Freddy's three thoughts (from afar) ...
1. Shutting 'em out: Minnesota State scored its third straight shutout in a row for the first time in school history. The Mavericks haven't allowed a goal in 198 minutes, 10 seconds. Cole Huggins got his second straight shutout and the fourth of his rookie season. Huggins didn't see a lot of shots, making just 14 saves, and, coach Mike Hastings said afterward, got some help as the Lakers hit four pipes, by his estimation. The Mavericks dominated puck possession and had 40 shots on net. They've had a 151-41 shot advantage over the last three games.
2. Margo's big night: Sophomore forward Dylan Margonari scored two goals, helping the Mavericks build a 3-0 lead. Both goals came with assists from his linemates, Zach Lehrke (he finished with three assists) and Zach Stepan, a group, Hastings said, that's starting to develop some good chemistry. Margonari's growing more and more comfortable in his role as center. Hastings credited his defense and faceoff efforts against the Lakers. The Mavericks should be encouraged to see some secondary scoring develop, taking some pressure off the top line players.
3. Even up: As I pointed out in Friday morning's Free Press, the Mavericks had been outscored 58-52 in even-strength play this season. Their advantage has been on the power play where they had a 44-17 dominance going into the game. So MSU had to be pleased to score four 5x5 goals against Lake Superior. Max Gaede scored his second goal of the season. Chase Grant also scored. Josh Nelson scored the game's lone power-play goal.
Read some comments from Hastings in the game story.
Around the WCHA: Alabama Huntsville 2, Bemidji State 1 (!!!) ... Northern Michigan 4, Bowling Green 1 ... Alaska 4, Ferris State 1
WCHA standings
1. Ferris State 38
2. Minnesota State 36
3. Michigan Tech 28
4. Alaska Anchorage 26
Alaska 26
6. Bowling Green 24
Lake Superior 24
8. Northern Michigan 23
9. Bemidji State 22
10. Alabama Huntsville 5
Friday, February 28, 2014
Friday Morning Skate (Soo edition)
Minnesota State closes out the road portion of its regular-season schedule this weekend with a series at Lake Superior State. It's the first-ever meeting between the two teams, and it will take place in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich.
With four games remaining before the playoffs, the Mavericks are four points behind Ferris State in the race for the MacNaughton Cup. Catching the Bulldogs might be a tough task, but MSU can drop no further than its current second-place position over what is a very crowded WCHA standings. Lake Superior sits right in the middle of that group.
The only thing known for certain is that Ferris and MSU will finish in some order of 1-2 and Alabama Huntsville will be 10th. The question is: Will anything else be sorted out after this weekend's games.
One key to the weekend might be in goal where the Lakers' Kevin Kapalka (.931 save percentage) returned from injury last week. But there's a familiar face there, too, as senior Kevin Murdock began his career at Minnesota State before transferring.
For more on the series, check out The Free Press' gameday preview here.
Going around the WCHA ...
Bowling Green at Northern Michigan: The Falcons are also aware that time is running out on the season and that they could finish in a home-ice spot just as easily as they could miss the playoffs altogether. The Wildcats, meanwhile, are the team currently sitting in that ninth-place spot, this despite a favorable second-half schedule.
Alabama Huntsville at Bemidji State: Huntsville's travels this week were chronicled in the New York Times, and the article includes photos taken in Mankato two weeks ago. The Chargers are back on the road, this time at Bemidji, its longtime rival. The Beavers hope to avoid getting spoiled by UAH and keep itself in playoff position.
Ferris State at Alaska: The Bulldogs could clinch first place this weekend with a sweep and an MSU slip in the Soo. This will be not only Ferris' first trip to the state of Alaska this season but its first trip there since November of 2011. As for the Nanooks, they appear to be peaking at the right time, winning four in a row and six of their last seven. Alaska also has scored 26 goals in its last four games.
Michigan Tech and Alaska Anchorage are idle this weekend.
Matt Wellens kicks off our USCHO column with Ferris State not focusing on first place in the WCHA but on a bigger run in the postseason. Check out Matt's and my weekend picks here.
College Hockey Inc. put out a cool graphic this week with its state-by-state MVPs. It shows how many states (all but nine of the 50) are represented by college hockey players and the top ones from those states. There are two Mavericks on the list: California's Matt Leitner and Oklahoma's Chase Grant.
Meanwhile, it's playoff time in women's hockey and in the Division III ranks.
The Minnesota State women will play a first-round WCHA playoff series this weekend at No. 2 Wisconsin. The Badgers swept the Mavericks last weekend in Mankato and have only lost once to the Mavericks in the history of the series.
In St. Peter Saturday there will be a doubleheader with the Gustavus women and men playing back-to-back MIAC playoff games. Each team earned the No. 2 seed (the first time in 10 years the women did not win the league's regular-seasont title) and will face Bethel and St. John's, respectively. Those are semifinal games, with the championship games taking place a week later.
Finally, the Mankato West boys hockey team saw its season end for the second year in a row in the Section 1A championship game. New Prague won a game often dominated by West 3-2 with Trojans goalie Conner Wagner making the difference in the first two periods. Pat Christman has a photo gallery from the game here.
With four games remaining before the playoffs, the Mavericks are four points behind Ferris State in the race for the MacNaughton Cup. Catching the Bulldogs might be a tough task, but MSU can drop no further than its current second-place position over what is a very crowded WCHA standings. Lake Superior sits right in the middle of that group.
The only thing known for certain is that Ferris and MSU will finish in some order of 1-2 and Alabama Huntsville will be 10th. The question is: Will anything else be sorted out after this weekend's games.
One key to the weekend might be in goal where the Lakers' Kevin Kapalka (.931 save percentage) returned from injury last week. But there's a familiar face there, too, as senior Kevin Murdock began his career at Minnesota State before transferring.
For more on the series, check out The Free Press' gameday preview here.
Going around the WCHA ...
Bowling Green at Northern Michigan: The Falcons are also aware that time is running out on the season and that they could finish in a home-ice spot just as easily as they could miss the playoffs altogether. The Wildcats, meanwhile, are the team currently sitting in that ninth-place spot, this despite a favorable second-half schedule.
Alabama Huntsville at Bemidji State: Huntsville's travels this week were chronicled in the New York Times, and the article includes photos taken in Mankato two weeks ago. The Chargers are back on the road, this time at Bemidji, its longtime rival. The Beavers hope to avoid getting spoiled by UAH and keep itself in playoff position.
Ferris State at Alaska: The Bulldogs could clinch first place this weekend with a sweep and an MSU slip in the Soo. This will be not only Ferris' first trip to the state of Alaska this season but its first trip there since November of 2011. As for the Nanooks, they appear to be peaking at the right time, winning four in a row and six of their last seven. Alaska also has scored 26 goals in its last four games.
Michigan Tech and Alaska Anchorage are idle this weekend.
Matt Wellens kicks off our USCHO column with Ferris State not focusing on first place in the WCHA but on a bigger run in the postseason. Check out Matt's and my weekend picks here.
College Hockey Inc. put out a cool graphic this week with its state-by-state MVPs. It shows how many states (all but nine of the 50) are represented by college hockey players and the top ones from those states. There are two Mavericks on the list: California's Matt Leitner and Oklahoma's Chase Grant.
