Showing posts with label National Hockey Center. Show all posts
Showing posts with label National Hockey Center. Show all posts

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Weekend Match-Ups (by Donn)

Here we are the middle of January, heart of winter, the midway part of the WCHA season.  This is where the teams need to find their way or loss their path to home ice in the playoffs.  The top half wants to keep winning to try and claim the top spot and bottom half need to win to avoid the road playoff trips.  At this juncture, it is safe to say the MacNaughton Cup race is wide open, with the top eight teams separated by four points.

WCHA STANDINGS 2012-2013

Team………………………W-L-T………Points
1. Denver…………..……..8-4-4………......20
1. Nebraska-Omaha….....9-5-2…..………20
3. Minnesota………………8-3-3………….19
3. North Dakota.………..…8-3-3…..……...19
5. St. Cloud St………….…9-5-0………….18
6. Minnesota-Duluth….…..7-6-3………….17
6. Wisconsin…....…………6-5-5……….....17
8. Minnesota State……….8-8-0.…...…….16
9. Colorado College ……..6-9-1..….…….13
10. Bemidji State……..…..4-7-3....……....11
11. Michigan Tech………..3-10-3……….….9
12. Alaska-Anchorage…....1-12-3…...….….5

Non Conference Games

#8 Miami (OH) (12-5-5 overall) @ Wisconsin (8-7-5 overall)
Last weekend the RedHawks got a point at Northern Michigan (2-1L, 3-3ot) and the Badgers swept the MSUM Mavericks (4-3ot, 2-1ot) in Mankato.

The RedHawks currently sit in second place in the CCHA, behind Notre Dame.  The Badgers have only won twice at home this year and both of those were against Huntsville, who are 3-17-1 on the season.  The Badgers are on a 10 game unbeaten streak, going 7-0-3, since Nov. 30th.  I think the Badgers will find that RedHawks will prove to be a tough opponent this weekend, since they are ranked in the top ten.  SPLIT

WCHA Games

Minnesota-Duluth @ Colorado College
Last weekend the Bulldogs swept the MTU Huskies (1-0, 5-4) in Duluth and the Tigers split with NoDak  (4-3W, 5-3L) in Grand Forks.

The Bulldogs have struggled against the teams ahead of them in the standings, but luckily the Tigers are below them.  This series will boil down to who wants it more.  The Tigers cannot afford to split at home if they want to keep their hopes alive for a top half finish this year.  The Tigers have the offensive talent to play with the top teams in the league, they just need to clamp down on defense and get some timely saves from  their net minders.  In the end, I don’t believe either team will sweep.  SPLIT

Bemidji St. @ Michigan Tech
Last weekend the Beavers were off and the Huskies were swept (1-0, 5-4) by the UMD Bulldogs in Duluth.

These teams met earlier this season in Bemidji with the Huskies sweeping that series, by winning both games in overtime.  The Beavers will look to distance themselves from fellow lower half team MTU.  BSU is two points ahead of the Huskies and also have two games in hand on them.  The Beavers are currently on a four game winless stretch and need to win if they want to avoid falling down the standings.  The Huskies just can’t seem to find a winning formula, that they can use week in and week out.  If the Huskies can put up a few goals, they can put the struggling BSU offense on the ropes.  I’m going on the ropes and going with the home team this weekend.  HUSKIES SWEEP


#7 Denver @ #19 St. Could St. 
Last weekend the Pioneers took three points from the UNO Mavericks (7-4, 3-3ot) in Denver and the Huskies enjoyed a bye.

These teams met back in early November in Denver with the teams splitting that series, SCSU won 3-0 on Friday and DU won 6-1 on Saturday.  The Huskies have slid a bit as of late losing three of their last four.  The upside is that they were all non-conference games, so that hasn’t hurt them in the WCHA standings.  The Pioneers seem to back on track since their eight game slide, they are now on a five game unbeaten streak, four wins and a tie.  Both teams are in thick of the hunt for the league title this year, which should make for a great series at the National Hockey Center.  I’m leaning right down the middle in these games.  SPLIT

#14 Minnesota State @ Alaska-Anchorage
Last weekend the Mavericks were swept by the UW Badgers (4-3ot, 2-1ot) and the Seawolves were swept by the UM Gophers (4-3, 7-1) in Minneapolis.

