Friday Morning Skate

The Mavericks are on the road again, this time going to Bowling Green to face the rival Falcons. This will be their first repeat opponent of the season. The teams split a series in early November in Mankato, and the all-time matchup has been really close since Bowling Green joined the WCHA.

Minnesota State had the WCHA's rookie of the week last week in Lucas Sowder. One of two Florida natives on the roster, he talked this week about the transition from the Sunshine State to one where a winter storm is expected this weekend. He also talked about a season in which he ranks third among the nation's freshmen in scoring. Playing with Hobey Baker candidate Marc Michaelis (goalie Dryden McKay is the other initial Hobey nominee) and Parker Tuomie, doesn't hurt.

Earlier this week, I wrote a column on appreciating another 20-win season for the Mavericks.

The Falcons are excited to host MSU this weekend, calling the Mavericks "the team that's been the gold standard in the league."

Going around the WCHA ...

Northern Michigan at Cornell: The Wildcats, winners of five games in a row, already knocked one No. 1 team from the top spot when they defeated Minnesota State right before Christmas break. Now they're taking on another one in a nonconference series. Cornell started the season 10-0-0 and is 2-1-2 since.

Michigan Tech at Bemidji State: The host Beavers are in second place in the WCHA and are getting into the meat of their schedule now, starting with having the Huskies in town. Tech is in sixth place and seeking to move up into the top four before the season's done.

Alaska at Ferris State: Tied with Bowling Green for fourth place, the Nanooks will try to keep pace or even move up when they travel to Big Rapids to take on the Bulldogs, who are looking to snap a six-game losing streak.

Alabama Huntsville at Alaska Anchorage: The bottom two teams in the WCHA play this weekend in Anchorage. The visiting Chargers are desperately seeking its second win of the year, while the Seawolves are hoping to move up into a league playoff position.