Weekend Match-Ups (by Donn)

Here we are the last weekend of play, for most teams anyway, before the Christmas break.  The first half of the season seems to have flown by, before we know it, it will be 2014!

NCHC STANDINGS 2013-2014

Team………………………W-L-T………Points

St. Cloud St……………….6-1-1…………...19
Nebraska-Omaha…………5-2-1…………..17
North Dakota………………5-5-0……….….15
Denver…………………..…4-3-1…………..14
Colorado College……….. 2-5-3…….….….10
Miami………………………3-5-0….…….….9
Minnesota-Duluth…………2-2-0……….….6
Western Michigan………..2-2-0…………...6 

NCHC Games

Western Michigan @ # Minnesota-Duluth

Last weekend Broncos were swept (3-2, 3-2) by NoDak in Kalamazoo and the Bulldogs were swept (4-2, 5-1) by the Huskies in Duluth.

Both the Broncos and the Bulldogs are sitting at .500 in the league standings, so neither team has any reason to play desperate this weekend.  However, a sweep by one team would vault them up the standings.  Looking at overall records I have to give the nod to the home team this weekend.  BULLDOGS 3-pts

Non-Conference Games

#20 Denver (8-6-2) @ #18 Rensselaer (8-5-3)

Last weekend the Pioneers split (3-1W, 4-2L) with the RedHawks in Oxford and Engineers tied Quinnipiac (3-3ot) and beat Princeton (5-3) at home in Troy, NY.

The Engineers are playing well at home, with a 4-1-3 record at Houston Fieldhouse this season (NHL size).  The Pioneers are decent on the road with a 1-2-2 record away from Denver.  With these teams having almost identical records, I’m say they stay that way with each team getting a win.  SPLIT – RPI wins Friday, DU wins Saturday

#10 Union (10-3-2) @ #1 St. Cloud St. (11-1-2)

Last weekend the Huskies swept  (4-2, 5-1) the Bulldogs in Duluth and the Dutchmen beat Princeton (3-0) and Quinnipiac (6-4) at home in Schenectady, NY.

This should be a good series in St. Cloud with both teams ranked in the top 10.  The Huskies only loss this this season was to Miami.  The Dutchmen have only lost to Colgate, and dropped a series to Lake Superior State.  With that in mind, Union has had a softer schedule then the Huskies.  SCSU has too much talent and depth for the Dutchmen to handle over a weekend of play.  HUSKIES SWEEP 

Colorado College (2-10-3) @ #15 Wisconsin (6-5-1)

Last weekend the Tigers took 3-pts (4-2, 3-3ot) from the Mavericks in Colorado Springs and the Badgers

The Tigers went winless in the month of November, but have started off December on the right skate.  The Badgers are undefeated in Madison this year and with CC coming to town this weekend (and UAH next weekend), they might be able to keep that record intact until 2014.  I said might; I think CC will steal a game from the former WCHA rival.  SPLIT – CC wins Friday, UW wins Saturday 

Northern Michigan (6-8-2) @ North Dakota (7-7-2)

Last weekend the Wildcats were swept by Minnesota State (3-2, 3-0) in Mankato and NoDak swept the Broncos (3-2, 3-2) in Kalamazoo.

Has NoDak finally found their stride, it is closing in on Christmas and we all know they seem to win more games around and especially after Christmas.  If you are old enough you know that NMU was a WCHA member for many years and has a history with UND.  Thus the guys from Marquette are no strangers to the guys in Grand Forks.  The Wildcats are winless in their last four games and NoDak is on a three game winning streak.  I say they keep on their streaks.  NODAK SWEEP

Denver (8-6-2) @ Massachusetts (4-11-2) (Tuesday)

The Pioneers go a little farther East to Amherst, MA after their weekend in Troy, NY.
The Minutemen play at Colgate this weekend.

I’m going with the Pioneers here, just on a hunch, since this will be both teams third game in five days.

BYE

#12  Miami

#19  Nebraska-Omaha

Related articles

• Weekend Match-Ups (by Donn) (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• NCHC Hockey: Breaking Down the Numbers (thehockeywriters.com)
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Weekend Match-Ups (by Donn)

I Hope everyone is having an awesome Thanksgiving.  Here is a little hockey for you to digest today too.

