2022-23 CCHA Power Rankings
CCHA Power Rankings: Northern Michigan, Bowling Green Climbi...
The No. 6-ranked Minnesota State Mavericks continue to dictate the standings in the CCHA, sweeping Bowling Green in their conference-opening series.
Welcome to FloHockey’s bi-monthly power rankings for CCHA hockey. Find out which of the CCHA’s eight teams rise, fall or stay put, as the weekly series unfold in the 2022-2023 season.
1. Minnesota State | Last Ranking: 1
Record: 3-0-1 (7-3 overall)
Stop me if you’ve heard this, but the No. 8 Mavericks remain on top. Their second-place tie in the current standings come with two games in hand on their shared spot and four games in hand on Bowling Green, sitting in first.
A sweep of St. Thomas and bye week have them tested and rested in conference play.
Both Northern Michigan and Michigan Tech await to close November.
2. Northern Michigan | Last Ranking: 3
Record: 3-2-1 (8-6 overall)
The Wildcats went 3-1 since the last rankings with decisive wins over Lake Superior State and a split with Bemidji State, taking the first game with a shutout.
Minnesota State awaits this week, as the Wildcats visit for six pivotal points and a test against a national powerhouse and a shot at the top of the standings.
3. Bowling Green | Last Ranking: 6
Record: 4-2-0-2 (5-7 overall)
Bowling Green’s conference-leading eight games played has the squad sitting on top with 14 points, but games in hand have the spot in jeopardy.
Oh, how sweep it is 🧹
— Bowling Green Hockey (@BGFalconHockey) November 13, 2022
Bowling Green sweeps St. Thomas after an electric third period in the Slate
🏒 Burke goal, his 2nd of the season
🏒 Scardina goal, his 6th of the season
🏒 Swankler, (his 7th) scores with 17.9 seconds in the game to earn a BGSU win
BGSU 3 - 2 UST pic.twitter.com/GSjFviUQIp
Still, a three-game winning streak should have the team’s confidence high, while an up-and-down Ferris State program awaits, before a bye week allows those games in hand to level out across the CCHA.
4. Bemidji State | Last Ranking: 2
Record: 2-1-2-1 (5-3-2 overall)
A two-spot slip is more indicative of those ahead relative to the Beavers’ current play.
The Beavers have been streaky in the young season, splitting each series – claiming a win, but struggling to add more than another point with two overtime games.
The Beavers still claimed seven of 12 points since the last rankings, but the nation’s 39th-best offense is holding back its consistent defensive play.
5. Michigan Tech | Last Ranking: 4
Record: 2-2-0-2 (6-3-2 overall)
Eerily similar to the Beavers, the Huskies also gained 7-of-12 possible points since the last rankings, sliding down the rankings due to stronger outings from conference rivals.
Their promising defensive efforts are also being washed out from a lack of goal support.
The Huskies are 31st nationally with a 2.7 goals-per-game average. Both programs are leaving a lot to be desired.
6. Ferris State | Last Ranking: 7
Record: 0-1-2-1 (3-5-2 overall)
The Bulldogs are 0-0-1-1 this month, but snagged two points against Bemidji State with a pair of overtime games.
With just one regulation loss over their past five games, the ‘Dogs are finding ways to earn credit in the standings and keeping them three points from fifth place with two games in hand.
Add in a confidence-builder with an exhibition win over Mercyhurst, and the Bulldogs could be gaining steam.
FINAL | Dawgs win the exhibition contest at home today!
— Ferris State Hockey (@FerrisHockey) November 12, 2022
Ferris State at home with two HUGE league games vs. rival BGSU next weekend! pic.twitter.com/k2onzb1Qvb
7. St. Thomas | Last Ranking: 5
Record: 1-4-1 (2-10 overall)
The Tommies’ three-game point streak came to a halt in November, having dropped four in a row, three of which ended with a one-goal deficit.
There’s competition and pressure coming from St. Thomas, and a continued dedication to the systems and efforts should see the scales begin to tip as the season progresses.
8. Lake Superior State | Last Ranking: 8
Record: 0-3-1 (1-7-2 overall)
A 2021-2022 fourth-place finish is far behind the struggling Lakers, and they have just one win this season. The defense has shored up some gaps, allowing just two goals in each of their past two games.
The Lakers have a bye week to regroup and prepare for a trip to St. Thomas on Nov. 25-26, where they’ll have their best chance to get back on track.
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