Meanwhile, it's playoff time in women's hockey and in the Division III ranks.
The Minnesota State women will play a first-round WCHA playoff series this weekend at No. 2 Wisconsin. The Badgers swept the Mavericks last weekend in Mankato and have only lost once to the Mavericks in the history of the series.
In St. Peter Saturday there will be a doubleheader with the Gustavus women and men playing back-to-back MIAC playoff games. Each team earned the No. 2 seed (the first time in 10 years the women did not win the league's regular-seasont title) and will face Bethel and St. John's, respectively. Those are semifinal games, with the championship games taking place a week later.
Finally, the Mankato West boys hockey team saw its season end for the second year in a row in the Section 1A championship game. New Prague won a game often dominated by West 3-2 with Trojans goalie Conner Wagner making the difference in the first two periods. Pat Christman has a photo gallery from the game here.
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Backes continues to impress
I've been accused before about obsessing too much about former Maverick David Backes in this blog. Sure, other college hockey programs have many, many more NHLers to track, so the fact that he's the MSU hockey team's most accomplished alum in the sport (most NHL games, St. Louis Blues captain, two-time Olympian) isn't necessarily saying a lot when compared to the others (Tim Jackman and Ryan Carter have had long careers, of course, with Carter being part of a Stanley Cup winner).
But how can one ignore what Backes has done and continues to do.
He played remarkably in the Olympics, despite Team USA's disappointing finish in the medal round and now returns to a Blues team that leads the NHL's Central Division.
It's well known that Backes and his wife, Kelly, are active in the cause of rescuing animals, and it was well publicized that there was a stray dog problem in Sochi, Russia, site of the Winter Games. Sure enough, Backes returned to the United States with a couple of those dogs. Check out a video on Backes' rescue efforts on Yahoo Sports, and more here from a St. Louis TV station.
On Monday night, I watched the PBS documentary "Ice Warriors," about the U.S. Sled Hockey team, which will compete in the Paralympics. And, spoiler alter, who should make a cameo? David Backes. The team held one of its training camps in St. Louis, and Backes came by to skate with the team, which is coached by former Wisconsin coach Jeff Sauer. Backes treated the team to a suite at a Blues game.
Of course, last fall, Backes made a generous donation to the Mankato Area Hockey Association to help the group purchase equipment for its teams and players new to the sport of hockey.
What more can this guy possibly do? The guess here is: A lot.
But how can one ignore what Backes has done and continues to do.
He played remarkably in the Olympics, despite Team USA's disappointing finish in the medal round and now returns to a Blues team that leads the NHL's Central Division.
It's well known that Backes and his wife, Kelly, are active in the cause of rescuing animals, and it was well publicized that there was a stray dog problem in Sochi, Russia, site of the Winter Games. Sure enough, Backes returned to the United States with a couple of those dogs. Check out a video on Backes' rescue efforts on Yahoo Sports, and more here from a St. Louis TV station.
On Monday night, I watched the PBS documentary "Ice Warriors," about the U.S. Sled Hockey team, which will compete in the Paralympics. And, spoiler alter, who should make a cameo? David Backes. The team held one of its training camps in St. Louis, and Backes came by to skate with the team, which is coached by former Wisconsin coach Jeff Sauer. Backes treated the team to a suite at a Blues game.
Of course, last fall, Backes made a generous donation to the Mankato Area Hockey Association to help the group purchase equipment for its teams and players new to the sport of hockey.
What more can this guy possibly do? The guess here is: A lot.
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Three sweeps
While Minnesota State sat idle over the weekend, there were three sweeps in WCHA play. Ferris State swept Alaska Anchorage to move four points in front of MSU with four games to play.
Michigan Tech swept Northern Michigan, and Lake Superior swept Alabama Huntsville. The results of those two series moved Tech into third place and moved Northern Michigan down to ninth and currently out of playoff position.
Tech and Anchorage each have two games remaining; the rest of the teams have four games left.
Here are the standings and who each team wraps up with:
1. Ferris State (38 points) ... at Alaska, vs. Lake Superior
2. Minnesota State (34) ... at Lake Superior, vs. Michigan Tech
3. Michigan Tech (28) ... idle, at Minnesota State
4. Alaska Anchorage (26) ... idle, at Alaska
5. Alaska (24) ... vs. Ferris State, vs. Alaska Anchorage
Bowling Green (24) ... at Northern Michigan, vs. Bemidji State
Lake Superior (24) ... vs. Minnesota State, at Ferris State
8. Bemidji State (22) ... vs. Alabama Huntsville, at Bowling Green
9. Northern Michigan (21) ... vs. Bowling Green, at Alabama Huntsville
10. Alabama Huntsville (3) ... at Bemidji State, vs. Northern Michigan
The Mavericks, it appears, are going to have a tough time catching Ferris State for the MacNaughton Cup, but they cannot drop any further than second place. Meanwhile the race between third and ninth remains wide open.
As for the national scene, this weekend's results put the Mavericks at 19th in the Pairwise Rankings.
Michigan Tech swept Northern Michigan, and Lake Superior swept Alabama Huntsville. The results of those two series moved Tech into third place and moved Northern Michigan down to ninth and currently out of playoff position.
Tech and Anchorage each have two games remaining; the rest of the teams have four games left.
Here are the standings and who each team wraps up with:
1. Ferris State (38 points) ... at Alaska, vs. Lake Superior
2. Minnesota State (34) ... at Lake Superior, vs. Michigan Tech
3. Michigan Tech (28) ... idle, at Minnesota State
4. Alaska Anchorage (26) ... idle, at Alaska
5. Alaska (24) ... vs. Ferris State, vs. Alaska Anchorage
Bowling Green (24) ... at Northern Michigan, vs. Bemidji State
Lake Superior (24) ... vs. Minnesota State, at Ferris State
8. Bemidji State (22) ... vs. Alabama Huntsville, at Bowling Green
9. Northern Michigan (21) ... vs. Bowling Green, at Alabama Huntsville
10. Alabama Huntsville (3) ... at Bemidji State, vs. Northern Michigan
The Mavericks, it appears, are going to have a tough time catching Ferris State for the MacNaughton Cup, but they cannot drop any further than second place. Meanwhile the race between third and ninth remains wide open.
As for the national scene, this weekend's results put the Mavericks at 19th in the Pairwise Rankings.
Friday, February 21, 2014
Friday Morning Skate
Minnesota State is idle this weekend, but that doesn't mean there's no skate today ...
The Mavericks probably will be doing some scoreboard watching, both in and out of the league as they try to stay close in the MacNaughton Cup race as well as move up a couple of notches in the Pairwise Rankings.
Going around the WCHA ...
Alaska Anchorage at Ferris State: MSU will keep a close eye on this series as it sits just two points behind Ferris. The Bulldogs have been great at home, and Anchorage hasn't been so hot on the road. The Seawolves are hoping to do well enough over their final four games (all on the road), to stay in a home ice spot for the WCHA playoffs.
Northern Michigan at/vs. Michigan Tech: These two rivals play an important series starting tonight in Houghton. By the end of the weekend either of the teams could be in the top four or barely hanging on to a playoff spot. That's how close the standings are. Yeah, there's a lot more than just U.P. pride on the line.
