Frozen Four ice chips... (Updated with predictions)

Usually the Frozen Four is one of my favorite events in college hockey. This season I am having a hard time getting fired up for the Frozen Four. This season the Frozen Four is going to be played at a NFL venue, Ford Field. Color me unenthused. I would rather see the game at the Joe instead of Ford Field. Taking it further, I think playing a hockey game in a football field or outdoors on a baseball park or at a football stadium is a gimmick. That being said there is a good field of teams in the Frozen Four and I am going to be pulling for the Wisconsin Badgers 27-10-4 to bring home the hardware for the WCHA.

Matchups

NCAA Semifinal (1): The Wisconsin Badgers (27-10-4, 17-8-3 WCHA) face off against RIT Tigers (28-11-1, 22-5-1 Atlantic Hockey) RIT is this season's NCAA Division 1 Hockey version of Cinderella and their glass slipper will be shattered as the Wisconsin Badgers will advance to Saturday’s title game in convincing fashion. Game is Thursday on ESPN 2 at 4:00PM CT.


NCAA Semifinal (2): The Miami University RedHawks (29-7-7, 21-2-5-2 CCHA) face off in the second game against the Boston College Eagles (27-10-3, 16-8-3 Hockey East) This game is a rematch of the March 25th 2007 game where the Eagles shut out the Miami RedHawks 4-0 in Manchester, NH and the rematch of the March 30th 2008 game where the Eagles won in O.T. 4-3 in Worcester, MA. First off the game will not be a home game for the Eagles (Worcester or Manchester) and I predict the RedHawks will get sweet revenge on the Boston College Eagles, the RedHawks defensive style of play will slow down the speedy Eagles and win 3-1. Game is Thursday on ESPN 2 at 7:30 PM CT.


Links

Detroit Free Press; Detroiter Cameron Burt comes full circle to play for title

Detroit Free Press; Breakout season takes RIT to Frozen Four

Detroit Free Press; Breaking down the Frozen Four at Ford Field

Madison.com; Lucas: Badgers seek Madtown to Motown hat trick

Madison.com; Game facts: Wisconsin vs. RIT

Madison.com; Geoffrion has grown into a great

RedHawkey; Only Miami playing in 2nd straight Frozen 4

The Oxford Press; RedHawks crave second chance at NCAA title

The Oxford Press; Miami coach: 'We’re all in this together’

The Oxford Press; RedHawks’ goaltending duo second to none

Boston.com; Miami facing another Boston roadblock

Boston.com; Eagles feathered their nest

Boston.com; Charged-up Gibbons gets BC back on line

RIT.edu; Hitting the ice—and the books—to the Frozen Four

DemocratandChronicle.com; Spirited sendoff for RIT Tigers

DemocratandChronicle.com; Cameron Burt, Scott Knowles at home for the Frozen Four