The Mavericks left for Houghton, Mich., this morning for this weekend's season-opening series at Michigan Tech, and I won't be far behind (I'm leaving Friday morning, but in my mind, I'm already there).
All of the players I've talked to this week are itching to drop the puck. Minnesota State was the only WCHA team not in action last weekend, and they are getting tired of playing against themselves. Although official practice has been going on for only two weeks, the Mavericks were conditioning and going through captains practices basically since school started at the beginning of September.
A few things to know about this weekend:
Coach Troy Jutting said Mike Zacharias will start in goal Friday. "He's had a good fall," the coach said. "He deserves to play the first game." That's not a surprise. Zacharias was the best of the three goalies in the Purple-Gold game. Although Jutting was noncommittal about Saturday's starter, I wouldn't be shocked of Dan Tormey gets the nod.
The forward lines are basically the same as they were during the scrimmage (see below). The only exception is Matt Tyree moved up to the fourth line with Zach Harrison and Rylan Galiardi because Jason Wiley is out with an undisclosed injury.
I'm going to try my hand at pre- and postgame blogging for the first time this weekend, so I'll have all of the lineups tomorrow night. Who knows? There might even be some in-game posts, so keep checking. Also, be sure to read Friday's Free Press for a full preview, including a feature on senior captain Joel Hanson and a WCHA preview.
I'd love to hear your take on this season and, especially, this series. Thanks to everybody who's already posted comments.
5 comments:
Why didn't the mavs have any pre-season games? That does not seem fair when you see other WCHA teams in live action in pre-season tourney's, etc. Is it a money issue?
I will be reading your pre and post game logs, it will be nice to keep up with the Mavericks while they are on the road. Is this game going to be broadcast anywhere on the internet? Keep up the good work, I will be following your reports throughout the season. Hopefully the Mavericks will be able to play all season like they have at the end of the past two seasons.
Shane,
Any idea who the new athletic trainer is. The team needs someone good to take Jason Bushee's place to have agood year?
what happened to wiley?!
I'm hoping we can leave behind the slow start this year. Looking at the schedule, the time to start is the first two weeks. Michigan Tech never seems to give up alot of opportunities, so when we one is presented we need to take charge and put the puck in the net.
Post a Comment