Freddy's three thoughts of the game ...
1. Another sweep: It's been an impressive couple of weeks for Minnesota State, sweeping at Bemidji State and then doing the same at home to Alaska, two teams in the WCHA that gave the Mavericks plenty of fits last season. While it would be hard for this team to top what last year's did during the regular season, going 4-0 against teams that they went 4-4-1 against last year is a pretty darn good way to start off the conference schedule. The Mavericks didn't lead on Saturday night until Brett Knowles' laser shot from Bryce Gervais with 7:15 remaining in the third period (read more about Knowles in my gamer), although they had plenty of quality chances throughout the night. Nanooks goalie Davis Jones was rock solid, and he got some help as two — possibly three — goals were waved off due to quick whistles.
2. No fireworks: Tyler Morely was suspended for his Friday-night hit on Jimmy Mullin, and, although there was some physical play early, the game didn't turn into a slugfest, as some might have expected (that seldom happens when you think it will). In fact, the Mavericks never had to use their penalty kill at all, while the Nanooks put MSU on the power play five times, allowing one goal by Teddy Blueger in the second period that tied things up. Mullin was a scratch, and we'll have to wait and see how much longer he's out, if at all. Freshman Steen Cooper took Mullin's spot in the lineup, making an all-freshman fourth line with Ryan Schwalbe and Max Coatta.
3. Huggins comes through: Cole Huggins got Saturday-night duties in goal and finished off the sweep for the second week in a row. The junior stopped 23 shots, allowing only a rebound goal after the puck squirted out of a pile in front of the net midway through the first period. He only faced 11 shots in the first two periods but had to stop 12 in the third. The Mavericks outshot the Nanooks 39-24 but were outshot 12-5 in the final 20 minutes. "I thought he really bucked up in the third period and was solid," coach Mike Hastings said. "Solid. He held. (The Nanooks) go to the net about as hard as any team in the league, and I thought he did a good job holding his ground."
Read my game story here.
Around the WCHA: Alaska Anchorage 4, Bowling Green 2 ... Alabama Huntsville 5, Lake Superior State 0 ... Ferris State 3, Michigan Tech 2 ... Northern Michigan 3, Bemidji State 1
Saturday, October 31, 2015
MSU vs. Alaska — Game 2 live blog
Join the conversation or just follow along during tonight's game at the Verizon Wireless Center. The chat can be found below tonight's lines.
MINNESOTA STATE
24-Knowles, 23-Bleuger, 9-Gervais
15-Franklin, 16-J. Nelson, 10-Knutson
25-Stepan, 17-Huntebrinker, 19-McClure
7-Cooper, 27-Schwalbe, 12-Coatta
28-Jutzi, 5-Foguth
11-Flanagan, 6-C. Nelson
8-Brickley, 4-Lewis
34-Huggins
39-Pawloski
29-A. Nelson
Scratches: Madry, Margonari, Mullin, Schmeisser, Vanko
ALASKA
14-Morley, 20-Krieger, 24-Huysmans
18-Mullally, 16-Munson, 9-Basara
23-Leer, 7-Erickson, 11-Hajdukovich
26-Fernsler, 28-Sparrow, 13-Vieth
22-Atkinson, 2-Weiss
6-Frye, 12-Hinz
8-Woods, 10-Peterson
30-Jones
29-Jenks
MINNESOTA STATE
24-Knowles, 23-Bleuger, 9-Gervais
15-Franklin, 16-J. Nelson, 10-Knutson
25-Stepan, 17-Huntebrinker, 19-McClure
7-Cooper, 27-Schwalbe, 12-Coatta
28-Jutzi, 5-Foguth
11-Flanagan, 6-C. Nelson
8-Brickley, 4-Lewis
34-Huggins
39-Pawloski
29-A. Nelson
Scratches: Madry, Margonari, Mullin, Schmeisser, Vanko
ALASKA
14-Morley, 20-Krieger, 24-Huysmans
18-Mullally, 16-Munson, 9-Basara
23-Leer, 7-Erickson, 11-Hajdukovich
26-Fernsler, 28-Sparrow, 13-Vieth
22-Atkinson, 2-Weiss
6-Frye, 12-Hinz
8-Woods, 10-Peterson
30-Jones
29-Jenks
Alaska's Morley suspended for tonight
The WCHA suspended Alaska forward Tyler Morley for tonight's game at Minnesota State for his hit to the head of Jimmy Mullin late in Friday night's game. It's just a one-game suspension.
The hit was not penalized on the ice, even though it was interference at the least and a major/disqualification at worst.
According to a league press release, "Morley’s suspension is a result of a play at the 3:13 mark of the third period of Alaska’s game of Friday, Oct. 30 at Minnesota State, in which Morley made a blindside hit with contact to the head of a Mavericks’ player."
You can see it here:
The WCHA also suspended Alabama Huntsville's Brennan Saulnier for tonight's game at Lake Superior State because of "a play just under the 4:00 mark of the third period of Alabama Huntsville’s game of Friday, Oct. 30 at Lake Superior State, in which Saulnier made a contact hit to the head of a Lakers’ player."
Looking at the box score from that game, that hit, too, was not penalized. However, earlier in the game Saulnier received 5 minutes for roughing and a 10-minute misconduct — after scoring two goals, by the way.
The Morley hit on Mullin came while the Nanooks were short-handed, killing a 5-minute major/game misconduct to Josh Atkinson, who had hit Bryce Gervais in the head, possibly with his stick. Atkinson was not suspended. Both hits came in the game's final 3:05 when it was a 5-2 game and the Nanooks had been limited to one shot on goal in the period.
Friday, October 30, 2015
Mavericks 5, Nanooks 2
Freddy's three thoughts of the game ...
1. Breakout performance: Junior defenseman Sean Flanagan showed a ton of promise as a freshman, making the WCHA's All-Rookie team after a six-goal, nine-assist season. It seemed like he took a bit of a step back last year, perhaps a sophomore slump. But he's off to a fine start this year and broke out in a big way on Friday with two goals and two assists in the win. You can read more about him (and his grandpa) in my gamer (link below), but he was impressive all over the ice. "That was huge for us tonight," he said. "We finally got back to playing Maverick hockey, possessing the puck, getting the defensemen involved. I think we executed really well on both of those things."
2. Quick start: The Mavericks fell behind by at least a goal in each of their first six games this season, but they finally got their first early lead against the Nanooks. Casey Nelson got things going, getting a nice feed from Zach Stepan (who, by the way, has really come on strong over the last few games), and two other defensemen — Flanagan and Jon Jutzi —added goals over a span of 4:15. From there, they looked the Mavericks of last season, other than a little hiccup early in the second period when Alaska scored twice. They outshot the Nanooks 45-15 and allowed just one shot to get to goalie Jason Pawloski in the third period.
3. Replay rules: I was probably a little tough on the scoreboard operators early in the game, tweeting out my hope to see replays of early goals on the brand-spankin' new video screens. I'm sure they'll work out the kinks as the season goes on. However, one replay that everyone in the building saw was the dirty hit that Alaska's Tyler Morley put on Jimmy Mullin late in the game. With MSU on the power play due to Josh Atkinson's five-minute major/game misconduct for hitting Bryce Gervais in the head, Morley, the WCHA's Preseason Player of the Year, left his feet and put his shoulder into Mullin's head. The play was nowhere near the puck, which also might be why it was unpenalized. Coach Mike Hastings and the MSU bench were livid, and then the hit was shown on the board for all to see. It was ugly. Mullin had to be assisted off the rink. He was on his feet but doubled over. I would expect Morley to be suspended for Saturday's game.
Read my game story here.
Around the WCHA: Michigan Tech 5, Ferris State 4 (OT) ... Bemidji State 0, Northern Michigan 0 (OT) ... Alabama Huntsville 5, Lake Superior State 4 (OT)
Minnesota State vs. Alaska — Game 1 live blog
The Mavericks return to the Verizon Wireless Center after two weeks away for a WCHA series against Alaska. Minnesota State is 2-0-0 in league play after starting the season 0-4-0. Follow along with the action or join the conversation below tonight's lines.