NCHC STANDINGS 2013-2014

Team………………………W-L-T………Points

Nebraska-Omaha…………5-1-0…………..15
St. Cloud St……………….4-1-1…………...13
Denver…………………..…3-2-1…………..11
North Dakota………………3-5-0……….….9
Minnesota-Duluth…………2-2-0……….….6
Western Michigan………..2-2-0…………...6 
Miami……………………….2-4-0……….….6
Colorado College………...1-5-2…….….….6

Non-Conference Games

#20 New Hampshire (7-6-1) @ Colorado College (1-8-2)

Last weekend the Tigers managed a point (2-2ot, 6-2L) against the Huskies in St. Cloud and the Wildcats split with the Providence Friars (3-2Wot, 4-2L) in Providence.

In this battle of the felines, I’m going with the visitors from Hockey East.  The CC Tigers could try and borrow the old Exxon commercial saying, “It’s like putting a tiger in your tank.”  Oops, they should change it to, “The Tigers have Tanked.”… WILDCATS SWEEP

#13 Miami (7-6-1) @ Bemidji St. (5-7-2)

Last weekend the RedHawks were swept (6-3, 3-1) by the Mavericks in Omaha and the Beavers split with Lake Superior (3-1L, 2-1Wot) in Bemidji.

The RedHawks have lost three in a row, but the good news is they have BSU this weekend, which is something they should be thankful for.  The Beavers play well at home in the Sanford center, but the RedHawks have too much talent and should overwhelm the Beavers this holiday weekend.  REDHAWK SWEEP

St. Lawrence (7-5-2) at North Dakota (4-6-2)

Last weekend NoDak earned a point (3-1L, 3-3ot) against the Terriers in Boston and the Saints split with RIT (5-3W, 6-4L) in Rochester, NY.

Some background on the Saints – they play in the ECAC, they are located in  Canton, NY, the University was founded in 1856, and they have an enrollment of about 2,000, they play on a NHL sheet and it seats about 3,000 fans.

NoDak is winless in their last three games, and SLU has lost three of their last four games, so both teams should be hungry for some wins this weekend.  Unfortunately I think the visitors are going to leave with an empty tummy.  NODAK SWEEP

Shillelagh Tournament

Western Michigan (5-5-2) vs Northeastern (8-5-0)

Last weekend the Broncos swept (2-0, 4-1) the MSU Spartans in a home-and-home series and the Huskies

The Broncos have been, well, let’s call it streaky so far this year, win a couple, loss a couple.  Same could be said for the Huskies this season.  I don’t have a clue in this one, so I’ll let my magic 8-ball pick it… Broncos Win

The other game is Notre Dame (8-5-1) vs UA-Huntsville (0-12-0), which ND should win.  So it is the winners on Friday play for the title on Saturday and the loser play for third on Saturday.

So with the predictions, that means WMU will play ND and NU will play UAH.  Thus we have the Irish winning the tournament and the Chargers not winning a game.

BYE

Denver

#18 Minnesota-Duluth
#17 Nebraska-Omaha
#2 St. Cloud St.

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• Weekend Match-Ups (by Donn) (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
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• NCAA Women's Hockey Morning Skate: November 15th, 2013 (thehockeywriters.com)

Weekend Match-Ups (by Donn)

NCHC STANDINGS 2013-2014

Team………………………W-L-T………Points

Denver…………………..…3-2-1…………..11
Nebraska-Omaha…………3-1-0…………..9
St. Could St……………….3-1-0…………...9
North Dakota………………3-5-0……….….9
Miami……………………….2-2-0……….….6
Minnesota-Duluth…………2-2-0……….….6
Western Michigan………..2-2-0…………...6 
Colorado College………...1-4-1…….….….4

NCHC Games

Colorado College @ # St. Cloud State.

Last weekend the Huskies swept the hapless UAH Chargers in Huntsville (10-0, 4-3) and the Tigers lost to the Falcons (3-1) on Tuesday evening in Colorado Springs.

The Tigers will look to move out of the NCHC basement this weekend with a trip to St. Cloud.  But they will have a tough go of it, against a high caliber Huskies team.  The Huskies will have it a little harder than last weekend’s games in Huntsville.  Still, SCSU has the better team.  HUSKIES SWEEP

# Miami @ Nebraska-Omaha

Last weekend the RedHawks split (2-0W, 3-2L) with the UW Badgers in Oxford and the Mavericks split with Michigan (3-2W, 4-3L) in Omaha.

