Nolan Zajac goal that was waved off.

The Denver Pioneers thought they had the go ahead goal at the 1:45 mark of the third period, or did they. After further review, the on-ice officials correctly ruled that Denver forward David Makowski had interfered with Colorado College Tiger's goalie Joe Howe.

WCHA Power Rankings: Week 16

Western Collegiate Hockey Association logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Here is the week 16 WCHA Power Rankings. This season, I have been doing the WCHA Power Rankings with Taylor Seibel, who is a contributor for College Hockey Weekly.

1. Minnesota Gophers – (18-4-4, WCHA 10-4-4) – This past week, the Minnesota Gophers split (1-2 – 4-1 W) their weekend series with Minnesota State Mankato. This weekend, the Gophers are off.

2. Saint Cloud State – (15-10-1, WCHA 12-5-1) – This past weekend, the Huskies took (3-1 W – 2-2 T) points against North Dakota. This weekend, the Huskies travel to Bemidji to play the Beavers at the Sandford Center.

3. Nebraska Omaha – (15-9-2, WCHA 11-5-2) – This past weekend, the Mavericks swept (5-3 W – 2-1 W) the Bemidji State Beavers. This weekend, Mavericks entertain the Michigan Tech Huskies as the CenturyLink Center in Omaha.

4. University of North Dakota – (13-8-5, WCHA 8-5-5) – This past weekend, UND took (1-2 L – 2-2 T) one point against Saint Cloud State University at the Ralph Engelstad Arena. This weekend, UND entertains the Wisconsin Badgers at Ralph Engelstad Arena. The Badgers come into this weekend's series having won seven of eight games and are on a 10-1-2 and have only lost once since November 24, 2012. 

5.  Denver University – (13-8-4, WCHA 8-6-4) – This past weekend, the Denver Pioneers were off. This weekend, the Pioneers travel to Duluth to play the Bulldogs at Amsoil Arena.

6.  Wisconsin – (11-8-5, WCHA 8-5-5) – This past weekend, the Wisconsin Badgers swept (5-1 W – 2-1 W) the Seawolves at the Kohl Center. This weekend, the Badgers travel to Grand Forks to play North Dakota at Ralph Engelstad Arena in an important two game series.

7. Minnesota State Mankato – (16-9-3, WCHA 10-9-1) – This past weekend, the Mavericks split (3-3 T – 4-0 W) their home and home series against the Minnesota Gophers. This weekend, the Mavericks are off.

8. Minnesota Duluth – (10-11-3, WCHA 8-7-3) – This past weekend, the Bulldogs beat 3-1 the U-18 team in an exhibition game. This weekend, the Bulldogs entertain the Pioneers at Amsoil Arena.

9. Colorado College – (10-14-2, WCHA 7-10-1) – This past weekend, the Colorado College Tigers were off. This weekend, the Tigers make the trek north, to Alaska to play the Alaska Anchorage Seawolves at Sullivan Arena.

10. Michigan Tech – (7-12-4, WCHA 4-10-3) – This past weekend, the Huskies were off. This weekend, the Huskies travel to Omaha to play the Mavericks at the CentryLink Center.

11. Bemidji State – (5-14-5, WCHA 4-10-4) – This past weekend, the Beavers were swept (3-5 L 1-2 L) by the Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks at the Sanford Center. This weekend, the Beavers entertain the Saint Cloud State Huskies at the Sanford Center.

12. Alaska Anchorage – (3-16-5, WCHA 1-15-4) – This past weekend, Seawolves were swept (1-2 L – 2-5 L) by the Wisconsin Badgers at the Kohl Center. This weekend, the Seawolves entertain the Colorado College Tigers. The Seawolves are mired in horrible streak and have won one game in the last 20 games (1-15-4).

Taylor Seibel’s Power Rankings – January 27, 2013

1. St. Cloud State – (15-10-1, 12-5-1 WCHA) – The Huskies came into Ralph Engelstad Arena this weekend, and took 3 points from North Dakota.  St. Cloud State absolutely dominated North Dakota on Friday, and kept up with a resurgent UND squad on Saturday.  When SCSU is on, they are a national championship caliber team.  The Huskies travel to Bemidji to take on BSU in WCHA play next weekend.

2. Minnesota – (18-4-4, 10-4-4 WCHA) – The Gophers struggled at times against Minnesota State, but still managed a split with a road win on Saturday.  The Gophers have next weekend off before a huge series with SCSU the following weekend, which could decide the MacNaughton Cup.

