UND: The Weekend Ahead (12/14-12/15)

Seal of the University of North Dakota (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The University of North Dakota travels to Houghton, Michigan to play the Michigan Tech Huskies in an important two game WCHA series at MacInnes Student Ice Arena on December 14-15.

North Dakota (8-5-3, 5-2-3 WCHA) #8 USCHO and #8 USA Today Polls versus unranked Michigan Tech (4-8-3, 3-6-3 WCHA).

Game times: 7:07 pm ET December 14-15.

Radio:  UND 96.1 (KQHT-FM) – The Fox.

TV: None
 Webcast: MichiganTechHuskies.com

Series History: All-Time:  UND leads the series 145-93-10 (.605). UND’s record against MTU in Grand Forks, ND UND leads 82-33-5 (.704). UND’s record against MTU in Houghton, Michigan 61-55-5 (.525).  UND record against MTU at Neutral sites, UND trails 2-5-0 (.286). Last 10 games; UND leads 9-0-1 (.950)

 Players to Watch:

North Dakota: Forwards: Danny Kristo (6g-9a—15pts), Rocco Grimaldi (6g-9a—15pts), Mark MacMillan (6g-6a—12pts), Corbin Knight (5g-12a—14pts), Drake Caggiula (5g-6a—11pts). Defense:  Dillon Simpson (2g-5a—7pts), Andrew MacWilliam (1g-4a—5pts), Derek Forbort (4g-5a—9pts). Goaltenders: Clarke Saunders 6-3-3, 2.39 GAA, .916 save percentage, Zane Gothberg 2-2-0, 2.97 GAA, .902 save percentage.

Michigan Tech Huskies: Alex Petan (4g-9a—13pts), Blake Pietila (9g-2a—11pts), David Johnston (3g-8a—11pts), Jujhar Khaira (3g-8a—11pts).  Defense: Steven Seigo  (4g-4a—8pts), Brad Stebner (1g-4a—5pts), Goaltenders: Jamie Phillips  0-1-0, 2.34 GAA, .906 save percentage. Kevin Genoe  3-1-3, 2.83 GAA, .909 save percentage, Pheonix Copley 1-6-0, 4.36 GAA, .851 save percentage.

UND Official Web Page

Michigan Tech Officials Web Page

Originally Posted at The Hockey Writers – Combine

Tech goal that was waved off.

[1:10 mark of video] With about 4 seconds remaining in the second period of Tuesday's game between MTU and NMU, it appeared that Michigan Tech forward Tanner Kero had scored a legitimate goal for the Michigan Tech Huskies... After further review by the CCHA officials, the goal by was waved off.

The ruling on the ice, the officials decided that Kero had interfered with the Northern Michigan goalie Jared Coreau. In looking at this video, I disagree, I this is a bad call. In my opinion, there is no reason this goal wasn't counted, albeit the video wasn't very good, I see no reason this was a goal on the score sheet.

In watching this video a dozen times, I don't see the goalie interference and if anything the goalie took a blatant dive. There is no reason that goalie should be flopping on the ice, in my opinion.  If the MTU forward touched the goaltender Coreau it was very minimal and not worthy of goalie interference, that's going hard to the net. I think that Mel Pearson has every right to be upset with this call.

Tuesday Night Tilt (by Sioux 7)

In a rare Tuesday night game, this year, two old rivals go out.  So, here is an early week prediction.

Michigan Tech (4-7-1 overall) @ Northern Michigan (5-8-3 overall) (Tuesday)

Last weekend the Huskies got a point (3-7, 4-4ot) from the Bulldogs in Houghton and the Wildcats were swept (4-2, 1-0) on the road, by their CCHA foe Western Michigan.

This will be the first meeting this season between these two Upper Peninsula hockey teams.  It is the battle of the Cats and Dogs in Marquette on Tuesday evening.  Next year this will be a conference games as NMU will re-join the WCHA after a twelve year absence.  I’m going with MTU in this Yopper tilt, since they were at home this past weekend.  HUSKIES WIN

WCHA Web Media Poll: Week 7

Western Collegiate Hockey Association logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Each week, I participate in a WCHA Web Media Poll that is put on by the Tech Hockey Guide with 11 other people that represent both the print media as well as the hockey blogosphere.

