MiCHO Week 4 Results

The Michigan State Spartans began the new season with a 5-3 win over UMass in East Lansing.
(photo courtesy of Rey Del Rio/MSU Athletic Communications)

#10 Michigan rallied at Yost for a two-game split with visiting New Hampshire.

Friday recap -  UNH 5, U of M 1
Saturday recap - UNH 1, U of M 2

The Northern Michigan Wildcats opened their season with a bang as they swept the #18 Wisconsin Badgers at the Resch Center in Green Bay.

Friday recap - NMU 2, U of W 0
Saturday recap - NMU 4, U of W 1

Michigan State began the campaign with a split at Munn against Massachusetts.

Friday recap - UMass 3, MSU 5
Saturday recap - UMass 4, MSU 3

There was no joy at the Lawson Arena as the WMU Broncos were swept aside by Nebraska-Omaha.

Friday recap - UNO 5, WMU 2
Saturday recap - UNO 3, WMU 0

#4 Ferris State went on the road and split with St. Lawrence in Canton, NY.

Friday recap - FSU 3, St. Lawrence 2
Saturday recap - FSU 0, St. Lawrence 2

Lake Superior is still searching for their first win of the year as they hammered by Notre Dame in South Bend.

Friday recap - LSSU 3, ND 5
Saturday recap - LSSU 1, ND 5

Huskies and Wildcats on the air

Photo courtesy Michigan Tech Athletics

All four WCHA battles between the Michigan Tech Huskies and Northern Michigan Wildcats this season will be aired live on Fox UP.

NMU's Walt Kyle nails Ice Bucket Challenge

Northern Michigan head coach Walt Kyle takes the Ice Bucket Challenge to a new level.

Former Wildcat Hiller moves to Red Wings bench

Photo courtesy of Northern Michigan Athletics

Northern Michigan hockey alum and Sports Hall of Famer, Jim Hiller, accepts assistant coaching job with the Detroit Red Wings.

Sawruk moving to Soo

Former Northern Michigan player Alex Sawruk named assistant coach with NAHL's Soo Eagles.

Lehtinen staying in Marquette

Former four-year letterwinner Rob Lehtinen named assistant coach at Northern Michigan.

Baker and Kesti named Wildcat captains

Seniors Jake Baker and Ryan Kesti named Northern Michigan's captains for 2014-15 season.

Wildcats bested by goal-happy Ferris State

By Tom Morelli/Ferris State Beat Writer

The No. 5 ranked Ferris State Bulldogs returned to their dominant form this past weekend, securing their first sweep in nearly a month at the expense of Northern Michigan.

The pair of wins keeps the Bulldogs in first place amongst the WCHA standings with 32 points, with Minnesota State hot on their trail after an equally impressive showing against Bemidji State.

Ferris State got on the scoreboard first in Friday's contest, with Kenny Babinski redirecting Jason Binkley's shot past netminder Mathias Nahlstrom at the 11-minute mark while on the power-play.

A mere four minutes later, the Wildcats returned the favor on a one-timer by Erik Higby off Reed Seckel's pass from behind the net.

That would be as close as Northern Michigan would get, as the Bulldogs went on a three-goal binge in the second period, beginning with Matt Robertson's power-play marker at 5:46 that trickled through the legs of a Wildcat defenseman.

Less than two minutes later, senior forward Garrett Thompson made it a 3-1 affair on a breakaway goal, with assists being handed out to Ryan Lowney and Andy Huff.

Huff would register his third helper of the night just before period's end, backhanding a pass from the wing that would find its way onto the stick of linemate Chad McDonald for the short-handed marker.

Following Brandon Anselmini's lamp-lighter with 4:05 in the third, Northern Michigan head coach Walt Kyle yanked Nahlstrom in favor of freshman Derek Dun.

The goaltending switch did little to subdue the red-hot Bulldogs, as Corey Kane and Thompson both found the back of the net to give Ferris State their highest scoring output this season since a 7-4 decision over Colgate in the season opener.

Junior C.J. Motte had 29 saves between the pipes for the Bulldogs, compared to Nahlstrom's 26. Dun saw 15:55 of action, recording three stops on five attempts in relief duty.

Although Ferris State was unable to replicate their high-octane offense in the series finale, they did just enough to walk away with a 2-1 win and secure their sixth sweep of the season.

