Showing posts with label WCHA Power Rankings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label WCHA Power Rankings. Show all posts

Sunday, October 14, 2012

WCHA Power Rankings (10/14/12)

Back for a second year is this week’s WCHA Power Rankings. This season I will be doing the WCHA Power Rankings with Taylor Seibel who is a contributor for College Hockey Weekly. Feel free to give us your thoughts.

Eric Burton's Power Rankings

1.  Minnesota Gophers – (2-0-0, WCHA 0-0-0) - The Gophers dismantled the Michigan State Spartans (7-1 W, 5-1) at Mariucci Arena.  This week, the Gophers travel to Michigan Tech to play the pesky Huskies.

2.  North Dakota – (0-0-0, WCHA 0-0-0) – UND won their exhibition game against the US National Development U- 18 team (6-4 W). This weekend, the Green and White travel to Fairbanks Alaska to play in the Brice Alaska Goal Rush Tourney.

3. Denver University – (0-0-0, WCHA 0-0-0) – The Pioneers were idle this past weekend. This weekend, the Pioneers entertain non-conference foes the University of Mass-Lowell and Air Force Academy this weekend at Magness Arena.

4. Colorado College – (2-0-0, WCHA 0-0-0) – The Tigers swept the Clarkson Knights by identical (5-4 W – 5-4 W) score at the World Arena this past weekend. This weekend, the Tigers entertain non-conference foes Air Force Academy and the University of Mass-Lowell at the World Arena in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

5. Minnesota Duluth – (1-1-0, WCHA 0-0-0) – The Bulldogs split their series with CCHA foe Ohio State University at the Amsoil Arena (6-2 W – 2-3 L). This weekend, the Dogs travel to South Bend to play the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

6. Nebraska Omaha – (1-1-0, WCHA 0-0-0) – The Mavericks took second in the Ice Breaker Tourney this past weekend in Kansas City Missouri (5-1 W – 2-3 L). This weekend, the Mavericks entertain the Northern Michigan University Wildcats in Omaha, Nebraska.

7. Michigan Tech – (1-1-0, WCHA 0-0-0) – The Huskies split their weekend home and home series with the Lake Superior State University Lakers (2-4 L – 8-4 W). This weekend, the Huskies entertain the high flying Minnesota Gophers at the John J. MacInnes Student Ice Arena.

8. Saint Cloud State – (0-2-0, WCHA 0-0-0) – The Huskies were unceremoniously swept by the University of New Hampshire in Durham New Hampshire (3-5 L – 2-4 L). This weekend, the Huskies entertain the Alabama Huntsville Chargers at the National Hockey Center.

9. Wisconsin – (0-2-0, WCHA 0-0-0) – The Badgers were swept by the Northern Michigan University Wildcats (1-2 L – 2-4 L) at the Resch Center, Green Bay, WI. The Badgers are off this weekend.

10. Bemidji State – (0-0-0, WCHA) – The Beavers 0-0-0; beat the US National Development U- 18 team at the Sanford Center (4-3 W). This weekend, the Beavers entertain Lake Superior State University.

11. Minnesota State Mankato – (1-1-0, WCHA 0-0-0) – The Mavericks beat and tied the Alabama Huntsville Chargers in Huntsville this past weekend (4-1 W – 2-2 T). This weekend, the Mavericks entertain Rensselaer Engineers of the ECAC at the Verizon Wireless Center, in Mankato, Minnesota.

12. Alaska Anchorage – (1-0-1, WCHA 0-0-0) – The Seawolves beat the Canisius College Griffins 2-0 and tied Air Force Academy Falcons 3-3 in the Kendall Hockey Classic Anchorage, Alaska this past weekend. This weekend, the Seawolves travel to Fairbanks Alaska to play in the Brice Alaska Goal Rush Tourney.

 Taylor Seibel's Power Rankings

 1. Minnesota – (0-0-0 WCHA, 2-0-0) The Golden Gophers dominated Michigan State this weekend.  Minnesota showed the college hockey world why they are deserving of their #1 ranking not only in the WCHA, but in the country as well.  Right now, the Gophers are head and shoulders above the rest of the league.  Minnesota travels to Houghton next weekend to take on Michigan Tech.

 2. North Dakota – (0-0-0 WCHA, 0-0-0) North Dakota struggled at times defensively against the USA Under-18 Team this weekend, but still managed to defeat the talented youngsters 6-4.  However, Rocco Grimaldi showed everyone why he was so highly touted coming in as a recruit, scoring twice in the game.  North Dakota is playing in the Alaska Goal Rush next weekend, taking on Anchorage on Friday, and Alaska on Saturday.

