Minnesota State is idle this weekend but did get quite a bit of attention as junior forward Charlie Gerard received some weekly awards, and the team itself got featured nationally.
As for the rest of the WCHA this week ...
There are three conference series with Michigan Tech going to Ferris State, No. 10 Bowling Green going to Alaska Anchorage and Alaska going to Lake Superior State.
In nonconference play, Bemidji State will host Merrimack, and Northern Michigan will host No. 17 Cornell.
Friday, November 9, 2018
Monday, November 5, 2018
Mavericks now No. 3
Following their sweep over Minnesota over the weekend, the 7-1-0 Mavericks moved up to No. 3 in the latest U.S. College Hockey Online poll.
The top three teams in the country are from Minnesota with Minnesota Duluth (6-1-1) first, St. Cloud State (7-1-0) second and MSU third. Minnesota dropped from 10th to 16th. The Gophers are 1-3-1.
As for other WCHA teams, Bowling Green (6-2-1) slipped one spot to 10th after splitting at home against Northern Michigan. Bemidji State and Lake Superior State are receiving votes.
Minnesota State remained fourth in the USA Today/USA Hockey rankings.
The top three teams in the country are from Minnesota with Minnesota Duluth (6-1-1) first, St. Cloud State (7-1-0) second and MSU third. Minnesota dropped from 10th to 16th. The Gophers are 1-3-1.
As for other WCHA teams, Bowling Green (6-2-1) slipped one spot to 10th after splitting at home against Northern Michigan. Bemidji State and Lake Superior State are receiving votes.
Minnesota State remained fourth in the USA Today/USA Hockey rankings.
USCHO.com Division I Men's Poll Minneapolis, Minn./November 05, 2018 Team (First Place) Record Pts Last Week 1 Minnesota Duluth (44) 6- 1-1 991 1 2 St. Cloud State ( 4) 7- 1-0 937 2 3 Minnesota State ( 2) 7- 1-0 876 4 4 Providence 5- 1-1 861 3 5 Denver 5- 0-1 742 8 6 Notre Dame 4- 3-1 721 5 7 Ohio State 4- 3-1 654 7 8 Penn State 6- 1-0 652 6 9 Massachusetts 6- 1-0 615 11 10 Bowling Green 6- 2-1 543 9 11 North Dakota 4- 2-1 485 14 12 Union 6- 2-1 392 17 13 Quinnipiac 6- 1-0 333 15 14 Michigan 4- 3-0 313 12 15 Northeastern 4- 3-1 257 13 16 Minnesota 1- 3-1 238 10 17 Cornell 2- 2-0 223 18 18 Princeton 1- 1-1 163 19 19 Miami 7- 3-0 102 20 20 Wisconsin 4- 4-0 86 16 Others receiving votes: Arizona State 85, Bemidji State 65, Lake Superior 37, Michigan State 35, Colorado College 31, Clarkson 24, Boston University 17, UMass Lowell 9, Harvard 4, Air Force 3, Connecticut 3, Dartmouth 2, Boston College 1.
Saturday, November 3, 2018
Mavericks 2, Gophers 1
Freddy's three thoughts of the game ...
1. Special team: Minnesota State scored a power-play goal and a short-handed goal 80 seconds apart in the second period, turning a 1-0 deficit into a 2-1 lead and turning a quiet crowd of 5,131 into a spirited one. Parker Tuomie scored the first goal, staying red-hot. He has five goals and 13 points in eight games, while Jake Jaremko scored the second, his first of the year and one everyone's hoping will get him going after a slow start. Jaremko got a bit of good fortune on the goal, as you can read about him my gamer linked below, but he'll take it — and so will the Mavericks.
2. Defense wins: The Mavericks had chances to extend their lead, getting five straight power plays in the second and third periods, but they were unable to do so. Still, they keep finding ways to close out games, thanks to strong defensive play. "There are two guys who I think just epitomize a calmness, but yet (are) aggressive, and that’s Riese Zmolek and Edwin Hookenson," coach Mike Hastings said. "What they’re doing right now as a pair for us, I wish I could clone them, because they're minute eaters, they’re hard to play against, they’re starting to play with a little more offense to their game, and they’re 200-foot players. I didn't think there was any panic."