There is a little bit of movement in this week’s poll. The Denver Pioneers remain in first place even though they were beaten twice by UNH and Yale.

Next, the Minnesota Golden Gophers stay at second where they now hold that position all by themselves this week – even though they have yet to beat team that is in the national rankings or has a winning record.

Sliding to third is UND who has split their nonconference series with the 6th ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish, in South Bend, Indiana.  Actually, UND has played three teams in the top twenty in three out of the last four weeks and holds a 4-3-1 record – so much for being rewarded for playing a tough schedule.

There was no other movement in the rest of the top seven teams as they all remained the same.
There was some other movement in the bottom five teams – Minnesota State climbed out of the basement of the poll from 11^th place to eighth place.  After being swept, the Wisconsin Badgers fell from eighth place all the way down to 11^th place. The Beavers and the Bulldogs traded places at ninth and 10^th place.

Here are the results of the WCHA Web Media Poll for Week 7:

	Team	Pts	Previous	Record	High	Low
1)	Denver (10)	138	1	9-3-0	1	4
2)	Minnesota (2)	128	2	9-2-2	1	5
3)	North Dakota	120	2	6-4-2	2	6
4)	St. Cloud State	107	4	7-5-0	3	6
5)	Nebraska Omaha	100	5	8-3-1	3	6
6)	Colorado College	90	6	7-6-1	3	7
7)	Michigan Tech	67	7	4-6-0	6	10
8)	Minnesota State	53	11	5-5-2	7	10
9)	Bemidji State	51	10	3-5-2	7	10
10)	Minnesota Duluth	45	9	3-7-2	7	11
11)	Wisconsin	23	8	1-7-2	10	12
12)	Alaska Anchorage	14	12	2-4-4	11	12

Representing Name Publication Twitter

Alaska-Anchorage, Taylor Hall College Hockey News @thall907
Bemidji State, Troy Mills The Beaver Pond
Colorado College, Joe Paisley, Paisley Hockey @Paisleyhockey
Denver, Mike Chambers, Denver Post @MChambersDP
Michigan Tech, Tim Braun, Tech Hockey Guide @TBraunTHG
Minnesota, Dan Myers, Minnesota Hockey Magazine @1DanMyers
Minnesota Duluth, Bruce Ciskie, The Ciskie Blog @BruceCiskie
Minnesota State, Chris Dilks, Western College Hockey @ChrisDilks
Nebraska-Omaha, Matt Semisch, Radio Free Omaha @matthewsemisch
North Dakota, Eric Burton The Hockey Writers Combine and Goon’s World @goon48
St. Cloud State, Jeremy Larson, Husky Hockey Time @jclarson02
Wisconsin, Andy Johnson, Bucky’s 5th Quarter @andyjohnsonB5Q


Originally posted at the Hockey Writers Combine. 

Edit: MTU's game winning goal against BSU.

First, I am not shy about my critiques of the officials in the WCHA. I think the level of officiating in the WCHA “at times” has been questionable if not downright brutal. Here is another example of a blown call; in talking to a person that I know in Bemidji; who saw the game – alerted me to the game winning goal scored by Michigan Tech's forward Blake Pietila.

First, the video embedded doesn't show the beginning of the play in question; so here is a different video link. At the 1:30 mark of the linked video, you will see that the start of play where the Michigan Tech forward shoots the puck from behind the red line – meaning the play should have been whistled for being icing.

The play should have been whistled dead, but wasn't.

The play continues on and the puck goes behind the BSU net where the Beaver defender is tripped behind the BSU net.

There is still no whistle.

The puck is then picked up by MTU freshman forward Jujhar Khaira who passes the puck to MTU forward Blake Pietila; who was waiting out front of the Bemidji State net who buries the puck in the BSU net. In my opinion that play shouldn't have ever happened.

Posted at the Hockey Writers - Combine.

Weekend Match-Ups (by Sioux 7)

We are now 7, that’s seven weeks into the college hockey season.  I noticed a few key zeros in the standings, as in, the Tigers are the only undefeated team in league play, and the Bulldogs and Seawolves are the only winless teams in the league.

WCHA STANDINGS 2012-2013

Team………………………W-L-T………Points

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

WCHA Games

Michigan Tech @ Bemidji St.

Last weekend the Huskies had the weekend off and the Beavers were swept by the Tigers, 3-2 and 6-3, in Colorado Springs.