3. Denver – (0-0-0 WCHA, 0-0-0) Denver managed only a draw in their exhibition, but with SCSU and Wisconsin both failing to notch a victory, the Pioneers sit at #3.  DU has arguably the best goaltending in the league, and a strong enough defense that should keep the Pioneers in just about any game.  How well they wind up doing will likely result on how quickly their offense can develop.  The Pioneers face an early-season non-conference test as Massachusetts Lowell comes to the Mile High City on Friday, and Air Force comes to Denver on Saturday.

4. St. Cloud State – (0-0-0 WCHA, 0-2-0) The Huskies struggled on the road this weekend, getting swept by New Hampshire.  SCSU will have to play better in their own end if they have plans to compete for the MacNaughton this season.  SCSU hosts Alabama-Huntsville in non-conference action next weekend.

 5. Wisconsin – (0-0-0 WCHA, 0-2-0) Similar to St. Cloud, the Badgers were swept in a weekend series against Northern Michigan.  Wisconsin struggled to score, and lost third period leads in each of the games.  Wisconsin will need better performances out of their forwards and play a full sixty minutes if they want to challenge the top third of the league.  Wisconsin is off next weekend.

 6. Michigan Tech – (0-0-0 WCHA, 1-1-0) The Huskies dropped their season opener on Thursday against LSSU on the road before defeating the Lakers at home on Saturday.  Michigan Tech will have a very difficult test next weekend, as the #1 ranked Minnesota Golden Gophers make the trek to Houghton in a series that should tell us a lot about both squads.

7. Colorado College – (0-0-0 WCHA, 2-0-0) The Tigers swept Clarkson in a home non-conference series this weekend by identical 5-4 scores.  If CC can keep this offensive production up, they should contend for home ice in the WCHA, especially if they can shore up their own end.  Colorado College makes the short trek on Friday to take on local rival Air Force, and then plays host on Saturday against Massachusetts Lowell.

 8. Nebraska Omaha – (0-0-0 WCHA, 1-1-0) The Mavericks played in the IceBreaker Tournament this weekend.  Omaha beat Army on Friday before falling to Notre Dame in a tight contest for the title.  Omaha may struggle early this season, but look for Coach Blais to have the Mavs playing very quality hockey by the end of the season.  Nebraska Omaha plays host to former CCHA rival Northern Michigan.

 9. Minnesota Duluth – (0-0-0 WCHA, 1-1-0) The Bulldogs split their home series against Ohio State this past weekend.  Consistency will be a key for Duluth this season, and this was echoed in their series this past weekend.  On Friday the Bulldogs scored 6 goals in a win, but only managed 2 markers in a 3-2 loss on Saturday.  Minnesota Duluth travels to South Bend to take on Notre Dame in a Thursday/Friday series.

 10. Minnesota State – (0-0-0 WCHA, 1-1-0) The Mavericks look to be an improved squad this season, but managed only a split at Alabama-Huntsville this past weekend.  Growing pains will be a central theme for the Mavericks this season, but look out for Mankato by January, as Coach  Hastings should have his players in form by then.  Rensselaer comes to Mankato next weekend as the Mavericks host the Engineers in a non-conference series.

 11. Bemidji State – (0-0-0 WCHA, 0-0-0) The Beavers finished their exhibition schedule this weekend, as Bemidji came back to beat the USA Under-18 Team 4-3 on Saturday.  The Beavers will need to get scoring from throughout their lineup and timely goaltending if they wish to compete for home ice this year, something they got on Saturday in their exhibition.  Bemidji State hosts LSSU this weekend in non-conference action.

 12. Alaska Anchorage – (0-0-0 WCHA, 1-0-1) The Seawolves beat Canisius 2-0 on Friday in the Kendall Hockey Classic before drawing with Air Force 3-3 on Saturday, nearly winning the game before a John Kruse (Air Force) goal with 1 second remaining knotted the score at 3.  It was a strong weekend for Anchorage, and they will need to play with even more intensity this weekend as Anchorage squares off against North Dakota in non-conference action on Friday in the Alaska Goal Rush, before taking on Hockey East foe Merrimack on Saturday.

Sunday, March 04, 2012

Goon's WCHA Power Rankings 3/04/2012


This is my weekly WCHA Power Rankings for INSIDEHOCKEYZack Friedli from Hockey State of Mind and I do a weekly WCHA Power Rankings.

