Burkemper's back

The Mavericks departed Mankato for Grand Forks, N.D., this morning. They will play North Dakota in the final series of the regular season and will then try to pull off a playoff upset — most likely at Minnesota Duluth.

Minnesota State heads to The Ralph as healthy as they've been in awhile. Sophomore winger J.P. Burkemper will be back in the lineup now that he's recovered from the broken wrist he suffered in the Dec. 30 exhibition game against the U.S. Under-18 National Team. Sophomore defenseman Josh Nelson is also expected to get some action now. He's been out with a non-hockey-related injury.

Senior forward Mike Louwerse cannot play in Friday's game because he has had three game disqualification misconduct penalties this season.