3. Getting through the gauntlet: MSU still has two nonconference games remaining in December, but who would have predicted it was going to finish this stretch 5-1-0, playing Boston University, North Dakota and Minnesota? Add to that the sweep over Alaska last weekend, and the Mavericks are 7-1-0 through their first eight games. "Because our league schedule is so meaty as far as the number of games, playing 28 games, you don't have a lot of opportunity to play outside your conference," Hastings said. "For us, they're very important games. You never know when you start it early how it's going to go."
Read my game story here.
Around the WCHA: Northern Michigan 2, Bowling Green 0 ... Ferris State 4, Michigan State 1 ... Michigan 5, Lake Superior State 3 ... Bemidji State 3, Alaska Anchorage 1 ... Michigan Tech 4, Alabama Huntsville 1
1. Special team: Minnesota State scored a power-play goal and a short-handed goal 80 seconds apart in the second period, turning a 1-0 deficit into a 2-1 lead and turning a quiet crowd of 5,131 into a spirited one. Parker Tuomie scored the first goal, staying red-hot. He has five goals and 13 points in eight games, while Jake Jaremko scored the second, his first of the year and one everyone's hoping will get him going after a slow start. Jaremko got a bit of good fortune on the goal, as you can read about him my gamer linked below, but he'll take it — and so will the Mavericks.
2. Defense wins: The Mavericks had chances to extend their lead, getting five straight power plays in the second and third periods, but they were unable to do so. Still, they keep finding ways to close out games, thanks to strong defensive play. "There are two guys who I think just epitomize a calmness, but yet (are) aggressive, and that’s Riese Zmolek and Edwin Hookenson," coach Mike Hastings said. "What they’re doing right now as a pair for us, I wish I could clone them, because they're minute eaters, they’re hard to play against, they’re starting to play with a little more offense to their game, and they’re 200-foot players. I didn't think there was any panic."
3. Getting through the gauntlet: MSU still has two nonconference games remaining in December, but who would have predicted it was going to finish this stretch 5-1-0, playing Boston University, North Dakota and Minnesota? Add to that the sweep over Alaska last weekend, and the Mavericks are 7-1-0 through their first eight games. "Because our league schedule is so meaty as far as the number of games, playing 28 games, you don't have a lot of opportunity to play outside your conference," Hastings said. "For us, they're very important games. You never know when you start it early how it's going to go."
Read my game story here.
Around the WCHA: Northern Michigan 2, Bowling Green 0 ... Ferris State 4, Michigan State 1 ... Michigan 5, Lake Superior State 3 ... Bemidji State 3, Alaska Anchorage 1 ... Michigan Tech 4, Alabama Huntsville 1
Live: Minnesota State vs. Minnesota
The Mavericks are back at the Verizon Center where they hope to pull off a sweep of the Gophers after Friday's 5-1 victory in Minneapolis. Follow along with the action below tonight's lines:
MINNESOTA STATE
6-Tuomie, 20-Michaelis, 9-Gerard
16-Lutz, 5-Jaremko, 12-Coatta
23-Rivera, 11-Spooner, 15-Napravnik
22-Gerads, 26-French, 17-Duehr
2-Mackey, 3-McNeely
25-Zmolek, 24-Hookenson
7-Aamodt, 18-Scheid
4-Carroll
32-Israelsson
29-McKay
31-Berger
Scratches: Bigelbach, Galambos, McMahan, Schwalbe, Vanko
MINNESOTA
58-Ranta, 9-Walker, 22-Sheehy
23-Norman, 15-Pitlick, 7-McManus
27-McLaughlin, 26-Romanko, 12-Marooney
10-Gates, 17-Novak, 16-Ramsey
28-Rossini, 18-Phillips
20-Zuhlsdorf, 2-Sadek
4-Brinkman, 29-Nanne
40-Robson
37-Schierhorn
***
MINNESOTA STATE
6-Tuomie, 20-Michaelis, 9-Gerard
16-Lutz, 5-Jaremko, 12-Coatta
23-Rivera, 11-Spooner, 15-Napravnik
22-Gerads, 26-French, 17-Duehr
2-Mackey, 3-McNeely
25-Zmolek, 24-Hookenson
7-Aamodt, 18-Scheid
4-Carroll
32-Israelsson
29-McKay
31-Berger
Scratches: Bigelbach, Galambos, McMahan, Schwalbe, Vanko
MINNESOTA
58-Ranta, 9-Walker, 22-Sheehy
23-Norman, 15-Pitlick, 7-McManus
27-McLaughlin, 26-Romanko, 12-Marooney
10-Gates, 17-Novak, 16-Ramsey
28-Rossini, 18-Phillips
20-Zuhlsdorf, 2-Sadek
4-Brinkman, 29-Nanne
40-Robson
37-Schierhorn
***
Friday, November 2, 2018
Mavericks 5, Gophers 1
Freddy's three thoughts of the game ...
