Ex-Maverick Jon Kalinski (they could use him right now, couldn't they?) scored his first NHL goal Tuesday night when he and his Philadelpia Flyers played at the Vancouver Canucks.
As of this update, the Flyers are up 3-2 in the third period, and if that stands, Kalinski's goal would be the game-winner.
Kalinski is one of four MSU alumni currently in the NHL, along with David Backes (St. Louis Blues), Ryan Carter (Anaheim Ducks) and Tim Jackman (New York Islanders). Steve Wagner started the season in St. Louis but is currently with their AHL affiliate in Peoria.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Winless in December
The Mavericks lost their sixth consecutive game Tuesday, falling 3-2 to Yale. The loss dropped Minnesota State below .500 for the first time this season and, worse, out of the Pairwise rankings. The last time MSU lost six consecutive games was 2005-06 when they opened the season with an 0-6 record.
Jason Wiley and Jerad Stewart scored the Mavericks' goals, and goalie Dan Tormey made 28 saves, allowing Sean Backman's game-winning goal midway through the third period. It was the sixth game in a row in which MSU failed to score three goals. Freshman Mike Louwerse was tossed from the game early after getting a five-minute major penalty for checking from behind. Yale's Broc Little scored one goal on Louwerse's penalty and added a short-handed goal in the final minute of the second period after the Mavericks had taken a 2-1 lead.
Jason Wiley and Jerad Stewart scored the Mavericks' goals, and goalie Dan Tormey made 28 saves, allowing Sean Backman's game-winning goal midway through the third period. It was the sixth game in a row in which MSU failed to score three goals. Freshman Mike Louwerse was tossed from the game early after getting a five-minute major penalty for checking from behind. Yale's Broc Little scored one goal on Louwerse's penalty and added a short-handed goal in the final minute of the second period after the Mavericks had taken a 2-1 lead.
More on Tormey
Just had a chance to listen to coach Troy Jutting on the radio talking about starting Dan Tormey in goal tonight. Before getting into it, Jutting did mention Princeton's fourth goal, which, he called "kind of a soft goal we normally don't give up, and it kind of deflated us."
On making the goalie change, Jutting said, "(Mike Zacharias) obviously played extremely well at the beginning of the year and, really, all year. He's had a couple of tough outings the last couple of games. We're going to give Mike a break and give him a chance to watch a game. ...
"(Tormey) has been a very good goalie for us in the past. He hasn't had a chance to play much because of the way Mike has been playing. This is a good chance for Danny to step up and get us a game."
Since his last start -- Nov. 17, 2007 -- Tormey has seen action in just two games, including Dec. 13 against Denver when he relieved Zacharias in the third period of that 5-2 loss.
On making the goalie change, Jutting said, "(Mike Zacharias) obviously played extremely well at the beginning of the year and, really, all year. He's had a couple of tough outings the last couple of games. We're going to give Mike a break and give him a chance to watch a game. ...
"(Tormey) has been a very good goalie for us in the past. He hasn't had a chance to play much because of the way Mike has been playing. This is a good chance for Danny to step up and get us a game."
Since his last start -- Nov. 17, 2007 -- Tormey has seen action in just two games, including Dec. 13 against Denver when he relieved Zacharias in the third period of that 5-2 loss.
It's Tormey time
Just got the line chart for tonight's MSU game at Yale, and senior Dan Tormey will get the start in goal for the first time in more than a year. Mike Zacharias had started 48 games in a row for the Mavericks but lost 5-2 Monday at Princeton.
The Mavericks are trying to snap a five-game losing streak, and a goalie change just might be the shakeup they need right now. Listening to the radio broadcast, it sounded like Zacharias gave up a soft goal -- an open shot from the blue line -- that put Princeton up 4-2 only a couple of minutes after MSU made it a one-goal game in the third period.
Still, the Mavericks have to score, too, and they've scored just two goals in each of their five losses on the current streak. They are 1-5-2 when scoring two goals.
Although the lines are slightly different than last night, the only other lineup change is on defense where freshman Cameron Cooper will play for junior Nick Canzanello.
Here are tonight's lines:
Mouillierat-Bruess-Stewart
Mueller-Galiardi-Berge
Thompson-Harrison-Louwerse
Irwin-Sackrison-Wiley
Davis-Kilburg
Boe-Youds
Friesen-Cooper
Tormey
Zacharias
The Mavericks are trying to snap a five-game losing streak, and a goalie change just might be the shakeup they need right now. Listening to the radio broadcast, it sounded like Zacharias gave up a soft goal -- an open shot from the blue line -- that put Princeton up 4-2 only a couple of minutes after MSU made it a one-goal game in the third period.
Still, the Mavericks have to score, too, and they've scored just two goals in each of their five losses on the current streak. They are 1-5-2 when scoring two goals.
Although the lines are slightly different than last night, the only other lineup change is on defense where freshman Cameron Cooper will play for junior Nick Canzanello.
Here are tonight's lines:
Mouillierat-Bruess-Stewart
Mueller-Galiardi-Berge
Thompson-Harrison-Louwerse
Irwin-Sackrison-Wiley
Davis-Kilburg
Boe-Youds
Friesen-Cooper
Tormey
Zacharias
Monday, December 29, 2008
Five in a row
The Mavericks dropped their fifth consecutive game Monday, falling to Princeton 5-2. Geoff Irwin and Mike Louwerse scored goals for MSU, which fell to 8-8-3. They are now 23rd in the Pairwise and Princeton is No. 1, although there are still games remaining on tonight's schedule.
Princeton, which is ranked eighth in the national polls, outshot MSU 42-33 and was 3 for 7 on the power play.
More later ...
Princeton, which is ranked eighth in the national polls, outshot MSU 42-33 and was 3 for 7 on the power play.
More later ...
And we're back ...
Happy holidays. PucKato is back from a Christmas vacation and ready for the second half of the season. Unfortunately, I'm not on the Princeton/Yale trip, so I'll be tuning in to the soothing sounds of Mike Sullivan's play-by-play. Since I've been on vacation, there isn't much to report from the Mavericks' practices this week. However, judging by tonight's line chart, Minnesota State is as healthy as its been all season.
Here are MSU's lines for tonight's game against No. 8 Princeton:
FORWARDS
Geoff Irwin - Trevor Bruess - Jerad Stewart
Adam Mueller - Rylan Galiardi - Jason Wiley
Tyler Thompson - Zach Harrison - Mick Berge
Kael Mouillierat - Andrew Sackrison - Mike Louwerse
DEFENSEMEN
Kurt Davis - Brian Kilburg
Channing Boe - Ben Youds
Blake Friesen - Nick Canzanello
GOALTENDERS
Mike Zacharias
Dan Tormey
EXTRA PLAYERS
D-Cameron Cooper, F-Justin Jokinen, F-Joe Schiller
NOT TRAVELING
D-Baylor Dieter, F-James Gaulrapp, G-Austin Lee, F-Brett Peterson (inj.)
Gaulrapp (coach's decision) did not play in the Mavericks' last game against Denver. We'll have to see if this is more than just losing his spot to the freshmen.
More later ...
Here are MSU's lines for tonight's game against No. 8 Princeton:
FORWARDS
Geoff Irwin - Trevor Bruess - Jerad Stewart
Adam Mueller - Rylan Galiardi - Jason Wiley
Tyler Thompson - Zach Harrison - Mick Berge
Kael Mouillierat - Andrew Sackrison - Mike Louwerse
DEFENSEMEN
Kurt Davis - Brian Kilburg
Channing Boe - Ben Youds
Blake Friesen - Nick Canzanello
GOALTENDERS
Mike Zacharias
Dan Tormey
EXTRA PLAYERS
D-Cameron Cooper, F-Justin Jokinen, F-Joe Schiller
NOT TRAVELING
D-Baylor Dieter, F-James Gaulrapp, G-Austin Lee, F-Brett Peterson (inj.)
Gaulrapp (coach's decision) did not play in the Mavericks' last game against Denver. We'll have to see if this is more than just losing his spot to the freshmen.
More later ...
Thursday, December 18, 2008
You Want Answers, 12.18.08
Thanks to everyone who posted questions this week. It's nice to see that there's interest in this blog, which by the way can now be accessed through The Free Press' website at www.mankatofreepress.com/hockeyblog. Let's get to the questions ...
(Jutting) gives a few certain guys all sorts of ice time and they end up minus 3 or so every night and the only way they put up points is on the power play: I know there's been some frustration of late as to how the Mavericks have played defense. They took a huge step forward defensively last season and now appear to have taken a step back. I'm not sure exactly which "certain guys" you're referring to but I could guess that you're talking about Kurt Davis, at least for one. While I think he's had his share of struggles, he still moves the puck out of the defensive zone better than anyone else on the ice and almost always seems to make the right decision when he has the puck. He also leads the team in scoring, and the Mavericks have been playing from behind for much of their four-game losing streak. Perhaps that's a double-edged sword. In Friday's game, the Mavericks fell behind 3-0 because of three crucial mistakes by defensemen -- none of those was made by Davis, by the way -- and the Pioneers were able to capitalize on them. By the way, I recently watched the YouTube clip of Tyler Ruegsegger's spin-around pass to Joe Colbourn for Friday's first goal, and it was an even better play than I realized while watching it live.
What can you tell us about Eriah Hayes, the latest player to verbally commit to the Mavs, currently with the Waterloo Blackhawks of the USHL?
I don't know much about him other than what I've read in his Waterloo bio. He's a big forward at 6-foot-3, 210 pounds. He's from LaCrescent, Minn. Currently, he has eight goals, eight assists and 41 penalty minutes in 22 games; he's also +11. He played with Topeka of the NAHL last season and had 30 goals and 56 points in 53 games. Here's a quote from Waterloo coach P.K> O'Handley: "Eriah has a lot of natural talent, so several schools were intrigued by him. He'll be a great fit with the Mavericks, and it will be great for him since Mankato is close to home."
Any chance Dan Tormey might see a start or two in the near future? Zacharias hasn't really seemed like his stellar self lately and Tormey got some action against Denver.
I still think Zacharias is the No. 1 guy and wouldn't be shocked to see him start every game the rest of the way. This is not unprecedented in the WCHA at all, especially this season. Zacharias has always been an iroman-type, too. He told me he started 39 games in a row in junior hockey, and that travel schedule is much more of a grind than the college one. This break ought to do him some good, too, as it should for the entire team. However, I do think the coaching staff has to consider his level of play, and if he needs a break, they have Tormey ready to go.
At what point do guys who get a lot of penalty minutes, like Bruess, Irwin, and Kilburg, do more harm than good for the team?
I think it's really hurting them right now. Penalties are going to happen, and you don't want to take away aggressive play that sometimes lands players, especially like those you mentioned, in the box. However, those players are much more vaulable on the ice. Bruess and Irwin are expected to score, and all three of those guys kill penalties, too. Bruess ended up in the box several times against St. Cloud State, and the Huskies burned the Mavericks on the power play.
Also, turnovers, turnovers, turnovers! What is Jutting going to do about some of the players who seem to be giving up the puck a lot lately?
Defense, penalties and turnovers -- three areas that the Mavericks improved so much upon last season -- are troubling areas right now. What Jutting is hoping, of course, is that some of that will change with a much-needed break and with veterans back from injury. The Mavericks are too veteran of a team to keep making the same mistakes over and over. As Jutting said after the St. Cloud weekend, they got away with a lot of this stuff early in the year, but it didn't get better and St. Cloud and Denver made them pay -- big time.
Any chance Mueller gets to stay on one of the top lines once the other forwards are healthy again? I was very impressed with his speed and hustle. I think skating wing with a veteran center could create some great scoring opportunities.
This is a good questions. There's no doubt, his play the last couple of weeks is a good reason to keep him in the lineup. He's super-fast and pretty fearless out there. Whether he stays on the No. 1 line or not, I'm not sure. With the second half of the season about to start, this is the time you usually see some of the first-year guys take that next step. Andy Sackrison did it last year. I thought Mueller and Joe Schiller looked pretty good against Denver.
What does coach Jutting think has been the difference these past four games? How does he plan to correct this?
He really keeps stressing the injury factor. Jason Wiley, Jerad Stewart, Andy Sackrison have all been out. Kael Mouillierat missed time. A lot of other players have picked up the slack, playing a lot of minutes, he said. Both Jutting and the players said Saturday night that everybody's supposed to be available after the break. We'll find out quickly if that's truly the No. 1 issue or not.
How would you grade the Mavericks first half of the season? What are your expectations from the Mavericks for second half of the season? Who do you think has been the biggest surprise and biggest disappointment on the Mavericks so far this season? Which player or players need to step up their game for the Mavericks to be successful?
If I had to give MSU a letter grade right now, I'd probably have to give it a C. The Mavericks just left too much on the table -- notably the bad periods that cost them at home to North Dakota and Colorado College and the poor play against St. Cloud State. Despite their injuries and other issues, they could be in much better position right now in the WCHA standings and when the Pairwise officially comes out. And they know it. ... As for the biggest surprise, I'd have to say the play of freshman Mike Louwerse. He has eight goals -- five on the power play -- and eight assists in 17 games and has been pretty consistent all season. ... Biggest disappointment? Probably the overall defensive play. That was such a big reason for MSU's turnaround last year and it really carried over, as we've talked about here. ... Finally, players who need to step up their game for the second half: Mick Berge has to find the back of the net. He had 20 goals last season and just three right now (although 14 assists).
Thanks for all of your questions and comments, and thanks for keeping up with the blog. I'll be taking a little time off next week but should be back blogging when MSU goes east to play Princeton and Yale. Happy holidays, everyone!
(Jutting) gives a few certain guys all sorts of ice time and they end up minus 3 or so every night and the only way they put up points is on the power play: I know there's been some frustration of late as to how the Mavericks have played defense. They took a huge step forward defensively last season and now appear to have taken a step back. I'm not sure exactly which "certain guys" you're referring to but I could guess that you're talking about Kurt Davis, at least for one. While I think he's had his share of struggles, he still moves the puck out of the defensive zone better than anyone else on the ice and almost always seems to make the right decision when he has the puck. He also leads the team in scoring, and the Mavericks have been playing from behind for much of their four-game losing streak. Perhaps that's a double-edged sword. In Friday's game, the Mavericks fell behind 3-0 because of three crucial mistakes by defensemen -- none of those was made by Davis, by the way -- and the Pioneers were able to capitalize on them. By the way, I recently watched the YouTube clip of Tyler Ruegsegger's spin-around pass to Joe Colbourn for Friday's first goal, and it was an even better play than I realized while watching it live.
What can you tell us about Eriah Hayes, the latest player to verbally commit to the Mavs, currently with the Waterloo Blackhawks of the USHL?
I don't know much about him other than what I've read in his Waterloo bio. He's a big forward at 6-foot-3, 210 pounds. He's from LaCrescent, Minn. Currently, he has eight goals, eight assists and 41 penalty minutes in 22 games; he's also +11. He played with Topeka of the NAHL last season and had 30 goals and 56 points in 53 games. Here's a quote from Waterloo coach P.K> O'Handley: "Eriah has a lot of natural talent, so several schools were intrigued by him. He'll be a great fit with the Mavericks, and it will be great for him since Mankato is close to home."
Any chance Dan Tormey might see a start or two in the near future? Zacharias hasn't really seemed like his stellar self lately and Tormey got some action against Denver.
I still think Zacharias is the No. 1 guy and wouldn't be shocked to see him start every game the rest of the way. This is not unprecedented in the WCHA at all, especially this season. Zacharias has always been an iroman-type, too. He told me he started 39 games in a row in junior hockey, and that travel schedule is much more of a grind than the college one. This break ought to do him some good, too, as it should for the entire team. However, I do think the coaching staff has to consider his level of play, and if he needs a break, they have Tormey ready to go.
At what point do guys who get a lot of penalty minutes, like Bruess, Irwin, and Kilburg, do more harm than good for the team?
I think it's really hurting them right now. Penalties are going to happen, and you don't want to take away aggressive play that sometimes lands players, especially like those you mentioned, in the box. However, those players are much more vaulable on the ice. Bruess and Irwin are expected to score, and all three of those guys kill penalties, too. Bruess ended up in the box several times against St. Cloud State, and the Huskies burned the Mavericks on the power play.
Also, turnovers, turnovers, turnovers! What is Jutting going to do about some of the players who seem to be giving up the puck a lot lately?
Defense, penalties and turnovers -- three areas that the Mavericks improved so much upon last season -- are troubling areas right now. What Jutting is hoping, of course, is that some of that will change with a much-needed break and with veterans back from injury. The Mavericks are too veteran of a team to keep making the same mistakes over and over. As Jutting said after the St. Cloud weekend, they got away with a lot of this stuff early in the year, but it didn't get better and St. Cloud and Denver made them pay -- big time.
