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.
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