Lake Superior at Alabama Huntsville: The bottom two teams (for now) will square off, and the Chargers are hoping to get a big crowd by offering free admission. Huntsville can't catch Lake Superior, but the Lakers are just a point out of playoff position at the moment.
Minnesota State, Bemidji State, Bowling Green and Alaska are idle this weekend, although Bowling Green does play an exhibition against the U.S. Under-18 team tonight.
In my and Matt Wellens' USCHO column/notebook, I take a closer look at Alabama Huntsville's travel adventures to Mankato last week. We also give our WCHA picks (Spoiler Alert: We both, for some reason, picked a Huntsville win).
The Mavericks probably will be doing some scoreboard watching, both in and out of the league as they try to stay close in the MacNaughton Cup race as well as move up a couple of notches in the Pairwise Rankings.
Going around the WCHA ...
Alaska Anchorage at Ferris State: MSU will keep a close eye on this series as it sits just two points behind Ferris. The Bulldogs have been great at home, and Anchorage hasn't been so hot on the road. The Seawolves are hoping to do well enough over their final four games (all on the road), to stay in a home ice spot for the WCHA playoffs.
Northern Michigan at/vs. Michigan Tech: These two rivals play an important series starting tonight in Houghton. By the end of the weekend either of the teams could be in the top four or barely hanging on to a playoff spot. That's how close the standings are. Yeah, there's a lot more than just U.P. pride on the line.
Lake Superior at Alabama Huntsville: The bottom two teams (for now) will square off, and the Chargers are hoping to get a big crowd by offering free admission. Huntsville can't catch Lake Superior, but the Lakers are just a point out of playoff position at the moment.
Minnesota State, Bemidji State, Bowling Green and Alaska are idle this weekend, although Bowling Green does play an exhibition against the U.S. Under-18 team tonight.
In my and Matt Wellens' USCHO column/notebook, I take a closer look at Alabama Huntsville's travel adventures to Mankato last week. We also give our WCHA picks (Spoiler Alert: We both, for some reason, picked a Huntsville win).
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Big game for Backes
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| Associated Press photos |
The U.S. moves on to play Canada in the semifinals at 11 a.m. Friday. Canada survived a scare from Latvia and slipped into the semis 2-1. Ryan McDonagh and Joe Pavelski also had assists.
Sunday, February 16, 2014
Mavericks clinch home ice
Saturday night's results around the WCHA, including Minnesota State's 4-0 victory and series sweep over Alabama Huntsville, clinched a top-four finish/home ice for the Mavericks for the WCHA playoffs, which will begin March 14-16.
The Mavericks can finish no lower than a tie for second place in the conference. They currently are tied with Ferris State for first place. MSU has four games remaining in the regular season; Ferris has six games left.
Minnesota State has hosted a first-round playoff series four other times, including last year against Nebraska Omaha. They also hosted Minnesota in 2008, Wisconsin in 2003 and Alaska Anchorage in 2000.
It's remains wide open as to who the Mavericks will face this season as third through ninth place in the league is separated by just six points right now.
The top four teams will face the next four teams with the ninth- and 10th-place teams missing the playoffs.
The Mavericks can finish no lower than a tie for second place in the conference. They currently are tied with Ferris State for first place. MSU has four games remaining in the regular season; Ferris has six games left.
Minnesota State has hosted a first-round playoff series four other times, including last year against Nebraska Omaha. They also hosted Minnesota in 2008, Wisconsin in 2003 and Alaska Anchorage in 2000.
It's remains wide open as to who the Mavericks will face this season as third through ninth place in the league is separated by just six points right now.
The top four teams will face the next four teams with the ninth- and 10th-place teams missing the playoffs.
Saturday, February 15, 2014
Mavericks 4, Chargers 0 (again)
Freddy's three thoughts of the game ...
1. Back up top: Minnesota State won its fifth game in a row on Saturday. Coupled with Ferris State's loss at Bemidji State, the Mavericks are in a first-place tie with the Bulldogs in the WCHA standings. Ferris State has two games in hand over the Mavericks, though, so it might be tough for the Mavericks to win the MacNaughton Cup. But it could get awfully interesting down the stretch. Minnesota State is idle next weekend and will travel to Lake Superior State after that before closing out the regular season at home against Michigan Tech. As for MSU's Pairwise ranking, the Mavs were tied for 18th late Saturday, so there's some hope for them there, too.
2. Shots, shots, shots: Talk about a tilted rink. The Mavericks outshot the Chargers 65-10 — attempted shots 131-25(!) according to the stat sheet — and the score would have been much more lopsided if not for the play of Huntsville freshman Carmine Guerriero, who set a team record with 61 saves. It's not often that the losing goalie is one of the three stars of the game, while the one who gets the shutout win (Stephon Williams) is left out, but that was the case on Saturday. The last time MSU had 60+ shots on goal was in '02-03 when they had back-to-back 60-shot games against American International.
3. Milestone night: Jean-Paul LaFontaine scored two goals for the Mavericks (Johnny McInnis and Chase Grant had the others), giving him 20 on the season. That's a significant number. He's the sixth player in the country this season to hit that mark. Eriah Hayes had 20 goals last season, and Mick Berge and Travis Morin each had 20-goal seasons in the last decade. No one has had more than 20 since Shane Joseph and Grant Stevenson had 29 and 27, respectively in '02-03. LaFontaine's first goal also gave him 100 points for his career, a plateau Matt Leitner (two assists Saturday) reached earlier in the year.
For more on LaFontaine and the game, read my Free Press story here.
Around the WCHA: Alaska 7, Michigan Tech 2 ... Northern Michigan 5, Lake Superior 1 ... Bemidji State 2, Ferris State 1 ... Bowling Green at Alaska Anchorage (late)
1. Back up top: Minnesota State won its fifth game in a row on Saturday. Coupled with Ferris State's loss at Bemidji State, the Mavericks are in a first-place tie with the Bulldogs in the WCHA standings. Ferris State has two games in hand over the Mavericks, though, so it might be tough for the Mavericks to win the MacNaughton Cup. But it could get awfully interesting down the stretch. Minnesota State is idle next weekend and will travel to Lake Superior State after that before closing out the regular season at home against Michigan Tech. As for MSU's Pairwise ranking, the Mavs were tied for 18th late Saturday, so there's some hope for them there, too.
2. Shots, shots, shots: Talk about a tilted rink. The Mavericks outshot the Chargers 65-10 — attempted shots 131-25(!) according to the stat sheet — and the score would have been much more lopsided if not for the play of Huntsville freshman Carmine Guerriero, who set a team record with 61 saves. It's not often that the losing goalie is one of the three stars of the game, while the one who gets the shutout win (Stephon Williams) is left out, but that was the case on Saturday. The last time MSU had 60+ shots on goal was in '02-03 when they had back-to-back 60-shot games against American International.
3. Milestone night: Jean-Paul LaFontaine scored two goals for the Mavericks (Johnny McInnis and Chase Grant had the others), giving him 20 on the season. That's a significant number. He's the sixth player in the country this season to hit that mark. Eriah Hayes had 20 goals last season, and Mick Berge and Travis Morin each had 20-goal seasons in the last decade. No one has had more than 20 since Shane Joseph and Grant Stevenson had 29 and 27, respectively in '02-03. LaFontaine's first goal also gave him 100 points for his career, a plateau Matt Leitner (two assists Saturday) reached earlier in the year.