1. New star emerging: Marc Michaelis had a big night with two goals and two assists, but as the season enters its second month and the Mavericks' identity becomes clearer, some new stars are coming into their own. Junior forward Charlie Gerard had a goal and two assists and is fitting right in on the top line with Michaelis and Parker Tuomie. "He's worked hard for a long time," Michaelis said of Gerard, whose eight points this year are already a career high." As a line, the Mavericks' top group of forwards finished with eight points.
2. Fantastic freshman: Another player starting to emerge is rookie forward Julian Napravnik, who made a great play to start at 2-on-1 and make the assist on Nick Rivera for a goal just 32 seconds into the second periods for a 3-1 lead. The assist gives Napravnik five points in his last four games. "Really, really nice play," coach Mike Hastings said. "To me that play by a young player is pretty special. The thing I like about him is he’ll hold onto pucks. He doesn’t throw them around; he just plays with poise and he skates so well. I think he’s gaining confidence because he definitely has confidence with the puck. He sees the ice. There are guys who like playing with him."
3. Israelsson tested: Hastings said he made the decision to start Mathias Israelsson in goal on Friday morning. It sure looked like the right call. Israelsson made 24 saves for his third straight win. A week ago at home against Alaska he wasn't tested much, facing just six shots on Friday and 14 on Saturday. Against the Gophers he came up huge on the penalty kill, making five impressive saves in all. He stopped 13 saves in all in the second period when Minnesota made a good push while allowing just four shots (one was a goal, though).
Read my game story here.
Around the WCHA: Michigan State 5, Ferris State 3 ... Bowling Green 3, Northern Michigan 1 ... Lake Superior State 5, Michigan 2 ... Michigan Tech 2, Alabama Huntsville 1 ... Bemidji State at Alaska Anchorage (late)
1. New star emerging: Marc Michaelis had a big night with two goals and two assists, but as the season enters its second month and the Mavericks' identity becomes clearer, some new stars are coming into their own. Junior forward Charlie Gerard had a goal and two assists and is fitting right in on the top line with Michaelis and Parker Tuomie. "He's worked hard for a long time," Michaelis said of Gerard, whose eight points this year are already a career high." As a line, the Mavericks' top group of forwards finished with eight points.
2. Fantastic freshman: Another player starting to emerge is rookie forward Julian Napravnik, who made a great play to start at 2-on-1 and make the assist on Nick Rivera for a goal just 32 seconds into the second periods for a 3-1 lead. The assist gives Napravnik five points in his last four games. "Really, really nice play," coach Mike Hastings said. "To me that play by a young player is pretty special. The thing I like about him is he’ll hold onto pucks. He doesn’t throw them around; he just plays with poise and he skates so well. I think he’s gaining confidence because he definitely has confidence with the puck. He sees the ice. There are guys who like playing with him."
3. Israelsson tested: Hastings said he made the decision to start Mathias Israelsson in goal on Friday morning. It sure looked like the right call. Israelsson made 24 saves for his third straight win. A week ago at home against Alaska he wasn't tested much, facing just six shots on Friday and 14 on Saturday. Against the Gophers he came up huge on the penalty kill, making five impressive saves in all. He stopped 13 saves in all in the second period when Minnesota made a good push while allowing just four shots (one was a goal, though).
Read my game story here.
Around the WCHA: Michigan State 5, Ferris State 3 ... Bowling Green 3, Northern Michigan 1 ... Lake Superior State 5, Michigan 2 ... Michigan Tech 2, Alabama Huntsville 1 ... Bemidji State at Alaska Anchorage (late)
Live: Minnesota State at Minnesota
It's the Mavericks and the Gophers at Mariucci Arena in Minneapolis. Should be a fun one between two top-10 teams. Follow along with the action below tonight's lines.
