This weekend, the top two teams in CCHA clash in a battle of Minnesota's titans and Northern Michigan tries to stay hot.

No. 1 Minnesota State Vs. Bemidji State

Another marquee series on FloHockey, another hockey weekend in Minnesota as Bemidji hosts Minnesota State. There is much to like about this series: the iconic coaches, the depth of both teams, the fact that they rank one-two in the CCHA standings. But readers will have to accept RinkRap’s veer into the hockey taboo of individual focus. We know it’s not the NBA, but this weekend up on the frozen shores of Lake Bemidji we’ll see the two best forwards in the CCHA ply their crafts. National Player of the Month Owen Sillinger (BSU) squares off against CCHA Player of the Week Nathan Smith (MSU). They are both producing points at such a clip recently that they are poised to overtake Northern Michigan’s Hank Crone as the CCHA scoring leader. It’s a true Ovechkin vs. Crosby weekend in the young league. 

Beyond the NBA-style hype, this is a series with huge MacNaughton Cup implications for both teams. It’s technically possible that the front-running Mavericks could return home to Mankato Saturday night in second place: five points separate the two schools at the top of the CCHA standings, six points at stake in the two games. The fact that Minnesota State has regained its No. 1 ranking in the polls is not lost on Beavers coach Tom Serratore. “They’re number one in the country for a reason…deep and well-coached.”

His counterpart Mike Hastings realizes that the journey to Bemidji will be a rocky one. “Our biggest rivals, a very important time for both teams.”

Coaches Serratore and Hastings are Minnesota college hockey bedrock: born and raised in the State of hockey, both played their college puck there as well. A series between the two teams is always fun, and at this moment in time, it’s must-see TV.

Minnesota State will get the lion’s share of the six points this weekend, thanks to Mavs superstar goaltender Dryden McKay. He saved three points last Friday versus Tech with his breakaway save in the closing minutes, and there’s every reason to expect more of the same in this series.

Northern Michigan Vs. No. 19 Lake Superior State

This is simply the wrong time to be playing Northern Michigan. Based on their sweep of then No. 1 Minnesota Duluth, Grant Potulny’s Cats have punctured the national polls, and look to keep climbing. They are scoring up and down their lineup, leading the CCHA in goals (71) and power play efficiency (27.4 percent). 

Lake Superior on the other hand is treading water, splitting with Ferris last weekend, unable to make up ground after its five-game losing streak. For a team looking to get healthy, this is exactly the wrong opponent.

For those seeking a Reason to Watch, Northern’s tandem of Hank Crone and AJ Vanderbeck is college hockey’s answer to the NHL Hall-of-Farmers Adam Oates and Brett Hull: a feeder and a finisher. Don’t forget your popcorn.

As far as predictions go, a rare road sweep for the Cats, and a vice grip on the annual Cappo Cup trophy that’s awarded annually between these two schools. 

Ferris State Vs. Bowling Green

Ferris has proven to be a pesky team at home, splitting with 2021 NCAA clubs Minnesota State and Lake Superior in recent series. 

This will be a big road test for the Dogs, facing a Bowling Green squad desperate for a sweep to keep up with Northern Michigan in the hunt for home ice in the CCHA playoffs. The Falcons likely win in a tightly contested game or two.