Early thoughts- OAA is a baller per usual. Coster Dunn's debut went great, he's being used a lot and his faceoff numbers all weekend were great for a freshman, i have a few friends who are huuuuge tbirds fans rooting for him big time. Katavisto didn't get a ton of ice time but he looked great during the world junior summer showcase for Finland. might be the second year in a row a Wildcat plays at World Juniors... Similar lack of ice time for Dépatie but he still got a point in game 2. the second year for Mathew Ward should also be promising, looks like he's playing with Dunn most nights. Clarkson transfer Noah Houle blocks a lot of shots.
Agreed on home ice being a long ways away but at least without the Tommies the playoff spot is an easy get, and you never know what happens in the playoffs. OAA is the type of goalie that gives you a chance every game if he gets the goal support.
That being said, this weekend might be one of the roughest series of the season. 3rd ranked Spartans have 9 first round NHL picks on their roster. While they lost Augustine in net, incoming freshman Joshua Ravensbergen is one of those 1st round picks and he looked great vs #11 Boston College in exhibition last weekend. Basically it might be a beatdown, but if they can make it respectable that would be a big statement.
if you're looking for a spot to talk 'cats hockey more regularly, check out the Chasing MacNaughton/Tech Hockey Guide discord, they have dedicated channels for all CCHA schools and gameday threads.
