Weekend Match-Ups (by Sioux 7)

Hopefully every American enjoyed their Thanksgiving weekend and spent time with family or friends.  Now that the turkey hangover should be a distant memory, we continue on our way with a full helping of WCHA games this weekend.

WCHA STANDINGS 2012-2013

Team………………………W-L-T………Points
1. Denver…………..………7-1-0………....14
2. St. Cloud St………….…5-3-0………….10
2. Minnesota………………4-2-2………….10
4. Nebraska-Omaha………4-1-1……........9
5. Colorado College ……..4-2-0..….……..8
5. North Dakota.………..…3-1-2…..……...8
7. Bemidji State……..…….2-4-2.…….......6
7. Michigan Tech………….3-5-0…………6
7. Minnesota State………..3-5-0.…...……6
10. Wisconsin…....………..1-5-2………....4
10. Minnesota-Duluth….…1-5-2………….4
12. Alaska-Anchorage…....0-3-3…...…….3

WCHA Games

#7 North Dakota @ #18 Colorado College

Last weekend NoDak split with the Irish in South Bend (2-1, 2-5) and the Tigers tied with New Hampshire (4-4ot) on Friday and lost to Yale (6-5ot), on Saturday in Colorado Springs.

ND and CC find themselves tied for fifth in the league after six games.  The Tigers are 3-3-0 at World Arena this season in NoDak is 2-3-0 away from home.  ND has won every Friday night game this season and has been less than perfect on Saturday evenings.  The Tigers have fallen on hard times, again, they are winless in their last four games, 0-3-1.  CC has gone streaking this year, 3-wins, 3-loses, 4-wins, and now 4-winless.  The Tigers have a tough stretch starting this weekend hosting NoDak, then UMinn, and then at SCSU, before the Christmas break.  I’m saying these team end the weekend they way they started, tied in the standings.  SPLIT

Wisconsin @ #5 Denver

Last weekend the Badgers were swept by the MSUM Mavericks (4-2, 4-2) in Madison and the Pioneers lost to Yale (2-1ot) on Friday and lost to New Hampshire (6-4) on Saturday in Denver.

I think the Pioneers were suffering from a double hangover last weekend, the CC games and the Thanksgiving holiday.  DU got a wakeup call with a pair of wins last weekend.  But the doctor might have the right prescription to help DU, a woefully Badger team, comes into Magnus this weekend.  UW has managed a total of 18 goals over a total of 10 games; the Badgers however have limited the damage, by only allowing 29 goals over their 10 games.  In the end, the Pioneers should bury the Badgers.  PIONEERS SWEEP

Bemidji St. @ Minnesota State

Last weekend the Beavers took 3-pts from the Seawolves (2-2ot, 5-4) in Bemidji and the Mavericks swept the Badgers (4-2, 4-2) in Madison.

With these teams in a three way tie for seventh, it should mean a couple of too close to call games.  Both are coming off successful Thanksgiving weekends, with MSUM getting four points and BSU collecting three points in the league.  Both have scored one less goal than they have allowed, overall, with the Beavers at 28-29 and the Mavericks at 35-36.  The numbers are telling me it should be a split, so that is what I’m going with.  SPLIT

Minnesota-Duluth @ Michigan Tech

Last weekend the Bulldogs split with the SCSU Huskies (2-1, 1-5) in Duluth and the MTU Huskies enjoyed their open Thanksgiving weekend.

The Bulldogs finally notched a conference win, with a 2-1 victory on Friday night.  UMD is 1-4-1 this year away from Duluth, while the Huskies are 2-3-0 in Houghton, overall.  When looking at both teams goals for and against, they are almost even, UMD has 29-37, and MTU has 31-36.  The Huskies could even their league record with a couple of wins this weekend, and but the Bulldogs further in their rear view mirror.  A pointless weekend for the Bulldogs would certainly cause further concern in Duluth.  Huskies 3-points

#14 St. Could St. @ Alaska-Anchorage

Last weekend the Huskies split with the Bulldogs (1-2, 5-1) in Duluth and the Seawolves got a point from the Beavers (2-2ot, 4-5) in Bemidji.

The Seawolves find themselves in the bottom spot in the league after six games, the upside is UAA has two games in hand on most of the league.  UAA is now the last team looking for their first conference win.  SCSU finds themselves in an excellent position, tied for second in the WCHA.  The Huskies are looking to improve on their 2-4-0 road record this weekend, and playing in Anchorage could be what they need.  Even though the Seawolves haven’t won a WCHA game this year, you still have to play your game, or UAA can/will beat you.  HUSKIES SWEEP

#13 Nebraska-Omaha @ #3 Minnesota

Last weekend the Mavericks swept the UAH Chargers (3-2, 8-0) in Omaha and the Gophers swept the Catamounts (5-1, 3-1) in Vermont.

The Mavericks trail the Gophers by a lone point in the standings, but have played two fewer games than the Gophers.  The Mavericks are currently on a 6-game winning streak and the Gophers are on a 6-game unbeaten streak, 4-0-2, so unless there is a pair of ties, somebody’s streak is going to come to an end.  SPLIT

Weekend Match-Ups (by Sioux 7)

Western Collegiate Hockey Association logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I think we can safely say that the WCHA season is officially under way.  Interesting that the there was not on split on the weekend, either sweeps or three points.  Another note, is that it appears the BSU still has UNO’s number, perhaps the Mavericks should ask the Beavers to give it back J

WCHA STANDINGS 2012-2013

Team………………………W-L-T………Points

1. Denver…………..………2-0-0………...4
1. St. Cloud St………….…2-0-0…………4
2. Bemidji State……..…….1-0-1.……......3
2. North Dakota.………..…1-0-1….……...3
2. Wisconsin…....…………1-0-1...……....3
6. Michigan Tech………….1-3-0…………2
6. Minnesota………………1-1-0…..……..2
8. Alaska-Anchorage…......0-1-1………...1
8. Minnesota-Duluth….…..0-1-1….……..1
10. Nebraska-Omaha…….0-1-1…….......1
11. Colorado College ……0-0-0..……….0
12. Minnesota State………0-2-0….……..0

WCHA Games

#18 St. Could St. @ #3 Denver

Last weekend the Huskies swept the MSUM Mavericks, by identical 5-1 scores in St. Cloud and the Pioneers swept the MTU Huskies, 5-1 and 5-2 in Denver.

