NCAA Season Preview: CCHA Conference
The University of Michigan has been tabbed in the preseason poll to win the
Central Collegiate Hockey Association by the league's coaches and media. This
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should come as no surprise. This marks the second straight year that the Wolverines
have been tabbed as the conference's premier team media heading into the regular
season.
Michigan State should be much improved but Ferris State, having tasted success,
will be looking to repeat as regular season champions. Ohio State is emerging
as a contender but losing two top players as they have in R.J Umberger and Ryan
Kesler, might impede their progress.
Still, Michigan remains the favorite to win the conference in the regular season
and playoffs. And could a fourth straight trip to the Frozen Four be on the
horizon? Too long a season to know but we think they stand a reasonable chance
at it barring injuries
Coaches Poll
Michigan
Ferris State
Michigan State
Ohio State
Northern Michigan
Miami-Ohio
Alaska Fairbanks
Notre Dame
Bowling Green
Western Michigan
Nebraska-Omaha
Lake Superior
Team Reviews:
State | Michigan State | Ohio
State | Northern Michigan | Miami-Ohio
Dame | Bowling Green | Western
Michigan | Nebraska-Omaha | Lake
Superior
Enrollment: 20,276
Nickname: Falcons
Location: Bowling Green, Ohio
Arena: BGSU Ice Arena
Capacity: 5,000
Coach: Scott Paluch
Review
It's been nearly twenty years since Bowling Green captured the NCAA national
title. It's been a long stretch and recent circumstances suggest there is still
a long way to go before the Falcons are serious contenders for a CCHA title,
let alone a national championship.
Bowling Green is in the middle of rebuilding. It's been a long time since the
home crowd has had something to cheer about but a turnaround begins with several
key areas being addressed.
A) Defense: The Falcons allowed 143 goals, which needs to be cut down. However
the defense has little in the way of size- only two defensemen are over 200+
pounds. Jordan Sigalet helps in net and instead of platooning netminders Paluch
needs to ride the hot hand.
B) Offense: 94 goals in 36 games are a futile number. Bowling Green needs to
generate offense, crash the net, and capitalize on chances.
C) Chemistry: The first thing any team needs to do in order to be successful
is build a rapport among their squad. Bowling Green would be best served if
there were some cohesion and communication. Team building in the locker room
goes a long way.
Who To Watch
Mike Falk led Falcons rookies in goals (11) and assists (11). The Compuware
alum was a revelation as a freshman. Falk plays bigger than his 5-10, 170 pound
frame. He led Compuware to the Robertson Cup and Gold Cup National title.
Steve Brudzewski is another Compuware product who figures to have an
expanded role with the Falcons. Brudzewski tied for second in goals scored with
12, four of which came on the power play. He had five multiple point games.
Another smallish forward though.
Sigalet turned in some fine performances in net. Sigalet split time
with Tyler Masters in net but turned in the best stats. Sigalet recorded six
of Bowling Green's eight victories and a .910 saves percentage. The path should
be clear for him to finally assume the number one role.
Recruits
Jonathan Sigalet is a talented defenseman and could be an instant star
for the Falcons. And, yes, his brother is Jordan. Sigalet spent the 2002-03
season with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks of the British Columbia Hockey League
where he was the top scoring defenseman with 13 goals and 39 assists in 52 contests.
An invitee to the Canadian U18 camp this summer.
Nick Lang is a Livonia, Michigan native who played for the Chicago Freeze
in the NAHL. He was fourth in team scoring with 34 points in 45 games.
Rich Meloche finished third in the Ontario Provincial Junior 'A' League
in scoring with 105 points (49 goals, 56 assists) in 49 games played with 66
penalty minutes.
Enrollment: 10,311
Nickname: Fighting Irish
Location: South Bend, Indiana
Arena: Joyce Center
Capacity: 2,667
Coach: Dave Poulin
Review
Despite not being a CCHA powerhouse in the technical sense of winning conference
titles and NCAA championships, Notre Dame has developed into a program where
Dave Poulin can attract top players who eventually become NHL-caliber players.
But it would be nice if they win more- at least that is the idea.
