59 Teams in 59 Days Northern Michigan

The 59 Teams in 59 Days tour has hit day number 42 and today we make a trip to Marquette, Michigan where the Northern Michigan Wildcats are featured.

Going into last year no one knew what to expect from this Northern Michigan club. Some picked them in the middle of the CCHA, some picked them to be an NCAA team, and some picked them near the bottom of the conference. The Wildcats wound up to do alright as they made it to the Joe Louis Arena, only to lose the CCHA semi-final and consolation game which cost them an NCAA tournament bid.

So what does this years squad look like. Again it is tough to call. The Wildcats lose eight seniors from last years squad, three defensemen and five forwards. However three of the top five leading scorers return.

Darin Olver, Mike Santorelli, and Pat Bateman are the leading returning scorers on a team that only scored 118 goals in 40 games. Other players will have to step up if Northern Michigan wants to get back to the NCAA tournament.

The good news is that Junior goaltender Bill Zaniboni is returning. After posting an 18-12-2 record, and with other good numbers such as a 2.31 goals against average and three shutouts, Zaniboni was one of the better goaltenders in the CCHA. This year might be a tough with losing three defensemen. But the good news is that the Wildcats have size on defense coming in, with Alan Dorich (6"2), T.J. Miller (6"4), and a goaltender with size who is also 6"4 in Brian Stewart.

Overall expect the Wildcats to be in the middle of the pack in the CCHA. With Miami, Michigan, and Michigan State in the elite this year, Northern Michigan will eventually look to go back up their in the elite. It might not be now, but Northern Michigan fans will have plenty to cheer about with a solid recruting class and a good head coach in Walt Kyle who has led the Wildcats to 20+ wins in each of his first four seasons.

The predicted ceiling for Northern Michigan is fourth in the CCHA, while their gutter is eighth.

Tommorrow we will make a trip to one of the most famous institutions in America in Notre Dame. Head Coach Jeff Jackson will look to improve in his second year at Notre Dame, the question is how long will it take for Notre Dame to be back in the NCAA's? How will they fare this year? Find out tommorrow as we make a trip to South Bend on the 59 Teams in 59 Days tour.