Even though it is just the second conference series, this is the battle for top billing in the WCHA.  The Pioneers and Huskies sit atop the standings with four points each.  A sweep by either team would keep them on top for at least another week.  It would also give them an excellent start to the season.  I’m going to hope for a couple of wild shoot out games.  These games could be electrifying, since both teams put up 10 goals last weekend.  SPLIT

Nebraska-Omaha @ Michigan Tech

Last weekend the Mavericks got one point (3-3, 2-3) from the BSU Beavers in Omaha and the Huskies were swept by the Pioneers (5-1, 5-2) in Denver.

This series could already be the old cliché, “You can’t win the title in the first half, but you can lose it.”  MTU can’t afford to get swept in back to back weekends, especially when they are at home this weekend.  The Mavericks also need to get some points this weekend, if they want to stay out of the bottom spots.  If the Huskies play like they did against the Gophers a couple of weeks ago, they should get a win or two this weekend.  SPLIT

Minnesota State vs #2 Minnesota (home and home series)

Last weekend the Mavericks were swept by the SCSU Huskies (5-1, 5-1) in St. Cloud and the Gophers tied the US U-18 team and beat Canisius 1-0 in Minneapolis.

The Mavericks got pounded by the Huskies last weekend, which was MSUM Mike Hastings first series as a head coach in the WCHA.  I bet he was hoping for a little more love from his alum mater (SCSU in 1993).  With the #2 ranked Gophers playing them this weekend, it doesn’t get any easier for him.  The Gophers need to forget about Sunday’s game (after scoring 12 seconds into the game they went scoreless on their next 41 shots).  I’m not sure either, how much that Sunday matinee game might throw off their schedule… thus I’m going with the home teams to win.  SPLIT

Colorado College @ Wisconsin
Last weekend the Tigers were swept by the Big Red of Cornell (2-0, 3-2) at Cornell and the Badgers took three points from the Bulldogs (2-0, 2-2) in Duluth.

The Badgers are playing their first home games of the year this weekend at the Kohl center in Madison.  The Tigers are on a three game losing skid, after winning their first three games to open the season.  This series will like be the last between the two in Madison for some time with the two teams going to different conferences next year.  It appears the Badgers are gaining momentum after last weekend while the Tigers are losing it.  With that on my mind, I’m going to call the series for the Badgers, 3-pts.

Non Conference Games

#12 Boston U. @ #5 North Dakota
Last weekend the Terriers swept Massachusetts (5-2, 3-2) in a home-and-home series and NoDak took three points from the Seawolves (4-1, 3-3) in Grand Forks.

This will be the Terriers first visit to the new Engelstad Arena.  The Terriers last visit to Grand Forks was in December 1996.  NoDak leads the all-time series 11-7-1, and BU is winless in their last 6 games in GF, going 0-5-1.  The last time BU and UND played was Oct. 2008 in the IceBreaker in which BU won 5-1.  The BU coach Jack Parker is now in his 40 year with the Terriers, that is quite a accomplishment in this day and age.  Last year BU had the nation’s best road record, 11-4-1.  Looking at all the numbers this should be a pretty even series, but having the home ice advantage, I have to give the nod to Nodak.  UND wins and ties.

BYE WEEK

Alaska-Anchorage
Bemidji St.
#17 Minnesota-Duluth

Weekend Match-Ups (Sioux 7)

Western Collegiate Hockey Association logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The WCHA got officially started last weekend in Houghton, the “home” of the MacNaughton Cup (MTU is the cups trustee).  The Huskies started off the season on the right skate, with a 5-3 win over visiting Minnesota.  The games between MTU and UM, might have been the last meeting in Houghton between the two long time foes.  Since UM will be leaving the WCHA and doesn’t like (or perhaps it’s a policy that needs to be re-evaluated) to leave Minneapolis for non-conference games.  It’s said to think, that after 266 games (UM leads all-time 173-78-15) against each other, it’s coming to a halt. 

WCHA STANDINGS 2012-2013

Team………………………W-L-T………Points

1. Michigan Tech………….1-1-0…………2
1. Minnesota…………….…1-1-0…..…….2
2. Minnesota-Duluth….…..0-0-0….……..0
2. Denver…………..………0-0-0………...0
2. North Dakota.………..…0-0-0….……0
2. Colorado College ……..0-0-0……….0
2. St. Cloud St………….…0-0-0………0
2. Nebraska-Omaha………0-0-0……...0
2. Bemidji State……..…….0-0-0.……...0
2. Wisconsin…....………..0-0-0...…..…0
2. Minnesota State………0-0-0...……..0
2. Alaska-Anchorage…....0-0-0………..0

WCHA Games

Michigan Tech @ #5 Denver

Last weekend the Huskies split with the Gophers in Houghton and the Pioneers beat Mass-Lowell 5-1 on Friday and then beat Air Force 5-2 on Saturday.

I watched the Huskies/Gophers games last weekend, and MTU looked good.  They have some speed up front and solid goaltending.  Not seeing DU in action, but since they have the number five ranking, it is safe to say they are a quality team this year (just like every year).  Both play on an NHL sized ice sheet, so that won’t be a factor in these games.  It appears that second year head coach Mel Pearson has gotten the Huskies back on track and looking like the Tech teams of yore.  I’m going to go with a SPLIT in this series.

Minnesota State @ St. Could St. 

Last weekend the Mavericks tied (3-3) and beat (4-3ot) the Engineers in Mankato and the Huskies obliterated the UAH Chargers, by scores of 8-3 and 4-0, in St. Cloud.

