Freddy's three thoughts of the game ...
1. Top notch, top notch: Minnesota State's top line of C.J. Suess, Marc Michaelis and Parker Tuomie, which was put together as a trio for the first time this season on Friday, was dominant in what was essentially a must-win for the Mavericks on Saturday. The group compiled eight points, including a two-goal, one-assist performance by Suess. Although he didn't get an assist on Daniel Brickley's goal, Suess did a lot of the dirty work in the offensive zone that eventually set up the scoring play. "He's been pretty consistent," Michaelis said of Suess. "He plays like a man. He wins his battles and plays a 200-foot game." Suess now has a team- and WCHA-leading 26 points (10-16).
2. More about Marc: Michaelis missed the Mavericks' last four games before Christmas and returned to action on Friday. Perhaps one game was all the adjustment he needed to get back in the groove as he had a goal and two assists Saturday, especially in the third period when he scored a key insurance goal. (The puck went in off his skate on a Riese Zmolek shot, but he was going hard to the net with a defender all over him.) "It was terrible watching," Michaelis said of being injured. "Ask any player whose been scratched. I had a lot of time to prepare." Michaelis now has 16 points.
3. Big rebound: The series-opening loss to Northern Michigan was the first Friday-night loss of the season for the Mavericks, so it was going to be interesting to see how they reacted. They certainly didn't want to get swept at home, nor did they want to drop out of first place in the WCHA standings. That's why it was as close to a must-win as you could have for a pre-Jan. 1 game. Not only was that top line great, but Jason Pawloski was solid in goal, especially to help a penalty kill that had its work cut out for it in the second period and early third. Six of Pawloski's 23 saves came against the WCHA's leading goal scorer, Robbie Payne, who was kept off the board.
Read my game story here.
Around the WCHA: Bemidji State 4, Alabama Huntsville 1 ... Lake Superior State 4, Arizona State 1
Saturday, December 30, 2017
Live: Minnesota State vs. Northern Michigan
The Mavericks will try to get a series split when they play the Wildcats in the second game of the weekend between the top two teams in the WCHA. Just two points separate MSU and NMU. Follow along with the action below tonight's lines.
MINNESOTA STATE
6-Tuomie, 15-Suess, 20-Michaelis
16-Lutz, 5-Jaremko, 10-Knutson
23-Rivera, 26-French, 19-McClure
9-Gerard, 11-Spooner, 12-Coatta
8-Brickley, 18-Sheid
25-Zmolek, 2-Mackey
4-Lewis, 3-McNeely
39-Pawloski
37-LaCouvee
29-Nelson
Scratches: Bigelbach, Cooper, Duehr, Gerads, Hookenson, Schwalbe, Vanko
NORTHERN MICHIGAN
29-Payne, 18-Nardi, 7-Diamantoni
9-Loggins, 11-Rockwood, 86-Hannoun
23-Slattery, 13-Voltin, 37-Craighead
19-Starzynski, 21-Paskaruk, 12-Heikkila
40-Klimek, 25-Beaulieu
2-Vermeulen, 3-Fosdick
44-Black, 27-Roeder
41-Tolvanen
32-Israelsson
MINNESOTA STATE
6-Tuomie, 15-Suess, 20-Michaelis
16-Lutz, 5-Jaremko, 10-Knutson
23-Rivera, 26-French, 19-McClure
9-Gerard, 11-Spooner, 12-Coatta
8-Brickley, 18-Sheid
25-Zmolek, 2-Mackey
4-Lewis, 3-McNeely
39-Pawloski
37-LaCouvee
29-Nelson
Scratches: Bigelbach, Cooper, Duehr, Gerads, Hookenson, Schwalbe, Vanko
NORTHERN MICHIGAN
29-Payne, 18-Nardi, 7-Diamantoni
9-Loggins, 11-Rockwood, 86-Hannoun
23-Slattery, 13-Voltin, 37-Craighead
19-Starzynski, 21-Paskaruk, 12-Heikkila
40-Klimek, 25-Beaulieu
2-Vermeulen, 3-Fosdick
44-Black, 27-Roeder
41-Tolvanen
32-Israelsson
Friday, December 29, 2017
Wildcats 4, Mavericks 3
Freddy's three thoughts of the game ...
1. How odd: When the Mavericks are playing well, they don't give up many odd-man rushes. But they gave up more than their usual share on Friday, and it proved costly. A couple of turnovers and a fallen D-man led to the dagger, a 2-on-1 finished off by Joseph Nardi with 36.1 seconds left in the game. Minnesota State also gave up a goal off a bad line change, another by leaving the WCHA's best goal scorer, Robbie Payne, all alone below the left circle and one on the first shot of the game for NMU, one goaltender Connor LaCouvee undoubtedly would like to have back.
2. Race tightens: As I mention in my gamer (link below), there's now a close race between the Mavericks and the Wildcats as they begin the second half of the WCHA schedule. Just two points separate MSU and NMU atop the WCHA standings. They split a series in early November in Marquette. If they split again this weekend, the Mavericks will still be up five points. If the Wildcats pull off the road sweep, they'll be in first place by a point. There's a lot of season left, of course, it feels like Saturday's game is a big one.
3. Bright spots: Jake Jaremko, Parker Tuomie and Riese Zmolek each had a goal and an assist for the Mavericks. Jarmeko continues to impress as a rookie. He extended his point streak to 10 games and now has 20 points. Tuomie was playing on a line with C.J. Suess and Marc Michaelis on Friday and scored what seemed like a big game-tying goal with 5:10 left in the game. Zmolek, the freshman, was called the team's best defenseman in the game by coach Mike Hastings afterward for his play at both ends of the ice.
Read my game story here.
