Southern Illinois University--Edwardsville handed CMU Hockey a loss that brought the 2011-12 season to a close.  The program wants to thank seniors Jake VanAtta, Taylor Turner, Nick Badder, and Thomas Murphy for the time and energy they put into the program and wish them luck as they enter their future endeavors. Congratulations to the teams that will represent the Central Region in the National Tournament: #1 Grand Valley, #2 Michigan State, #3 Lindenwood, #4 Michigan.

Further, CMU Hockey takes pride in the relationships it has built and would like to thank all of the generous volunteers and supporters who help make each season what it is.  Thanks to everyone who makes CMU Hockey possible.

On Tap
  Visit CMUhockey.com to keep up with upcoming projects:                     Prospect Camps TBD
                                                                                                                                   CMU Hockey Dressing Room Build
                                                                                                                                   Golf Outing Fundraiser
                                                                                                                                   Youth Camps
                                                                                                                                   2012-13 Schedule Release
                                                                                                                                   

Congratulations to GVSU and MSU who will receive an automatic bid to the National Tournament in Fort Myers, Florida. Teams ranked 3-10 will head to Northshore Arena in Chicago, IL to play single elimination playoff games for the remaining 2 spots representing the Central Region at the National Tournament.  The Chippewas will face #7 Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville in game 1 at 2:20pm CST.  The four remaining teams will be re-seeded after the first round.

Game 1: CMU got off to a sluggish start in the first period but still skated into the locker rooms up 1-0 after the first 20 minutes.  The Chippewas gained control in the second period, never looking back.  The score after two was 4-0.  CMU tacked on 2 in the third period and Tyler Everlove stood tall to deliver the Chippewas to their first shutout of the season.  

Game 2: Senior Night offered an emotional start and a more emotional ending.  After a ceremony to honor four graduating seniors--Taylor Turner, Jake VanAtta, Nick Badder, and Thomas Murphy--the game started in Bowling Green's favor.  They got an early goal to go ahead 1-0.  Following the lapse, CMU took over, scoring 5 unanswered.  The 5-1 lead was shortened to 5-3 heading into the third session.  A goal by the Chippewas to make it 6-3 seemed like a dagger at the time, but Bowling Green would show spirit, coming back to make it 6-5.  A late penalty gave the Falcons an opportunity that they capitalized on with just 8 seconds remaining, sending the game to OT.  After killing off a questionable OT penalty, the Chippewas had a rush where Trevor Vosmik banged home an OT winning rebound. The players joined in a jubilant celebration to end regular season play.

CMU will wait for the final ranking , hoping for a favorable position heading into Regional Playoffs.

The final weekend of the season will feature two teams slated for their respective Regional Tournaments.  Bowling Green competes in the South East Region and is that region's #8 ranked team. CMU remains at #6 in the Central Region for the fourth consecutive ranking period.  The games should be tightly contested and each feature a special event.  

Friday, CMU Hockey welcomes Exceptionally Unique Kids and those with disabilities/special needs to their 8pm match up with a special "skate with the players" event scheduled for 7:30pm.  Skating is free but show up early to get fitted for skates. There will also be intermission games for kids in attendance. 

Saturday's 4pm game is the last home game of the season and Senior Night.  

Come support your Chippewas before they head off to playoffs.

The first game of a split series with #1 Grand Valley State University was a game of two tales.  The first period was a back and forth effort that had GVSU scoring first. CMU answered quickly when Nick Badder banged one home. The visiting Chippewas continued to play the #1 team in the land heads up the rest of the first period.

The second part of the tale began in the second period when a questionable and reactionary 5-minute major was dealt to Ricky Jones for a hard but seemingly clean hit. The Chippewas only allowed one goal during that PK but kept putting themselves in penalty trouble. Against a strong GVSU squad, that could spell trouble, and it did on this Sunday night match-up.  Even being short a man most of the 2nd period, CMU was still in the game--down 4-1 heading into the third session.

The three-goal deficit quickly became two with a Taylor Turner power play blast from the point and Vince Provenzano running a nice screen in front.  Unfortunately, more penalty trouble spelt disaster as GVSU tacked 3 unanswered onto their 4-2 lead.  The Chippewas did all they could in tough penalty killing situations but fell 7-2.  

CMU looks forward to two games in Chicago against #3 DePaul January 27-28 before returning home for the second part of the GVSU series February 3.  

CMU came into the weekend trying to build on the momentum it has been building since last weekend's games.  The team has recommitted itself to unselfish play and hard work.  That showed through the first and second period.  The team jumped out to a 6-1 lead heading into the third period, where they added 5 more and Ricky Jones completed the hat trick. Unfortunately, Wisconsin also solved the Chippewa's defensive play to score 3 for an 11-4 CMU victory. 


