Matchup: For the first time since 2007 Oakland and Central Michigan will take the ice for a game on Friday night at 7:40pm at Suburban Ice Rochester.  This will mark the start of a new season for the Golden Grizzlies filled with many new faces.

All Time Series: Oakland and Central Michigan faced each other while Oakland was an ACHA DII team 1999-2006 and Oakland leads the all-time series 7-1. The last time these two team met Oakland won 5-4 in a exhibition matchup in 2007.

Scouting Oakland: The Golden Grizzlies have 11 new players for the 2022-23 season, including NCAA transfer defenseman Griffin Hernalsteen.  Forward and Quebec native Gabriel Lucchesi will be making his debut on Friday night, along with forward John Paul Weber, who comes to Oakland from the Decatur Blaze (USPHL Premier). Forward Stefano Mini following in his brothers footsteps makes his debut on Friday. Mini played for the Detroit Fighting Irish (USPHL Premier). His brother Gino played for Oakland from 2016-2019 and currently plays for the Port Huron Prowlers (FHL). Oakland returns key forwards such as Nicholas Wyrick and Corey Schulthesis. On the blueline Keith Pilut and Brendan Volger return for a second season. In net both Parker Remelius and Brent Zloto are back and joined by Jacob Zomick an ACHA DII transfer. Two key High School forwards added include both Andrew Morrison and Alexander Rekar who are expected to play key roles up front.

Scouting CMU: The Chippewas feature forwards Lucas Czopek, who led the Chips last season with 15 goals and 19 assists. Forward Connor Beemish finished last season with 24 points and Jake Neitzel had seven points. The Chips bring back defenseman Stephen McDonald and his 12 points from a season ago.  Defenseman Spencer Messina  recorded 17 points and Jake Whitten scored one goal last season. In net Jonah Heath went 6-9 last season with a 90% save percentage and a 3.61 goals against average and Dylan Niermeyer went 1-5 with a 4.64 goals against average and a save percentage of  86% a season ago.