Notre Dame finished 17-17-6 and fifth in the CCHA. While this might be acceptable
for second tier teams, Poulin and the Fighting Irish are looking to take their
play to the next level. Having recruited another impressive class, the pressure
is on for Notre Dame to really show what they can do in terms of elevating their
game.
Notre Dame has lost key players but return the nucleus of contributors who
will play a large role in the success of failure of the team. Rob Globke has
the makings of a Hobey-type season based on his emergence last year; and Morgan
Cey was a solid competitor in net. Several new faces should spark the team and
build chemistry but it takes more than being able to develop players that leads
to overall success; Notre Dame must build a team worthy of competing in and
out of the CCHA and make the NCAA tournament a realistic target.
With their most talented recruiting class in years, Notre Dame is a team to
watch in the CCHA.
Who To Watch
Globke is a highly skilled player who combines power and finesse from
his position at right wing. Globke has all the tools; he is a prototypical power
forward at 6-4, 203-pounds with outstanding speed, great hands and outstanding
hockey instincts. Globke can beat you one-on-one, in traffic or with his booming
shot.
Komadoski is Notre Dame's top defensemen. Komadoski is a classic stay-at-home
defenseman who brings a physical presence to the Notre Dame defense. A tough,
aggressive player who throws his 6-2, 218-pound frame around with reckless abandon
and is a solid skater who makes sharp, crisp passes from the defensive zone.
Morgan Cey carried the load for the Fighting Irish. He played in 36
games and won 15 of the 17 games won by the team. Entering his junior season,
Cey is expected to do the same once again.
Recruits
O'Neill is one of the best recruits to come to South Bend in some years.
The sought-after 6-4, 207 pound defenseman chose college over Canadian junior.
He played a season with the Green Bay Gamblers in the USHL where he used his
impressive skill and size to round out his game. O'Neill is a potential high
round draft pick and one to watch in the coming year.
Babin was developed in the NTDP. The strength to his game is skating.
Babin is a skilled defenseman who can step into a game and control the puck
form the point and make a special team unit work. A native of Florida, Babin
is quite steady.
Josh Sciba played two seasons with the vaunted NTDP U18 program. A skilled
forward who has a good scoring touch, Sciba will play a role with the Fighting
Irish. He sees the ice well and is a good playmaker.
Enrollment: 9,000
Nickname: Wildcats
Location: Marquette, Michigan
Arena: Barry Events Center
Capacity: 3,754
Coach: Walt Kyle
Review
Walt Kyle left his position as assistant coach with the New York Rangers to
take over his alma mater at Northern Michigan. He led the Wildcats to a 22-win
season and NCAA respectability. Along the way, Kyle got a lot out of his core
of players and the program seems more hopeful than it has been in years.
The Wildcats are without defenseman Juha Alen, who signed a contract with the
Mighty Ducks. He moved the puck well and that ability will be sorely missed.
Northern Michigan scored some big wins over Michigan (twice), Michigan State
(twice) and Ohio State along the way. A third place finish in the CCHA playoffs
was a boost at the end. Perhaps the win that really make people stand up and
take notice early in the season was their 10-4 thrashing of Michigan State.
Kyle got some production form his underclassmen most of whom return to lead
the way for the Wildcats. Overall 2002-03 was a good first campaign for Kyle
who has earned a lot of respect within college hockey and his conference. He
brings an NHL sensibility to the program while being able to relate to players
having gone through NMU himself.
Who To Watch
Southern was drafted by the Anaheim Mighty Ducks in the seventh round
of the June entry draft. He is a small but speedy forward with good skills on
the puck. He enjoyed a solid first season with the Wildcats scoring 11 goals.
26 of his 33 points came in conference play.
Milam enjoyed a good first season with five goals and 24 points. He
led Wildcats defensemen in scoring and earned praise from opponents and scouts.
Earning a spot at the World Junior evaluation camp with Team USA, which should
bolster his confidence even more this season.
Oystrick was good as a freshman with the Wildcats, scoring two goals
and being a moderately successful player on the blueline.
Recruits
Matt Maunu will most surely get some time with the Wildcats on the blueline
due to the departure of Juha Alen. A smallish defenseman (5-11, 170) Mauna scored
11 goals and 18 assists with Waterloo in the USHL.
