The post below is from Hockey 101 and is typical of the lack of consideration that any teams from the MACHA gets. Until more MACHA teams start expanding their schedules to include the Michigan teams and beating them there will always be a huge bias with the people doing the rankings. You can enjoy playing this the mid-west bubble or challenge top teams. In the past seems like only Missouri State has stepped up to play any of the top teams. I would say, teams should quit padding Iowa State's D1 schedule since beating them means absolutely nothing and go play a Grand Valley or Michigan State etc, etc... Those games, if won would get you ranked in your region.

Message:

Lately.

#1 Davenport 18-0
#2 GVSU beat Michigan but loses to Mich State
#3 U of M splits Mich State, two bad losses to Ohio State
#4 DePaul has barely played anyone this period? Bad losses to BGSU
#5 Mich State beats GVSU and splits with U of M

Mmmm seems most teams could fit in anywhere, id say:

1. DU
2. MSU
3. GVSU
4. U of M
5. DePaul

Dont see any new teams jumping in the top 5 yet, if a few squads didnt pick up a couple bad losses this period I could have expected some changes. Ferris State deserves to be ranked in top 10, talented team, very tough schedule.


Dallas_StarS

Our team last year actually played a lot of top ranked teams. We play DU and beat them, Lost to Colorado twice, one a close game. Ferris State last year. And took Brand Valley to a one goal game. I am sure Kich will have more to say and more detail i might be missing one.

Indiana was another lost in Nationals. Took them to one goal game.

Unfortunately, we (MACHA) will have to win against the Michigan teams regularly and not just win one game here or there, or play to a one goal game. There is too much bias. I know. We got ripped for placing MACHA teams above Michigan teams in our poll.

Luke, I assume you mean DePaul and not Davenport?

I think Luke is talking about Denver University.

Yes i was talking about Denver University. WE played them in out 3 game trip in Colorado last year.

There isn't really a Michigan Bias, if we cant beat those teams, why should we earn spots ahead of them? The last time an MACHA team beat a GMHL opponent was Mizzou vs. Michigan in the 05-06 Regionals. I think if there's a bias, its from Minnesota schools. I believe MACHA teams are currently 7-1 against WCCHA opponents, the only loss was ISU splitting with St. Thomas. They are currently 11-2-2, which includes games against powerhouses Michigan Tech, (D3) Dordt who (they beat and tied), St. Olaf, and Nebraska. I wouldnt be surprised to see them move up. Iowa has a shot this weekend to put them in their place.

I would say a good 70% to 80% of people who rank only look at standings, without the knowledge of who those "top teams" have played. There is no reason Northern Michigan, St. Norbert, Wisc- Platteville, or Mankato to this point deserve any votes; all of those teams with exception of Mankato play a schedule against many Silver teams, and the 2 games Mankato did play against RMC-Peoria, they split.

Its getting to the point where our conference is getting strong enough to see 3 to 4 teams in Regionals, although our teams need to win the games they should, and step it up against the independent schools in the mix, like a very beatable Central Michigan or Lindenwood.

Agreed Kich. That's kind of what I was saying. That it's entirely possible polsters look only at only scores, so in that case, we have to schedule games against and win against the Michigan's. And, yes wins against independents will also be perferred, especially if they are ranked.

while in Kansas, its easier for us budget wise to play top teams in the west i.e. the colorado teams. It gets us good recognition, yet doesn't do to much for rankings. Last year we beat ferris and lost to C. Michigan in ot, and they still dogged us. I would have to say, I know the Michigan teams are strong, but its nothing the top 6 teams in macha gold couldn't handle. Plus its expensive to go up there, at least with my talks with them as an officer they feel like they are to "good" to travel down here. Just my 2 cents.

St thomas 7
Iowa 2

st thomas 6
iowa 1