Any chance Mueller gets to stay on one of the top lines once the other forwards are healthy again? I was very impressed with his speed and hustle. I think skating wing with a veteran center could create some great scoring opportunities.
This is a good questions. There's no doubt, his play the last couple of weeks is a good reason to keep him in the lineup. He's super-fast and pretty fearless out there. Whether he stays on the No. 1 line or not, I'm not sure. With the second half of the season about to start, this is the time you usually see some of the first-year guys take that next step. Andy Sackrison did it last year. I thought Mueller and Joe Schiller looked pretty good against Denver.
What does coach Jutting think has been the difference these past four games? How does he plan to correct this?
He really keeps stressing the injury factor. Jason Wiley, Jerad Stewart, Andy Sackrison have all been out. Kael Mouillierat missed time. A lot of other players have picked up the slack, playing a lot of minutes, he said. Both Jutting and the players said Saturday night that everybody's supposed to be available after the break. We'll find out quickly if that's truly the No. 1 issue or not.
How would you grade the Mavericks first half of the season? What are your expectations from the Mavericks for second half of the season? Who do you think has been the biggest surprise and biggest disappointment on the Mavericks so far this season? Which player or players need to step up their game for the Mavericks to be successful?
If I had to give MSU a letter grade right now, I'd probably have to give it a C. The Mavericks just left too much on the table -- notably the bad periods that cost them at home to North Dakota and Colorado College and the poor play against St. Cloud State. Despite their injuries and other issues, they could be in much better position right now in the WCHA standings and when the Pairwise officially comes out. And they know it. ... As for the biggest surprise, I'd have to say the play of freshman Mike Louwerse. He has eight goals -- five on the power play -- and eight assists in 17 games and has been pretty consistent all season. ... Biggest disappointment? Probably the overall defensive play. That was such a big reason for MSU's turnaround last year and it really carried over, as we've talked about here. ... Finally, players who need to step up their game for the second half: Mick Berge has to find the back of the net. He had 20 goals last season and just three right now (although 14 assists).
Thanks for all of your questions and comments, and thanks for keeping up with the blog. I'll be taking a little time off next week but should be back blogging when MSU goes east to play Princeton and Yale. Happy holidays, everyone!
Monday, December 15, 2008
Mavs fall
MSU fell to 17th in the latest USCHO.com poll and out of the USA Today rankings after their two losses to Denver over the weekend. Here are this week's polls:
USCHO.com/CBS College Sports
1. Notre Dame (41)
2. Miami (6)
3. Boston University
4. Minnesota (1)
5. Denver
6. Northeastern
7. Boston College
8. Princeton
9. Colorado College
10. Cornell
11. Air Force
12. Michigan
13. Vermont
14. Wisconsin
15. New Hampshire
16. Nebraska-Omaha
17. Minnesota State
18. (tie) Alaska
18. (tie) North Dakota
20. Dartmouth
Others receiving votes: Minnesota Duluth, Maine, Ohio State, St. Cloud State, Bemidji State, UMass, Alaska-Anchorage, Yale, UMass.-Lowell, Niagara, Quinnipiac.
USA Today/USA Hockey
1. Notre Dame (30)
2. Miami (4)
3. Boston University
4. Minnesota
5. Denver
6. Northeastern
7. Boston College
8. Princeton
9. Cornell
10. Colorado College
11. Michigan
12. Air Force
13. Vermont
14. New Hampshire
15. Nebraska-Omaha
Others receiving votes: Wisconsin, Maine, Alaska, Minnesota State, Ohio State, North Dakota, St. Cloud State, Dartmouth.
USCHO.com/CBS College Sports
1. Notre Dame (41)
2. Miami (6)
3. Boston University
4. Minnesota (1)
5. Denver
6. Northeastern
7. Boston College
8. Princeton
9. Colorado College
10. Cornell
11. Air Force
12. Michigan
13. Vermont
14. Wisconsin
15. New Hampshire
16. Nebraska-Omaha
17. Minnesota State
18. (tie) Alaska
18. (tie) North Dakota
20. Dartmouth
Others receiving votes: Minnesota Duluth, Maine, Ohio State, St. Cloud State, Bemidji State, UMass, Alaska-Anchorage, Yale, UMass.-Lowell, Niagara, Quinnipiac.
USA Today/USA Hockey
1. Notre Dame (30)
2. Miami (4)
3. Boston University
4. Minnesota
5. Denver
6. Northeastern
7. Boston College
8. Princeton
9. Cornell
10. Colorado College
11. Michigan
12. Air Force
13. Vermont
14. New Hampshire
15. Nebraska-Omaha
Others receiving votes: Wisconsin, Maine, Alaska, Minnesota State, Ohio State, North Dakota, St. Cloud State, Dartmouth.
You Want Answers: The Halfway Point
Minnesota State's season is officially half over. It started with a three-game winning streak and ended with a four-game losing streak. What's going to happen after the holidays? The Mavericks' usual run? We'll soon find out. But before PucKato goes on a break, I'm here to answer some of your burning questions. So ask away and look for some responses later in the week.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
DU 5, MSU 2 - final
Glasser's goal ended up being a killer, as Denver added two more goals -- including a third by Glasser for an unlikely hat trick -- and another by Luke Salazar. Mike Zacharias struggled, and was pulled for the first time this year. Dan Tormey got his first game action of the season and stopped four shots including a breakaway.
Denver is in first place in the WCHA, while MSU fell to seventh. It looks like a good time for a break.
***
A fine second period for the Mavericks was spoiled when Matt Glasser scored his second goal of the game with 55 seconds remaining in the period.
The Mavericks tied things with goals from freshmen Adam Mueller (17 seconds in) and Mike Louwerse (power-play goal at 8:06).
***
Denver has outshot the Mavericks 15-4 in the first period and got a goal from Matt Glasser at 13:55 and another from Jesse Martin with just 10 seconds left in the period.
Glasser's goal was a good example of the new icing rule. Teams can't change lines after icing the puck. MSU had iced the puck after a long, defensive-zone shift. Denver won the ensuing offensive-zone faceoff and quickly scored. As for Martin's goal, it was the third time in four games that the Mavericks allowed a goal in the final minute of a period.
***
Just about game time. ... I've been told that Boe was primarily a forward growing up and switched to defense sometime in high school in Bemidji.
***
Some interesting lineup changes tonight for the Mavericks. Andy Sackrison was injured last night and missed most of the third period. He's out tonight, as is James Gaulrapp, who appears to be a healthy scratch. With Jerad Stewart and Jason Wiley still out, the Mavericks are a forward short, so Channing Boe moves up front.
Meanwhile, Denver's Tyler Bozak, who was also injured last night, is also out.
Here are the lines (updated with starters in bold)
MINNESOTA STATE
Mueller-Bruess-Mouillierat
Irwin-Galiardi-Louwerse
Thompson-Harrison-Berge
Boe-Schiller-Jokinen
Davis-Kilburg
Cooper-Youds
Friesen-Canzanello
Zacharias
Tormey
Lee
DENVER
Colborne-Ruegsegger-Ostrow
Maiani-Martin-Rakhshani
Dewhurst-Vossberg-Salazar
Glasser-Gifford-Jackson
Mullen-Lee
Testwuide-Brookwell
Ryder
Nutini
Cheverie
Paulgaard
Denver is in first place in the WCHA, while MSU fell to seventh. It looks like a good time for a break.
***
A fine second period for the Mavericks was spoiled when Matt Glasser scored his second goal of the game with 55 seconds remaining in the period.
The Mavericks tied things with goals from freshmen Adam Mueller (17 seconds in) and Mike Louwerse (power-play goal at 8:06).
***
Denver has outshot the Mavericks 15-4 in the first period and got a goal from Matt Glasser at 13:55 and another from Jesse Martin with just 10 seconds left in the period.
Glasser's goal was a good example of the new icing rule. Teams can't change lines after icing the puck. MSU had iced the puck after a long, defensive-zone shift. Denver won the ensuing offensive-zone faceoff and quickly scored. As for Martin's goal, it was the third time in four games that the Mavericks allowed a goal in the final minute of a period.
***
Just about game time. ... I've been told that Boe was primarily a forward growing up and switched to defense sometime in high school in Bemidji.
***
Some interesting lineup changes tonight for the Mavericks. Andy Sackrison was injured last night and missed most of the third period. He's out tonight, as is James Gaulrapp, who appears to be a healthy scratch. With Jerad Stewart and Jason Wiley still out, the Mavericks are a forward short, so Channing Boe moves up front.
Meanwhile, Denver's Tyler Bozak, who was also injured last night, is also out.
Here are the lines (updated with starters in bold)
MINNESOTA STATE
Mueller-Bruess-Mouillierat
Irwin-Galiardi-Louwerse
Thompson-Harrison-Berge
Boe-Schiller-Jokinen
Davis-Kilburg
Cooper-Youds
Friesen-Canzanello
Zacharias
Tormey
Lee
DENVER
Colborne-Ruegsegger-Ostrow
Maiani-Martin-Rakhshani
Dewhurst-Vossberg-Salazar
Glasser-Gifford-Jackson
Mullen-Lee
Testwuide-Brookwell
Ryder
Nutini
Cheverie
Paulgaard
Friday, December 12, 2008
Pios 3, Mavs 2 - final
A Rylan Galiardi power-play goal cut the Mavericks' deficit to one goal but that's all the closer they would get in their third consecutive loss and third straight loss at home.
More later.
***
Denver took advantage of some defensive miscues to jump out to a 3-0 lead, getting two goals by Jesse Martin and another by Joe Colborne. Anthony Maiani had two assists, and J.P. Testwuide had three. The Mavericks finally got on the board on a Tyler Thompson goal with 1:33 left in the period.
There wasn't much goalie Mike Zacharias could do on any of the goals. The first two were 2-on-1 plays and the Pioneers wisely made the extra pass for the easy tip-in. On the third, during a 4x4 situation, Martin was all alone at the doorstep and put the puck between Zacharias' legs. Shots were 14-8 in favor of DU.
***
No score after one. MSU definitely has more jump than it did last week, especially Trevor Bruess. The Mavericks did a nice job killing off a couple of early penalties and struggled on its own power play, especially during 1:29 of 5x3 time when they were passing up shots, gave up a short-handed breakaway and went offsides. Shots on goal are 8-6 in MSU's favor.
***
Greetings from the Alltel Center, where the Mavericks are looking to snap a two-game home losing streak. Minnesota State has won its last three home games against Denver.
Here are tonight's lines (updated with starters):
MINNESOTA STATE
Sackrison-Bruess-Louwerse
Mouillierat-Irwin-Berge
Gaulrapp-Harrison-Thompson
Mueller-Galiardi-Schiller
Davis-Kilburg
Boe-Youds
Friesen-Cooper
Zacharias
Tormey
Lee
DENVER
Rakhshani-Bozak-Salazar
Colborne-Ruegsegger-Ostrow
Maiani-Martin-Vossberg
Glasser-Gifford-Jackson
Mullen-Lee
Testwuide-Brookwell
Ryder-Nutini
Cheverie
Paulgaard
More later.
***
Denver took advantage of some defensive miscues to jump out to a 3-0 lead, getting two goals by Jesse Martin and another by Joe Colborne. Anthony Maiani had two assists, and J.P. Testwuide had three. The Mavericks finally got on the board on a Tyler Thompson goal with 1:33 left in the period.
There wasn't much goalie Mike Zacharias could do on any of the goals. The first two were 2-on-1 plays and the Pioneers wisely made the extra pass for the easy tip-in. On the third, during a 4x4 situation, Martin was all alone at the doorstep and put the puck between Zacharias' legs. Shots were 14-8 in favor of DU.
***
No score after one. MSU definitely has more jump than it did last week, especially Trevor Bruess. The Mavericks did a nice job killing off a couple of early penalties and struggled on its own power play, especially during 1:29 of 5x3 time when they were passing up shots, gave up a short-handed breakaway and went offsides. Shots on goal are 8-6 in MSU's favor.
***
Greetings from the Alltel Center, where the Mavericks are looking to snap a two-game home losing streak. Minnesota State has won its last three home games against Denver.
Here are tonight's lines (updated with starters):
MINNESOTA STATE
Sackrison-Bruess-Louwerse
Mouillierat-Irwin-Berge
Gaulrapp-Harrison-Thompson
Mueller-Galiardi-Schiller
Davis-Kilburg
Boe-Youds
Friesen-Cooper
Zacharias
Tormey
Lee
DENVER
Rakhshani-Bozak-Salazar
Colborne-Ruegsegger-Ostrow
Maiani-Martin-Vossberg
Glasser-Gifford-Jackson
Mullen-Lee
Testwuide-Brookwell
Ryder-Nutini
Cheverie
Paulgaard
Friday-morning reading
For Minnesota State, the first half of the season -- both regular season and WCHA -- ends this weekend against Denver. The Mavericks are banged up, with forwards Jerad Stewart and Jason Wiley out of the lineup, but they're glad to have junior forward Kael Mouillierat, who is averaging a point per game, back.
Meanwhile, the Pioneers are red-hot, thanks, in part to goalie Marc Cheverie, who is 5-0 with two shutouts in his last five starts. However, Denver will be without freshman defenseman Patrick Wiercioch, who is trying out for Canada's world-junior team. College Hockey News also checked in with Cheverie.
In North Dakota, some famous Sioux alumni are seeing their hockey legacy live on -- with St. Cloud State. The St. Cloud Times also tackled the story. Remember that big defenseman the Huskies had last weekend? That was 6-foot-6 Oliver Lauridsen, who will leave his team Saturday to joing Denmark's world-junior team for this month's tournament.
In Duluth, the Bulldogs are riding a five-game unbeaten streak and facing a desperate Michigan Tech team that has not won in 11 consecutive games. The Huskies have scored just 11 goals in that stretch.
Minnesota will host Colorado College Saturday and Sunday. The news out of the Gophers camp has been intriguing this week as coach Don Lucia has had some interesting things to say about multiple-sport athletes after a recruit was injured playing football. Lucia's stance was not quite as strong in a follow-up radio interview, though. Colorado College is dealing with some injuries.
Here are the USCHO and This is the WCHA previews.
Meanwhile, the Pioneers are red-hot, thanks, in part to goalie Marc Cheverie, who is 5-0 with two shutouts in his last five starts. However, Denver will be without freshman defenseman Patrick Wiercioch, who is trying out for Canada's world-junior team. College Hockey News also checked in with Cheverie.
In North Dakota, some famous Sioux alumni are seeing their hockey legacy live on -- with St. Cloud State. The St. Cloud Times also tackled the story. Remember that big defenseman the Huskies had last weekend? That was 6-foot-6 Oliver Lauridsen, who will leave his team Saturday to joing Denmark's world-junior team for this month's tournament.
In Duluth, the Bulldogs are riding a five-game unbeaten streak and facing a desperate Michigan Tech team that has not won in 11 consecutive games. The Huskies have scored just 11 goals in that stretch.
Minnesota will host Colorado College Saturday and Sunday. The news out of the Gophers camp has been intriguing this week as coach Don Lucia has had some interesting things to say about multiple-sport athletes after a recruit was injured playing football. Lucia's stance was not quite as strong in a follow-up radio interview, though. Colorado College is dealing with some injuries.
Here are the USCHO and This is the WCHA previews.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
MSU-DU information
Student tickets for this weekend's WCHA series between Minnesota State and Denver will be distributed starting at noon Wednesday at MSU's Taylor Center. The 1,100 tickets are free to students with current, valid Mavcards. The tickets have gone fast this year, however, the school has also sold additional student tickets for $6 apiece.
The first 250 fans to arrive at Friday's game will receive a game puck courtesy of Charter.
Saturday's game will feature the annual Teddy Bear Toss. Anyone bringing a plush toy to throw on the ice between periods for children's charity groups will receive a ticket for an MSU game agaisnt either Nebraska-Omaha or Alaska-Anchorage.
The first 250 fans to arrive at Friday's game will receive a game puck courtesy of Charter.
Saturday's game will feature the annual Teddy Bear Toss. Anyone bringing a plush toy to throw on the ice between periods for children's charity groups will receive a ticket for an MSU game agaisnt either Nebraska-Omaha or Alaska-Anchorage.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Mavs fall to 14th
Not surprisingly, Minnesota State dropped in both national polls Monday, falling to No. 14 in the country. St. Cloud State, which swept the Mavericks over the weekend, moved into the top 20 at No. 17 in the USCHO.com rankings.
