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 ...
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