Leitner had a five-point weekend, including a goal in each game and was named Offensive Player of the week.
Williams earned two wins by stopping 65 of 69 shots in the series and was named Rookie of the Week.
Read more here.
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Leitner, Williams earn league honors
Minnesota State center Matt Leitner and goaltender Stephon Williams earned WCHA player-of-the-week honors on Tuesday for their performances in the Mavericks' series sweep at Wisconsin over the weekend.
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Mavericks 4, Badgers 2
Freddy's three thoughts of the game (and MSU's first-ever series sweep in Madison) ...
1. Stars come out to sweep: The best players on the ice were Mavericks, and they were the Mavericks who have to be there for this team night in and night out. Eriah Hayes, the senior captain, scored a pair of power-play goals, including a huge goal to make it a two-goal game in the third period. He had three power-play goals in the series. Matt Leitner, who was lights out all weekend – or should it be Leits out? — had a goal and two assists for a five-point series. He now has 15 points in 12 games, which ranks seventh in the WCHA. Jean-Paul LaFontaine had a pair of assists. Coach Mike Hastings has — and should have — high expectations for those players every single night.
2. Enjoy the show: MSU freshman goalie Stephon Williams stopped 33 shots and made 65 saves for two wins on the weekend. He took some punishment from the Badgers, getting plowed into once by John Ramage (no penalty) in the first period and then enduring two more hits that did draw goalie interference calls in the third. Williams showed off his wacky side along the way, which didn't sit well with the Wisconsin fans. After making a how'd-he-do-that glove save on Derek Lee while sprawled out in the crease, Williams got up, skated off to the side and flung the puck down the rink. After getting taken out by Brendan Woods, he lay on the ice for a bit, perhaps milking the hit a bit. And in the final minute of the game, perhaps letting off some steam, he shoved Michael Mersch's head to the ice and was called for roughing. I'm not sure Hastings loved the act — "Let's just put it this way," the coach said, "he's young." — but it was entertaining.
3. So what? Wisconsin is hurting. One win in 10 games this season. Missing its best playmaker Mark Zengerle with an injury and missing a potential young superstar in Nic Kerdiles, whose NCAA suspension ended after this series. Add to that a Kohl Center that wasn't exactly Wisconsin-like with a Thanksgiving weekend skeleton crew of a student section and plenty of other empty seats. But, yeah, so what? The Mavericks had to take advantage of those circumstances, and they did. I'm not sure MSU teams from recent years would have done that. Minnesota State got the sweep, got the four points for the WCHA standings and are going back to Mankato for two weekends.
Read The Free Press game story here.
Around the WCHA: Notre Dame 5, North Dakota 2 ... Minnesota 3, Vermont 1 ... Bemidji State 5, Alaska Anchorage 4 ... Nebraska Omaha 8, Alabama Huntsville 0 ... St. Cloud State 5, Minnesota Duluth 1 ... New Hampshire 6, Denver 4 ... Yale 6, Colorado College 5 (OT)
1. Stars come out to sweep: The best players on the ice were Mavericks, and they were the Mavericks who have to be there for this team night in and night out. Eriah Hayes, the senior captain, scored a pair of power-play goals, including a huge goal to make it a two-goal game in the third period. He had three power-play goals in the series. Matt Leitner, who was lights out all weekend – or should it be Leits out? — had a goal and two assists for a five-point series. He now has 15 points in 12 games, which ranks seventh in the WCHA. Jean-Paul LaFontaine had a pair of assists. Coach Mike Hastings has — and should have — high expectations for those players every single night.
2. Enjoy the show: MSU freshman goalie Stephon Williams stopped 33 shots and made 65 saves for two wins on the weekend. He took some punishment from the Badgers, getting plowed into once by John Ramage (no penalty) in the first period and then enduring two more hits that did draw goalie interference calls in the third. Williams showed off his wacky side along the way, which didn't sit well with the Wisconsin fans. After making a how'd-he-do-that glove save on Derek Lee while sprawled out in the crease, Williams got up, skated off to the side and flung the puck down the rink. After getting taken out by Brendan Woods, he lay on the ice for a bit, perhaps milking the hit a bit. And in the final minute of the game, perhaps letting off some steam, he shoved Michael Mersch's head to the ice and was called for roughing. I'm not sure Hastings loved the act — "Let's just put it this way," the coach said, "he's young." — but it was entertaining.