3. Nebraska Omaha – (15-9-2, 11-5-2 WCHA) – The Mavericks finally solved Bemidji State, notching their first sweep over the Beavers since joining the WCHA.  Omaha has the advantage of an easier schedule coming down the stretch, and if they win the games they should, UNO will be in the mix for the MacNaughton.  Next weekend, Omaha hosts Michigan Tech in WCHA play.

4. North Dakota – (13-8-5, 8-5-5 WCHA) – North Dakota had another disappointing weekend, taking only 1 point.  UND is in serious trouble of missing the NCAA Tournament and potentially missing out on home ice if they don’t start playing to their potential.  The tools are there, but the effort has been extremely inconsistent over the past month.  Next weekend, North Dakota hosts Wisconsin in a key WCHA series.

5. Wisconsin – (11-8-5, 8-5-5 WCHA) – Wisconsin continues their hot streak, as this weekend they swept Alaska Anchorage in Madison.  The Badgers had an awful start to the season, but have responded with a dominating stretch, only losing once since November.  Next weekend, the Badgers look to continue their streak as they travel to North Dakota for WCHA play.

6. Denver – (13-8-4, 8-6-4 WCHA) – The Pioneers took a much needed weekend off this weekend after getting swept for the first time in four years.  Denver has been extremely inconsistent this season, and if not for superstar goaltending, they might be in the bottom half looking up.  Next weekend, The Pios travel to Duluth to take on the Bulldogs in WCHA action.

7. Minnesota State – (16-9-3, 10-9-1 WCHA) – The Mavericks showed that they belong in the WCHA race with a split against Minnesota, but failed to truly capitalize by falling at home on Saturday.  The Mavericks have the heart and coaching to get home ice for the WCHA Tournament, but they will need to win games that a top-half team should win to do so.  Next weekend, Mankato is off.

8. Minnesota Duluth – (10-11-3, 8-7-3 WCHA) – The Bulldogs beat the USA Under-18 squad in an exhibition this weekend.  Duluth is in the mix for home ice, and while they play a very difficult lineup in the stretch run, 6 of their last 10 are at home.  It all starts next weekend as Denver is coming to town for WCHA play.

9. Colorado College – (10-14-2, 7-10-1 WCHA) – The Tigers were off this weekend.  Colorado College has shown they can compete with anyone in the league, and are certainly capable of making a push for home ice.  However, they have been too inconsistent through this point of the season to be in the top half.  Next weekend, the Tigers travel to Anchorage in a series where CC needs 4 points.

10. Michigan Tech – (7-12-4, 4-10-4 WCHA) – The Huskies were off this weekend.  Michigan Tech came into the season as a popular pick for a top half finish, but have not played as well as many thought they could.  While a top-half finish is a stretch at this point, if the Huskies can play up to their potential, they will have a shot.  Next weekend, Tech travels to Omaha in WCHA play.

11. Bemidji State – (5-13-5, 4-10-4 WCHA) – The Beavers were finally stopped by Omaha in WCHA action, getting swept at home by a strong Maverick squad.  The road in isn’t any easier as Bemidji still faces off against SCSU, Wisconsin, Minnesota Duluth, North Dakota, and Minnesota.  Next weekend, the Huskies from St. Cloud make their way up to Bemidji.

12. Alaska Anchorage – (3-16-5, 1-15-4 WCHA) – The Seawolves failed to earn a point against Wisconsin this weekend, as the Badgers swept Anchorage in Madison.  Home ice is out of the equation for Anchorage, but they can still earn some respect and gear up for a charge in the WCHA Tournament.  Next weekend, Alaska Anchorage hosts Colorado College in conference play.

 

Related articles

• WCHA Power Rankings: Week 15 (insidehockey.com)
• WCHA Power Rankings: Week 14 (insidehockey.com)
• Week 13 WCHA Power Rankings (insidehockey.com)
• WCHA Power Rankings: 01/01/2013 (insidehockey.com)

WCHA Power Rankings: Week 15

Here is the week 15 WCHA Power Rankings. This season, I have been doing the WCHA Power Rankings with Taylor Seibel who is a contributor of College Hockey Weekly.

1. Minnesota Gophers – (17-3-4, WCHA 9-3-4) – This past week, the Minnesota Gophers took (5-1 W – 4-4 T) three points against UND at Mariucci Arena. This weekend, the Gophers play a home and home series with Minnesota State Mankato.

2. University of North Dakota – (13-7-4, WCHA 8-4-4) – This past weekend, UND took (1-5 L – 4-4 T) one point in their series against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Mariucci Arena. This weekend, UND entertains Saint Cloud State University at the Ralph Englestad Arena.

