska-Omaha
The Mavericks top line had a fever for more cowbell as they would account for a total of eight points between the three players. Alex Hudson, Rich Purslow, and Brandon Richardson dominated the Wildcats for the Nebraska-Omaha win. Jeremie DuPont made 22 saves for the Mavericks for his third win this season for Dean Blais’ 11th win this season.
Nick Fanto and Alex Hudson led the Mavericks over the Wildcats to complete their two game sweep. Both Fanto and Hudson recorded three points apiece as Nebraska-Omaha looks to be starting to understand Dean Blais’ coaching style.
Ohio State at Michigan State
The Spartans have been one of the most consistent teams in college hockey all season long. Friday night was no different for the 11th ranked Michigan State Spartans as they would defeat Ohio State by playing their team oriented game. Taylor Stefishen would score twice for the Buckeyes in the losing effort as Ohio State would be unsuccessful on 31 shots on goal. Drew Palmisano would make 31 saves to lead the Spartans to their 16th win this season.
Dustin Carlson picked up his second win of the season making 17 saves to defeat the Spartans. The second place Michigan State Spartans dropped only their third loss since December 1, 2009 when Patrick Shafer scored his second goal of the season with a minute left in regulation.
Ferris State at Michigan
Michigan’s Bryan Hogan would stymie the Ferris State Bulldogs 22 times for his third shutout this season. The Highland, Michigan native has appeared in 25 games this season for the Wolverines. Luke Glendening would score twice for Michigan in the second period as he would raise his goal total to five this season. The win is the 14th this season for the Wolverines who are beginning to make a post season push.
The Ferris State Bulldogs defeated the Michigan Wolverines by applying a consistent pressure throughout the game. Ferris State scored once each period as Casey Haines would lead the way with two points. The Bulldogs gave up a late goal to Michigan to tie the game at two-all with less the two minutes left in the game. Zach Redmond would score the game winning goal for Ferris State with less than 30 seconds to spare to split the series at one apiece.
Upcoming Series:
Ferris State at Ohio State
Michigan at Michigan State
Alaska at Northern Michigan
Western Michigan at Miami
Nebraska-Omaha at Notre Dame
Byes: Bowling Green, Lake Superior State
Players of the Week:
Offensive Player: Rick Purslow, Nebraska-Omaha
Defensive Player: Kyle Lawson, Notre Dame
Goalie: Mike Johnson, Notre Dame You may contact the author at: John.Strathman@prohockeynews.com
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