Illinois State Redbirds (A) ? Active Division

The highlight of the 2003-2004 season for the Redbirds was probably ousting Michigan State 2-0 from the inaugural MCRHL Championships held in Wixom, MI.  The birds used that win to finish third in the Championships, and were only a 7-4 loss to Ohio State away from going to the Haschel Cup Finals and maybe earning a national tournament birth.  This year will be a challenge however, as ISU goes through what can only be defined as a rebuilding year.  Nicholas Winkler, the team?s third leading scorer last year will probably need to be the key to the Redbirds having a good regular season after losing their top 2 scorers.

Brian Wright will backstop this team of mostly newcomers and B team veterans, who will have a chance to prove themselves in the Active Division this year.  Look for this team to battle all year with rivals Illinois, Ball State, and Miami for the last couple of playoff spots.  As they showed last year though, you can never count them out of having a good season.

MCRHL Championship finish: Did not qualify

National Championship finish: N/A

Number of Returning Players: 6 of 12

As one would expect, when the A team has a bunch of rookies and former B players, the B team will have even more rookies.  Half of this year?s ISU B squad will see their first action in the MCRHL.  The Redbirds finished just one place out of making the B Division Tournament last year though, and will look to break into the Development Division Tournament this year by finishing in the top four of the Western Conference.  Leland Roland was the leading scorer last year and will return along with goaltender Chris Wipper to lead the team.  There should be a good battle for the playoffs in the Western Conference, which has all three teams that missed the playoffs last year.

2003-2004 record: 9-14-2 overall, 5-13-2 league

MCRHL regular season finish: 9^th  

MCRHL Championship finish: Did not qualify

National Championship finish: N/A

Number of Returning Players: 8 of 16

 

Miami enters the 2204-2005 campaign with a bigger roster than they?ve had in recent years, and hopes that they will qualify for the MCRHL Championships this year.  After missing the playoffs by just four points last season, Miami should be hungry to earn a postseason birth.  The Redhawks return all four of their players that scored more than 20 points last season, which should make up the core of the team production this year as well.  It remains to be seen what the eight rookies can contribute this season, but with a deeper bench through the whole season, Miami could be another one of those teams that turns some heads before the end of the season.  Not only should a playoff birth be attainable, but this team could be on the edge of making the national tournament if the rookies turn out to produce.

MCRHL regular season finish: 9^th

MCRHL Championship finish: Did not qualify

National Championship finish: N/A

Number of Returning Players: 6 of 13

If there was an award for the most dedicated team in the NCRHA or MCRHL, it would be hard to argue against the Huskies.  Their shortest weekend trip is well over 400 miles, and most are well over 500.  Many teams in the league were impressed last year however, as their roster remained full and competitive the entire season.  In their first year, the Huskies played in what was known as the B Division, and although they didn?t make the playoffs, they displayed the type of courage and character that earns you respect instantly.

So what do we know about this year?s team?  Well, it?s hard to tell.  They have a new goaltender, and 6 new skaters, to go along with six players who will be in their second year in the MCRHL.  Those six veterans earned 42% of the team?s points last season though, so if the team can meld the new and the old, they could find themselves fighting for a playoff spot this season.  With a full-time goaltender this year, defense could be the key to keeping the Huskies in games and competitive all season.

 

Northern Illinois Huskies (A) ? Development Division, Western Conference

2003-2004 record: 5-7-0 overall, league affiliate

MCRHL regular season finish: N/A

MCRHL Championship finish: N/A

National Championship finish: N/A

Number of Returning Players: 10 of 13

Because one team called the Huskies just wasn?t enough, Northern Illinois University also became an affiliate team in the MCRHL last season.  Although Michigan Tech wins the dedication award, this team might very well lead the spirit category, as probably the hardest working team in the league.  Five wins was not a bad deal for a first year team, and this year they?ve decided to join the Development Division and fight for a playoff spot.  Robert Trefil, Garret Wais, and Kyle Jacobson were the three leading scorers for the club last year, and all return in 2004.  Both goaltenders return, and overall ten players will be veterans for the Huskies.  Will they make the playoffs?  That?s anyone?s guess, but they certainly have the ability to place anywhere in the Western Conference, which should be fun to watch.