1. Minnesota – (20-8-0 WCHA, 24-12-1) – This past weekend the Minnesota Gophers won  the MacNaughton Cup Champions with a split of their weekend series with the Wisconsin Badgers (1-4 L, 2-1 W) at Mariucci Arena. This weekend the Gophers entertain the last place University of Alaska Anchorage Seawolves in the first round of the WCHA playoffs. The Gophers will be looking to revenge last season’s early exit from the playoffs at the hands of the UAA Seawolves.  The Gophers are 7-3-0 in their last 10 games. Series Prediction: Gophers win their series against the Seawolves in two games. 

2. Minnesota Duluth – (16-7-5 WCHA, 22-8-6) – This past weekend the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs took one point (1-2 L, 3-3 T) in their weekend series against the Saint Cloud State Huskies. This weekend the Bulldogs entertain the Minnesota State Mavericks. The Bulldogs are 5-3-2 in their last 10 games. Series Prediction: The Bulldogs win their series against the Mavericks in two games. 

2. Denver – (16-8-4 WCHA, 21-11-4) – This past weekend the Denver Pioneers swept the Nebraska Omaha Mavericks (3-0 W, 3-2 O.T. W) in Omaha. This weekend the Pioneers entertain the Wisconsin Badgers. The Denver Pioneers are 6-3-1 their last 10 games. Series Prediction: The Denver Pioneers win their series against the Badgers in two games. 

4. North Dakota – (16-11-1 WCHA, 20-12-3) – The University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux swept the Minnesota State Mavericks last weekend in Grand Forks, ND. This weekend the Fighting Sioux entertain the Bemidji State Beavers in the first round of the WCHA Playoffs. The Fighting Sioux are 7-2-1 in their last 10 games. Series Prediction: The Fighting Sioux will win their series against the upstart Beavers in three games. 

5. Colorado College – (15-12-1 WCHA, 18-14-2) – The Colorado College Tigers swept their weekend series with the Michigan Tech Huskies (5-2 W, 2-0 W). This weekend the Tigers again will entertain the Michigan Tech Huskies again, in the first round of the WCHA playoffs.  The Tigers are 4-5-1 in their last 10 games.  The Tigers will gain momentum off of last weekend’s sweep against the Huskies. Series Prediction: The Tiger will win their series against the improved Michigan Tech Huskies in three games. 

6. St. Cloud State – (12-12-4 WCHA, 15-16-4) – The Saint Cloud State Huskies “snuck” into the final home ice position when they took three out of four points in their weekend series against the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs (2-1 W, 3-3 T). This weekend the Huskies entertain the Nebraska Omaha Mavericks at the National Hockey Center. The Saint Cloud State Huskies are 5-4-1 in their last 10 games. Series Prediction: The Huskies will end the UNO Mavericks season in three games. 

7. Michigan Tech – (11-13-4 WCHA, 14-18-4) – This past weekend the Tech Huskies were swept in their weekend series against the Colorado College Tigers (2-5 L, 0-2 L). This weekend the Huskies travel to Colorado Springs to play the Tigers again. This season’s version of the Michigan Tech Huskies is a vastly improved hockey team; after winning 4 games the season before the Huskies managed to win 10 more games this season to finish in 8th place in the WCHA standings. The Huskies have cooled off a bit and are 2-6-1 in their last 10 games.  Series Prediction: The Colorado College Tigers will end the Tech Huskies season in three games.

8. Nebraska-Omaha – (11-12-5 WCHA, 14-16-6) The Nebraska Omaha were swept in their weekend series against the Denver Pioneer at Century Link Center (0-3 L, 2-3 O.T. L). The Nebraska Omaha Mavericks were 38 seconds away from securing home ice for the first round of the WCHA playoffs when Luke Salazar scored the game tying goal for the Denver Pioneers on the power play.  The Mavericks fate was sealed when the Pioneers Daniel Doremus' goal 2:35 into overtime. The Mavericks are struggling as of late as they have lost four games in a row, five of their last six and they are 2-6-2 in their last 10 games. This weekend the Mavericks travel to Saint Cloud to play the Huskies. Series Prediction: The Huskies will end the Mavericks season in three games. 

9.  Bemidji State – (11-14-3 WCHA, 17-16-3) – The Bemidji State Beavers swept their weekend series with the UAA Seawolves (5-4 W, 2-1 W) in Anchorage, Alaska. Needing a win to move up in the WCHA standings, the Beavers overcame a 3-1 deficit to beat the Seawolves 5-4. With the win the Beavers vaulted over the Wisconsin Badgers to finish ninth in the WCHA standings. This weekend the Beavers travel down Highway 2 to Grand Forks, ND play the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux in the first round of the WCHA playoffs. The Beavers are 5-4-1 in their last 10 games. Series Prediction: The Fighting Sioux will end the Beavers season in three games.