Rob Lehtinen is a versatile skater who brings the ability to play on
either side of the puck. Lehtinen is a skilled player who can excel at either
forward or defense, and should find a place in the lineup in short order.
Bill Zaniboni led the Soo Indians in the NAHL. While he might not play
many games, Zaniboni is seen as the likely successor to Craig Kowalski. A hard
worker and competitive player, Zaniboni went 25-17 with the Indians last season.
Enrollment: 55,043
Nickname: Buckeyes
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Arena: Value City Arena
Capacity: 17,500
Coach: John Markell
Review
It is going to be a tough fall for Buckeyes sports programs. The football team,
after winning the national championship, lost star running back Maurice Clarett,
but the hockey team will have major losses as well.
R. J Umberger, who was a three-year standout for Ohio State, decided to turn
pro (but has not signed a contract as of this writing). Umberger led the team
in scoring two of his three seasons. Another big blow was the loss of emerging
freshman Ryan Kesler, who represented Team USA at the World Junior Championships.
Kesler signed with the Vancouver Canucks. Now the responsibility falls to others,
namely Dave Steckel and Dan Knapp.
Despite Umberger and Kesler's loss, Ohio State still has nine seniors who should
be immediate and reliable contributors.
Head coach John Markell enjoyed his best season wit the Buckeyes who reached
the NCAA tournament for the third time in their history. With a 25-13-5 overall,
Ohio State finished third in the CCHA and reached the CCHA Super Six semifinal.
Defensively, Ohio State were ranked second in the nation in goals against-
second only to Cornell, and the lowest in school history.
There is still enough talent and experience to believe Ohio State will once
again be in the thick of it. The question is exactly who from this group will
step up and provide offensive leadership.
Who To Watch
Steckel has dropped off significantly since his freshman season. As
a first year in 2000-01 Steckel scored 17 goals and 35 points. He's scored 16
total goals his last two seasons. Now as a senior, Steckel must step up as the
pressure is squarely on his shoulders with Umberger and Kesler's departure.
Steckel was selected in the first round of the 2001 draft by the Los Angeles
Kings but has done nothing to live up to that billing.
Dan Knapp got off to a fast start as a college player. Knapp scored
18 points in 17 games before suffering a shoulder injury that kept him out the
rest of the season. Knapp provided offense and will assume a larger share of
ice time. Standing 5-11, 175, Knapp shows a lot of courage in going after the
puck. A tenacious player who is not afraid to get involved.
did not put up many points (2 goals, 9 assists) but that was not his job.
Guenin provided a defensive anchor for the Buckeyes and physical force in his
zone. The New York Rangers draft pick was a member of the All-Rookie Team in
the CCHA and is a player to watch. He made some mistakes early on but adapted
to the college game. Guenin could become an impact player on the other side
of the puck in college hockey.
Recruits
Collins is a big man whose size (6-1, 205) will be most welcome on the
blueline. Collins spent the 2002-03 season with the Sioux City Musketeers of
the USHL where he posted six goals, 22 assists and 89 PIM.
Strachan is another large defenseman recruited for this team. Drafted
by the Carolina Hurricanes, Strachan can move the puck but his forte is playing
physical hockey. A good complement for Nate Guenin.
Bryce Anderson played in 64 games for the Des Moines Buccaneers of the
USHL. Anderson recorded 13 goals and 17 assists for 30 points.
Enrollment: 28,657
Nickname: Broncos
Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan
Arena: Lawson Ice Arena
Capacity: 3,667
Coach: Jim Culhane
Review
The Broncos suffered their first losing season since 1999-00. Western Michigan's
15-21-2 record was only topped by the fact that they finished 13-14-1 in the
CCHA. Western Michigan was, if nothing else, resilient. After suffering an embarrassing
10-3 defeat against Michigan on January 10, they came back the next day to beat
the Spartans 4-3, on their way to a five-game winning streak.
The Broncos have been always been identified with their offense, which never
seemed to be at a minimum. Defensively they have not been able to keep opponents
at bay. The lack of a commitment to defense lets them down every time and keeps
the Broncos from being strong contenders to give their more prominent CCHA rivals
a run for their money.