ALASKA
MINNESOTA STATE
24-Knowles, 23-Blueger, 9-Gervais
15-Franklin, 16-J. Nelson, 10-Knutson
25-Stepan, 17-Huntebrinker, 19-McClure
14-Mullin, 27-Schwalbe, 12-Coatta
28-Jutzi, 5-Foguth
11-Flanagan, 6-C. Nelson
8-Brickley, 22-Schmeisser
39-Pawloski
34-Huggins
29-Nelson
Scratches: Cooper, Lewis, Madry, Margonari, Vanko
15-Franklin, 16-J. Nelson, 10-Knutson
25-Stepan, 17-Huntebrinker, 19-McClure
14-Mullin, 27-Schwalbe, 12-Coatta
28-Jutzi, 5-Foguth
11-Flanagan, 6-C. Nelson
8-Brickley, 22-Schmeisser
39-Pawloski
34-Huggins
29-Nelson
Scratches: Cooper, Lewis, Madry, Margonari, Vanko
ALASKA
20-Krieger, 27-T. Morley, 24-Huysmans
23-Leer, 16-Munson, 9-Basara
14-B. Morley, 28-Sparrow, 13-Fieth
18-Mullally, 7-Erickson, 11-Hajdukovich
22-Atkinson, 2-Weiss
6-Frey, 5-Koberstein
8-Woods, 10-Peterson
30-Jones
29-Jenks
23-Leer, 16-Munson, 9-Basara
14-B. Morley, 28-Sparrow, 13-Fieth
18-Mullally, 7-Erickson, 11-Hajdukovich
22-Atkinson, 2-Weiss
6-Frey, 5-Koberstein
8-Woods, 10-Peterson
30-Jones
29-Jenks
Friday Morning Skate
Minnesota State is back at home following two weeks away and will host Alaska in a WCHA series. Coach Mike Hastings said that the Mavericks may be coming off a pair of wins, but they need to keep getting better.
"We're trying to progress on a lot of different levels," Hastings said. "I'd like us to possess the puck a little more. I'd like us to continue to become more difficult to play against. ... We've been decent defensively, but that has to continue."
The Nanooks are 2-2-0 and were idle last week.
"They've had two weeks to prepare," Hastings said. "They're going to be a very-motivated, fresh, prepared group."
For the Mavericks, senior center Teddy Blueger is no longer the youngest player on the team. He's grown up a lot at MSU and, really, since making the decision at 14 years old to go from Latvia to Faribault and Shattuck-St. Mary's, a choice that he stumbled upon pretty much by accident.
Read more about the Alaska series in the Free Press' College Hockey Gameday package here. Also, hopefully, the weekend is devoid of any hits to the head, but if there are, that they're policed properly.
Going around the WCHA, all 10 teams are in action against each other this weekend. Here's a peek:
• Bemidji State at Northern Michigan: The Beavers will try to rebound from their two home losses to Minnesota State when they travel to Marquette, a place where the Wildcats have been tough in the early season. Beavers sophomore Kyle Bauman is a good story, as he was pretty much ready to hang up the skates before BSU called.
• Bowling Green at Alaska Anchorage: The 12th-ranked Falcons head to Alaska to take on the surprising Seawolves, who are 4-1-1 on the young season. Bowling Green was idle last week and this is a Saturday-Sunday series, so it should be well-rested. Still, the Falcons are hoping for a fast start. One player who has started fast this season after slumping a year ago for BGSU is Mark Cooper. Read more about him here.
• Ferris State at Michigan Tech: These two teams played each other two weeks ago, splitting a series at Big Rapids. The Huskies split again with NMU last week, while Ferris State won and tied in a nonconference set with Wisconsin. There's some excitement at Tech about an alumni, last year's WCHA player of the year Tanner Kero, who made his NHL debut with the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday night.
• Alabama Huntsville at Lake Superior State: The Chargers hit the road for the first time, while the Lakers will try to build off a pair of back-to-back splits.
Get a solid read on the WCHA in my and Jack Hittinger's USCHO column and find out who we're picking to win this weekend and why.
Also this weekend, the Minnesota State women return home to play Wisconsin. Games are at 2:07 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The series will be the first meeting between coaches John Harrington and Mark Johnson, 1980 Olympic teammates. Bill Brophy has a good read on the two coaches for WCHA.com.
As for the series itself, the Mavericks are still trying to make improvements, while the third-ranked Badgers are unbeaten and haven't given up a goal in six WCHA games.
"We're trying to progress on a lot of different levels," Hastings said. "I'd like us to possess the puck a little more. I'd like us to continue to become more difficult to play against. ... We've been decent defensively, but that has to continue."
The Nanooks are 2-2-0 and were idle last week.
"They've had two weeks to prepare," Hastings said. "They're going to be a very-motivated, fresh, prepared group."
For the Mavericks, senior center Teddy Blueger is no longer the youngest player on the team. He's grown up a lot at MSU and, really, since making the decision at 14 years old to go from Latvia to Faribault and Shattuck-St. Mary's, a choice that he stumbled upon pretty much by accident.
Read more about the Alaska series in the Free Press' College Hockey Gameday package here. Also, hopefully, the weekend is devoid of any hits to the head, but if there are, that they're policed properly.
Going around the WCHA, all 10 teams are in action against each other this weekend. Here's a peek:
• Bemidji State at Northern Michigan: The Beavers will try to rebound from their two home losses to Minnesota State when they travel to Marquette, a place where the Wildcats have been tough in the early season. Beavers sophomore Kyle Bauman is a good story, as he was pretty much ready to hang up the skates before BSU called.
• Bowling Green at Alaska Anchorage: The 12th-ranked Falcons head to Alaska to take on the surprising Seawolves, who are 4-1-1 on the young season. Bowling Green was idle last week and this is a Saturday-Sunday series, so it should be well-rested. Still, the Falcons are hoping for a fast start. One player who has started fast this season after slumping a year ago for BGSU is Mark Cooper. Read more about him here.
• Ferris State at Michigan Tech: These two teams played each other two weeks ago, splitting a series at Big Rapids. The Huskies split again with NMU last week, while Ferris State won and tied in a nonconference set with Wisconsin. There's some excitement at Tech about an alumni, last year's WCHA player of the year Tanner Kero, who made his NHL debut with the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday night.
• Alabama Huntsville at Lake Superior State: The Chargers hit the road for the first time, while the Lakers will try to build off a pair of back-to-back splits.
Get a solid read on the WCHA in my and Jack Hittinger's USCHO column and find out who we're picking to win this weekend and why.
Also this weekend, the Minnesota State women return home to play Wisconsin. Games are at 2:07 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The series will be the first meeting between coaches John Harrington and Mark Johnson, 1980 Olympic teammates. Bill Brophy has a good read on the two coaches for WCHA.com.
As for the series itself, the Mavericks are still trying to make improvements, while the third-ranked Badgers are unbeaten and haven't given up a goal in six WCHA games.
Thompson leaves Mavericks
Hastings said the decision was Thompson's, and, "Sincerely, we wish him nothing but the best."
Thompson played in the Mavericks' first four games and was on the trip to Bemidji last weekend but was a scratch each game. He had been playing forward, moving to wing just before the regular season began after being a defenseman for his entire career.
The Eden Prairie native played in a career-high 25 games last season, scoring one goal and assisting on seven others. He played in nine games in the second half of his sophomore year after sitting out two semesters following a decision to transfer to MSU from Minnesota.
Thursday, October 29, 2015
Mavericks finally feel at home
 |
| Pat Christman/The Free Press |
I talked to Hastings, women's coach John Harrington and several players about their new space — their new home —and the excitement surrounding having a place on par (and, perhaps better) than some other places they've been.
Read that story here and see Pat Christman's photo gallery here.
On Thursday night, Blue Line Club members will get a sneak peek at the facility that includes behind-the-scenes tours, the unveiling of the new scoreboard (which will be operational during this weekend's games) and an open skate for their families.
Saturday, October 24, 2015
Mavericks 3, Beavers 2
Freddy's three thoughts of the game ...
1. Jutzi steps up: It's the subject of my gamer (see below), but the efforts of Jon Jutzi and the Mavericks' defensemen cannot be ignored. Junior defenseman and team captain Carter Foguth went down five minutes into the first period after getting a late unpenalized hit to the head. After going to the locker room, he returned to the bench area for the remainder of the first period but did not re-enter the game. He was not on the bench in the second and third periods. Without the minutes-eating leader, it was up to the rest of the D to step up their games, and they did, protecting goalie Cole Huggins and, with 10:23 left in the game, getting the game-winning goal, as Jutzi did on the power play. "Everybody really pulled the rope for 5 (Foguth) after we lost him early," Jutzi said. Not sure the status of Foguth for next week.