After a disappointing weekend the Mavericks look to have just what the doctor ordered, UAA.  The Seawolves have only two wins at home in Anchorage this season.  The airplane ride should give the Mavericks some time to reflect on what went wrong last weekend and refocus on this series.  MAVERICKS 3pts

#6 North Dakota @ #1 Minnesota
Last weekend NoDak split the CC Tigers (4-3L, 5-3W) in Grand Forks and the Gophers swept the Seawolves (4-3, 7-1) in Minneapolis.

This weekend will mark the 282nd and 283rd hockey games between North Dakota and Minnesota; the Gophers lead the all-time series 137-130-14.  In 2012, they split a series in January at the Engelstad Arena, and in March UND beat UM (6-3) in the WCHA Final Five, and a week later UM beat UND (5-2) in the NCAA tournament, with both those games at the Xcel Center in St. Paul.  It appears to be this will be the last meeting between these two teams, barring any NCAA tournament games, until 2016.  So, better enjoy these games, and you might want to record them to watch again later.

Last weekend neither of these teams looked all that impressive in their games.  I bet they both are on top of their games this weekend.  Since these teams are splitting into two new leagues next year, it only seems appropriate that they split their last league series.  SPLIT


BYE WEEK
Nebraska-Omaha
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Monday, December 31, 2012

WCHA Power Rankings 12/31/2012

Western Collegiate Hockey Association logo
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 8th 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 43rd 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 3rd 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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Thursday, December 27, 2012

What's wrong with this picture?

Looking at this screen shot, what's wrong with this picture? The WCHA's nonconference record is unimpressive this year against the other conferences.
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Weekend Match-Ups (by Sioux 7)

Western Collegiate Hockey Association logo
Western Collegiate Hockey Association logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Welcome to the holiday break and holiday tournament time!  Just before Christmas there were a few WCHA series that ended in sweeps, SCSU swept the visiting CC Tigers, the Bulldogs swept the Seawolves in Anchorage, and UND swept MTU in Houghton, and the Beavers almost swept the Pioneers, win and tied.  The other WCHA series saw the Mavericks split with the Mavericks, both MSUM and UNO got wins against each other.  The Badgers also got a sweep, and their first home win(s) of the season, against the lowly UAH Chargers.

WCHA STANDINGS 2012-2013

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


Non Conference Games

Rensselaer @ #16 St. Could St. (Thu/Fri)
The Huskies enter the holiday season atop the WCHA.  I’m guessing if you would have placed a bet in Vegas on that in October, you’d be a little or a lot richer. In my preseason predictions I have them finishing fifth, so they have been the surprise team of the first half. 

The RPI Engineers are 4-6-4 overall this season, and are 1-5-2 in the ECAC, SCSU is 11-7-0 overall, with an 8-2-0 record in the National Hockey Center.  I don’t think the Huskies will end 2012 with a loss, they will say good bye to 2012 with a pair of wins.  HUSKIES SWEEP

#6 Boston U @ #14 Denver (Sat Only)
The Pioneers enter this game, winless in their last eight outings, going 0-5-3 during their drought. DU’s last win was against their rivals CC on November 17th.  The Pioneers are 9-6-3 overall and the Terriers are 10-5-0 overall.  I’ve see both teams play UND in Grand Forks this year.  And I’ll say it, BU looked better than DU in the game they play at The Ralph.  I have to go with the visitors here.  TERRIERS WIN


#12 Nebraska-Omaha @ #9 Quinnipiac (Sat/Sun)
The Bobcats enter this weekend on a 10 game unbeaten streak, or a four game winning streak, they are 9-0-1 over that long span.  QU is 5-2-1 at home in Hamden, Connecticut, and UNO is 4-2-0 away from Omaha this season.  The Bobcats are 12-3-2 overall, but remember they play in the ECAC, and the Mavericks are 11-6-1 overall.

Given both teams rankings it should be a good series, but in the end, I see the WCHA standing tall.  MAVERICKS SWEEP


Minnesota-Duluth vs Maine
Up to this point in the season both UMD and UMaine fans have to be disappointed with their records, Maine is 2-11-2 overall and UMD is 7-8-3 overall.  The Bulldogs got a sweep last weekend at the expensive to the UAA Seawolves.  Since both are on the road, I’m going to go with the better record.  BULLDOGS WIN

Minnesota-Duluth vs #19 Ferris St. / #11 Cornell
Ferris St is 7-7-3 overall and Cornell is 6-3-2 overall, and I would like to a Bulldogs versus Bulldogs match-up, with the boys from Duluth winning.  Or if UMD plays the Big Red, the Bulldogs might have some scoring woes, so I’ll go with a TIE.