10. Wisconsin – (11-15-2 WCHA, 16-16-2) – The Wisconsin Badgers split their weekend Series with the MacNaugton Cup Champions; the Minnesota Golden Gophers. This weekend the Wisconsin Badgers will travel to Denver to play WCHA playoffs series against the Pioneers. The Badgers are 4-6 in their last 10 games. After starting out the season going a dismal 1-8-1 on the road, the Badges have improved down the stretch  and gone 3-1 in their last 4 games on the road, to improve their record of 4-9-1 away from the Kohl Center. Series Prediction: The Badgers will challenge the Denver Pioneers at home, but the Pioneers end the Badgers season in two games. 

11. Minnesota State – (8-18-2 WCHA, 12-22-2) – The Minnesota State Mavericks were swept by the North Dakota Fighting Sioux (2-4 L, 0-3 L) at Ralph Englestad Arena. This weekend the Minnesota State Mavericks travel to Minnesota Duluth to play the Bulldogs. The Mavericks are 4-5-1 in their last 10 games. Series Prediction: The Bulldogs will end the Mavericks season in two games. 

12.  Alaska-Anchorage – (5-22-1 WCHA, 9-23-2) – The Seawolves were swept in their weekend series against the (1-2 L, 4-5 L) in Anchorage, Alaska. This weekend the Seawolves travel to Minneapolis, Minnesota to play the MacNaughton Cup Champions, the Minnesota Gophers. The Seawolves have had a rough season and have gone 3-7-0 in their last 10 games. Series Prediction: There will be no upset this season as the Minnesota Gophers will end the Seawolves season in two games this weekend.

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Goon's WCHA Power Rankings 2/26/2012


This is my weekly WCHA Power Rankings for INSIDEHOCKEYZack Friedli from Hockey State of Mind and I do a weekly WCHA Power Rankings.

1. Minnesota – (19-7-0 WCHA, 23-11-1) The Minnesota Gophers swept the UNO Mavericks (3-2 O.T. W, 3-2 W) in Omaha this past weekend. The Gophers close out the season against the Wisconsin Badgers in Minneapolis. Minnesota has secured home ice for the first round of the WCHA playoffs. The Gophers are finishing the regular season strong and have won four games in a row are 7-3-0 in their last 10 games. 

2. Minnesota Duluth – (16-6-4 WCHA, 22-7-5) The Bulldogs swept the C.C. Tigers (4-3 O.T. W, 5-2 W) at Amsoil Arena. The Bulldogs close out the regular season with a series at the National Hockey Center against the Saint Cloud State Huskies. The Bulldogs secured home ice for the first round of the WCHA playoffs. The Bulldogs are 5-3-2 in their last 10 games.

3. Denver – (14-8-4 WCHA, 19-11-4) The Denver Pioneers split their weekend series with the North Dakota Fighting Sioux (3-4 L, 5-3 W) at Maness Arena in Denver. The Pioneers finish the regular season with a trip to Omaha to play the UNO Mavericks. With the win on Saturday night the Pioneers secured home ice for the first round of the WCHA playoffs. Denver is 6-3-1 in their last 10 games. 

4. North Dakota – (14-11-1 WCHA, 18-12-3) The Fighting Sioux split their weekend series with the Denver Pioneers (4-3 W, 3-5 L) at Magness Arena in Denver. This weekend the Fighting Sioux close out the season by entertaining the suddenly smoking hot Minnesota State University Mavericks (6-3-1 in the last 10 games) at Ralph Englestad Arena. The Fighting Sioux have secured home ice for the first round of the WCHA playoffs. The Fighting Sioux are 6-3-1 in their last 10 games.  

5. Colorado College – (13-12-1 WCHA, 16-14-2) The Tigers were swept this past weekend by the UMD Bulldogs (3-4 O.T. L, 2-5 L) at Amsoil Arena. This weekend the Tigers entertain the Michigan Tech Huskies at the World Arena. The Tigers are 3-6-1 in their last 10 games. 

6. Nebraska-Omaha – (11-10-5 WCHA, 14-14-6) The Mavericks were swept by the Minnesota Gophers (2-3 O.T. L, 2-3 L) at the Century Link Center. This weekend the Mavericks entertain the Denver Pioneers. The Mavericks are 3-5-2 in their last 10 games.

7. Michigan Tech – (11-11-4 WCHA, 14-16-4) The Tech Huskies split their weekend series with the Saint Cloud State Huskies (2-5 L, 3-2 W) at MacInnes Student Ice Arena. This weekend the Tech Huskies travel to Colorado Springs to play the C.C. Tigers. The Huskies are 3-4-3 in the last 10 games.