This is series for Omaha is the end of their gauntlet stretch (NoDak, UMich, UMiami) in November.  If the Mavericks can get another split they will be well deserving of a BIG thanksgiving dinner.  The RedHawks have also split their last two series as well.  I say they both continue on their splitting streaks.  SPLIT

Non-Conference Games

# Minnesota-Duluth @ #1 Minnesota (Fri/Sun)

Last weekend the Bulldogs split (4-2L, 6-3W) with NoDak in Grand Forks and the Gophers swept the Minnesota State Mavericks (4-1, 3-0) in Minneapolis.

The Bulldogs travel south down I-35 for this weekend tilts with in-state foe the Gophers.

This will be UMD’s third weekend in a row on the road; the Bulldogs have split their last four series.  The Gophers have played a couple of quality series (BC, ND) this season, but didn’t sweep those series.  Now after this weekend the number one team in the country has a fairly soft schedule the rest of the season.  I think the Bulldogs will have another split on their record come Sunday evening.  SPLIT

# North Dakota @ Boston University

Last weekend NoDak split the Bulldogs (4-2W, 6-3L) in Grand Forks and the Terriers lost at Maine (7-0) and won at home against Connecticut (4-1).

A year ago the Terries made the trip to Grand Forks and this year NoDak travels to BU for the return games.  If they could this would be a good rivalry to keep going into the future.  Both teams are still trying to find their ways this season, winning some and losing some.  I think it continues on for both in Boston.  SPLIT

Michigan State vs Western Michigan

Last weekend the Broncos were swept by the Pioneers (5-3, 1-0) in Denver, and the Spartans were swept by Michigan Tech (3-0, 3-2ot) in Houghton.

The Broncos are on four game winless streak and will be looking to right the ship this weekend against an in-state foe.  The Spartans are winless on the road, so this home and home series might be what the doctor ordered.  I’m taking the home team, teams.  SPLIT

Air Force vs Denver

Last weekend the Falcons beat the CC Tigers (3-1) and the Pioneers swept the WMU Broncos (5-3, 1-0) in Denver. 

The Pioneer have won three in a row and are undefeated in four games.  Now they start playing a lot more road games, six out of the next seven are away from Magness Arena.

NCHC Age factor

I thought that I would explore this age factor further. Here’s the average age of each team of the National Collegiate Hockey Conference and the current standings.

NCHC Current Standings

1     University of Nebraska-Omaha, average age 21.9

1   Saint Cloud State University,  average age 21.9

3   Western Michigan University, average age 21.6

Miami University, average age 21.1

5   University of Denver, average age 21.1

6   Colorado College, average age 21.1

7   University of North Dakota, average age, 21.2

Minnesota Duluth, average age 21.3

The average age of a hockey player in the NCHC is 21.4 years old. Looking at the numbers, UND is right there, age wise, with the rest of the teams in the NCHC. Just for comparison sake, UMN average age is 20.9. 

Weekend Match-Ups (by Donn)

NCHC STANDINGS 2013-2014

Team………………………W-L-T………Points

Nebraska-Omaha…………2-0-0…………..6
St. Cloud St……………….2-0-0…………...6
Western Michigan………..2-0-0…………...6 
Colorado College………...1-3-0…….….….3
Miami……………………….1-1-0……….….3
Minnesota-Duluth…………1-1-0……….….3
North Dakota………………1-3-0……….….3
Denver…………………..…0-2-0…………..0

NCHC Games

Denver vs Colorado College

Last weekend the Pioneers were swept by the UNO Mavericks by identical 3-2ot scores in Denver.  The Tigers were swept by the Broncos, 3-2ot and 5-1 in Kalamazoo.

Neither team can really afford to get swept again this weekend, especially in league play.  I’m guessing these longtime rivals will have no problem getting jacked-up for this home and home series.  Now it just comes down to which team wants that Gold Pan more. I’m going with a split, with each team winning at home.  SPLIT

#7 Miami @ #3 St. Could St.

Last weekend the RedHawks swept the Golden Griffins of Canisius, 3-0 and 5-2, in Oxford.  The Huskies swept NoDak last weekend, 3-2, 3-1, in Grand Forks.

