The CCHA's Key Players

Every team has a couple players that they need to exceed expectations in order to have a good season. I've picked one player from each CCHA team that I think will be crucial to the success of his team. Tomorrow: The WCHA's Key Players.

Jimmy Spratt, Bowling Green

Why so important?: Spratt has the job of replacing one of the best goalies in the CCHA in Jordan Sigalat. There's a ton of pressure on Spratt because BG has been rebuilding for years now, and now that they've got a decent team, they want to capitalize on it. BG will have to rely on Spratt because back-up Bob Horrell did not play well last year.

Nathan Fornataro, Alaska-Fairbanks

Why so important: Fairbanks lost defenseman Corbin Schmidt to graduation. Fornataro will have to handle the move up to being the team's top defenseman and logging a lot of ice time, especially if Jordan Hendry isn't the same after his knee surgery last season, and freshmen Tyler Eckford struggles out of the gate.

Ryan Jones, Miami of Ohio

Why so important?: Miami should have a talented first line this year with Matt Christie, Marty Guerin, and Nathan Davis. The key for the RedHawks will be finding a serviceable second line that can contribute goals. Jones will be the guy they look to score those goals.

Jeff Rainville, Lake Superior

Why so important?:
This article from insidecollegehockey.com quotes new head coach Jim Roque as saying Rainville is the best offensive talent on the Lakers, who will desperately need offensive this season.

Jason Bailey, Michigan

Why so important?: This reflects my confidence in Billy Sauer and Chad Kolarik to offset Michigan's two biggest offseason losses more than anything. Michigan graduated a ton of size last year after losing 6'4" Eric Nystrom, 6'4" Jason Ryznar, and 6'3" David Moss, as well as the team's most physical player, Mike Brown. Bailey can correct those problems. He's a big forward that loves to finish checks along the boards. Michigan will need that physicality and Bailey will have to step up and perform against bigger competition than he's ever faced.

Jonathan Lupa, Western Michigan

Why so important?: Western Michigan is desperate for anybody that can play defense. Lupa is a big defenseman that wasn't spectacular as a freshmen, but could make a huge improvement in his sophmore year.

Corey Potter, Michigan State

Potter has proven that he has the talent to be a great defenseman. The problem is that undisciplined play as made him a bit forgotten. Michigan State is still relatively weak on defense, and need Potter to be on the ice for close to half the game, not in the penalty for close to half the game.

Mike Santorelli, Northern Michigan

Why so important?: With Tuomas Tarkki gone, Northern Michigan is going to need to find a way to score more goals than they did last year. One possible source will be sophmore Mike Santorelli. Santorelli stepped up last year and became the sniper on the powerplay. Northern will need him to provide more than 20 goals this season to have a chance at winning the CCHA this year.

Domenic Maiani, Ohio State

Why so important: Maiani is a talented player, and also a very hard-worker. He'll have to fill the shoes this year of JB Bittner who got the most out of his talent while at Ohio State. Maiani will also provide a nice secondary scoring threat after the line of Beaudoin-Fritsche-Pelley for the Buckeyes.

Joe Grimaldi, Nebraska-Omaha

Why so important?: With goalie Chris Holt leaving for the pros, Omaha is left with some pretty unappealing choices in goal. They'll have to go with whoever performs the best out of Eric Aarnio, Kris Tebbs, or late-signing freshmen Greg Barrett. Both Aarnio and Tebbs posted save percentages below 80% last year. Add to that that Omaha isn't particularly deep with blueline talent and there is a ton of pressure on sophmore Grimaldi to help carry the Mavericks defensively. Grimaldi was sensational as a freshman last season, but he might need to play even better this season for UNO to compete for a top spot in the CCHA this season.

Greg Rallo, Ferris State

Why so important?: With the graduation of Jeff Legue, Rallo will be moving up to the position of the team's top center. Rallo, who will be a senior this year, has never cracked the 30 point mark in his first three seasons. Ferris State's defense will be thin this season and they will have to break in two talented, but unproven goalies. They will need Rallo to step up and contribute close to 35 points this season to stay out of the basement.

Tim Wallace, Notre Dame

Why so important?: Defenseman Wes O'Neill is Notre Dame's leading returning scorer from last season. If O'Neill is leading the Irish in scoring at the end of this year, they will finish in last place again. Notre Dame needs someone to emerge as a scorer on their team, and senior Wallace could be the player to do it.