Wildcats prep for WCHA playoffs

There have been many underdog stories throughout the years. The U.S. Men’s hockey team in 1980, Buster Douglas in 1990, the New York Giants in 2007. All of these stories had a similar happy ending and that’s what the NMU hockey team is aiming for this weekend in the WCHA playoffs.

The Wildcats go into the tournament as the number six seed, meaning they’ll have to play their best of three series on the road. The opponent is the number three seed Bowling Green, whom the Wildcats swept about a month ago on their home ice so they like their chances.

“We’re familiar with Bowling Green. We had success down there last time we went down there. I guess you can take something out of that, knowing how to beat an opponent and knowing how to go into their building and win. Hopefully we come out of that series and keep moving on,” said Wildcats Forward Casey Purpur.

But with a late season push comes the concern about health and Coach Walt Kyle is confident because the team has a “next man up” mindset.

“I don’t know how healthy we are. We got to find out how healthy we are. It’s just one of those things that’s day to day with us right now. But whoever is there is going to do the job and I’m comfortable with it right now. We’re starting to get a couple of these guys back. It’ll be a tough challenge but I’m anxious to get a new start here,” Kyle said.

The Wildcats and Falcons open the series Friday, March 13th with game two Saturday, March 14th and if necessary game three will be played Sunday, March 15th. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:07 for all three games.