8. St. Cloud State – (11-12-3 WCHA, 14-16-4) The Saint Cloud State Huskies split their weekend series with the Michigan Tech Huskies (5-2 W, 2-3 L) at the MacInnes Student Ice Arena in Houghton, Michigan. This weekend the Huskies entertain the defending NCAA champion Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs. The Huskies are 5-5-0 in their last 10 games. 

9. Wisconsin – (10-14-2 WCHA, 15-15-2) The Wisconsin Badgers swept the Bemidji State Beavers (4-2 W, 4-2 W) at the Sandford Center. The Badgers travel to play their B1G Rival the Minnesota Gophers. The Badgers with the win on Saturday night, the Badgers improved their road record to 3-8-1. The Badgers are 5-5-0 the last 10 games.  

10. Bemidji State – (9-14-3 WCHA, 15-16-3) This past weekend the Bemidji State Beavers were swept by the Wisconsin Badgers (2-4 L, 2-4 L) at the Sandford Center. The Beavers close out the regular season by traveling to Alaska Anchorage to play the last place Seawolves. The Beavers are 4-5-1 in their last 10 games. 

11. Minnesota State – (8-16-2 WCHA, 12-20-2) The Mavericks were idle this past weekend. The Mavericks close out the regular season by traveling to Grand Forks, ND to take on the Fighting Sioux. The Mavericks are 6-3-1 in their last 10 games. 

12.  Alaska-Anchorage – (5-20-1 WCHA, 9-21-2) The Alaska Anchorage Seawolves split their home and home series with the University of Alaska Fairbanks  (3-2 W, 1-3 L) this past weekend. This weekend the Seawolves entertain the Bemidji State Beavers at the Sullivan Arena. The Seawolves will again travel to Minnesota to play the Minnesota Gophers in the first round of the WCHA playoffs. The Seawolves are 3-7-0 their last 10 games. 

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Goon’s WCHA Power Rankings 1/22/2012


This is my weekly WCHA Power Rankings for INSIDE HOCKEY, Zack Friedli from Hockey State of Mind was out of town he didn't do a  weekly WCHA Power Rankings.


1.  Minnesota Duluth – (11-3-2 WCHA, 17-4-3) The Bulldogs swept the University of Alabama Huntsville Chargers (2-1 W, 4-3 W) in Duluth this past weekend. This weekend the Bulldogs entertain the Michigan Tech Huskies. Barring a complete meltdown it looks like the Bulldogs are hitting on all cylinders and are the best team in the WCHA

2. Minnesota
(13-5-0 WCHA, 17-9-1) Minnesota split with Colorado College Tigers (1-2 L, 2-1 W) at Mariucci Arena. This weekend the Gophers have a home and home series with the Saint Cloud State Huskies, Minnesota has lost 4 of their last 6 games.

3.  Colorado College – (11-7-0 WCHA, 14-9-1) The Tigers split their weekend series with the Minnesota Gophers (2-1 W, 1-2 L). This weekend the Tigers are off.

4. Denver – (8-5-3 WCHA, 13-8-3). The Pioneers were off this past weekend. This weekend the Denver Pioneers make the trek to Alaska Anchorage to play the Seawolves.

5.  North Dakota – (9-9-0, 13-10-2) The University of North Dakota split with Saint Cloud at the National Hockey Center (1-3 L, 3-2 W). This weekend UND entertains the Wisconsin Badgers. The University of North Dakota has been hit by the Injury Ninja and the following players are “currently out” of the line up for UND.  Here is the list, Rocco Grimaldi (knee, season), Derek Forbort (lower body, day to day), Brendan O'Donnell (shoulder) and Derek Rodwell (shoulder, season).

6.  Nebraska-Omaha – (9-6-3 WCHA, 12-10-4) The Mavericks split with Minnesota State this past weekend in Mankato (1-2 O.T. L, 5-4 O.T. W). The Mavericks are off this weekend.

7.  St. Cloud State – (7-8-3 WCHA, 10-12-4) The Huskies split their weekend series with North Dakota (3-1 W, 2-3 L). The Huskies have a home and home series with the Minnesota Gophers. The Huskies could get Mike Lee and Drew LeBlanc back from injuries soon.

8. Michigan Tech – (8-7-1 WCHA, 11-12-1) The Michigan Tech Huskies lost to Northern Michigan.  The Huskies travel to Duluth to play the high flying Bulldogs. Tech is 2-4-0 in their last six games.

8. Wisconsin – (7-9-2 WCHA, 12-10-2) The Wisconsin Badgers have an impressive 11-4-1 record at home and after sweeping Alaska Anchorage at home (4-0 W, 3-2 W), the Badgers have a less than unimpressive 1-6-1 record away from the Kohl Center. This weekend the Badgers travel to Grand Forks, ND to play North Dakota.