The Chippewas entered Saturday's match-up refocused on their defensive efforts.  That focus shined through, though, there was some early struggles.  CMU tallied the first goal of the day and maintained control of the game, but Wisconsin tied the game 1-1.  Before the first session ended, CMU added 3 more to make it 4-1.  There was no turning back.  The Chippewas continued their domination, surrendering only 1 more goal over the next two periods.  The score was 9-2 when the final buzzer sounded.


 CMU looks forward to the third game of the weekend against #1 Grand Valley State University on Sunday, 6pm--Georgetown Arena.

CMU was having trouble finding its stride early in the second semester of play, but those days appear to be a thing of the past.  Though it was a loss against a good Lindenwood team, things look up for the Chippewas.  CMU jumped out to an early lead off a Darcy Cook goal in the first period.  That lead lasted until 4 minutes remained in the opening session when a 2 minute momentum lapse gave the Lions two goals, putting CMU behind heading into the second period.  In the middle session, the Chippewas tied the game, but Lindenwood answered right away, going ahead 3-2 and added another early in the third period to make it 4-2.  

CMU showed the resilience it has been working on, though.  Slowly, they took play over, finally putting one in on the PP after a lot of chances  were steered away.  Another goal was added to tie the game at 4-4, eventually taking the game to OT. A late penalty in the third period caused the Chippewas to be down heading into the extra session.  With play going to 4-on-4 in OT, Lindenwood had a great opportunity playing 4-on-3 and made no mistake, scoring just 45 seconds in to hand CMU a tough loss.  This was a game that gave CMU a lot of confidence, showing that a bit cleaner play will lead to more success moving forward.

The team faces its third 3-game weekend in a row next weekend.  Friday and Saturday, fans can see their team against Wisconsin at home, 8pm and 4pm  respectively.  Sunday they face off against the #1 team in the region, GVSU at Georgetown Arena, 6pm.  It's an exciting time for CMU Hockey. Come and watch a game!

CMU Hockey traveled through the snowy conditions Friday night to face off against Western Michigan in Kalamazoo.  The game started with a quick goal by the Chippewas, but from there it was a rough start to a game for the visiting team. After four unanswered goals, CMU and WMU traded goals late in the second, CMU facing a 4 goal deficit heading into the third period down 6-2.  The Chippewas fought back, scoring 2 goals early, but they struggled to keep the puck out of their net.  WMU added 2 to seal the victory late, meaning a 8-4 loss.

After the tough Friday loss, CMU looked for revenge and that is exactly what they got.  The team played determined hockey and jumped to a 2-1 lead.  The team never looked back.  Nearly half a dozen high quality scoring chances didn't go the Chippewas' way, but they would not be denied, finally breaking the seal with the third goal.  From there, 5 more unanswered goals were scored.  Western tallied 2 goals late in the third (one with CMU on the PK) for an 8-3 dominating victory for the home team.

CMU looks to a Sunday noon game against #4 team in the Central Region, Lindenwood University. The game should be physical and exciting as CMU tries to continue building momentum.  Come support your Chippewas!

After a month-long hiatus from games, the Chippewas finally got back on the ice with a solid Robert Morris team as their opposition.  The game was a back and forth effort with teams trading both goals and leads.  Robert Morris was the last to tally a tying goal midway through the third period, but CMU had the last celebration of the night  when Matt Cinader scored with just 12 seconds remaining in the overtime session.  Goals came from Darcy Cook (2), Connor Kelbel, Tyler Billins (in his first game with the team), and Cinader. 

Game 2 was a well fought battle on both sides.  CMU struck first, but Robert Morris stuck with it.  In the end, it was a test of wills, and the visitors stuck with it longer, scoring the last goal.  CMU fought hard towards the end, but Robert Morris was able to fend off the attacks.  This marked yet another pesky split for the Chippewas.

CMU looks to string a few wins together as it takes on both D1 Western Michigan and the #4 team, Lindenwood.  Saturday and Sunday are both home, 4pm and 12noon respectively. Come and watch your Chippewas!

Game 1
CMU led the game 3-1 after the first period.  Both teams tacked on 2 in the second period to make it 5-3.  CMU got an early third period goal to make the score 6-3 before Ferris State fired back, eventually tying the game.  Just over a minute into the overtime period, Matt Cinader's shot found the back of the net for the OT win.

Game 2
CMU had a great first period and held momentum through most of it. Only 2 of the many chances came to fruition (Darcy Cook with the first, Richard Cortopassi with the second). With a late deflection goal, the Bulldogs made it 2-1 to close out the first session.  Most of the second period was played without the teams at full strength, which hurt some of the momentum the Chippewas had built.  Only one goal was tallied and it was the 2-2 tying mark for Ferris State. The visitors fought through some early CMU chances in the third and eventually got one in the final 5 minutes.  Several chances in the closing minutes were steered away, including a buzzer beating shot.