For more on LaFontaine and the game, read my Free Press story here.
Around the WCHA: Alaska 7, Michigan Tech 2 ... Northern Michigan 5, Lake Superior 1 ... Bemidji State 2, Ferris State 1 ... Bowling Green at Alaska Anchorage (late)
MSU vs. Alabama Huntsville - Game 2 live blog
Lines can be found below the live blog ...
MINNESOTA STATE
12-LaFontaine ... 18-Leitner ... 9-Gervais
21-Grant ... 23-Blueger ... 19-Lehrke
25-Stepan ... 26-Margonari ... 22-McInnis
24-Knowles ... 17-Huntebrinker ... 8-Gaede
28-Jutzi ... 5-Foguth
27-Stern ... 7-Palmquist
11-Flanagan ... 2-Josh Nelson
35-Williams
34-Huggins
31-Karambelas
Scratches: Buchanan, Herndon, Knoll, Casey Nelson, Jordan Nelson, Thompson
21-Grant ... 23-Blueger ... 19-Lehrke
25-Stepan ... 26-Margonari ... 22-McInnis
24-Knowles ... 17-Huntebrinker ... 8-Gaede
28-Jutzi ... 5-Foguth
27-Stern ... 7-Palmquist
11-Flanagan ... 2-Josh Nelson
35-Williams
34-Huggins
31-Karambelas
Scratches: Buchanan, Herndon, Knoll, Casey Nelson, Jordan Nelson, Thompson
ALABAMA HUNTSVILLE
6-Carlson ... 3-Fletcher ... 23-Marooney
8-Allan ... 16-Reid ... 21-Vanderlugt
12-Soquila ... 11-Prince ... 9-Brears
57-Geoffrion ... 19-Pierce ... 18-Clowes
26-Schools ... 4-Misuraca
28-Reinhardt ... 2-Strukoff
3-White ... 24-Koshey
35-Guerriero
30-Larose
Referees: Marco Hunt, Scott Bokel. Linesmen: Rick Nelson, Matt Tyree
8-Allan ... 16-Reid ... 21-Vanderlugt
12-Soquila ... 11-Prince ... 9-Brears
57-Geoffrion ... 19-Pierce ... 18-Clowes
26-Schools ... 4-Misuraca
28-Reinhardt ... 2-Strukoff
3-White ... 24-Koshey
35-Guerriero
30-Larose
Referees: Marco Hunt, Scott Bokel. Linesmen: Rick Nelson, Matt Tyree
Friday, February 14, 2014
Mavericks 4, Chargers 0
Freddy's three thoughts of the game ...
1. Starting strong: The Mavericks wanted a good start to Friday's game, and not just because Huntsville's buses arrived in Mankato 2 1/2 hours before game time. Coach Mike Hastings talked about falling behind twice last weekend to Bemidji State and didn't want that to happen again at home. The Mavericks came out flying, outshooting the Chargers 19-5 and scoring three goal — an even-strength goal, a short-hander and a power-play goal.
2. Offensive defensemen: Defensemen scored two of the Mavericks' four goals. Zach Palmquist slipped down low on the weak side to punch in a nice pass from Michael Huntebrinker, and Sean Flanagan scored the power-play goal on a blast from the blue line in the middle of the rink. Palmquist finished with a goal and an assist, and Hastings said he had a special night. His scoring may be down a bit from last year, but he said, "To be a plus player for me is the most important part, being defensively sound."
3. Twice for Bryce: Bryce Gervais scored two goals for the Mavericks and now has nine for the season. He finds ways to get open and makes sure to let everyone in the rink know about it. Matt Leitner found him for the short-handed goal that made it 2-0, and Palmquist made a nice pass up the middle of the rink to him for a mini-breakaway on the power play in the third period. "Those guys delivered it right on the tape, and he finished" Hastings said. "I think it it's a great example of if you want it, you call for it and guys will find you."
Read more in my game story here.
Around the WCHA: Alaska 7, Michigan Tech 3 ... Lake Superior 5, Northern Michigan 3 ... Ferris State 4, Bemidji State 1 ... Bowling Green at Alaska Anchorage (late)
1. Starting strong: The Mavericks wanted a good start to Friday's game, and not just because Huntsville's buses arrived in Mankato 2 1/2 hours before game time. Coach Mike Hastings talked about falling behind twice last weekend to Bemidji State and didn't want that to happen again at home. The Mavericks came out flying, outshooting the Chargers 19-5 and scoring three goal — an even-strength goal, a short-hander and a power-play goal.
2. Offensive defensemen: Defensemen scored two of the Mavericks' four goals. Zach Palmquist slipped down low on the weak side to punch in a nice pass from Michael Huntebrinker, and Sean Flanagan scored the power-play goal on a blast from the blue line in the middle of the rink. Palmquist finished with a goal and an assist, and Hastings said he had a special night. His scoring may be down a bit from last year, but he said, "To be a plus player for me is the most important part, being defensively sound."
3. Twice for Bryce: Bryce Gervais scored two goals for the Mavericks and now has nine for the season. He finds ways to get open and makes sure to let everyone in the rink know about it. Matt Leitner found him for the short-handed goal that made it 2-0, and Palmquist made a nice pass up the middle of the rink to him for a mini-breakaway on the power play in the third period. "Those guys delivered it right on the tape, and he finished" Hastings said. "I think it it's a great example of if you want it, you call for it and guys will find you."
Read more in my game story here.
Around the WCHA: Alaska 7, Michigan Tech 3 ... Lake Superior 5, Northern Michigan 3 ... Ferris State 4, Bemidji State 1 ... Bowling Green at Alaska Anchorage (late)
MSU vs. Alabama Huntsville - Game 1 live blog
Lines can be found below the live blog ...
MINNESOTA STATE
21-Grant ... 26-Margonari ... 22-McInnis
12-LaFontaine ... 23-Blueger ... 25-Stepan
9-Gervais ... 18-Leitner ... 19-Lehrke
24-Knowles ... 17-Huntebrinker ... 8-Gaede
28-Jutzi ... 5-Foguth
27-Stern ... 7-Palmquist
11-Flanagan ... 2-Josh Nelson
34-Huggins
35-Williams
31-Karambelas
Scratches: Buchanan, Herndon, Knoll, Casey Nelson, Jordan Nelson, Thompson
12-LaFontaine ... 23-Blueger ... 25-Stepan
9-Gervais ... 18-Leitner ... 19-Lehrke
24-Knowles ... 17-Huntebrinker ... 8-Gaede
28-Jutzi ... 5-Foguth
27-Stern ... 7-Palmquist
11-Flanagan ... 2-Josh Nelson
34-Huggins
35-Williams
31-Karambelas
Scratches: Buchanan, Herndon, Knoll, Casey Nelson, Jordan Nelson, Thompson
ALABAMA HUNTSVILLE
8-Allan ... 16-Reid ... 21-Vanderlugt
25-Broberg ... 33-Fletcher ... 23-Marooney
5-McKenna ... 19-Pierce ... 18-Clowes
12-Soquila ... 11-Prince ... 9-Brears
6-Carlson ... 4-Misuraca
28-Reinhardt ... 2-Strukoff
3-White ... 24-Koshey
30-Larose
35-Guerriero
Referees: Marco Hunt, Scott Bokel. Linesmen: Rick Nelson, Matt Tyree
25-Broberg ... 33-Fletcher ... 23-Marooney
5-McKenna ... 19-Pierce ... 18-Clowes
12-Soquila ... 11-Prince ... 9-Brears
6-Carlson ... 4-Misuraca
28-Reinhardt ... 2-Strukoff
3-White ... 24-Koshey
30-Larose
35-Guerriero
Referees: Marco Hunt, Scott Bokel. Linesmen: Rick Nelson, Matt Tyree
Friday Morning Skate (Weather's Better Here Edition)
Sounds like Alabama Huntsville had a little travel trouble after the ice storm in the south, but the Chargers are expected to arrive today for this weekend's series against Minnesota State.