USCHO.com/CBS College Sports Division I Men's Poll
1. Notre Dame (41)
2. Minnesota (3)
3. Miami (3)
4. Boston University
5. Northeastern
6. Denver (1)
7. Boston College
8. Princeton
9. Colorado College
10. Cornell
11. Vermont
12. Air Force
13. Michigan
14. Minnesota State
15. New Hampshire
16. Wisconsin
17. St. Cloud State
18. Dartmouth
19. Nebraska-Omaha
20. Alaska
Others receiving votes: Minnesota Duluth, Alaska-Anchorage, North Dakota, UMass.-Lowell, Ohio State, Maine, UMass, Yale, Niagara, Quinnipiac
USA Today/USA Hockey Men's College Hockey Poll
1. Notre Dame (30)
2. Minnesota (2)
3. Miami (2)
4. Boston University
5. Denver
6. Northeastern
7. Princeton
8. Boston College
9. Cornell
10. Colorado College
11. Vermont
12. Michigan
13. Air Force
14. Minnesota State
15. New Hampshire
Others receiving votes: Dartmouth, Wisconsin, Nebraska-Omaha, St. Cloud State, Maine, Yale, Alaska, Ohio State, UMass-Lowell.
USCHO.com/CBS College Sports Division I Men's Poll
1. Notre Dame (41)
2. Minnesota (3)
3. Miami (3)
4. Boston University
5. Northeastern
6. Denver (1)
7. Boston College
8. Princeton
9. Colorado College
10. Cornell
11. Vermont
12. Air Force
13. Michigan
14. Minnesota State
15. New Hampshire
16. Wisconsin
17. St. Cloud State
18. Dartmouth
19. Nebraska-Omaha
20. Alaska
Others receiving votes: Minnesota Duluth, Alaska-Anchorage, North Dakota, UMass.-Lowell, Ohio State, Maine, UMass, Yale, Niagara, Quinnipiac
USA Today/USA Hockey Men's College Hockey Poll
1. Notre Dame (30)
2. Minnesota (2)
3. Miami (2)
4. Boston University
5. Denver
6. Northeastern
7. Princeton
8. Boston College
9. Cornell
10. Colorado College
11. Vermont
12. Michigan
13. Air Force
14. Minnesota State
15. New Hampshire
Others receiving votes: Dartmouth, Wisconsin, Nebraska-Omaha, St. Cloud State, Maine, Yale, Alaska, Ohio State, UMass-Lowell.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
SCSU 6, MSU 2 - final
More later
***
The last-minute goal gave the Huskies life and they quickly made it 3-1 with a power-play goal by Garrett Raboin at 1:24. Jace Weslosky, meanwhile, has been rock solid in goal for the Huskies. The Mavericks will start the third period short-handed two players for 1:24. At the end of the period there was a bit of melee, notably between Trevor Bruess and Chris Hepp, who had to be pried away from each other on the ice. But Geoff Irwin got an extra instigation penalty amid the penalties.
Here's a benefit to the two-referee system, by the way: Each coach -- MSU's Troy Jutting and SCSU's Bob Motzko -- each get a referee to rant to after the period, which they're doing right now.
***
Kurt Davis, who saw his 14-game scoring streak end Friday, got the Mavericks started right Saturday with a power-play goal at 7:01. But MSU's next chance with the man advantage wasn't so good, as they gave up a short-handed goal to Michael Olson at 11:19. Then, with 9.4 seconds left, Jordy Christian gave the Huskies a 2-1 lead. It was the second night in a row that the Mavericks gave up a last-minute goal in a period. Shots were 12-6 in favor of St. Cloud.
***
Updated with starters.
***
Greetings from the National Hockey Center in St. Cloud.
The Mavericks are a bit banged up, as forward Jason Wiley and defenseman Blake Friesen are out. Wiley (knee) tried to skate Saturday morning before being ruled out. Friesen was hit in the foot with a shot Friday and couldn't go. Jerad Stewart remains out.
Here are tonight's lines:
MINNESOTA STATE
Irwin-Bruess-Thompson
Galiardi-Harrison-Berge
Mouillierat-Sackrison-Louwerse
Mueller-Schiller-Gaulrapp
Davis-Kilburg
Canzanello-Youds
Boe-Cooper
Zacharias
Tormey
ST. CLOUD STATE
Swanson-Marvin-Novak
Christian-Roe-Lasch
Festler-LeBlanc-Volpei
Borgen-Olson-Peckskamp
Carlisle-Raboin
Lauridsen-Barta
Rioux-Hepp
Weslosky
Dunn
Hardy
I'll be on KTOE during the first intermission with play-by-play guru Mike Sullivan.
***
The last-minute goal gave the Huskies life and they quickly made it 3-1 with a power-play goal by Garrett Raboin at 1:24. Jace Weslosky, meanwhile, has been rock solid in goal for the Huskies. The Mavericks will start the third period short-handed two players for 1:24. At the end of the period there was a bit of melee, notably between Trevor Bruess and Chris Hepp, who had to be pried away from each other on the ice. But Geoff Irwin got an extra instigation penalty amid the penalties.
Here's a benefit to the two-referee system, by the way: Each coach -- MSU's Troy Jutting and SCSU's Bob Motzko -- each get a referee to rant to after the period, which they're doing right now.
***
Kurt Davis, who saw his 14-game scoring streak end Friday, got the Mavericks started right Saturday with a power-play goal at 7:01. But MSU's next chance with the man advantage wasn't so good, as they gave up a short-handed goal to Michael Olson at 11:19. Then, with 9.4 seconds left, Jordy Christian gave the Huskies a 2-1 lead. It was the second night in a row that the Mavericks gave up a last-minute goal in a period. Shots were 12-6 in favor of St. Cloud.
***
Updated with starters.
***
Greetings from the National Hockey Center in St. Cloud.
The Mavericks are a bit banged up, as forward Jason Wiley and defenseman Blake Friesen are out. Wiley (knee) tried to skate Saturday morning before being ruled out. Friesen was hit in the foot with a shot Friday and couldn't go. Jerad Stewart remains out.
Here are tonight's lines:
MINNESOTA STATE
Irwin-Bruess-Thompson
Galiardi-Harrison-Berge
Mouillierat-Sackrison-Louwerse
Mueller-Schiller-Gaulrapp
Davis-Kilburg
Canzanello-Youds
Boe-Cooper
Zacharias
Tormey
ST. CLOUD STATE
Swanson-Marvin-Novak
Christian-Roe-Lasch
Festler-LeBlanc-Volpei
Borgen-Olson-Peckskamp
Carlisle-Raboin
Lauridsen-Barta
Rioux-Hepp
Weslosky
Dunn
Hardy
I'll be on KTOE during the first intermission with play-by-play guru Mike Sullivan.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Huskies 4, Mavericks 2 - final
The WCHA's leading scorer kept one hot streak going and ended another Friday night.
Garrett Roe scored two goals and assisted on another to lead St. Cloud State to a 4-2 win over No. 11 Minnesota State, Mankato.
Roe now has nine goals and 15 assists in 15 games.
“Their top guys were definitely their top guys tonight,” said MSU's Kael Mouillierat, who scored twice after his team’s last five games with an injury. “Roe and Lasch were beating us tonight down low. We’re going to have to change that tomorrow if we want to turn it around.”
Jordy Christian and Aaron Marvin also scored goals for St. Cloud (9-6-0, 4-5-0 in WCHA). Ryan Lasch had two assists.
The win snapped Mankato's four-game unbeaten streak. It was also the Huskies' first win over the Mavericks in six games.
Minnesota State (8-4-3, 5-4-2) led 1-0 after the first period, but St. Cloud scored three times in the second period with Roe having a hand in all of the goals. Christian's goal with 26.1 seconds remaining in the second stood as the game-winner. Christian also had an assist.
Huskies goalie Jace Weslosky made 24 saves in the win. MSU's Mike Zacharias stopped 28 shots.
***
SECOND INTERMISSON UPDATE
Garrett Roe, the WCHA's top scorer, netted two goals, one during a delayed penalty and another during a power play, and assisted on another to give the Huskies the lead going into the third period.
After a mostly sleepy period, all four goals came in the final 5:34. Roe's goals gave the Huskies a 2-1 lead, then Mouillerat scored again to tie it with 2:09 remaining. But with 26.1 seconds left, Roe hit the pipe with a shot and the rebound was shot back in by freshman Jordy Christian.
***
FIRST INTERMISSION UPDATE
Kael Mouillierat, playing for the first time in six games, got the Mavericks started by deflecting in a Ben Youds shot at 6:26. Zach Harrison also assisted. Mike Zacharias stopped 10 shots, as the Huskies outshot the Mavs. 10-6. MSU also killed off three penalties in the period.
***
PREGAME
It's nice to be back in the Alltel Center ...
Here are tonight's lines (updated with starters):
MINNESOTA STATE
Irwin-Bruess-Wiley
Gaulrapp-Galiardi-Louwerse
Mueller-Harrison-Berge
Mouillierat-Sackrison-Jokinen
Davis-Kilburg
Canzanello-Friesen
Boe-Youds
Zacharias
Tormey
Lee
ST. CLOUD STATE
Swanson-Marvin-Novak
Christian-Roe-Lasch
Olson-Oslund-Ryan
Mosey-LeBlanc-Volpei
Carlisle-Raboin
Lauridsen-Barta
Zabkowicz-Hepp
Weslosky
Dunn
Garrett Roe scored two goals and assisted on another to lead St. Cloud State to a 4-2 win over No. 11 Minnesota State, Mankato.
Roe now has nine goals and 15 assists in 15 games.
“Their top guys were definitely their top guys tonight,” said MSU's Kael Mouillierat, who scored twice after his team’s last five games with an injury. “Roe and Lasch were beating us tonight down low. We’re going to have to change that tomorrow if we want to turn it around.”
Jordy Christian and Aaron Marvin also scored goals for St. Cloud (9-6-0, 4-5-0 in WCHA). Ryan Lasch had two assists.
The win snapped Mankato's four-game unbeaten streak. It was also the Huskies' first win over the Mavericks in six games.
Minnesota State (8-4-3, 5-4-2) led 1-0 after the first period, but St. Cloud scored three times in the second period with Roe having a hand in all of the goals. Christian's goal with 26.1 seconds remaining in the second stood as the game-winner. Christian also had an assist.
Huskies goalie Jace Weslosky made 24 saves in the win. MSU's Mike Zacharias stopped 28 shots.
***
SECOND INTERMISSON UPDATE
Garrett Roe, the WCHA's top scorer, netted two goals, one during a delayed penalty and another during a power play, and assisted on another to give the Huskies the lead going into the third period.
After a mostly sleepy period, all four goals came in the final 5:34. Roe's goals gave the Huskies a 2-1 lead, then Mouillerat scored again to tie it with 2:09 remaining. But with 26.1 seconds left, Roe hit the pipe with a shot and the rebound was shot back in by freshman Jordy Christian.
***
FIRST INTERMISSION UPDATE
Kael Mouillierat, playing for the first time in six games, got the Mavericks started by deflecting in a Ben Youds shot at 6:26. Zach Harrison also assisted. Mike Zacharias stopped 10 shots, as the Huskies outshot the Mavs. 10-6. MSU also killed off three penalties in the period.
***
PREGAME
It's nice to be back in the Alltel Center ...
Here are tonight's lines (updated with starters):
MINNESOTA STATE
Irwin-Bruess-Wiley
Gaulrapp-Galiardi-Louwerse
Mueller-Harrison-Berge
Mouillierat-Sackrison-Jokinen
Davis-Kilburg
Canzanello-Friesen
Boe-Youds
Zacharias
Tormey
Lee
ST. CLOUD STATE
Swanson-Marvin-Novak
Christian-Roe-Lasch
Olson-Oslund-Ryan
Mosey-LeBlanc-Volpei
Carlisle-Raboin
Lauridsen-Barta
Zabkowicz-Hepp
Weslosky
Dunn
Friday-morning reading
A few things from this morning's Freep that didn't get on the website: Kael Mouillierat will be back in the lineup tonight after missing the last five games with injury. Andy Sackrison also skated this week and, if cleared, could return after sitting out the last three games. However, Jerad Stewart, who has been playing some of the best hockey of his career of late, is out for the St. Cloud State series and possibly longer after suffering a leg injury last Saturday at Bowling Green. He tried to skate in practice this week but apparently wasn't able to make it work. Coach Troy Jutting said the Mavericks have yet to have their full roster available to them this season.
Meanwhile, defenseman Kurt Davis is off to a fantastic start. His 20 points, as well as his overall play through a little less than a season and a half have impressed teammates and coaches alike.
As for the Mavericks' opponent this weekend, the St. Cloud Times talked to the the series' two hardest workers, the Huskies' Michael Olson and the Mavericks' Trevor Bruess.
Around the rest of the WCHA, Colorado College is hoping to spread the scoring throughout its lineup, something, its opponent, Minnesota Duluth, has been doing. ... The Grand Forks Herald explored the horrors of dealing with a concussion. ... Wisconsin will face Alaska-Anchorage this weekend, and the Badgers have a solid group of defensemen but are also finding balance up front. ... The 15th-ranked Seawolves have been no slouch on the road this season, though. ... If Michigan Tech is going to snap a nine-game winless streak, it will have to do it against No. 8 Denver.
Here are the USCHO, INCH and This is the WCHA previews.
Meanwhile, defenseman Kurt Davis is off to a fantastic start. His 20 points, as well as his overall play through a little less than a season and a half have impressed teammates and coaches alike.
As for the Mavericks' opponent this weekend, the St. Cloud Times talked to the the series' two hardest workers, the Huskies' Michael Olson and the Mavericks' Trevor Bruess.
Around the rest of the WCHA, Colorado College is hoping to spread the scoring throughout its lineup, something, its opponent, Minnesota Duluth, has been doing. ... The Grand Forks Herald explored the horrors of dealing with a concussion. ... Wisconsin will face Alaska-Anchorage this weekend, and the Badgers have a solid group of defensemen but are also finding balance up front. ... The 15th-ranked Seawolves have been no slouch on the road this season, though. ... If Michigan Tech is going to snap a nine-game winless streak, it will have to do it against No. 8 Denver.
Here are the USCHO, INCH and This is the WCHA previews.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Mavericks on TV
There have been some questions as to which MSU games will be televised, especially after the series vs. Colorado College was bumped on Charter by coverage of the the Duluth-Wisconsin series (which, by the way, was also produced by the local crew from Bethany Lutheran College).
This weekend's games against St. Cloud State are both scheduled to be shown in Mankato on Charter cable channel 14. Friday's game in Mankato will feature the MSU announcers, while Saturday's game in St. Cloud will feature the Huskies' crew.
Other TV games this season include:
Dec. 12-13 vs. Denver (Charter)
Jan. 16-17 vs. Alaska-Anchorage (Charter)
Jan. 23-24 at Duluth (Charter)
Jan. 30-31 vs./at Minnesota (FSN)
Feb. 27-28 vs. Wisconsin (Charter)
March 6-7 at/vs. St. Cloud (Charter)
This weekend's games against St. Cloud State are both scheduled to be shown in Mankato on Charter cable channel 14. Friday's game in Mankato will feature the MSU announcers, while Saturday's game in St. Cloud will feature the Huskies' crew.
Other TV games this season include:
Dec. 12-13 vs. Denver (Charter)
Jan. 16-17 vs. Alaska-Anchorage (Charter)
Jan. 23-24 at Duluth (Charter)
Jan. 30-31 vs./at Minnesota (FSN)
Feb. 27-28 vs. Wisconsin (Charter)
March 6-7 at/vs. St. Cloud (Charter)
You Want Answers, 12.04.08
Not a ton of participation this week, but thanks to those who did ask questions ...
Can you give us more of a detailed update of the Mav injuries? Is there a reason they don't give any details of the exact injury? For example after the Mich Tech series, couldn't someone just say Sackrison is out with a concussion. I'm not saying that's what's wrong with him, only an example. Also, what exactly happened to the Mich Tech player that was hospitalized in the Twin Cities during their series with the gophers?
Much like the NHL these days, MSU and other teams are pretty tight-lipped when it comes to injuries. The rationale seems to be that other teams will "go after" those injuries if those are disclosed and the players try to play through them. Seems to me that an opposing player's ailment might be a little much to be worried about, say, if your power play is what really needs work. So you'll often just hear "upper body" or "lower body," if anything at all. So it goes. What I can tell you is that Mouillierat and Sackrison were back on the ice this week. I should find out later today whether or not they're in the lineup. As for Michigan Tech's Malcolm Gwilliam, he is done for the season. He spent several days in the hospital in Minneapolis, and even Tech hasn't released the full nature of his ailment, although they did say he's expected to make a full recovery.