Western Michigan must tighten up and become more defensive while being able
to transition to effective offense and capitalizing on turnovers. They should
be competitive with a close eye kept on their games against Michigan and Ferris
State: two of their biggest wins in 2002-03 came over Michigan and Ferris- both
NCAA tournament teams.
Who To Watch
Bellissimo turned in a fine first year performance with Western Michigan.
He led the Broncos in nearly every offensive category. His 19 goals and 37 points
led the team and earned a spot on the All-Rookie team in the CCHA. He has good
hands, hockey smarts and offensive instincts on where to be around the net.
Last year Vincent was simply Bellissimo!
Dana Lattery is a 6-0, 205 center who tied Bellissimo with exacts stats:
19 goals, 36 points. Lattery has provided veteran leadership. He can play a
physical grind 'em out game, and a tenacious worker along the boards, in the
corners.
Mike Mantua made history as only the second goaltender in CCHA
history to score a goal as he did against Ferris State in a 4-1 victory last
November. Mantua is an aggressive goaltender in terms of his puckhandling skills.
He takes an active role in the action on the ice.
Recruits
Jason Moul is the underdog everyone should be rooting for. He enters
Western Michigan as a walk-on candidate, meaning he has no scholarship. Moul
played 2002-03 in the USHL with the Sioux Falls Stampede and was captain of
the squad.
Kyle Bushee is an Otsego, Michigan product who played in the USHL last
season for the Des Moines Buccaneers. Bushee is a good offensive defenseman
with the ability to move the puck.
Kevin Labatte is a rangy right wing hailing from Ogden, Utah. The 6-2,
190 Labatte played for Elmira in the MWJHL.
Enrollment: 9,200
Nickname: Nanooks
Location: Fairbanks, Alaska
Arena: Carlson Center
Capacity: 4,324
Coach: Guy Gadowsky
Review
UAF slipped last season after winning 22 games in 2001-02 and a fourth place
CCHA finish. The Nanooks 15-14-7 followup was, to be sure, disappointing.
With nine seniors in this group, UAF should be a tough opponent but the question
is whether they can get back to their top form, or was 2001-02 a fluke. Guy
Gadowsky would like to think that it was not.
Gadowsky will rely on leadership from the holdovers in an attempt to regain
their form. Along with some key additions, the Nanooks need to compete better
against conference rivals. The key to any success they have will be the ability
to score. Alaska-Fairbanks will rely on Jared Slyvestre and Aaron Voros to put
the puck in the net.
Who To Watch
Jared Sylvestre will see a lot of the ice and a candidate to improve
his numbers from last season. Sylvestre scored 11 goals and 28 points. One of
the fastest skaters on the team, Sylvestre has good hand and hockey smarts.
He is poised to replace Blaine Bablitz as the offensive core of the Nanooks.
Voros went through a difficult season, missing a good portion of the
season after being diagnosed with a bone tumor that caused him to miss the rest
of the season. A New Jersey Devils draft pick, Voros had two goals and seven
points at the time of his injury. Voros, champing at the bit after his inactivity,
is ready to assume his position as an immoveable force upfront for the team.
Keith Bartusch was a walk on who literally came out of nowhere to win
the goaltending job. Bartusch played in 13 games and posted a 6-1-3 record.
The stat that draws attention is his 5-0-3 line in the CCHA. This year he should
be the full-time goaltender and after a few months around and the shooters have
grown accustomed to Bartusch a true indication of his abilities to carry the
responsibilities in goal will emerge.
Recruits
Nathan Fornataro is a big, strong, physical defenseman who can play
on the special teams. Fornataro had five goals and 23 assists in 30 games last
year with 107 penalty minutes and three game-winning goals for the Calgary Royals
of the Alberta Junior Hockey League.
Curtis Fraser is a versatile signee. He can play any number of systems.
Whether it is offensive firehouse hockey or a grind 'em down style, Fraser gives
the Nanooks flexibility in where and how he plays. Fraser led the BCHL in goals
and was second in scoring with 53 goals and 52 assists for 105 points in 60
games.
Lucas Burnett is a 6-2, 224 right wing from Rossland, British Columbia,
who scored 24 goals and 28 assists for 52 points in 57 games in 2002-2003 for
the Trail Smoke Eaters of the British Columbia Hockey League.
