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.
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