Club hockey travels to Ohio State
The CMU club hockey team scored 16 goals in its last series against Rochester Institute of Technology.
CMU looks to carry that offensive success into Columbus, Ohio, when it plays two games against Ohio State on Friday and at 5:15 p.m. Saturday.
Head coach Craig Lipar said the success from the weekend against Rochester has carried over into this week's early morning practices as well.
"We had a real good practice Tuesday," Lipar said. "We're all pretty excited to leave Michigan for the weekend and pick up a couple wins."
Freshman goalie Willie Mistretta hopes the offense will continue its strong play.
"After those two wins (last weekend against RIT), we're looking forward to this weekend," Mistretta said. "I think our offense is coming alive - putting more pucks in the net."
Lipar said the team's battle with injuries and what he's done to the lines to stay competitive. He said the shorter roster has forced the team to raise its physical fitness.
"I had a feeling we were going to start off like that (around .500, since the semester break), with 13 guys on the roster," Lipar said. "That could even be helping the power play situation."
Lipar said players have stepped up to the opportunity of more ice time, because of the shorter roster.
"(Sophomore forward) Nick Badder has been producing more in the last four games than earlier in the season," he said. "And (junior forward) Joe Van has stepped up as well."
Van scored three points - all assists -- in the previous two seasons on defense. After moving to forward a few weeks into this season, he scored nine goals (four on the power play) and 12 assists for 21 points. He also has 48 penalty minutes and has eight points in the last 10 games heading into Ohio State.
Badder has seven goals and 14 points this season along with 12 penalty minutes.
Lipar said he will start Mistretta in goal Friday and sophomore Matt Ellis Saturday.
Central is 13-12 and 6-4 in its last 10. Ohio State is 10-14 and 5-5 in its last 10.
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