Around the WCHA: Bemidji State 3, Alabama Huntsville 1 ... Robert Morris 5, Lake Superior State 0
1. How odd: When the Mavericks are playing well, they don't give up many odd-man rushes. But they gave up more than their usual share on Friday, and it proved costly. A couple of turnovers and a fallen D-man led to the dagger, a 2-on-1 finished off by Joseph Nardi with 36.1 seconds left in the game. Minnesota State also gave up a goal off a bad line change, another by leaving the WCHA's best goal scorer, Robbie Payne, all alone below the left circle and one on the first shot of the game for NMU, one goaltender Connor LaCouvee undoubtedly would like to have back.
2. Race tightens: As I mention in my gamer (link below), there's now a close race between the Mavericks and the Wildcats as they begin the second half of the WCHA schedule. Just two points separate MSU and NMU atop the WCHA standings. They split a series in early November in Marquette. If they split again this weekend, the Mavericks will still be up five points. If the Wildcats pull off the road sweep, they'll be in first place by a point. There's a lot of season left, of course, it feels like Saturday's game is a big one.
3. Bright spots: Jake Jaremko, Parker Tuomie and Riese Zmolek each had a goal and an assist for the Mavericks. Jarmeko continues to impress as a rookie. He extended his point streak to 10 games and now has 20 points. Tuomie was playing on a line with C.J. Suess and Marc Michaelis on Friday and scored what seemed like a big game-tying goal with 5:10 left in the game. Zmolek, the freshman, was called the team's best defenseman in the game by coach Mike Hastings afterward for his play at both ends of the ice.
Read my game story here.
Around the WCHA: Bemidji State 3, Alabama Huntsville 1 ... Robert Morris 5, Lake Superior State 0
Live: Minnesota State vs. Northern Michigan
The Mavericks and Wildcats will close out 2017 with a WCHA series at the Verizon Center. Game 1 is tonight at 7:07 p.m. Follow the action below tonight's lines.
MINNESOTA STATE
6-Tuomie, 15-Suess, 20-Michaelis
16-Lutz, 5-Jaremk, 10-Knutson
23-Rivera, 26-French, 19-McClure
17-Duehr, 11-Spooner, 12-Coatta
8-Brickley, 18-Scheid
25-Zmolek, 2-Mackey
4-Lewis, 3-McNeely
37-LaCouvee
39-Pawloski
29-Nelson
Scratches: Bigelbach, Cooper, Gerads, Gerard, Hookenson, Schwalbe, Vanko
NORTHERN MICHIGAN
9-Loggins, 11-Rockwood, 8-Pierce
29-Payne, 18-Nardi, 86-Hannoun
23-Slattery, 13-Voltin, 37-Craighead
19-Starzynski, 21-Paskaruk, 12-Heikkila
40-Klimek, 25-Beaulieu
2-Vermeulen, 3-Fosdick
44-Black, 4-Frantti
41-Tolvanen
32-Israelsson
MINNESOTA STATE
6-Tuomie, 15-Suess, 20-Michaelis
16-Lutz, 5-Jaremk, 10-Knutson
23-Rivera, 26-French, 19-McClure
17-Duehr, 11-Spooner, 12-Coatta
8-Brickley, 18-Scheid
25-Zmolek, 2-Mackey
4-Lewis, 3-McNeely
37-LaCouvee
39-Pawloski
29-Nelson
Scratches: Bigelbach, Cooper, Gerads, Gerard, Hookenson, Schwalbe, Vanko
NORTHERN MICHIGAN
9-Loggins, 11-Rockwood, 8-Pierce
29-Payne, 18-Nardi, 86-Hannoun
23-Slattery, 13-Voltin, 37-Craighead
19-Starzynski, 21-Paskaruk, 12-Heikkila
40-Klimek, 25-Beaulieu
2-Vermeulen, 3-Fosdick
44-Black, 4-Frantti
41-Tolvanen
32-Israelsson
Friday Morning Skate
The Mavericks are back in action after a week off and will host Northern Michigan in what should be an entertaining WCHA series at the Verizon Center.
There's good news-bad-news on the injury front for MSU as Marc Michaelis is back in the lineup after missing the last four games but Dallas Gerads remains out after taking the elbow to the head late in the Mavericks' last game against Alabama Huntsville. Gerads will miss both games this weekend, as will the player who hit him, UAH's Brennan Saulnier, who was suspended for two games. Saulnier will be back next week, but will Gerads?
Previewing the Mavericks-Wildcats series, Minnesota State has been getting great contributions from its rookies. The top two forwards in that group, Elk River's Jake Jaremko and Reggie Lutz, have been, with a few exception, hockey teammates since their were 5 years old.
Minnesota State finished the first half of the season in a good spot, atop the WCHA and sixth in the Pairwise rankings, however, the team wants to keep climbing in the second half.
For more on the weekend, be sure to check out the College Hockey Gameday feature.
As for Northern Michigan, it will be without first-year head coach Grant Potulny, who is an assistant coach with the U.S. Junior National Team playing at the World Junior Championships in Buffalo, N.Y.
Going around the WCHA ...
Bowling Green played Western Michigan on Thursday night and fell 5-2, another tough nonconference result for the WCHA.
Bemidji State hosts previously mentioned Alabama Huntsville in the only other conference series tonight and Saturday. The Beavers enter the weekend riding a five-game unbeaten streak.
Lake Superior State is playing in the Three Rivers Classic in Pittsburgh. The Lakers are playing Robert Morris today and either Arizona State or Providence on Saturday.
On Monday and Tuesday, Michigan Tech and Bowling Green are playing in the Great Lakes Invitational in Detroit with the former starting the tournament against Michigan State and the latter taking on Michigan.
Monday, December 18, 2017
Chargers' Saulnier suspended
Alabama Huntsville senior forward Brennan Saulnier was suspended for two games by the WCHA for his illegal hit to a Minnesota State player's head during Saturday's hockey game at the Verizon Center, the league announced on Monday afternoon.
With 30 seconds remaining in the game, Saulnier elbowed MSU freshman Dallas Gerads, who lay on the ice for several minutes before getting assisted out of the rink. Mavericks coach Mike Hastings said Gerads was "not healthy" and likely had a concussion.
Saulnier received a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct for contact to the head but not a game disqualification, which comes with an automatic one-game suspension. The WCHA reviewed the play and on Monday determined that the hit warranted a two-game ban.