What seems to be the problem with Justin Jokinen? He came to the Mavericks as the highest drafted NHL prospect on the team. Yet, he doesn't seem to be seeing much game action. Is it a matter of him trying to make the adjustment from high school hockey to college hockey, without playing any juniors? Or is there simply not enough ice time to go around?
I think you're seeing a couple of things with Jokinen right now. You're seeing the tough, tough transition for players who come straight out of high school, as you suggested. But you're also seeing him trying to fit in on a veteran team. This isn't like two years ago when all the freshmen played because they had no one else. This year's juniors have beein in the lineup almost every night since then. This year, there are basically two to five spots for freshman forwards, depending on how healthy the Mavericks are. Redshirt Mike Louwerese has obviously fit in nicely, and Tyler Thompson, who has two years of junior experience, seems to be ahead of the other rookies. Jokinen, Adam Mueller and Joe Schiller have pretty much rotated through the lineup. I don't think any of them have done anything poorly but none has distinguished himself so far either. I wouldn't worry about them, though. The good news for the Mavericks is they haven't had to count on those players yet. Their veterans are doing the job and that's a big reason why they're 8-3-3.
If Kurt Davis continues his incredible play, what is the likelihood the Mavericks might lose him to the pros after this season?
I don't think Davis is a flight risk. He's a small defenseman at 5-foot-9, 175 pounds, he's not real physical and he's 22 years old, having played two years of junior hockey. He's an excellent college player, as it turns out, but I'm not sure the NHL's going to come calling before he's done at MSU. There's no question Davis has been key to the Mavericks' success. He leads them in scoring with 20 points, has helped the power play get going the last few weeks and, most importantly, he moves the puck out of the defensive zone. I think he does the latter better than any defenseman I've seen in my eight seasons covering the team. Look for more on Davis in Friday's Free Press, as part of the St. Cloud State series preview package.
Can you give us more of a detailed update of the Mav injuries? Is there a reason they don't give any details of the exact injury? For example after the Mich Tech series, couldn't someone just say Sackrison is out with a concussion. I'm not saying that's what's wrong with him, only an example. Also, what exactly happened to the Mich Tech player that was hospitalized in the Twin Cities during their series with the gophers?
Much like the NHL these days, MSU and other teams are pretty tight-lipped when it comes to injuries. The rationale seems to be that other teams will "go after" those injuries if those are disclosed and the players try to play through them. Seems to me that an opposing player's ailment might be a little much to be worried about, say, if your power play is what really needs work. So you'll often just hear "upper body" or "lower body," if anything at all. So it goes. What I can tell you is that Mouillierat and Sackrison were back on the ice this week. I should find out later today whether or not they're in the lineup. As for Michigan Tech's Malcolm Gwilliam, he is done for the season. He spent several days in the hospital in Minneapolis, and even Tech hasn't released the full nature of his ailment, although they did say he's expected to make a full recovery.
What seems to be the problem with Justin Jokinen? He came to the Mavericks as the highest drafted NHL prospect on the team. Yet, he doesn't seem to be seeing much game action. Is it a matter of him trying to make the adjustment from high school hockey to college hockey, without playing any juniors? Or is there simply not enough ice time to go around?
I think you're seeing a couple of things with Jokinen right now. You're seeing the tough, tough transition for players who come straight out of high school, as you suggested. But you're also seeing him trying to fit in on a veteran team. This isn't like two years ago when all the freshmen played because they had no one else. This year's juniors have beein in the lineup almost every night since then. This year, there are basically two to five spots for freshman forwards, depending on how healthy the Mavericks are. Redshirt Mike Louwerese has obviously fit in nicely, and Tyler Thompson, who has two years of junior experience, seems to be ahead of the other rookies. Jokinen, Adam Mueller and Joe Schiller have pretty much rotated through the lineup. I don't think any of them have done anything poorly but none has distinguished himself so far either. I wouldn't worry about them, though. The good news for the Mavericks is they haven't had to count on those players yet. Their veterans are doing the job and that's a big reason why they're 8-3-3.
If Kurt Davis continues his incredible play, what is the likelihood the Mavericks might lose him to the pros after this season?
I don't think Davis is a flight risk. He's a small defenseman at 5-foot-9, 175 pounds, he's not real physical and he's 22 years old, having played two years of junior hockey. He's an excellent college player, as it turns out, but I'm not sure the NHL's going to come calling before he's done at MSU. There's no question Davis has been key to the Mavericks' success. He leads them in scoring with 20 points, has helped the power play get going the last few weeks and, most importantly, he moves the puck out of the defensive zone. I think he does the latter better than any defenseman I've seen in my eight seasons covering the team. Look for more on Davis in Friday's Free Press, as part of the St. Cloud State series preview package.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Rankings shakeup (updated)
Apparently a few pollsters were less than impressed with Minnesota State's tie and win at Bowling Green State over the weekend or its undefeated record in opposing barns. The Mavericks fell one spot in the latest USCHO.com poll and two spots in the USA Today rankings and are rated No. 11 in both.
In their defense, the entire poll was shaken up. Eight teams received at least one first-place vote and only one team in the top 20 -- Michigan at No. 14 -- is in the same spot it was in last week after a weekend featuring a lot of nonconference action. Here is this week's poll, with WCHA teams in bold and first-place votes in parenthesis.
USCHO.com/CBS College Sports Division I Men's Poll
1. Notre Dame (40)
2. Boston College (1)
3. Minnesota (2)
4. Miami (2)
5. Colorado College
6. Northeastern
7. Boston University (1)
8. Denver (1)
9. Princeton (2)
10. Air Force (1)
11. Minnesota State
12. Vermont
13. Cornell
14. Michigan
15. Alaska-Anchorage
16. Dartmouth
17. UMass-Lowell
18. Nebraska-Omaha
19. New Hampshire
20. Alaska
Others receiving votes: St. Cloud State, Wisconsin, UMass, Ohio State, Maine, North Dakota, Minnesota Duluth, Yale, Harvard, Ferris State, Niagara, Quinnipiac
USA Today/USA Hockey Men's Poll
1. Notre Dame (33)
2. Minnesota (1)
3. Boston College
4. Miami
5. Boston University
6. Colorado College
7. Denver
8. Northeastern
9. Princeton
10. Air Force
11. Minnesota State
12. Vermont
13. Cornell
14. Michigan
15. New Hampshire
Others receiving votes: UMass-Lowell, Alaska-Anchorage, Dartmouth, Nebraska-Omaha, St. Cloud State, Alaska, Wisconsin.
In their defense, the entire poll was shaken up. Eight teams received at least one first-place vote and only one team in the top 20 -- Michigan at No. 14 -- is in the same spot it was in last week after a weekend featuring a lot of nonconference action. Here is this week's poll, with WCHA teams in bold and first-place votes in parenthesis.
USCHO.com/CBS College Sports Division I Men's Poll
1. Notre Dame (40)
2. Boston College (1)
3. Minnesota (2)
4. Miami (2)
5. Colorado College
6. Northeastern
7. Boston University (1)
8. Denver (1)
9. Princeton (2)
10. Air Force (1)
11. Minnesota State
12. Vermont
13. Cornell
14. Michigan
15. Alaska-Anchorage
16. Dartmouth
17. UMass-Lowell
18. Nebraska-Omaha
19. New Hampshire
20. Alaska
Others receiving votes: St. Cloud State, Wisconsin, UMass, Ohio State, Maine, North Dakota, Minnesota Duluth, Yale, Harvard, Ferris State, Niagara, Quinnipiac
USA Today/USA Hockey Men's Poll
1. Notre Dame (33)
2. Minnesota (1)
3. Boston College
4. Miami
5. Boston University
6. Colorado College
7. Denver
8. Northeastern
9. Princeton
10. Air Force
11. Minnesota State
12. Vermont
13. Cornell
14. Michigan
15. New Hampshire
Others receiving votes: UMass-Lowell, Alaska-Anchorage, Dartmouth, Nebraska-Omaha, St. Cloud State, Alaska, Wisconsin.
You want answers?!
It's Dec. 1. The Mavericks are 8-3-3. They're returning home Friday after four games on the road. Seems like a good time to answer some of your questions about MSU hockey (and other Mankato-area hockey, if you wish). Use the comments section in this post to ask away, and I'll shoot for Thursday afternoon to answer them. Make them good.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Sunday morning reading
Here is an account of last night's game from the Bowling Green Sentinel-Tribune. Falcons coach Scott Paluch was particularly impressed with goaltender Mike Zacharias.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Mavericks 5, Falcons 2 - final
Jerad Stewart, Trevor Bruess and Geoff Irwin (empty-netter) scored goals in the third period, as the Mavericks improved their road record to 4-0-3 and went to 8-3-3 overall. Coach Troy Jutting called it perhaps his team's best performance of the season, equaled only by the 2-1 win over Colorado College three weeks ago.
The Mavericks outshot the Falcons 41-27. Mike Zacharias stopped 25 shots for his eighth win. Irwin had a goal and an assist, and Mick Berge finished with two assists. Irwin, Berge and Kurt Davis each finished the series with three points.
"When you’re on the road, your old guys and your best players have to play well, and they did tonight," Jutting said.
PucKato is looking forward to returning to live action next week.
***
Minnesota State came back with a pair of goals in the second period, including an early power-play goal by Jason Wiley and the go-ahead goal by Kurt Davis. Davis continues the stellar start, with at least a point in every game this season. He's up to 20 points already. Last season's leading scorer, Trevor Bruess,finished with 30 points.
***
The Mavericks trail after 20 minutes. Bowling Green defenseman Kyle Page scored the period's lone goal.
***
Sounds like Jokinen is in for Mueller tonight, as coach Troy Jutting continues to rotate the freshmen.
The Mavericks outshot the Falcons 41-27. Mike Zacharias stopped 25 shots for his eighth win. Irwin had a goal and an assist, and Mick Berge finished with two assists. Irwin, Berge and Kurt Davis each finished the series with three points.
"When you’re on the road, your old guys and your best players have to play well, and they did tonight," Jutting said.
PucKato is looking forward to returning to live action next week.
***
Minnesota State came back with a pair of goals in the second period, including an early power-play goal by Jason Wiley and the go-ahead goal by Kurt Davis. Davis continues the stellar start, with at least a point in every game this season. He's up to 20 points already. Last season's leading scorer, Trevor Bruess,finished with 30 points.
***
The Mavericks trail after 20 minutes. Bowling Green defenseman Kyle Page scored the period's lone goal.
***
Sounds like Jokinen is in for Mueller tonight, as coach Troy Jutting continues to rotate the freshmen.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Mavericks 2, Falcons 2 - final, OT
Zacharias stopped more than 38 shots in the 2-2 overtime tie. Coach Troy Jutting warned earlier this week how Bowling Green had been outshooting its opponents by a hefty margin this season.
“Both goaltenders (Zacharias and the Falcons' Jimmy Spratt) played well tonight,” MSU coach Troy Jutting said in a phone interview afterward. “In terms of quality chances, both teams were about the same. They had a few more shots, but they shoot it from everywhere."
***
No scoring in the third, and it sounds like goalie Mike Zacharias came up big in the final minutes of regulation. Going to overtime.
***
Minnesota State saw its 2-0 lead disappear in the final 5:18 of the second period, as the Falcons' Kai Kantola scored two goals, including a power-play goal with 23 seconds left in the period.
***
Geoff Irwin gave MSU a two-goal game, getting assists from Jason Wiley and Davis on an even-strength goal at 6:58 of the second period. It's the third-straight two-assist game for Davis, who now has 19 points.
***
Tuning in to the radio broadcast from home, and the Mavericks are off to a good start with a power-play goal by Mick Berge midway through the first period. Kurt Davis and Mike Louwerse kept their scoring streaks alive with assists on the goal. Berge had been questionable for the series earlier in the week but was cleared to make the trip on Wednesday.
***
One note from the pregame broadcast. Bowling Green State coach Scott Paluch said that his team will go to Mankato next season, and both teams will open their seasons with the series.
“Both goaltenders (Zacharias and the Falcons' Jimmy Spratt) played well tonight,” MSU coach Troy Jutting said in a phone interview afterward. “In terms of quality chances, both teams were about the same. They had a few more shots, but they shoot it from everywhere."
***
No scoring in the third, and it sounds like goalie Mike Zacharias came up big in the final minutes of regulation. Going to overtime.
***
Minnesota State saw its 2-0 lead disappear in the final 5:18 of the second period, as the Falcons' Kai Kantola scored two goals, including a power-play goal with 23 seconds left in the period.
***
Geoff Irwin gave MSU a two-goal game, getting assists from Jason Wiley and Davis on an even-strength goal at 6:58 of the second period. It's the third-straight two-assist game for Davis, who now has 19 points.
***
Tuning in to the radio broadcast from home, and the Mavericks are off to a good start with a power-play goal by Mick Berge midway through the first period. Kurt Davis and Mike Louwerse kept their scoring streaks alive with assists on the goal. Berge had been questionable for the series earlier in the week but was cleared to make the trip on Wednesday.
***
One note from the pregame broadcast. Bowling Green State coach Scott Paluch said that his team will go to Mankato next season, and both teams will open their seasons with the series.
Friday-morning reading, post-Thanksgiving edition
PucKato did not make the trip to Bowling Green. Like the Anchorage weekend, we'll be tuning in and listening to the soothing sounds of Mike Sullivan and checking out the live stats.
The Mavericks are a little banged up without the services of Kael Mouillierat and Andy Sackrison this weekend. They're hoping that, like last weekend at Michigan Tech, others, like Rylan "You're a Goal Scorer Now" Galiardi, can pick up the slack.
Here's the preview from the Bowling Green Sentinel-Tribune.
Looking around the WCHA this weekend ...
On Saturday night, St. Cloud State and Minnesota Duluth will be finishing their series that began during the Minnesota College Hockey Showcase at the Xcel Energy Center.
Both Colorado College and Denver will take on the nation's only unbeaten, untied team, Air Force, with the Tigers getting the first crack at their cross-town rival. Denver will start the weekend against Colgate.
Wisconsin and Minnesota will play their annual Showcase games against Michigan State and Michigan, which always conjurs up thoughts of Big Ten hockey.
North Dakota has a crucial nonconference series with Cornell.
This is the WCHA blog has a Thanksgiving progress report. ... Here is the USCHO.com preview. ...
The Mavericks are a little banged up without the services of Kael Mouillierat and Andy Sackrison this weekend. They're hoping that, like last weekend at Michigan Tech, others, like Rylan "You're a Goal Scorer Now" Galiardi, can pick up the slack.
Here's the preview from the Bowling Green Sentinel-Tribune.
Looking around the WCHA this weekend ...
On Saturday night, St. Cloud State and Minnesota Duluth will be finishing their series that began during the Minnesota College Hockey Showcase at the Xcel Energy Center.
Both Colorado College and Denver will take on the nation's only unbeaten, untied team, Air Force, with the Tigers getting the first crack at their cross-town rival. Denver will start the weekend against Colgate.
Wisconsin and Minnesota will play their annual Showcase games against Michigan State and Michigan, which always conjurs up thoughts of Big Ten hockey.
North Dakota has a crucial nonconference series with Cornell.
This is the WCHA blog has a Thanksgiving progress report. ... Here is the USCHO.com preview. ...
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Bear with us
We're making a few changes with the blog, most notably embedding it in The Free Press' website. In the meantime, there may be some changes to the template. Don't worry. We'll keep updating the blog. You can access the Puckato at www.mankatofreepress.com/hockeyblog.
Louwerse earns WCHA honor
Mavericks freshman forward Mike Louwerse was named WCHA rookie of the week this week. Here is the release:
Mike Louwerse, a freshman right winger who had a key point each night while helping his 10th-ranked Minnesota State University Mavericks to a two-game conference road sweep at Michigan Tech last weekend, is the Red Baron® WCHA Rookie of the Week for November 25-December 1.
A 5-8, 160-pound freshman from Champlin Park, Minn., Louwerse helped propel MSU back from a 1-0 third period deficit last Friday (Nov. 21) by scoring his team’s first goal at 5:55 of the third enroute to a 3-2 overtime victory over the host Huskies. Then last Saturday (Nov. 22), as Minnesota State completed the sweep with a 4-2 triumph, Louwerse assisted on teammate Nick Canzannello’s eventual game-winner at 16:10 of the second period. In addition to his two points, Louwerse had three shots on goal and earned a +1 plus/minus rating in the two games.
On the season, Louwerse is tied for the lead in goal scoring among the nation’s rookies with seven and ranks tied for second in the nation in rookie scoring, averaging 1.00 points per game (7g, 4a) over his first 11 contests.
Also nominated this week were: Joe Colborne, F, DU; Brett Olson, F, MTU; Jordan Schroeder, F, UM; and Brad Eidsness, G, UND.
