With three games this weekend, the CMU club hockey team looks to hault a four-game losing streak when it plays Lindenwood and Northern Michigan.

But Central (5-9) has constantly dealt with a lack-luster power play which has produced seven power-play goals out of 26 power plays. The team has also had injuries, illness and recently, coach Mike Jakubik said, commitment issues.

“The only problem we have right now is players not making it to practice,” he said. “I might even go with three lines Saturday and Sunday and sit eight people.”

Jakubik said the two hours of practice per week decide who plays and who sits out games.

“Saturday, we played the best game as a team the whole season,” he said. “We took a step forward and three steps back during the week … I’m looking for them to come out 110 percent Friday.”

Central plays Lindenwood (11-3) at 9 p.m. today. The team also plays Northern Michigan (10-6) on Saturday at 4 p.m. and Sunday at 11 a.m. All games are at the Isabella County Events Arena.

“For the most part, Friday will be a big game against Lindenwood because they’re ranked higher than us and we lost to them the first game, so we need to split,” Jakubik said. “If we lose to them again, then we will never be ranked higher than them this season.”

Central lost the first game to Lindenwood 9-3 on Sept. 27.

Injuries

Freshman defenseman Alec Sherman will not play this weekend, said Jakubik. He did not get x-rays on his swollen foot and will rest through the week.

Jakubik said senior right wing Jordan Jakubik has a sore finger from a slash he took against MSU. He had to have his swollen finger drained and will try to play this weekend.
Senior defensemen Tyler Pons left practice during the week, but his injury is unspecified. He missed the first month of the season because of a shoulder injury. Sophomore goaltender Zach Knaus will also miss this weekend because of a sore wrist.

The approaching semester break also presses Central’s motivation.

“Well we want to end on a positive note, and winning three games this weekend could help us do that,” Pons said.

E-mail the author: Adam Niemi