CHMA Tournament Preview

2/17/2024 1:28:00 PM | By: Jack O'Rourke, Senior Staff Writer

Tristan Weigand will lead the way for JCU.

For the John Carroll University club hockey team, redemption is a clear storyline entering today's CHMA Semi-final against Robert Morris. The Colonials ousted the Blue Streaks in this same matchup last season, and today, Carroll can flip the script. "I really enjoy the emotions and do-or-die mentality when it comes to playoff hockey," said forward Sean Deakin. "Every shift is extremely important, creating an atmosphere unlike any other. I can't wait to get out on the ice on Saturday and showcase the talent we have on this team."
#3 Robert Morris survived a scare from #6 Mercyhurst in overtime last night, granting a matchup with #2 John Carroll. On the other side of the bracket, #4 Kent State won a wild overtime contest over #5 West Virginia. The Golden Flashes will look to play spoiler to #1 IUP on the other sheet of Palmer Imaging Arena as the Blue Streaks and Colonials dance.
The Blue Streaks swept the regular season series against RMU, but know that the playoffs bring the toughest mountain yet. "I think it comes down to believing in ourselves and trusting our game plan," said Deakin. "I truly believe that we have the deepest team in the CHMA, and everyone will contribute this weekend."
Sophomore goaltender Jack Zuchlewski is the projected starter for John Carroll and has had a stellar second campaign. Zuchlewski is 8-2-2 on the season with a .919 SV% and 2.71 GAA. "He's very reliable because no matter how well we're playing, we can always rely on him to give us the spark we need with a big save," said forward Tyler Lamark. "He's always calm, cool, and collected back there. It helps us by knowing that he can bail us out if we aren't playing up to our standards."
For as good as Zuchlewski is, the Hamburg native has seen an increased level of play from his defensive core as the season has transpired. Captain Clay Gazdak and alternate captain Tristan Weigand have unmatched chemistry in the CHMA and have become reminiscent of their former teammates Brian Russell and Patrick Gilbert. Gazdak leads all Blue Streak defensemen with 30 points, while Weigand has 26 of his own.
Junior Payton Fogarty has heated up to the tune of five points in five games, while his partner Aidan Conway is going viral for his physicality.
Scoring is always paramount in the playoffs, and the Blue Streaks have seen consistent scoring come from across the map. Deakin's 43 points have paved the way, while linemate Tyler Putnam (29 points) is coming off perhaps his best game of the season. Centering Deakin and Putnam, Adam Unruh's Selke votes will be on the way as the senior has continued his reliable defense while providing 24 points. Sophomore Charlie Tuggey has now reached 36 points on the season and is expected to be paired with playoff veterans Luke McNamara and Max Richter. The "Kids" line of Anthony LaGreca, Samuel Herr, and Austin Malley has become as viable of an option as any in the second semester and may be the make-or-break line in the playoffs for the Blue Streaks.
All coverage of this weekend's events will be streamed by TenBand hockey. The Blue Streaks play the Colonials at 6:20 PM and if they advance will play in the CHMA Championship Sunday at 1:30 PM. Follow @hockeyjcu across all platforms for live updates. Broadcast link: https://tenband.tv/live-video/chma-network/

Print Friendly Version

Related Videos

Related Stories

Sponsors