Alaska-Anchorage forward Tommy Grant and Minnesota-Duluth goalie Alex Stalock were the offensive and defensive POWs, respectively. MSU nominated forward Rylan Galiardi and defenseman Kurt Davis for those awards.
Mike Louwerse, a freshman right winger who had a key point each night while helping his 10th-ranked Minnesota State University Mavericks to a two-game conference road sweep at Michigan Tech last weekend, is the Red Baron® WCHA Rookie of the Week for November 25-December 1.
A 5-8, 160-pound freshman from Champlin Park, Minn., Louwerse helped propel MSU back from a 1-0 third period deficit last Friday (Nov. 21) by scoring his team’s first goal at 5:55 of the third enroute to a 3-2 overtime victory over the host Huskies. Then last Saturday (Nov. 22), as Minnesota State completed the sweep with a 4-2 triumph, Louwerse assisted on teammate Nick Canzannello’s eventual game-winner at 16:10 of the second period. In addition to his two points, Louwerse had three shots on goal and earned a +1 plus/minus rating in the two games.
On the season, Louwerse is tied for the lead in goal scoring among the nation’s rookies with seven and ranks tied for second in the nation in rookie scoring, averaging 1.00 points per game (7g, 4a) over his first 11 contests.
Also nominated this week were: Joe Colborne, F, DU; Brett Olson, F, MTU; Jordan Schroeder, F, UM; and Brad Eidsness, G, UND.
Alaska-Anchorage forward Tommy Grant and Minnesota-Duluth goalie Alex Stalock were the offensive and defensive POWs, respectively. MSU nominated forward Rylan Galiardi and defenseman Kurt Davis for those awards.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Mavericks crack top 10 (updated)
Following their sweep of Michigan Tech over the weekend, the Mavericks moved up to No. 10 in the latest USCHO.com poll and No. 9 in the USA Today. WCHA teams are in bold and first-place votes are in parenthesis.
USCHO.com/CBS College Sports poll
1. Minnesota (41)
2. Notre Dame (2)
3. Colorado College (1)
4. Northeastern
5. Boston College
6. Miami (1)
7. Princeton (3)
8. Boston University (1)
9. Denver
10. Minnesota State
11. Air Force (1)
12. Cornell
13. Vermont
14. Michigan
15. New Hampshire
16. Nebraska-Omaha
17. UMass
18. St. Cloud State
19. Alaska-Anchorage
20. Dartmouth
Others receiving votes: Harvard, UMass-Lowell, Maine, North Dakota, Alaska, Minnesota Duluth, Yale, Quinnipiac, Niagara, Ohio State.
USA Today/USA Hockey
1. Minnesota (30)
2. Notre Dame
3. Colorado College (1)
4. Northeastern
5. Miami (1)
6. Boston College
7. Princeton (1)
8. Boston University
9. Minnesota State
10. Denver
11. Air Force (1)
12. Cornell
13. Vermont
14. Nebraska-Omaha
15. Michigan
Others receiving votes: New Hampshire, UMass, Alaska-Anchorage, Harvard, St. Cloud State, Yale.
USCHO.com/CBS College Sports poll
1. Minnesota (41)
2. Notre Dame (2)
3. Colorado College (1)
4. Northeastern
5. Boston College
6. Miami (1)
7. Princeton (3)
8. Boston University (1)
9. Denver
10. Minnesota State
11. Air Force (1)
12. Cornell
13. Vermont
14. Michigan
15. New Hampshire
16. Nebraska-Omaha
17. UMass
18. St. Cloud State
19. Alaska-Anchorage
20. Dartmouth
Others receiving votes: Harvard, UMass-Lowell, Maine, North Dakota, Alaska, Minnesota Duluth, Yale, Quinnipiac, Niagara, Ohio State.
USA Today/USA Hockey
1. Minnesota (30)
2. Notre Dame
3. Colorado College (1)
4. Northeastern
5. Miami (1)
6. Boston College
7. Princeton (1)
8. Boston University
9. Minnesota State
10. Denver
11. Air Force (1)
12. Cornell
13. Vermont
14. Nebraska-Omaha
15. Michigan
Others receiving votes: New Hampshire, UMass, Alaska-Anchorage, Harvard, St. Cloud State, Yale.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Mavericks 4, Huskies 2, final
Trevor Bruess scored two goals to lift No. 11 Minnesota State, Mankato, to a 4-2 victory and a series sweep over Michigan Tech Saturday. It was the first WCHA sweep of the season for the Mavericks (7-3-2, 5-3-2 in WCHA).
Rylan Galiardi had a goal and an assist, and defensemen Kurt Davis and Ben Youds each had two assists for Minnesota State.
Bruess put the Mavericks on the board first at 3:44 of the first period. Galiardi scored a power-play goal at 15:19 to give Mankato a 2-0 lead after the first period.
Tech's Jordan Baker cut the deficit in half at 7:40 of the second, but the Mavericks answered on defenseman Nick Canzanello's first goal of the season at 16:10. Galiardi assisted on the goal to record four points on the weekend.
The Huskies (2-9-1, 1-8-1) made it 3-2 on Alex Gagne's goal just 44 seconds into the third period. But Bruess added a power-play goal at 11:48 to give the Mavericks some comfort again.
Mankato goaltender Mike Zacharias made 26 saves, including 10 in the third period, for his seventh win of the season. Tech's Josh Robinson finished with 21 saves.
The Mavericks are unbeaten in five of their last six games.
***
The Mavericks had a fabulous recovery after a slow start to the second period. Tech took it to them for most of the period and cut its deficit in half with a pretty goal by Jordan Baker. But MSU came back with a goal by defenseman Nick Canzanello at 16:10. Galiardi assited for a four-point weekend.
Perhaps the strangest thing about the period: No penalties!
***
Trevor Bruess and Rylan Galiardi (power play) scored goals for the Mavericks, and Mike Zacharias made 13 saves. Galiardi has three points on the weekend.
***
Day 2 in Houghton. Forward Andy Sackrison is out for the Mavericks, and the lines are shuffled a bit as a result.
MINNESOTA STATE
Irwin-Bruess-Berge
Wiley-Galiardi-Louwerse
Gaulrapp-Harrison-Stewart
Thompson-Schiller-Jokinen
Davis-Youds
Kilburg-Friesen
Boe-Canzanello
Zacharias
Tormey
MICHIGAN TECH
Baker-Gagne-Royer
Kattelus-Olson-MacLeod
Kitti-Angelow-Lord
Soley-St. Louis-Vlaisavijevich (extra defenseman)
Kinrade-Dobson
Kivisto-VanWagner
Cousens-Doriott
Robinson
Nolan
Cramer
Rylan Galiardi had a goal and an assist, and defensemen Kurt Davis and Ben Youds each had two assists for Minnesota State.
Bruess put the Mavericks on the board first at 3:44 of the first period. Galiardi scored a power-play goal at 15:19 to give Mankato a 2-0 lead after the first period.
Tech's Jordan Baker cut the deficit in half at 7:40 of the second, but the Mavericks answered on defenseman Nick Canzanello's first goal of the season at 16:10. Galiardi assisted on the goal to record four points on the weekend.
The Huskies (2-9-1, 1-8-1) made it 3-2 on Alex Gagne's goal just 44 seconds into the third period. But Bruess added a power-play goal at 11:48 to give the Mavericks some comfort again.
Mankato goaltender Mike Zacharias made 26 saves, including 10 in the third period, for his seventh win of the season. Tech's Josh Robinson finished with 21 saves.
The Mavericks are unbeaten in five of their last six games.
***
The Mavericks had a fabulous recovery after a slow start to the second period. Tech took it to them for most of the period and cut its deficit in half with a pretty goal by Jordan Baker. But MSU came back with a goal by defenseman Nick Canzanello at 16:10. Galiardi assited for a four-point weekend.
Perhaps the strangest thing about the period: No penalties!
***
Trevor Bruess and Rylan Galiardi (power play) scored goals for the Mavericks, and Mike Zacharias made 13 saves. Galiardi has three points on the weekend.
***
Day 2 in Houghton. Forward Andy Sackrison is out for the Mavericks, and the lines are shuffled a bit as a result.
MINNESOTA STATE
Irwin-Bruess-Berge
Wiley-Galiardi-Louwerse
Gaulrapp-Harrison-Stewart
Thompson-Schiller-Jokinen
Davis-Youds
Kilburg-Friesen
Boe-Canzanello
Zacharias
Tormey
MICHIGAN TECH
Baker-Gagne-Royer
Kattelus-Olson-MacLeod
Kitti-Angelow-Lord
Soley-St. Louis-Vlaisavijevich (extra defenseman)
Kinrade-Dobson
Kivisto-VanWagner
Cousens-Doriott
Robinson
Nolan
Cramer
Friday, November 21, 2008
Mavericks 3, Huskies 2 -- final, OT
Jason Wiley wins it for the Mavericks with a breakaway goal with 1:02 left in overtime.
***
Tech's Eric Kattelus tied the game with 25 seconds left in the third on the power play with an extra attacker on the ice.
***
Mike Louwerse tied the game at 5:55 of the second from Rylan Galiardi and Kurt Davis. ... Galiardi on the power play from Berge at 9:58.
***
Berge's back to start the third period.
***
No scoring in the second period. Shots were even at eight apiece, but MSU had three power plays. Tech goalie Rob Nolan was good, with three nice saves in one sequence midway through the period and another good stop on an open backhander by Geoff Irwin on a 2-on-2 with Jason Wiley with 35 seconds left in the frame.
Berge and Sackrison did not return. With Kael Mouillierat back in Mankato, the Mavericks are hurting right now.
***
The Mavericks controlled play for most of the period, outshooting the Huskies 10-8. However, Tech scored on a 3-on-2 rush at 4:25 when freshman Brett Olson put back the rebound of Eric Kattelus' shot. Mick Berge took a big hit and went off the ice with about six minutes to play. Later in the same play, Andy Sackrison got hurt in the corner. Both went off the ice on their own power, but neither returned in the period.
***
Tech's Eric Kattelus tied the game with 25 seconds left in the third on the power play with an extra attacker on the ice.
***
Mike Louwerse tied the game at 5:55 of the second from Rylan Galiardi and Kurt Davis. ... Galiardi on the power play from Berge at 9:58.
***
Berge's back to start the third period.
***
No scoring in the second period. Shots were even at eight apiece, but MSU had three power plays. Tech goalie Rob Nolan was good, with three nice saves in one sequence midway through the period and another good stop on an open backhander by Geoff Irwin on a 2-on-2 with Jason Wiley with 35 seconds left in the frame.
Berge and Sackrison did not return. With Kael Mouillierat back in Mankato, the Mavericks are hurting right now.
***
The Mavericks controlled play for most of the period, outshooting the Huskies 10-8. However, Tech scored on a 3-on-2 rush at 4:25 when freshman Brett Olson put back the rebound of Eric Kattelus' shot. Mick Berge took a big hit and went off the ice with about six minutes to play. Later in the same play, Andy Sackrison got hurt in the corner. Both went off the ice on their own power, but neither returned in the period.
Kalinski joins Flyers
Thanks to the reader who posted a comment on this but ex-Maverick Jon Kalinski was called up by the Philadelphia Flyers and will be in the lineup tonight. Here is the Philadelphia Inquirer story.
Hello from Copper Country
Greetings from very snowy Houghton, Mich. Yes, the lake effect is in full effect.
Here are tonight's lines:
MINNESOTA STATE
Irwin-Bruess-Berge
Thompson-Sackrison-Louwerese
Gaulrapp-Harrison-Stewart
Galiardi-Schiller-Wiley
Davis-Youds
Kilburg-Friesen
Boe-Canzanello
Zacharias
Tormey
Extra players: Jokinen, Cooper
MICHIGAN TECH
Baker-Gagne-Royer
Kattelus-Olson-MacLeod
Kitti-Angelow-Bunger
Soley-St. Louis-Lord
Kinrade-Doriott
Kivisto-Dobson
Cousens-VanWagner
Nolan
Robinson
Cramer
Check back for updates ...
Here are tonight's lines:
MINNESOTA STATE
Irwin-Bruess-Berge
Thompson-Sackrison-Louwerese
Gaulrapp-Harrison-Stewart
Galiardi-Schiller-Wiley
Davis-Youds
Kilburg-Friesen
Boe-Canzanello
Zacharias
Tormey
Extra players: Jokinen, Cooper
MICHIGAN TECH
Baker-Gagne-Royer
Kattelus-Olson-MacLeod
Kitti-Angelow-Bunger
Soley-St. Louis-Lord
Kinrade-Doriott
Kivisto-Dobson
Cousens-VanWagner
Nolan
Robinson
Cramer
Check back for updates ...
Friday morning reading
It's 5 a.m. I have my first cup of coffee. I'm getting ready to step out into the cold and drive to Houghton, Mich. As a result, there's not a lot of time to go through all of the papers. So here's a little taste ...
In today's Freep, I write about the Mavericks embarking on a long, four-game road swing.
Meanwhile, Michigan Tech has played eight of its first 10 games on the road and is glad to be home.
Check out WCHA previews by INCH and USCHO. Look later for another preview on the This is the WCHA blog.
In today's Freep, I write about the Mavericks embarking on a long, four-game road swing.
Meanwhile, Michigan Tech has played eight of its first 10 games on the road and is glad to be home.
Check out WCHA previews by INCH and USCHO. Look later for another preview on the This is the WCHA blog.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Mouillierat out and rookie numbers
Not surprisingly, Minnesota State forward Kael Mouillierat is not making the trip to Michigan Tech this weekend. The injury, suffered during Friday night's game, will keep him out for awhile, both he and coach Troy Jutting said. However, neither could give an exact timeline for return.
Meanwhile, Michigan Tech is also struggling with injuries, and had a scare last weekend at Minnesota when senior Malcolm Gwilliam fell ill before Sunday's game and had to be hospitalized for several days.
***
There have been some questions from readers about the Mavericks' lineup, specifically why freshman Justin Jokinen hasn't played the last few games. He is on the trip to Tech, although it doesn't appear that he's playing Friday night. Freshman Mike Louwerse, Tyler Thompson and Joe Schiller will, though.
Last week, Jutting said that he is pleased with all of the true freshman -- Louwerse, a redshirt, is pretty much in a different category, especially with is numbers this season -- and that they're all getting a chance to play. There isn't a rotation per se, but they're all getting looks.
Here are the freshman numbers this year (* denotes redshirt):
Mike Louwerse*, F ... 9 GP ... 6-3--9 ... 4 PIM (corrected)
Tyler Thompson, F ... 7 GP ... 1-1--2 ... 2 PIM
Cameron Cooper, D ... 5 GP ... 1-0--1 ... 2 PIM
Justin Jokinen, F ... 7 GP ... 1-0--1 ... 4 PIM
Adam Mueller, F ... 6 GP ... 0-1--1 ... 0 PIM
Joe Schiller, F ... 5 GP ... 0-1--1 ... 2 PIM
Baylor Dieter, D ... 0 GP
Brett Peterson*, F ... 0 GP
Austin Lee*, G ... 0 GP
With such a veteran team, the Mavericks haven't had to force their rookies into the lineup every night like they did a couple of years ago. That's probably a big reason they're off to such a solid start to the season.
Meanwhile, Michigan Tech is also struggling with injuries, and had a scare last weekend at Minnesota when senior Malcolm Gwilliam fell ill before Sunday's game and had to be hospitalized for several days.
***
There have been some questions from readers about the Mavericks' lineup, specifically why freshman Justin Jokinen hasn't played the last few games. He is on the trip to Tech, although it doesn't appear that he's playing Friday night. Freshman Mike Louwerse, Tyler Thompson and Joe Schiller will, though.
Last week, Jutting said that he is pleased with all of the true freshman -- Louwerse, a redshirt, is pretty much in a different category, especially with is numbers this season -- and that they're all getting a chance to play. There isn't a rotation per se, but they're all getting looks.
Here are the freshman numbers this year (* denotes redshirt):
Mike Louwerse*, F ... 9 GP ... 6-3--9 ... 4 PIM (corrected)
Tyler Thompson, F ... 7 GP ... 1-1--2 ... 2 PIM
Cameron Cooper, D ... 5 GP ... 1-0--1 ... 2 PIM
Justin Jokinen, F ... 7 GP ... 1-0--1 ... 4 PIM
Adam Mueller, F ... 6 GP ... 0-1--1 ... 0 PIM
Joe Schiller, F ... 5 GP ... 0-1--1 ... 2 PIM
Baylor Dieter, D ... 0 GP
Brett Peterson*, F ... 0 GP
Austin Lee*, G ... 0 GP
With such a veteran team, the Mavericks haven't had to force their rookies into the lineup every night like they did a couple of years ago. That's probably a big reason they're off to such a solid start to the season.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Thompson honored by WCHA
MSU freshman forward Tyler Thompson earned WCHA rookie of the week honor for his one-goal, one-assist performance in last weekend's split with Colorado College. Thompson scored the game-winning goal in Friday's 2-1 victory.