10. Bemidji State – (5-9-2 WCHA, 11-11-2)  The Beavers are off this weekend. This weekend the Beavers entertain the Minnesota State Mavericks.

11. Minnesota State – (4-13-1 WCHA, 8-17-1) The Minnesota State Mavericks split their series with the Nebraska Omaha Mavericks (0-4 L, 3-0 W). The Mavericks travel to Bemidji State to play the Beavers.

 12.  Alaska-Anchorage – (3-14-1 WCHA, 6-14-2) The Seawolves were swept by the Wisconsin Badgers in Madison (2-6 L, 4-6 L). This weekend the Seawolves entertain the Denver Pioneers in Anchorage Alaska. Anchorage has lost five games in a row and has not won since December 9th, 2011.

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Sunday, January 15, 2012

Goon's WCHA Power Rankings 1/15/2012

This is my weekly WCHA Power Rankings for INSIDE HOCKEYZack Friedli from Hockey State of Mind and I do a weekly WCHA Power Rankings.

1.  Minnesota Duluth – (11-3-2 WCHA, 15-4-3) The Bulldogs split with the UNO Mavericks (6-2 W, 3-1 L) in Omaha, Nebraska. The Bulldogs return home to play the University of Alabama Huntsville Chargers.

2. Minnesota – (12-4-0 WCHA, 16-8-1) Minnesota split with North Dakota (1-2 L, W 6-2 W). This weekend the Gophers entertain the Colorado College Tigers at Mariucci Arena. Minnesota is 7-7-1 in their last 15 games.

3.  Denver – (8-5-3 WCHA, 13-8-3). This past weekend the Pioneers swept the Bemidji State Beavers (6-3 W, 3-2 W) in Denver Colorado. This weekend the Pioneers are off.

4. Colorado College – (13-8-1 WCHA, 10-6-0) The Tigers split their weekend series with the Saint Cloud State Huskies (3-1 W, 3-4 O.T. L). This weekend the Tigers travel to Minneapolis, Minnesota to play the Gophers.

5.  Nebraska-Omaha – (8-5-3 WCHA, 11-9-4) The Mavericks split with top ranked Minnesota Duluth this past weekend in Omaha, Nebraska (2-6 L, 3-1 W). The Mavericks will travel to play the Purple Mavericks of Minnesota State University Minnesota.  

6.  North Dakota – (8-8-0, 12-9-2) The University of North Dakota split with Minnesota this past weekend (2-1 W, 6-2 L). This weekend, North Dakota travels to Saint Cloud to play their rival the SCSU Huskies. The University of North Dakota has been hit by the Injury Ninja and the following players are “currently out” of the line up for UND, Rocco Grimaldi (knee), Derek Forbort (unknown), Brendan O'Donnell(shoulder)and Derek Rodwell (shoulder, season ending).

7.  Michigan Tech – (8-7-1 WCHA, 11-11-1) The Michigan Tech Huskies swept the hapless University of Anchorage Alaska Seawolves (6-2, 6-4) in Houghton, Michigan.  This weekend the Michigan Tec Huskies entertain their cross state rivals from Northern Michigan.   

8. St. Cloud State – (6-7-3 WCHA, 9-11-4) The Huskies split their weekend series with the Colorado College Tigers (1-3 L, 4-3 O.T. W). The Huskies entertain the North Dakota this weekend at the National Hockey Center.

9. Wisconsin – (5-9-2 WCHA, 10-10-2) The Wisconsin Badgers have an impressive 9-4-1 record at home and after splitting with Minnesota State Mankato on the road this past weekend, the Badgers now have an unimpressive 1-6-1 record away from the Kohl Center. With the weekend split in Mankato, the Badgers have never swept the Minnesota State Mavericks in Mankato. This weekend the Badgers entertain the University of Alaska Anchorage Seawolves.

10. Bemidji State – (5-9-2 WCHA, 11-11-2) The Beavers were swept by Denver University in Denver (3-6 L, 2-3 L).  The Beavers are off this weekend.

11. Alaska-Anchorage – (3-12-1 WCHA, 6-12-2) The Seawolves were swept by the Michigan Tech Huskies (2-6 L, 4-6 L) in Houghton Michigan this past weekend. This weekend the Seawolves travel to Madison, Wisconsin to play the Badgers.