The Mavericks are chasing Ferris State for first place in the WCHA and hope for no hiccups this weekend against 10th-place UAH. No overlooking the Chargers, though, who may have only three points but stole two of them on the road.
"It's about us getting better," Mavericks coach Hastings said after Thursday's practice. "We're trying to develop the mental maturity as a group to set the bar one weekend and work at pushing that bar north every day"
Minnesota State's lines appeared to be the same as last week against Bemidji State, although freshman Jordan Nelson returned to practice after missing a week with injury. Hastings said final lines will be decided after today's morning skate.
In goal, freshman Cole Huggins came into the season with little expectations for playing time, but he has played the bulk of MSU's minutes between the pipes. Apparently, watching the Denver Pioneers' great goaltenders a decade or so ago rubbed off on the goalie.
For more on this weekend's series, check out The Free Press' gameday preview.
Going around the WCHA, there's a full slate of games (finally!) and some serious playoff implications ...
Alaska at Michigan Tech: The Nanooks are scoring goals this season and are hoping to avenge a pair of losses to the Huskies in their own barn earlier this season. Tech is rolling a bit right now, having won four games in a row and leapfrogging into third place a week ago.
Lake Superior at Northern Michigan: The Lakers and Wildcats are trying to avoid that ninth-place spot in the WCHA and getting left out of the postseason. Lake Superior holds that spot now but is just one point behind NMU, which plays five of its next six games at home.
Ferris State at Bemidji State: The Bulldogs will try to maintain their spot atop the WCHA standings, while the Beavers try to stay in the hunt for home ice. Bemidji State certainly feels like it can hang with any team (including MSU last weekend), but can it get over the hump?
Bowling Green at Alaska Anchorage: These two teams are tied for fourth place (the final home-ice spot), and the series could end up deciding who's at home and who's at home for the playoffs. The Seawolves, who have been excellent at home this season, are hoping to host a playoff series for the first time in their history.
Speaking of home ice, the conference's top teams have enjoyed the comforts of home this season, especially Minnesota State, which is 11-1-0 in Mankato. That leads off this week's USCHO conference notebook. Also, check out my and Matt Wellens' weekend picks.
The Mavericks are chasing Ferris State for first place in the WCHA and hope for no hiccups this weekend against 10th-place UAH. No overlooking the Chargers, though, who may have only three points but stole two of them on the road.
"It's about us getting better," Mavericks coach Hastings said after Thursday's practice. "We're trying to develop the mental maturity as a group to set the bar one weekend and work at pushing that bar north every day"
Minnesota State's lines appeared to be the same as last week against Bemidji State, although freshman Jordan Nelson returned to practice after missing a week with injury. Hastings said final lines will be decided after today's morning skate.
In goal, freshman Cole Huggins came into the season with little expectations for playing time, but he has played the bulk of MSU's minutes between the pipes. Apparently, watching the Denver Pioneers' great goaltenders a decade or so ago rubbed off on the goalie.
For more on this weekend's series, check out The Free Press' gameday preview.
Going around the WCHA, there's a full slate of games (finally!) and some serious playoff implications ...
Alaska at Michigan Tech: The Nanooks are scoring goals this season and are hoping to avenge a pair of losses to the Huskies in their own barn earlier this season. Tech is rolling a bit right now, having won four games in a row and leapfrogging into third place a week ago.
Lake Superior at Northern Michigan: The Lakers and Wildcats are trying to avoid that ninth-place spot in the WCHA and getting left out of the postseason. Lake Superior holds that spot now but is just one point behind NMU, which plays five of its next six games at home.
Ferris State at Bemidji State: The Bulldogs will try to maintain their spot atop the WCHA standings, while the Beavers try to stay in the hunt for home ice. Bemidji State certainly feels like it can hang with any team (including MSU last weekend), but can it get over the hump?
Bowling Green at Alaska Anchorage: These two teams are tied for fourth place (the final home-ice spot), and the series could end up deciding who's at home and who's at home for the playoffs. The Seawolves, who have been excellent at home this season, are hoping to host a playoff series for the first time in their history.
Speaking of home ice, the conference's top teams have enjoyed the comforts of home this season, especially Minnesota State, which is 11-1-0 in Mankato. That leads off this week's USCHO conference notebook. Also, check out my and Matt Wellens' weekend picks.
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Backes, U.S. rout Slovakia
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| Associated Press |
Backes isn't the only MSU alum playing in the Winter Games. In women's hockey, Team Finland has Nina Tikkinen (pictured below at left) — she won a bronze medal four years ago —and Team Sweden has Emilia Andersson. Sweden plays another preliminary game today. Finland has advanced to the quarterfinals and will play Saturday.
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| Associated Press |
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Flanagan earns WCHA honor
Flanagan scored the game-winning goal on Saturday and finished the weekend with the one goal, four shots on goal, six blocked shots and a +2 rating.
Flanagan has five points in his last five games and 11 for the season. He leads the Mavericks at +8 in 22 games. He has scored two game-winning goals.
The WCHA's other players of the week were Michigan Tech's Blake Pietila (offensive) and Ferris State goaltender C.J. Motte (defensive).
Saturday, February 8, 2014
Mavericks 3, Beavers 2
Freddy's three thoughts of the game ...
1. A tale of two majors: Both Minnesota State and Bemidji State were assessed major penalties for checking from behind during the second period. So what did they do with them? The Mavericks scored two goals — one each from Johnny McInnis and Jean-Paul LaFontaine (who else?). The Beavers were shut out by a darn-good penalty kill by the Mavericks. MSU actually had to kill off 7:32 of penalty time, including 63 seconds of 5x3 time at the front end and 31 seconds of 5x3 at the back end. Matt Leitner was outstanding on the PK, taking "a couple of bullets," coach Mike Hastings said, blocking Matt Prapavessis' shots. Leitner played so many minutes of special-teams time in the second period that he went to the locker room early and had his shifts limited in the third period.
2. Flanagan finds his form: I think the Mavericks have a good one in freshman defenseman Sean Flanagan. You can read more about him in my game story (link below), but the kid who scored the game-winning goal seems to be improving week by week. He's played in just 21 of the Mavericks' 30 games and was on the third set of defensemen this weekend, but he could be in a more prominent role in years to come. Considering his limited time this season, he now has four goals and seven assists for 11 points, which ranks second behind Zach Palmquist in scoring among MSU's defensemen. And the Mavericks needed someone to step up and eat some minutes after Carter Foguth (another freshman D who's playing well) went out with the checking-from-behind major in the second.
