CHMA Tournament Preview

Heading into the CHMA Tournament February 20-22 in Morgantown, West Virginia at the new Hope Gas Ice Pavilion at Mylan Park, the six playoff teams have been decided. The matchups are set, and it looks to be an exciting weekend of playoff hockey.

The top two teams (IUP and John Carroll) receive a first-round bye directly into Saturday's semifinal games. The remaining four teams will play on Friday. No. 3 Kent State versus No. 6 Duquesne and No. 4 Wes Virginia versus No. 5 Robert Morris.

THE STANDINGS

THE BRACKET

No. 3 Kent State versus No. 6 Duquesne, 4:00 PM Friday, February 20.

Season series:

October 31, 2025: Duquesne 1

Kent State 10

January 24, 2026: Kent State 7

Duquesne 4

Kent State's high-powered offense - averaging nearly 5 goals per game - is led by sophomore forward Kornel Kaibas, who has 58 points in 30 games. Other players at the point-per-game mark or higher include Nick Cutaia, Cole Bianchin, JJ Creighton.

Max Maddalo leads Duquesne with 35 points in 28 games. Additionally, Austin Peterson, Alex Golden, and Dominic Casile are all scoring at least a point per game.

The Golden Flashes appear just as comfortable on the road as they do in their home confines of Kent State Ice Arena, while the Duquesne Dukes have struggled away from Alpha Ice Complex.

No. 4 West Virginia versus No. 5 Robert Morris, 7:00 PM Friday, February 20.

Season series:

November 22, 2025: Robert Morris 3

West Virginia 4

January 30, 2026: West Virginia 7

Robert Morris 3

West Virginia has three players scoring more than a point per game: Nicholas Bruno (1.71), Leonard Haban (1.58), and Tommy Woods (1.33).

Robert Morris also has three players scoring more than a point per game: Devin Rohrich (1.75), Corbin Ragno (1.30), and Zachary Blevins (1.04).

It is interesting to note that both West Virginia and Robert Morris have each been more successful on the road this season. About two-thirds of each of their win totals has been on the road. The disadvantage for West Virginia in this scenario is that the Mountaineers are playing host to the tournament this season. If I were them, I'd be picking the visitor locker room for Friday night's game.

No. 1 IUP versus TBD 3:00 PM Saturday, February 21

The Crimson Hawks will await the lowest seeded winner from Friday's quarterfinal games.

The Hawks have five players scoring at a point per game or more: Hunter Fairman (1.81), Jace Rearic (1.68), Shane Miller (1.43), Owen Tutich (1.03), and Chase Malloy (1.00).

This list is especially impressive given team points-leader Jace Rearic's historic position within IUP. Rearic is the all-time points leader for IUP with 180 points in 146 games. He also holds the franchise record for most goals in a single season (30). He currently sits six goals away from breaking the all-time franchise goals record. With two regular season games remaining and at least one conference playoff game, Rearic appears all but destined to reach this mark.

No. 2 John Carroll versus TBD 6:00 PM Saturday, February 21

John Carroll has four players scoring more than a point per game: Charlie Tuggey (1.84), who leads the team in goals, assists, and points this season, Sean Deakin (1.35), Anthony Lagreca (1.35), and Colin Cronin (1.26).

John Carroll has been dominant at home this season at Gilmour Academy Ice Arena, but is about 0.500 on the road. They're going to have a while to think about that during the bus ride of over 3 hours between Cleveland and Morgantown.