Saunier will miss the Chargers games Dec. 29-30 at Bemidji State. It is the third supplementary-discipline suspension of Saulnier's college career.
Saulnier has received one other suspension due to a game DQ for fighting last season. Over his 3+ seasons he has received eight game misconducts that coupled with major penalties, including Saturday's, according to an examination of box scores on collegehockeystats.net. The infractions have included contact to the head (3), checking/hitting from behind (3), charging (1) and roughing (1).
With 30 seconds remaining in the game, Saulnier elbowed MSU freshman Dallas Gerads, who lay on the ice for several minutes before getting assisted out of the rink. Mavericks coach Mike Hastings said Gerads was "not healthy" and likely had a concussion.
Saulnier received a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct for contact to the head but not a game disqualification, which comes with an automatic one-game suspension. The WCHA reviewed the play and on Monday determined that the hit warranted a two-game ban.
Saunier will miss the Chargers games Dec. 29-30 at Bemidji State. It is the third supplementary-discipline suspension of Saulnier's college career.
Saulnier has received one other suspension due to a game DQ for fighting last season. Over his 3+ seasons he has received eight game misconducts that coupled with major penalties, including Saturday's, according to an examination of box scores on collegehockeystats.net. The infractions have included contact to the head (3), checking/hitting from behind (3), charging (1) and roughing (1).
Saturday, December 16, 2017
Mavericks 3, Chargers 0
Freddy's three thoughts of the game:
1. Back on top: Minnesota State's sweep of Alabama Huntsville put it back in first place in the WCHA standings, five points ahead of Bowling Green, Northern Michigan (MSU's next opponent) and Michigan Tech. Tech has played four more games than MSU and BG, however. At the halfway mark of the conference schedule, the Mavericks are 11-3 against conference opponents. In their last four games, all wins, they have outscored Lake Superior State and Alabama Huntsville 20-2. That streak came after a 3-1 loss at Minnesota Duluth. "I think the work the guys did collectively," coach Mike Hastings said of the turnaround from that game. "They’re holding each other accountable and working for each other, knowing that what one does sets the other up for success. … We’ve been better offensively but better defensively also."
2. Better start: Minnesota State started better than it did on Friday, getting a 1-0 lead on freshman Reggie Lutz's power-play goal. It was Lutz's third goal and 11th point, and it came on a similar play to a first-period power-play chance on Friday that was turned away with an amazing save. Goaltender Connor LaCouvee had to make a couple tough saves early on, too, en route to his second straight shutout (more on him in my Monday series notebook). "I knew they’d come," Hastings said of the Chargers. "They’ve won in some pretty difficult buildings, Tech, Bowling Green Northern. They’re prideful in what they’re doing also. It was a pretty good pace to that first period going both ways."
3. Dirty play? It will be interesting to see if the WCHA punishes UAH's Brennan Saulnier for the elbow to the head of Dallas Gerads with 30 seconds left in the game. Gerads had to be helped out of the rink and could barely lift his head up as he departed. Hastings was livid on the bench, directing ire at his counterpart, Mike Corbett, but also at the referees, apparently arguing for a game disqualification for Saulnier. The Chargers senior got a 5-minute major and a game misconduct. Saulnier does have a history. He has twice been suspended by the league for head contact, getting two gameslast January in January of 2016 and a one-game ban in October of 2015.
Read my game story, which focuses on the stellar play of senior C.J. Suess (two goals, four on the weekend) here.
Around the WCHA: Bemidji State 4, Alaska Anchorage 0 ... Northern Michigan 4, Ferris State 2 ... Michigan Tech 3, Lake Superior State 3 (Tech wins in shootout)
Puckato Postgame Show:
1. Back on top: Minnesota State's sweep of Alabama Huntsville put it back in first place in the WCHA standings, five points ahead of Bowling Green, Northern Michigan (MSU's next opponent) and Michigan Tech. Tech has played four more games than MSU and BG, however. At the halfway mark of the conference schedule, the Mavericks are 11-3 against conference opponents. In their last four games, all wins, they have outscored Lake Superior State and Alabama Huntsville 20-2. That streak came after a 3-1 loss at Minnesota Duluth. "I think the work the guys did collectively," coach Mike Hastings said of the turnaround from that game. "They’re holding each other accountable and working for each other, knowing that what one does sets the other up for success. … We’ve been better offensively but better defensively also."
2. Better start: Minnesota State started better than it did on Friday, getting a 1-0 lead on freshman Reggie Lutz's power-play goal. It was Lutz's third goal and 11th point, and it came on a similar play to a first-period power-play chance on Friday that was turned away with an amazing save. Goaltender Connor LaCouvee had to make a couple tough saves early on, too, en route to his second straight shutout (more on him in my Monday series notebook). "I knew they’d come," Hastings said of the Chargers. "They’ve won in some pretty difficult buildings, Tech, Bowling Green Northern. They’re prideful in what they’re doing also. It was a pretty good pace to that first period going both ways."
3. Dirty play? It will be interesting to see if the WCHA punishes UAH's Brennan Saulnier for the elbow to the head of Dallas Gerads with 30 seconds left in the game. Gerads had to be helped out of the rink and could barely lift his head up as he departed. Hastings was livid on the bench, directing ire at his counterpart, Mike Corbett, but also at the referees, apparently arguing for a game disqualification for Saulnier. The Chargers senior got a 5-minute major and a game misconduct. Saulnier does have a history. He has twice been suspended by the league for head contact, getting two games
Read my game story, which focuses on the stellar play of senior C.J. Suess (two goals, four on the weekend) here.
Around the WCHA: Bemidji State 4, Alaska Anchorage 0 ... Northern Michigan 4, Ferris State 2 ... Michigan Tech 3, Lake Superior State 3 (Tech wins in shootout)
Puckato Postgame Show:
Live: Minnesota State vs. Alabama Huntsville
The No. 7 Mavericks will go for the series sweep at 7:07 p.m. today at the Verizon Center. Minnesota State defeated Alabama Huntsville 5-1 on Friday. Follow the action below tonight's lines.