3. So what? Wisconsin is hurting. One win in 10 games this season. Missing its best playmaker Mark Zengerle with an injury and missing a potential young superstar in Nic Kerdiles, whose NCAA suspension ended after this series. Add to that a Kohl Center that wasn't exactly Wisconsin-like with a Thanksgiving weekend skeleton crew of a student section and plenty of other empty seats. But, yeah, so what? The Mavericks had to take advantage of those circumstances, and they did. I'm not sure MSU teams from recent years would have done that. Minnesota State got the sweep, got the four points for the WCHA standings and are going back to Mankato for two weekends.
Read The Free Press game story here.
Around the WCHA: Notre Dame 5, North Dakota 2 ... Minnesota 3, Vermont 1 ... Bemidji State 5, Alaska Anchorage 4 ... Nebraska Omaha 8, Alabama Huntsville 0 ... St. Cloud State 5, Minnesota Duluth 1 ... New Hampshire 6, Denver 4 ... Yale 6, Colorado College 5 (OT)
Minnesota State at Wisconsin – Game 2 live blog
The Mavericks are going for the road sweep with the same lineup as Friday's opener. Lines can be found under the live chat ...
MINNESOTA STATE
26) Margonari —18) Leitner — 19) Lehrke
24) Knowles — 12) LaFontaine — 25) Hayes
21) Grant — 23) Blueger — 22) McInnis
9) Gervais — 29) Zuck —8) Gaede
16) Elbrecht — 17) Mosey
7) Palmquist — 4) Buchanan
27) Stern — 28) Jutzi
35) Williams
30) Cook
Extras on trip: Leivermann, Mosey. Back in Kato: Burkemper, Herndon, Knoll, Thauwald
25) Mersch — 23) Lee — 7) Barnes
16) LaBate — 21) Woods — 12) Meuer
20) R. Little — 14) Dahl — 18) S.Little
26) Navin — 8) Paape — 13) Hartzog
28) Schulze — 55) Ramage
22) Wittchow — 24) Faust
19) McCabe — 27) Simonelli
33) Rumpel
30) Peterson
31) Miller
Referees: Craig Welker, Don Adam. Linesemen: Dan Carey, Ed Moberg
MINNESOTA STATE
26) Margonari —18) Leitner — 19) Lehrke
24) Knowles — 12) LaFontaine — 25) Hayes
21) Grant — 23) Blueger — 22) McInnis
9) Gervais — 29) Zuck —8) Gaede
16) Elbrecht — 17) Mosey
7) Palmquist — 4) Buchanan
27) Stern — 28) Jutzi
35) Williams
30) Cook
Extras on trip: Leivermann, Mosey. Back in Kato: Burkemper, Herndon, Knoll, Thauwald
WISCONSIN
25) Mersch — 23) Lee — 7) Barnes
16) LaBate — 21) Woods — 12) Meuer
20) R. Little — 14) Dahl — 18) S.Little
26) Navin — 8) Paape — 13) Hartzog
28) Schulze — 55) Ramage
22) Wittchow — 24) Faust
19) McCabe — 27) Simonelli
33) Rumpel
30) Peterson
31) Miller
Referees: Craig Welker, Don Adam. Linesemen: Dan Carey, Ed Moberg
Friday, November 23, 2012
Mavericks 4, Badgers 2
Freddy's three thoughts of the game ...
1. The kids are all right: Minnesota State's young stars shined in the first period tonight, as freshman Dylan Margonari and sophomore Matt Leitner teamed up for a pair of goals that gave MSU leads of 1-0 and 2-1. Important leads in for a team desperately needing WCHA points and playing in a building where it hasn't had much success (more on that in a bit). Meanwhile, rookie goaltender Stephon Williams played his best game of the season and earned his first victory with 32 saves, including 15 in the second period alone. Sophomore defenseman Zach Palmquist assisted on two goals.
2. House of horrors no more: The Mavericks' last win in the Kohl Center came on Feb. 15, 2008, when Mike Zacharias had a 32-save shutout. Friday's victory snapped a seven-game losing streak in Madison. Certainly making it more sweet is the fact that with the conference shakeup coming next summer, this likely will be MSU's final trip here in quite some time. (Given the Badgers 1-6-2 start to the season — and, boy, are they down in the dumps right now — the Mavericks certainly won't be coming back here for the playoffs next March.)
3. Senior salute: A couple of old players sealed the win for the Mavericks. After surviving the second period by allowing just one goal (which came directly off a careless turnover by Jean-Paul LaFontaine), Minnesota State took the lead on an Eriah Hayes power play goal. It was Hayes' team-leading fifth goal of the season. In the game's final minute, Eli Zuck scored an empty-netter, wisely and carefully making sure he got over the red line before taking the shot so he didn't ice the puck if he missed.
