NCHL Week 7 Preview: MU vs. RMU-Chicago Maroon
Original Post: http://nchlhockey.pointstreaksites.com/view/nchl_hockey/news-1147/news_511024 (11/1/2018)
After eight weeks of hockey, the first Central Region Rankings are to be unveiled on November 7th. So, this weekend's games are the last chance for league members to improve their standing in the initial rankings.
Leading off the conference slate of games this weekend is a rematch of last season's Hap Cup Finals between Aurora University and Marian University. Taking place in Fond du Lac, WI, at the Blue Line Family Ice Center, Marian will have home ice advantage. However, if last season's results are any indication, three hard fought games, this series will be a battle from the opening puck drop. The results, depending on which team emerges victorious, could either solidify Marian's hold on the top spot, ushering a new team to beat, or remind all the other conference members that Aurora is not ready to give up their crown.
Also facing-off are Robert Morris University – Maroon and Marquette University. With the series taking place at The Ponds of Brookfield, in Brookfield, WI, RMU will be on the road for the first time all season. RMU comes into this series on the heels of two losing efforts in a hard fought battle with Aurora University last weekend, while Marquette split with the University of Wisconsin – Madison in their home and home series.
Three teams have non-conference opponents this weekend. Lewis University travels to Lindenwood University, Concordia University hosts Illinois State University, and University of Wisconsin Oshkosh hosts University of Wisconsin – La Crosse.
Marquette University welcomes Robert Morris University – Maroon to The Ponds:
Tied for second place Marquette University hosts Robert Morris University – Maroon at The Ponds in Brookfield, WI. Neither team comes into this series riding a huge wave of momentum. Last weekend Marquette split their home and home series with University of Wisconsin – Madison and RMU lost two one-goal games to Aurora University. This series also marks the half way point in each team's conference season.
During their season series last year, RMU and Marquette split the two game affair. RMU won the first contest 7-3 while Marquette won the following night 7-2. With Marquette only two points out of first place this weekend has the possibility of moving them back up into the top spot or keeping pace with Marian University, the team currently occupying first place, who are in action this weekend as well. Should RMU come out ahead in the series they will break out of their three-way tie for 5th place and inch closer to a return trip to the conference tournament.