MINNESOTA STATE
6-Tuomie, 15-Suess, 19-McClure
16-Lutz, 5-Jaremko, 10-Knutson
22-Gerads, 11-Spooner, 17-Duehr
23-Rivera, 26-French, 12-Coatta
8-Brickley, 18-Scheid
25-Zmolek, 2-Mackey
4-Lewis, 3-McNeely
37-LaCouvee
39-Pawloski
29-Nelson
Scratches: Bigelbach, Cooper, Gerard, Hookenson, Michaelis, Schwalbe, Vanko
ALABAMA HUNTSVILLE
19-Salerno, 24-Saulnier, 21-Poulsen
11-Wunder, 15-Gorowsky, 26-Kestner
14-Dunn, 9-Rajic, 18-Beaulieu
12-Merkley, 25-Wilcox, 16-Wod
20-Parker, 8-Teets
28-Gosselin, 5-Champagne
33-Buri, 4-James
30-Sinclair
32-Uhelski
6-Tuomie, 15-Suess, 19-McClure
16-Lutz, 5-Jaremko, 10-Knutson
22-Gerads, 11-Spooner, 17-Duehr
23-Rivera, 26-French, 12-Coatta
8-Brickley, 18-Scheid
25-Zmolek, 2-Mackey
4-Lewis, 3-McNeely
37-LaCouvee
39-Pawloski
29-Nelson
Scratches: Bigelbach, Cooper, Gerard, Hookenson, Michaelis, Schwalbe, Vanko
ALABAMA HUNTSVILLE
19-Salerno, 24-Saulnier, 21-Poulsen
11-Wunder, 15-Gorowsky, 26-Kestner
14-Dunn, 9-Rajic, 18-Beaulieu
12-Merkley, 25-Wilcox, 16-Wod
20-Parker, 8-Teets
28-Gosselin, 5-Champagne
33-Buri, 4-James
30-Sinclair
32-Uhelski
Friday, December 15, 2017
Mavericks 5, Chargers 1
Freddy's three thoughts of the game ...
1. Mr. French: Most of my gamer (link below) focuses on Josh French, the sophomore center, who finally scored his first collegiate goal after going 55 games without one. That tells you something. He played in every game from the start of his freshman year because he did other things so well, namely defensive-zone play, penalty killing, faceoffs. It was almost bizarre, though, that he did not yet have a goal. He had one taken away due to review last season and avoided that on Friday when officials went to the monitor to look at his. It stood this time, and French was grinning from ear to ear after the game.
2. Figuring it out: Coach Mike Hastings wasn't too happy with is team's play in the scoreless first period, although a lot of credit has to go to Chargers goalie Jordan Uhelski, too, who made 14 saves. "I thought our first wasn’t very good," Hastings said. "I didn’t think we were real crisp. I think at times we tried to slow the game down instead of speed it up. And our second period we started to play with more pace and cause more problems." The Mavericks were dominant in the second period, outshooting the Chargers 22-3 and taking a 3-0 lead on French's goal and two more by C.J. Suess.
3. Fourth-line shines: French centered the fourth line, and the group accounted for two goals, with Nick Rivera scoring the other. Max Coatta, who has been strong all year, also had an assist. Hastings said that trio has been used to match up with opponents' top lines over the last three games, but is getting things done at both ends of the rink. "For them to contribute offensively with a couple of goals, there’s karma in this game," Hastings said. "When you do things the right way and you play from your end to the other end, the game usually pays you back. And it did tonight. Because they’ve been putting a lot in the bank as far as playing the game from our end."
Read my game story here.
Around the WCHA: Michigan Tech 3, Lake Superior State 0 ... Northern Michigan 6, Ferris State 1 ... Bemidji State 5, Alaska Anchorage 1
1. Mr. French: Most of my gamer (link below) focuses on Josh French, the sophomore center, who finally scored his first collegiate goal after going 55 games without one. That tells you something. He played in every game from the start of his freshman year because he did other things so well, namely defensive-zone play, penalty killing, faceoffs. It was almost bizarre, though, that he did not yet have a goal. He had one taken away due to review last season and avoided that on Friday when officials went to the monitor to look at his. It stood this time, and French was grinning from ear to ear after the game.
2. Figuring it out: Coach Mike Hastings wasn't too happy with is team's play in the scoreless first period, although a lot of credit has to go to Chargers goalie Jordan Uhelski, too, who made 14 saves. "I thought our first wasn’t very good," Hastings said. "I didn’t think we were real crisp. I think at times we tried to slow the game down instead of speed it up. And our second period we started to play with more pace and cause more problems." The Mavericks were dominant in the second period, outshooting the Chargers 22-3 and taking a 3-0 lead on French's goal and two more by C.J. Suess.
3. Fourth-line shines: French centered the fourth line, and the group accounted for two goals, with Nick Rivera scoring the other. Max Coatta, who has been strong all year, also had an assist. Hastings said that trio has been used to match up with opponents' top lines over the last three games, but is getting things done at both ends of the rink. "For them to contribute offensively with a couple of goals, there’s karma in this game," Hastings said. "When you do things the right way and you play from your end to the other end, the game usually pays you back. And it did tonight. Because they’ve been putting a lot in the bank as far as playing the game from our end."
Read my game story here.