The Bulldogs once again grabbed the early lead, with freshman Jared VanWormer registering his second goal of the campaign just 3:44 into the game on a one-timer from Dominic Panetta. Also earning an assist on that play was linemate Dakota Klecha.

It wasn't until the third period that Ferris State would strike again, this time with a SportsCenter worthy goal by Kane at the 4:21 mark. The tic-tac-toe play began with a bullet pass from the right faceoff circle by Klecha that was intercepted by VanWormer in front of the crease, who then backhanded the puck to a trailing Kane for the game-winner.

The Wildcats however would not go down quietly, as Darren Norwick snuck the puck past Motte off a feed from Wade Epp with just over seven minutes left in regulation.

Motte had a game-high 29 saves to improve to 20-4-3 as a starter. At the other end of the ice, Nahlstrom (10-13-2) had 21 stops to his credit.

Ferris State  (20-6-3 overall, 15-3-2 WCHA) hits the road this weekend for a two-game slate against Bemidji State, while Northern Michigan (11-15-2, 9-10-1) plays host to Lake Superior State.

Bulldogs earn split in Marquette

By Tom Morelli/Ferris State Beat Writer

Ferris State returned from the Upper Peninsula this past weekend essentially in the same spot from which they left, splitting their weekend series with Northern Michigan.

Friday's match-up was tilted in favor of the Bulldogs, who took the lead on a Brandon Anselmini power-play goal with 10:42 elapsed in the opening period. Earning assists on that play were senior forward Eric Alexander and sophomore defenseman Simon Denis.

In the ensuing period, Ferris State extended their lead thanks to an even-strength marker nearly eight minutes in by senior captain Kyle Bonis, who registered his team-leading 15th of the campaign.

Midway through the third, the Wildcats were able to cut the deficit in half courtesy of a Ryan Aynsley goal that came during a 3-on-3 situation.

With 11 seconds left in the contest, senior center Travis Ouellette scored an empty-netter to ensure a Bulldogs victory.

Ferris State goaltender C.J. Motte collected 23 stops, while Jared Coreau had 15 at the other end of the ice.

Northern Michigan evened-up matters in the series finale with a 3-0 shellacking, thanks in large part to a two-goal effort during the second period.

Following a scoreless opening stanza, the Wildcats came alive with a Mitch Jones lamp-lighter midway through the frame, and extended their lead on a Reed Seckel goal with 27 seconds left.

Zach Dorer's second roughing penalty of the third would come back to haunt the Bulldogs, as Northern's Stephan Vigier finished off a pass from Matt Thurber and Jones to beat Motte with under five minutes remaining in regulation.

Motte finished the contest with 30 saves, 13 of which came in the first period alone.

Coreau shied away all 19 shots to tally his first shutout of the season.

Northern Michigan (12-13-4 overall, 6-12-4-1 CCHA) travels to Michigan Tech tomorrow, before heading out to Lansing for a two-game set with Michigan State this weekend.

Ferris State (14-12-4, 12-10-2-1) plays host this Friday and Saturday to Bowling Green State, whom they swept back in November. The Bulldogs' senior class will be honored prior to the series finale, which also coincides with Hockey Day In Michigan.

Michigan takes both from Northern Michigan

By Bob Miller/Michigan Beat Writer

Continuing the steady climb up the CCHA standings that they started in mid-December, Michigan took two tightly-contested games from Northern Michigan Friday and Saturday at Yost Arena.

The wins boost the Wolverines to the second spot in the CCHA standings behind consensus top-ranked Ferris State.

Trailing Ferris State by six points, Michigan needs major help from Western Michigan, the Bulldogs' final weekend opponent, to catch the league leader.

Michigan's special teams were the story of the Friday night opener against Northern Michigan. The Wolverines killed all six Wildcat power plays and scored two power-play goals of their own in a 4-1 win that wasn't decided until late in the third period.

Derek DeBlois' late third period goal put the Wolverines up 3-1 after Northern Michigan had applied steady pressure trying to tie the game in the final 20 minutes.

“I can't tell you exactly,” answered Michigan head coach Red Berenson, when asked the reason for his team's penalty killing prowess. “I think part of it was respect for their power play. Part of it was willingness to block shots and win faceoffs and do the little things, but our penalty killers were embarrassed last week. Tonight, it was a good night for them.”

