2012-2013 Hockey Preview
| Published: 10/15/2012 |
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The MSOE hockey team is coming off a season of great success and fulfillment; Another MCHA Championship banner and their first ever trip to the NCAA Tournament. The 4-3 overtime win over Adrian in the Harris Cup final capped a season that seemed insurmountable at times, but in the end, the Raiders became the first team to stop Adrian from winning an MCHA title.
In 2012, The Raiders lose some key players from the MCHA championship squad, including two-time All American goalie, Connor Toomey. In the fall of 2012, Toomey was playing professionally in France before moving back to the states and now playing for Knoxville Ice Bears of the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL).
MSOE returns last year’s leading scorer and All American Jordan Keizer (Edmonton Alberta). Keizer, a 6-1 forward and captain will be look upon to be the key offensive threat this season. He led the nation in 2011-12 in shorthanded goals and game winning goals, respectively. He also finished the eighth and ninth in goals per game and points per game, respectively.
Brad Tierney (Edmonton, Alberta), a 5-10 senior forward is also one of the captains for the 2012-13 season and will add to the scoring power of the raiders. In 2012, Tierney eleven goals and 12 assist for 23 points despite the fact that he was sidelined with a broken foot.
Look for the brother duo of Logan and West Bauman (Kutztown, Pa.), to play an integral part of the Raiders success Offensively, West returns off a sophomore season were he scored 8 goals and handed out 18 assists. Logan, a freshman defenseman in 2011-12, contributed in 30 games played with one goal and 19 assists for the year. Along with L. Bauman, rounding out the big 5 on defense is senior Nathan Brunk (Lake Mills, Wis.) will add muscle to the Raiders Defense. The 6-5 senior, Brunk had 19 points last year; four goals and 15 assists and was MCHA All-Conference defenseman. Senior Carl Lindblad (Benson, MN) a 2012 MCHA All Tournament team player. Junior Michael Thompson (Farmington Hills, MI.) also solidifies the defense, played in 30 games, scoring four goals and assisting in eight others. And finally a player that has huge impact on every game he plays junior Devin Schmitt (Beaver Dam, WI).
Although some key players graduated or left the program, MSOE brings in a freshman class that could easily step in and contribute right away. Expectations are high for forwards Cody Ganchar, (Avon Lake Ohio), Casey Moneer (Goose Creek, S.C.), Evan Wilson (Maple Grove, Minn.) and Derek Tykla (Wisconsin Dells, Wis.) as they will fight for playing time among the Raiders elite.
Losing a two-time All American Goaltender is not easy to replace for MSOE. However, Nick Kohn (Hartland, Wis.)brings with him a Wisconsin High School state championship while a goaltender at Arrowhead and great experience while with the Chicago Hit men. Senior Kevin Smith (Casa Grande, Ariz.) and freshman Zach Polak (South Milwaukee, Wis.) could also see time in the pipes for the Raiders.
For the Raiders to return to the NCAA, the path goes through Adrian Michigan and the Adrian Bulldogs. Don’t count out Marian, Finlandia, or Lawrence out as they are always in the mix for the conference
title. The Raiders open 2013 as they play an exhibition game against the USA U-18 team, in Ann Arbor Michigan on Jan. 5. The team’s roster has four players projected as first round selections in this year’s NHL draft. Last time they met, MSOE fell by the score of 5-1 against a squad with NHL Stars to be Patrick Kane (Chicago Black Hawks), Eric Johnson (St. Louis Blues) and Blake Geoffrion (Nashville, Preditors) on the roster. If the senior leadership that showed their intensity last year can gel with some outstanding and exciting freshman talent, look for the Raiders to represent the MCHA in the NCAA tournament and beyond.