3. Saint Cloud State – (14-10-0, WCHA 11-5-0) – This past weekend, the Huskies swept (5-2 W – 5-1 W) the Denver Pioneers at the national hockey center. This weekend, the Huskies travel to Grand Forks to play North Dakota.

4. Nebraska Omaha – (13-9-2, WCHA 9-5-2) – This past weekend, the Mavericks were off. This weekend, the Mavericks travel to Bemidji to play the Beavers. The Beavers have had the Red Mavericks number since they joined the WCHA going an unimpressive 2-8-4. A bad weekend in Bemidji could doom the Mavericks chances at winning a MacNaughton Cup.

5.  Denver University – (13-8-4, WCHA 8-6-4) – This past weekend, the Denver Pioneers were swept (2-5 L – 1-5 L) by the Huskies at the National Hockey Center. This weekend, the Pioneers travel to Duluth to play the Bulldogs at Amsoil Arena.

6.  Wisconsin – (9-8-5, WCHA 6-5-5) – This past weekend, the Wisconsin Badgers split (1-0 W – 1-2 L) their weekend series with the Miami RedHawks. This weekend, the Badgers make the Entertain the Seawolves at the Kohl Center.

7. Minnesota State Mankato – (15-8-3, WCHA 9-8-1) – This past weekend, the Mavericks took (3-3 T – 4-0 W) three points from the Seawolves, in Anchorage, Alaska. This weekend, the Mavericks play the Minnesota Gophers in a home and home series.

8. Minnesota Duluth – (10-11-3, WCHA 8-7-3) – This past weekend, the Bulldogs split (3-2 W – 1-5 L) their Series against the Colorado College Tigers at World Arena. This weekend, the Bulldogs have an exhibition game against the U-18 team.

 9. Colorado College – (10-14-2, WCHA 7-10-1) – This past weekend, the Colorado College Tigers split (2-3 L – 5-1 W) their series with the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs at the World Arena. This weekend, the Tigers are off.

 10. Michigan Tech – (7-12-4, WCHA 4-10-3) – This past weekend, the Huskies took (4-0 W – 2-2 T) three points from the Bemidji State Beavers at John J. MacInnes Student Ice Arena. This weekend, the Huskies are off.

11. Bemidji State – (5-12-5, WCHA 4-8-4) – This past weekend, the Beavers took, (0-4 L 2-2 T) on point against the Michigan Tech Huskies at the John J. MacInnes Student Ice Arena. This weekend, the Beavers entertain the Nebraska Omaha Mavericks at the Sanford Center. The Beavers hold an 8-2-4 record against the Mavericks. The Beavers have an all-time record of 8-4-4 against the Mavericks.

12. Alaska Anchorage – (3-13-4, WCHA 1-13-4) – This past weekend, Seawolves took (3-3 T – 0-4 L) one point from the Minnesota State Mavericks at the Sullivan Arena. This weekend, the Seawolves travel to Madison to play the Wisconsin Badgers at the Kohl Center. The Seawolves are mired in horrible streak and have won one game in the last 18 games (1-13-4).

Taylors Seibel’s WCHA Power Rankings

1. Minnesota – (17-3-4, 9-3-4 WCHA) – Minnesota cemented their status as the top squad in the WCHA with a 3 point weekend over North Dakota.  Next weekend, the Gophers play Minnesota State in a home and away WCHA series.

2. North Dakota – (13-7-4, 8-4-4 WCHA) – North Dakota struggled on Friday, falling to Minnesota 5-1, but responded well in a 4-4 draw that saw UND lose a 4-2 lead with less than 10 minutes left.  Next weekend, UND hosts SCSU.

3. St. Cloud State – (14-10-0, 11-5-0 WCHA) – SCSU vaulted into first place after sweeping Denver at home.  Next weekend, SCSU travels to Grand Forks to take on North Dakota.

4. Nebraska Omaha – (13-9-2, 9-5-2 WCHA) – Omaha was off this past weekend.  Next weekend, the Mavericks travel to Bemidji State in WCHA play.

5. Denver – (13-8-4, 8-6-4 WCHA) – Denver saw their 4 year run without getting swept in WCHA play end this weekend up in St. Cloud.  The Pioneers are off next weekend.

6. Wisconsin – (9-8-5, 6-5-5 WCHA) – The Badgers split with CCHA foe Miami this weekend.  Next weekend, the Badgers host Alaska Anchorage in WCHA action.

7. Minnesota State – (15-8-3, 9-8-1 WCHA) – The Mavericks took three points in Anchorage this past weekend, but Mankato will need to improve their play next weekend as they square off against Minnesota in a home and away conference series.