Enrollment: 36,468
Nickname: Wolverines
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
Arena: Yost Ice Arena
Capacity: 6,193
Coach: Red Berenson
Review
Michigan has been close. It 's been standard form over the last three seasons
for Michigan to make it to the Frozen Four, but they've not won a national title
despite being one of the last four teams standing. That is no knock on the program.
Their level of consistency has been quite an accomplishment for a college hockey
program where turnover is high at such prestigious schools, and the chance to
hold on to team chemistry something to be worked at each weekend.
Red Berenson is the dean of coaches. His record is impeccable and so many Wolverines
go on to successful NHL careers because of his guidance. Expect Michigan to
be one again in the middle of the title fight. After their loss to Minnesota
in the 2003 Frozen Four, many of the returning members of the team sat near
their lockers in tears. And at the same time wanted to get back to work and
remove the bitter taste from their mouths.
The Wolverines posted a 30-10-3 overall record in 2002-03 and finished in second
place overall in the CCHA with an 18-7-3 line. U-M also captured its second
straight CCHA Super Six title.
It is because so many players return and with a cache of NHL drafted (and quality)
players, Michigan is the favorite (in this writer's mind) to win their first
national championship since 1998.
Who To Watch
Nystrom has shouldered the role of leader and assistant captain on a
team burdened with injuries. Despite no longer the beneficiary of crafty playmaking
by Cammalleri, Nystrom scored 15 goals and 26 points. He changed his game and
did more of the dirty work by battling for loose pucks.
should be considered a potential candidate as a top draft pick in 2004.
Montoya came to Michigan on the promise he would be able to start and the Illinois
native did not disappoint. Montoya won 30 games (started 43), posted a 2.33
goals against average and winning percentage of 73%.
Jeff Tambellini showed skill and confidence well beyond his years. He
not only got himself into position for numerous scoring opportunities, but also
created them as well with crisp passes. Played alongside John Shouneyia and
Eric Nystrom on the top line with good results. Tambellini scored 26 goals and
45 points, both enough to lead the team in each category.
Recruits
Hensick skated with the U.S. National Team Development Program from
2001-03 where he played in 58 games for the U.S. NTDP Under-18 Team. Hensick
led the team with 30 goals, 31 assists, 61 points and 11 power-play goals. He
is the third player in the last five seasons to attend Michigan after leading
the U.S. NTDP Under-18 team in scoring, joining Dwight Helminen (2000-01) and
Andy Hilbert (1998-99)
Cook skated with the River City Lancers in 2001-02 and 2002-03. Cook
played in 59 games in 2002-03, scoring 3-12-15. He added two assists in 10 playoff
games as the Lancers advanced to the Clark Cup finals
Rohlfs played for the Compuware Ambassadors from 2000-03. Rohlfs played
53 games in 2002-03, notching 30-14-44 totals. He recorded two goals and one
assist in three playoff contests.
Enrollment: 11,074
Nickname: Bulldogs
Location: Big Rapids, Michigan
Arena: Robert L. Ewigleben Ice Arena
Capacity: 2,493
Coach: Bob Daniels, 12th year
Review:
Bob Daniels would like to think that last year's success was a sign that the
program had finally arrived. Ferris State produced its best season ever in the
25-year history of the University in NCAA Division I with a school-record 31-10-1,
including a first-place 22-5-1 CCHA mark and its initial CCHA Regular-Season
Championship title. FSU also advanced to the NCAA Championship Tournament's
West Regional title game in its first-ever NCAA Tourney appearance.
Leading the way was Chris Kunitz who was a scoring machine during his time
with the Bulldogs. Kunitz signed with the Anaheim Mighty Ducks and Ferris State
lost one of their key weapons.
Ferris State's goal differential was outstanding at +88. Ferris State got balanced
scoring. Outside of Kunitz there were six other players with at least ten or
more goals. Sophomore Jeff Legue was a standout, who sometimes got lost in Kunitz
shadow but with 59 points he was a core contributor.