Around the WCHA: Michigan Tech 3, Lake Superior State 0 ... Northern Michigan 6, Ferris State 1 ... Bemidji State 5, Alaska Anchorage 1
Live: MSU vs. Alabama Huntsville
The Mavericks are back home (finally!) and will take on the Chargers in a WCHA series starting at 7:07 p.m. tonight. Follow along with the action in the box below tonight's lines:
MINNESOTA STATE
6-Tuomie, 15-Suess, 19-McClure
16-Lutz, 5-Jaremko, 10-Knutson
22-Gerads, 11-Spooner, 17-Duehr
23-Rivera, 26-French, 12-Coatta
8-Brickley, 2-Mackey
25-Zmolek, 18-Scheid
4-Lewis, 3-McNeely
39-Pawloski
37-LaCouvee
29-Nelson
Scratches: Bigelbach, Cooper, Gerard, Hookenson, Michaelis, Schwalbe, Vanko
ALABAMA HUNTSVILLE
19-Salerno, 24-Saulnier, 21-Poulsen
11-Wunder, 15-Gorowsky, 26-Kestner
14-Dunn, 9-Rajic, 18-Beaulieu
12-Merkley, 25-Wilcox, 10-Dodson
20-Parker, 8-Teets
28-Gosselin, 2-Knight
33-Buri, 5-Champagne
32-Uhelski
30-Sinclair
MINNESOTA STATE
6-Tuomie, 15-Suess, 19-McClure
16-Lutz, 5-Jaremko, 10-Knutson
22-Gerads, 11-Spooner, 17-Duehr
23-Rivera, 26-French, 12-Coatta
8-Brickley, 2-Mackey
25-Zmolek, 18-Scheid
4-Lewis, 3-McNeely
39-Pawloski
37-LaCouvee
29-Nelson
Scratches: Bigelbach, Cooper, Gerard, Hookenson, Michaelis, Schwalbe, Vanko
ALABAMA HUNTSVILLE
19-Salerno, 24-Saulnier, 21-Poulsen
11-Wunder, 15-Gorowsky, 26-Kestner
14-Dunn, 9-Rajic, 18-Beaulieu
12-Merkley, 25-Wilcox, 10-Dodson
20-Parker, 8-Teets
28-Gosselin, 2-Knight
33-Buri, 5-Champagne
32-Uhelski
30-Sinclair
Friday Morning Skate
The Mavericks are back home for the first time in what seems like forever and will host Alabama Huntsville in a WCHA series.
This week, I take a look at the Mavericks' — and one of the WCHA's top two — leading scorer, Zeb Knutson, who is having his best season as a senior. But it's his play in the defensive zone, coach Mike Hastings said, that has led directly to his success in the offensive end.
Read more about the weekend in my College Hockey Gameday and other nuggets in my College Hockey Notebook (such as a new player on the practice rink), including a look at the MSU women's team. Also, here's a look at the series from the perspective of UAHhockey.com.
In cased you missed it, my Tuesday column encourages folks to come out and see a team that has spent a lot of time — and had a lot of success — on the road so far this season.
The WCHA website this week features MSU freshman Jake Jaremko, who sure looks like the real deal through one semester of college play.
Going around the WCHA ...
Alaska Anchorage at Bemidji State: The Beavers are on a bit of a frustrating run, going winless in their last five games, including three ties in which they missed out on the extra point. Perhaps the one-win Seawolves can cure what ails them. Anchorage is trying to crack an eight-game winless streak, although it did get the extra point in all three of its ties.
Lake Superior State at Michigan Tech: Minnesota State's opponent from last week will try to bounce back against the third-place Huskies. Tech, unbeaten in seven of its last nine games, is finding some chemistry, particularly in the line of Jake Jackson, Alex Smith and Brent Baltus.
Ferris State at Northern Michigan: With wins in three of its last four games and five of its last six, Ferris State has gotten itself back in the WCHA race. Up next is a trip to Marquette, where Northern Michigan will try to hold off the charging Bulldogs. The Wildcats have one win in their last seven games, although they feel good about the two ties at Bemidji last week, in which they got the extra points.
This week, I take a look at the Mavericks' — and one of the WCHA's top two — leading scorer, Zeb Knutson, who is having his best season as a senior. But it's his play in the defensive zone, coach Mike Hastings said, that has led directly to his success in the offensive end.
Read more about the weekend in my College Hockey Gameday and other nuggets in my College Hockey Notebook (such as a new player on the practice rink), including a look at the MSU women's team. Also, here's a look at the series from the perspective of UAHhockey.com.
In cased you missed it, my Tuesday column encourages folks to come out and see a team that has spent a lot of time — and had a lot of success — on the road so far this season.
The WCHA website this week features MSU freshman Jake Jaremko, who sure looks like the real deal through one semester of college play.
Going around the WCHA ...
Alaska Anchorage at Bemidji State: The Beavers are on a bit of a frustrating run, going winless in their last five games, including three ties in which they missed out on the extra point. Perhaps the one-win Seawolves can cure what ails them. Anchorage is trying to crack an eight-game winless streak, although it did get the extra point in all three of its ties.
Lake Superior State at Michigan Tech: Minnesota State's opponent from last week will try to bounce back against the third-place Huskies. Tech, unbeaten in seven of its last nine games, is finding some chemistry, particularly in the line of Jake Jackson, Alex Smith and Brent Baltus.
Ferris State at Northern Michigan: With wins in three of its last four games and five of its last six, Ferris State has gotten itself back in the WCHA race. Up next is a trip to Marquette, where Northern Michigan will try to hold off the charging Bulldogs. The Wildcats have one win in their last seven games, although they feel good about the two ties at Bemidji last week, in which they got the extra points.
Monday, December 11, 2017
Three Mavericks honored
Three Minnesota State players received WCHA honors for their play in last weekend's series sweep over Lake Superior State.
Senior forward Zeb Knutson was named Offensive Player of the Week, junior defenseman Daniel Brickley was named Defensive Player of the Week and freshman center Jake Jaremko was named Rookie of the Week.
Knutson had a five-point weekend with two goals and three assists. Four of the points came in Friday's 5-1 win. He was plus-2 and had six shots on goal. He leads MSU in scoring with 20 points and in goals with eight.
Brickley had a goal and three assists for four points in the series. He had four shots on goal and was plus-1. Three of the points cam eon Friday night. He now has 14 points for the year, including four goals.
Jaremko also had a four-point weekend, with two each night. He had six shots on goal and was plus-1. He had a goal and an assist on Friday and two assists in Saturday's 7-0 victory. He now has 17 points, including four goals, for the season with 13 points coming during his current seven-game point-scoring streak.
