The NMU Wildcats (9-8-1, 6-7-1 CCHA) will spend their holiday season playing in the 17th annual Badger Showdown in Madison, Wisconsin (December 30-31). The teams include Wayne State, Western Michigan and the host Wisconsin Badgers. Despite the fact that this is a holiday season tournament with no ramifications in the CCHA race, these two games are very important to NMU’s season. If they want to turn things around and make a 2nd half run, then this is the series to begin that quest.

The Teams
The Wayne State Warriors (3-9-2, 1-4-1 CHA), formerly known as the Tartars (tough guys, not fish sauce), currently reside in 5th place of 6 teams in the CHA. They are led in scoring by senior defenseman Steve Kovalchik (1g, 11 asst), junior forward Nate Higgins (5g, 6 asst) and junior forward Mike Forgie (5g, 5 asst). In goal, junior Will Hooper (1-5, 3.70 GAA, .876 SV%) and senior Matt Kelly (2-4-2, 4.21 GAA, .892 SV%) have split time between the pipes. Led by former Western Michigan head coach Bill Wilkinson, this Detroit area laden roster will bring a ragged, scrappy team to the Showdown. There is no doubt that this team would finish dead last in either the CCHA or WCHA. However, parity in college hockey seems to be the norm these days. On any given day, any team in college hockey can win and even beat the best. So this team will definitely have a shot at doing damage in the tournament.

The Western Michigan Broncos (4-9-3, 4-6-2 CCHA) have been a very average team this season. As stated last week, this team is usually a very potent offensive attack. However, thus far the Broncos are a low scoring and inconsistent team. On paper, it seems that the Broncos should be pretty explosive and tough to beat. But paper and reality are two different levels. Thus far, the Broncos have been led in scoring by senior forward Brent Walton (11g, 8 asst) and junior forward Paul Szczechura (4g, 11 asst). In goal, sophomore Daniel Bellissimo has been the main force behind the pipes, posting stats of 4-8-3, 3.44 GAA and .898 save percentage. Last weekend, the Broncos looked good at times, but came up short in putting together a complete game against NMU. The result was a tie and loss. But if Bellissimo plays well like he did last Saturday night in Marquette, the host Badgers may be in for a shock.

The Wisconsin Badgers (14-2-2, 11-1-2 WCHA) are the premier team of the WCHA and perhaps the nation. Head Coach Mike Eaves’ team is led by defense, excellent goaltending and a slightly above average offense. Junior goaltender Brian Elliott has been the best in the nation, posting impressive stats (14-2-2, 1.43 GAA, .943 SV%). His performance has been the real reason why Bucky is #1 in the nation. The Badgers do have a few dynamic offensive players as well. Sophomore forward Joe Pavelski (10g, 12 asst) and junior forward Robbie Earl (8g, 12 asst) have been the team’s main offensive weapons thus far. But do not look for offense to carry this team. Any team wanting to beat the Badgers must take down Elliott and his defensive wall. Since there are really no elite teams in college hockey this season, it appears that Elliott and his Badgers have decided to become that team. They will be very tough to beat at home in this tournament.

The Predictions
By now the Cats should be acclimated to living on the road. 8 of 10 games on the road is not an easy task. Throw in 2 more games after the holidays at Miami, and that will make it 10 of 12. But at least game one of this tournament will be considered neutral. On paper, the Cats are far superior to the Warriors. It is highly doubtful that a single player from the Warriors could make the Cat’s squad. But hockey is a game of heart and teamwork and sometimes odd bounces. Throw in the fact that NMU’s power play has been non-existent, could make this game closer than expected. But with Bill Zaniboni seemingly back on his game and the Cats hungry for wins, this game should be there for the taking. NMU will continue it’s solid play from the Western series and roll the Warriors.

On paper, NMU matches up very well with Wisconsin. However, Wisconsin has been much more consistent than NMU this season, which is partly why they are 14-2-2. The outcome of this championship game could hinge on the power play. It’s not good to continue harping on NMU’s problems on the power play–but it’s a reality. Since Wisconsin’s penalty kill is #5 in the nation, this will be a great challenge for the Cats. Even though NMU’s penalty kill is not too far off at #7, Bucky’s special teams have been very solid. So it will be a very difficult task for NMU to win this tournament. If Zaniboni is on his game though and the power play starts clicking, look out! Stay tuned to see what happens…..

Notes: Coach Walt Kyle will not be on the bench for this tournament. He is head coach of the US National Junior Team competing for the World Championships in BC. Assistant John Olver will step in as head coach four the tournament.