A.J. Treais broke a 2-2 tie 1:20 into overtime on Saturday night, Michigan's Senior Night, on a lightning quick one-timer after receiving a pass from senior Wolverine captain Luke Glendening.

Glendening anticipated a back pass of the side boards from a Wildcat defenseman, intercepted the clearing attempt and found Treais open immediately. Treais made no mistake to clinch the 3-2 win and the series sweep for Michigan.

“He just didn't have anywhere else to go,” Glendening said of the intercepted pass. “He would have had to cross-ice and that's tough, especially in overtime. So, I just got lucky, I guess.”

“It's pretty fitting, “ continued Glendening regarding the fact that Treais bagged the goal. “The way he has been playing is unbelievable. He's been playing well offensively, but he's playing really well defensively.”

Michigan closes out its regular season with a pair of contests at Bowling Green this coming weekend before heading into the post-season.

Wildcats sweep away Bowling Green

By Susannah Nichols/ Northern Michigan Beat Writer

The Northern Michigan Wildcats snapped a three-game winless streak with a road sweep of the Bowling Green Falcons. Jared Coreau had both victories in net for the 'Cats: a 4-2 win on Friday and a 2-0 shutout on Saturday.

The 'Cats jumped out to an early lead on Friday thanks to a few Falcon penalties. Stephan Vigier netted a power-play goal at 2:14 with Justin Florek and Andrew Cherniwchan assisting. The same trio combined for a second goal at 5:58, this time with Cherniwchan lighting the lamp. Another Wildcat power play allowed Scott Macaulay to give the 'Cats a 3-0 lead before the midway mark of the first period. Matt Thurber and Tyler Gron earned assists on the play.

The teams were even at 12 shots apiece in the second period. The Falcons got on the board at 7:40, but the 'Cats responded when Thurber set up Florek for a goal late in the period.

The Falcons dominated the third period, outshooting the 'Cats 14-3, but they could only manage one more goal for a final score of 4-2.

Coreau finished with 32 saves on Friday. He got the nod for Saturday's game as well and turned in a flawless 31-save performance.

After a scoreless first period, the 'Cats made good on Coreau's efforts: Vigier set up Mitch Jones early in the second period. The Falcons had the edge in shots for the rest of the game, but their efforts were fruitless--even the addition of an extra attacker just resulted in Cherniwchan scoring an empty-net goal for the 2-0 final.

Next week, the 'Cats (14-10-6, 9-9-6-3 CCHA) hit the road for Ann Arbor to take on Michigan, and then close out the regular season at home against UP rival Lake Superior State.

Wildcats and Miami do the splits

By Susannah Nichols/ Northern Michigan Beat Writer

The Northern Michigan Wildcats rolled into Oxford, Ohio, and picked up a 2-1 victory against the Miami RedHawks. On Saturday, however, the No. 17-ranked RedHawks proved to be too much for the 'Cats to handle and handed their visitors a 6-0 shutout.

Justin Florek netted his fourteenth goal of the season to put the 'Cats on the board on Friday night. Erik Higby and Wade Epp were credited with assists. Tyler Gron added a goal (with some help from Matt Thurber and Kyle Follmer) to give the 'Cats a 2-0 lead by the end of the first period.

That would prove to be enough, thanks to the outstanding play of goalie Jared Coreau: the RedHawks outshot the 'Cats 30-9 over the next two periods, but Coreau only allowed one goal early in the third. He finished with 40 saves.

Coreau got the start for Saturday's game as well and kept things reasonably close for the first two periods, allowing two goals on 24 shots. However, his teammates couldn't find the back of the net and managed only two shots in the final twenty minutes.

The RedHawks, on the other hand, got two more goals on Coreau before he was replaced by Reid Ellingson who gave up two goals on ten shots. The 0-6 loss was the 'Cats' worst of the season.

Northern's record is now 12-9-5 (7-8-5-2 CCHA). The team will look to rebound next weekend when they return to Marquette to take on the Ferris State Bulldogs. Game time is 7:30 on Friday and Saturday.

Michigan State gets five of six points from NMU

Compiled by MiCHO Staff

Michigan State and Northern Michigan played two tight games this weekend in East Lansing, but it was the Spartans who came out on the winning side both nights.

Ten different players scored a goal, seven had multiple points and Tyler Gron scored an extra-attacker goal with 26 seconds left in the game to give the Wildcats a 5-5 tie on Friday night.

