Attack takes showcase title
Batchewana Attack of the Canadian International Hockey League edged the Central Michigan University Chippewas 3-2 in Saturday’s championship game of the Tiffany Eckler Ferguson Memorial Showcase Tournament that was held in Kalkaska.
Batchewana, which leads the CIHL standings with a record of 20-0-1, defeated the host Kalkaska Rhinos — also of the CIHL — 2-1 in the semi-finals. Meanwhile, Central Michigan had advanced to the title tilt with a 2-1 semi-final win over the CIHL’s Espanola Rivermen.
Central Michigan competes at the Division 2, American Collegiate Hockey Association level.
The other team in the tournament, the Detroit Fighting Irish of the Midwest Jr. Hockey League, did not qualify for the playoff round.
CIHL president Tim Clayden was enthusiastic in his praise for the Attack — and to the Rhinos for hosting the event.
“The Attack clearly had the best team, the best coach and with great people. The entire Attack organization makes the CIHL better and proud. The players, the management and coach Denny Lambert and his coaching staff are at the top of the league on and off the ice,” said Clayden.
The Kalkaska showcase served as a fundraiser for the Tiffany Eckler Ferguson Memorial Fund. Tiffany, the mother of four children, and her father were shot and killed in Kalkaska late in 2014. Tiffany was a former president of the Kalkaska Area Hockey Association.
The CIHL will participate in two more showcase tournaments this season, both to be hosted by the aforementioned Detroit Fighting Irish. They are slated for February 5-8 and April 2-4.
PHOTO: Members of the Batchewana Attack celebrate their showcase tournament title in Kalkaska.
Great Weekend of Hockey , Good Hockey People all around we are looking forward to next meetings
To bad I couldn’t make the games sounds like it was a great weekend of hockey congrats to the CIHL for the great year they are having
I hear that the folk’s from Kalakaska put on a very good show. Good for the League and all there Players.