Minnesota State returns to Mankato tonight to begin a WCHA series against Michigan Tech. The two teams have been among the conference's best teams in this era and have played in some memorable matchups, including last year's three-game playoff series in Houghton in which the Huskies eliminated the Mavericks.
The Mavericks had a good road stretch, going 3-1 at Boston University and Bowling Green. They scored seven power-play goals in those games, which is good, but they'd like to find more consistency 5 on 5. Other than the usual suspects, one player they believe can give them a boost is junior forward Max Coatta. I featured him in today's Free Press. It covers not only his on-the-ice abilities but his connection to Mankato that goes back two generations.
Read more about the series in the Freep's College Hockey Gameday.
If you're going to the game tonight, note that MSU and the Verizon Center are making some changes to security protocol with the hopes of avoiding the problems (long lines, long waits) that took place three weeks ago. One measure is that the doors will open at 5:45 p.m. The hope is that everybody (who wants to be) is seated in time for the opening faceoff.
One person expected to attend tonight's game is Will Sterrett of Kansas City, who is "chasing MacNaughton" by planning to attend a game in each of the WCHA's 10 rinks this season. Mankato is the first stop. According to a note from the league office, Sterrett expects it to be a "fun trip, full of the competitive hockey that has made the WCHA one of the deepest-rooted conferences in sports."
As for Michigan Tech, the Huskies come in with a new coach and a few new faces. But they also return a good collection of talent, including defenseman Mark Auk, a senior who made the coaches preseason All-WCHA team. Tech is coming off a home split with Alabama Huntsville.
Going around the WCHA ...
Ferris State at Bemidji State: The Bulldogs and Beavers square off in what should be another good league series. Ferris State has struggled a bit out of the gates, while Bemidji State has had a couple of quality wins. The Beavers in a couple of years will have a Mankato connection with West grad Kyle Looft committing to play there recently.
Alaska at Bowling Green: The Falcons are looking for more consistency following their home split against Minnesota State. Now they bring in the Nanooks, who actually enjoy their long road trips.
Alabama Huntsville at Cornell and Lake Superior State at Michigan State: The Chargers and the Lakers can give the WCHA some added boost with success in a pair of nonconference series. For Huntsville, the weekend is part of an eight-game road stretch to start the season. They'll then have six straight at home before playing 12 on the road closing the season with eight at home.
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