Mariucci Classic (Sat/Sun)

Air Force @ Minnesota
The Gophers enter their tournament with an 11-3-3 overall record, 6-1-1 at home, and the Falcons are 5-7-4 overall, 3-4-3 on the road, this season.  The Gophers better not be looking past Air Force and towards Sunday’s game with Boston College.  If UM isn’t too rusty from the two weekends off they should dispatch the Falcons.  GOPHERS WIN

#1 Boston College @ #4 Minnesota
This should be the match-up of the weekend; the Eagles enter the tournament with a 11-2-1 overall record, and are 4-2-1 on the road.  These teams met last April in the Frozen Four with the Eagles winning their semi-final game easily over the Gophers by a 6-1 score.  No doubt the Gophers remember that and will want some redemption this weekend at home against a partisan crowd.  Unfortunately I don’t think they will get the revenge they are seeking.  EAGLES WIN

In case you’re wondering the other team in the Mariucci tournament the UAH Chargers.

Great Lakes Invitational (Sat/Sun)

Michigan Tech vs Michigan
The Huskies started the season winning two of three games, and it looked promising, and then the runners came of the sled, ugh.  The upside is that UM is not doing so well this year either, the Wolverines are 6-9-2 overall, and the Huskies are 4-10-3 overall.  Being an in-state rival though, you can over look all the records.  I’m going with the mild upset.  HUSKIES WIN

#8 WMU/MSU vs Michigan Tech
WMU is 11-4-1 overall, and MSU is 5-10-2 overall, I’m going with WMU over MSU.  So we have the Broncos versus the Huskies and Michigan v Michigan State in the other game.  If my predictions are right, I’m saying the Broncos bust the Huskies in their game.  BRONCOS WIN

UConn Hockey Classic (Sat/Sun)

Brown vs #18 Minnesota State
The Mavericks had their seven game winning streak snapped the last game before the Christmas break.  MSUM has overall record of 10-6-2 this season and the Brown Bears have an overall record of 3-5-4, and are 0-3-4 in the ECAC.  The Bears have yet to score more than three goals in a single game, so the key for the Bears will be play solid defense and get some timely goaltending.  The Mavericks have found their scoring touch during their long winning streak and if they can tickle the twine they should win this came.  MAVERICKS WIN

AIC/Connecticut vs #18 Minnesota State
AIC is 4-8-3 overall and 1-6-3 in Atlantic Hockey this year, and Connecticut is 4-7-2 overall and 3-6-1 in Atlantic Hockey.  Since I don’t know much about either American International or Connecticut, I’m going off their records, UConn wins over AIC.  But looking at them versus MSUM, I have to go with the WCHA.  MAVERICKS WIN

Ledyard Bank Classic (Sun/Mon)

Bemidji St. vs Massachusetts
The Beavers have to have some confidence in their game after tying and beating Denver just before Christmas.  BSU is now on a three game unbeaten streak, and own a 5-8-3 overall record.  The Minutemen are on a three game losing streak and are 5-9-2 overall.  Given the almost identical records overall, it should be a close game, but the Beavers heating up; I’m giving them the nod.  BEAVERS WIN

#2 UNH / #10 Dartmouth vs Bemidji St.
Even with the Beavers playing well as of late, the depth of either UNH or DU, will prove just too much for them to overcome.  BSU drops this game.

BYE WEEK
Alaska-Anchorage
Colorado College
#7 North Dakota
Wisconsin



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Thursday, December 13, 2012

Weekend Match-Ups (by Sioux 7)


Well this is it, the last weekend of hockey before Christmas.  It seems to me that the first half of the season has just flown by, way too quickly.  The biggest surprise last weekend had to be MTU and UW tying both of their games in Madison.
This will be my last post before the holiday break. So, I wish a Merry Christmas to all the Goon's World readers.  I will have my predictions up after Christmas for all the holiday tournaments.