8. Minnesota Duluth – (10-11-3, 8-7-3 WCHA) – The Bulldogs split their series with the CC Tigers this weekend.  Next weekend, Duluth takes on the USA Under-18 Squad in an exhibition game.

9. Colorado College – (10-14-2, 7-10-1 WCHA) – The CC Tigers split with Duluth at home this weekend.  Next weekend, the Tigers are off.

10. Michigan Tech – (7-12-4, 4-10-4 WCHA) – Michigan Tech took three points from the visiting Bemidji State squad.  Next weekend, Michigan Tech is off.

11. Bemidji State – (5-11-5, 4-8-4 WCHA) – The Beavers managed a draw with the Huskies of Tech on Saturday to salvage a point in their series.  Next weekend, Bemidji hosts Omaha in WCHA play.

12. Alaska Anchorage – (3-14-5, 1-13-4 WCHA) – The Seawolves managed to take 1 point from the visiting Mavericks of Mankato.  Next weekend, Anchorage travels to Madison to take on conference foe Wisconsin.

Related articles

• WCHA Power Rankings: Week 14 (insidehockey.com)

Edit: Week 14 Power Rankings

Western Collegiate Hockey Association logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Here is the week 14 WCHA Power Rankings. This season, I have been doing the WCHA Power Rankings with Taylor Seibel who is a contributor of College Hockey Weekly.

In my humble opinion, there are three tiers that are starting to emerge in the WCHA. You have the first tier; this is the top six teams that all have at least 12 wins in their over-all record. You also have a middle tier of three teams (Minnesota State, Minnesota Duluth and Colorado College) . Then you have a bottom tier of three teams (Bemidji State, Michigan State and Alaska Anchorage).

Also, Bemidji State, Minnesota, North Dakota and Saint Cloud have only played 14 games while the rest of the league has played 16 league games.

1. Minnesota Gophers – (16-3-3, WCHA 8-3-3) – This past week, the Minnesota Gophers beat the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 4-1 at Mariucci Arena. Then, this past weekend, the Gophers sweep (4-3 W – 7-1 W) the UAA Seawolves.  The Gophers entertain UND in a pivotal two game WCHA series.

2. University of North Dakota – (13-5-3, WCHA 8-3-3) – This past weekend, UND split (3-4 L – 5-3 W) their series with the Colorado College Tigers at the Ralph Englestad Arena. This weekend the Green and White travel to Mariucci Arena to play the Gophers in an important two game conference series.

3. Denver University – (13-6-4, WCHA 8-4-4) – This past weekend, the Denver Pioneers took three points (7-4 W – 3-3 T) against the University of Nebraska Omaha Mavericks at Magness Arena. This weekend, the Pioneers travel to Saint Cloud to play the Huskies at the National Hockey Center.

4. Nebraska Omaha – (13-9-2, WCHA 9-5-2) – This past weekend, the Mavericks took one point (4-7 L – 3-3 T) against the Denver Pioneers at Magness Arena. This weekend, the Mavericks are off.

5. Saint Cloud State – (12-10-0, WCHA 9-5-0) – This past weekend, the Huskies were off. This weekend, the Huskies entertain the Denver Pioneers at the national hockey center.

6.  Wisconsin – (8-7-5, WCHA 6-5-5) – This past weekend, the Wisconsin Badgers swept (5-3 W – 1-0 W) Minnesota State Mavericks at the Verizon Wireless Center Mankato Minnesota

7. Minnesota State Mankato – (14-8-2, WCHA 8-8-0) – This past weekend, the Mavericks were swept (3-4 O.T. L – 1-2 O.T. L) by the Wisconsin Badgers at the Verizon Wireless Center in Mankato, Minnesota. This weekend, the Maverick travels to Alaska Anchorage to play the Seawolves.

8. Minnesota Duluth – (9-10-3, WCHA 7-6-3) – This past weekend, the Bulldogs swept (1-0 W – 5-4 W) the Michigan Tech Huskies at Amsoil Arena.  This weekend, the Bulldogs travel to Colorado College to play the Tigers at World Arena.

 9. Colorado College – (9-12-2, WCHA 6-9-1) – This past weekend, the Colorado College Tigers split (4-3 W – 3-5 L) their series with UND. This weekend, the Tigers entertain the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs at the World Arena.

 10. Michigan Tech – (6-12-3, WCHA 3-10-3) – This past weekend, the Huskies were swept (0-1 L – 4-5 L) by the Bulldogs at Amsoil Arena. This weekend, the Huskies entertain the Bemidji State Beavers at John J. MacInnes Student Ice Arena.

