2008 Woodie Awards
Club hockey faces DePaul in first round of regionals
By: Tim Ottusch
Issue date: 2/22/08 Section: Sports
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CMU faces DePaul in the first round of regionals at 3 p.m. today in the Leafs Ice Center.
Central beat DePaul 5-2 on Sept. 28, but fell 6-5 on Sept. 29 in Chicago.
Central went 2-15 after starting 10-3, but still can advance to nationals with two wins this weekend.
"This is definitely the time to regain our composure and finish like we started," said junior defenseman Andrew Anson.
Senior captain Craig Lipar said the losing streak has humbled the team.
"There's already a chip on our shoulder from what happened this last semester of losing that many games," Lipar said. "We know this is our only and last chance to make something happen, especially the seniors on the team."
Today's four winners play Saturday to determine the two teams that will advance to nationals in Fort Myers, Fla. The teams are re-seeded after the first round. If Central advances, it will play at 5:40 or 7 p.m. on Saturday.
"Getting to the nationals is the Stanley Cup for the (American Collegiate Hockey Association)," Anson said. "We just want to be here every year, especially in Florida at this time of year."
If the team loses, it will play in a consolation game at 12:30 p.m. or 2:10 p.m. on Saturday.
Last year in regionals, the team advanced to the second round and had a 6-2 lead over Grand Valley State after two periods. GVSU then scored five unanswered goals in the third period and ended CMU's season.
Lipar said the team members put last year's heartbreak behind them.
"That's in the very back of our minds right now," Lipar said. "Coming into the playoffs, every team is 0-0. It's like a fresh start."
Central (12-17) was able to get to regionals based largely on its strength of schedule. Only one team it faced during that stretch was not in the top six in its respective region or a Division I opponent.
Lipar said the tough competition prepared the team for regionals.
"I think it helps a lot," he said. "Especially with the last weekend we played Western Michigan, a team that was very good, a Division I fast and tough team."
CMU has advanced to nationals nine out of the last 11 years.
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