3. Home sweet home: The Mavericks improved their home record to 11-1-0 and have won nine consecutive games at the Verizon Wireless Center. For all of their struggles on the road, they've been pretty darn good in Mankato. Saturday's crowd of 4,089 was a good to see, too. It was the second-largest home crowd of the season. Minnesota State plays four of its final six regular-season games at home, starting next weekend against Alabama Huntsville. With the sweep, the Mavericks remain two points behind first-place Ferris State, although the Bulldogs have two games in hand. MSU has a six-point lead on third-place Michigan Tech.
Read the game story here.
Around the WCHA: Michigan Tech 10, Alabama Huntsville 4 ... Ferris State 2, Northern Michigan 1, Alaska Anchorage 5, Lake Superior 2
1. A tale of two majors: Both Minnesota State and Bemidji State were assessed major penalties for checking from behind during the second period. So what did they do with them? The Mavericks scored two goals — one each from Johnny McInnis and Jean-Paul LaFontaine (who else?). The Beavers were shut out by a darn-good penalty kill by the Mavericks. MSU actually had to kill off 7:32 of penalty time, including 63 seconds of 5x3 time at the front end and 31 seconds of 5x3 at the back end. Matt Leitner was outstanding on the PK, taking "a couple of bullets," coach Mike Hastings said, blocking Matt Prapavessis' shots. Leitner played so many minutes of special-teams time in the second period that he went to the locker room early and had his shifts limited in the third period.
2. Flanagan finds his form: I think the Mavericks have a good one in freshman defenseman Sean Flanagan. You can read more about him in my game story (link below), but the kid who scored the game-winning goal seems to be improving week by week. He's played in just 21 of the Mavericks' 30 games and was on the third set of defensemen this weekend, but he could be in a more prominent role in years to come. Considering his limited time this season, he now has four goals and seven assists for 11 points, which ranks second behind Zach Palmquist in scoring among MSU's defensemen. And the Mavericks needed someone to step up and eat some minutes after Carter Foguth (another freshman D who's playing well) went out with the checking-from-behind major in the second.
3. Home sweet home: The Mavericks improved their home record to 11-1-0 and have won nine consecutive games at the Verizon Wireless Center. For all of their struggles on the road, they've been pretty darn good in Mankato. Saturday's crowd of 4,089 was a good to see, too. It was the second-largest home crowd of the season. Minnesota State plays four of its final six regular-season games at home, starting next weekend against Alabama Huntsville. With the sweep, the Mavericks remain two points behind first-place Ferris State, although the Bulldogs have two games in hand. MSU has a six-point lead on third-place Michigan Tech.
Read the game story here.
Around the WCHA: Michigan Tech 10, Alabama Huntsville 4 ... Ferris State 2, Northern Michigan 1, Alaska Anchorage 5, Lake Superior 2
MSU vs. Bemidji State - Game 2 live blog
Lines can be found below the live chat ...
MINNESOTA STATE
12-LaFontaine ... 25-Stepan ... 23-Blueger
21-Grant ... 26-Margonari ... 22-McInnis
9-Gervais ... 18-Leitner ... 19-Lehrke
24-Knowles ... 17-Huntebrinker ... 8-Gaede
28-Jutzi ... 5-Foguth
27-Stern ... 7-Palmquist
11-Flanagan ... 2-Josh Nelson
34-Huggins
35-Williams
31-Karambelas
Scratches: Buchanan, Herndon, Knoll, Casey Nelson, Jordan Nelson, Thompson
21-Grant ... 26-Margonari ... 22-McInnis
9-Gervais ... 18-Leitner ... 19-Lehrke
24-Knowles ... 17-Huntebrinker ... 8-Gaede
28-Jutzi ... 5-Foguth
27-Stern ... 7-Palmquist
11-Flanagan ... 2-Josh Nelson
34-Huggins
35-Williams
31-Karambelas
Scratches: Buchanan, Herndon, Knoll, Casey Nelson, Jordan Nelson, Thompson
BEMIDJI STATE
23-Gerbrandt ... 13-Ward ... 16-Mattson
18-Illo ... 6-Arentz ... 28-Harms
9-Marinaccio ... 12-Jubinville ... 22-O'Connor
29-Brewer ... 27-Cain ... 8-Parker
4-Windle ... 3-Hansen
20-Rendle ... 11-McCormack
25-Pedan ... 7-Prapavessis
35-Wilkins
30-Walsh
Referees: Kevin Hall, Mark Wilkins. Linesmen: Rick Nelson, Sterling Egan
18-Illo ... 6-Arentz ... 28-Harms
9-Marinaccio ... 12-Jubinville ... 22-O'Connor
29-Brewer ... 27-Cain ... 8-Parker
4-Windle ... 3-Hansen
20-Rendle ... 11-McCormack
25-Pedan ... 7-Prapavessis
35-Wilkins
30-Walsh
Referees: Kevin Hall, Mark Wilkins. Linesmen: Rick Nelson, Sterling Egan
Friday, February 7, 2014
Mavericks 5, Beavers 2
Freddy's three thoughts of the game ...
1. Fourth line's a charm: Michael Huntebrinker scored his first collegiate goal on Friday, and it couldn't have come at a better time, as it broke a 1-1 tie at 2:30 of the third period. There are many things that made that game look like a blowout — the 5-2 score, the 48-28 shot advantage — but it was nip and tuck for awhile. Huntebrinker (read more about him in my gamer) converted a 2-on-1 rush with Brett Knowles, who made a wise pass on the play, and Max Gaede also assisted. Gaede got moved up a line earlier in the game, and Knowles overcame a tough bounce against him on the Beavers' first goal. The Mavericks want energy from that group, especially immediately after a special teams situation, and they got it on Friday.
2. Huggins comes up big: Have we been able to say a goaltender made a difference for Minnesota State yet this season? Cole Huggins wowed the crowd of 3,526 during a second-period power play for Bemidji State, making two amazing saves against Phillip Marinaccio, one on a back-door play and another on a close-range shot. Those stops came during a 1-1 game, and the Mavericks were having their own issues beating BSU goalie Andrew Walsh. Bemidji State doesn't make things easy 5 on 5, and it came into the game boasting the WCHA's best penalty kill. The Mavericks had just one power play through two periods but did end up 2 for 4 while holding the Beavers scoreless on four chances.
3. Usual suspects and more: Jean-Paul LaFontaine had a goal and an assist, and Matt Leitner assisted on two goals, including one to linemate Zach Lehrke, keeping them atop MSU's scoring charts. They have to keep doing what they're doing, but some more secondary scoring will make a big difference down the stretch. Besides the Huntebrinker/fourth-line goal, Zach Stepan had his first two-point game in two months, and defenseman Zach Palmquist finished with a goal and an assist. Chase Grant didn't score, but he was outstanding on the penalty kill throughout the night, including a couple of situations when he was holding the puck against three Bemidji State players.