This in-state rivalry should be a fun series to start of each teams WCHA season.  Both teams play on the Olympic size ice, so don’t look for too much checking, with all that space.  With all the space special teams will be accentuated, thus you don’t want to be taking any bad or unnecessary penalties.  Of note, the Mavericks last three games have gone to overtime, so perhaps the fans of these teams will get some “bonus” hockey this weekend.  I’m thinking both teams will get their first points of the season.  SPLIT

Wisconsin @ #14 Minnesota-Duluth

Last weekend the Badgers were off and the Bulldogs split with the Irish, winning thurday 3-1 and then losing Friday 4-1, in South Bend.

The Badgers are not off the start they wanted, going 0-2-0, to start their last season in the WCHA.  The Bulldogs are off to a 2-2-0 start, splitting their first two series with CCHA teams, Ohio State and Notre Dame.  UW plays on an almost Olympic size ice sheet and the Bulldogs play on the NHL size in the new Amsoil arena.  This will most likely be the last trip UW makes to Duluth in a while with the upcoming league changes, so enjoy these games this weekend.  I’m taking the home team here, Bulldogs 3-pts

Alaska-Anchorage @ #4 North Dakota

Last weekend the Seawolves lost to NoDak 5-0 and beat Merrimack 6-3 in the Alaska Gold Rush Tournament in Fairbanks and UND beat UAA 5-0 and lost to UAF 2-1 in the Alaska Gold Rush Tournament in Fairbanks.

They meet again!  Three out of four games these teams play against each other to start the season.  NoDak put a pretty good licking on the Seawolves in Alaska, with a bunch of players suspended for that game.  Now that they will have their full rooster, one should predict a similar outcome, which I will.  NoDak Sweep

Bemidji St. @ Nebraska-Omaha

Last weekend the Beavers split with the LSSU Lakers losing Friday 2-0 and rebounding Saturday with a 5-0 win and the Mavericks split swept with the Northern Michigan Wildcats winning 5-2 in the first game and losing 2-1 in the rematch, in Omaha.

The Beavers had UNO’s number a couple of years ago, but last year the Maverick’s changed that trend.  This year the Mavericks are off to a 2-2-0 start and the Beavers are off to a 1-1-0 start.  This is the first of two series these team will play; they also play each other January 25-26, 2013 in Bemidji.  I’m going to say they each get a win this weekend, SPLIT

Non-Conference Games
#19 Colorado College @ Cornell
Last weekend the Tigers beat Air Force 6-2 and lost to Mass-Lowell 3-1 in Colorado Springs and the Big Red beat the US-U-18 team 6-2 in exhibition play

The Tigers are off to a 3-1-0 start, they won their first three games before dropping one last weekend.  The Big Red have yet to play an official game, they have played two exhibition games, beating the US U-18 team 6-2, and tying Brock U. 2-2.  Cornell plays in the ECAC conference; they are located in Ithaca, NY, and have an enrollment of approx. 13,500.  Generally speaking the ECAC is viewed as a second rate league, so the WCHA team should dispose of teams in lower leagues…  Tigers Sweep

Exhibition

US U-18 @ #2 Minnesota (Friday)
Last weekend the U-18 team lost to Cornell 6-2 and the Gophers split with the MTU Huskies in Houghton.

Since this game doesn’t official “exist” in unofficially picking the Gophers…

Non-Conference Games

Canisius @ #2 Minnesota (Sunday 1:05pm)
Last weekend the Golden Griffins where swept by Western Michigan in Kalamazoo and the Gophers split with the MTU Huskies in Houghton.

The Griffins are 1-3-0 to start the year, and scoop on them is they play in Atlantic Hockey, are located in Buffalo, NY, and have an enrollment of approx. 3,300 students.  Last year Canisius went 10-22-4 overall and where 10-14-3 in AH, finishing in 9^th place, out of 12 teams.  The Gophers have too much talent for the Griffins, so unless there is some type of self destruction the Gophers should win.

MTU's Alex Petan and his amazing goal.

s/t to Nathan Wells from Minnesota's SB Nation. This the goal that everyone is talking about today. Check out this amazing goal by Michigan Tech freshman Alex Petan as he does his best impersonation of Minnesota Wild draft choice Matt Dumba. Petan and the Huskies would beat the Minnesota Gophers 5-3 in Houghton, Michigan last night.

Related articles

• VIDEO: Michigan Tech's Alex Petan Dazzles With From-the-Knees Goal (unitedstatesofhockey.com)
• Saturday afternoon thoughts (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• Gophers Hockey: Michigan Tech hands Minnesota first loss of the season (minnesota.sbnation.com)
• WCHA 2012-13 Season Preview (insidehockey.com)

UConn Men's Ice Hockey To Join Hockey East for the 2014-15 season

STORRS, Conn. - The University of Connecticut has been offered and has accepted an invitation to join the Hockey East Association in the sport of men's ice hockey in a joint announcement made on Thursday. Connecticut will join the league for men's ice hockey in 2014-15 and is already a member of the league in women's ice hockey.

Connecticut's membership in the men's league will put the conference at 12 teams for the 2014-15 season, including: Boston College, Boston University, Maine, Merrimack, UMass-Lowell, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Northeastern, Notre Dame (beginning in 2013-14), Providence and Vermont.

The Huskies will continue to compete in the Atlantic Hockey Association for the 2012-13 and 2013-14 seasons.

"This is a historic day in the history of the University of Connecticut and its Division of Athletics," said Director of Athletics Warde Manuel. "Hockey East is the premier men's ice hockey conference in the country and we are proud to say that the Huskies are now part of it. I would like to thank Hockey East Commissioner Joe Bertagna and the Athletic Directors at the institutions that comprise Hockey East for providing us this special opportunity.  We are committed to developing a men's ice hockey program that can and will perform successfully on the national level and compete for Hockey East and NCAA championships.

"I would also like to recognize Commissioner Robert DeGregorio and our fellow Atlantic Hockey institutions for their support during this decision making process."

The Hockey East Association was founded in 1984 and league teams have won eight NCAA championships in the past 20 years. Hockey East teams have made 37 appearances in the Frozen Four and 21 appearances in national championship games in the 28-year history of the league. Since 1999, Hockey East has won six NCAA Championships and has placed 20 teams in the Frozen Four, along with 53 teams in the NCAA Tournament. Thirty-two Hockey East alums have won the Stanley Cup with their respective NHL teams.