MINNESOTA STATE
6-Tuomie, 20-Michaelis, 9-Gerard
16-Lutz, 5-Jaremko, 12-Coatta
23-Rivera, 11-Spooner, 15-Napravnik
22-Gerads, 26-French, 17-Duehr
2-Mackey, 3-McNeely
25-Zmolek, 24-Hookenson
4-Carroll, 18-Scheid
7-Aamodt
32-Israelsson
29-McKay
Scratches: Berger, Bigelbach, Galambos, McMahan, Schwalbe, Vanko
MINNESOTA
10-Gates, 17-Novak, 27-McLaughlin
58-Ranta, 15-Pitlick, 22-Sheehy
14-Wait, 9-Walker, 7-McManus
21-Burke, 26-Romanko, 16-Ramsey
20-Zuhlsdorf, 29-Nanne
4-Brinkman, 3-Stucker
18-Phillips, 2-Sadek
5-Denman
40-Robson
37-Schierhorn
1-Kautz
***
MINNESOTA STATE
6-Tuomie, 20-Michaelis, 9-Gerard
16-Lutz, 5-Jaremko, 12-Coatta
23-Rivera, 11-Spooner, 15-Napravnik
22-Gerads, 26-French, 17-Duehr
2-Mackey, 3-McNeely
25-Zmolek, 24-Hookenson
4-Carroll, 18-Scheid
7-Aamodt
32-Israelsson
29-McKay
Scratches: Berger, Bigelbach, Galambos, McMahan, Schwalbe, Vanko
MINNESOTA
10-Gates, 17-Novak, 27-McLaughlin
58-Ranta, 15-Pitlick, 22-Sheehy
14-Wait, 9-Walker, 7-McManus
21-Burke, 26-Romanko, 16-Ramsey
20-Zuhlsdorf, 29-Nanne
4-Brinkman, 3-Stucker
18-Phillips, 2-Sadek
5-Denman
40-Robson
37-Schierhorn
1-Kautz
***
Friday Morning Skate
Pick up a copy of the paper today if you can, but if you can't wait, here are some of the stories you'll find:
• It's interesting, it seems the rise of the other four D1 programs in the State of Hockey have made a generation of players fans of all the teams. Even Minnesota State's Riese Zmolek, whose dad, Doug, played for the Gophers, said he was simply a WCHA fan growing up. Still, this is a significant weekend for a lot of players who watched a lot of Minnesota games on TV over the years.
• After not playing last year, it's good to see Minnesota State and Minnesota back on each other's schedule. But the year off was a good reason to go back and look at the history of the series and some good, bad and wacky moments that took place over two decades.
• One of those moments, a certain "epic" playoff series in 2008, is still fresh in a lot of fans' minds. Who could ever forget three games and five overtimes. Even fans of MSU, which lost the series, think it might have been the best weekend of hockey ever played in Mankato.
• As always, the College Hockey Gameday feature takes a closer look at this weekend's games.
As for the Gophers, new coach Bob Motzko believes he has a good problem in goal with two solid ones to choose from. Also from the Star Tribune is a series preview. In the Pioneer Press, there's a story on Minnesota trying to cut down on penalties, an issue Motzko didn't have too often at St. Cloud State.
Going around the WCHA ...
Northern Michigan at Bowling Green: This is a big matchup between two league contenders. The Wildcats are coming off a tough home split against Bemidji State in which it thought it scored a late-game-winner on Saturday only to have it waved off after review (apparently the WCHA sent a letter saying the refs got it wrong). Then the Beavers won it in the game's final second. The Falcons, meanwhile, are ranked No. 9 after a stellar 5-1-1 nonconference run.
Bemidji State at Alaska Anchorage: The Beavers go from the Eastern Time Zone to Alaska Time in back-to-back weekends to take on the Seawolves. It's the end of a five-game road swing for Bemidji State. The Seawolves are back home after a pair of losses at Ferris State. Those games came 19 days after their previous game, so finally getting into a real groove might be good for Anchorage.
Michigan Tech at Alabama Huntsville: The Huskies are in the midst of an eight game road swing that started with a split last weekend at Wisconsin. They are opening WCHA play against a Chargers team that has yet to win in eight games so far.
Michigan at Lake Superior State: It should be a fun weekend in Sault Ste. Marie as the Lakers are undefeated (4-0-0) and the Wolverines are making the trek there for the first time since the 2012-13 season when they were both members of the CCHA. It's nothing new for Michigan coach Mel Pearson, though, as he's in his second year there after coaching at Michigan Tech.
Ferris State at/vs. Michigan State: The third series of this weekend's unofficial WCHA-Big Ten crossover is a home-and-home series between the Bulldogs and the Spartans. Ferris State is coming off a sweep of Anchorage to start league play.
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