Michigan A #3 Seed In 2010 NCAA Ice Hockey Tournament

Comments Off

Posted on 22nd March 2010 by Ben Krasner in Sports Commentary

, , , , ,

Fresh off their CCHA Tournament Championship run, the Michigan Wolverines ended up earning a #3 seed in the NCAA tournament and will face the #2 seed and 9th-ranked Bemidji State Beavers in the opening round of the regional bracket in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on March 27th.

At the beginning of the season it seemed Michigan was destined for a very successful campaign, and then at one point in the season it seemed like they wouldn’t find much measure of success at all.  A late season run put them in contention for a chance at extending their record 19 consecutive NCAA tournament appearances and the young men came through by winning the CCHA tournament and earning the CCHA automatic birth.  Then to earn a #3 seed and rise all the way to a #11 national ranking has to feel very good.

Michigan now takes aim at reaching yet another Frozen Four, with this year’s finals being staged at Ford Field, in Detroit – that would be extra special.

Go BLUE, men!

Michigan Wolverines – CCHA Champions! Hail!

Comments Off

Posted on 20th March 2010 by Ben Krasner in Sports Commentary

, , , ,

The University of Michigan Ice Hockey Team beat Northern Michigan 2-1 in the CCHA Tournament Championship Game, Saturday at Joe Louis Arena, to win the tournament for the 9th time in the program’s history and also secure a seed in the NCAA National Tournament – a goal that seemed to have slipped through the Wolverines’ grasp not all that long ago.  Junior centerman Louie Caporusso scored both of Michigan’s goals on the night and goalie Shawn Hunwick again came up huge at key moments to continue an amazing story in net.

Michigan is playing as well as anyone in the country right now and at just the right time.  The national tournament seeds will be announced tomorrow, making the tournament appearance official.  That’s now 20 consecutive appearances in the tournament – simply amazing.  Hail to the Victors!  Michigan is again, the champs!

Michigan Beats Miami To Reach CCHA Championship Game

Comments Off

Posted on 19th March 2010 by Ben Krasner in Sports Commentary | University of Michigan Sports

, , , , ,

Llewellyn scores the first goal as Michigan beats Miami to advance to the CCHA tournament final

Tristan Llewellyn scores a first period goal against Miami in the semifinal matchup. (Photo via Inside College Hockey and CCHA.com)

The University of Michigan Ice Hockey Team upset the number 2 ranked Miami, OH Redhawks 5-2 in their CCHA tournament semifinal game, Friday night, at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, MI to advance to the title game where they will face Northern Michigan for the tournament championship on Saturday.

After a bit of a sluggish start, the wolverines dominated the game by employing their skill and speed for all to see against Miami – talent that has at times been missing in action this season on both the offensive and defensive ends.  With the win Michigan secures it’s 9th tournament championship game appearance in 10 years and probably moved into a stronger position to extend it’s record 19 consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances mark to 20.

Freshman Kevin Lynch led all scorers with 2 goals and an assist on the night and Tristan Llewellyn, Lee Moffie and Brian Lebler also put the puck to the back of the net.  At times Michigan looked like it could do no wrong as passes seemed either perfect or to have options when off the mark.  A pretty tic-tac-toe play culminated in Michigan’s second goal of the night, a quick deposit to the back of the net by Lee Moffie following some great work on the boards and in front of the CCHA player of the year and Miami goaltender Cody Reichard.  Two other goals were the result of passes that missed the intended target but which found another player with a willing stick anyway.

Shawn Hunwick continues his thrilling story of seizing opportunity when it’s presented following goaltender Bryan Hogan’s groin injury in the second to last game of the regular season, against Notre Dame.  In just his 6th start of his carerr, Hunwick is playing solid in net and making some clutch saves.  Hunwick had a great second period when his team was tested the most.  Still at times looking as if he is playing a game he is simply too small to play, Hunwick continues to show great heart, quick vision and sound instincts in challenging shooters to close down opportunities at his net.

In what has been a tough year for the marquee sports at the University of Michigan, it was great to see the hockey team put a very complete effort together (and yes, even catch a touch of fortune in the process) to knock of an excellent and stingy defensive team and reach the championship final.  This coming after a great opening round showing against Lake Superior State and a quarterfinal sweep of rival Michigan State at Munn Ice Arena to get to Joe Louis Arena and the Final Four of the CCHA tournament for the 21st consecutive season and the hockey team clearly looks to be peaking at just the right time.

Northern Michigan finished 4th in the CCHA regular season and the wildcats were ranked 12th in both the USA today and USCHO polls before tournament play began.  The two teams split their two contests in Ann Arbor back in February of this year.  The wolverines finished in 7th place during the CCHA regular season while playing largely inconsistent hockey and are ranked 17th in the USCHO poll.  The puck drops for the championship at 7:35 on Saturday at Joe Louis Arena.