The other WCHA award went to Alaska's Anton Martinsson, who earned the Goaltender of the Week honor for winning twice against rival Alaska Anchorage in Anchorage.
Senior forward Zeb Knutson was named Offensive Player of the Week, junior defenseman Daniel Brickley was named Defensive Player of the Week and freshman center Jake Jaremko was named Rookie of the Week.
Knutson had a five-point weekend with two goals and three assists. Four of the points came in Friday's 5-1 win. He was plus-2 and had six shots on goal. He leads MSU in scoring with 20 points and in goals with eight.
Brickley had a goal and three assists for four points in the series. He had four shots on goal and was plus-1. Three of the points cam eon Friday night. He now has 14 points for the year, including four goals.
Jaremko also had a four-point weekend, with two each night. He had six shots on goal and was plus-1. He had a goal and an assist on Friday and two assists in Saturday's 7-0 victory. He now has 17 points, including four goals, for the season with 13 points coming during his current seven-game point-scoring streak.
The other WCHA award went to Alaska's Anton Martinsson, who earned the Goaltender of the Week honor for winning twice against rival Alaska Anchorage in Anchorage.
Mavericks move up to No. 7
Following its sweep of Lake Superior State over the weekend, the Minnesota State men's hockey team moved up one spot to No. 7 in the latest U.S. College Hockey Online and USA Today/USA Hockey rankings.
At 11-5-0, the Mavericks are tied for fifth in the country in winning percentage. They're also third in the nation in scoring (3.75 goals per game) after scoring 12 goals over the weekend and eighth in defense (2.38) after allowing just one to the Lakers. Here's the USCHO poll:
At 11-5-0, the Mavericks are tied for fifth in the country in winning percentage. They're also third in the nation in scoring (3.75 goals per game) after scoring 12 goals over the weekend and eighth in defense (2.38) after allowing just one to the Lakers. Here's the USCHO poll:
USCHO.com Division I Men's Poll Minneapolis, Minn./December 11, 2017 Team (First Place) Record Pts Last Week 1 St. Cloud State (35) 12- 2-1 978 2 2 Denver ( 8) 9- 3-4 918 1 3 Notre Dame ( 6) 16- 3-1 907 4 4 Clarkson ( 1) 15- 3-1 893 3 5 Cornell 10- 2-0 760 6 6 North Dakota 10- 5-5 758 5 7 Minnesota State 11- 5-0 694 8 8 Northeastern 10- 5-1 617 10 9 Ohio State 10- 4-4 566 15 10 Minnesota 10- 9-1 519 7 11 Providence 10- 7-1 516 9 12 Western Michigan 10- 8-1 433 11 13 Wisconsin 10- 9-2 335 12 14 Boston College 9- 7-2 327 14 15 Penn State 11- 7-2 322 18 16 New Hampshire 9- 7-1 260 13 17 Minnesota Duluth 8- 9-2 150 17 18 Colgate 8- 6-4 129 16 19 Union 10- 8-1 74 19 20 Canisius 10- 5-1 69 NR Others receiving votes: Bowling Green 61, Colorado College 50, Miami 37, UMass Lowell 33, Omaha 26, Boston University 20, Harvard 16, Michigan 14, Massachusetts 10, Niagara 4, Army 2, Bentley 1, Maine 1.
Saturday, December 9, 2017
Mavericks 7, Lakers 0
Freddy's three thoughts (from afar):
1. Road trippin': The Mavericks dominated the Lakers all weekend, outscoring them 12-1, including Saturday's touchdown and PAT. With their next four games at home, they finished their 11 first-half road games with an impressive 8-3 record. That included three shutouts (Connor LaCouvee's first collegiate clean sheet on Saturday) and three series sweeps (at BU, at Bemidji State, at Lake State). Minnesota State had just one series sweep away from Mankato last year, two the year before. It also had three road sweeps total in 2014-15.
2. Freshmen feeling good: Minnesota State's rookies didn't play like first-year players against the Lakers. Dallas Gerads scored his first collegiate goal to open the scoring on Saturday, and Reggie Lutz had three assists. Jake Jaremko, continued to stay hot, assisting on two goals for a four-point weekend and now ranks third on the team in scoring with 17 points. The scoring was really spread around, but the line of Jaremko, Lutz and senior Zeb Knutson (he had a goal Saturday and a five-point weekend), but dominant all weekend.
3. They've got the power: Minnesota State went 4 for 7 on the power play on Saturday and finished the series 6 for 13. Parker Tuomie scored two power play goals on Saturday and three for the weekend. Knutson, Ian Scheid and Jaremko also had PPGs in the series. MSU's power play percentage for the season is now up to 28 percent. Meanwhile, the Mavericks stoned the Lakers on three power plays Saturday and eight for the weekend. Lake State entered the series with one of the better power plays in the WCHA and in the country. Just an impressive weekend for the Mavericks.
Read my gamer here.
Around the WCHA: Bowling Green 3, Alabama Huntsville 1 ... Michigan Tech 5, Ferris State 1 ... Northern Michigan 4, Bemidji State 4 (NMU wins shootout) ... Alaska at UAA (late, UAF won 7-2 on Friday)
1. Road trippin': The Mavericks dominated the Lakers all weekend, outscoring them 12-1, including Saturday's touchdown and PAT. With their next four games at home, they finished their 11 first-half road games with an impressive 8-3 record. That included three shutouts (Connor LaCouvee's first collegiate clean sheet on Saturday) and three series sweeps (at BU, at Bemidji State, at Lake State). Minnesota State had just one series sweep away from Mankato last year, two the year before. It also had three road sweeps total in 2014-15.
2. Freshmen feeling good: Minnesota State's rookies didn't play like first-year players against the Lakers. Dallas Gerads scored his first collegiate goal to open the scoring on Saturday, and Reggie Lutz had three assists. Jake Jaremko, continued to stay hot, assisting on two goals for a four-point weekend and now ranks third on the team in scoring with 17 points. The scoring was really spread around, but the line of Jaremko, Lutz and senior Zeb Knutson (he had a goal Saturday and a five-point weekend), but dominant all weekend.