He shared the honor with North Dakota goalie Brad Eidsness. The WCHA actually honored five players this week, with Wisconsin's Blake Geoffrion earning offensive player of the week and Minnesota's Alex Kangas and St. Cloud State's Jase Weslosky sharing defensive honors.
That seems a little excessive, doesn't it, considering it already gives out three awards per week? Three goalies are getting awarded this week. At some point the player of the week award loses a little luster.
He shared the honor with North Dakota goalie Brad Eidsness. The WCHA actually honored five players this week, with Wisconsin's Blake Geoffrion earning offensive player of the week and Minnesota's Alex Kangas and St. Cloud State's Jase Weslosky sharing defensive honors.
That seems a little excessive, doesn't it, considering it already gives out three awards per week? Three goalies are getting awarded this week. At some point the player of the week award loses a little luster.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Goes to 11
The Mavericks stood pat in one poll and got a bump in another following their series split with Colorado College. Here are the two national polls with WCHA teams in bold and first-place votes in parenthesis:
USCHO.com/CBS College Sports
1. Minnesota (42)
2. Boston University (4)
3. Colorado College (2)
4. Boston College
5. Notre Dame
6. Northeastern
7. Miami
8. Princeton (1)
9. Michigan
10. Denver
11. Minnesota State
12. Air Force (1)
13. New Hampshire
14. Cornell
15. Vermont
16. UMass
17. St. Cloud State
18. Harvard
19. Nebraska-Omaha
20. North Dakota
Others receiving votes: Dartmouth, UMass.-Lowell, Alaska-Anchorage, Ferris State, Clarkson, Yale, Maine, Michigan State, Wisconsin, Minnesota Duluth, Lake Superior State, Bemidji State, Colgate, Ohio State, St. Lawrence.
USA Today/USA Hockey
1. Minnesota (34)
2. Boston University
3. Colorado College
4. Boston College
5. Northeastern
6. Notre Dame
7. Miami
8. Princeton
9. Michigan
10. Denver
11. Minnesota State
12. Air Force
13. New Hampshire
14. Cornell
15. North Dakota
Others receiving votes: UMass, Harvard, Nebraska-Omaha, Maine, Vermont, Yale, UMass-Lowell, Dartmouth, Ferris State, St. Cloud State, Wisconsin.
Also, the Gustavus Adolphus men moved up to No. 12 in the Division III rankings, while the Gusties women's team moved up to No. 7.
USCHO.com/CBS College Sports
1. Minnesota (42)
2. Boston University (4)
3. Colorado College (2)
4. Boston College
5. Notre Dame
6. Northeastern
7. Miami
8. Princeton (1)
9. Michigan
10. Denver
11. Minnesota State
12. Air Force (1)
13. New Hampshire
14. Cornell
15. Vermont
16. UMass
17. St. Cloud State
18. Harvard
19. Nebraska-Omaha
20. North Dakota
Others receiving votes: Dartmouth, UMass.-Lowell, Alaska-Anchorage, Ferris State, Clarkson, Yale, Maine, Michigan State, Wisconsin, Minnesota Duluth, Lake Superior State, Bemidji State, Colgate, Ohio State, St. Lawrence.
USA Today/USA Hockey
1. Minnesota (34)
2. Boston University
3. Colorado College
4. Boston College
5. Northeastern
6. Notre Dame
7. Miami
8. Princeton
9. Michigan
10. Denver
11. Minnesota State
12. Air Force
13. New Hampshire
14. Cornell
15. North Dakota
Others receiving votes: UMass, Harvard, Nebraska-Omaha, Maine, Vermont, Yale, UMass-Lowell, Dartmouth, Ferris State, St. Cloud State, Wisconsin.
Also, the Gustavus Adolphus men moved up to No. 12 in the Division III rankings, while the Gusties women's team moved up to No. 7.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
CC 4, MSU 3, final
The Mavericks nearly pull off the comeback with goals by Mike Louwerse and Rylan Galiardi but give up yet one more power-play goal to fall.
***
The Tigers scored three power-play goals in the second period -- after a goal that would have given the Mavericks a 2-0 lead was waved off -- to take the lead into the second intermission. It's the third time this season that the Mavericks have allowed three power-play goals in a period.
***
The Mavericks got started quickly, scoring on the game's first shot on goal. Jerad Stewart, one of coach Troy Jutting's unsung heroes from Friday night's game, scored it just 23 seconds in, deflecting a shot from linemate Zach Harrison.
The Mavericks outshot the Tigers 8-6 but and had higher-quality scoring opportunities.
***
Updated with starters.
***
The Mavericks have a few lineup changes tonight: In are forward Jason Wiley (who has been out the last three games with injury, defenseman Brian Kilburg (healthy scratch Friday) and freshman forward Adam Mueller. Out are Kael Mouillierat (injured Friday), Cameron Cooper and Joe Schiller.
Colorado College also did some shuffling, including putting Matt Overman in for Tim Hall.
Here are the lines:
MINNESOTA STATE
Irwin-Bruess-Berge
Wiley-Sackrison-Louwerse
Gaulrapp-Harrison-Stewart
Mueller-Galiardi-Thompson
Davis-Youds
Kilburg-Friesen
Boe-Canzanello
Zacharias
Tormey
Lee
COLORADO COLLEGE
Sweatt-Rau-Walsky
McCulloch-Vlassopoulos-Testwuide
Overman-Dineen-Schultz
DeBoer-Johnson-McMillin
Connelly-Prosser
Guentzel-Gannon
Lowery-Fredheim
Bachman
O'Connell
***
The Tigers scored three power-play goals in the second period -- after a goal that would have given the Mavericks a 2-0 lead was waved off -- to take the lead into the second intermission. It's the third time this season that the Mavericks have allowed three power-play goals in a period.
***
The Mavericks got started quickly, scoring on the game's first shot on goal. Jerad Stewart, one of coach Troy Jutting's unsung heroes from Friday night's game, scored it just 23 seconds in, deflecting a shot from linemate Zach Harrison.
The Mavericks outshot the Tigers 8-6 but and had higher-quality scoring opportunities.
***
Updated with starters.
***
The Mavericks have a few lineup changes tonight: In are forward Jason Wiley (who has been out the last three games with injury, defenseman Brian Kilburg (healthy scratch Friday) and freshman forward Adam Mueller. Out are Kael Mouillierat (injured Friday), Cameron Cooper and Joe Schiller.
Colorado College also did some shuffling, including putting Matt Overman in for Tim Hall.
Here are the lines:
MINNESOTA STATE
Irwin-Bruess-Berge
Wiley-Sackrison-Louwerse
Gaulrapp-Harrison-Stewart
Mueller-Galiardi-Thompson
Davis-Youds
Kilburg-Friesen
Boe-Canzanello
Zacharias
Tormey
Lee
COLORADO COLLEGE
Sweatt-Rau-Walsky
McCulloch-Vlassopoulos-Testwuide
Overman-Dineen-Schultz
DeBoer-Johnson-McMillin
Connelly-Prosser
Guentzel-Gannon
Lowery-Fredheim
Bachman
O'Connell
Friday, November 14, 2008
Mavericks 2, Tigers 1, final
It took a wild bounce to beat Bachman, but the Mavericks got one to defeat the Tigers. Freshman Tyler Thompson netted the game-winning goal on the power play at 13:59. Kurt Davis took the initial shot from the point, and the puck bounced off the doors behind the goal and into traffic in in front of the net. It made its way over to Thompson, who didn't get much on his shot -- just enough to have it hit the pipe and Bachman's skate before it trickled over the goal line.
Can't forget Mike Zacharias, by the way, who stopped 25 saves.
***
The Mavericks put 19 (!) shots on goal in the second period and got one goal by Mick Berge to tie theg ame at 7:56 of the period. There are two excellent goalies in action tonight, but Richard Bachman is showing why he's the reigning WCHA player of the year.
***
Colorado College drew first blood with Chad Rau's power-play goal at 2:27 of the first period. The Mavericks outshot the Tigers 10-9 and were scoreless on four power plays, including a brief 5x3.
***
Correction from today's paper: This weekend's games will not be televised on Charter cable. Charter has instead elected to broadcast the Duluth-Wisconsin series. A crew from Bethany Lutheran College headed to Duluth today to do the production.
***
Greetings from the Alltel Center ...
Here are tonight's lines
MINNESOTA STATE
Irwin-Bruess-Berge
Mouillierat-Sackrison-Louwerse
Gaulrapp-Harrison-Stewart
Galiardi-Schiller-Thompson
Davis-Friesen
Youds-Boe
Cooper-Canzanello
Zacharias
Tormey
Lee
COLORADO COLLEGE
Sweatt-Rau-Walsky
Hall-Vlassopoulos-Schultz
McCulloch-Dineen-Testwuide
DeBoer-Johnson-McMillin
Connelly-Prosser
Guentzel-Gannon
Lowery-Fredheim
Bachman
O'Connell
Keep checking this post for more information and between-period updates.
Can't forget Mike Zacharias, by the way, who stopped 25 saves.
***
The Mavericks put 19 (!) shots on goal in the second period and got one goal by Mick Berge to tie theg ame at 7:56 of the period. There are two excellent goalies in action tonight, but Richard Bachman is showing why he's the reigning WCHA player of the year.
***
Colorado College drew first blood with Chad Rau's power-play goal at 2:27 of the first period. The Mavericks outshot the Tigers 10-9 and were scoreless on four power plays, including a brief 5x3.
***
Correction from today's paper: This weekend's games will not be televised on Charter cable. Charter has instead elected to broadcast the Duluth-Wisconsin series. A crew from Bethany Lutheran College headed to Duluth today to do the production.
***
Greetings from the Alltel Center ...
Here are tonight's lines
MINNESOTA STATE
Irwin-Bruess-Berge
Mouillierat-Sackrison-Louwerse
Gaulrapp-Harrison-Stewart
Galiardi-Schiller-Thompson
Davis-Friesen
Youds-Boe
Cooper-Canzanello
Zacharias
Tormey
Lee
COLORADO COLLEGE
Sweatt-Rau-Walsky
Hall-Vlassopoulos-Schultz
McCulloch-Dineen-Testwuide
DeBoer-Johnson-McMillin
Connelly-Prosser
Guentzel-Gannon
Lowery-Fredheim
Bachman
O'Connell
Keep checking this post for more information and between-period updates.
Friday morning reading
It's another hockey weekend, and the Mavericks are back in town for the first time in three weeks, with a series against No. 3 Colorado College.
A couple of notes: forward Jason Wiley remains out with an injury, although coach Troy Jutting says he's close to returning and may be available for Saturday. ... Defenseman Brian Kilburg will be a healthy scratch; sounds like a performance-based benching.
Meanwhile, redshirt freshman Mike Louwerse is the healthiest he's been in three years, which may be why he's off to such a hot start.
CC coach Scott Owens picked the Mavericks to finish in the top half of the league and said, "This is not your father's Mankato."
In North Dakota, the Sioux are getting creative in order to get more scoring from their defensemen. They will face Alaska-Anchorage, who are now in the real meat of their schedule.
Wisconsin will travel to Duluth, which will have a new DECC in a couple of years. The Capital Times explores the WCHA's upcoming building boom. The Badgers like their chances when Tom Gorowski scores. The Bulldogs, meanwhile, played seven of their first nine games on the road and are glad to be back in the old DECC.
Denver goes to St. Cloud where it is 7-1-0 in its last eight games at the National Hockey Center. However, the Pioneers are a little banged up going into the series. The Huskies' Brian Volpei has picked up the tempo.
Here are the WCHA weekend previews from INCH (and here), USCHO and the WCHA blog.
A few more notes: The Minnesota State women's team will be playing St. Cloud State at the Alltel Center this weekend. It's the first time in a few years that they will be playing downtown. Game times are 2 p.m. today and Saturday.
Looking for something to do after Saturday night's game. Fish Frye, a FOP (Friend of PucKato) will be playing a post-hockey gig at McGoff's Irish Bar. If you play your cards right, they just might let a certain local hockey writer sing the Zamboni song.
A couple of notes: forward Jason Wiley remains out with an injury, although coach Troy Jutting says he's close to returning and may be available for Saturday. ... Defenseman Brian Kilburg will be a healthy scratch; sounds like a performance-based benching.
Meanwhile, redshirt freshman Mike Louwerse is the healthiest he's been in three years, which may be why he's off to such a hot start.
CC coach Scott Owens picked the Mavericks to finish in the top half of the league and said, "This is not your father's Mankato."
In North Dakota, the Sioux are getting creative in order to get more scoring from their defensemen. They will face Alaska-Anchorage, who are now in the real meat of their schedule.
Wisconsin will travel to Duluth, which will have a new DECC in a couple of years. The Capital Times explores the WCHA's upcoming building boom. The Badgers like their chances when Tom Gorowski scores. The Bulldogs, meanwhile, played seven of their first nine games on the road and are glad to be back in the old DECC.
Denver goes to St. Cloud where it is 7-1-0 in its last eight games at the National Hockey Center. However, the Pioneers are a little banged up going into the series. The Huskies' Brian Volpei has picked up the tempo.
Here are the WCHA weekend previews from INCH (and here), USCHO and the WCHA blog.
A few more notes: The Minnesota State women's team will be playing St. Cloud State at the Alltel Center this weekend. It's the first time in a few years that they will be playing downtown. Game times are 2 p.m. today and Saturday.
Looking for something to do after Saturday night's game. Fish Frye, a FOP (Friend of PucKato) will be playing a post-hockey gig at McGoff's Irish Bar. If you play your cards right, they just might let a certain local hockey writer sing the Zamboni song.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Early signing begins
The early period for recruits to sign with college-hockey (and other non-football sports) begins today. The Mavericks likely aren't going to have a huge recruiting class next year, but expect them to announce a few signings today, if not the coming week.
Barring any early departures, MSU will lose five seniors to graduation: forward Mick Berge, defensemen Blake Friesen and Brian Kilburg and goalies Mike Zacharias and Dan Tormey.
Verbally committed players likely to come next season include forwards Eli Zuck and Tyler Pitlick, defenseman Danny Heath and goalie Kevin Murdock.
Zuck, a Shattuck-St. Mary's graduate, is playing for the Tri-City Storm of the USHL. He's second on his team and tied for 13th in the league in scoring with 4-8--12 in 14 games.
Pitlick is a senior at Centennial High School. The prep season is about to begin, but he played in the Midwest Elite League this fall and had 20 goals and 31 points in 24 games. He also played for the U.S. Under-18 team this summer in Europe. He's the nephew of former NHLer Lance Pitlick.
Heath, an Arizona native, is playing for Tri-City for the second year in a row. He has played in just one game this season due to injury.
Murdock has had a great start to the USHL season. The Lincoln goalie ranks fourth in the league with a .908 sv% and third with a 2.38 GAA.
The Mavericks will have Murdock and redshirt freshman Austin Lee in goal next season. They'll also bring in a third goalie, probably a walk-on, before next fall. Looks like they'll probably bring in another defenseman, too.
They will need a big class for 2010, with seven junior forwards on the current roster. They have three verbal commitments for that year, including Mankato's Corey Leivermann, Zach Lehrke and Josh Berge.
Coaches cannot talk about recruits until they have signed, so hopefully we'll hear from Troy Jutting on these players soon.
Barring any early departures, MSU will lose five seniors to graduation: forward Mick Berge, defensemen Blake Friesen and Brian Kilburg and goalies Mike Zacharias and Dan Tormey.
Verbally committed players likely to come next season include forwards Eli Zuck and Tyler Pitlick, defenseman Danny Heath and goalie Kevin Murdock.
Zuck, a Shattuck-St. Mary's graduate, is playing for the Tri-City Storm of the USHL. He's second on his team and tied for 13th in the league in scoring with 4-8--12 in 14 games.
Pitlick is a senior at Centennial High School. The prep season is about to begin, but he played in the Midwest Elite League this fall and had 20 goals and 31 points in 24 games. He also played for the U.S. Under-18 team this summer in Europe. He's the nephew of former NHLer Lance Pitlick.
Heath, an Arizona native, is playing for Tri-City for the second year in a row. He has played in just one game this season due to injury.
Murdock has had a great start to the USHL season. The Lincoln goalie ranks fourth in the league with a .908 sv% and third with a 2.38 GAA.
The Mavericks will have Murdock and redshirt freshman Austin Lee in goal next season. They'll also bring in a third goalie, probably a walk-on, before next fall. Looks like they'll probably bring in another defenseman, too.