"This is one of the most historic and significant days in the history of our conference," said Hockey East Commissioner Joe Bertagna. "We have enjoyed a terrific relationship with the University of Connecticut for more than a decade through our involvement with its women's hockey program. Today we start a new chapter in this relationship and we couldn't be more pleased.

"Warde Manuel and his staff did a commendable job in preparing for this moment and I would be remiss if I didn't acknowledge the role played by the state's biggest hockey fan, Governor Dan Malloy. Our directors have always said that we would welcome growth through any institution that brings value to our conference. No other school was better positioned to do this than the University of Connecticut."

UConn plans to play its home Hockey East conference games at the XL Center in downtown Hartford and will continue to play non-conference games in Storrs at the Mark Edward Freitas Ice Forum. The XL Center is the longtime off-campus home of both the UConn men's and women's basketball teams.

"The State of Connecticut is very excited that UConn is joining Hockey East and will be bringing the passion of college hockey to downtown Hartford," said Connecticut Governor Dannel P. Malloy. "I have been a longtime fan of college hockey and believe that this is an incredible opportunity for the University. It is also a great opportunity to bring more top-flight events to the XL Center and further enhance the quality of life in downtown Hartford."

"We are thrilled with the University of Connecticut's decision to join Hockey East," said Chuck Steedman, AEG Management CT/XL Center Senior Vice President and General Manager. "AEG is extremely excited about the opportunity to play host to UConn Hockey at the XL Center and will support UConn's program in a variety of areas.

"We commend the forward-thinking vision of both the University of Connecticut and Governor Malloy, as Hockey East represents a major win for the state of Connecticut and the capital region will see the direct impact of these games being played downtown."

Connecticut currently does not offer athletic scholarships in men's ice hockey, but plans to elevate to the NCAA maximum of 18 scholarships as a participant in Hockey East. UConn will also add additional athletic scholarships to women's sports to ensure compliance with gender equity regulations.

UConn joins an elite group of seven other schools that compete on the national level as a member of the BCS Conference in football and play college basketball and college hockey in a national elite conference. Those other schools with their future conference hockey affiliation are: Boston College (Hockey East), Michigan (Big Ten), Michigan State (Big Ten), Minnesota (Big Ten), Notre Dame (Hockey East), Ohio State (Big Ten) and Wisconsin (Big Ten).

"It is a very exciting time to be part of the University of Connecticut and the joining of Hockey East is a reflection of the continuing efforts to advance our great university," said President Susan Herbst. "UConn is one of the top 20 public research institutions in the country, and our athletic prowess has been a terrific part of our overall success.  I would like to thank Governor Malloy for his support of our membership in Hockey East.   I am also extraordinarily grateful to the leadership of Hockey East, and to the university presidents of the league.  We are honored to stand alongside such excellent institutions and look forward to meeting them on the ice." 

The University of Connecticut first fielded a varsity men's hockey team in 1960-61. UConn elevated its program to Division I status in 1998-99 as a founding member of both the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) and Atlantic Hockey in 2003-04.

"The entire UConn men's ice hockey family is very excited about this announcement," said UConn head coach Bruce Marshall. Marshall is a 1985 UConn graduate and former men's ice hockey student-athlete. He has been the head coach of the program since 1988 and is the winningest coach in program history as he enters his 25^th season in 2012-13. "We are very grateful to the administration of the University and to the entire state for bringing Connecticut into Hockey East. From our current student-athletes to our dedicated hockey alumni base, there is great anticipation about this move. I believe that there is a strong appetite for this level of college hockey here in Connecticut and that Husky fans will embrace our entry in Hockey East."

Sioux grind out 4-1 win against Huskies

Image via Wikipedia

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Saint Cloud State Huskies are always a tough draw; they have only been swept once all season long. The Huskies managed to get points every single weekend this season.

Tonight was no different, as the Fighting Sioux had to work hard to get the win against the Huskies. One can markup tonight’s game as another hard fought epic battle tonight as well.

Coming into tonight’s game, Huskies’ junior goalie Mike Lee has never won a game against the Fighting Sioux in his three seasons with the Huskies, going 0-5-1 during that run. With the 4-1 loss tonight, Lee’s record drops to 0-6-1.

While his junior goalie has yet to win a game against the Fighting Sioux, Saint Cloud State coach Bob Motzko described his goalie, “as a big time goaltender.”

The Huskies and the Sioux play a similar style of play as both teams like to limit the other’s time and space and get into the passing lanes making it difficult to generate scoring opportunities. That rang true tonight. At times the Huskies frustrated the Sioux by clogging up the neutral zone and they also did a good job getting the shooting lanes.

The Fighting Sioux also got in the passing lanes, took away the Huskies time and space and frustrated them as well.

Corbin Knight broke the defensive stalemate at the 7:40 mark of the first period, when the junior center curled in front of the net to center the puck. It went off of the SCSU defenseman Sam Zabkowicz and into the net past Lee.

With Knight in the box for charging, junior forward Ben Hanowski made the Fighting Sioux pay with his 23rd marker of the season.

Fighting Sioux sophomore forward Brock Nelson had been a little bit snake bitten as of late, but was able to get off of the snide with his 24th goal of the season as he snapped a shot over Lee’s blocker.
Motzko was impressed with Nelson’s first goal of the game.

“He’s coming down on his off side, a pretty good hockey player to, I think that’s the player in our league that you’re going to watch play in the NHL for a long time,” Motzko said. “He was able to cut back in the middle of the rink and that is where is he is going to go he is on his offside, kind of one on one and you can keep him on his back hand and you keep him down there, and he was perfect. Our guy crossed his feet over and he stepped back into the middle and was able to make a shot.”

The pesky Huskies wouldn’t go away quietly into the night.

With the Huskies goalie out of the net and pressing hard down low, Nelson would get his second goal of the game and his 25th goal of the season to ice it.