WCHA STANDINGS 2012-2013

Team………………………W-L-T………Points
1. Denver…………..………7-3-2………....16
2. Minnesota………………6-3-3………….15
3. Minnesota State……….7-5-0.…...…….14
3. St. Cloud St………….…7-5-0………….14
5. Nebraska-Omaha………6-3-1……........13
5. North Dakota.………..…5-2-3…..……...13
7. Colorado College ……..5-4-1..….……..11
8. Michigan Tech………….3-6-3……….….9
8. Minnesota-Duluth….…..3-6-3…………..9
8. Wisconsin…....…………2-5-5………......9
11. Bemidji State……..…..3-7-2.…….........8
12. Alaska-Anchorage…....1-6-3…...….…..5

WCHA Games

#11 Denver @ Bemidji St.
Last weekend the Pioneers got a point (2-2ot, 6-3) from NoDak in Grand Forks and the Beavers split (2-4, 2-1) with the Bulldogs in Duluth.

The Pioneers have been sliding down the hill since their series with CC; they are winless in their last six games, going 0-4-2.  DU has been having a hard time finding the back of the goal, only netting 12 goals in those 6 games.  The Beavers return home to the Sanford Center, after spending the last two weekends on the road (Mankato and Duluth).  BSU ended their three game losing streak by getting a win on Saturday night in Duluth.  The Pioneers did not look that good last weekend in Grand Forks, so they might be looking for a little mental pick-me-up this week.  BSU will need to play strong defensively, to give themselves a chance to get some points.  SPLIT


#8 North Dakota @ Michigan Tech
Last weekend NoDak took three points (2-2ot, 6-3) from the Pioneers in Grand Forks and the Huskies split (1-1ot, 3-3ot) with the Badgers in Madison.

NoDak has been doing well this first half of the season, both defensively and offensively.  This will likely be the last time these two teams meet for some time, with the conferences splitting next year.  Last year the teams only played in Grand Forks with the Sioux taking three points that weekend.  The last time they played in Houghton was March of 2011, with the Huskies taking a pair of beatings, 6-1 and 11-2, that weekend.  But this is a different year, with different players, different coaches, and like the saying goes past performance doesn’t predict future outcomes.  NoDak 3-pts


Colorado College @ #17 St. Could St. 
Last weekend the Tigers got a point (2-4, 4-4ot) from the Gophers in Colorado Springs and the Huskies split (5-6, 2-1) with the UNO Mavericks in St. Cloud.

The Tigers currently trail the Huskies by three points in the standings, but have played two fewer games.  CC would like to get into the top half of the ledger before the Christmas break, but that means they need at least one win and some help.  SCSU will be looking to distance themselves from CC and lock into the top half before the break.  The Tigers are 3-3-0 on the road this year and the Huskies are tough at home in the National Hockey Center this year, going 6-2-0.  I’m going with each team get a win this weekend.  SPLIT


Minnesota-Duluth @ Alaska-Anchorage
Last weekend the Bulldogs split (4-2, 1-2) with the Beavers in Duluth and the Seawolves were swept (1-3, 0-3) by the MSUM Mavericks in Mankato.

The Bulldogs are struggling this year as are the Seawolves, both teams have six losses and three ties on their records.  UMD has played two more games that UAA and those two more games are in the win column.  The long flight could give the Bulldogs the time they need to contemplate their situation or it might be just away to kill time.  This will be the Seawolves last games before Christmas, their next games are Jan. 4-5 at home against UW.  The Seawolves are averaging just less than two goals/game and the Bulldogs are just under three goals/game.  I expect a couple of low scoring games with favors UAA a bit more than UMD.  SPLIT

#20 Minnesota State @ #13 Nebraska-Omaha
Last weekend the MSUM Mavericks swept the Seawolves (3-1, 3-0) in Mankato and the UNO Mavericks split with the SCSU Huskies (6-5, 1-2) in St. Cloud.

Both Mavericks are exceeding their preseason expectations, which is obviously good for both herds.  MSUM is only two points from the top and UNO is only three points from the top.  The difference is that UNO has two games in hand on MSUM.  Omaha is 5-2-1 at home this year and MSUM is 3-3-1 away from Mankato.  Both teams are averaging over three goals per game, so there should be plenty of offense to go around this weekend.  MSUM comes into this series as the hottest team in the conference winning their last six games, all WCHA games mind you.  The caveat is those wins were over the bottom three teams, UW, BSU, and UAA.  MSUM has a much tougher opponent this weekend, but they should be confident given their winning streak.  They just can’t afford to be over confident.  SPLIT

Non Conference Games

Alabama-Huntsville (3-12-1 overall) @ Wisconsin (2-7-5 overall) (Thu / Fri)
Last weekend the Chargers swept (5-2, 4-1) the Finlandia Lions (D-3 school in the MCHA) in Huntsville and the Badgers split with the MTU Huskies (1-1ot, 3-3ot) in Madison.

