Mavericks 12, Spartans 1 (exhibition)

Freddy's three thoughts of the game ...

1. Quick start: Bryce Gervais scored 20 seconds in, and Michael Huntebrinker added two goals at 1:13 and 1:42 to give the Mavericks a 3-0 in the blowout victory. The Mavericks wanted a fast start, and they got it. Then they rolled from there, scoring five times in the first period and five more times in the second. They also outshot Trinity Western 53-5. There's a lot of offensive talent on this MSU team, and it put on a show on Sunday. Gervais finished with two goals and two assists, Jean-Paul LaFontaine and a goal and two assists. Matt Leitner and Teddy Blueger each had a goal and an assist. Even senior defenseman Brett Stern got into the act with two goals and an assist.

2. Sophomores can't slump: Huntebrinker also led the Mavericks with six shots on a goal, a great sign for the second-year forward. Remember: He missed the first half of the season with an injury and it was tough to get into the lineup as a regular after that. Although he scored just two goals, one came in the Final Five championship game. Coach Mike Hastings talked about the sophomores taking a step and how their impact is more important than the freshmen's. Think Gervais last season and Teddy Blueger. This year's sophomores also include forwards Zach Stepan (1G on Sunday) and Jordan Nelson; defensemen Sean Flanagan (1G) and Casey Nelson (3A) and Carter Foguth (an alternate captain); and goalie Cole Huggins.

3. What good can come? It's hard to fathom what a team can get out of a game like this. It certainly doesn't come close to the competition the Mavericks will be facing in five days when they go to Nebraska Omaha. They got a lot of offensive-zone work, some power-play time, things on video that coaches and players can go over. But there was very little time spent in the defensive zone. Five shots on goal? None in the third period. Freshman goalie Aaron Nelson didn't touch the puck. Hastings talked about just getting down little things like how the bench is run, what's expected on game day, things like that. And that's all good. But these games are and should be quickly forgotten.

Deep thought: Hockey's back!

Around the WCHA: In a game that counted, Michigan Tech defeated Lake Superior State 5-1 to sweep that series.