September 14, 2004
Four MCRHL Teams Crack Preseason Top 10
Eastern Michigan has two teams in the spotlight
The National Collegiate Roller Hockey Association released its 2004-2005 preseason
rankings, and four MCRHL teams were included across three divisions.
Michigan State University comes into the 2004-2005 season ranked third in Division
I, trailing only Lindenwood University, and the University of Central Florida.
The Spartans were ousted from the national championship tournament last year in
overtime against Penn State, but were the MCRHL Regular Season Champions yet again
in 2003-2004. They will be bolstered this season by the return of Mike Mackert,
former captain, who helped lead the Spartans to two national championships in
1999 and 2000.
Eastern Michigan is yet another team coming off of an overtime defeat at the
national tournament, against the second ranked UCF Knights, but will start this
season as the eighth ranked team in Division I. The Eagles were the inaugural
Haschel Cup Champions in 2004 and will hope to continue their run to the top of
the MCRHL and NCRHA this season. In 2001, the Eagles captured the Division II
CRHL National Championship, and have been building a solid Division I program
ever since. This year, they could seriously contend for the MCRHL Regular Season
Championship, along with defending the Haschel Cup.
Ball State University comes out as the sixth ranked team in Division II. The
Cardinals were defeated in the Elite Eight of the national tournament last year
by eventual runner-up Neumann College. In 2001 and 2002, the Cards finished runner-up
at the national tournament, but have yet to find their way to the title. Senior
goaltender Mike Rauch, a four year player, will be one of the keys to success
in 2004-2005.
Finally, Eastern Michigan also enters their B squad in the rankings, taking the
fifth slot in the preseason. EMU B was the inaugural B Division Regular Season
Champion last season, along with taking home the Midwest Cup for winning the regional
tournament. As the Eagles continue to grow at the Division I level, their B team
continues to flourish as one of the best in the nation.
For the complete national rankings, please visit www.ncrha.org, and for updated standings, statistics, and news, stay posted to www.mcrhl.com throughout the season.