With 17 returning players, many of them vital to the success of last year's
team, Ferris should be in good shape. Like every other team they must avoid
a letdown. Expectations are understandably high and the bar raised, but now
the Bulldogs will be facing teams up and down the conference gunning for them.
Who To Watch
Jeff Legue came into his own as a sophomore registering 24 goals and
59 points. Legue proved adept as a playmaker and who could argue with his 35
in-conference points. His numbers were also good enough to make him the eighth
highest single season point producer in school history. With two-thirds of his
line in place, Legue should repeat his success albeit more responsibility will
fall to him and Nesbitt to produce.
Brown was the hot goaltender to start the season. Brown played in 41
contests, winning 30 games, posting four shutouts and a 2.35 goals against average.
He was selected CCHA Defensive Player of the Week a record six times. Undrafted,
Brown should command serious attention from scouts with another outstanding
season.
Derrick Nesbitt was the other wingman on the line with Legue and Kunitz.
While statistically impressive (20 goals, 34 assists), Nesbitt's true worth
was in his unique production. He scored six power play goals but, more importantly,
nine game winners. He accounted for nearly 30% of Ferris State's wins.
Recruits
Mark Bomersback is a 5-10, 180-pound forward, who played for the Canmore
(Alberta) Eagles of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL). He is a gifted
two-way player who's not only a threat to score goals but at making plays as
well.
Matt Rutkowski played for the Compuware Ambassadors and was an integral
part of Compuware's 2001-02 USA Hockey Junior A National Championship team.
A skilled forward who can also play with an edge.
Giovanni Flamminio is a 6-0, 185-pound defenseman who played in the
Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League's (SJHL) with the Kindersley (Saskatchewan)
Klippers. In 59 games, Flamminio racked up 62 points on 17 goals and 45 assists,
third best among the SJHL's top scoring defensemen.
Enrollment: 43,189
Nickname: Spartans
Location: East Lansing, Michigan
Arena: Munn Ice Arena
Capacity: 6,470
Coach: Rick Comley
Review
The Rick Comley era in East Lansing did not start so well. By the end of November,
they were 5-6-1 and plenty of questions about whether this team was in decline.
After regrouping, the Spartans were impressive the rest of the way through,
finishing 18-8-1, including a six and four-game winning streak.
Michigan State's defensive approach under Ron Mason gave way to a more balanced
system under Comley and it could be argued that it took some time for the players
to adjust. And when they did, the Spartans were back to their winning ways.
Michigan State was a terror on the power play. They were first in the CCHA
with a 29.7% conversion rate, which meant opponents had to make staying out
of the sin-bin a priority when matched up against the Spartans.
Defensemen who jumped in the play were the order of the day last season. John
Michael-Liles and Brad Fast were one-two in scoring but with their departure,
forwards become more important in terms on offensive contributions. Also gone
is forward Brian Maloney.
Comley is optimistic about his team's chances, and with good reason.
"I believe that it's a good hockey team. Our goals are to carry on the
good second half that we had and build on that. And I think that the advantages
that we have is that we're now familiar with each other. They know how I like
to play as a coach. They know what they are allowed to do on the ice. Now we
all have to become a little bit better defensively, score goals, give up less-
put those two things together and then you have a chance to do very well."
Who To Watch
Booth did all the right things as a freshman with Michigan State and
is poised for a big season. There are two reasons: Booth will be counted on
more to provide offense (he was the fourth leading team scorer and second among
forwards) and this is his draft year. At this point Booth should be considered
a potential first rounder. He scored 17 goals and 19 assists for the Spartans.
Falardeau turned in lackluster numbers as a sophomore. His nine goals
and 15 points were career highs but Falardeau did not produce with regularity
despite playing a key role on the team and performing in many situations. A
6-4, 217 behemoth, Falardeau has been thought of a Joe Otto-type player but
must show he can generate offense, a weakness at this point in his game.
Slater justified his first round selection by the Atlanta Thrashers
but leading the Spartans on and off the ice. He scored 18 goals and 44 points.
Slater emerged as a well-rounded player, a disciplined leader and a "heart
and soul" guy. This could well be his last season in East Lansing.