Fighting Sioux junior goalie Aaron Dell played well, and was the difference in the game stopping 28 of 29 shots.

When it was all said and done, this was a very even game and either team could have won. Motzko agreed.

“It was an extremely hard fought hockey game,” Motzko said. “It was a tough grinding game; it was a great game down on the bench. I don’t know if there were a ton of plays being made…”

With the win tonight, the Fighting Sioux improve to 23-12-3 and jump up to ninth in the PairWise Rankings.

The Fighting Sioux will play the top-seeded Minnesota Gophers in the semifinal game at 7:07 p.m. tomorrow night.

Coach Dave Hakstol seemed excited about the prospects of playing the Minnesota Gophers again.
“I said it yesterday, we are in the greatest venue possible for post season play in college hockey,” Hakstol said.“Saint Paul… the entire town is electric, this building is an awful lot of fun with the number of fans that are in the building, we have an opportunity to play a rival tomorrow night. If you like competition, you will like the game tomorrow.”

Related articles

• Sioux slip by Beavers 4-1 (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• WCHA Final Five Capsules (insidehockey.com)
• Sioux grind out win against Huskies (insidehockey.com)

Weekend Match-Ups (by Sioux 7)

Here we are, the regular season has ended and we begin the WCHA playoffs. Congratulations to the Gophers, who captured their 12th WCHA regular season title by beating their arch-rival, the Badgers, on Saturday night. The Bulldogs fell just a little short of a fourth league title and will have to settle for second this year. However, this weekend starts a new season for everyone, now it's do or do not, win two move on, lose two and your playoff season is over (for most teams).

Let’s look back at last year and compare it to this season. This year it took 28pts go get home ice and last year it also took 28 points to get home ice. Last year CC finished in 6th place with an even record too, 13-13-2, very similar to SCSU record of 12-12-4 this year. Both this year and last the 2nd place team had 37 points, and 3rd place had 36 points. It is funny how some things seem to stay the same.


WCHA FINAL STANDINGS 2011-2012

Team………………………W-L-T………Points
1. Minnesota………………20-8-0…..…….40
2. Minnesota-Duluth……..16-7-5….……..37
3. Denver…………..………16-8-4………...36
4. North Dakota.……….….16-11-1….……33
5. Colorado College ……..15-12-1……….31
6. St. Cloud St……………. 12-12-4………28

7. Nebraska-Omaha………11-12-5……....27
8. Michigan Tech………….11-13-4………26
9. Bemidji State……..……..11-14-3.……...25
10. Wisconsin…....……….11-15-2...…..…24
11. Minnesota State……..…8-18-2...……..18
12. Alaska-Anchorage…....5-22-1………..11


(#’s are current Pair Wise Rankings)

Michigan Tech @ #19 Colorado College
(season series - CC wins 2-0)

Last weekend these teams played each other with the Tigers sweeping the Huskies in Colorado Springs, 5-2 and 2-0.

With the sweep last weekend the Tigers improved their home record to 11-5-2 this season. The Huskies fell to 5-10-2 on the road last weekend in Colorado Springs. This series should be a tough fought one. It is hard to sweep the same team back to back weekends, and I don’t think it is going to happen. MTU has fought to hard this season to let it end on a four game losing skid to the same team. The Huskies need to score first in these games to take the crowd out of the equation. Also that will allow MTU to dictate the pace of the game. In the end, I think the Tigers will prevail, but it won’t be easy. TIGERS IN 3


Nebraska-Omaha @ #25 St. Cloud State
(season series - UNO wins 1-0-1)

Last weekend the UNO Mavericks were swept by the Pioneers in Omaha and the Huskies took three points from the Bulldogs in St. Cloud.

These teams met back in late November in Omaha with the Mavericks winning the opener 4-3 and tying in the Saturday rematch, 2-2. The Huskies are heating up at the right time. SCSU is 3-1-1 in their last five and are 5-2-1 in their last eight. The Mavericks have been doing the opposite, they have cooled down, and you might say they have even gone cold. Their losses last weekend cost them home ice and now they hit the road. UNO has now hit a season worst four game losing streak, and have been reeling, going 2-8-1 over their last eleven games. The Mavericks have not swept anybody on the road this season, they closest they came was taking three points from BSU in November. The Mavericks might take a game from the Huskies at the National Hockey Center, but I don’t think they will make it to St. Paul. HUSKIES SWEEP


Alaska-Anchorage @ #6t Minnesota
(season series - UM wins 2-0)

Last weekend the Seawolves were swept by the Beavers in Anchorage and the Gophers split with the Badgers in Minneapolis.

These teams met in Minneapolis back at the end of October, with the Gophers winning 5-0 in the opener and 3-1 in the finale. And I’m sure most everyone remembers what happened a year ago with the Gophers hosted the Seawolves in the first round, UAA swept them at Mariucci, 4-3 and 2-0. Since last year, these teams have changed significantly, the Gophers are much better than they were last year. The Seawolves have dropped off some since last season. I can’t recall the top seed in the WCHA losing the first round playoff series to the bottom team. On paper this should be a pair of slaughters, but you still have to play the games. I don’t think the Gophers will be over looking UAA this time around. GOPHERS SWEEP


Minnesota State @ #2t Minnesota-Duluth
(season series - UMD wins 3-0-1)

Last weekend the Mavericks were swept by the Sioux in Grand Forks and the Bulldogs got a point from the SCSU Huskies in St. Cloud.