11. Bemidji State – (5-11-4, WCHA 4-7-3) – This past weekend, the Beavers were off. This weekend, the Beavers travel to Houghton, Michigan to play the Huskies at the John J. MacInnes Student Ice Arena.

12. Alaska Anchorage – (3-13-4, WCHA 1-12-3) – This past weekend, Seawolves were swept (3-5 L – 0-1 L) by the Minnesota Gophers at Marriucci Arena. This weekend, the Seawolves entertain Minnesota State at the Sullivan Arena. The Huskies are mired in horrible streak and have won one game in the last 16 games (1-12-3).

Taylor Seibel's WCHA Power Rankings

1. Minnesota – (16-3-3, 8-3-3 WCHA) – The Gophers outclassed Notre Dame on Tuesday before sweeping Alaska Anchorage this weekend.  Minnesota is playing their best, most consistent hockey of the season (with a slight exception for Friday’s game against UAA).  Next weekend, the Gophers host North Dakota in a crucial WCHA series for both sides.

2. North Dakota – (13-6-3, 8-3-3 WCHA) – North Dakota struggled to a split this weekend against Colorado College.  A lackluster performance on Friday led Coach Hakstol to make significant changes in his lineup for Saturday.  It worked, as North Dakota squeaked by the Tigers 5-3.  Next weekend, UND travels to Mariucci to take on rival Minnesota.

3. Denver – (13-6-4, 8-4-4 WCHA) – The Pioneers played inconsistent hockey this weekend against Nebraska Omaha, but managed to walk away from the series with 3 points.  Denver now is tied with UNO with 20 points to lead the WCHA.  Next weekend, the Pioneers take on the Huskies of SCSU in St. Cloud.

4. Nebraska Omaha – (13-9-2, 9-5-2 WCHA) – The Mavericks played well enough to sweep Denver this weekend, but were only able to manage a draw on Saturday.  However, UNO still is tied with Denver for the WCHA lead with 20 points.  Next weekend, UNO is off.

5. Wisconsin – (8-7-5, 6-5-5 WCHA) – The Badgers just might be the hottest team in the WCHA right now.  Since the addition of Nic Kerdiles to the lineup, Wisconsin is 7-0-3.  This weekend, the Badgers traveled to Mankato and swept the Mavericks with 2 overtime victories…the program’s first OT victories in conference in over 6 years.  Next weekend, Wisconsin hosts Miami in a key non-conference series for the Badgers.

6. St. Cloud State – (12-10-0, 9-5-0 WCHA) – The Huskies were off this weekend, and hopefully they were able to recover and get healthy for the stretch run in WCHA play.  Currently a “bubble” team for the NCAA Tournament, the Huskies host Conference leader Denver in a key WCHA series next weekend.

7. Minnesota State – (14-8-2, 8-8-0 WCHA) – Luck was simply not on their side this weekend, as the Mavericks were swept in heartbreaking fashion by the visiting Wisconsin Badgers.  Mankato dropped both games in OT, but still look like a solid contender for home ice advantage.  Next weekend, the Mavs make the trek up north to take on the Alaska Anchorage Seawolves in WCHA play.

8. Colorado College – (9-13-2, 6-9-1 WCHA) – The Tigers finally ended their winless streak with a 4-3 victory over North Dakota in Grand Forks on Friday, and nearly pulled off another point or two on Saturday before succumbing to UND 5-3.  The Tigers are capable of making a push for home ice, but will need to keep playing hungry.  Next weekend, CC hosts Minnesota Duluth in conference action.

9. Minnesota Duluth – (9-10-3, 7-6-3 WCHA) – The Bulldogs used a key sweep over Michigan Tech this weekend to soar into the top 6 in conference play, and are amazingly only 3 points out of first place.  If Duluth can continue getting solid defense and timely scoring, they should find themselves at home for the first round of the WCHA tournament.  Next weekend, Duluth travels to WCHA foe Colorado College.

10. Michigan Tech – (6-12-3, 3-10-3 WCHA) – The Huskies’ chances of home ice took a serious hit this weekend, as they were swept by the Duluth Bulldogs.  In order to make a push for home ice in the second half, it will likely require a sweep of their home games.  Next weekend provides the Huskies their chance to get that goal started on the right foot as Tech hosts Bemidji State in conference play.

11. Bemidji State – (5-10-4, 4-7-3 WCHA) – The Beavers from Bemidji were off this weekend, and now find themselves six points out of the top 6, but with 2 games in hand on each of the four teams in front of them.  Next weekend, Bemidji travels to Houghton to take on Tech in WCHA play.

