BLOG 37: CCHA shaping up to be another fierce fight

By Sandy Gholston

Ferris State’s Casey Haines battles for control of the loose puck during a home game against Alabama-Huntsville (Photo/Sandy Gholston)

BIG RAPIDS – The standings of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association probably look nothing like what anyone had on their preseason ballot. It’s difficult to imagine many people had Michigan State in last place at this stage of the league schedule – even though it is, admittedly, very early.

Ferris is still in the thick of the championship race sitting in fifth place in the league – slightly in the top half of the conference with 14 points (tied with Michigan and Ohio State). Notre Dame is on top with 24 points followed closely by Miami (23) and, Alaska and Nebraska-Omaha (19).

It’s hard to believe Coach Rick Comley’s Spartans will continue to struggle as badly as they have through the early portion of the schedule. They still have talent and an outstanding goaltender. They’re too dangerous. It’s more likely Michigan State will rally later in the season and climb the ladder toward the upper division of the CCHA.

Notre Dame and Miami are looking as strong as expected so far this season as CCHA leaders with 24 and 23 points, respectively.

CCHA action resumes for Ferris in a home-and-home series with U.S. 131 rival Western Michigan University. The Bulldogs and Broncos play in Big Rapids on Jan. 9 (Friday) and in Kalamazoo on Jan. 10 (Saturday).

January is an important month for the Bulldogs. After the Western series, Ferris is home for four straight with a series against Ohio State (Jan. 16-17) and another one against Nebraska-Omaha (Jan. 30-31).

A strong month of January can put the Bulldogs in a strong position.

If you have any questions, ideas or comments feel free to contact Sandy Gholston at sgholston2@netzero.com