Recruits
Vicari starred for River City in the USHL where he led the league in
goaltender wins with 28. Vicari was accomplished in almost every facet of his
game and gives the Spartans, who struggled in net at times last season, a possible
replacement for Ryan Miller down the line or, if Matt Magliacco falters, at
any point during the season.
Tom Goebel was fourth in the NAHL in scoring. He played for the Cleveland
Barons. Goebel is an undersized forward how could complement the roster of MSU
forwards but must bulk up to withstand a season of hockey at any level above
American junior. It helps that he played with Jim Slater on the Barons in 2000-01.
Drew Miller is the brother of recent MSU legend Ryan Miller. An East
Lansing native, Miller registered 53 points with USHL club River City. Like
his brother, Miller is tall (6-2) but needs to bulk up. At 165 pounds, he needs
to add to his frame. The Anaheim Mighty Ducks, who drafted him in June, will
watch Miller carefully.
Enrollment: 13,000
Nickname: Mavericks
Location: Omaha, Nebraska
Arena: Qwest Center
Capacity: N/A
Coach: Mike Kemp
Review
Nebraska's 13-22-5 record was less than exciting but they have some of the
most loyal fans in the game. Back-to-back victories in late January against
Ohio State were, perhaps, the highlights of what was otherwise a disappointing
season. UNO struggled in the conference but moreso overall in scoring goals.
With 98 scores in 40 games, Nebraska-Omaha featured a popgun offense- something
that needs to change this season.
Nebraska-Omaha will be missing their two pillars of strength in defenseman
Greg Zanon and goaltender Dan Ellis. Both players were integral members of the
team despite the fact UNO underachieved greatly last year in what was seen by
many as a breakthrough campaign. Even with Ellis, UNO's defense was less than
adequate. They allowed too many chances in front relying on Ellis to bail them
out of tough situations, which is asking a lot- even at this level.
There is no question that this season will be a rebuilding year for the Mavericks
who will have 17 freshmen and sophomores on this team. There will be plenty
of adjustments to be made and a while before there is anything closely resembling
team chemistry for Mike Kemp to think about.
It is a new season, with new faces at the $300 million Qwest Center in Omaha,
Nebraska will be in the third largest arena in the country where they will be
boosted by their fan base. The Mavericks must use the increased attendance capacity
and roar of the crowd to turn their barn into a difficult place to play.
Who To Watch
Andrew Wong is the leading scorer returning from last year's team. Wong
did not show a great ability to finish (6 goals) but was more of a playmaker
as his 22 assists demonstrate. He will see top line duties and must elevate
his level of play.
Micah Sanford is a former roller hockey player from Las Vegas who has
developed into a talented ice star for the Mavericks. Blessed with good hands
and a scoring touch, Sanford scored eight goals as a freshman; he should double
those numbers this year.
Scott Turner provided timely offense for the Mavericks. With four game-winning
goals and six power play tallies, Turner was the most effective forward on the
team.
Recruits
Dan Knapp was considered the top defenseman in the AWHL last season
with Billings. He put up some decent numbers but is more of a defensive player
than two-way blueliner. It will be interesting to see his adjustment to the
college game. He could help bolster the defense.
Chris Holt earned his stripes (literally) playing for the US NTDP team. He is
a big goaltender who becomes instantly important with the departure of Dan Ellis.
He might be shaky at first but could develop into a top-flight goaltender. Holt
covers a lot of the net at 6-2, 215. He communicates well, has a good glove
hand, and good lateral movement.
Phil Angell is a mobile defenseman who can move the puck. He is not
afraid to shoot the puck but must bulk up some to compete on collegiate level.
Played with Topeka in the USHL.
Enrollment: 3,301
Nickname: Lakers
Location: Sault Saint Marie, Michigan
Arena: Taffy Abel Arena
Capacity: 3,373
Coach: Frank Anzalone
Review
They say that which does not kill you makes you grow stronger. Perhaps for
last year's returning class those are words to live by.
After finishing twelfth in the conference and an inability to score along with
some team dissension, the Lakers are hoping to turn the page.
Frank Anzalone, the Brooklyn, New York native who led the program to glory
in his first stint as coach, is looking for the right combination to improve
upon last year's six win campaign. There was better chemistry and cohesion in
the second half of the season.
