Minnesota State is back home this weekend and will open WCHA play against Alaska, "a monster weekend," coach Mike Hastings said, reminding that league play is just as important, as taking on big-name schools like BU and North Dakota to start the season.
One player who has started out hot for MSU has been Parker Tuomie, the junior forward from Germany. He has six points, including four goals, in four games and has been called the most-competitive player on the team.
I had good chats with Tuomie and Hastings for that story. Here are a couple of outtakes that had to be cut from the story:
• Tuomie on improving his conditioning and skating: "A big thing this summer, I got in a lot better shape and was able build a lot more muscle. Last year, having a guy like Tim Jackman on our staff and working with us, he was able to show me a lot of pointers on how to improve my skating. ... And coach Hastings, he has a big emphasis on skating, so we make sure throughout the season we always try to develop our skating and I think you can see that in our team."
• Tuomie on his fast start this season, compared to slower starts stat-wise in his first two seasons: "The first two seasons I could have had a stronger start. The puck didn’t always bounce my way in the first couple games the past two years, and this year I was fortunate enough that it did. It’s helped me, and it’s helped the team a lot."
• Hastings on other areas where Tuomie's matured: "He’s done a phenomenal job with our freshman class. When you talk to that freshman class about who’s had an impact on you in your short time here, it’s Parker Tuomie. ... He’s got more balance in his life right now. He’s done a real good job. He’s not a one-trick pony; it's not just hockey. He’s buckled down academically. He’s doing a lot of things the right way our guys can follow as far as team-building. I’m real excited about his future."
• Hastings on Tuomie challenging himself: "In my opinion, consistently. Right wing, left wing, he can play either. If I asked him to play in the middle he’d play there. He’s starting to take command out on the rink, too, at times: 'We’ve got to do this; we’ve got to do that.' He’s doing a lot of the we things, which I think is a maturity also."
As for the Nanooks, they are winless but have also played a tough schedule with St. Cloud State and Denver on their docket. Playing the Mavericks to start the conference slate doesn't make things any easier, new coach Eric Largen said.
Saturday night is Hockey Night in Mankato, with pregame festivities in the Civic Center Plaza from 4:30-7.
There are three other WCHA series this weekend as well:
• Alaska Anchorage at Ferris State: The Seawolves opened the season with a split against Colorado College and then didn't play the next two weekends. After 19 days, they're finally back in action against the 1-3 Bulldogs.
• Bemidji State at Northern Michigan: The Beavers were off last weekend after a win and tie against North Dakota and open league play against one of the WCHA favorites. The Wildcats, meanwhile, are 1-3, starting a bit slower than expected, but they hope home ice cures what ails them.
• Lake Superior State at Alabama Huntsville: The 2-0 Lakers hit the road and hope to keep things rolling against the winless Chargers (0-6), who have been outscored 23-3 so far.
In nonconferene play:
• Bowling Green plays Ohio State home and home: Bowling Green is 4-1, including a nice win over Western Michigan on Tuesday. The Falcons are ranked No. 15 but now face their toughest test with games against No. 4 (and previous No. 1) Ohio State, their in-state and old CCHA rival.
• Michigan Tech at Wisconsin: The Huskies are 0-2 after starting the season with two losses to Minnesota Duluth. After a week off, they're in Madison to take on the No. 14 Badgers. It's the start of an eight-game road swing for Tech.
The Minnesota State women play at Bemidji State, and the Gustavus Adolphus men's and women's teams officially start the Division III season this weekend.
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