These teams first played back in mid November in Duluth with the Bulldogs sweeping the games by scores of 5-2 and 7-3. They just played in three weeks ago in Mankato, with UMD winning Friday night 4-2 and then tying Saturday night 4-4. It is fairly obvious that the Mavericks need to hold the Bulldogs to less than four goals a game, if they want to make some noise in the post season. The Mavericks are 6-12-0 away from Mankato this year and the Bulldogs are 12-5-1 in Duluth this year. MSUM has their work cut out for them this weekend, but if they can clamp down defensively and get some timely saves they could make a series out of it. In the end, UMD just has to much fire power up front and the Mavericks cannot stymie them forever. BULLDOGS SWEEP


Bemidji State @ #13 North Dakota
(season series - UND wins 2-0)

Last weekend the Beavers swept the Seawolves in Anchorage and the Sioux swept the MSUM Mavericks in Grand Forks

Edit: These teams split in Bemidji, back in November, with UND winning the first game of the series 5-2 and Bemidji winning the second game 1-0. The Sioux are heating up late in the season they are 8-2-1 in their last eleven games. The Beavers snapped out of four game losing streak by sweeping the Seawolves last weekend. With those pair of wins BSU improved their road record to 6-10-2, meanwhile UND in 14-4-3 in Grand Forks this season. The Beavers need to play some solid defense in front of their net minder, if they hope to extend their season. UND just needs to play their up tempo game style and stay out of the penalty box, in order to prevail this weekend. The Sioux are heating up and that doesn’t bode well for the Beavers. SIOUX SWEEP


Wisconsin @ #11 Denver
(season series - CC wins 2-0)

Last weekend the Badgers split with the Gophers and the Pioneers swept the UNO Mavericks in Omaha.

These teams just played three weeks ago in Madison with the Pioneers winning on Friday 3-0 and the Badgers taking Saturday’s game 5-2. The Pioneers are 12-5-2 at Magness Arena and the Badgers are 4-9-1 away from the Kohl Center. The Badgers just had their four game winning streak snapped on Saturday night, but going 4-1-0 over their last five is a good sign for cardinal and white fans. The Pioneers have won three in a row and six of their last eight games, with the loses to UW and UND. DU was the pre-season favorite to win the league, and as of late they are looking like the team everyone was expecting. UW is playing with a lot of confidence right now and will give DU all they can handle and then some in this series. However, DU has some of the best top end talent in their forwards, which will be the difference maker in this series. PIONEERS IN 3

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Weekend Match-Ups (by Sioux 7)

What a difference a week makes. The standing show that only 4 points separate 3rd through 8th places. That is a lot of teams in the fight for home ice in the first round, which is just a month away now.


WCHA STANDINGS

Team………………………W-L-T………Points
1. Minnesota………………15-5-0…..……30
2. Minnesota-Duluth……..12-5-3….…….27
3. Colorado College ……..12-7-3………..25
4. Denver…………..………10-6-4………..23
5. North Dakota……….…...11-9-0….…….22
5. Michigan Tech………….10-8-2………..22
5. Nebraska-Omaha…….…9-7-4………..22
8. St. Cloud St……………. 9-10-3……….21
9. Bemidji State….…………7-10-3…….…17
10. Wisconsin……………..7-13-2…..…….16
11. Minnesota State………6-15-1…………13
12. Alaska-Anchorage…...4-17-1…………9


WCHA Games

#10 Colorado College @ Bemidji State
Last weekend Tigers took 3-points from the Pioneers in a home-and-home series and the Beavers took 3-points from the UNO Mavericks in Omaha.

The Tigers vaulted over their rivals from Denver in the standings. CC might be riding high after taking care of business last weekend, but they better not be looking past the Beavers. BSU have been good at home in the Sanford Center, boasting a 9-4-1 record in Bemidji. SPLIT


Nebraska-Omaha @ Michigan Tech
Last weekend the Mavericks got a point at home against the Beavers and the Huskies split with the MSUM Mavericks in Mankato.

These games will be like a playoff series, since they are in a three way tie for the last home ice spots. A pair of losses now for either one can now mean the difference in playing in front of their fans in March or going on the road. The Mavericks are 5-6-2 away from Omaha and the Huskies are 8-4-1 in Houghton this season. The Huskies have been scoring at a 4.7gpg pace since January 1st. But when you get to this time of the season and teams are desperate for points, things happen. I’m going with the home team. HUSKIES SWEEP


Minnesota State @ Alaska-Anchorage
Last weekend the Mavericks split with the MTU Huskies in Mankato and the Seawolves split with the Bulldogs in Anchorage.

If the Mavericks sweep this series they pretty much lock the Seawolves into last place. The flip side is if the Seawolves sweep they would be tied with MSUM for 11th place. The Seawolves should have the advantage, being at home last weekend, and MSUM having to travel, way up north. SEAWOLVES SWEEP


#2 Minnesota @ #14 Denver
Last weekend the Gophers were on a bye weekend and the Pioneers salvaged a point against their arch-rivals, the CC Tigers, in the home/away series.
Before last weekend the Pioneers still had sight of first place, now they need to fight to keep in the top half of the league, my how things can change in one weekend. The Pioneers can reel in the Gophers with a pair of wins this weekend. The Pioneers had been on a five game winning streak until last weekend. The Gophers come in winning their last 3 games and 4 out of their last 5. The Gophers offensive has not been putting up many goals as of late, so if the Pioneers can get some good goaltending and a few breaks they can get some points this weekend. SPLIT


#16 North Dakota @ #2 Minnesota-Duluth
Last weekend Bulldogs split with the Seawolves in Anchorage and North Dakota had bye weekend to rest.

The Bulldogs have struggle their last four games, and have slide out of first place in the WCHA. North Dakota has yet to go on their second half run that has been the norm for them the past seven years under Hakstol. UND needs points this weekend if they want to keep hold of the top half and try and secure home ice. The Bulldogs are pretty much assured of home ice at this point (barring a complete meltdown), but I’m sure they want the McNaughton Cup. SPLIT


BYE WEEK
St. Cloud State
Wisconsin

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Weekend Match-Ups (by Sioux 7)

How about a top ten list? I haven’t done one of those in while.

