The Ohio club hockey team will play host to the best of the rest Saturday in Bird Arena.
The Central States Collegiate Hockey League is testing out a new format for the league's all-star game this year which will pit the regular season champion team against a squad made up of the best players in the CSCHL. In past seasons, the league has played a more traditional East versus West game.
Ohio coach Dan Morris said the reason for the change is because the old way was becoming stale. While Morris is in favor of the new format because it gets more players recognition, he ideally would like to see another format.
I would like to see a format where we could play another league all-star team
Morris said. I don't think that is possible so this is the best way.
CSCHL commissioner Brian Moran said that such a game could be possible in the future.
Eventually (it could be worked out) Moran said. Obviously we would need to work out the logistics and find another league to play and a time to do it.
Other CSCHL coaches found flaws this year's format. Chad Cassel, coach of 2006 CSCHL tournament champion Illinois, disagrees with Morris. Cassel said he thinks that the old format involved more players.
With this format
each team gets to send only two players
Cassel said. I liked the old format better.
Cassel said that a league-versus-league game would be interesting, but it would still only allow two or three players from each team to participate.
Bobcat captain Jordan Levy said he thinks that a league-versus-league game is a concept worth considering.
We believe the CSCHL is the best league in the country
Levy said. It would be interesting to see how the best players in our league match-up against the best of other leagues.
Despite his interest in a matchup against a different league, Levy is looking forward to the challenge that his team faces in this year's game.
It's special to have our team play against the best of the league
Levy said. I think our chances (of winning) are very good. I expect to win.
Levy's teammate and this year's CSCHL regular season most-valuable-player, Jim Fuhs, also believes that the Bobcats will come out on top Saturday.
All-star teams are usually made up of talented players
but it all starts with the guys who are willing to work
Fuhs said. It'll be a good game because these guys are just getting thrown together
and we've been playing together all season.
Fuhs, who injured his knee Jan. 28 against Duquesne, likely will make his return to the ice Saturday. Despite missing the teams' four regular season games and the entire league tournament, Fuhs led the team in assists and was second in points.
I will be playing
Fuhs said. There is not much contact in an all-star game. I don't think I'll be playing on Friday (against West Virginia) because I don't think they'll want me hitting yet.
Fuhs began skating and practicing earlier this week after being cleared by his doctor.
With five CSCHL teams slated to play in the national tournament next week, no coach wants to see one of his players hurt in an exhibition game. However, both Morris and Cassel are not worried about injury.
You'll worry yourself sick if you worry about (injuries)