Around the WCHA: Ferris State 7, Northern Michigan 1 ... Michigan Tech 4, Alabama Huntsville 1 ... Lake Superior State 5, Alaska Anchorage 3
1. Fourth line's a charm: Michael Huntebrinker scored his first collegiate goal on Friday, and it couldn't have come at a better time, as it broke a 1-1 tie at 2:30 of the third period. There are many things that made that game look like a blowout — the 5-2 score, the 48-28 shot advantage — but it was nip and tuck for awhile. Huntebrinker (read more about him in my gamer) converted a 2-on-1 rush with Brett Knowles, who made a wise pass on the play, and Max Gaede also assisted. Gaede got moved up a line earlier in the game, and Knowles overcame a tough bounce against him on the Beavers' first goal. The Mavericks want energy from that group, especially immediately after a special teams situation, and they got it on Friday.
2. Huggins comes up big: Have we been able to say a goaltender made a difference for Minnesota State yet this season? Cole Huggins wowed the crowd of 3,526 during a second-period power play for Bemidji State, making two amazing saves against Phillip Marinaccio, one on a back-door play and another on a close-range shot. Those stops came during a 1-1 game, and the Mavericks were having their own issues beating BSU goalie Andrew Walsh. Bemidji State doesn't make things easy 5 on 5, and it came into the game boasting the WCHA's best penalty kill. The Mavericks had just one power play through two periods but did end up 2 for 4 while holding the Beavers scoreless on four chances.
3. Usual suspects and more: Jean-Paul LaFontaine had a goal and an assist, and Matt Leitner assisted on two goals, including one to linemate Zach Lehrke, keeping them atop MSU's scoring charts. They have to keep doing what they're doing, but some more secondary scoring will make a big difference down the stretch. Besides the Huntebrinker/fourth-line goal, Zach Stepan had his first two-point game in two months, and defenseman Zach Palmquist finished with a goal and an assist. Chase Grant didn't score, but he was outstanding on the penalty kill throughout the night, including a couple of situations when he was holding the puck against three Bemidji State players.
Around the WCHA: Ferris State 7, Northern Michigan 1 ... Michigan Tech 4, Alabama Huntsville 1 ... Lake Superior State 5, Alaska Anchorage 3
MSU vs. Bemidji State - Game 1 live blog
Lines can be found below the live chat ...
MINNESOTA STATE
12-LaFontaine ... 25-Stepan ... 23-Blueger
21-Grant ... 26-Margonari ... 22-McInnis
9-Gervais ... 18-Leitner ... 19-Lehrke
24-Knowles ... 17-Huntebrinker ... 8-Gaede
28-Jutzi ... 5-Foguth
27-Stern ... 7-Palmquist
11-Flanagan ... 2-Josh Nelson
34-Huggins
35-Williams
31-Karambelas
Scratches: Buchanan, Herndon, Knoll, Casey Nelson, Jordan Nelson, Thompson
21-Grant ... 26-Margonari ... 22-McInnis
9-Gervais ... 18-Leitner ... 19-Lehrke
24-Knowles ... 17-Huntebrinker ... 8-Gaede
28-Jutzi ... 5-Foguth
27-Stern ... 7-Palmquist
11-Flanagan ... 2-Josh Nelson
34-Huggins
35-Williams
31-Karambelas
Scratches: Buchanan, Herndon, Knoll, Casey Nelson, Jordan Nelson, Thompson
BEMIDJI STATE
23-Gerbrandt ... 13-Ward ... 16-Mattson
18-Illo ... 6-Arentz ... 28-Harms
29-Brewer ... 12-Jubinville ... 22-O'Connor
9-Marinaccio ... 27-Cain ... 26-Kinne
4-Windle ... 3-Hansen
20-Rendle ... 11-McCormack
25-Pedan ... 7-Prapavessis
30-Walsh
35-Wilkins
Referees: Kevin Hall, Mark Wilkins. Linesmen: Rick Nelson, Sterling Egan
18-Illo ... 6-Arentz ... 28-Harms
29-Brewer ... 12-Jubinville ... 22-O'Connor
9-Marinaccio ... 27-Cain ... 26-Kinne
4-Windle ... 3-Hansen
20-Rendle ... 11-McCormack
25-Pedan ... 7-Prapavessis
30-Walsh
35-Wilkins
Referees: Kevin Hall, Mark Wilkins. Linesmen: Rick Nelson, Sterling Egan
Friday Morning Skate (Home Again Edition)
The Mavericks are back in Mankato after going on the road for 10 of the last 12 series. They will try to continue their hot streak at home where they are 9-1-0. They'll take on a Bemidji State team that split with them in early November in Bemidji. Should be a good series.
For Minnesota State, it's had that notable strong play from Jean-Paul LaFontaine, Matt Leitner and Johnny McInnis. For the stretch run, it could use a consistent wave of that so-called secondary scoring. Bryce Geravais is a player who appears to be coming on of late.
As for the Beavers, the Bemidji Pioneer examines the series a la the Super Bowl, as the WCHA's best penalty kill (BSU) goes up against the league's best power play (MSU).
Around the WCHA ...
Northern Michigan at Ferris State: Just two points separate fourth place from eighth place in the WCHA right now, and this series could have a big impact on the standings. Ferris State holds a two-point lead over MSU at the top, but Northern Michigan is hoping to keep itself in the mix for home ice. Matt Wellens of the Marquette's Mining Journal reports that different coaches have different philosophies when it comes to displaying the standings for their teams.
Alabama Huntsville at Michigan Tech: Huntsville is making its first trip to Houghton and will be this year's Winter Carnival opponent. The Chargers certainly don't want to be anybody's automatic four points but have only avoided that twice this season. If the Huskies win twice, they could make a big leap in the standings.
Alaska Anchorage at Lake Superior: Interesting weekend in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. Anchorage is one of the nation's most-improved teams from last year and is in fourth place in the WCHA, but the Seawolves haven't been so good on the road. So they took off on Tuesday for the long excursion. The Lakers, meanwhile, were the WCHA's surprise team early on but could be in real danger of missing the postseason if they don't get points this weekend.
Check out my and Matt Wellens' picks for this weekend in the WCHA on our USCHO blog. Also, our WCHA notebook looks at Michigan Tech's movement in the league standings.
Northern Michigan at Ferris State: Just two points separate fourth place from eighth place in the WCHA right now, and this series could have a big impact on the standings. Ferris State holds a two-point lead over MSU at the top, but Northern Michigan is hoping to keep itself in the mix for home ice. Matt Wellens of the Marquette's Mining Journal reports that different coaches have different philosophies when it comes to displaying the standings for their teams.
Alabama Huntsville at Michigan Tech: Huntsville is making its first trip to Houghton and will be this year's Winter Carnival opponent. The Chargers certainly don't want to be anybody's automatic four points but have only avoided that twice this season. If the Huskies win twice, they could make a big leap in the standings.
Alaska Anchorage at Lake Superior: Interesting weekend in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. Anchorage is one of the nation's most-improved teams from last year and is in fourth place in the WCHA, but the Seawolves haven't been so good on the road. So they took off on Tuesday for the long excursion. The Lakers, meanwhile, were the WCHA's surprise team early on but could be in real danger of missing the postseason if they don't get points this weekend.
Check out my and Matt Wellens' picks for this weekend in the WCHA on our USCHO blog. Also, our WCHA notebook looks at Michigan Tech's movement in the league standings.
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
New recruits
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| NAHL photo |
Earlier this week, goaltender Aaron Nelson (another Nelson?!?!?) of the NAHL's Bismarck Bobcats announced that he had committed to Minnesota State for next season. The Bismarck, N.D., native visited campus on Sunday.