The Beavers have a chance this weekend to even their record or go above it.  The Beavers at 1-1-0 at the Sanford center this year, and the Huskies are 0-3-0 on road this year.  MTU started off winning two of three, but have since lost 5 in a row.  The Beavers haven’t played a home game in almost a month now, so I’m sure their fans are excited to see them return.  The Huskies have given up 5 goals in 3 of their last 4 games.  MTU needs to clamp down on the defensive zone and get some timely saves, if the hope to leave Bemidji with some points.  SPLIT

#2 Denver  vs  #14 Colorado College (home and home series)

Last weekend the Pioneers swept the MSUM Mavericks, 4-3 and 3-2, in Mankato and the Tigers swept the Beavers, 3-2 and 6-3, in Colorado Springs.

The quest for the Gold Pan starts this weekend in Colorado.  The Tigers will look to remain perfect in league play and take the top spot from their arch-rival Pioneers.  Meanwhile, DU will look to keep their counterparts below them in the standings and retain the top spot this weekend.  Also of note, CC is in the mist of playing 8 of 9 home games, before they enter a 8 of 10 on the road.  I know players’ emotions and fans feeling will be full of adrenaline this pre-Thanksgiving weekend.  I’m going with each home team winning.  SPLIT

Wisconsin @ #3 Minnesota

Last weekend the Badgers were resting up on a bye weekend and the Gophers took three points from the Seawolves, 4-0 and 2-2, in Anchorage.

The Badgers are undefeated on the road this year at 1-0-1 and the Gophers are undefeated at home 4-0-0, so something has to give, well unless they tie twice.  UW has scored just 11 goals in 5 total games, so just barely over 2gpg, whilst the Gophers have scored 31 goals in 9 games for a 3.4gpg.  If the Badgers want to get back across the border bootlegging some points they are going to have to either play perfect defense or get some timely/frequent goals.  SPLIT

Minnesota-Duluth @ #6 North Dakota

Last weekend the Bulldogs were swept by the UNO Mavericks, 3-2 and 6-3, in Omaha and NoDak split with the SCSU Huskies, 3-0 and 2-5, in St. Cloud.

The Bulldogs have been the surprise team so far in the league and not for the right reasons.  I didn’t think they would be at the bottom of the standings after four games.  UMD has scored only 7 goals in those 4 WCHA contests, and surrender only 13 goals against.  NoDak has scored 12 goals in their 4 league games and only given up 9.  The guys from Grand Forks have not lost a Friday night game this year, so they have given themselves chances for sweeps, but haven’t been able to cash in on Saturday night.  I say that changes this weekend.  NoDak Sweep

BYE WEEK

Alaska-Anchorage
Minnesota State
#18 Nebraska-Omaha
#15 St. Could St 

NAHL grads making early impacts in college hockey

Western Collegiate Hockey Association logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

This was an article that I came across my Tweet Deck; UND sophomore forward Connor Gaarder has been on fire this season so far and has almost equaled his goal total from last season. Gaarder is also second on the team in scoring with (3g-2a—5pts). I expect to see a huge improvement out of Gaarder this season and UND head coach Dave Hakstol speaks highly of Gaarder.He’s a good hockey player,” Hakstol said. “He goes to those hard areas..."

NAHL.COM --- Connor Gaarder, forward, University of North Dakota (North Iowa/Coulee Region 2009-11) – Gaarder carved out a place for himself in the UND hockey history books this past Friday night, becoming the first walk-on (no scholarship money) that anyone could recall to score a hat trick. His three-goal game was pivotal as North Dakota downed Boston University 4-2 in front of 11,589 fans at Ralph Engelstad Arena in the nonconference battle between two ranked teams. Gaarder's third goal -- he came into the game with zero this year-- proved to be the winner. Gaarder scored four goals in 33 games last year, nearly matched that in one night on Friday.

************

Pheonix Copley, goaltender, Michigan Tech University (Corpus Christi IceRays, 2010-11) - Michigan Tech goaltender Pheonix Copley, who helped the Huskies to a two-game split against top-ranked and visiting Minnesota in the middle of October while starting both games, was named the Red Baron® WCHA Rookie of the Week for Oct. 23.??A 6-3, 175-pound freshman from North Pole, Alaska, stopped 28 of 31 shots on goal on Oct. 19 while giving up just two even-strength goals against the No. 1 Golden Gophers to earn his first collegiate win. He then posted 31 more saves in a 3-2, one-goal setback last Saturday and held Minnesota scoreless on all five power-play chances as the two teams were tied at 2-2 until the 16:25 mark of the final period.

