Friday morning skate

Good morning. The Mavericks are idle this weekend, and the break probably comes at a good time since the team has some bumps and bruises that need healing. Coach Troy Jutting told me this week that, at the very least, injured captain Geoff Irwin isn't missing two games this week -- although he made no guarantees that Irwin would be ready for the Colorado College series.

As for PucKato, I previewed the Minnesota State women's hockey team's long-awaited home debut tonight and talked to fifth-year senior Ashley Young, who is the last of the famed South St. Paul trio on the team, proving the the old quote about "the best laid plans" correct (print edition only). On Saturday, I'll actually be heading to St. Cloud to cover the MSU football team's attempt to finish the regular season undefeated.

Getting back to men's hockey, here's what's happening around the WCHA ...

Minnesota travels to Wisconsin for a border battle without the services of freshman defenseman Nick Leddy (out six weeks with broken jaw) and senior forward Jay Barriball (out for the season with a knee injury). The Star Tribune takes a look at Mike Hoeffel's growing game, while a Wisconsin State Journal story reports that the Badgers aren't worried about history when determining tonight's lineup.

North Dakota is at Michigan Tech, and the Sioux have seen maturity in Mario Lamoureux, who is among a long line of players who have had older brothers play in the program. Meanwhile, the Huskies are coming off a satisfying series split with St. Cloud State.

Minnesota Duluth travels to Colorado College. For the Bulldogs, scoring goals hasn't been a problem so far, however, reducing penalties is a priority -- for both teams. The Tigers, meanwhile, can credit the play of senior Bill Sweatt as a big reason for their strong start.

Denver and three of its Alaska natives, including goalie Adam Murray, are heading north to play Alaska-Anchorage.

Here are some WCHA previews from USCHO, INCH and This is the WCHA.