Nineteen returning players means the Lakers should be better competitors but
they have score to be successful. The paltry 1.6 goals per game average simply
must change. 60 goals in 38 games only tell half the story of their season-long
power outage. The silver lining, however, is that they were 4-1-1 when they
scored at least three goals.
Anzalone has won the national title while at the helm of Lake Superior State
during his first tenure on the job. Despite the fact they have only won 14 games
in the past two seasons, Anzalone is the one person who has the credentials
to turn this around.
Who To Watch
Jon Booras led the Lakers in scoring, but that is not saying much. Booras'
nine goals and 14 points placed him second in overall points on the team.
Mike Adamek scored only one goal during 2002-03. For a forward, that,
too, is not saying much. Adamek needs to show better finish. However his 10
assists tied him for the team lead.
Matt Violin could play like a fine instrument at times. He played
in 30 games and posted four wins. His .909 saves percentage was respectable
as he established himself as the netminder Anzalone went with for the bulk of
the campaign.
Recruits
Domonic Osman recorded 29 goals and 25 assists for the Soo Indians of
the North American Junior Hockey League in 2002-03. He scored the game-winning
goal in triple overtime during the semifinal game of the 2003 Junior Nationals
held in Sault Ste. Marie.
Trent Campbell compiled 42 goals and 49 assists for the LaRonge Ice
Wolves of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League. He finished third in league
scoring and was named to the All-SJHL Second Team.
Jeffrey Rainville led the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League in scoring
with 56 goals and 54 assists. He played for the Soo Thunderbirds of the NOJHL
in 2001-02 and was a NOJHL Rookie of the Year for the Blind River Barons in
2000-01.
Enrollment: 13,000
Nickname: Falcons
Location: Oxford, Ohio
Arena: Goggin Ice Arena
Capacity: 2,200
Coach: Enrico Blasi
Review
Maybe it is the combination of Miami and Ohio but this program should get more
credit for what they accomplished last year. Even though the Red Hawks won 12
of their first 16 games, consistency was an issue. When they lost it was because
they could not score. In losses, Miami scored at least three goals on two occasions.
That is twice in 17 losses if you are keeping score at home.
Miami won their opening game in the CCHA playoffs and seemed ready to oust
Notre Dame before dropping the next two games and were eliminated themselves.
In those games Miami did not score a goal.
But even taking all of that into account, the Red Hawks won 21 games and head
coach Enrico Blasi got a lot of juice from this team. Miami boasts a lethal
power play, led by Greg Hogeboom. Hogeboom is a specialist if there ever was
one with the man advantage. 17 of his 24 goals came on the power play.
Miami will win their share of games by running up the score but caution to
the wind: they might win 7-2 today and lose 1-0 tomorrow.
Who To Watch
Mike Kompon led the Red Hawks in scoring with 17 goals and 48 points,
doubling his totals from the year before. Kompon showed plenty of enthusiasm
in being involved in the play and making plays down low. His production was
unexpected but now that his confidence is high we might be seeing a player respond
to the challenge of taking his game to another level.
Hogeboom was Mr. Automatic on the power play. He scored 17 goals with
the man advantage. Hogeboom's numbers were impressive with 24 goals and 42 points.
Now the next important thing for Hogeboom is to prove that he is more than a
special teams player. He is more than a one-trick pony but needs to score more
five-on-five goals.
Chris Michael gave the Red Hawks some good production with eight goals
and 18 assists. The Skokie, Illinois native also contributed four goals on the
power play.
Recruits
Matt Christie scored 21 goals and 30 assists in 40 games for the Aurora
Tigers. Christie was team's second-leading goal scorer and averaged 1.4 points
per game during three years of junior hockey.
Guerin was drafted by the Los Angeles Kings over the summer. Guerin
played for the Des Moines Buccaneers of the USHL. In 60 games this season with
the Buccaneers, Guerin was second on the team with 27 goals and 33 assists for
60 points. Guerin was named to the All-USHL Second Team.
Steve Hartley is the son of Atlanta Thrashers head coach Bob Hartley.
The young Hartley is expected to be the starting goaltender for the Red Hawks.
He played last season for the Gloucester Rangers of the Central Junior Hockey
League.