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| December 18, 2001
NARCh College
|  This marks the second season for the Winternationals College Division, a partnership between NARCh and the Collegiate Roller Hockey League.
CRHL qualifies teams based upon their performance to date in the league and ensures that CRHL roster requirements are utilized at the event. NARCh handles the registration and the actual operation of the Division, in conjunction with Winternationals.
Last year, Michigan State University defeated the University of Missouri in the Championship Game while Colorado State University grabbed third place with their defeat of Penn State – Altoona.
With the College Division title on the line, as well as 2002 National Championship Tournament berths, here’s who to watch along with a team-by-team breakdown.
Michigan State
The Spartans are not only the defending Winternationals College Division champions, but they are also the only undefeated team in this season’s field. The CRHL National Champions in 1999 and 2000 are lead on the rink by Captain Mike Mackert. Dante Damiani leads the MSU squad in scoring (30 pts) and first season goaltender Steve Kampf leads the Midwest in save percentage and goals against average.
Rochester Institute of Technology
After reaching the pinnacle of collegiate roller hockey with a 10-5 victory over Lindenwood in the CRHL National Championship Tournament title game last year, the Tigers have roared out to a 7-1-1 overall record, good for a share of first place in the Mid-Atlantic Region. Ken Meyer, arguably last year’s most valuable player, has moved behind the bench, but don’t be mistaken, this squad is by no means watered down. Veteran John Nuszkowski leads the MAR with 25 points, while Brandon Luckino and Derek Hahn add even more firepower to an explosive offense.
Missouri
The Mizzu Tigers surprised the field last year by advancing to the final round. Although they eventually lost in the championship game, their performance brought respect back to the Great Plains Region. This season, the Tigers are off to a rocky start, but this event could be just what they need to get back on track.
Cal Poly SLO
Cal Poly SLO had a rough time at last year’s Winternationals, failing to win a game. However, they bounced back and ended last season by winning their first Western Region championship since the 1997-98 season as well as advancing to the Elite Eight at the CRHL National Championship Tournament. They started this season where they left off last year and are currently the team to beat in the Western Region. A couple of losses late in the semester looks to revitalize SLO going into Winternationals. Watch-out for veteran Ian Gould (2nd in Western Region scoring) and Rookie Bobby Coltrell.
Check www.crhl.net throughout the season to keep up with the latest in college roller hockey news and information.
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