The Badgers are still winless at home this season and this is their last home series until 2013 (they host Miami Jan. 18-19).  I think this is the weekend they have been waiting for in Madison, their first home win or wins of the season.  I’m going to go with Cardinal and White to go into the Christmas break on a high note.  BADGERS SWEEP

BYE WEEK
#4 Minnesota
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Sunday, December 09, 2012

WCHA Power Rankings: 12/09/12

A faceoff between the University of North Dako...

Here’s 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.

I think that the Denver Pioneers came crashing down to earth this past weekend.  Again, I think that you could swap any of the top five to six teams in the league as well, there are also seven teams separated by just two points.
1. University of North Dakota – (8-5-3, WCHA 5-2-3) – This past weekend, UND took (2-2 T – 6-3 W) three points in their series with the Denver Pioneers. This weekend, the University of North Dakota travels to Houghton Michigan to play the Tech Huskies in an important two game WCHA series.

2. Minnesota Gophers – (11-3-3, WCHA 6-3-3) – This past weekend, the Minnesota Gophers took three points (4-2 W – 4-4 T) in their weekend series with the Colorado College Tigers, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. This weekend, the Gophers are off.

3. Nebraska Omaha – (10-5-1, WCHA 6-3-1) – This past weekend, the Mavericks split (6-5 W – 1-2 L) their weekend series against the Saint Cloud State Huskies at the National Hockey Center.  This weekend, the Mavericks entertain the Minnesota State Mavericks at the Century Link Center in Omaha, Nebraska in an important two game series.  

4. Denver University – (9-5-2, WCHA 7-3-2) – This past weekend, the Denver Pioneers took (1-1 T – 1-3 L) a single point from the University of North Dakota. This weekend the Pioneers travel to Bemidji, MN to play the Bemidji State Beavers in an important two game WCHA series. Denver is has a record of 0-4-2 in the last six games, that is the Denver Pioneers worst winless streak in 13 seasons, dating back to the 1999-2000 season.
5. Saint Cloud State – (9-7-0, WCHA 7-5-0) – This past weekend, the Huskies split (5-6 L – 2-1 w) their weekend series with the Nebraska Omaha Mavericks at the National Hockey center. This weekend the Huskies entertain the Colorado College Tigers at the National Hockey Center.

6. Colorado College – (8-8-2, WCHA 5-4-1) – This past weekend, the Colorado College Tigers took (2-4 W – 4-4 T) a single point in their weekend series against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at the World Arena in Colorado Spring Colorado. This weekend the Tigers travel to the National Hockey Center to play the Saint Cloud State Huskies.

7.) Minnesota State Mankato – (9-5-2, WCHA 7-5-0) – This past weekend, the Mavericks swept (3-1 W – 3-0 W) the hapless University of Anchorage Alaska Seawolves at the Verizon Wireless Center.  This weekend the Mavericks travel to Omaha to play the University of Nebraska Omaha in an important two game WCHA series. While the Mavericks have a winning record, the Mavericks have played a very easy schedule and have only beat one team (Minnesota) with a winning record.

8. Minnesota Duluth – (5-8-3, WCHA 3-6-3) – This past weekend, the UMD Bulldogs split (4-2W – 2-1 L) their weekend series with the Bemidji State Beavers in a two game series at Amsoil Arena. This weekend, the Bulldogs travel to Anchorage Alaska to play the University of Alaska Anchorage in an important two game series in Sullivan Arena.

9.  Michigan Tech – (4-8-3, WCHA 3-6-3) – This past weekend, the Huskies took (1-1 T – 3-3 T) two points Wisconsin Badgers. This weekend, the Huskies entertain the University of North Dakota in an important to game series at the MacInnes Student Ice Arena in Houghton, Michigan.

10. Wisconsin – (2-7-5, WCHA 2-5-5) – This past weekend, the Badgers took two points (1-1 T – 3-3 T) from the Michigan Tech Huskies. This weekend the Badgers entertain the University of Alabama Huntsville in a two game nonconference series at the Kohl Center in Madison Wisconsin. How bad is the Wisconsin Badgers offense? The Badgers have scored 26 goals in 14 games.