12. Alaska Anchorage – (3-13-4, 1-12-3 WCHA) – A disappointing result after a great 55 minutes of play on Friday was the beginning of a not so fun weekend for the Seawolves, as UAA was swept by Minnesota at Mariucci.  Anchorage looks to right the ship next weekend, as they host Minnesota Duluth in WCHA action.

Weekend Match-Ups (by Sioux 7)

What a start to the second half of the season, not a single spilt to be had; the closest series to a split was BSU-WMU, with a win/tie result.  We also have a new leader atop the WCHA; UNO grabbed the top spot from SCSU, so UNO in now numero uno J

Almost every team has played half (14-games) the league schedule, except UM and UND which have played 12 games.

WCHA STANDINGS 2012-2013

Team………………………W-L-T………Points

1. Nebraska-Omaha………9-4-1……........19
2. St. Cloud St………….…9-5-0………….18
3. North Dakota.………..…7-2-3…..……...17
3. Denver…………..……..7-4-3………......17
5. Minnesota State……….8-6-0.…...…….16
6. Minnesota………………6-3-3………….15
7. Minnesota-Duluth….…..5-6-3………….13
7. Wisconsin…....…………4-5-5……….....13
9. Bemidji State……..…….4-7-3..……......11
9. Colorado College ……..5-8-1..….…….11
11. Michigan Tech………..3-8-3……….….9
12. Alaska-Anchorage…....1-8-3…...….….5

WCHA Games

Nebraska-Omaha @ Denver

Last weekend the Mavericks swept the CC Tigers (8-4, 3-1) in Omaha and the Pioneers swept the Big Red of Cornell (5-1, 2-1) in Denver.

The Pioneers are just two points behind the Mavericks in the standings. It would appear that DU has righted their ship after a dismal eight game winless streak, they are now on a three game winning stretch.  Looking at the second half schedule UNO has the third easiest in the league, while DU has the third toughest.  DU would like to sweep this series to vault them into first and have some room for error.  After this weekend DU plays five of the next six on the road.  If DU plays stingy, like the past three games, only giving up two goals, they can sent the Mavericks packing with no points.  PIONEERS SWEEP

Wisconsin @ Minnesota State

Last weekend the Badgers swept the Seawolves (5-3, 1-0) in Anchorage and the Mavericks swept the Friars of Providence (4-3ot, 4-0) in Mankato.

The Badgers are winners of four in a row and unbeaten in their last eight games, 5-0-3.  They beat/tied DU, tied MTU twice, and swept UAH and UAA.  I hate to say it, but other than the DU games, they haven’t exactly beat top teams.  The Badgers did however put some goals up in their last four games, so they have to have some scoring optimism/confidence now.  The Mavericks are winners of four in a row, have won 11 of their last 12, going 11-0-1.  That includes the sweep of UW back at Thanksgiving, which started this run.  I like MSUM’s chances go taking all four games from UW this season.  MAVERICKS SWEEP

Michigan Tech @ Minnesota-Duluth

Last weekend the Huskies were on a hockey free New Year’s weekend as were the Bulldogs.  The Bulldogs last action was a pair of losses, to Maine and Ferris State at the Florida College Classic, the end of December.  The Huskies last games were wins over Michigan and Western Michigan to win the Great Lakes Invitational, also at the end of December.

The Huskies are 2-4-2 away from Houghton this season, and the Bulldogs are 3-4-1 at home in the Amsoil Arena.  The Bulldogs could get their heads above water this weekend with a sweep and keep in the hunt for home ice in March.  The Huskies have the fourth easiest schedule in the second half, so they still have a chance for home ice as well.  But they need to make their move and fast, to keep that hope alive.  SPLIT

Alaska-Anchorage @ Minnesota

Last weekend the Seawolves were swept (5-3, 1-0) by the Badgers in Anchorage and the Gophers beat Notre Dame (4-1) on a rare Tuesday evening game in Minneapolis.

The Seawolves have yet to win a game (0-4-2 away) at an opponent’s home rink (they are 1-1-0 at neutral sites this season).  UAA is currently on a six game losing stretch, and have only won once in Nov/Dec/Jan.  The Gophers are 9-1-1 at home this season.  This weekend could be a trap weekend for the Gophers if they are reliving their recent wins and looking ahead to next week against UND.  But the UofM has a couple of advantages, one UAA will most likely be rusty, since they haven’t played in about a month and two, they have more talent up and down their bench than UAA has.  GOPHERS SWEEP

Colorado College @ North Dakota

Last weekend the Tigers were swept (8-4, 3-1) by the UNO Mavericks in Omaha and NoDak swept Holy Cross (5-2, 3-2) in Grand Forks.