10 – 8-oz beers the Goon & Sioux 7 drank at the Fargo Force hockey game
9 – Unanswered goals the MTU Huskies scored last weekend in Duluth
8 – Teams that will be in NCHC in 2013
7 – Sioux 7’s number
6 – The number of teams in top and the bottom half of the league
5 – Points that separate 2nd from 7th place in the WCHA
4 – What Goon yells while golfing
3 – Teams that don’t have any ties in league games
2 – Teams that realistically have a chance to win the McNaughton Cup
1 – The position the Gophers occupy this week


WCHA STANDINGS

Team………………………W-L-T………Points
1. Minnesota………………15-5-0…..……30
2. Minnesota-Duluth……..11-4-3….…….25
3. Denver…………………..10-5-3………..23
4. Colorado College………11-7-0………..22
4. North Dakota……….…...11-9-0….…….22
6. Nebraska-Omaha…….…9-6-3………..21
7. Michigan Tech………….9-7-2…….…..20
8. St. Cloud St……………. 7-10-3……….17
9. Wisconsin……………....7-11-2…..…….16
10. Bemidji State….……….6-10-2…………14
11. Minnesota State………5-14-1…………11
12. Alaska-Anchorage…...3-16-1…………7


WCHA Games

Michigan Tech @ Minnesota State
Last weekend the Huskies took 3 points from the Bulldogs in Duluth and the Mavericks split with the Beavers in Bemidji.

These guys played each other back in early November, with the Huskies winning Friday’s game 1-0 and the Mavericks taking Saturday’s game 6-3. MTU is staying right in the middle of the pack and is eyeing a home ice playoff spot. A Huskies sweep this weekend would keep them in mix and leap them into the top half of the league. The Mavericks are ten points out of sixth place with eight games to go. Hate to say it, but it looks like they will be on the road in the first round of the playoffs (just an “early” prediction). Tech should be full of confidence after, shall we say, beating up on the number one team in the country last weekend. HUSKIES SWEEP

St. Cloud State @ Wisconsin
Last weekend the Huskies were swept by the Gophers in a home-and-home series and the Badgers were swept by North Dakota in Grand Forks.

Both teams are both reeling after last weekend and need points, if they want to keep their hopes alive for home ice in the first round. The Badgers need to find a way to put offensive pressure on the Huskies. SCSU has dropped their last three games and have gone 2-5-0 in their last 7 games. The Huskies need to get their sled back on their rails, before their bye weekend, next week. The Badgers also have next weekend off, so they too would like to go into that with their heads held high. SPLIT


#13 Denver vs #11 Colorado College
Last weekend the Pioneers swept the UAA Seawolves in Anchorage and the Tigers had had a weekend off to rest up and prepare for their arch-rivals.

Gold Pan Games 3 and 4, let’s look back and refresh our memories, game 1, Nov. 12, DU wins 5-4, game 2, Dec. 2, CC wins 4-3 OT. Friday’s game in Denver and Saturday’s is in Colorado Springs. Don’t look now, but the Pioneers have quietly put together a 5 game winning streak. Of course, some will say, they should have given the teams they have played (UAH, BSU, and UAA). Meanwhile the Tigers are 2-2-1 over their last 5 games. Not only be rivals, but that they are also separated by one point in the standings, just adds that much more to the mix. SPLIT


#1 Minnesota-Duluth @ Alaska-Anchorage
Last weekend Bulldogs got one point against the MTU Huskies in Duluth and the Seawolves were swept by the Pioneers in Anchorage.

After last weekends, blip on the UMD radar, they will be heading up to the Sullivan arena in Anchorage. The trip might give the Bulldogs they time they need to work things out, might… The Seawolves will no doubt be looking at tape this week and try to emulate the MTU Huskies. On paper this series weighs heavily in the Bulldogs favor, but that is paper, the games are played on ice. SPLIT


Bemidji State @ Nebraska-Omaha
Last weekend Beavers split with the MSUM Mavericks in Bemidji and the UNO Mavericks were off.

Back in mid-November these teams met in Bemidji with the Mavericks take three points back to Omaha. Last season the Beavers had UNO’s number, but it looks like the tide might be changing. The Beavers, as of late, are only scoring about twice a game, which is not good, if you want to win games. BSU needs to get the offensive attack going this weekend if they want to leave Omaha with some points. The Mavericks will no doubt try to punch some more holes in the Beavers dam, I mean defense. Perhaps BSU can have their goaltenders rustle up some points for the team this weekend. SPLIT


BYE WEEK
#2 Minnesota
#17 North Dakota

Weekend Match-Ups (by Sioux 7)

Looking at the calendar this is the last weekend of action in January. We all know that means the season is winding down, put the stakes are going up. After this weekend it basically leaves us the month of February in the regular season. The teams are so bunched up in the middle of standings it should be another great race for home ice in the first round of the WCHA playoffs.

WCHA STANDINGS

Team………………………W-L-T………Points
1. Minnesota………………13-5-0…..……26
2. Minnesota-Duluth……..11-3-2….…….24
3. Colorado College……..11-7-0………..22
4. Nebraska-Omaha………9-6-3……….. 21
5. Denver……………………8-5-3………..19
6. North Dakota……….…...9-9-0….……..18
7. Michigan Tech………….8-7-1…….…..17
7. St. Cloud St……………. 7-8-3……….. 17
9. Wisconsin……………....7-9-2…..…….14
10. Bemidji State….……….5-9-2…………12
11. Minnesota State………4-13-1…………9
12. Alaska-Anchorage…...3-14-1…………7


WCHA Games

Minnesota State @ Bemidji State
Last weekend the MSUM Mavericks split with the UNO Mavericks in Mankato, and the Beavers enjoyed a weekend off.

Since the calendar flipped over to 2012 the Mavericks are holding their own, going 3-3-0 in January. The Beavers have a good record this year at the Sanford Center, owning a 8-3-1 record at home. Both teams are need of points. If they want to climb the standings and make run at home ice for the first round. The Beavers look to have a better shot at hosting, since they have more points currently and two games in hand on the Mavericks. The Mavericks haven’t been to good on the road, their last WCHA road win came back on November 5 versus MTU. MSUM fans would probably say they are due for a WCHA road win. SPLIT


Wisconsin Badgers @ #18 North Dakota
Last weekend Badgers swept the UAA Seawolves at the Kohl Center in Madison and North Dakota split with the SCSU Huskies in St. Cloud.