This was a well-fought series between the #5 and #6 ranked teams in the Central Region.  CMU Hockey will take a break for the holidays and be back at it against Robert Morris on January 6th and 7th in Mount Pleasant. Ranking #3 will be published sometime before Christmas.

Courtesy of Brad Ivey

The team had a 2-game set scheduled with University of Las Vegas--Nevada over the weekend.  UNLV is ranked #8 in the West region and posed a worthy foe in the desert.   

Game 1, CMU took some time getting the blood flowing after the 4 hour flight.  It was a game that the Chippewas never hit full stride but managed to continue scoring to win 6-3.  It was a good way for the team to show they could put a win together on less than their best day.

 Game 2 also proved difficult in the early going before CMU kicked it into high gear.  Through much of the middle parts of the game, the Chippewas maintained control except when the penalty bug bit them, which was quite often unfortunately.  With under 10 minutes to go in the third period, CMU led 5-3, but it seemed the bright lights of Vegas flashed before them.  Some lackadaisical play led to multiple turnovers that the Rebels capitalized on, scoring 3 unanswered goals.  Final score, UNLV 6-CMU 5.

CMU Hockey take a weekend off for Thanksgiving and will see the 2nd Ranking period results before facing off against Ferris State University on December 2nd and 3rd.

CMU went against an in-state opponent who has a storied history this weekend.  This is always a series that offers a fair measuring stick for the Chippewas, which was exactly what it did this year.

Game 1 was a disappointing effort by the visiting Chippewas at Munn Ice Arena.  MSU jumped out to an early 2-0 lead before CMU got its first, heading into the 1st intermission 2-1. The Chippewas felt they had a chance to take the upper hand, but those hopes were squandered by play that is not typical of the team.  The Spartans took control of the game and scored 6 unanswered to win the game 8-1.  Heading back to Mount Pleasant, CMU was looking to avenge itself for an embarrassing performance on the road.

Game 2 was a completely different story.  The Chippewas came ready for the game and imposed their will. The game went back and forth, with CMU not leading until the 3rd period, when they went ahead 4-3.  MSU was not going to lay down, however and eventually fought back to tie it at 5-5. Two disallowed goals that the home team surely had put across the goal line meant that the game would go to overtime.  CMU fought off a 4-on-3 penalty kill before going back to 4-on-4 hockey in the extra session.  Neither team could get the upper hand, though opportunities were plentiful, and the game ended in a 5-5 tie.

CMU looks forward to a road series against UNLV in Las Vegas next weekend.

Based on the Northern Illinois University Huskies' record this year, the Chippewas had a hunch they were going against a formidable opponent.  With the 1st ranking period results coming in late in the afternoon, that hunch was proven correct, with CMU coming in at #6 and NIU at #13. As the games played out, it became even more evident that the Huskies were better than the #13 ranking they were given.

Game 1: The Huskies started off utilizing their speed and jumped to an early 2-0 lead.  The Chippewas again exhibited their resilience as they scored 4 unanswered to go ahead 4-2 before the Huskies fought back with 2 goals on strange bounces to tie the game at 4.  The teams traded goals one more time before heading to overtime knotted at 5-5.  CMU held the momentum through most of the OT period before a nice pass by Matt Cinader left Nick Badder all alone in front.  Badder finished the opportunity to win the game 6-5 with 58 seconds left in the extra session.  

Game 2: The first period was a back and forth affair with CMU outshooting NIU 10-6, though there were many more chances for the Chippewas than the shots indicated. Unfotunately, the Huskies entered the second period with more energy than the Chippewas and popped 2 early goals.  Another lapse in the period gave the visitors 2 more goals, and CMU found itself in with a 4-0 deficit.  One goal made it 4-1 before NIU got another goal to finish the period 5-1.  The Chippewas know the route to a comeback starts with defense and achieved that in the third period, not allowing another goal, but unfortunately a 4 goal deficit was too much this time.  CMU controlled most of the play through out the closing period and outshot the Huskies badly, but the NIU goaltender was in a groove.  The final was 5-2.

CM-Life Sports Reporter, Anthony Rizzo's article

CMU Hockey donned a slightly different look Friday Night.   In support of Breast Cancer Awareness month, the Chippewas accented their home whites with pink laces and tape.  Looking good, the team got off to a strong start and didn't look back, finishing the game with a 5-1 victory.  