12.  Minnesota State – (3-12-1 WCHA, 7-16-1) The Minnesota State Mavericks split their series with the Wisconsin Badgers (0-4 L, 3-0 W). With the win the Mavericks broke a 10 game winless streak in WCHA play, dating back to November 11th, 2011. Extending a streak; after this weekend’s split against the Badgers, the Mavericks have never been swept by Wisconsin Badgers in Mankato, Minnesota. This weekend the Mavericks entertain the Red Mavericks from Nebraska Omaha at the Verizon Wireless Center

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Monday, December 05, 2011

Goon's WCHA Power Rankings 12/04/2011


Each week Zach Friedli and I do the WCHA Power Rankings for INSIDE HOCKEY.

1.  Minnesota Duluth – (9-2-1 WCHA, 11-3-2) The Bulldogs swept the Michigan Tech Huskies (5-3, 5-3).  The Bulldogs sit one point out of first in the WCHA standings. The Bulldogs have played 10 games (7-3-0) at home and are undefeated in six road games (4-0-2) on the road. The Bulldogs are 10-0-2 in the last twelve games and have not lost a game since they were swept by the Gophers 10-15-2011. The Bulldogs travel to Madison, Wisconsin to play the Badgers who were idle this past weekend.

2. Minnesota – (10-2-0 WCHA, 13-4-1) The Gophers swept the Minnesota State University Mankato Mavericks in two hard fought wins (3-2, 4-2). Up next for the Golden Gophers a home series against the upstart Michigan Tech Huskies who were swept by the UMD Bulldogs (5-3, 5-3).  
3.  Colorado College – (6-4-0 WCHA, 8-4-0) The Tigers beat the Denver Pioneers 4-3 O.T. in a single game on Friday night.  Friday’s game was an entertaining affair and with the game tied 3-3, the Tigers got the break that they needed. At the 3:46 mark of overtime Tiger forward Alexander Krushelnyski was hauled down by the Pioneers David Makowski; the on ice official awarded a penalty shot to Krushelnyski and the sophomore forward made the Pioneers pay by scoring the game winning/ending goal on the ensuing penalty shot.  This week Tigers entertain the struggling UAA Seawovles.

4.  Denver – (4-3-3 WCHA, 6-5-3) The Denver Pioneers lost a single game to Colorado College Tigers in Colorado Springs, CO on Friday night 4-3 in overtime. With the game tied 3-3 Pioneer Defenseman David Makowski pulled down Alexander Krushelnyski; the on ice officials awarded Krushelnyski a penalty shot which he scored on to win the game 4-3 for the Tigers. The Pioneers travel to Bemidji, MN to play the BSU Beavers.


5. North Dakota – (6-6-0, 8-7-1) The Fighting Sioux swept the UAA Seawolves (5-2, 4-1) in Anchorage, Alaska this past weekend.  With the sweep, the Fighting Sioux improved their all-time record of 17-14-1 against the Seawolves in Anchorage. Sweeps of the Seawolves in Anchorage have been hard to come by for the Fighting Sioux and that was the first sweep of the Seawolves in Anchorage since the 2008-09 season. The Fighting Sioux will entertain the UNO Mavericks this weekend.  The Fighting Sioux appear to have righted the ship as they have won four out of the last five games and five of the last six games.  In two short weeks the Sioux have gone from 11th place to tied for fourth place in the WCHA standings. The Tigers have two games in hand on the Sioux.
6.  Nebraska-Omaha – (6-3-3 WCHA, 8-7-2) The Mavericks split with the University of Alabama Huntsville (1-3 L, 6-2 W) this past weekend in Nashville, TN. Following the Mavericks 3-1 loss to the Chargers, UNO head coach Dean Blais said, “I am embarrassed.” The Mavericks have had a tough time against the former CHA teams; the Mavericks own a 1-5-2 record against the BSU Beavers; and also have a 2-2 record against the UAH Chargers. The Red Mavericks travel to Grand Forks, ND to play the Fighting Sioux.

7. Wisconsin – (4-7-1 WCHA, 7-8-1) The Badgers were idle this past weekend. The Badgers are the WCHA’s version of Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hyde this season; the Badgers are (7-3-0) at the Kohl Center and (0-5-1) on the road this season.  This weekend the Badgers will entertain the high flying UMD Bulldogs who are 10-0-2 in the last twelve games and have not lost a game since they were swept by the Minnesota Golden Gophers 10-15-2011.

8.  Michigan Tech – (5-6-1 WCHA, 8-7-1) The Tech Huskies were swept by the UMD Bulldogs this past weekend (5-3, 5-3). Up next, the Huskies travel to Minnesota to play the Minnesota Golden Gophers.  The Huskies are (6-3-1) at home and (2-4-0) away from the John MacInnes Student Ice Arena

9. St. Cloud State – (4-5-3 WCHA, 6-8-4) The Huskies took one point (6-6 T, 3-1 L) from the BSU Beavers this past weekend in Saint Cloud, Minnesota.  The Huskies are idle this weekend. The Huskies were 1-for-8 on the power play in the series against the Beavers. The Huskies since beating the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the first game of a home and home series are on a five game winless streak (0-3-2).