NMU scored a goal in the final minute of each period, but the Spartans won the shootout on Matt Berry’s goal to earn the extra point.

Brian Nugent and Justin Florek opened the scoring for NMU, followed by four straight MSU goals from Chris Forfar, Anthony Hayes, Kevin Walrod and Mike Merrifield.

NMU's Matt Thurber added a goal late in the opening frame.

The teams exchanged goals in the second period, with Michigan State's Tim Buttery and Northern Michigan's Scott Macaulay each scoring.

Spartans' goaltender Drew Palmisano stopped 28 shots and Northern Michigan's Reid Ellingson and Jared Coreau combined for 30 saves on the night.

Saturday night, Brock Shelgren broke a 1-1 tie with a second-period tally and Michigan State held on to defeat Northern Michigan, 2-1, and take five of a possible six points on the weekend.

Berry scored the Spartans' first goal, while Thurber scored for the Wildcats.

Will Yanakeff made 23 saves in the win and Coreau finished with 28 saves for in the loss.

MSU (12-19-3, 7-7-2-2 CCHA) is just three points behind third-place Lake Superior State, the team MSU hosts next weekend at Munn Ice Arena.

The Wildcats (10-8-5, 6-7-5-0 CCHA) host Michigan Tech next Saturday night.

Wildcats tie, beat Nanooks

By Susannah Nichols/ Northern Michigan Beat Writer
 
The Northern Michigan Wildcats started 2012 off right with 2-2 tie and a 7-3 victory against the visiting Alaska-Fairbanks Nanooks. Andrew Cherniwchan and Matt Thurber both had hat tricks in Saturday night's victory: the first time since 1992 that two Wildcats have had hat tricks in a single game.

The Nanooks and the 'Cats were deadlocked for the first period and a half of play on Friday night, with Northern netminder Reid Ellingson seeing slightly more action than his Alaskan counterpart: UAF had 19 shots over the first two periods to NMU's 15. Late in the second period, Northern took a 2-0 lead , thanks to a power play goal from Justin Florek and an even-strength marker from Reed Seckel.

Alaska outshot Northern 13-4 in the third period and it paid off: Alaska knotted the score to send the game to overtime. Northern didn't manage a single shot in overtime; Ellingson succeeded in stopping all four of Alaska's and finished with 30 total saves on the night.

Alaska made one goal in the shootout; Northern was blanked.

Alaska maintained dominance in shots in Saturday's game, but the 'Cats made the most of their opportunities. Cherniwchan started the scoring late in the first period, on a power-play goal with assists from Florek and Stephan Vigier. UAF tied the game early in the second, and goals from Thurber and Cherniwchan (again set up by Florek and Vigier) gave the 'Cats a 3-1 lead.

The Nanooks scored again to cut the lead to one heading into the final twenty minutes, but Mitch Jones scored at 5:33 of the third period to take back the momentum for the 'Cats. Thurber's second goal of the night put the 'Cats on top 5-2.

After Michael Quinn lit the lamp for the Nanooks, they tried pulling their goalie. Thurber capitalized on the opportunity to finish his hat trick with an empty-netter. Cherniwchan added some frosting to the victory with a last-second goal to seal the 7-3 victory and his own hat trick.

Jared Coreau had 37 saves for the Wildcats in Saturday's win.

The Wildcats (10-7-4, 6-6-4-2 CCHA) will look to continue their four-game unbeaten streak next weekend, when they hit the road to take on Michigan State in East Lansing. Puck drops at 7:00 PM on Friday and Saturday.

USHL goalie commits to Northern Michigan

USHL Press Release

The Chicago Steel has announced that goaltender Mathias Dahlstrom has committed to play collegiate hockey at Northern Michigan University beginning next season.

“I really liked Northern Michigan when I went there on a visit,” Dahlstrom said. “The coaches were very nice and helpful throughout the recruiting process. Overall, it was a good fit for me. “My family always knew that I wanted to play college hockey and they are happy that I get the chance to follow my dream.”

Dahlstrom is playing in his first USHL season and currently leads all league goaltenders in minutes played (984:17) and saves (504). He opened his USHL career making 32 saves and turning aside two of three in the shootout during the 3-2 shootout win vs. Team USA on Oct. 1.

The 20-year-old from Smedjebacken, Sweden, has been in net for all seven of the victories by the Steel this season and has posted a 2.99 goals-against average and .911 save percentage.

