THN CCHA preview:
(from the October 18 issue of _The Hockey News_, written by Matt Carlson)
Predicted order of finish (with notes on each team):
1. Michigan (34-10-3 overall, 24-5-3 in the CCHA)
Coach: Red Berenson (141-133-5 in seven years)
The Wolverines are clear favorites to win their first CCHA crown and
are strong contenders for the NCAA championship. With the return of
Denny Felsner and David Roberts, Michigan has perhaps the deepest, most
talented roster in all of college hockey. Five of their returnees
scored at least a point per game last season.
2. Lake Superior State (36-5-4, 26-2-4)
Coach: Jeff Jackson (36-5-4 in one year)
Their top five scorers (Jim Dowd, Doug Weight, Tim Breslin, Jeff
Napierala and Karl Johnston) have left, but the Lakers still boast a
solid defense.
3. Bowling Green (15-23-2, 13-7-2)
Coach: Jerry York (296-189-23 in 12 years, 421-276-26 overall)
The Falcons may be held back from second place by the loss of defense-
man Ken Klee, who suffered a knee injury after making the US Olympic
team. Goaltending is a problem.
4. Michigan State (17-18-5, 14-13-5)
Coach: Ron Mason (337-158-21 in 12 years, 626-268-35 overall)
Key performers: goaltender Mike Gilmore, a New York Ranger first-round
pick, defenseman Michael Stewart, and right wing Dwayne Norris.
5. Ferris State (23-14-5, 15-12-5)
Coach: Bob Mancini (23-14-5 in one year)
The third-place Bulldogs were the surprise of the CCHA last year, but
Mancini's team will have to work harder without top scorers John de-
Pourcq (15-48-63) and Rod Taylor (41-15-56).
6. Western Michigan (22-17-3, 16-14-2)
Coach: Bill Wilkinson (160-153-5 in seven years)
The Broncos successfully switched from a run-and-gun team to a tight-
checking unit last year. Right winger Keith Jones will spark the
offense.
7. Illinois-Chicago (13-23-2, 9-21-2)
Coach: Larry Perdie (13-23-2 in one year)
The Flames could improve on last season's eighth-place finish with
additional support on offense for forwards Randy Zulinick and Brad
Smiley, as well as more consistent goaltending.
8. Ohio State (11-25-4, 9-19-4)
Coach: Jerry Welsh (299-285-42 in 16 years)
Goaltender Mike Bales can sometimes bail the Buckeyes out when they
self-destruct. Glenn Painter is a slick-skating defenseman.
9. Miami-Ohio (5-29-3, 3-26-3)
Coach: George Gwozdecky (17-53-7 in two years, 84-83-9 overall in five
years)
Gwozdecky continues to rebuild the team, counting on goaltenders Mark
Michaud and Richard Shulmistra for support.
Top MVP/Hobey candidates:
1. Denny Felsner, RW, SR, 6-0, 185, Michigan. A powerful skater who has
matured and is dangerous around the net.
2. David Roberts, LW, JR, 6-1, 185, Michigan. Slick playmaker who has
great stick-handling skills. His finesse style complements linemate
Felsner.
3. Darrin Madeley, G, JR, 5-11, 165, Lake Superior State. The most
consistent goalie in the CCHA over the last two years.
4. Brett Harkins, C, JR, 6-2, 170, Bowling Green. This will be Harkins'
breakthrough year after a disappointing 1990-91 season.
5. Patrick Neaton, D, JR, 6-0, 180, Michigan. Scored 43 points last year
and is solid without the puck. Could be the CCHA's top defenseman.
Watch these freshmen:
1. Brian Rolston, C, 6-2, 180, Lake Superior State. Had a strong season
with Detroit Compuware last year. Drafted 11th overall by New Jersey
in June 1991.
2. Brian Holzinger, C, 5-11, 175, Bowling Green. Had 45 goals and 41
assists last season with the Detroit Junoir Red Wings of the NAJHL.
3. Rem Murray, C, 6-2, 180, Michigan State. His brother Pat was drafted
by Philadelphia.
4. Mark Zdan, RW, 6-0, 175, Illinois-Chicago. Last year, with the Dauphin
Kings of the Manitoba Junior League, he had 59 goals and 69 assists in
48 games.
5. Jon Hillebrandt, G, 6-5, 160, {?? Typo??} Illinois-Chicago.
Technically sound and will play a lot unless he falls on his face.
Best goalies:
1. Darrin Madeley, Lake Superior State. The league's best. Consistently
great with a good team, Madeley has a 2.61 GAA and a .894 save per-
centage.
2. Mike Gilmore, SR, 5-11, 178, Michigan State. Gilmore will step forward
with the graduation of Jason Muzatti. Finished with a .901 save per-
centage last year.
3. Pat Mazzoli, SO, 5-10, 178, Ferris State. Last season's top freshman
goalie, he will be the key to Ferris State's season.
4. Mike Bales, JR, 6-0, 185, Ohio State. A typical good goalie on a bad
team. Makes the spectacular save, but lets in soft goals because of
overwork.
5. Craig Brown, SO, 5-11, 170, Western Michigan. The CCHA's second-best
freshman goaltender last season, Brown showed a lot of poise and posted
a 3.51 GAA.
Top NHL prospects:
1. Aaron Ward, D, SO, 6-2, 200, Michigan. Big, strong guy with pro-level
skills. Needs to be more consistent. NHL rights held by Winnipeg.
2. Denny Felsner, Michigan. Great scoring touch and outside speed. NHL
rights: St. Louis.
3. Brett Harkins, Bowling Green. Terrific playmaking center who moves the
puck well and possesses good skating ability. NHL rights: New York
Islanders.
4. Michael Stewart, D, JR, 6-2, 210, Michigan State. Solid, but will miss
the first ten games this season with a knee injury. NHL rights: New
York Rangers.
5. Mike Bales, Ohio State. Perfect size and style for the pro game and
has the skill to win a game by himself. NHL rights: Boston
Catalysts -- guys who get things going:
1. Martin Jiranek, C, SR, 5-11, 175, Bowling Green. Hustles like crazy,
has a solid attitude, and forces the play.
2. Brian Wiseman, C, SO, 5-6, 175, Michigan. Not afraid of traffic and
can dish it out along the boards. Good playmaker.
3. Sandy Moger, RW, JR, 6-2, 195, Lake Superior State. Big, powerful
winger who is not afraid to go to the net. His long reach helps along
the boards.
4. Mike Dennis, D, SO, 5-10, 180, Illinois-Chicago. A rushing defenseman
who can move the puck out of his own zone.
5. Peter White, LW, SR, 5-11, 218, Michigan State. Coming off a poor
season, but is a potential Rick Tocchet-type player.
--
Bill Fenwick
Cornell '86 and probably '94
LET'S GO RED!!
"Tips for Gals: 13 Common First-Date Warning Signs That a Guy Might Be a Jerk:
"6. He wants to take you to a hockey game."
-- _Dave Barry's Guide to Marriage and/or Sex_
|
