CCHA announces “Super Fan” contest winners

The Central Collegiate Hockey Association has been holding a contest in conjunction with Fox Sports Detroit for the past few weeks, in the hopes of recognizing some of the top fans in college hockey.

A fan(s) from each CCHA school were picked today, and they’re all taking home quite a prize pack. Each winner receives:

• A two-night stay at the Detroit Marriott Renaissance, the host hotel of the CCHA Championship Weekend.
• Two tickets to the CCHA Awards at historic Fox Theatre on March 22.
• Two lower-bowl tickets to both CCHA Championship semifinal games at Joe Louis Arena on March 23.
• Two lanyards and admission to the Celebrate the Legacy party at Cobo Hall on March 23.
• Two lower-bowl tickets to the final CCHA Championship game at Joe Louis Arena on March 24.
• Two tickets to the Post-Championship Game Skate with CCHA Alumni at Joe Louis Arena on March 24.
• Two limited edition CCHA Championship Warrior Hockey jerseys.
• Transportation to and from CCHA Events on the FOX Sports Detroit Fan Express Bus.

Congrats to the winners of the Michigan-based schools. They are, as follows:

Ferris State – Gary Wigent has been a season ticket holder and beloved supporter of Ferris State hockey for 10 years. His interaction with the players goes well beyond game day and Wigent can be frequently seen at the Bulldogs’ practice facility or on the road watching the team play. Wigent even has a friendly rivalry with the “Lawson Lunatics” of Western Michigan, who refer to him as “Santa Claus” due to his white beard. Wigent truly is a super fan, who lives and breathes Bulldog hockey.

Lake Superior – Brittany Litchard has been a season ticket holder to Lake Superior hockey since she first stepped foot on campus three years ago. She can be seen and heard at every Lakers’ home game, proudly wearing her LSSU jersey signed by every player on the team throughout the last three seasons. Litchard has supported the team off the ice as a member of the Soo Blue Liners Club, where she tutors players and has even baked the team cookies.

Michigan – Mike Nicholls has been a Michigan hockey fan for over 40 years, but he is most well known for his streak of attending 400 consecutive home and away games that began in 2005. Nicholls has logged over 130,000 travel miles watching the Wolverines play and his travels now include six trips to Alaska, four trips to Omaha, Neb., two trips to Manchester, N.H., along with numerous other destinations. Mike has been honored by the hockey program for his dedication and received awards following his 100th game and 250th game, which included an on-ice presentation and plaque from the team.

Michigan State – Janeen Geisenhaver has missed just five Michigan State games since the 1984-85 season. Her attendance streak includes not only regular-season games, CCHA playoff and championship games, but also preseason and non-conference games. Geisenhaver has also made 14 of the 15 trips to watch the Spartans play in Alaska and this year’s Frozen Four in Pittsburgh will mark her 30th consecutive Frozen Four, a streak which began in 1984 at Lake Placid. Geisenhaver has been named President of the MSU Blue Line Club for the 2013-14 season, has served on the Board of Directors and has assisted with countless fundraisers and receptions.

Northern Michigan – Joshua Thoune has been a devoted fan of the Northern Michigan hockey program since 2005 and has missed only a handful of games. As Captain of the Puckheads fan group, Thoune has assisted the hockey program by organizing fan group functions, assisting with ticket sales and participating in community events. Troune has recently moved to Green Bay due to work commitments, but still remains loyal to his team by listening to Wildcats’ games on the radio.

Western Michigan – Mark Shoup has been a loyal Western Michigan hockey fan for decades, and has passed that same love down to his three children. He has developed personal relationships with many players over the years and his daughters have made cookies for the players numerous times. Shoup prides himself on supporting and following former Broncos hockey players in their professional careers. He has remained a loyal fan through thick and thin, and has always enjoyed spending time with his family watching the Broncos compete.