“We are excited that Mathias has committed to Northern Michigan,” Chicago Steel head coach Scott McConnell said. “He will get the opportunity to step in and push for playing time when he arrives on campus. His character and work ethic, combined with his abilities, will allow him to contribute to their hockey program immediately. Mathias has been the backbone of our team and every team he has played for and I expect the same in the future.”

Dubuque Fighting Saints forward Gerard Hanson is also committed to play hockey at Northern Michigan following his USHL career.

Photo/MJB Images

Wildcats sweep away Miami

By Susannah Nichols/ Northern Michigan Beat Writer

After going winless for eight straight games, the Northern Michigan Wildcats are on a three-game winning streak after a weekend sweep of Miami. Tyler Gron earned five points in the series, and Stephan Vigier and Justin Florek had two goals apiece in Saturday's victory.

Gron started the scoring in Friday's game with a power-play goal midway through the first period. Florek and Dylan Walchuk picked up assists. Miami tied the game a few minutes later, and the teams remained deadlocked until the third period.

Miami outshot NMU 14-4 in the third period, but Wildcat defender Jake Baker had the only shot that mattered: the freshman scored his first collegiate goal at 17:50 of the third to clinch the 'Cats' 2-1 win. Gron and Kory Kaunisto assisted on the play.

Jared Coreau finished with 25 saves for the 'Cats.

On Saturday, the Wildcats didn't rest on their laurels: Vigier lit the lamp with some help from Ryan Daugherty and DJ Vandercook, and Florek added a power-play goal a few minutes later for his 8th tally of the season.

Nine seconds later, Miami answered with a shorthanded goal.

In a deja vu of the previous night's third period, Miami dominated NMU in shots in the second period, but Reed Seckel managed the only goal for either team.

Multiple Miami penalties set NMU up for success in the third period: both Vigier and Florek netted power-play goals to give the 'Cats a 5-1 win.

Reid Ellingson had 28 saves for the 'Cats.

Coach Walt Kyle praised his team's efforts: "[Miami] came out early and we were able to weather that storm and recollect ourselves. I give a lot of credit to the leadership on our team.”

The Wildcats (7-6-3, 4-5-3-2 CCHA) take on UP rival Lake Superior State next weekend in the Soo. Games start at 7:00 PM on Friday and Saturday.

Wildcats and Spartans do the splits

Five players to serve one-game suspensions

By Susannah Nichols/ Northern Michigan Beat Writer

The Michigan State Spartans dealt the Northern Michigan Wildcats their first home loss on Friday night with a 4-2 victory. The Wildcats rebounded the following night to earn a series split with a 2-1 win.

The 'Cats played the Spartans close on Friday--shots were even at ten apiece through the first period, and the 'Cats trailed by a goal heading into the final minutes of the game: an empty-netter sealed the deal for State.

Tyler Gron scored both of Northern's goals, and Torey Krug had a goal and assist for the Spartans. Reid Ellingson had 20 stops for the 'Cats; reigning CCHA Player of the Week Will Yanakeff had 25 saves for State.

In Saturday's game, NMU outshot State 25-11 over the first two periods, but it wasn't until a power play late in the second period that Justin Florek could light the lamp and give the 'Cats a 1-0 lead.

Matt Berry tied the game for the Spartans at 12:21 of the third with some help from Kevin Walrod and Brett Perlini.

But it was NMU junior Brian Nugent who netted the game-winner for his first goal of the season, with Wade Epp and Scott Macaulay earning assists.

Yanakeff had 28 stops, and Jared Coreau held off an extra-man surge at the game's end to earn 20 saves and the victory for the 'Cats.

NMU coach Walt Kyle reflected on the game: “I though we played well," he said. “They are a good team. I was really happy because Brian Nugent is one of the hardest working guys that we have day in and day out.”

The night ended with a number of game misconducts and five disqualifications after a shoving match broke out after the whistle. The disqualified players will serve a one-game suspension: Epp, Macaulay, and Kyle Follmer for the Wildcats, and Krug and Greg Wolfe for the Spartans.

The Wildcats (5-6-3, 2-5-3-2 CCHA) are UP-bound for the rest of the calendar year; they are idle for Thanksgiving weekend and welcome Miami to Marquette the weekend of December 2-3. The Spartans (7-5-0, 4-4-0-0 CCHA) return home to face Minnesota on Friday and Saturday. Game time is 7:05 both nights.