They will need a big class for 2010, with seven junior forwards on the current roster. They have three verbal commitments for that year, including Mankato's Corey Leivermann, Zach Lehrke and Josh Berge.
Coaches cannot talk about recruits until they have signed, so hopefully we'll hear from Troy Jutting on these players soon.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Mavs get bump
After a three-point weekend in Alaska, the Mavericks moved up again in the latest rankings. They're No. 11 in the USCHO.com poll and No. 12 in the USA Today rankings.
Here's how difficult it's been for voters through a quarter of the season: 37 of Division I's 58 teams (almost 64 percent), including nine of the 10 WCHA teams (in bold) got votes this week in the USCHO.com poll.
USCHO.com/CBS College Sports
1. Boston University
2. Minnesota
3. Colorado College
4. Denver
5. Boston College
6. New Hampshire
7. Northeastern
8. Michigan
9. Notre Dame
10. Miami
11. Minnesota State
12. Princeton
13. Air Force
14. Cornell
15. Vermont
16. Clarkson
17. Michigan State
18. North Dakota
19. St. Lawrence
20. UMass
Others receiving votes: Nebraska-Omaha, Colgate, Ferris State, Minnesota Duluth, Harvard, Alaska-Anchorage, Wisconsin, Ohio State, St. Cloud State, Yale, Alaska, Union, Dartmouth, Lake Superior State, Bemidji State, UMass-Lowell, Maine.
USA Today/USA Hockey
1. Boston University
2. Minnesota
3. Colorado College
4. Denver
5. New Hampshire
6. Boston College
7. Northeastern
8. Michigan
9. Notre Dame
10. Miami
11 Princeton
12. Minnesota State
13. Air Force
14. Cornell
15. Vermont
Others receiving votes: Clarkson, Michigan State, Nebraska-Omaha, St. Lawrence, North Dakota, UMass, Ferris State.
Here's how difficult it's been for voters through a quarter of the season: 37 of Division I's 58 teams (almost 64 percent), including nine of the 10 WCHA teams (in bold) got votes this week in the USCHO.com poll.
USCHO.com/CBS College Sports
1. Boston University
2. Minnesota
3. Colorado College
4. Denver
5. Boston College
6. New Hampshire
7. Northeastern
8. Michigan
9. Notre Dame
10. Miami
11. Minnesota State
12. Princeton
13. Air Force
14. Cornell
15. Vermont
16. Clarkson
17. Michigan State
18. North Dakota
19. St. Lawrence
20. UMass
Others receiving votes: Nebraska-Omaha, Colgate, Ferris State, Minnesota Duluth, Harvard, Alaska-Anchorage, Wisconsin, Ohio State, St. Cloud State, Yale, Alaska, Union, Dartmouth, Lake Superior State, Bemidji State, UMass-Lowell, Maine.
USA Today/USA Hockey
1. Boston University
2. Minnesota
3. Colorado College
4. Denver
5. New Hampshire
6. Boston College
7. Northeastern
8. Michigan
9. Notre Dame
10. Miami
11 Princeton
12. Minnesota State
13. Air Force
14. Cornell
15. Vermont
Others receiving votes: Clarkson, Michigan State, Nebraska-Omaha, St. Lawrence, North Dakota, UMass, Ferris State.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Mavericks 2, Seawolves 2, OT
The Mavericks led blew a 2-0 lead, were outshot badly (33-14; they only had seven shots through two periods) and were probably lucky to get a point out of last night's game at Anchorage. Here's the Anchorage Daily News' account.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Another Berge on the way
The Mavericks had good luck with one Berge. In two years, they'll get another. Mick Berge's younger brother, Josh Berge, committed to Minnesota State, according to his current team, the Tri-City Storm of the United States Hockey League. Josh Berge, a 5-foot-8, 160-pound forward, will join MSU in 2010. He has two goals and four assists this season.
Mavericks 5, Seawolves 3
MSU snapped a three-game winless streak with a come-from-behind win over Alaska-Anchorage. The Mavericks trailed 2-0 before coming back. Andy Sackrison scored his first goal of the season for the game-winner, and Trevor Bruess scored twice. The Mavericks scored three power-play goals, and, with two assists, Mick Berge (who is still without a goal) set a career high with eight.
Here is the Anchorage Daily News' account.
Here is the Anchorage Daily News' account.
Friday, November 7, 2008
You Want Answers?! 11.07.08
PucKato is not on the trip to Anchorage this week and will be tuned in to the radio broadcast like lot of you. I'll try to post anything I can over the weekend.
Not a lot of questions this week, but lets get started ...
From Sam: Can you explain why the Gophers mascot, cheerleaders and pep band were at the Xcel Center on Saturday for the Mavericks "home" game? I didn't see any SCSU cheerleaders/etc. in the early game against Duluth. It was Duluth's "home" game and only their cheerleaders were there. The fact that the U of M's full crew was there, along with their pep band that constantly played their school song, really upset me as a "home team" Maverick fan:
Sam, I heard this from a few people. The fact that the Gophers' band was there didn't bother me. I likened it to college football when schools take their bands on the road with them. It happens all the time. I think, however, that MSU could have done a better job trying to make that into a home event. They did have their rink announcer, cheerleaders and promotions. One big element that was missing, however, was the "Ole" song. That's become a real signature at MSU games after goals. If you don't believe me, ask every other WCHA beat writer. The song's been stuck in Grand Forks' Brad Schlossman's head for three years. As for the MSU band, they don't play hockey games anymore, according to AD Kevin Buisman.
From Hagar: I think MSU is going to have to spring for a new strap for Zach's helmet. Or maybe we should start a Helmet Counter and keep a tally of how many times it comes off throughout the year. From what I can remember,I think we may be up to 5, maybe even more:
Hagar, I hope they get that fixed, too. It's just too dangerous. Zacharias seems to have a habit of losing his helmet when he gets hit in the head with a puck. I remember it happening last year, too. Gophers coach Don Lucia looked like he thought something was fishy when the mask came off again on Saturday. If you saw the replay, though, it was a freak accident where Channing Boe's stick blade slipped under the back of the helmet as he skated by and popped the helmet off. Two things need to happen: Zacharias needs to strap that helmet a little tighter, and the Mavericks defensemen need to watch their sticks!
From Alexander Parker: Any insight on Youds's play? It seems the veteran-like demeanor and poise that made him good last year has completely vanished. He seems to be playing very emotionally and frustrated. I'm guessing his performance Saturday (2 or 3 of those goals were partly or mostly his fault, and Zacharias saved him on a couple other give-aways) will warrant another benching... maybe both games next weekend.
A.P., Youds isn't going to sit this weekend -- at least not tonight. But he does seem to be having a bit of a sophomore slump. He took a very dumb penalty against North Dakota that ended up costing his team and paid for it by being benched last Friday. Youds was too good last season as a freshman to think he's lost it. He is +2 this year, although +/- doesn't factor in power-play goals. He also has seven penalties after committing just 17 all of last year. All of the players need to get used to the new rules quickly or the Mavericks will be in trouble.
Not a lot of questions this week, but lets get started ...
From Sam: Can you explain why the Gophers mascot, cheerleaders and pep band were at the Xcel Center on Saturday for the Mavericks "home" game? I didn't see any SCSU cheerleaders/etc. in the early game against Duluth. It was Duluth's "home" game and only their cheerleaders were there. The fact that the U of M's full crew was there, along with their pep band that constantly played their school song, really upset me as a "home team" Maverick fan:
Sam, I heard this from a few people. The fact that the Gophers' band was there didn't bother me. I likened it to college football when schools take their bands on the road with them. It happens all the time. I think, however, that MSU could have done a better job trying to make that into a home event. They did have their rink announcer, cheerleaders and promotions. One big element that was missing, however, was the "Ole" song. That's become a real signature at MSU games after goals. If you don't believe me, ask every other WCHA beat writer. The song's been stuck in Grand Forks' Brad Schlossman's head for three years. As for the MSU band, they don't play hockey games anymore, according to AD Kevin Buisman.
From Hagar: I think MSU is going to have to spring for a new strap for Zach's helmet. Or maybe we should start a Helmet Counter and keep a tally of how many times it comes off throughout the year. From what I can remember,I think we may be up to 5, maybe even more:
Hagar, I hope they get that fixed, too. It's just too dangerous. Zacharias seems to have a habit of losing his helmet when he gets hit in the head with a puck. I remember it happening last year, too. Gophers coach Don Lucia looked like he thought something was fishy when the mask came off again on Saturday. If you saw the replay, though, it was a freak accident where Channing Boe's stick blade slipped under the back of the helmet as he skated by and popped the helmet off. Two things need to happen: Zacharias needs to strap that helmet a little tighter, and the Mavericks defensemen need to watch their sticks!
From Alexander Parker: Any insight on Youds's play? It seems the veteran-like demeanor and poise that made him good last year has completely vanished. He seems to be playing very emotionally and frustrated. I'm guessing his performance Saturday (2 or 3 of those goals were partly or mostly his fault, and Zacharias saved him on a couple other give-aways) will warrant another benching... maybe both games next weekend.
A.P., Youds isn't going to sit this weekend -- at least not tonight. But he does seem to be having a bit of a sophomore slump. He took a very dumb penalty against North Dakota that ended up costing his team and paid for it by being benched last Friday. Youds was too good last season as a freshman to think he's lost it. He is +2 this year, although +/- doesn't factor in power-play goals. He also has seven penalties after committing just 17 all of last year. All of the players need to get used to the new rules quickly or the Mavericks will be in trouble.
Friday morning reading
The Mavericks will be without one of their top scorers this weekend in Anchorage, as Jason Wiley is staying back in Mankato with an injury suffered last Saturday against Minnesota. Meanwhile, the Mavericks are third in the WCHA in goal scoring, despite having no goals from captain Mick Berge and a power play that has just five goals -- including three 5x3s -- in six games.
In Anchorage, goal scoring is not a problem this season, and they have one of the top snipers in the WCHA right now in sophomore Tommy Grant.
Grant is tied for the league lead in goals with Minnesota captain Ryan Stoa, who leads the fourth-ranked Gophers into this weekend's matchup with fifth-ranked New Hampshire.
In Colorado Springs, CC goalie Richard Bachman, the reigning WCHA MVP is picking up right where he left off. The No. 1 Tigers will host an "inconsistent" North Dakota team this weekend.
Wisconsin, coming off its first win of the season, is hosting Michigan Tech, and goalie Shane Connelly seems to be having a season unlike any of the Badgers' previous goaltenders.
The St. Cloud State Huskies, who are 0-3 in the WCHA, are hoping a nonconference series with Robert Morris can cure what ails ails them.
WCHA previews and notebooks from INCH, USCHO and the WCHA blog.
In Anchorage, goal scoring is not a problem this season, and they have one of the top snipers in the WCHA right now in sophomore Tommy Grant.
Grant is tied for the league lead in goals with Minnesota captain Ryan Stoa, who leads the fourth-ranked Gophers into this weekend's matchup with fifth-ranked New Hampshire.
In Colorado Springs, CC goalie Richard Bachman, the reigning WCHA MVP is picking up right where he left off. The No. 1 Tigers will host an "inconsistent" North Dakota team this weekend.
Wisconsin, coming off its first win of the season, is hosting Michigan Tech, and goalie Shane Connelly seems to be having a season unlike any of the Badgers' previous goaltenders.
The St. Cloud State Huskies, who are 0-3 in the WCHA, are hoping a nonconference series with Robert Morris can cure what ails ails them.
WCHA previews and notebooks from INCH, USCHO and the WCHA blog.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
More recognition for Harrison
Mavericks forward Zach Harrison got some more recognition for his short-handed hat trick this week, as Sports Illustrated put him in its Faces in the Crowd feature. According to Minnesota State sports information, Harrison is the fourth MSU athlete in four years to end up in the magazine, joining basketball player Jamel Staten, high jumper Jim Dilling and pole vaulter Amanda Frame.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Mavericks drop a spot (or two)
After tying then losing to fifth-ranked (now No. 4) Minnesota, the Mavericks fell to No. 13 in both major polls Monday. They were no. 12 in the USCHO rankings and No. 11 in the USA Today poll. Here are this week's rankings:
USCHO.COM/CBS COLLEGE SPORTS
1. Colorado College
2. Boston College
3. Boston University
4. Minnesota
5. New Hampshire
6. Denver
7. Michigan
8. Miami
9. Princeton
10. Northeastern
11. Michigan State
12. Notre Dame
13. Minnesota State
14. Air Force
15. Clarkson
16. Vermont
17. Cornell
18. Harvard
19. UMass
20. Minnesota Duluth
Others receiving votes: North Dakota, St. Lawrence, Alaska-Anchorage, Nebraska-Omaha, St. Cloud State, Colgate, Union, Dartmouth, UMass-Lowell, Northern Michigan, Yale, Wisconsin, Ferris State, Alaska, Bemidji State, RIT
USA TODAY/USA HOCKEY
1. Colorado College
2. Boston College
3. Boston University
4. Minnesota
5. New Hampshire
6. Denver
7. Michigan
8. Miami
9. Princeton
10. Northeastern
11. Michigan State
12. Notre Dame
13. Minnesota State
14. Air Force
15. Clarkson
Others receiving votes: UMass, Vermont, Cornell, Minnesota-Duluth, North Dakota, St. Lawrence, Union, Harvard, Alaska-Anchorage, Yale, UMass-Lowell, Nebraska-Omaha St. Cloud State.
USCHO.COM/CBS COLLEGE SPORTS
1. Colorado College
2. Boston College
3. Boston University
4. Minnesota
5. New Hampshire
6. Denver
7. Michigan
8. Miami
9. Princeton
10. Northeastern
11. Michigan State
12. Notre Dame
13. Minnesota State
14. Air Force
15. Clarkson
16. Vermont
17. Cornell
18. Harvard
19. UMass
20. Minnesota Duluth
Others receiving votes: North Dakota, St. Lawrence, Alaska-Anchorage, Nebraska-Omaha, St. Cloud State, Colgate, Union, Dartmouth, UMass-Lowell, Northern Michigan, Yale, Wisconsin, Ferris State, Alaska, Bemidji State, RIT
USA TODAY/USA HOCKEY
1. Colorado College
2. Boston College
3. Boston University
4. Minnesota
5. New Hampshire
6. Denver
7. Michigan
8. Miami
9. Princeton
10. Northeastern
11. Michigan State
12. Notre Dame
13. Minnesota State
14. Air Force
15. Clarkson
Others receiving votes: UMass, Vermont, Cornell, Minnesota-Duluth, North Dakota, St. Lawrence, Union, Harvard, Alaska-Anchorage, Yale, UMass-Lowell, Nebraska-Omaha St. Cloud State.
Still alive -- and other stuff.
Sorry I didn't wrap up the post Saturday night. It was a scramble to get to the post-game press conferences and write the newspaper story before deadline. Then I just got the heck out of St. Paul and onto my second-straight late-night drive back down 169.
Monday's paper did have a post-mortem on the College Hockey Showcase. It drew just 10,500 or so, which was below what expectations certainly were when the event was announced last March. The theme of the night seemed to be that, in theory, the Showcase is a great idea. But there are a lot of bugs to figure out. The story has more.
As much as I also like the idea of the Showcase, I couldn't help but think, while watching MSU play Minnesota, how fun it would have been to have that game at the Alltel Center, especially after Friday's 3-3 tie and last March's playoff series. I think it would have been a raucous atmosphere.
The Mavericks will be heading to Sarah Palin country this week, so it's probably a good time to field some of your questions. Post them in the comments section before, and I'll put up a You Want Answers post later this week.
Monday's paper did have a post-mortem on the College Hockey Showcase. It drew just 10,500 or so, which was below what expectations certainly were when the event was announced last March. The theme of the night seemed to be that, in theory, the Showcase is a great idea. But there are a lot of bugs to figure out. The story has more.
As much as I also like the idea of the Showcase, I couldn't help but think, while watching MSU play Minnesota, how fun it would have been to have that game at the Alltel Center, especially after Friday's 3-3 tie and last March's playoff series. I think it would have been a raucous atmosphere.
The Mavericks will be heading to Sarah Palin country this week, so it's probably a good time to field some of your questions. Post them in the comments section before, and I'll put up a You Want Answers post later this week.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
MCHS: Gophers 3, Mavericks 2 - end of two
Mike Louwerse scored two goals for the Mavericks, including a 5x3 power play. But the Gophers got three power-play goals in the period (including one 5x3) to take the lead into the third period. The Gophers outshot the Mavericks 17-8 in the period.
***
No scoring in the first period. The Mavericks are outshooting the Gophers 9-6, so it's a better start than last night. MSU is 0-2 on the PP.