11. Bemidji State – (4-8-2, WCHA 3-7-2) – This past weekend, the Bemidji State Beavers split  (0-3 L – 1-6 W) their weekend series with the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs at Amsoil Arena. This weekend, entertain the Denver Pioneers at Sanford Center in Bemidji, MN.

12. Alaska Anchorage – (3-7-4, WCHA 1-6-3) – This past weekend, the Seawolves were (1-3 L – 0-3 W) swept by the Minnesota State Mavericks in Mankato, Minnesota at the Verizon Wireless Center. This weekend, the Seawolves return home to entertain the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs at Sullivan Arena. This past weekend, was the first time that the Seawolves have failed to pick up at least a point in a weekend series.

Taylor Seibel’s WCHA Power Rankings.
1. North Dakota – (8-5-3, 5-2-3 WCHA) – North Dakota took 3 points from arch rival Denver on the weekend, and move up to the #1 spot in my WCHA Rankings.  UND dominated play in the third period and OT on Friday, but were robbed of a point by the DU goalie.  On Saturday, North Dakota continued their solid play to get the win.  Next weekend, North Dakota travels to Michigan Tech with a chance to have the WCHA lead at the Christmas break.
2. Minnesota – (11-3-3, 6-3-3 WCHA) – The Gophers outplayed Colorado College on the weekend, and if not for a furious rally by the Tigers in the third on Saturday to tie the game, Minnesota would have likely earned their first conference sweep of the season.  The Gophers are off next weekend, and do not play again until after Christmas when they host the Mariucci Classic.
3. Denver – (9-5-2, 7-3-2 WCHA) – Denver played very well on Friday in the first 40 minutes, and goalie Juho Olkinuora was absolutely amazing in net in the final 20 and OT to steal a point for the Pioneers.  DU kept it close on Saturday, but were unable to get the win.  Denver is now winless in their last 6, going 0-4-2 in that stretch.  Denver travels to Bemidji State next weekend.
4. Nebraska Omaha – (10-5-1, 6-3-1 WCHA) – UNO played two one-goal games, winning a barn-burner 6-5 on Friday, before dropping a close 2-1 contest on Saturday against St. Cloud State.  With the split, Omaha remains in contention for the WCHA lead going into Christmas.  The Mavs host…The Mavs of Minnesota State next weekend in a key WCHA series.
5. St. Cloud State – (9-7-0, 7-5-0 WCHA) – SCSU managed yet another split, their fifth in a row, with a 2-1 victory on Saturday against Omaha.  The Huskies fell on Friday 6-5 despite a hat trick from David Morley and outshooting the Mavericks 34-27.  St. Cloud hosts Colorado College next weekend.
6. Minnesota State – (9-5-2, 7-5-0 WCHA) – The Mavs are on a hot streak.  Since dropping five of their first six WCHA conference games, Mankato has rolled of six straight wins, allowing a total of six goals in those games.  This weekend, Minnesota State rolled Alaska Anchorage in a sweep, winning 3-1 on Friday, and 3-0 on Saturday.  Minnesota State looks continue their hot streak against UNO in Omaha next weekend.
7. Colorado College – (8-8-2, 5-4-1 WCHA) – The Tigers played well at times against Minnesota, but were only able to salvage 1 point on the weekend, thanks to a furious rally from a 4-1 deficit on Saturday.  The Tigers have only won once in their last 8 games, going 1-5-2 in that stretch.  CC has another difficult task next weekend, as the Tigers travel to St. Cloud to take on the Huskies.
8. Minnesota Duluth – (5-8-3, 3-6-3 WCHA) – The Bulldogs split with in-state rival Bemidji State this weekend, winning 4-2 on Friday before falling 2-1 on Saturday.  The Bulldogs are 3-2-1 in conference play after a disastrous 0-4-2 start.  Next weekend, the Bulldogs travel up north to take on the Alaska Anchorage Seawolves.
9. Michigan Tech – (4-8-3, 3-6-3 WCHA) – The Huskies traveled to Madison to take on the Badgers this weekend, and played two nail biters, both of which ended in ties.  Michigan Tech has had an inconsistent season, and is 2-7-3 in their last 12 games, including 0-2-3 in their last five.  The Huskies will have another opportunity to prove themselves, as North Dakota is coming to Houghton next weekend.
10. Wisconsin – (2-7-5, 2-5-5 WCHA) – The Badgers were able to take 2 points from a drama-filled weekend against Tech.  The Badgers and Huskies played to a 1-1 tie on Friday, and then followed that with a 3-3 draw on Saturday.  That pushes Wisconsin’s unbeaten streak to 4 games, and after starting the season 1-5-2 in conference play, the Badgers are 1-0-3 in their last four.  Wisconsin hosts Alabama Huntsville in a Thursday-Friday non-conference series
11. Bemidji State – (4-8-2, 3-7-2 WCHA) – The Beavers were able to salvage a split at Duluth this weekend, winning a close 2-1 contest on Saturday.  Bemidji State has struggled offensively this season, going over 3 goals in conference play just twice in 12 tries.  The Beavers will look to get an offensive boost next weekend, but they will have to play very well to do so because Denver will be the Beaver’s guest next weekend.
12. Alaska Anchorage – (3-7-4, 1-6-3 WCHA) – Alaska Anchorage’s road woes continued this past weekend, as the Seawolves were swept in Mankato.  UAA is now 0-4-2 on the road in WCHA play.  Fortunately for the Seawolves, they won’t have to travel next weekend.  The Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs are making the trek north to take on Anchorage next weekend.



