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Michigan D-1 schools: Breaking down the rest from the Mitten

MiHockey Staff

Western Michigan:When Jeff Blashill left Kalamazoo to become an assistant coach with the Red Wings, it looked as though it would be a rough summer for the Broncos. However, the news of the replacement was just as shocking as the vacancy. Former NHL coach Andy Murray will now take over the Broncos program, and he has a talented roster to work with. The Broncos return Chase Balisy, left, and Shane Berschbach, who were second and third in team scoring, respectively, as freshmen. Junior goaltender Nick Pisellini will need to fill the hole left by Jerry Kuhn’s graduation.

Chase Balisy, sophomore forward (Photo courtesy CCHA)

Ferris State: Coach Bob Daniels, left, entering his 20th season, will have eight new faces on his bench this season. The Bulldogs added four forwards, three defensemen, and one goaltender over the offseason. The rookie additions include homegrown talent in forward Nate Milam (Westland), goaltender C.J. Motte (St. Clair), forward Dominic Panetta (Baldwin), and defenseman Travis White (Sterling Heights).

Northern Michigan: Trenton’s Nathan Taurence and Farmington Hills’ D.J. Vandercook join a Wildcats team looking to take that proverbial “next step”. Northern finished in sixth place in the CCHA last season, a spot they have landed in three of the last four years. Coach Walt Kyle, starting his 10th season in Marquette, will be counting on seniors Tyler Gron and Justin Florek, left, to once again lead the Wildcats in scoring.

Kevin Kapalka, sophomore goalie (Photo courtesy CCHA)

Lake Superior State: With the departure of leading scorer Rick Schofield (the only LSSU player to crack 30 points last season), the Lakers will be searching for help up front. Sault Ste. Marie native Kyle Jean led all LSSU rookies in scoring last year, and will be counted on to build on his 14-point freshman campaign. Goaltender Kevin Kapalka should have a solid season in goal after starting 32 games as a freshman last season.

Michigan Tech: The Huskies have a new coach for the upcoming season, but he’s a familiar face for hockey fans. Mel Pearson, who spent 23 years as an assistant coach with the Wolverines, was named head coach of his alma mater on May 6. Pearson will have plenty of work to do at his new job; Michigan Tech finished in last place in the WCHA last season, and recorded only two conference wins.