Saturday started with Akron putting the Chippewas on their heals, 4-2 midway through the 2nd period before CMU found its stride.  From there it was all Chippewas, scoring 8 unanswered and finishing the game 10-4. Article by Anthony Rizzo of CM-Life: Sweep of Zips

CMU Hockey has a weekend off before bringing Norther Illinois University in for 2 and Saginaw Valley State University for the grudge match the following weekend.

CMU hockey came off a strong home-and-home weekend sweep against U of M, looking to repeat that result on the road at Illinois State University.  ISU is a team CMU had one victory over last regular season and were a team CMU had to go through at Regionals on CMU's road to the National Tournament. The team knew they would have their hands full.

The series opener was a tough game that meant the Redbirds going up 4-0 midway through the 2nd period.  CMU chipped away at that lead and tied the game at 4 a piece with 2 minutes remaining in the 3rd.  Unfortunately, a quick lapse meant ISU would go up inside of the last minute of the game, meaning a 5-4 loss for the traveling Chippewas.

Saturday was a different story.  As they felt they should, the Chippewas dominated early play, jumping out to an early 2-0 lead.  As CMU continued tallying goals, ISU added a few of their own. Questionable officiating made play difficult for the Chippewas, but to their credit, they continued to battle through the penalty kills.  A few more Redbird goals knotted the game at 6-6 inside of the final 5 minutes of the game.  CMU scored a goal with 2 minutes remaining and added an empty-netter to reach an 8-6 victory before getting on the bus back to Mount Pleasant.  

The weekend was a good test for the Chippewas.  Battling the elements of a long road trip and the adversity of close games helped CMU Hockey "find itself" a bit more, which can only mean good things for the future.  The team looks forward to a Home series against University of Akron October 21st (8pm) and October 22nd (4pm).

Entering the weekend series against the University of Michigan, the team knew they had their hands full with a strong Central Region opponent.  The expectation of a few tough games came to fruition, but CMU Hockey battled in both games, coming out with two huge victories, 8-4 and 3-2.

Saturday's game brought a strong Central Region opponent in the Wolverines from Ann Arbor to Mount Pleasant. Both teams came out hard and exchanged goals through two periods and were tied at 3 a piece entering the third. After an early U of M goal in the third, CMU was able to regain momentum with quick goals rounding off a stellar performance by forward David Sitarski who recorded the hat trick to help the Chippewas pull out an 8 to 4 victory. 

Sunday the teams squared off at U of M.  CMU again got an early 1-0 lead which was carried into the 2nd period.  U of M fought back and led 2-1 heading into the 3rd.  A goal by Matt Cinader knotted the teams at 2 goals a piece.  Mark Morley broke the tie on the power play, putting CMU ahead 3-2.  This is a lead that the Chippewas held until the end of regulation.

Both games were battles from the first drop.  This sweep was a product of CMU's building character and commitment to defense.  They look forward to another Central Region series against Illinois State University in Bloomington, Illinois.

Saturday night featured the Chippewas traveling south to take on the Eagles of Eastern Michigan University. The game began with both teams exchanging multiple penalties, and after the first Central found itself with a 2-0 lead--goals by Steve Basinski and Matt Cinader. Headed into the third, the score was 2-1 and the intensity carrying over.  CMU was able to maintain a dominant attack and solid defense. Hard work and determination led to the insurance goal by Mark Morley to lengthen the lead to 3-1 where the game would sit until the final buzzer. 

Sunday's game at the Isabella County Events Arena looked like CMU would have another good showing in the early minutes. The Chippewas jumped out to a 2-0 lead before Eastern fought back. As Central began losing its momentum, Eastern capitalized scoring quickly.  The score was 5-2 entering the third period.  The Chippewas showed the type of heart and class that makes up the team, as they fought back to tie the score 5-5.  A strange goal off of a turnover by the Chippewa goaltender was the demise of CMU and its chance for a sweep.

Though they felt the sweep was in hand, a split with a D1 opponent is never a bad thing. 

They look forward to next weekend's series against a strong Central Region opponent and semi-finalist at Nationals last season--University of Michigan.  Come support the Chippewas at HOME, 4pm on Saturday, October 8th.

Coming off a strong opening weekend, CMU Hockey had confidence which showed early against Saginaw Valley State University.  The Chippewas jumped out to an early 2-0 lead just four minutes into the 1st period.  From there SVSU took the momentum, tying up the game 2-2 by the end of the first period.

Three more unanswered goals in the second period meant CMU faced a 3 goal deficit entering the third period.  There was no quit from the visitors, as a goal midway through the third made it 5-3 making for an exciting finish.  CMU controlled most of the play for the last half of the period but couldn't muster another goal, leading to a 5-3 loss against a solid Saginaw Valley Team.