2. Huggins returns: Cole Huggins was back in goal on Saturday after sitting out Friday and watching freshman Jason Pawloski get his first career win. Mike Hastings said the decision to go with Huggins again was made on Saturday morning, and the coach hoped the Mavericks could get him some more goal support than they did in the first four games of the year when the junior goalie had to endure a three-game scoreless streak. Huggins stopped 27 of 29 shots (13 of 14 in the second period alone), giving up just two power-play goals (one was a 5 on 3). "Chuggy did his job, only giving up two and giving us a chance to get a third-period win," Hastings said. It was Huggins' first win since Jan. 9 of last season at home against Lake Superior State.
3. Good conference start: The Mavericks are 2-0-0 to start the WCHA season and did that in a tough place to play, the Sanford Center, a building in which they split their three previous series. Their last sweep in Bemidji came in 2009-10 in the old John Glas Fieldhouse. The defending WCHA champions and pick to win the league again this year grinded out a couple of victories against a pesky Bemidji State team that had already beaten Minnesota Duluth and tied North Dakota on its home ice. Remember: Last year's MSU team lost two games to the Beavers. Bemidji State doesn't play the prettiest brand of hockey, but they usually stick to their gameplan and make things tough for opponents. Credit the Mavericks for getting past their scoreless and losing streaks to get the sweep.
Deep thought: Thoughts go out former MSU coach Don Brose, who was injured in a hit-and-run accident in downtown Mankato on Friday. Brose, 75, was transported to the hospital with non life-threatening injuries, according to city officials.
Read my game story, which also includes the big night for Zach Stepan, here. Read the Bemidji Pioneer story by Jack Hittinger here.
Around the WCHA: Alaska Anchorage 3, Alabama Huntsville 2 ... Michigan Tech 3, Northern Michigan 1 ... Ferris State 2, Wisconsin 1
MSU at Bemidji State — Game 2 live chat
The Mavericks go for a WCHA series sweep against Bemidji State at 7:07 p.m. tonight at the Sanford Center. Follow along during the game or join the conversation with Free Press hockey writer Shane Frederick below tonight's lines.
MINNESOTA STATE
24-Knowles, 23-Blueger, 9-Gervais
15-Franklin, 16-J. Nelson, 10-Knutson
14-Mullin, 17-Huntebrinker, 19-McClure
25-Stepan, 27-Schwalbe, 12-Coatta
28-Jutzi, 5-Foguth
11-Flanagan, 6-C. Nelson
8-Brickley, 22-Schmeisser
34-Huggins
39-Pawloski
15-Franklin, 16-J. Nelson, 10-Knutson
14-Mullin, 17-Huntebrinker, 19-McClure
25-Stepan, 27-Schwalbe, 12-Coatta
28-Jutzi, 5-Foguth
11-Flanagan, 6-C. Nelson
8-Brickley, 22-Schmeisser
34-Huggins
39-Pawloski
BEMIDJI STATE
22-O'Connor, 14-Bauman, 18-Harms
23-Gerbrandt, 13-Ward, 8-Parker
19-L. Fitzgerald, 21-G. Fitzgerald, 26-M. Fitzgerald
6-Dickman, 11-Arentz, 15-Heler
20-Eichstadt, 12-McCormack
28-Beauvais, 5-Janco
25-Pedan, 2-Billett
1-Bitzer
33-Mimmack
23-Gerbrandt, 13-Ward, 8-Parker
19-L. Fitzgerald, 21-G. Fitzgerald, 26-M. Fitzgerald
6-Dickman, 11-Arentz, 15-Heler
20-Eichstadt, 12-McCormack
28-Beauvais, 5-Janco
25-Pedan, 2-Billett
1-Bitzer
33-Mimmack
Friday, October 23, 2015
Mavericks 3, Beavers 2
Freddy's three thoughts of the game ...
1. Changing the subject: The Mavericks have to be relieved they're no longer talking about a couple of nasty streaks: 1. Their three-game scoreless streak. 2. Their five game winless streak (four games to start the season). "We felt like it was coming," said Teddy Blueger, whose short-handed breakaway goal ended up as the game-winner at 8:03 of the third period. "We had a lot of chances the last couple of games. We finally got the monkey off our back." Bryce Gervais' shorty in the first period ended the scoreless streak at 213:58. Brad McClure, he of so many shots on goal in the first four games, had the other goal, a game-tying one at 5:19 of the third.
2. New face in goal: Coach Mike Hastings decided to give freshman Jason Pawloski his first start in goal (His reason: "We were 0-4."), and it worked out quite well. Pawloski allowed two goals on 20 shots, one off a turnover in the first period and another 5-on-3 goal late in the second when the Mavericks took a couple inexplicable too-man-men penalties back to back, followed by a delay of game penalty when Ryan Schwalbe put his hand on the puck during a faceoff. "Obviously, I was excited (to get the start)," Pawloski said. "It was pretty unreal. I thought I was a little shaky, but the guys in front of me did a great job. They kept shots at a minimum and Grade A chances to a minimum."
3. Coming from behind: The Mavericks' win was impressive because they trailed 2-1 after two periods, and the Sanford Center is no easy place to win when you're behind in the third. Bemidji State defended well in an ugly second period, holding MSU to just three shots on goal. "It was definitely a grind," Blueger said. "They're a tough team to play, especially up here. Being the first win of the year made it even sweeter. It was a good win overall." It also put the Mavericks 1-0 in WCHA play. "I hope the guys can get some confidence from that," Hastings said.
Read my game story here. Check out the Jack Hittinger's Bemidji Pioneer gamer here.
Around the WCHA: Michigan State 2, Lake Superior State 0 ... Northern Michigan 4, Michigan Tech 1 ... Wisconsin 5, Ferris State 5, OT ... Alaska Anchorage 3, Alabama Huntsville 3, OT
1. Changing the subject: The Mavericks have to be relieved they're no longer talking about a couple of nasty streaks: 1. Their three-game scoreless streak. 2. Their five game winless streak (four games to start the season). "We felt like it was coming," said Teddy Blueger, whose short-handed breakaway goal ended up as the game-winner at 8:03 of the third period. "We had a lot of chances the last couple of games. We finally got the monkey off our back." Bryce Gervais' shorty in the first period ended the scoreless streak at 213:58. Brad McClure, he of so many shots on goal in the first four games, had the other goal, a game-tying one at 5:19 of the third.
2. New face in goal: Coach Mike Hastings decided to give freshman Jason Pawloski his first start in goal (His reason: "We were 0-4."), and it worked out quite well. Pawloski allowed two goals on 20 shots, one off a turnover in the first period and another 5-on-3 goal late in the second when the Mavericks took a couple inexplicable too-man-men penalties back to back, followed by a delay of game penalty when Ryan Schwalbe put his hand on the puck during a faceoff. "Obviously, I was excited (to get the start)," Pawloski said. "It was pretty unreal. I thought I was a little shaky, but the guys in front of me did a great job. They kept shots at a minimum and Grade A chances to a minimum."
3. Coming from behind: The Mavericks' win was impressive because they trailed 2-1 after two periods, and the Sanford Center is no easy place to win when you're behind in the third. Bemidji State defended well in an ugly second period, holding MSU to just three shots on goal. "It was definitely a grind," Blueger said. "They're a tough team to play, especially up here. Being the first win of the year made it even sweeter. It was a good win overall." It also put the Mavericks 1-0 in WCHA play. "I hope the guys can get some confidence from that," Hastings said.
Read my game story here. Check out the Jack Hittinger's Bemidji Pioneer gamer here.
Around the WCHA: Michigan State 2, Lake Superior State 0 ... Northern Michigan 4, Michigan Tech 1 ... Wisconsin 5, Ferris State 5, OT ... Alaska Anchorage 3, Alabama Huntsville 3, OT
Minnesota State at Bemidji State – live chat
Greetings from rainy Bemidji where the Mavericks hope to snap a couple of streaks. The lineup is a bit shaken up, including in goal where Jason Pawloski will get his first career start. Join the live chat below during tonight's game.