10. Bemidji State – (4-6-2 WCHA, 6-8-2) The Beavers took 3-of-4 points from the SCSU Huskies in Saint Cloud this past weekend. The Beavers penalty kill was 7–for-8 during the series against the Huskies.  Beaver senior defenseman Brad Hunt recorded his 100th point of his career with a goal against the Huskies.

11. Alaska-Anchorage – (2-9-1 WCHA, 5-9-2) The UAA Seawolves were swept by UND Fighting Sioux in Anchorage, Alaska (5-2, 4-1). The Seawolves travel to Colorado Springs to play the C.C. Tigers.  

12.  Minnesota State – (2-9-1 WCHA, 3-12-0) The Minnesota State Mavericks played the Minnesota Gophers tough all weekend yet came up emply (2-3 L, 4-2 L). This weekend the Mavericks entertain the UAH Chargers in a non-conference match-up. 

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Tuesday, November 01, 2011

WCHA Power Rankings

Zach Friedli I will be doing the WCHA rankings every Monday for Inside Hockey. Here are my power rankings for the week. People are going to ask me why Michigan Tech isn’t ranked higher and my reason is that BSU swept them last week in Bemidji so I decided to rank them both 9th. [click to see the rankings]

1. Colorado College – The Tigers (4-0-0, 2-0-0 WCHA) swept the RPI Engineers (4-1, 4-1) in Potsdam, N.Y. This weekend the Tigers travel to Omaha, Nebraska to play the UNO Mavericks.

2. Minnesota – The Gophers (7-1-0, 4-0-0) are red hot after sweeping the UAA Seawolves in Anchorage this past weekend (5-0, 3-1). The Minnesota Gophers play their “arch rival” the Fighting Sioux this weekend in Mariucci arena.

3. Denver – The Pioneers (3-2-1, 2-1-1 WCHA) left Houghton, Michigan with “one” point after being pounded on Friday night by a score of 7-2, the Huskies and Pioneers skated to a 2-2 tie on Saturday 2-2.

4. Wisconsin – The Badgers (4-4-0, 3-3-0 WCHA) split with the UNO Mavericks in Madison, Wisconsin this past weekend. The Badgers lost on 5-4 on Friday before coming back to beat the Mavericks 6-3 on Saturday night. The Badgers will now travel to Saint Cloud to play the Huskies this weekend.

5. UMD – The Bulldogs (4-3-1, 2-2-0 WCHA) swept the BSU Beavers 6-2 and 1-0 at Amsoil Arena. The Bulldogs travel to the Mile High City to play the Denver Pioneers.

6. North Dakota – The Fighting Sioux (3-4-1, 1-3-0 WCHA) split their series with the SCSU Huskies. This weekend the Fighting Sioux travel to Mariucci Arena

7. St. Cloud State – The Huskies (3-4-1, 1-1-0 WCHA) split with the Fighting Sioux in Grand Forks, ND 4-0 and 3-1. The Huskies entertain the Wisconsin Badgers this weekend.

7. Nebraska-Omaha – (4-4-0, 3-1-0 WCHA) split with the Badgers in Madison Wisconsin 5-4 and 6-3. The Mavericks entertain the C.C. Tigers this weekend.

9. Bemidji – The BSU Beavers (3-5-0, 2-4-0 WCHA) were swept by the UMD Bulldogs 6-2 and 1-0 in Amsoil Arena this past weekend in Bemidji.

9. Michigan Tech – The surprising Huskies (5-2-1, 3-2-1 WCHA) took three of four points from the Denver Pioneers, The Huskies entertain the injury riddled Mavericks of Minnesota State University-Mankato.

11. Alaska-Anchorage – The Seawovles (3-4-1, 0-4-0) Swept by the Minnesota Gophers in Anchorage, Alaska this past weekend. The Seawolves are off this weekend.

12. Minnesota State – The Mavericks (0-4-0, 1-5-0) were off this past weekend and travel to Houghton, Michigan to play the MTU Huskies.

Next weekend the Sioux and the Gophers will be on FSN on Friday and BTN on Saturday Night.
Next weekend, Minnesota returns home to Mariucci to face the twelfth-ranked and very loved hated University of North Dakota. Friday’s game starts at 7 PM and is broadcast on Fox Sports North while Saturday’s game starts at 7:30 and is broadcast on the Big Ten Network. [minnesota.sbnation.com]