Club hockey wins big game
The club hockey team must now play the waiting game having done its part with a key 6-3 victory against Michigan State last Friday.
It was a must-win game for CMU. Led by three goals from the defensive minded Chad Pipken, Craig Lipar, Chuck Vaughn line, and a pair from top scorer Chris LaPan, the team handed its fate to the rankings voters.
CMU held MSU’s high-octane power play to only one goal and stifled its top line all night.
Team captain Rob Innis said the game was the team’s best this season, and credited teamwork and an added desire to win.
“The team has finally come together and the motivation to go to nationals were huge keys for us,” he said.
Another crucial factor was the play of starting goaltender Mike Jakubik, as he allowed three goals.
Innis spoke highly of Jakubik’s play.
“He played well,” Innis said. “He made some big stops for us when we needed them.”
The Pipken, Lipar and Vaughn line went on the offensive with Pipken scoring twice and Lipar once.
The line’s contribution is indicative of how the team has played of late.
With the ability to run four lines at will, CMU consistently keeps offensive pressure on opponents.
Pipken credited the team’s success to disciplined position hockey and some luck.
“We just got some breaks with the puck,” he said. “They weren’t pretty goals but we managed to somehow play well on offense, and defense.”
The final Division II rankings will be posted Friday. The victory combined with a pair of Michigan losses last weekend should put CMU in the 16-team field.
Pipken likes the team’s odds.
“I think we could be a pretty good upset team,” he said. “We’re one of the hottest teams in the country and we’re starting to pull it all together.”