Tonight's lines:
MINNESOTA STATE
24-Knowles, 23-Blueger, 14-Mullin
9-Geravis, 17-Huntebrinker, 10-Knutson
15-Franklin, 16-J. Nelson, 19-McClure
25-Stepan, 27-Schwalbe, 12-Coatta
11-Flanagan, 6-C. Nelson
28-Jutzi, 5-Foguth
4-Lewis, 22-Schmeisser
39-Pawloski
34-Huggins
Scratches: Brickley, Cooper, Madry, Magonari, A. Nelson, Thompson Vanko
BEMIDJI STATE
22-O'Connor, 14-Bauman, 18-Harms
23-Gerbrandt, 13-Ward, 8-Parker
19-L. Fitzgerald, 21-G. Fitzgerald, 26-M. Fitzgerald
9-Marinaccio, 11-Arentz, 15-Heller
20-Eichstadt, 12-McCormack
28-Beauvais, 5-Janco
25-Pedan, 2-Billett
1-Bitzer
33-Mimmack
Tonight's lines:
MINNESOTA STATE
24-Knowles, 23-Blueger, 14-Mullin
9-Geravis, 17-Huntebrinker, 10-Knutson
15-Franklin, 16-J. Nelson, 19-McClure
25-Stepan, 27-Schwalbe, 12-Coatta
11-Flanagan, 6-C. Nelson
28-Jutzi, 5-Foguth
4-Lewis, 22-Schmeisser
39-Pawloski
34-Huggins
Scratches: Brickley, Cooper, Madry, Magonari, A. Nelson, Thompson Vanko
BEMIDJI STATE
22-O'Connor, 14-Bauman, 18-Harms
23-Gerbrandt, 13-Ward, 8-Parker
19-L. Fitzgerald, 21-G. Fitzgerald, 26-M. Fitzgerald
9-Marinaccio, 11-Arentz, 15-Heller
20-Eichstadt, 12-McCormack
28-Beauvais, 5-Janco
25-Pedan, 2-Billett
1-Bitzer
33-Mimmack
Friday Morning Skate
Getting ready to make the trek to Bemidji ...
Minnesota State will open WCHA play against its longtime rival Bemidji State on Friday and Saturday and it hopes to get its first win of the season and first goal in nine-plus periods.
Two years ago, an early season game against the Beavers was deemed crucial, and Cole Huggins got his first start in goal and won the game for the Mavericks. Huggins, now a junior, has played every game so far for the Mavericks and knows the pressure is on to perform well again (Huggins also played last season at Bemidji, spelling Stephon Williams in a Friday-night loss; Williams returned the next night and MSU got the shutout win and the MacNaughton Cup.)
The Mavericks and the Beavers each have played a tough schedule to start the season, as BSU coach Tom Serratore pointed out earlier this week, so it should be interesting to see how things shake out this weekend. Certainly, the schedule gets no easier for Minnesota State, as I opined in my Tuesday column.
Read more about the upcoming series in The Free Press' college hockey gameday preview.
Meanwhile, the Bemidji Pioneer's Jack Hittinger has everything you need to know about the Beavers in his preview here.
By now, most of you know the connection between Serratore and Minnesota State. He started his playing career at MSU before transferring to Bemidji State and was at one time roommates with former Mavericks coach Troy Jutting. He's connected to Mike Hastings, too, as both were assistant coaches for Craig Dahl at St. Cloud State in 1993-94. Here's another connection: Serratore's daughter, Megan, is a freshman at Minnesota State and a member of the cross-country team.
Going around the WCHA ...
• Lake Superior State started the weekend right on Thursday, beating Michigan State 4-2, two weeks after losing to the Spartans in the second game of the IceBreaker tournament. They'll wrap up the series on Friday.
• Besides the Mavericks and Beavers, there will be two other conference matches, with Northern Michigan and Michigan Tech playing a home-and-home series, starting Friday in Marquette, and Alaska Anchorage traveling to Alabama Huntsville.
• Ferris State will host Wisconsin in nonconference play, welcoming the Badgers to Big Rapids for the first time.
Read my and Jack Hittinger's USCHO column here and check out our weekly picks here (looks like I already got one right).
Be sure to check back later on Friday for updates and links to the evening's live chat.
Minnesota State will open WCHA play against its longtime rival Bemidji State on Friday and Saturday and it hopes to get its first win of the season and first goal in nine-plus periods.
Two years ago, an early season game against the Beavers was deemed crucial, and Cole Huggins got his first start in goal and won the game for the Mavericks. Huggins, now a junior, has played every game so far for the Mavericks and knows the pressure is on to perform well again (Huggins also played last season at Bemidji, spelling Stephon Williams in a Friday-night loss; Williams returned the next night and MSU got the shutout win and the MacNaughton Cup.)
The Mavericks and the Beavers each have played a tough schedule to start the season, as BSU coach Tom Serratore pointed out earlier this week, so it should be interesting to see how things shake out this weekend. Certainly, the schedule gets no easier for Minnesota State, as I opined in my Tuesday column.
Read more about the upcoming series in The Free Press' college hockey gameday preview.
Meanwhile, the Bemidji Pioneer's Jack Hittinger has everything you need to know about the Beavers in his preview here.
By now, most of you know the connection between Serratore and Minnesota State. He started his playing career at MSU before transferring to Bemidji State and was at one time roommates with former Mavericks coach Troy Jutting. He's connected to Mike Hastings, too, as both were assistant coaches for Craig Dahl at St. Cloud State in 1993-94. Here's another connection: Serratore's daughter, Megan, is a freshman at Minnesota State and a member of the cross-country team.
Going around the WCHA ...
• Lake Superior State started the weekend right on Thursday, beating Michigan State 4-2, two weeks after losing to the Spartans in the second game of the IceBreaker tournament. They'll wrap up the series on Friday.
• Besides the Mavericks and Beavers, there will be two other conference matches, with Northern Michigan and Michigan Tech playing a home-and-home series, starting Friday in Marquette, and Alaska Anchorage traveling to Alabama Huntsville.
• Ferris State will host Wisconsin in nonconference play, welcoming the Badgers to Big Rapids for the first time.
Read my and Jack Hittinger's USCHO column here and check out our weekly picks here (looks like I already got one right).
Be sure to check back later on Friday for updates and links to the evening's live chat.
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Video scoreboard going in
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| Pat Christman/The Free Press |
Saturday, October 17, 2015
Huskies 3, Mavericks 0
Freddy's three thoughts of the game:
1. "Unchartered waters": Those were coach Mike Hastings' words and they were literally true for the Mavericks, who had never been shut out in three consecutive games before. Since scoring early in the third period of their season opener, they've been blanked. More than nine periods of hockey totaling 195 minutes, 23 seconds. Trying to win games isn't easy when you're wondering if you're going to get a goal. "It's usually not," captain Carter Foguth said. "Usually you're going out and just playing a game and letting whatever happens happens. But going three games and getting shut out, I'd definitely be lying if I said it wasn't in the back of my mind. It's definitely a point of emphasis."
2. Hard-luck goalie: Cole Huggins is 0-4 with a .889 save percentage and a 2.80 goals-against average. Those aren't stellar numbers, but the guy has not played with a lead yet this year. He gave up two on Saturday (the third was an empty-netter), including one in which he seemed to deflect a rebound to a good spot only to have it hit a teammate and carom back into the net behind him. On the second goal, he made a tough save but was unable to freeze the puck and it tricked in behind him. He'd like that back, to be sure, but right now the Mavericks are asking him to be perfect. Even if he was, I'd probably be watching an NCHC shootout right now instead of writing this.
3. It ain't getting any easier: It's been a tough schedule to start, taking on a Frozen Four team in Omaha to start the season at home and then going on the road to face another national-tournament contender. Starting 0-4 is surprising but not completely out of the question. Now, the Mavericks head into conference play. If you think the schedule is any easier, think again. They play at Bemidji State and then host Alaska, the two teams that gave them the most fits last year. Each beat the Mavericks twice last season. "From a coaching standpoint, we've got to provide answers," Hastings said, "and then we've got to have our players be willing to buy into that and go forward with that."
Read my Free Press game story here. Read Mick Hatten's story in the St. Cloud Times here.
Around the WCHA: Bowling Green 2, RIT 2 (OT) ... Ferris State 3, Michigan Tech 2 ... Lake Superior State 4, Northern Michigan 0 ... North Dakota 5, Bemidji State 2 ... Alaska Anchorage 6, American International 2 ... Rensselaer at Alaska (late)
1. "Unchartered waters": Those were coach Mike Hastings' words and they were literally true for the Mavericks, who had never been shut out in three consecutive games before. Since scoring early in the third period of their season opener, they've been blanked. More than nine periods of hockey totaling 195 minutes, 23 seconds. Trying to win games isn't easy when you're wondering if you're going to get a goal. "It's usually not," captain Carter Foguth said. "Usually you're going out and just playing a game and letting whatever happens happens. But going three games and getting shut out, I'd definitely be lying if I said it wasn't in the back of my mind. It's definitely a point of emphasis."