It's a small crowd. I'll be curious to see what they announce. Looks like less than 10,000 but I'm a bad judge of crowd size.
***
Updated with starters ...
****
Duluth won the first game 5-1.
***
Greetings from St. Paul where, right now, Duluth has a 4-1 lead on St. Cloud in the third period. It's kind of sparse crowd here right now. Think of the Final Five third-place game and subtract a couple thousand. Hopefully things pick up for the nightcap.
Here are the Mavericks' lines for tonight. As expected defenseman Ben Youds and forward Mike Louwerse are back in the lineup. Youds is in for Canzanello and Louwerse is in for Jokinen. The first move is not a shocker, especially after Cameron Cooper scored the game-tying goal last night. Jokinen out is a bit of a suprise, considering coach Troy Jutting had high praise for Jokinen after last night's game.
MINNESOTA STATE
Mouillierat-Bruess-Berge
Gaulrapp-Harrison-Stewart
Irwin-Sackrison-Wiley
Thompson-Galiardi-Louwerse
Davis-Kilburg
Cooper-Boe
Friesen-Youds
"Six Stitches" Zacharias
Tormey
Lee
MINNESOTA
Stoa-Schroeder-Barriball
Lucia-Carman-Flynn
Hoeffel-WHite-Sacchetti
Hansen-Matson-Bostrom
Fairchild-Fischer
Ness-Anderson
Wehrs-Lofquist
Kangas
Patterson
Check back often for updates ...
***
No scoring in the first period. The Mavericks are outshooting the Gophers 9-6, so it's a better start than last night. MSU is 0-2 on the PP.
It's a small crowd. I'll be curious to see what they announce. Looks like less than 10,000 but I'm a bad judge of crowd size.
***
Updated with starters ...
****
Duluth won the first game 5-1.
***
Greetings from St. Paul where, right now, Duluth has a 4-1 lead on St. Cloud in the third period. It's kind of sparse crowd here right now. Think of the Final Five third-place game and subtract a couple thousand. Hopefully things pick up for the nightcap.
Here are the Mavericks' lines for tonight. As expected defenseman Ben Youds and forward Mike Louwerse are back in the lineup. Youds is in for Canzanello and Louwerse is in for Jokinen. The first move is not a shocker, especially after Cameron Cooper scored the game-tying goal last night. Jokinen out is a bit of a suprise, considering coach Troy Jutting had high praise for Jokinen after last night's game.
MINNESOTA STATE
Mouillierat-Bruess-Berge
Gaulrapp-Harrison-Stewart
Irwin-Sackrison-Wiley
Thompson-Galiardi-Louwerse
Davis-Kilburg
Cooper-Boe
Friesen-Youds
"Six Stitches" Zacharias
Tormey
Lee
MINNESOTA
Stoa-Schroeder-Barriball
Lucia-Carman-Flynn
Hoeffel-WHite-Sacchetti
Hansen-Matson-Bostrom
Fairchild-Fischer
Ness-Anderson
Wehrs-Lofquist
Kangas
Patterson
Check back often for updates ...
Friday, October 31, 2008
Mavericks 3, Gophers 3, OT final
There was yet another overtime between Minnesota State and Minnesota as they played to a 3-3 tie Friday.
Goalie Mike Zacharias made 47 saves for the 12th-ranked Mavericks (3-1-1, 1-1-1 in WCHA), and freshman defenseman Cameron Cooper knotted the game at 10:27 of the third period.
When the two teams last met last March, they battled through a three-game conference playoff series that featured two double-overtime games and a single-overtime contest. The Gophers won that series to advance to the WCHA Final Five and end the Mavericks' season.
Jay Barriball and Ryan Stoa had a goal and an assist, and freshman Jordan Schroeder had three assists for the fifth-ranked Gophers (3-0-2, 3-0-2), who remained unbeaten on the season..
Barriball broke a scoreless tie at 4:54 of the second period. Mavericks defenseman Kurt Davis tied the game at 9:13 with a long shot from just inside the blue line that deflected off the ice and beat goalie Alex Kangas (26 saves).
Cade Fairchild and Stoa gave Minnesota leads of 2-1 and 3-2, but the Mavericks answered each time, first with Jason Wiley early in the third period, then with Cooper's first career goal.
The two teams will play again today at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul in the WCHA Minnesota College Hockey Showcase. The game will be the nightcap of a doubleheader, with St. Cloud State and Minnesota Duluth playing in the opener.
***
Minnesota opened the scoring at 4:54 with a goal by Jay Barriball. The Mavericks tied the game on defenseman Kurt Davis' long shot from just inside the blue line that deflected off the ice and past goalie Alex Kangas. The Gophers took back the lead with the game's first power-play goal. Defenseman Cade Fairchild shot the puck in through traffic from the point. The Mavericks are getting outshot 29-14 through two periods. The Gophers will start the third period wtih 1:16 of power-play time.
There's no band here tonight. Which is weird. And disappointing.
***
Picking up where they left off last March, Alex Kangas made seven saves and Mike Zacharias made 15 in a scoreless first period. There was plenty for the box score though, as the two teams were called for 11 penalties. MSU's Jerad Stewart got a five-minute major for "grabbing the facemask."
***
Greetings from Mariucci Arena. One item of note, Minnesota has suspended freshman forwards Jake Hansen and Nico Sacchetti for violation of team rules. They had played in all of the Gophers' games so far.
Check back regularly for updates.
Here are the lines (starters in bold):
MINNESOTA STATE
Mouillierat-Bruess-Berge
Gaulrapp-Harrison-Stewart
Irwin-Sackrison-Wiley
Thompson-Galiardi-Jokinen
Davis-Kilburg
Cooper-Boe
Friesen-Canzanello
Zacharias
Tormey
MINNESOTA
Stoa-Schroeder-Barriball
Lucia-Carman-Flynn
Hoeffel-White-Dorr
Miller-Matson-Bostrom
Fairchild-Fischer
Ness-Anderson
Wehrs-Lofquist
Kangas
Patterson
Kremer
Goalie Mike Zacharias made 47 saves for the 12th-ranked Mavericks (3-1-1, 1-1-1 in WCHA), and freshman defenseman Cameron Cooper knotted the game at 10:27 of the third period.
When the two teams last met last March, they battled through a three-game conference playoff series that featured two double-overtime games and a single-overtime contest. The Gophers won that series to advance to the WCHA Final Five and end the Mavericks' season.
Jay Barriball and Ryan Stoa had a goal and an assist, and freshman Jordan Schroeder had three assists for the fifth-ranked Gophers (3-0-2, 3-0-2), who remained unbeaten on the season..
Barriball broke a scoreless tie at 4:54 of the second period. Mavericks defenseman Kurt Davis tied the game at 9:13 with a long shot from just inside the blue line that deflected off the ice and beat goalie Alex Kangas (26 saves).
Cade Fairchild and Stoa gave Minnesota leads of 2-1 and 3-2, but the Mavericks answered each time, first with Jason Wiley early in the third period, then with Cooper's first career goal.
The two teams will play again today at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul in the WCHA Minnesota College Hockey Showcase. The game will be the nightcap of a doubleheader, with St. Cloud State and Minnesota Duluth playing in the opener.
***
Minnesota opened the scoring at 4:54 with a goal by Jay Barriball. The Mavericks tied the game on defenseman Kurt Davis' long shot from just inside the blue line that deflected off the ice and past goalie Alex Kangas. The Gophers took back the lead with the game's first power-play goal. Defenseman Cade Fairchild shot the puck in through traffic from the point. The Mavericks are getting outshot 29-14 through two periods. The Gophers will start the third period wtih 1:16 of power-play time.
There's no band here tonight. Which is weird. And disappointing.
***
Picking up where they left off last March, Alex Kangas made seven saves and Mike Zacharias made 15 in a scoreless first period. There was plenty for the box score though, as the two teams were called for 11 penalties. MSU's Jerad Stewart got a five-minute major for "grabbing the facemask."
***
Greetings from Mariucci Arena. One item of note, Minnesota has suspended freshman forwards Jake Hansen and Nico Sacchetti for violation of team rules. They had played in all of the Gophers' games so far.
Check back regularly for updates.
Here are the lines (starters in bold):
MINNESOTA STATE
Mouillierat-Bruess-Berge
Gaulrapp-Harrison-Stewart
Irwin-Sackrison-Wiley
Thompson-Galiardi-Jokinen
Davis-Kilburg
Cooper-Boe
Friesen-Canzanello
Zacharias
Tormey
MINNESOTA
Stoa-Schroeder-Barriball
Lucia-Carman-Flynn
Hoeffel-White-Dorr
Miller-Matson-Bostrom
Fairchild-Fischer
Ness-Anderson
Wehrs-Lofquist
Kangas
Patterson
Kremer
Friday-morning reading
Just because it's Gopher night doesn't mean Troy Jutting won't practice a little tough love again this season. Defenseman Ben Youds and forward Mike Louwerse will sit out tonight's game against Minnesota because of some bad penalties taken in MSU's last game against North Dakota. The practice seemed to work last season, as the Mavericks slashed their penalty minutes. Currently, they lead the country in PIMs per game. Both Youds and Louwerse are expected to play on Saturday. MSU will get forward James Gaulrapp back from injury.
For more on the series, you can read my preview in The Free Press, which chronicles how the Mavericks just can't forget last year's playoff series against the Gophers.
Here's what others are saying about the series and the Showcase:
The Star Tribune and Pioneer Press take a look at Saturday's WCHA Minnesota College Hockey Showcase, which needs a better name but won't get one until the league and participating teams figure out a way to do it every year. One nugget of concern: an Xcel Energy Center official is expecting just 10,000 fans. The PiPress also says that the Gophers are a different team with the return of Ryan Stoa.
The Duluth News-Tribune also looks at the Showcase, and the St. Cloud Times' Kevin Allenspach wonders if the fans will turn out for the event, too.
For more on the series, you can read my preview in The Free Press, which chronicles how the Mavericks just can't forget last year's playoff series against the Gophers.
Here's what others are saying about the series and the Showcase:
The Star Tribune and Pioneer Press take a look at Saturday's WCHA Minnesota College Hockey Showcase, which needs a better name but won't get one until the league and participating teams figure out a way to do it every year. One nugget of concern: an Xcel Energy Center official is expecting just 10,000 fans. The PiPress also says that the Gophers are a different team with the return of Ryan Stoa.
The Duluth News-Tribune also looks at the Showcase, and the St. Cloud Times' Kevin Allenspach wonders if the fans will turn out for the event, too.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Gustavus player gets blog
I haven't done a ton here on Gustavus Adolphus hockey in the past, but the Gusties do deserve some attention. The Gustavus men's team opens the season Friday night when it hosts defending national champion and No. 1-ranked St. Norbert. The Gusties were the only team to beat St. Norbert last season. That game and Saturday's game against Lake Forest will be played at All Seasons Arena in Mankato while the Don Roberts Ice Rink gets a facelift in St. Peter.
Meanwhile the Gustavus women's team is ranked No. 4 in the country and will open the season next week. Gusties senior Jessie Doig, meanwhile, will be blogging for the NCAA on the life and times of a college athlete. She is one of a select group chosen by the NCAA. Her blog, which she says will be updated twice a week, can be found here. I'll also post a permanent link to it in the sidebar.
Meanwhile the Gustavus women's team is ranked No. 4 in the country and will open the season next week. Gusties senior Jessie Doig, meanwhile, will be blogging for the NCAA on the life and times of a college athlete. She is one of a select group chosen by the NCAA. Her blog, which she says will be updated twice a week, can be found here. I'll also post a permanent link to it in the sidebar.
More on Harrison
Zach Harrison's short-handed hat trick continues to draw attention. The Western College Hockey blog explored Harrison's rise with the Mavericks, as did the sports blog Deadspin.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Mavs in the pros
Thanks to MSU's sports information department, here are the Mavericks alumni playing professional hockey:
NHL
David Backes, St. Louis
Ryan Carter, Anaheim
Steve Wagner, St. Louis
AHL
Tim Jackman, Bridgeport (NHL rights: NY Islanders)
Jon Kalinski, Philadelphia (NHL rights: Philadelphia)
Grant Stevenson, Chicago (NHL rights: Atlanta)
ECHL
Joel Hanson, Augusta
R.J. Linder, Augusta
Travis Morin, South Carolina (NHL rights: Washington)
Kyle Peto, Florida
CHL
Austin Sutter, Amarillo
Brad Thompson, Wichita
Europe
Jake Brenk, Netherlands
Aaron Fox, Austria
Lucas Fransen, Netherlands
T.J. Guidarelli, Germany
Andy Hedlund, Germany
Shane Joseph, Germany
Rob Rankin, England
NHL
David Backes, St. Louis
Ryan Carter, Anaheim
Steve Wagner, St. Louis
AHL
Tim Jackman, Bridgeport (NHL rights: NY Islanders)
Jon Kalinski, Philadelphia (NHL rights: Philadelphia)
Grant Stevenson, Chicago (NHL rights: Atlanta)
ECHL
Joel Hanson, Augusta
R.J. Linder, Augusta
Travis Morin, South Carolina (NHL rights: Washington)
Kyle Peto, Florida
CHL
Austin Sutter, Amarillo
Brad Thompson, Wichita
Europe
Jake Brenk, Netherlands
Aaron Fox, Austria
Lucas Fransen, Netherlands
T.J. Guidarelli, Germany
Andy Hedlund, Germany
Shane Joseph, Germany
Rob Rankin, England
Monday, October 27, 2008
MSU gets bump (updated)
The Mavericks moved up one spot to No. 12 in the latest USCHO.com poll and two spots to No. 11 in the USA Today poll. Here are today's rankings (first-place votes in parenthesis):
USCHO.com/CBS College Sports
1. Colorado College (37)
2. Boston College (7)
3. Boston University (1)
4. Denver (3)
5. Minnesota (2)
6. New Hampshire
7. Miami
8. Michigan
9. Northeastern
10. Princeton
11. Michigan State
12. Minnesota State
13. Notre Dame
14. Vermont
15. Clarkson
16. Cornell
17. Air Force
18. North Dakota
19. St. Cloud State
20. Harvard
Others receiving votes: Northern Michigan, Alaska-Anchorage, St. Lawrence, Nebraska-Omaha, UMass, Minnesota-Duluth, Colgate, UMass-Lowell, Union, Wisconsin, Niagara, Bemidji State, Dartmouth, Ohio State
USA Today/USA Hockey
1. Colorado College (30)
2. Boston College (3)
3. Boston University
4. Denver
5. Minnesota (1)
6. Miami
7. New Hampshire
8. Michigan
9. Northeastern
10. Princeton
11. Minnesota State
12. Michigan State
13. Notre Dame
14. Clarkson
15. Vermont
Others receiving votes: Air Force, Nebraska-Omaha, Cornell, Alaska-Anchorage, St. Lawrence, St. Cloud State, Colgate, UMass, UMass-Lowell, Harvard, North Dakota, Northern Michigan, Union.
FYI, PucKato and The Free Press generally use the USCHO.com rankings as the official rankings for two reasons: 1. They're the rankings released weekly by the Associated Press, and 2. Shane votes on the poll (the power rankings at right are what I submit).
USCHO.com/CBS College Sports
1. Colorado College (37)
2. Boston College (7)
3. Boston University (1)
4. Denver (3)
5. Minnesota (2)
6. New Hampshire
7. Miami
8. Michigan
9. Northeastern
10. Princeton
11. Michigan State
12. Minnesota State
13. Notre Dame
14. Vermont
15. Clarkson
16. Cornell
17. Air Force
18. North Dakota
19. St. Cloud State
20. Harvard
Others receiving votes: Northern Michigan, Alaska-Anchorage, St. Lawrence, Nebraska-Omaha, UMass, Minnesota-Duluth, Colgate, UMass-Lowell, Union, Wisconsin, Niagara, Bemidji State, Dartmouth, Ohio State
USA Today/USA Hockey
1. Colorado College (30)
2. Boston College (3)
3. Boston University
4. Denver
5. Minnesota (1)
6. Miami
7. New Hampshire
8. Michigan
9. Northeastern
10. Princeton
11. Minnesota State
12. Michigan State
13. Notre Dame
14. Clarkson
15. Vermont
Others receiving votes: Air Force, Nebraska-Omaha, Cornell, Alaska-Anchorage, St. Lawrence, St. Cloud State, Colgate, UMass, UMass-Lowell, Harvard, North Dakota, Northern Michigan, Union.
FYI, PucKato and The Free Press generally use the USCHO.com rankings as the official rankings for two reasons: 1. They're the rankings released weekly by the Associated Press, and 2. Shane votes on the poll (the power rankings at right are what I submit).
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