Despite .500 record, club hockey team in playoffs
The CMU club hockey team took the ice early Thursday morning with the energy of an Friday evening game and playoff hockey on the horizon.
After enduring a roster shortage, injuries and a tough schedule, the CMU club hockey team was selected Feb. 17 to play in the ACHA Div. II Regional Tournament.
Central (15-15) will play Lindenwood (24-10) at 2:40 p.m. EST today at North Shore Ice Arena in Northwood, Ill., about 25 miles from downtown Chicago.
"When it comes down to it, I just think with the talent we have on this team, and proving themselves in a few of the larger games this year," said head coach Craig Lipar.
Central was selected to compete in the regional tournament three days after the last weekend of the season Feb. 13 and 14 against Ferris State. It finished with a No. 8 rank, and will push for a second consecutive appearance in the national tournament.
"It's a big weekend," said junior right wing Jordan Jakubik. "We feel pretty good. We're familiar with all the teams of course."
The top two-ranked teams in each division get an automatic bid to the national tournament, and do not have to play in regionals. Davenport (33-3) and Grand Valley State (20-10) finished No. 1 and 2 respectively in the Central Region. The team hosting the national tournament gets an automatic bid to it - GVSU is also hosting the national tournament in Grand Rapids on March 17-22. The top 10 teams of each region get a regional tournament spot.
Twenty-four regional games will be played in ACHA Div. II hockey Friday and Saturday to determine who goes on to nationals.
"When it gets time to put up or shut up, I think we'll be one of the teams that'll be putting up for the playoffs," Lipar said. "I definitely think we're ready for this weekend, and to show other teams in the area the talent we have to showcase."
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