Earlier this season the Sioux visited the Badgers in Madison and left there with no points. UND will be looking to return the favor this weekend in Grand Forks. North Dakota has suffered numerous injuries this season, making everyone step up their game night in and night out. If they can stay healthy down the stretch here, they could make a run up the standings. This would help to secure home ice in the first round. Meanwhile, the Badgers are in what most are calling a rebuilding year. NORTH DAKOTA SWEEP


St. Cloud State vs #3 Minnesota
Last weekend Huskies split with North Dakota in St. Cloud and the Gophers split with CC Tigers in Minneapolis.

This is a home-home series with the opener in Minneapolis and the finale in St. Cloud. The Gophers have dropped the last few Friday night games they played and this weekend it is even more important for the gophers to win on Friday, with Saturday’s game in St. Cloud. The Huskies have been a bit inconsistent this season, so it is hard to predict which team will show up on which night. SPLIT


#15 Denver @ Alaska-Anchorage
Last weekend the Seawolves were swept by the Badgers in Madison and the Pioneers had a weekend off to rest up.

The Pioneers take the big airplane ride this weekend up to scenic Alaska. The Seawolves have not played in front of the home town fans since December 3-4 (vs. North Dakota). I’m sure the players and fans are chomping at the bit to play a game at the Sully. The Seawolves have been lighting the lamp this year, but have been surrendering a few too many as well. If the Pioneers can take the lead and make UAA play from behind they could leave Anchorage with some points. SPLIT


Michigan Tech @ #1 Minnesota-Duluth
Last weekend Huskies lost their one game against Northern Michigan in Houghton and the Bulldogs swept the UAH Chargers in Duluth.

Tech hits the road this weekend and will be on it six of their next eight games. The Huskies last road trip was to Minneapolis, where they split with the Gophers. MTU will have to avoid getting into a shoot out with the Bulldogs, UMD packs to much firepower for the Huskies to match. The Bulldogs will need to put shots up on the Huskies; they have allowed five goals or more in six games this season. The Huskies have shown they can take on the top powers this year, so don’t be too surprised if they leave Duluth with a point or two. BULLDOGS 3-pts.



BYE WEEK
#12 Colorado College
Nebraska-Omaha

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Weekend Match-Ups (by Sioux 7)

The second half of the season is underway. Thus, we only have seven weekends of WCHA games on the schedule. After this weekend, the WCHA season will be about 2/3rds done with. Or look at it this way, the WCHA Final Five is just under two months away.

WCHA STANDINGS

Team………………………W-L-T……Points
1. Minnesota……………..…12-4-0…..……24
2. Minnesota-Duluth……..11-3-2….…….24
3. Colorado College….…..10-6-0………..20
4. Denver…………………...…8-5-3………..19
4. Nebraska-Omaha………8-5-3……….. 19
6. Michigan Tech…….…….8-7-1…….…..17
7. North Dakota……...…...8-8-0….……..16
8. St. Cloud St……….……. 6-7-3……….. 15
9. Bemidji State……….…. 5-9-2……….. 12
10. Wisconsin………….…..5-9-2…..…….12
11. Alaska-Anchorage…....3-12-1…………7
11. Minnesota State…….…3-12-1…………7


WCHA Games

Nebraska-Omaha @ Minnesota State
Last weekend the UNO Mavericks split with the Bulldogs in Omaha and the MSUM Mavericks split with the Badgers in Mankato, with each team getting a shutout.

You know what will happen if I say the Mavericks will win this weekend… both games will end in ties, so I’m not going that route. It looks like one group of cattle has already been put out to pasture this season (MSUM) and the other is grazing
right along. I am going with the easy pick here. SPLIT


#17 North Dakota @ St. Cloud State
Last weekend North Dakota split with the Gophers in Grand Forks and the Huskies split with the Tigers in Colorado Springs.


In the end of October, these teams met in Grand Forks with the Huskies taking the opener 4-0, and the Sioux (UND was called the Sioux back then) took the Saturday game 3-1. But that was almost three months ago. Since then both teams have developed and improved their games. These teams are only separated by a single point in the standing and four points would go a long way in the race for home ice. UND hasn’t been great on the road this year, sporting a 3-5-0 road record. SCSU has 5-3-3 record at the National Hockey Center this year. Looking at all the GF-GA numbers they are pretty even too. This series is looking like a… SPLIT


#11 Colorado College @ #4 Minnesota
Last weekend Tigers split with Huskies in Colorado Springs and the Gophers split with North Dakota in Grand Forks.

The Tigers are tied with UMD for the most goals in the WCHA up to this point, with 66, and the Gophers are not far behind with 58 goals of their own. The bigger difference is goals allowed, CC has given up 54 and the Gophers have allowed 32. The Gophers have been good at home, but have let some games get away from at Mariucci. If the Tigers can limit the Gophers chances, they can leave Minneapolis with some points. SPLIT


Alaska-Anchorage @ Wisconsin Badgers
Last weekend the Seawolves were swept by the Huskies in Houghton (those where UAA’s first games since December 9-10th vs CC), and the Badgers split with the Mavericks in Mankato.

The Seawolves might have shaken off the rust last weekend and could be handful for the struggling Badgers this year. Both teams need to get on a winning streak if they want to stay in the hunt for home ice come March. SPLIT


NON-CONFERENCE

Alabama-Huntsville (1-17-1) @ #1 Minnesota-Duluth
Last weekend the UAH Chargers with the in and the Bulldogs split with the Mavericks in Omaha.

I’m just going to tell it like it is, the Chargers are the bottom team in D-I hockey and the Bulldogs are the top. Need I say more? SWEEP


Northern Michigan (8-7-3) @ Michigan Tech (11-11-1)
Last weekend the Huskies swept the Seawolves in Houghton and the Wildcats got a point on the road against CCHA foe Michigan State in their weekend series.

The Wildcats are dismal 2-7-1 away from Marquette this season, but are good at home going 8-1-4 there. One of their home wins was over the Huskies back on Dec. 16th. The Huskies are 8-3-1 this year in MacInnes Arena and would like nothing better than getting a win over their Upper Peninsula rival. HUSKIES WIN.


BYE
WEEK
Bemidji State
#15 Denver

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