Buckeyes sweep away Wildcats

By Susannah Nichols/ Northern Michigan Beat Writer

Northern Michigan's trip to Columbus yielded lackluster results: the Wildcats fell to the Buckeyes twice, both times to the tune of a 4-1 score.

Stephan Vigier got Friday's game moving in the right direction: his goal gave the 'Cats a 1-0 lead late in the first period. Kory Kaunisto earned an assist on the play. But the Buckeyes owned the next two periods; they outshot the 'Cats 33-7 and scored four unanswered goals.

Reid Ellingson, in net for the 'Cats, finished with 34 saves.

Ellingson got the start on Saturday but was replaced in the second period by Jared Coreau after the Buckeyes got out to a 2-0 lead. He left the game with 19 saves.

After Northern managed only eight shots in the first two periods (to the Buckeyes' 31!), Dylan Walchuk got things going for the 'Cats in the third. With some help from Reed Seckel, Walchuk netted his second of the season to bring the 'Cats within one. But the Buckeyes struck back with two straight goals on Coreau, who finished the loss with 15 saves.

The 'Cats (4-5-3, 1-4-3-2 CCHA) head back to Marquette and will take on Michigan State next weekend. The puck drops at 7:35 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Wildcats and Irish skate to two ties

By Susannah Nichols/ Northern Michigan Beat Writer

The Northern Michigan Wildcats welcomed fourth-ranked Notre Dame to Marquette this weekend. Both games resulted in ties: 2-2 on Friday, 1-1 on Saturday. The Cats won the shootout both nights to strengthen their conference standing. The Wildcats continued to find offensive energy in a variety of places, as eight different players contributed points throughout the weekend.

On Friday, Ryan Kesti scored his first collegiate goal to put the Wildcats up 1-0 early in the first period. Tyler Gron earned the assist.

The Irish tied up the game at 13:20 of the first period and took the lead on a power-play goal by Billy Maday early in the second. Notre Dame outshot Northern 14-4 over the course of the second period, but Reed Seckel and Matt Thurber still managed to set up Justin Florek for the the tying goal.

The third period saw only four shots from the Irish and six from the 'Cats--and each team only managed a single shot during overtime. In the shootout, Seckel was the only player to score.

Reid Ellingson had a 25-save performance for the 'Cats.

Ellingson got the second start on Saturday and lived up to the challenge: peppered with 45 Irish shots, he only let in one goal midway through the first period.

The Irish held the lead till early in the third, when Erik Higby sent a pass to Andrew Cherniwchan to tie the score. Kyle Follmer was also credited with an assist.

Ellingson stayed steady through overtime, turning away all three of Notre Dame's shots and all three of their shootout attempts.

Gron had the shootout goal for the 'Cats.

Conference play continues for NMU (4-4-3, 1-2-3-2 CCHA) next weekend, when they head to Columbus to take on Ohio State. They will play a rare day game at 12 PM on Friday, and play at 7:00 PM on Saturday.

Broncos still unbeaten in '11-12

By Bob Miller/Western Michigan Beat Writer

The Bronco Express just keeps rolling along.

Seventh-ranked Western Michigan swept their weekend series against Northern Michigan to keep their unbeaten streak alive at eight games with five wins and three ties.

The Wildcats extended the Broncos to overtime in the Saturday night series finale, though, before Ian Slater scored 28 seconds into the extra period for a 3-2 victory.

Western Michigan rode Dane Walters' two-goal performance to a 4-2 victory in Friday night's opener.

The pair of wins cement the Broncos standing in the upper echelon of the CCHA standings, tied for second place with Ohio State, while Northern Michigan drops to seventh in the conference rundown after their first away weekend of their CCHA schedule.

Bronco netminder Frank Slubowski was treated to leisurely stints in goal both nights by his Western Michigan teammates. The Broncos limited the Wildcats to only 14 shots on goal Friday and then only 15 more in Saturday's contest.

Western Michigan will get the opportunity to add even more credence to their fast start when they travel to Michigan to take on the fourth-ranked Wolverines this weekend in an early season showdown between CCHA hopefuls.

Northern Michigan's slate remains challenging as well, with the Wildcats returning home for two games against a solid Notre Dame squad.