Back on March 31^st the Huskies ended the RedHawks season in the NCAA Midwest Regional and advanced to the Frozen Four.  I’m sure the RedHawks remember that and will use that as motivation this weekend.  The Huskies didn’t look like world beaters last weekend, but they did the job done.  This will be “upset” special, MIAMI 3-pts.

#11 North Dakota @ Nebraska-Omaha (Sat/Sun)

Last weekend NoDak was swept by the Huskies, 3-2 and 3-1, in Grand Forks.  The Mavericks swept the Pioneers in Denver with a pair of 3-2ot wins.

NoDak looked fairly average last weekend, solid defensive play, put not much offensive pressure.  The scoring needs to pick up for NoDak if they want some points, one or two goals a night won’t get you much.  The Mavericks with the scoring three goals in each of their games last weekend, gave them the wins, that and Josh Archibald scoring both overtime winners.  But UNO scored half of their goals on the power play, and NoDak is stingy on the penalty kill, only giving up 1 on 29 opportunities this season. SPLIT

Non-Conference Games

Northern Michigan @ Western Michigan (Sat/Sun)

Last weekend the Wildcats split with Nanooks 5-4L and 2-1W, in Fairbanks, Alaska.  The Broncos swept the Tigers, 3-2ot and 5-1, in Kalamazoo.

The Wildcats are 1-4-0 away from Marquette this young season and the Broncos are 2-1-0 at home.  No reason not to pick the home team in both games.  BRONCOS SWEEP

BYE WEEK

#20 Minnesota-Duluth

Inside the NCHC - Episode 1 (11/6/13)

I have to say that I am impressed with the NCHC, so far to date. Their social media department is really impressive. I also heard the like-minded institution again, from Miami head coach Enrico Blasi. Thinking of which, historically, SCSU has been owned by Miami, so that should be a good series this coming weekend.

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Weekend Match-Ups (by Donn)

Here we are the Halloween weekend, and we almost have a full NCHC schedule, three out of four isn’t bad.  Next thing you know Thanksgiving will be upon us.

NCHC STANDINGS 2013-2014

Team………………………W-L-T………Points

Colorado College………...1-1-0…….….….3
Miami……………………….1-1-0……….….3
Minnesota-Duluth…………1-1-0……….….3
North Dakota………………1-1-0……….….3
Denver…………………..…0-0-0…………..0
Nebraska-Omaha…………0-0-0…………..0
St. Could St……………….0-0-0…………...0
Western Michigan………..0-0-0…………...0 

NCHC Games

Nebraska-Omaha @ Denver

Last weekend the Mavericks were swept by Cornell (5-3, 4-3) in Omaha.  The Pioneers beat Niagara 5-1 and lost to Canisius 4-1 last weekend in Denver.

Last season in the WCHA the Pioneers took three points from the Mavericks in there only series in Denver.  I know past performance does predicted future performance, but I like Denver at home.  PIONEERS 3-PTS

#9 St. Could St. @ #5 North Dakota

Last weekend the Huskies swept Colgate (4-2, 4-3) in St. Cloud.  NoDak “unofficially” beat the US U-18 team (4-1) in Grand Forks.

Last season these teams split a series in St. Cloud and SCSU took three points in the series in Grand Forks.  NoDak has typically had “average” first halves of the season and then done much better after Christmas.  With that and the fact that we have a series between top 10 teams, I’m going the easy way.  SPLIT

Colorado College @ Western Michigan 

Last weekend the Tigers were swept by Clarkson (1-2L, 0-1) in Potsdam, NY.  The Broncos were not playing last weekend.

The Tigers head east this weekend to Kalamazoo (it’s fun to say Kalamazoo, isn’t it!) and hit the ice at Lawson Arena, which NHL sized.  Being early in the season, it makes it difficult to make an educated prediction.  But hey, let’s make a prediction anyway.  I’m picking the Tigers to win on Friday and the Broncos to win on Saturday.  SPLIT

Non-Conference Games

Canisius @ #6 Miami

Last weekend Canisius lost to Air Force 3-2 and beat Denver 4-1 in Colorado.  The RedHawks lost and tied the Providence Friars (2-3ot, 4-4ot) in Rhode Island.

The Golden Griffins surprised us last weekend, I would have picked them to beat AFA and lose to DU, not the other way around.  But Canisius has a much stiffer test this weekend when they travel to Oxford, Ohio.  It’s hard to pick against Miami in this series.  RedHawks SWEEP.