2. Hard-luck goalie: Cole Huggins is 0-4 with a .889 save percentage and a 2.80 goals-against average. Those aren't stellar numbers, but the guy has not played with a lead yet this year. He gave up two on Saturday (the third was an empty-netter), including one in which he seemed to deflect a rebound to a good spot only to have it hit a teammate and carom back into the net behind him. On the second goal, he made a tough save but was unable to freeze the puck and it tricked in behind him. He'd like that back, to be sure, but right now the Mavericks are asking him to be perfect. Even if he was, I'd probably be watching an NCHC shootout right now instead of writing this.
3. It ain't getting any easier: It's been a tough schedule to start, taking on a Frozen Four team in Omaha to start the season at home and then going on the road to face another national-tournament contender. Starting 0-4 is surprising but not completely out of the question. Now, the Mavericks head into conference play. If you think the schedule is any easier, think again. They play at Bemidji State and then host Alaska, the two teams that gave them the most fits last year. Each beat the Mavericks twice last season. "From a coaching standpoint, we've got to provide answers," Hastings said, "and then we've got to have our players be willing to buy into that and go forward with that."
Read my Free Press game story here. Read Mick Hatten's story in the St. Cloud Times here.
Around the WCHA: Bowling Green 2, RIT 2 (OT) ... Ferris State 3, Michigan Tech 2 ... Lake Superior State 4, Northern Michigan 0 ... North Dakota 5, Bemidji State 2 ... Alaska Anchorage 6, American International 2 ... Rensselaer at Alaska (late)
Minnesota State vs. St. Cloud State — Game 2
The Mavericks will try to score some goals, get a series split and avoid an 0-4 start on Saturday night in St. Cloud. Follow along or join the conversation during the game below the lines.
MINNESOTA STATE
15-Franklin, 23-Blueger, 9-Gervais
24-Knowles, 16-J. Nelson, 14-Mullin
7-Cooper, 17-Huntebrinker, 19-McClure
25-Stepan, 27-Schwalbe, 3-Thompson
28-Jutzi, 5-Foguth
11-Flanagan, 6-C. Nelson
8-Brickley, 21-Vanko
34-Huggins
39-Pawloski
Scratches: Coatta, Knutson, Lewis, Madri, Margonari, A. Nelson, Schmeisser
ST. CLOUD STATE
10-Papa, 11-Kossila, 63-Russell
9-Benik, 13-Morley, 21-Murray
23-Jackson, 19-Eyssimont, 18-Peterson
4-Storm, 42-Winiecki, 17-Benson
22-Schuldt, 12-Prow
5-Widman, 20-Borgen
16-Lizotte, 7-Nevalainen
35-Lindgren
45-Reijola
30-Zevnik
Friday, October 16, 2015
Huskies 4, Mavericks 0
Freddy's three thoughts of the game:
1. Six periods of nothing: For the second time in a row, the Mavericks were shut out. You have to go all the way back to the end of the 2000-01 season to find the last time that happened. Minnesota State was blanked by Colorado College at home to close out the regular season and then went out to Colorado Springs where they were shut out in the first game of the WCHA playoffs. Minnesota State put 30 shots on net in Friday's game in St. Cloud, brining their two-game total shots without a goal to 70. Unlike last Saturday when MSU really controlled pace of play against Omaha, the matchup with St. Cloud State was more of a back-and-forth affair with the Huskies outshooting the Mavericks 33-30.
2. Turning points: With 17 seconds left in the first period and trailing 1-0, Minnesota State was awarded a penalty shot when Huskies forward Ryan Papa covered the puck in the crease. Brad McClure was sent out to take the shot, but he put it into the right-handed catcher of goalie Charlie Lindgren. "A big one was not scoring on the penalty shot and getting momentum," coach Mike Hastings said. The Mavericks came out strong in the second period, carrying play and creating chances. But midway through the frame they got caught chasing a bit, and Huskies freshman Jimmy Schuldt blasted a point shot through traffic and past Cole Huggins to make it 2-0. It clearly was a deflater for the Mavericks.
3. Making their debut: Two MSU freshmen made their season debuts on Friday. Steen Cooper played left wing on the fourth line, and Alec Vanko was on defense. Both seemed to play solid for rookies. Cooper, Ryan Schwalbe and senior/converted defenseman Blake Thompson made up the fourth line, and they made some noise. Cooper is a Duncan, British Columbia, native who played at Penticton of the BCHL last season. Vanko is from Oregon, Wis, and played in Madison of the USHL. Curious to see if the lines get shuffled for Saturday night's recap in order to boost the scoring opportunities.
Deep thought: The last time the Mavericks started the season 0-3 was in 2005-06 when they started the season 0-6.
Read my game story here. Read the St. Cloud Times gamer here.
Around the WCHA: Michigan Tech 5, Ferris State 1 ... Northern Michigan 6, Lake Superior Stat 3 ... Bowling Green 4, Canisius 2 ... Alaska Anchorage 4, Rensselaer 3 ... Bemidji State 4, North Dakota 4 (OT) ... Alaska 7, American International 2
1. Six periods of nothing: For the second time in a row, the Mavericks were shut out. You have to go all the way back to the end of the 2000-01 season to find the last time that happened. Minnesota State was blanked by Colorado College at home to close out the regular season and then went out to Colorado Springs where they were shut out in the first game of the WCHA playoffs. Minnesota State put 30 shots on net in Friday's game in St. Cloud, brining their two-game total shots without a goal to 70. Unlike last Saturday when MSU really controlled pace of play against Omaha, the matchup with St. Cloud State was more of a back-and-forth affair with the Huskies outshooting the Mavericks 33-30.
2. Turning points: With 17 seconds left in the first period and trailing 1-0, Minnesota State was awarded a penalty shot when Huskies forward Ryan Papa covered the puck in the crease. Brad McClure was sent out to take the shot, but he put it into the right-handed catcher of goalie Charlie Lindgren. "A big one was not scoring on the penalty shot and getting momentum," coach Mike Hastings said. The Mavericks came out strong in the second period, carrying play and creating chances. But midway through the frame they got caught chasing a bit, and Huskies freshman Jimmy Schuldt blasted a point shot through traffic and past Cole Huggins to make it 2-0. It clearly was a deflater for the Mavericks.
3. Making their debut: Two MSU freshmen made their season debuts on Friday. Steen Cooper played left wing on the fourth line, and Alec Vanko was on defense. Both seemed to play solid for rookies. Cooper, Ryan Schwalbe and senior/converted defenseman Blake Thompson made up the fourth line, and they made some noise. Cooper is a Duncan, British Columbia, native who played at Penticton of the BCHL last season. Vanko is from Oregon, Wis, and played in Madison of the USHL. Curious to see if the lines get shuffled for Saturday night's recap in order to boost the scoring opportunities.
Deep thought: The last time the Mavericks started the season 0-3 was in 2005-06 when they started the season 0-6.
Read my game story here. Read the St. Cloud Times gamer here.
Around the WCHA: Michigan Tech 5, Ferris State 1 ... Northern Michigan 6, Lake Superior Stat 3 ... Bowling Green 4, Canisius 2 ... Alaska Anchorage 4, Rensselaer 3 ... Bemidji State 4, North Dakota 4 (OT) ... Alaska 7, American International 2
Minnesota State at St. Cloud State
The Mavericks are on the road, and Puckato is, too. Lines are posted below. Be sure to check back and follow along and join the conversation in the live chat below.
MINNESOTA STATE
15-Franklin, 23-Blueger, 14-Mullin
24-Knowles, 17-Huntebrinker, 9-Gervais
25-Stepan, 16-J. Nelson, 19-McClure
7-Cooper, 27-Schwalbe, 3-Thompson
28-Jutzi, 5-Foguth
11-Flanagan, 6-C. Nelson
4-Lewis, 21-Vanko
34-Huggins
39-Pawloski
Scratches: Brickley, Coatta, Knutson, Madri, Margonari, A. Nelson, Schmeisser
ST. CLOUD STATE
23-Jackson, 11-Kossila, 63-Russell
9-Benik, 13-Morley, 21-Murray
14-Newell, 19-Eyssimont, 18-Peterson
6-Tedesco, 42-Winiecki, 10-Papa
22-Schuldt, 12-Prow
5-Widman, 20-Borgen
7-Nevalainen, 26-Ilvonen
35-Lindgren
45-Reijola
30-Zevnik
MINNESOTA STATE
15-Franklin, 23-Blueger, 14-Mullin
24-Knowles, 17-Huntebrinker, 9-Gervais
25-Stepan, 16-J. Nelson, 19-McClure
7-Cooper, 27-Schwalbe, 3-Thompson
28-Jutzi, 5-Foguth
11-Flanagan, 6-C. Nelson
4-Lewis, 21-Vanko
34-Huggins
39-Pawloski
Scratches: Brickley, Coatta, Knutson, Madri, Margonari, A. Nelson, Schmeisser
ST. CLOUD STATE
23-Jackson, 11-Kossila, 63-Russell
9-Benik, 13-Morley, 21-Murray
14-Newell, 19-Eyssimont, 18-Peterson
6-Tedesco, 42-Winiecki, 10-Papa
22-Schuldt, 12-Prow
5-Widman, 20-Borgen
7-Nevalainen, 26-Ilvonen
35-Lindgren
45-Reijola
30-Zevnik
Friday Morning Skate
It's old-school week in college hockey, at least here in Minnesota.