These teams meet Nov-30 and Dec-1 in Colorado Springs with each team getting a win, CC that Friday 5-3 and UND on Saturday 3-2 in overtime.  UND is 6-1-3 at home in the Engelstad Arena this year and the Tigers are 3-7-0 away from Colorado Springs.  NoDak is on a seven game unbeaten streak, winning their last five games.  The Tigers are on a seven game winless streak, losing six and tying once.  CC’s last win was against UND, and what was their only win in their last 12 games.  It appears as if the Tigers season is slipping away from them, which is surprising, given all the offensive talent they have.  You almost have to believe that CC will throw everything they got, including the kitchen sink, at UND this weekend, being backed into a corner.  UND got back a couple of players over the break, and with the break and some fresh legs, look to UND to be too deep for CC to keep up.  NODAK SWEEP

BYE WEEK

Bemidji St.
St. Could St. 

Related articles

• WCHA Power Rankings: 01/01/2013 (insidehockey.com)

WCHA Power Rankings 12/31/2012

Western Collegiate Hockey Association logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Here are this week’s WCHA Power Rankings. This season, I will be doing the WCHA Power Rankings with Taylor Seibel who is a contributor of College Hockey Weekly.

1. Minnesota Gophers – (13-3-3, WCHA 6-3-3) – This past weekend, the Minnesota Gophers beat (4-0 W, 8-1 W) Air Force Academy and Boston College in their annual Mariucci Classic. The Gophers are off till January 8^th when they play the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in a single nonconference game.

2. University of North Dakota – (10-5-3, WCHA 7-2-3) – The Green and White have been off during the Christmas break and return to action this weekend against Holy Cross at Ralph Englestad Arena.

3. Denver University – (10-6-3, WCHA 7-4-3) – This past weekend, the Denver Pioneers beat (6-0 W) the Boston University Terriers in the Hall of Fame Game in Denver. The Pioneers snapped a horrid streak and now have a single win in their last nine games (1-5-3). This weekend, the Pioneers entertain ECAC Foe Cornell in an important two game series in Magness Arena.

4. Minnesota State Mankato – (12-6-2, WCHA 8-6-0) – This past weekend, the Mavericks won (3-1 W – 3-1 W) the UConn Hockey Classic in Storrs, Connecticut. This weekend, The Mavericks entertain Hockey East Foe Providence at the Verizon Wireless Center, in Mankato. While the Mavericks schedule might not be all that impressive on paper – they’re 43^rd in SOS – they have won nine of 10 games and would be a bubble team for the NCAA tourney if it was selection Sunday. It will be interesting to see how the second half of their season shakes out. The Mavericks toughest games during the second half of the season are against Minnesota and North Dakota and only play 7 out of the next 16 games away from the Verizon Wireless Center.

5. Saint Cloud State – (12-8-0, WCHA 9-5-0) – This past weekend, the Huskies had an unimpressive split (3-4 L – 2-1 w) ECAC foe Rensselaer at the National Hockey Center. This weekend, the Huskies entertain CCHA foe Northern Michigan.

6. Nebraska Omaha – (11-8-1, WCHA 7-4-1) – This past weekend, the Mavericks were swept (4-5 L – 1-3 L) by the Quinnipiac Bobcats. This weekend, the Mavericks entertain the Colorado College Tigers in a pivotal two game WCHA series, at the CenturyLink Center in Omaha, Nebraska.

7. Colorado College – (8-10-2, WCHA 5-6-1) – The Colorado College have been off during the Christmas break. This weekend, the Tigers travel to Omaha, Nebraska to play the Mavericks in an important two game WCHA series.

8. Michigan Tech – (6-10-3, WCHA 3-8-3) – This past weekend, the Huskies won (4-0 W – 4-0 W) the Great Lakes Invitational in Detroit Michigan. The Huskies snapped a seven game winless streak. This weekend, the Huskies are off.

9.  Wisconsin – (4-7-5, WCHA 2-5-5) – The Wisconsin Badgers have been off during the Christmas Break, This weekend, the Badgers travel to Anchorage, Alaska to play the UAA Seawolves.

10. Minnesota Duluth – (7-10-3, WCHA 5-6-3) – This past weekend, the UMD Bulldogs took fourth place  (0-1 L – 2-6 L)  in the Florida College losing to Maine and Ferris State. With their title this weekend, Maine has won the Florida College Classic seven times since 2000. This weekend, the Bulldogs are off.

