By: Jeff Arnold
AnnArbor.com Staff
Posted: Mar 21, 2010 at 11:15 AM [Mar 21, 2010]
Michigan goalie Shawn Hunwick is mobbed by his teammates after the Wolverines knocked off Northern Michigan University, 2-1, Saturday in the CCHA title game. Michigan will play in the 16-team NCAA tournament this week. (Photo: Lon Horwedel | AnnArbor.com)
The Michigan hockey team won't travel far for its 20th straight NCAA tournament appearance.
The third-seeded Wolverines (25-17-1) were sent to the Midwest Regional in Fort Wayne, Ind., where they will face No. 2 Bemidji State (23-9-4) at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. The winner advances to Sunday's regional final against either No. 1 seed Miami (Ohio) or Alabama-Huntsville.
"We were prepared to go anywhere so it doesn't matter to us," Michigan coach Red Berenson said Sunday morning. "We just got into the tournament last night and if you would have asked me, I would have been happy to play North Dakota in Albany if it came to that.
"I just think this is ideal."
Tickets go on sale Monday at 9 a.m. Tickets will begin at $87 for an all-session pass and can purchased at the Yost Ice Arena box office or on MGoBlue.com.
The game will be broadcast on ESPN 360 and on radio at WTKA (1050 AM).
Michigan earned the NCAA berth Saturday night with a 2-1 victory over Northern Michigan at Joe Louis Arena, picking up the CCHA's automatic bid.
The Wolverines have reeled off six straight playoff victories, toppling No. 2 Miami (Ohio) Friday night to keep its tournament chances alive. Michigan, which captured its ninth Mason Cup, is the lowest seed to win a tournament championship.
With a win over Bemidji State, the Wolverines could be in line for a rematch with Miami for the right to advance to the Frozen Four at Ford Field in Detroit.
"Going into the year, everyone knew (Michigan) was going to be good," Northern Michigan coach Walt Kyle said. "For whatever reason - chemistry, injuries - they stumbled a little bit, but when they found it, they found it."
Download the NCAA Division I hockey tournament bracket: NCAA-Bracket.pdf
Jeff Arnold covers Michigan hockey for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at jeffarnold@annarbor.com or 734-623-2554. Follow him at Twitter @jeffreyparnold.
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voiceofreason
Posted Mar 21
Hail to the Victors!
Marvin Face
Posted Mar 21
Here is the 2010 Frozen Four bracket for those interested: http://www.uscho.com/pdf/general/2010bracket.pdf
RonAnnArbor
Posted Mar 21
Fort Wayne is only two hours from Ann Arbor, and the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum is a great place to see a game, so I hope we get a great turnout this coming weekend! I'll be on line to get my tickets tomorrow....Go Blue!.....
breadman
Posted Mar 21
That was a awesome game at the Joe on Friday night.
I was there!