All of the state's D1 teams are playing old conference rivals, something that's nice to see post-realignment (Are we still talking about realignment?). That includes Bemidji State against North Dakota, Minnesota against Minnesota Duluth and, of course, Minnesota State against St. Cloud State.
The Mavericks will be playing in St. Cloud for the first time since the WCHA broke up, and, there are lots of reasons to stoke that in-state rivalry, says MSU coach Mike Hastings, including easing up on travel, drumming up fan interest, retaining some strong relationships and playing a strong out-of-conference schedule.
The games are big ones for Minnesota State, who, at 0-2, would like to get back on track and improve that nonconference record. For more on the matchup, check out The Free Press' College Hockey Gameday package.
Both Hastings and MSU women's coach John Harrington are traveling to their alma maters this weekend for games — Hastings to St. Cloud State and Harrington to Minnesota Duluth.
Tonight's MSU-SCSU game will be televised on Fox Sports North-Plus and Fox College Sports.
Looking at Mick Hatten's coverage from the St. Cloud Times this morning ... SCSU grad Hastings gets some praise for the work he's done with the Mavericks over the last three years. As for the Huskies, senior forward Jimmy Murray is off to a good start after a tough junior year.
Going around the WCHA ...
• Bemidji State vs./at North Dakota: The Beavers beat the No. 2 team in the country (UMD) a week go and now get to take on No. 1 UND home and home. Take about a tough schedule.
• Bowling Green at Canisius, RIT: The 10th-ranked Falcons hope to avoid slow starts on the road as they make this eastern road swing.
• Alaska Anchorage and Alaska in Goal Rush tournament: Fairbanks' annual early-season event also includes RPI and American International. The Seawolves' Tanner Dusyk has been a good story, returning after missing last season following three different surgeries.
• In other matchups, Michigan Tech travels to Ferris State for the first conference series of the season. Northern Michigan and Lake Superior State play each other home and home, although this weekend's games are nonconference contests. Alabama Huntsville will play an exhibition game against the Alabama Crimson Tide club team on Saturday.
For more coverage of the WCHA, read my and Jack Hittinger's USCHO column and challenge us on our weekly picks.
All of the state's D1 teams are playing old conference rivals, something that's nice to see post-realignment (Are we still talking about realignment?). That includes Bemidji State against North Dakota, Minnesota against Minnesota Duluth and, of course, Minnesota State against St. Cloud State.
The Mavericks will be playing in St. Cloud for the first time since the WCHA broke up, and, there are lots of reasons to stoke that in-state rivalry, says MSU coach Mike Hastings, including easing up on travel, drumming up fan interest, retaining some strong relationships and playing a strong out-of-conference schedule.
The games are big ones for Minnesota State, who, at 0-2, would like to get back on track and improve that nonconference record. For more on the matchup, check out The Free Press' College Hockey Gameday package.
Both Hastings and MSU women's coach John Harrington are traveling to their alma maters this weekend for games — Hastings to St. Cloud State and Harrington to Minnesota Duluth.
Tonight's MSU-SCSU game will be televised on Fox Sports North-Plus and Fox College Sports.
Looking at Mick Hatten's coverage from the St. Cloud Times this morning ... SCSU grad Hastings gets some praise for the work he's done with the Mavericks over the last three years. As for the Huskies, senior forward Jimmy Murray is off to a good start after a tough junior year.
Going around the WCHA ...
• Bemidji State vs./at North Dakota: The Beavers beat the No. 2 team in the country (UMD) a week go and now get to take on No. 1 UND home and home. Take about a tough schedule.
• Bowling Green at Canisius, RIT: The 10th-ranked Falcons hope to avoid slow starts on the road as they make this eastern road swing.
• Alaska Anchorage and Alaska in Goal Rush tournament: Fairbanks' annual early-season event also includes RPI and American International. The Seawolves' Tanner Dusyk has been a good story, returning after missing last season following three different surgeries.
• In other matchups, Michigan Tech travels to Ferris State for the first conference series of the season. Northern Michigan and Lake Superior State play each other home and home, although this weekend's games are nonconference contests. Alabama Huntsville will play an exhibition game against the Alabama Crimson Tide club team on Saturday.
For more coverage of the WCHA, read my and Jack Hittinger's USCHO column and challenge us on our weekly picks.
Saturday, October 10, 2015
Omaha 2, MSU 0 (corrected)
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| Trevor Cokley/The Free Press |
1. You don't see this everyday: Saturday's loss was significant for a number of reasons. It's something you just haven't seen in the Verizon Wireless Center over the last couple of seasons. For one thing, MSU had lost just three times in its home rink in the previous two seasons, going 31-3-2 in Mankato. The Mavericks haven't been swept at home since coach Mike Hastings' first season, when Wisconsin won a pair of overtime games (remember John Ramage?) here. Then there's getting shut out at home, something that hadn't happened in the Hastings era. The last time that happened was Jan. 14, 2012, also against Wisconsin and goalie Joel Rumpel (Phil Cook returned the favor the next night). The back-to-back losses were the first since January of 2014 when it lost three in a row to Minnesota Duluth, St. Cloud State and Northern Michigan. The last time MSU was shut out was Nov 16, 2013, at Minnesota. The last time the Mavericks were shut out at home was Jan. 14, 2012 against Wisconsin.
2. Better but more questions: Minnesota State was better in overall hockey play Saturday than it was Friday, out-shooting Omaha 40-18 and out-attempting its foes 88-45. Lots of credit has to go to freshman goaltender Evan Weninger, who was playing in his first-ever college game. He made some fantastic saves. He also got a lot of help from his teammates, who mucked up the ice in front of him and blocked 21 shots. The Mavericks didn't help themselves, either, missing the 24 times, a trend that seems to go back to their NCAA game against RIT last March. For 4 1/2-5 periods of hockey this weekend, Minnesota State was the better team. But, to quote the coach: "Ultimately, the end of the result is: Shots don’t win you hockey games, goals do."
3. Tough-Luck McClure: Sophomore forward Brad McClure, who scored 15 goals last season and was the hero of the WCHA Final Five, was shut out on 10 shots on goal, a quarter of the Mavericks' shots. The line of McClure, Huntebrinker and Brett Knowles seemed to be a tough matchup for Omaha to handle. Huntebrinker had five shots on goal, including a Grade-A, sure-fire, back-door chance on a power play that Weninger somehow robbed. Weninger also got just enough of a McClure shot on a 2-on-0 play with Bryce Gervais — I mean, one of those guys has got to score there, right? —who went back and forth with the puck before McClure pulled the trigger. Knowles had two shots on goal but fired just wide on a 2-on-1 rush with Jimmy Mullin shortly before the 2-on-0 play. One of those nights.
For more, read my game story here.
Around the WCHA: Michigan State 4, Lake Superior State 1 ... Western Michigan 1, Ferris State 1 (OT) ... Bowling Green 2, Ohio State 0 ... Northern Michigan 3, Wisconsin 3 (OT) ... Bemidji State 3, Minnesota Duluth 2 ... Alabama Huntsville 5, Connecticut 2 ... Arizona State 2, Alaska 1 ... St. Cloud State 6, Alaska Anchorage 2
Minnesota State vs. Omaha — Game 2 live blog
Follow along during tonight's series finale below the lines ...