Deep thought: The Mavericks had to like playing in a not-so-hostile Kohl Center. Thanksgiving weekend. Few students. Crowd generously announced at 9,118. I probably said this last year in Mankato, but it's too bad that the WCHA schedules league games on a holiday weekend like this. Nonconference? Sure. Tournament? OK. Trip East? Cool. Off weekend? Even better. The WCHA prides itself on big rivalries in crowded buildings with great atmosphere. Maybe I'm just lamenting that the last games I'm covering in this building (most likely) are when it's a half-empty, quiet cave. Too bad.
Read my Free Press gamer here.
Around the WCHA: Minnesota 5, Vermont 1 ... North Dakota 2, Notre Dame 1 ... Alaska Anchorage 2, Bemidji State 2 (OT) ... Nebraska Omaha 3, Alabama Huntsville 2 ... Minnesota Duluth 2, St. Cloud State 1 ... Yale 2, Denver 1 (OT) ... New Hampshire 4, Colorado College 4 (OT)
1. The kids are all right: Minnesota State's young stars shined in the first period tonight, as freshman Dylan Margonari and sophomore Matt Leitner teamed up for a pair of goals that gave MSU leads of 1-0 and 2-1. Important leads in for a team desperately needing WCHA points and playing in a building where it hasn't had much success (more on that in a bit). Meanwhile, rookie goaltender Stephon Williams played his best game of the season and earned his first victory with 32 saves, including 15 in the second period alone. Sophomore defenseman Zach Palmquist assisted on two goals.
2. House of horrors no more: The Mavericks' last win in the Kohl Center came on Feb. 15, 2008, when Mike Zacharias had a 32-save shutout. Friday's victory snapped a seven-game losing streak in Madison. Certainly making it more sweet is the fact that with the conference shakeup coming next summer, this likely will be MSU's final trip here in quite some time. (Given the Badgers 1-6-2 start to the season — and, boy, are they down in the dumps right now — the Mavericks certainly won't be coming back here for the playoffs next March.)
3. Senior salute: A couple of old players sealed the win for the Mavericks. After surviving the second period by allowing just one goal (which came directly off a careless turnover by Jean-Paul LaFontaine), Minnesota State took the lead on an Eriah Hayes power play goal. It was Hayes' team-leading fifth goal of the season. In the game's final minute, Eli Zuck scored an empty-netter, wisely and carefully making sure he got over the red line before taking the shot so he didn't ice the puck if he missed.
Deep thought: The Mavericks had to like playing in a not-so-hostile Kohl Center. Thanksgiving weekend. Few students. Crowd generously announced at 9,118. I probably said this last year in Mankato, but it's too bad that the WCHA schedules league games on a holiday weekend like this. Nonconference? Sure. Tournament? OK. Trip East? Cool. Off weekend? Even better. The WCHA prides itself on big rivalries in crowded buildings with great atmosphere. Maybe I'm just lamenting that the last games I'm covering in this building (most likely) are when it's a half-empty, quiet cave. Too bad.
Read my Free Press gamer here.
Around the WCHA: Minnesota 5, Vermont 1 ... North Dakota 2, Notre Dame 1 ... Alaska Anchorage 2, Bemidji State 2 (OT) ... Nebraska Omaha 3, Alabama Huntsville 2 ... Minnesota Duluth 2, St. Cloud State 1 ... Yale 2, Denver 1 (OT) ... New Hampshire 4, Colorado College 4 (OT)
Minnesota State at Wisconsin — Game 1 live blog
Lines will be posted when I get to the Kohl Center ...
