The season got underway for college hockey this weekend. While most of the teams were playing exhibition games, there was one regular season game as Bowling Green kicked things off visiting Niagara University.
The Falcons are looking to improve on last season's 14-25-5 campaign, in which they actually started off unbeaten in their first five games (4-0-1). Niagara got things going late in the second period by tallying the first goal of the college hockey season. It didn't take long for Bowling Green to respond tallying a power play marked by Camden Wojtala just 1:43 later. The Falcons looked like they would get out of town with a 2-1 victory when Robert Shea put Bowling Green up with just 3:41 remaining in regulation, but Niagara's Chris Lochner tied the game up with 50 seconds to go. Neither team scored in overtime, though Bowling Green did out-shoot Niagara 5-0 in the extra session, and 36-30 for the game. Andrew Hammond made 28 saves for Bowling Green.
Bowling Green is back in action today against Ontario IT. Their next regular season game is this Friday versus 2012 Frozen Four participant Union.
The other CCHA teams where in exhibition action:
Alaska 6 Regina 0
LSSU 2 Ryerson 1
Western 2 Western Ontario 2 (OT)
Today six more CCHA teams play exhibition contests:
Bowling Green vs. Ontario IT
Ferris State vs. Ryerson
Miami vs. Western Ontario
Notre Dame vs. US U-18 Team
Northern Michigan vs. Brock
Ohio State vs. Waterloo
Michigan State is in action tomorrow versus Windsor at 7:05 pm. Michigan takes on Windsor on Tuesday. Both of those games can be seen on Comcast.
Regular Season Action
The regular season for everyone gets under way this upcoming week/weekend with the following schedule:
Thursday:
Michigan Tech at LSSU
RIT at Michigan
Friday:
Union at BGSU
Colgate at Miami
Ferris State at Rensselaer
RIT at Michigan
Ohio State at Minnesota-Duluth
Michigan State at Minnesota (Fox Sports North)
Northern Michigan at Wisconsin
St. Lawrence at Western Michigan
Notre Dame vs. Maine (Kansas City, MO - NBCSN)
Air Force vs. Alaska (Anchorage, AK)
Saturday:
Union at BGSU
LSSU at Michigan Tech
Colgate at Miami
Ferris State at Rensselaer
Ohio State at Minnesota-Duluth
Michigan State at Minnesota (Fox Sports North Plus)
Northern Michigan at Wisconsin
St. Lawrence at Western Michigan
Army or UNO vs. Notre Dame (Kansas City, MO)
Canisius vs. Alaska (Anchorage, AK)
Preseason CCHA Power Ranking:
Call it gut instinct......
1. Western Michigan (0-0-0). Although the exhibition tie raises an eyebrow, the Broncos figure to be a major factor in the CCHA race this year.
2. Michigan (0-0-0). Returning some of the best talent in the league, the question remains can Michigan put it together for an entire season and live up to the lofty expectations.
3. Notre Dame (0-0-0). Jeff Jackson will have his guys contending once again this season.
4. Michigan State (0-0-0). My first "surprise pick" of the season. Obviously this will depend on how the freshman contribute, but the Spartans will be a tough victory for anyone in the CCHA this year.
5. Miami (0-0-0). The dynasty will be a factor in the CCHA race once again, as the top half of the league looks to be very, very tough.
6. Ferris State (0-0-0). A Frozen Four team a year ago, the Bulldogs may take a step back a little bit this year, but they are still going to be in the mix. This just goes to show you the depth of the CCHA this season.
7. Northern Michigan (0-0-0). The Wildcats always seem to find a way to be in the mix for the top 5.
8. LSSU (0-0-0). The Lakers are looking to build upon a solid 18-17-5 campaign last season.
9. Ohio State (0-0-0). This might be too low for the Buckeyes, but this is always a team you look for them to take two steps forward without taking three steps backt before you jump on the bandwagon.
10. Alaska (0-0-0). The Nanooks might be in the bottom half of the league, but the long trip out west is never easy. If they improve their lower 48 performance, they will be a surprise team this season.
11. Bowling Green (0-0-1). Bowling Green should be better this season, but with the depth and talent in the CCHA this year, it might be tough for them to move up that much.
Preseason Big 10 Power Ranking:
Call it gut instinct part II:
1. Minnesota (WCHA, 0-0-0). The Golden Gophers believe they could be the team to beat this year.
2. Michigan (CCHA, 0-0-0). The Wolverines have the talent to contend for the big prize this year.
3. Michigan State (CCHA, 0-0-0). The Spartans are flying under the radar right now.
4. Wisconsin (WCHA, 0-0-0). Will the Badgers take a positive step forward this year?
5. Ohio State (CCHA, 0-0-0). I still believe Ohio State is a sleeping giant in hockey.
6. Penn State (Ind., 0-0-0). Welcome to the big stage Penn State, up first, American Int'l.
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