MINNESOTA STATE
15-Franklin, 23-Blueger, 9-Geravis
24-Knowles, 17-Huntebrinker, 19-McClure
14-Mullin, 16-J. Nelson, 10-Knutson
25-Stepan, 27-Schwalbe, 3-Thompson
28-Jutzi, 6-C. Nelson
11-Flanagan, 5-Foguth
4-Lewis, 22-Schmeisser
24-Huggins
29-A. Nelson
39-Pawloski
Scratches: Brickley, Coatta, Cooper, Madri, Margonari, Vanko
OMAHA
28-Olofsson, 20-Guentzel, 16-Ortega
13-Randolph, 10-Vesel, 25-Parizek
12-Pope, 9-Alferd, 26-Spinner
27-Pearce, 7-Peterson, 21-Galt
22-Klehr, 5-Messner
4-Snuggerud, 23-Gallo
6-Buchta, 24-Brady
35-Weninger
1-Blankenburg
Friday, October 9, 2015
Omaha 3, MSU 2
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| Pat Christman/The Free Press |
1. That's entertainment: It may not have been the outcome Minnesota State or its fans wanted, but Friday's game lived up to the hype of a season-opener between two top-10 teams. No. 6 MSU's furious attempt at a comeback against No. 10 Omaha in the third period after turning a 3-0 game into a 3-2 one made for an electric atmosphere in the Verizon Wireless Center. It's nice when there are 4,400+ in the building, a full student section and a 50-member pep band (including seven tubas!). The crowd didn't get the start it wanted but it hung on, as MSU out-attempted Omaha 32-14 in the second period. The Purple Mavs just weren't able to finish some excellent chances — Bryce Gervais' short-handed breakaway shot with 12 minutes left hit the post — and goalie Kirk Thompson made a couple of huge stops in the final minute when MSU had an extra attacker on.
2. Top-line players: Omaha got off to a fast start, thanks to its best players. Austin Ortega, who led the Red Mavs in goals last year, had a goal and an assist and had a whopping nine shots on goal. His goal, which came 53 seconds into the second period was the game-winner. Jake Guentzel, last season's top scorer, also had a goal and made a couple of fine defensive plays on C.J. Franklin, including one in which he checked the sophomore out of a potential back-door power-play goal before he could get off a shot. Jake Randolph, who had 26 points as a freshman, scored UNO's first goal. "That line (Guentzel, Ortega and Fredrik Olofsson) had the majority of all their opportunities," MSU coach Mike Hastings said. "Good hockey players."
3. Mullin it over: Senior forward Jimmy Mullin scored Minnesota State's first goal, a power-play goal at 13:28 of the second period. He celebrated almost like it was an overtime winner. "There was a lot of emotion on that shift; you have no idea," he said. "It was fun out there." Mullin, a graduate transfer from Miami, was playing in his first college game in 22 months. He missed his final season and a half at Miami due to injury and opted to transfer to MSU this spring after graduating. It was the 19th career goal and 48th point for Mullin, who played on the third line with Jordan Nelson and Zeb Knutson. Another transfer, Clint Lewis, who started off at Cornell and spent last season in the USHL, assisted on Franklin's goal for his first point as a Maverick (his third collegiate point).
Deep thought: Nice to see the 1980 D-II national champions be honored with a banner on Friday when MSU also dropped ones honoring last season's WCHA regular-season and Final Five titles and one for the program's history of NCAA appearances. Former coach Don Brose was on the ice to unfurl the '80 banner. Interesting that all three of MSU's coaches were in the building, as Troy Jutting is an assistant coach for Omaha.
Read my game story here.
Around the WCHA: North Dakota 5, Lake Superior State 2 ... Bowling Green 6, Ohio State 3 ... Western Michigan 3, Ferris State 2 ... Northern Michigan 2, Wisconsin 2 (OT) ... Connecticut 5, Alabama Huntsville 2 ... Bemidji State at Minnesota Duluth (ppd.) ... St. Cloud State 3, Alaska 0 ... Alaska Anchorage 3, Arizona State 2 (OT)
Minnesota State vs. Omaha — live chat
Join me for a chat or just for game updates during tonight's game between No. 6 Minnesota State and No. 10 Nebraska Omaha.
Tonight's lines:
MINNESOTA STATE
15-Franklin, 23-Blueger, 9-Gervais
24-Knowles, 17-Huntebrinker, 19-McClure
14-Mullin, 16-J. Nelson, 10-Knutson
25-Stepan, 27-Schwalbe, 3-Thompson
28-Jutzi, 6-C. Nelson
11-Flanagan, 5-Foguth
4-Lewis, 22-Schmeisser
34-Huggins
29-A. Nelson
39-Pawloski
Scratches: Brickley, Coatta, Cooper, Madry, Margonari, Vanko
NEBRASKA OMAHA
28-Olofsson, 20-Guentzel, 16-Ortega
13-Randolph, 10-Vesel, 25-Parizek
12-Pope, 7-Peterson, 26-Spinner
17-Nogard, 19-Lane, 11-Morelli
2-Cooper, 5-Messner
4-Snuggerud, 23-Gallo
15-Schulz, 24-Brady
29-Thompson
35-Weninger
MINNESOTA STATE
15-Franklin, 23-Blueger, 9-Gervais
24-Knowles, 17-Huntebrinker, 19-McClure
14-Mullin, 16-J. Nelson, 10-Knutson
25-Stepan, 27-Schwalbe, 3-Thompson
28-Jutzi, 6-C. Nelson
11-Flanagan, 5-Foguth
4-Lewis, 22-Schmeisser
34-Huggins
29-A. Nelson
39-Pawloski
Scratches: Brickley, Coatta, Cooper, Madry, Margonari, Vanko
NEBRASKA OMAHA
28-Olofsson, 20-Guentzel, 16-Ortega
13-Randolph, 10-Vesel, 25-Parizek
12-Pope, 7-Peterson, 26-Spinner
17-Nogard, 19-Lane, 11-Morelli
2-Cooper, 5-Messner
4-Snuggerud, 23-Gallo
15-Schulz, 24-Brady
29-Thompson
35-Weninger
Friday morning skate
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| Pat Christman/The Free Press |
Minnesota State begins the regular season today at the Verizon Wireless Center with the first of two games against non conference rival Nebraska Omaha. It's a matchup of two preseason top-10 teams with the home team ranked sixth and the visitors coming in 10th.
For the Purple Mavericks, senior winger Bryce Gervais (pictured) comes in as one of the nation's top goal scorers. He has 51 goals over his first three college seasons, which is an accomplishment at Minnesota State. Here's a list of all of MSU's 50-goal scorers in the Division I era. Most of them took four years to get there:
Shane Joseph 68
Jesse Rooney 67
Tim Wolfe 65
Tyler Deis 60
Travis Morin 58
Aaron Fox 57
Eriah Hayes 52
Bryce Gervais 51
A quote from Gervais that didn't make the story: "I feel like I just need to bring my game. I bring a lot of energy to the team when I’m playing fast and when I’m hitting guys, not only scoring goals but doing the little things right. I think I build off that, and I think my teammates build off that as well."
Read The Free Press' gameday preview here.
The series pits two teams that appeared destined to play each other for the Frozen Four last spring, only to have that notion spoiled when MSU was upset in the first round of the Midwest Regional in South Bend. Omaha ended up winning the regional and advancing to Boston.
While there's a lot of excitement in Mankato for MSU's new hockey facility at the Verizon Wireless Center, down in Omaha, a brand new building is opening up at UNO, and coach Dean Blais couldn't be more excited.
Chris Dilks of SB Nation's College Hockey blog takes a look at MSU-UNO series, too.
Staying on the subject of MSU's arena changes (the final touches are still being completed there, and I hope to have more complete coverage when they're finally done; that includes the scoreboard), the women's team will play its first games at the Verizon Wireless Center since 2008 today and Saturday against North Dakota. They, too, are calling the downtown arena home from now on. A side note on that series: Two former Mankato East teammates will go against each other as Savannah Quandt plays for MSU and Rebekah Kolstad plays for UND.
Several WCHA teams are in action this weekend to kick off the men's season. For a full WCHA preview, check out my and Jack Hittinger's column and team capsules here. And read our weekend picks here.
In Alaska, Anchorage and Fairbanks will play in the former's Kendall Hockey Classic, along with upstart Arizona State and St. Cloud State. The Seawolves, as Doyle Woody writes, are trying to put last season's struggles behind them. The Nanooks, meanwhile, are led by WCHA Preseason Player of the Year Tyler Morley, who, according to Tim O'Donnell, relishes the pressure.
Bemidji State isn't afraid of tough early season schedules. The Beavers take on No. 2 Minnesota Duluth in a home-and-home, meaning their young blueliners will need to grow up fast, says Jack Hittinger.