MINNESOTA STATE
26) Margonari —18) Leitner — 19) Lehrke
24) Knowles — 12) LaFontaine — 25) Hayes
21) Grant — 23) Blueger — 22) McInnis
9) Gervais — 29) Zuck —8) Gaede
16) Elbrecht — 2) Nelson
7) Palmquist — 4) Buchanan
27) Stern — 28) Jutzi
35) Williams
30) Cook
Extras on trip: Leivermann, Mosey. Back in Kato: Burkemper, Herndon, Knoll, Thauwald
WISCONSIN
25) Mersch — 23) Lee — 12) Meuer
16) LaBate — 21) Woods — 7) Barnes
20) R. Little — 14) Dahl — 18) S.Little
26) Navin — 8) Paape — 13) Hartzog
28) Schulze — 55) Ramage
5) Drake — 24) Faust
19) McCabe — 27) Simonelli
30) Peterson
33) Rumpel
31) Miller
Referees: Craig Welker, Don Adam. Linesemen: Dan Carey, Ed Moberg
MINNESOTA STATE
26) Margonari —18) Leitner — 19) Lehrke
24) Knowles — 12) LaFontaine — 25) Hayes
21) Grant — 23) Blueger — 22) McInnis
9) Gervais — 29) Zuck —8) Gaede
16) Elbrecht — 2) Nelson
7) Palmquist — 4) Buchanan
27) Stern — 28) Jutzi
35) Williams
30) Cook
Extras on trip: Leivermann, Mosey. Back in Kato: Burkemper, Herndon, Knoll, Thauwald
WISCONSIN
25) Mersch — 23) Lee — 12) Meuer
16) LaBate — 21) Woods — 7) Barnes
20) R. Little — 14) Dahl — 18) S.Little
26) Navin — 8) Paape — 13) Hartzog
28) Schulze — 55) Ramage
5) Drake — 24) Faust
19) McCabe — 27) Simonelli
30) Peterson
33) Rumpel
31) Miller
Referees: Craig Welker, Don Adam. Linesemen: Dan Carey, Ed Moberg
Friday Morning Skate
Greetings from snowy northern Wisconsin. Yes, I know I'm due in the southern part of the state by the end of the day, so I'll get an early start on this morning.
The Mavericks and the Badgers are both desperate for WCHA wins, as each has just one so far (Wisconsin has just one overall).
Minnesota State had last week off, but coach Mike Hastings didn't give his team a lot of time away from the rink. In some ways, he had more time with his team before this series than he did before the season opener.
A few notes ...
Opponents have outscored MSU 32-27 this season, including a 12-10 edge on special teams (the Mavs have eight power-play goals and two shorties). In third periods, MSU has a 14-11 scoring edge, but it's been outscored 21-12 in the first 40 minutes of games.
The Mavericks are 1-3-1 on the road this season with the lone win coming in the season-opener at Alabama Huntsville. Going back to last season, MSU has lost seven straight WCHA games on the road, with their last one coming on Feb. 1 at Alaska Anchorage. That was also the Mavericks' final win of last season. They went 4-10-0 on the road in league play last year.
As for the Badgers, their best forward, Mark Zengerle, remains out with a broken finger, while these games will be the final two of freshman phenom Nic Kerdiles' NCAA suspension. Wisconsin also lost assistant coach Bill Butters a couple of weeks ago, as he resigned from his post and the search is on for his replacement.
For this weekend, Wisconsin coach Mike Eaves has juggled his lineup in hopes of improving the offense. Read more about the series here.
Here are the other series/games in the WCHA this weekend (sorry, no links this week, as I'll be on the road early) ...
Minnesota at Vermont
North Dakota at Notre Dame
Alaska Anchorage at Bemidji State
Alabama Huntsville at Nebraska Omaha
St. Cloud State at Minnesota Duluth
New Hampshire at Colorado College (Fri.), Denver (Sat.)
Yale at Denver (Friday), Colorado College (Sat.)
The Mavericks and the Badgers are both desperate for WCHA wins, as each has just one so far (Wisconsin has just one overall).
Minnesota State had last week off, but coach Mike Hastings didn't give his team a lot of time away from the rink. In some ways, he had more time with his team before this series than he did before the season opener.
A few notes ...
Opponents have outscored MSU 32-27 this season, including a 12-10 edge on special teams (the Mavs have eight power-play goals and two shorties). In third periods, MSU has a 14-11 scoring edge, but it's been outscored 21-12 in the first 40 minutes of games.
The Mavericks are 1-3-1 on the road this season with the lone win coming in the season-opener at Alabama Huntsville. Going back to last season, MSU has lost seven straight WCHA games on the road, with their last one coming on Feb. 1 at Alaska Anchorage. That was also the Mavericks' final win of last season. They went 4-10-0 on the road in league play last year.
As for the Badgers, their best forward, Mark Zengerle, remains out with a broken finger, while these games will be the final two of freshman phenom Nic Kerdiles' NCAA suspension. Wisconsin also lost assistant coach Bill Butters a couple of weeks ago, as he resigned from his post and the search is on for his replacement.
For this weekend, Wisconsin coach Mike Eaves has juggled his lineup in hopes of improving the offense. Read more about the series here.
Here are the other series/games in the WCHA this weekend (sorry, no links this week, as I'll be on the road early) ...
Minnesota at Vermont
North Dakota at Notre Dame
Alaska Anchorage at Bemidji State
Alabama Huntsville at Nebraska Omaha
St. Cloud State at Minnesota Duluth
New Hampshire at Colorado College (Fri.), Denver (Sat.)
Yale at Denver (Friday), Colorado College (Sat.)
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