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.