In other WCHA action, Ferris State plays home-and-home with Western Michigan and Bowling Green does the same with Ohio State. Northern Michigan plays at Wisconsin, Alabama Huntsville hosts Connecticut and Lake Superior State goes to the Icebreaker tournament in Maine.
College Hockey News also takes a look at the WCHA season.
Sunday, October 4, 2015
Golden Bears 3, Mavericks 2
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| Trevor Cokley/The Free Press |
1. Please, please ... no wagering: To quote the great David Letterman, before that line, he'd say, "This is an exhibition, not a competition." That was partially true on Sunday. It was indeed an exhibition that doesn't count for much of anything. This year, however, it was at least competitive, even if it didn't work out in the home team's favor. The Mavericks should have gotten a heck of a lot more out of this year's loss against a decent Canadian college team (the two-time champions, as a matter of fact) than, say, last year's 12-1 walkover win against a very inferior opponent in Trinity Western. The Mavericks started slowly, got caught chasing the Golden Bears around the rink early and fell behind 3-0. Two of the goals deflected in off MSU defenders, including a very flukey one for the second goal. They had a couple of good looks late but couldn't tie the game.
2. On the Hunt: Michael Huntebrinker scored one of the Mavericks' two goals. (C.J. Franklin had the other). He also led MSU with four shots on goal. He looked good, playing center between Brett Knowles and Brad McClure. Last season, it seemed, he fared well when playing in the middle compared to when he was on the wall. His goal was his fourth in exhibition play, equalling his total in regular-season play. If the Mavericks are to maintain the level of play they've achieved over the last couple of seasons, his play there will be critical. With Matt Leitner gone and Dylan Margonari on the shelf with a stress fracture for about six weeks, Huntebrinker can be the team's No. 2 center behind Teddy Blueger. Junior Jordan Nelson and freshman Ryan Schwalbe were the other centers in the game.
3. Who are these guys? Certainly is weird to see this team without Leitner, Jean-Paul Lafontaine, Chase Grant, Max Gaede, Zach Palmquist and Brett Stern on the ice, especially when a few of their numbers have resurfaced on different bodies. Schwalbe has Stern's 27 and centered Steen Cooper in Palmquist's 7 and Max Coatta in Lafontaine's 12. Defenseman Daniel Brickley is in Gaede's 8. That old group played a lot of games for the Mavericks. Too soon to tell what kind of impact the newcomers will make. Jason Pawloski was solid in goal in the third period, stopping 7 of 7 shots. Brickley struggled at times with the college speed but kept getting thrown back out in the deep end to see if he could swim. There should be good competition among the new forwards to see who will get in the normal 20-skater lineup.
Read my game story here.
Mavericks vs. Golden Bears (exhibition)
Greetings from the Verizon Wireless Center in downtown Mankato. Minnesota State will take on Alberta at 5:07 p.m. I'll be posting updates on Twitter today. Hoping to have some live stuff on the website, too, but there are some problems with that currently.
Since it's an exhibition, MSU can dress all of its players. Two players, however are out: junior forward Dylan Margonari, who will miss some time early in the season with a stress fracture in his leg. Freshman defenseman Alex Vanko is to, too, although I believe he did participate this week.
Here are the Mavericks' lines:
15-Franklin, 23-Blueger, 9-Gervais
24-Knowles, 17-Huntebrinker, 19-McClure
25-Stepan, 16-J. Nelson, 10-Knutson
7-Cooper, 27-Schwalbe, 14-Mullin
12-Coatta, 13-Madry
28-Jutzi, 6-C. Nelson
11-Flanagan, 5-Foguth
9-Brickley, 3-Thompson
4-Lewis, 22-Schmeisser
34-Huggins
29-A. Nelson
39-Pawlowski
Since it's an exhibition, MSU can dress all of its players. Two players, however are out: junior forward Dylan Margonari, who will miss some time early in the season with a stress fracture in his leg. Freshman defenseman Alex Vanko is to, too, although I believe he did participate this week.
Here are the Mavericks' lines:
15-Franklin, 23-Blueger, 9-Gervais
24-Knowles, 17-Huntebrinker, 19-McClure
25-Stepan, 16-J. Nelson, 10-Knutson
7-Cooper, 27-Schwalbe, 14-Mullin
12-Coatta, 13-Madry
28-Jutzi, 6-C. Nelson
11-Flanagan, 5-Foguth
9-Brickley, 3-Thompson
4-Lewis, 22-Schmeisser
34-Huggins
29-A. Nelson
39-Pawlowski
Sunday morning skate
Minnesota State takes the ice at 5:07 p.m. today (Sunday) in an exhibition game against the University of Alberta. It will be the first look at this year's Mavericks, especially their nine new players and veterans who may end up in different roles after all the big departures following last season.
To kick off the hockey season, I sat down with MSU coach Mike Hastings last week for a cup of coffee at Tandem Bagels, just a hop, skip and a jump from the Verizon Wireless Center and MSU's new hockey center there, to talk about his first three seasons with the Mavericks, the state of the program and the upcoming season.
Our chat has been transcribed into a Q&A format (and edited for length and clarity), and there's some good stuff in there. It's a long read, too, so grab a cup of coffee, sit back and enjoy.
As for Alberta, it looks like it might be a somewhat tougher test than previous exhibitions, which is a good thing for a team that's going right into a meat grinder of a schedule in just five days. Alberta lost at St. Cloud State 6-2 on Saturday night, although it outshot the Huskies 34-25.
WCHA teams that kicked off the season Friday and Saturday in exhibition action included:
• Alaska Anchorage, which fell 1-0 to Mount Royal on Friday.
• Bowling Green, which defeated Toronto 4-3 on Saturday.
• Northern Michigan, which defeated the U.S. Under-18 Team 4-0 on Saturday.
Other teams in action tonight include:
• Bemidji State, which hosts Manitoba
• Ferris State, which hosts the U.S. Under-18s
• Alaska, which hosts Mount Royal
• Ferris State, which hosts Lethbridge
Be sure to check back on the blog later for more coverage of the Mavericks' preseason game.
Saturday, October 3, 2015
Start the season
Minnesota State was on the Verizon Wireless Center ice for the first time on Saturday, the first official day of the Division I men's season. No more two-hours-a-week limitations; the Mavericks had two practices on Saturday and will host Alberta in an exhibition game on Sunday afternoon.
MSU players finally got into the arena that they eventually will call their permanent home and saw the renovated hockey facility that includes new locker rooms, dress-down areas, strength-and-conditioning center, athletic training areas (including hot/cold therapy tubs), coaches offices and lounge.
Work remains (including fundraising) on that project, including signage, lighting and other displays, along with furniture and other final touch-ups. The hope is all will be completed in time for the men's and women's teams to move down there fulltime later this month.
Still, the players liked what they saw. Senior Teddy Blueger even compared the facility to NHL rinks he's seen.
"(I'm) a little bit of awe," Blueger said. "Pretty amazing. I think it's better than we ever expected. ... I never thought we'd have anything like this coming in. This is one of the best."
In the meantime, MSU will use what it can for some limited practices as well as Sunday's exhibition and next weekend's season-opening series against Nebraska Omaha. After that series (the MSU women will play North Dakota down there that weekend, too), the teams will go back to All Seasons Arena for two weeks as they play on the road, giving workers time to add the finishing touches and assemble and install the new video scoreboard above center ice.
"I just want to get down here fulltime as soon as possible," Blueger said. "Some guys are saying they'll never want to go home."
MSU players finally got into the arena that they eventually will call their permanent home and saw the renovated hockey facility that includes new locker rooms, dress-down areas, strength-and-conditioning center, athletic training areas (including hot/cold therapy tubs), coaches offices and lounge.
Work remains (including fundraising) on that project, including signage, lighting and other displays, along with furniture and other final touch-ups. The hope is all will be completed in time for the men's and women's teams to move down there fulltime later this month.
Still, the players liked what they saw. Senior Teddy Blueger even compared the facility to NHL rinks he's seen.
"(I'm) a little bit of awe," Blueger said. "Pretty amazing. I think it's better than we ever expected. ... I never thought we'd have anything like this coming in. This is one of the best."
In the meantime, MSU will use what it can for some limited practices as well as Sunday's exhibition and next weekend's season-opening series against Nebraska Omaha. After that series (the MSU women will play North Dakota down there that weekend, too), the teams will go back to All Seasons Arena for two weeks as they play on the road, giving workers time to add the finishing touches and assemble and install the new video scoreboard above center ice.
"I just want to get down here fulltime as soon as possible," Blueger said. "Some guys are saying they'll never want to go home."
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