Nelson leads the NAHL in wins (25), games played (39) and minute. He is sixth in the league with a .920 save percentage. He is in his third season with the Bobcats. Last season he had a .931 save percentage and a 1.88 goals-against average, winning 27 games.
He'll fill the vacancy left by goalie Evan Karambelas, who will graduate after this season.
The Mavericks also have a goaltending commitment from Jason Pawloski of the USHL's Indiana Ice. Pawloski is just 18, won't turn 19 until December, and in his first year in the USHL (he played in Austin of the NAHL last year). The guess here is he'll come in in 2015 or later.
Last week, meanwhile, the MSU received a commitment for 2015 from Charlie Gerard, who plays for the Ohio Blue Jackets AAA U18 midget team. The high-scoring forward (32 goals, 29 assists in 44 games) was drafted by Cedar Rapids of the USHL last spring. He visited Mankato a few weeks ago, during the Ferris State series.
How are MSU's recruits for next season doing?
In Sioux Falls, Zeb Knutson ranks in a tie for 11th in the USHL in scoring with 21 goals and 16 assists for 37 points in 36 games. He's also +12. His teammate, C.J. Franklin is tied for 15th in the league with 13 goals and 22 assists for 35 points in 36 games. He is +6. Knutson ranks second in the USHL in shots on goal with 166, a number that has to make Mike Hastings happy.
In Penticton, Brad McClure ranks second in the BCHL in scoring with 35 goals and 30 assists for 65 points in 48 games.
Saturday, February 1, 2014
Mavericks 5, Wildcats 1
Freddy's three thoughts of the game ...
1. Isn't that special? The Mavericks dominated the special teams game on Saturday. They scored two power-play goals (and netted a third just as a penalty ended), and they killed off seven penalties, allowing just two Northern Michigan shots on goal and scoring a pair of short-handed goals. Bryce Gervais was outstanding on the PK and was rewarded with a huge shorty early in the third period. In that situation, the Mavericks led 3-1 but were in the box for the ninth of 11 times (yes, too many). A Wildcats goal would have swayed momentum to the home team. Instead, Matt Leitner flipped the puck high in the air out of his own end and right to Gervais at center ice. Gervais, with a defender on him carried the puck in and made a terrific shot to beat Mathias Dahlstrom low on the glove side.
2. Big bounce: After sinking to a low spot on Friday, the Mavericks ended a three-game road skid and improved to 2-6 on the road since 2014 began. Must win? Sure seemed like it. The Mavericks have played just two home games since early December and will play three of their final four regular-season series in Mankato. "It's been a long two months," coach Mike Hastings said. "Other than the Ferris (State) weekend ... We've had two (home) games since Dec. 6-7. Now were' going to go back, and it's Feb. 7-8. It's been a long road, and I know it isn't perfect. I just thought tonight was a really important game."
3. Leit goes on: Leitner was a big reason for Saturday's turnaround. After having one of his worst games on Friday, he "answered the bell," Hastings said, and had one of his best games of the season on Saturday. Leitner scored a goal and assisted on three others, including the heads-up "Hail Mary," as Gervais called it, for Gervais' shorty. "If we didn't have energy tonight, it was going to be a rough ride home and a rough week," Leitner said. Meanwhile, Johnny McInnis scored two goals for a three-goal weekend, and Chase Grant added a short-handed goal, his second score of the series. Jean-Paul LaFontaine finished with two assists.
Read the game story here.
Around the WCHA: Michigan 5, Bowling Green 4 (OT) ... Alaska 6, Alabama Huntsvile 1
1. Isn't that special? The Mavericks dominated the special teams game on Saturday. They scored two power-play goals (and netted a third just as a penalty ended), and they killed off seven penalties, allowing just two Northern Michigan shots on goal and scoring a pair of short-handed goals. Bryce Gervais was outstanding on the PK and was rewarded with a huge shorty early in the third period. In that situation, the Mavericks led 3-1 but were in the box for the ninth of 11 times (yes, too many). A Wildcats goal would have swayed momentum to the home team. Instead, Matt Leitner flipped the puck high in the air out of his own end and right to Gervais at center ice. Gervais, with a defender on him carried the puck in and made a terrific shot to beat Mathias Dahlstrom low on the glove side.
2. Big bounce: After sinking to a low spot on Friday, the Mavericks ended a three-game road skid and improved to 2-6 on the road since 2014 began. Must win? Sure seemed like it. The Mavericks have played just two home games since early December and will play three of their final four regular-season series in Mankato. "It's been a long two months," coach Mike Hastings said. "Other than the Ferris (State) weekend ... We've had two (home) games since Dec. 6-7. Now were' going to go back, and it's Feb. 7-8. It's been a long road, and I know it isn't perfect. I just thought tonight was a really important game."
3. Leit goes on: Leitner was a big reason for Saturday's turnaround. After having one of his worst games on Friday, he "answered the bell," Hastings said, and had one of his best games of the season on Saturday. Leitner scored a goal and assisted on three others, including the heads-up "Hail Mary," as Gervais called it, for Gervais' shorty. "If we didn't have energy tonight, it was going to be a rough ride home and a rough week," Leitner said. Meanwhile, Johnny McInnis scored two goals for a three-goal weekend, and Chase Grant added a short-handed goal, his second score of the series. Jean-Paul LaFontaine finished with two assists.
Read the game story here.
Around the WCHA: Michigan 5, Bowling Green 4 (OT) ... Alaska 6, Alabama Huntsvile 1
MSU at Northern Michigan - Game 2 live blog
Lines can be found below the live chat ...
MINNESOTA STATE
9-Gervais ... 18-Leitner ... 19-Lehrk
21-Grant ... 26-Margonari ... 22-McInnis
12-LaFontaine ... 25-Stepan ... 23-Blueger
24-Knowles ... 17-Huntebrinker ... 8-Gaede
28-Jutzi ... 5-Foguth
27-Stern ... 7-Palmquist
11-Flanagan ... 3-Thompson
34-Huggins
35-Williams
21-Grant ... 26-Margonari ... 22-McInnis
12-LaFontaine ... 25-Stepan ... 23-Blueger
24-Knowles ... 17-Huntebrinker ... 8-Gaede
28-Jutzi ... 5-Foguth
27-Stern ... 7-Palmquist
11-Flanagan ... 3-Thompson
34-Huggins
35-Williams
NORTHERN MICHIGAN
9-Seckel ... 11-Sooth ... 15-Shine
7-Salminen ... 40-Vigier ... 29-Daugherty
26-Higby ... 20-Nowick ... 17-Siemer
10-Hanson ... 3-Kesti ... 37-Lindores
23-Baker ... 6-Taurence
4-Jones ... 18-Eibler
27-Epp ... 42-Kaib
30-Dahlstrom
1-Doan
34-Dun
7-Salminen ... 40-Vigier ... 29-Daugherty
26-Higby ... 20-Nowick ... 17-Siemer
10-Hanson ... 3-Kesti ... 37-Lindores
23-Baker ... 6-Taurence
4-Jones ... 18-Eibler
27-Epp ... 42-Kaib
30-Dahlstrom
1-Doan
34-Dun
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