11. Bemidji State – (5-9-3, WCHA 4-7-3) – Last night, the Bemidji State Beavers lost (3-4) to Massachusetts in the first round of the Ledyard Bank Classic in Hanover, NH. Tonight, the Beavers play New Hampshire in the third place game of the Ledyard Bank Classic. This Weekend, the Beavers play a nonconference series against CCHA foe Western Michigan.

12. Alaska Anchorage – (3-9-4, WCHA 1-8-3) – The Seawolves have been off during the Christmas Break. This weekend, the Seawolves entertain the Wisconsin Badgers at the Sullivan Arena. The Seawolves have won one game in the last 12 games (1-8-3).

Taylor Seibel's WCHA Power Rankings

1. North Dakota – (10-5-3, 7-2-3 WCHA) – North Dakota has had several weeks off since their last game action, but going into the break, nobody was playing better hockey than UND.  Next week, Holy Cross comes to the Ralph to take on North Dakota in Non-Conference play.

2. Minnesota – (13-3-3, 6-3-3 WCHA) – Minnesota came up big in the Mariucci Classic this weekend, knocking off Air Force before destroying #1 Boston College 8-1.  The Gophers have gradually improved throughout the season, and appear to be on the verge of becoming the offensive juggernaut that many thought they would be at the beginning of the season.  Minnesota takes on Notre Dame next Tuesday in a key non-conference game.

3. St. Cloud State – (12-8-0, 9-5-0 WCHA) – The Huskies had some struggles against RPI this weekend in a split at home.  St. Cloud State should be in the mix for the MacNaughton in February and March, and they look to get back on track next weekend against Northern Michigan.

4. Denver – (10-6-3, 7-4-3 WCHA) – DU had been struggling mightily before Christmas, but they responded in a big way this weekend in a 6-0 trouncing of BU.  Juho Olkinuora has been on an impressive streak of late, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Denver finds their way back into the spotlight under Olkinuora’s guidance.  Next weekend, DU hosts Cornell in a critical non-conference series.

5. Minnesota State – (12-6-2, 8-6-0 WCHA) – Mankato was able to win the UConn Hockey Classic this weekend, beating both Brown and UConn by 3-1 scores.  The Mavs have won 9 of their last 10, and while their schedule has not been very impressive, they’ll have plenty of opportunities to show that they are for real in the second half of the season.  Providence comes to Mankato next weekend in non-conference action.

6. Nebraska Omaha – (11-8-1, 7-4-1 WCHA) – The Mavericks of Omaha had a disappointing weekend, getting swept at Quinnipiac.  Omaha has the talent to be a top 4 or 5 team in the WCHA, but they need to work on their consistency.  Next weekend, UNO hosts Colorado College in WCHA action.

7. Colorado College – (8-10-2, 5-6-1 WCHA) – The Tigers have not played since getting swept in St. Cloud a few weeks ago.  CC has a potent offense, but their goalie play and defense will need to improve if CC wants to be host a playoff series this season.  The Tigers travel to Omaha to take on the Mavs.

8. Michigan Tech – (6-10-3, 3-8-3 WCHA) – The Huskies completed a very impressive weekend of play in keeping both of their opponents off the scoreboard en route to winning their first Great Lakes Invitational since 1981.  Tech struggled in the first half of the season, but have a reasonable schedule to make a second half run and content for home ice.  Next weekend, Tech is off.

9. Minnesota Duluth – (7-10-3, 5-6-3 WCHA) – The Bulldogs struggled in their holiday performance, losing games to Maine and Ferris State, scoring only 2 goals on the weekend.  Duluth will need to get their offense going in the second half if they want to have a shot for home ice.  Next weekend, Duluth is off.

10. Wisconsin – (4-7-5, 2-5-5 WCHA) – Wisconsin did not play during the holidays.  Wisconsin had been playing significantly better hockey heading into the holidays.  If they can continue that play, they may be able to salvage the season.  Next weekend, the Badgers make the trek up to Anchorage to take on the Seawolves in WCHA play.

11. Bemidji State – (5-9-3, 4-7-3 WCHA) – The Beavers are currently playing in the Ledyard Bank 3^rd place game against UNH as I write this, but it does not appear that they will walk away from the weekend with a victory.  Next weekend, BSU squares off against Western Michigan.

12. Alaska Anchorage – (3-9-4, 1-8-3 WCHA) – The Seawolves did not play during the holidays.  UAA has shown flashes of greatness, but have not been able to consistently outplay their opponents.  Next weekend, UAA hosts Wisconsin in WCHA action.

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• WCHA Power Rankings: 12/16/12 (insidehockey.com)
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• WCHA Power Rankings: 11/25/2012 (insidehockey.com)
• WCHA Power Rankings: 11/11/2012 (insidehockey.com)