3. They've got the power: Minnesota State went 4 for 7 on the power play on Saturday and finished the series 6 for 13. Parker Tuomie scored two power play goals on Saturday and three for the weekend. Knutson, Ian Scheid and Jaremko also had PPGs in the series. MSU's power play percentage for the season is now up to 28 percent. Meanwhile, the Mavericks stoned the Lakers on three power plays Saturday and eight for the weekend. Lake State entered the series with one of the better power plays in the WCHA and in the country. Just an impressive weekend for the Mavericks.
Read my gamer here.
Around the WCHA: Bowling Green 3, Alabama Huntsville 1 ... Michigan Tech 5, Ferris State 1 ... Northern Michigan 4, Bemidji State 4 (NMU wins shootout) ... Alaska at UAA (late, UAF won 7-2 on Friday)
Friday, December 8, 2017
Mavericks 5, Lakers 1
Freddy's three thoughts (from afar) ...
1. Floodgates open: The Mavericks used a five-goal second period to turn a 1-0 deficit into the 5-1 win and snap a two-game losing streak. The key was something they didn't do against Minnesota Duluth in their last game: Get to the net. Starting with Jared Spooner's game-tying goal, the Mavericks worked to get to the so-called "hard areas" and were rewarded for it. Parker Tuomie, Zeb Knutson, Jake Jaremko and Daniel Brickley also scored goals. The Mavericks also got their scoring going without Marc Michaelis in the lineup. He was back in Mankato with an undisclosed injury.
2. Big night: Knutson had a four-point game with a goal and three assists, and Brickley finished with a goal and two assists. When asked about those performances, coach Mike Hastings actually turned to both players' defensive play, saying Knutson "played a 200-by-85 game" that led to scoring chances. Watching online, it was amazing how open Knutson seemed to get in the Lakers zone. Hastings said Brickley played a well-rounded game. Hastings also praised captain C.J. Suess, who had an assist and a team-leading five shots on goal.
3. Goalie change: Hastings gave Jason Pawloski his first start in goal since Nov. 11, and the junior got his third win of the season, stopping 23 shots. The game started disastrously for him, though, as he got behind 1-0 when a puck dumped in past a defenseman from the blue line took an odd bounce off the ice and went into the net. The Mavericks were playing well in that period, too, but were denied on 13 shots. Everyone bounced back in the second period, though. Pawloski helped the Mavericks kill off five penalties.
Read my write-up here.
Around the WCHA: Ferris State 4, Michigan Tech 3 ... Alabama Huntsville 3, Bowling Green 3 (UAH wins in shootout) ... Northern Michigan 1, Bemidji State 1 (NMU wins in 3x3) ... Alaska at Alaska Anchorage (late)
1. Floodgates open: The Mavericks used a five-goal second period to turn a 1-0 deficit into the 5-1 win and snap a two-game losing streak. The key was something they didn't do against Minnesota Duluth in their last game: Get to the net. Starting with Jared Spooner's game-tying goal, the Mavericks worked to get to the so-called "hard areas" and were rewarded for it. Parker Tuomie, Zeb Knutson, Jake Jaremko and Daniel Brickley also scored goals. The Mavericks also got their scoring going without Marc Michaelis in the lineup. He was back in Mankato with an undisclosed injury.
2. Big night: Knutson had a four-point game with a goal and three assists, and Brickley finished with a goal and two assists. When asked about those performances, coach Mike Hastings actually turned to both players' defensive play, saying Knutson "played a 200-by-85 game" that led to scoring chances. Watching online, it was amazing how open Knutson seemed to get in the Lakers zone. Hastings said Brickley played a well-rounded game. Hastings also praised captain C.J. Suess, who had an assist and a team-leading five shots on goal.
3. Goalie change: Hastings gave Jason Pawloski his first start in goal since Nov. 11, and the junior got his third win of the season, stopping 23 shots. The game started disastrously for him, though, as he got behind 1-0 when a puck dumped in past a defenseman from the blue line took an odd bounce off the ice and went into the net. The Mavericks were playing well in that period, too, but were denied on 13 shots. Everyone bounced back in the second period, though. Pawloski helped the Mavericks kill off five penalties.
Read my write-up here.
Around the WCHA: Ferris State 4, Michigan Tech 3 ... Alabama Huntsville 3, Bowling Green 3 (UAH wins in shootout) ... Northern Michigan 1, Bemidji State 1 (NMU wins in 3x3) ... Alaska at Alaska Anchorage (late)
Friday Morning Skate
Minnesota State is back on the road — again.
The Mavericks are playing at Lake Superior State for their 10th and 11th road games of their first 16 games, their sixth weekend away from Mankato after playing just three times at home in the first half. But MSU doesn't seem to mind the travel, as it has gone 6-3-0 on the road so far.
The Mavericks are also back from their first bye weekend of the season and hope to be well-rested going forward, too.
Read more about that and the series against the Lakers in my College Hockey Gameday feature here. The Laker Hockey Blog also previews this weekend's series here.
Around the WCHA ...
All 10 conference teams are in action against each other. Here's a look at the matchups:
Ferris State at Michigan Tech: The host Huskies are back from a two-week tour of Alaska where they went 2-0-2. They're also 3-1-3 in their last seven games and hope to keep that non-losing momentum going this weekend. The Bulldogs, meanwhile, have won three of their last four and are 6-3-0 since starting the season 2-6-1.
Alabama Huntsville at Bowling Green: The host Falcons moved into first place in the WCHA last weekend. They have lost just twice since Oct. 21, although they are 6-2-5 in that stretch. The Chargers, who are in the midst of a 12-game road swing, are playing well, too. After starting the season 1-6-0, next week's MSU opponent has gone 5-3-1.
