Notebooks: Facing Challenges

Michigan Tech's band is one of the best in the country and folks in Houghton had plenty to celebrate last weekend, but why all the empty seats?

This week's INCH Notebooks take things very seriously, as we explore the issues and challenges that teams from across the nation have dealt with.

Michigan Tech has handled adverse weather and the unexpected inconveniences it can bring, while Rensselaer dealt with a long losing streak by keeping focused on day-to-day activities. Connecticut goalie (and INCH Player of the Week) Beau Erickson stood up to the challenge of facing the top team in Atlantic Hockey.

Michigan State proved to be Michigan's toughest challenge this year, while College Hockey America clubs know that they've got to meet the standard set by Bemidji State if they're going to have post-season success. Northeastern's task is to return to its hard-working ways demonstrated during the first half of the season.
Notebooks: Atlantic Hockey | CCHA | CHA | ECAC Hockey | Hockey East | WCHA

Mike Check: Right On Schedule
Old Faithful. Halley's Comet. A Die Hard battery. These things are synonymous with reliability, never failing to appear on time — be it every hour or every 76 years — or get your car running on the coldest of winter mornings with just one turn of the key. INCH's Mike Check column, on the other hand ... not so reliable in terms of showing up in a regular fashion. Think of it as this site's Ray Emery. You can count on Mike Eidelbes, however, to deliver insight, opinion, and the latest news on video curling. | Mike Check

INCH Podcast: State of the Union
Among the topics of discussion this time around: North Dakota’s ascent; the soft middle sections of the nation’s conferences; and the prognosis for Michigan following its loss and tie against Michigan State. | Podcast

NHL Central Scouting Service Releases Mid-Season Rankings
The NHL's Central Scouting Service has released its mid-season rankings of the top players eligible for the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. The top-ranked player with college ties is BU forward Colin Wilson. We've got the complete list. | More

Postcard: The Wayne-ing Moments
The Wayne State hockey team can't play for the future because it doesn't have one. But as Jess Myers explains, this group isn't just playing out the string as their long, strange trip draws to a close. | Postcard

Five Alive: INCH's Anniversary
A little more than five years ago, Inside College Hockey got off the ground (specifically at 6 a.m. on Oct. 7, 2002). Thanks to you, we're still here five years later and we continue to grow. We're usually not ones to pump our tires, but we couldn't let our fifth anniversary pass without a look back at our journey from a two-person, seat-of-the-pants operation to ... well, an eight-person, seat-of-the-pants operation. | Full Story
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