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

Results of the WCHA Web Media Poll: Week 3

Each week I participate in a WCHA Web Media Poll that is put on by the Tech Hockey Guide with 11 other people that represent both the print media as well as the hockey blogosphere. Here is the week three results of the WCHA Web Media Poll.

As you can see by the standings, 11 of 12 teams moved places this week. Only the University of North Dakota remained in third place spot. The Wisconsin Badgers were the biggest mover as they moved four spots to sixth place after coming in at 10^th the week before. The UMD Bulldogs fell from fourth place to eighth place.

Here are the results of the WCHA Web Media Poll for Week 3:

	Team	Pts	Previous	Record	High	Low
1)	Denver (7)	138	2	4-0-0	1	3
2)	Minnesota (5)	136	1	4-1-0	1	3
3)	North Dakota	120	3	2-1-1	2	4
4)	St. Cloud State	109	7	4-2-0	2	5
5)	Colorado College	74	6	3-3-0	4	10
6)	Wisconsin	72	10	1-2-1	5	11
7)	Michigan Tech	69	5	2-4-0	6	10
8)	Minnesota Duluth	64	4	2-3-1	5	11
9)	Bemidji State	55	11	2-1-1	5	11
10)	Nebraska Omaha	52	8	2-3-1	6	10
11)	Alaska Anchorage	29	12	2-2-2	6	12
12)	Minnesota State	18	9	2-2-2	10	12

Representing Name Publication Twitter

Alaska-Anchorage, Taylor Hall College Hockey News @thall907
Bemidji State, Troy Mills The Beaver Pond
Colorado College, Joe Paisley, Paisley Hockey @Paisleyhockey
Denver, Mike Chambers, Denver Post @MChambersDP
Michigan Tech, Tim Braun, Tech Hockey Guide @TBraunTHG
Minnesota, Dan Myers, Minnesota Hockey Magazine @1DanMyers
Minnesota Duluth, Bruce Ciskie, The Ciskie Blog @BruceCiskie
Minnesota State, Chris Dilks, Western College Hockey @ChrisDilks
Nebraska-Omaha, Matt Semisch, Radio Free Omaha @matthewsemisch
North Dakota, Eric Burton The Hockey Writers Combine and Goon’s World @goon48
St. Cloud State, Jeremy Larson, Husky Hockey Time @jclarson02
Wisconsin, Andy Johnson, Bucky’s 5th Quarter @andyjohnsonB5Q

Related articles

• Results of the WCHA Web Media Poll: Week 2 (thehockeywriters.com)
• Results of the Tech Hockey Guide WCHA Web Media Poll (thehockeywriters.com)
• Franklin Nhl Mini Hockey Goal Set (Google Affiliate Ad)

• Bauer Nexus 1000 Sr. Ice Hockey Skates (Google Affiliate Ad)

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.

Tickets remain available for WCHA-opening series against UAA this weekend

GRAND FORKS, N.D. – Reserved seating and general admission tickets remain available for North Dakota’s series this weekend against Alaska Anchorage, the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) opener for both teams.

Tickets for both Friday and Saturday’s games became available as a result of unclaimed student tickets, as well as tickets unused by Alaska Anchorage.

Tickets can be purchased at the UND Box Office at Ralph Engelstad Arena or online at Ticketmaster.com.

General admission tickets are also available for all remaining home games, and some reserved seating remains available for select home games. Visit www.undsports.com or follow @UNDTix on Twitter for ticket availability information throughout the season.

Dates	Opponent	Adult Price	Youth Price (12 & Under)
Oct. 26-27	Alaska Anchorage	$35	$20
Nov. 2-3	Boston University	$40	$25
Nov. 16-17	Minnesota Duluth	$40	$25
Dec. 7-8	Denver	$50	$30
Jan. 4-5	Holy Cross	$25	$15
Jan. 11-12	Colorado College	$40	$25
Jan. 25-26	St. Cloud State	$40	$25
Feb. 1-2	Wisconsin	$40	$25
Mar. 1-2	Bemidji State	$35	$20