Northern Michigan at Bemidji State: The host Beavers hope to bounce back after getting just two points at Bowling Green last weekend. They felt a little unlucky last weekend and hope being back home will cure what's ailing them. They have just one win in their last six games but are beginning a six-game homestand. As for the Wildcats, they're 1-4-0 in their last five and are trying to find more consistency in their game.
Alaska at Alaska Anchorage: These are games 3 and 4 of the Governor's Cup between the two rivals, both of whom have been struggling a bit. The visiting Nanooks are 2-7-0 in their last nine games, and the Seawolves are on a six-game winless streak, although they have gotten a few extra overtime points in shootouts and 3x3 play. The best story of the day comes from the Alaska Dispatch News, which has this one about the Seawolves' emergency third goalie, a former sports media intern.
Read the USCHO weekly column here.
Also, if you're going to the Minnesota State women's games against Lindenwood this weekend at the Verizon Center, Saturday is the Mavericks' Teddy Bear Toss. It will take place during the second intermission Saturday and all stuffed toys tossed on the ice will be donated to children in need. There also will be a team autograph session after Saturday's game.
The Mavericks are playing at Lake Superior State for their 10th and 11th road games of their first 16 games, their sixth weekend away from Mankato after playing just three times at home in the first half. But MSU doesn't seem to mind the travel, as it has gone 6-3-0 on the road so far.
The Mavericks are also back from their first bye weekend of the season and hope to be well-rested going forward, too.
Read more about that and the series against the Lakers in my College Hockey Gameday feature here. The Laker Hockey Blog also previews this weekend's series here.
Around the WCHA ...
All 10 conference teams are in action against each other. Here's a look at the matchups:
Ferris State at Michigan Tech: The host Huskies are back from a two-week tour of Alaska where they went 2-0-2. They're also 3-1-3 in their last seven games and hope to keep that non-losing momentum going this weekend. The Bulldogs, meanwhile, have won three of their last four and are 6-3-0 since starting the season 2-6-1.
Alabama Huntsville at Bowling Green: The host Falcons moved into first place in the WCHA last weekend. They have lost just twice since Oct. 21, although they are 6-2-5 in that stretch. The Chargers, who are in the midst of a 12-game road swing, are playing well, too. After starting the season 1-6-0, next week's MSU opponent has gone 5-3-1.
Northern Michigan at Bemidji State: The host Beavers hope to bounce back after getting just two points at Bowling Green last weekend. They felt a little unlucky last weekend and hope being back home will cure what's ailing them. They have just one win in their last six games but are beginning a six-game homestand. As for the Wildcats, they're 1-4-0 in their last five and are trying to find more consistency in their game.
Alaska at Alaska Anchorage: These are games 3 and 4 of the Governor's Cup between the two rivals, both of whom have been struggling a bit. The visiting Nanooks are 2-7-0 in their last nine games, and the Seawolves are on a six-game winless streak, although they have gotten a few extra overtime points in shootouts and 3x3 play. The best story of the day comes from the Alaska Dispatch News, which has this one about the Seawolves' emergency third goalie, a former sports media intern.
Read the USCHO weekly column here.
Also, if you're going to the Minnesota State women's games against Lindenwood this weekend at the Verizon Center, Saturday is the Mavericks' Teddy Bear Toss. It will take place during the second intermission Saturday and all stuffed toys tossed on the ice will be donated to children in need. There also will be a team autograph session after Saturday's game.
Tuesday, December 5, 2017
What'd I miss?
I'm back from a couple of days or R and R. So what happened during Minnesota State's bye week?
Well, the Mavericks stayed at No. 8 in the latest USCHO poll and moved up to No. 8 from No. 10 in the USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine rankings.
As expected, idle Minnesota State also dropped out of first place in the WCHA standings, as Bowling Green took 4 of 6 points from Bemidji State last weekend, a 3-1 win and a 3-3 tie with a shootout loss.
The Falcons now have a three-point lead over the Mavericks atop the standings, but MSU has two games in hand. Minnesota State has four games in hand over Michigan Tech, which sits one point back in third place.
Those games in hand won't change this weekend as all 10 WCHA teams will be in action against each other. Here's the schedule:
Minnesota State at Lake Superior State
Alabama Huntsville at Bowling Green
Ferris State at Michigan Tech
Northern Michigan at Bemidji State
Alaska at Alaska Anchorage
Current standings look like this:
1. Bowling Green, 24 points (12 GP)
2. Minnesota State, 21 points (10)
3. Michigan Tech, 20 points (14)
4. Northern Michigan, 18 points (10)
5. Alabama Huntsville, 16 points (10)
5. Ferris State, 16 points (10)
7. Lake Superior State, 11 points (10)
7. Alaska, 11 points (12)
9. Bemidji State, 10 points (8)
10. Alaska Anchorage, 9 points (8)
Well, the Mavericks stayed at No. 8 in the latest USCHO poll and moved up to No. 8 from No. 10 in the USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine rankings.
As expected, idle Minnesota State also dropped out of first place in the WCHA standings, as Bowling Green took 4 of 6 points from Bemidji State last weekend, a 3-1 win and a 3-3 tie with a shootout loss.
The Falcons now have a three-point lead over the Mavericks atop the standings, but MSU has two games in hand. Minnesota State has four games in hand over Michigan Tech, which sits one point back in third place.
Those games in hand won't change this weekend as all 10 WCHA teams will be in action against each other. Here's the schedule:
Minnesota State at Lake Superior State
Alabama Huntsville at Bowling Green
Ferris State at Michigan Tech
Northern Michigan at Bemidji State
Alaska at Alaska Anchorage
Current standings look like this:
1. Bowling Green, 24 points (12 GP)
2. Minnesota State, 21 points (10)
3. Michigan Tech, 20 points (14)
4. Northern Michigan, 18 points (10)
5. Alabama Huntsville, 16 points (10)
5. Ferris State, 16 points (10)
7. Lake Superior State, 11 points (10)
7. Alaska, 11 points (12)
9. Bemidji State, 10 points (8)
10. Alaska Anchorage, 9 points (8)
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