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Thursday, November 15, 2012

Check out the UND Women's new black jerseys



The women's new black jersey's are similar to the ones that the UND Men's Hockey team wore last Saturday night against SCSU in Saint Cloud.


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Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Joey Holka check on Dillon Simpson



Back by popular demand. I apologize about the quality of this video, it was taken with my iPhone. This is the hit that SCSU forward Joey Holka put on UND defenseman Dillon Simpson at the 16:56 mark of the second period of Saturday night's game, Holka was given a 2 minute minor. This is one of these hits that are right on the line, it could be a five minute major but after reviewing the hit a few times, I am not so sure. What do you think?
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Thursday, November 08, 2012

UND: The Weekend Ahead (11/9-11-10)

The University of North Dakota travels to Saint Cloud Minnesota to play in an important two-game WCHA  series against the Saint Cloud State University Hukies this weekend at National Hockey Center on November 9 and 10.

Friday, #6 USCHO and USA Today polls – North Dakota (3-2-1, 1-0-1 WCHA) versus #15 USCHO Poll Saint Cloud State University (5-3-0, 3-1-0 WCHA)

Game times: 7:37 pm CT on Friday, 7:07 pm CT on Saturday.
Radio:  UND 96.1 (KQHT-FM) – The Fox.

Webcast and Audio:  UNDSPORTS.COM and AmericaOneSports.com

Television: Charter Cable, NESN (Saturday only), DirecTV 628 (Saturday only),
DISH Network 434 (Saturday only)

Series History: UND leads the All-Time series against SCSU59-31-11 (.639), UND has a record of 30-13-5 (.677) against SCSU in Grand Forks, ND. UND also has a winning record against SCSU in 23-17-6 (.565) and UND has a 6-1-0 (.857) record against SCSU at neutral locations.  Last 10 games against SCSU, UND has a 7-2-1 (.750) record.

UND has a 26-11-7 (.670) record against the SCSU Huskies since the 2002-03 season.  The last 10 years at Saint Cloud, UND has a 0-6-4 record against SCSU on Friday night’s and a 10-0-0 record on Saturday nights

Players to Watch:

North DakotaForwardsDanny Kristo (1g-5a—6pts), Roco Grimaldi (3g-3a—6pts), Connor Gaarder (3g-2a—5pts), Mark MacMillan (2g-2a—4pts), Corbin Knight (2-g1—3pts), Carter Rowney (1g-2a—3pts). Defense: Jordan Schmaltz (1g1a—2pts) Dillon Simpson (0g-2a—2pts), Andrew MacWilliam (0g-2a—2pts), Derek Forbort (2g-1a—3pts). Goaltenders: Clarke Saunders 2-1-1, 1.73 GAA, .933 save percentage, Zane Gothberg 1-1-0, 2.54 GAA, .902 save percentage.

SCSUForwardsNic Dowd (6g-6a—12pts), Drew LeBlance (3g-8a—11pts), Kalle Kossila (4g-4a—8pts). Defense: Nick Jensen (0g-8a—8pts), Ethan Prow (2g-4a—6pts). Goaltender: Ryan Faragher 4-3-0, 2.23 GAA, 0.926 save percentage.

UND Official Web Page

SCSU Official Web Page

Originally posted at the Hockey Writers – Combine
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