#20 Minnesota-Duluth @ Ohio State

Last weekend the Bulldogs split with Notre Dame (3-2L, 4-1W) in Duluth.  The Buckeyes swept Robert Morris (5-3, 4-3) in a home-home series last weekend and beat Bowling Green (5-3) on Tuesday night in Columbus.

This isn’t hockey related, but the OSU marching band did an amazing performance the other weekend at the football stadium.  Now on to hockey, the Buckeyes hockey program is not the football program, but they are both now in the big ten conference.  OSU and there new conference will need to pick up wins against quality teams, if they want the big ten to succeed.  I don’t think that will happen this weekend.  BULLDOGS SWEEP.

Hump Day Links: UND versus SCSU

Good Morning UND Nation... The first NCHC home series is almost here. Yay! Here are some the things that are taking place in the college hockey world.

Utah (ECHL) has received G Aaron Dell (@UNDMHockey) from Norfolk (AHL).
— Let's Play Hockey (@LetsPlay_Hockey) October 30, 2013

Nick Bjugstad #FLAPanthers #NHL article RT @MLewsy11: new article http://t.co/tRUyPWUJ8L…
— Ben Hankinson (@benhankinson) October 30, 2013

#WMUHockey team excited to host Colorado College in Broncos' first #NCHC series | http://t.co/HDDTsFPpCe
— David Drew (@Drew_on_WMU) October 30, 2013

With the #RedSox in the World Series people forget about the #Bruins #THW #hockey http://t.co/KOihShhEh8 via @thehockeywriter
— Mark Graham (@MarkWGraham) October 30, 2013

@CDHendricks22 Yeah, no TV in this area for the series. You can get it on PPV on the web. More on UND's TV situation http://t.co/bXjmsjRRUn
— Mick Hatten (@MickHatten) October 30, 2013

SCSU men's hockey practice Tuesday as the #huskies prepare for UND series #scsuhockey @ Herb Brooks… http://t.co/uyGgNI1fb0
— Mick Hatten (@MickHatten) October 29, 2013

Rocco Grimaldi's North Dakota Strong jersey goes for $1,710 in the auction to raise money for breast cancer research.
— Schlossman (@SchlossmanGF) October 29, 2013

You can almost buy packages to both the B1G and NCHC tourneys (9 games) in MSP for the same price as the West Regional a week later.
— Nate Wells (@gopherstate) October 29, 2013

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Name the NCHC tourney.

Actually, I don't like any of these names. The Final Face off is the WCHA's women's tourney. I have to say no to that one. Of all of these the NCHC Fabulous Four is the best to me. 

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – After receiving more than 50 suggestions from fans over the past month for names for the National Collegiate Hockey Conference’s (NCHC) Championship Weekend, the league has announced the four finalists from which fans will ultimately decide the name for conference tournament’s final weekend. The NCHC Championship Weekend will be held March 21-22 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minn.

The four final names than fans can select from, as narrowed down by the NCHC staff, are :The NCHC Frozen Faceoff, The NCHC Final Faceoff, - the National Collegiate Hockey Championship, and The NCHC Fabulous Four. Fans can vote for their favorite name by taking the poll here. Fans will be asked for their name and email and can pick which name they like best. Fans then hit the “review” button, which confirms the information they have filled out. To complete the vote, fans then must hit “complete registration” for their vote to be recorded. Please note, fans are limited to one vote per valid email address.

Fan voting will remain open beginning today (Oct. 25) until Sunday, Nov. 10. The winning name will then be revealed the following week.

The “March to Minneapolis” is already underway as four teams opened up league play with a historic weekend Oct. 18-19. North Dakota traveled to Miami and the two sides split while Minnesota Duluth played at Colorado College and the teams split. The regular season concludes March 7-8 while the NCHC Tournament begins with the four quarterfinal series on campus sites (top four seeds) March 14-16. The four winners from the best-of-three series then advance to the Target Center in Minneapolis, where teams will compete for the inaugural NCHC Tournament title and an automatic bid to the 2014 NCAA Tournament.

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Weekend Match-Ups (by Donn)

When looking at the match-ups this weekend, it almost is the NCHC versus the state of New York!  There are four series against teams from New York.

NCHC STANDINGS 2013-2014

Team………………………W-L-T………Points

Colorado College……….1-1-0…….….…3
Miami……………………..1-1-0……….....3
Minnesota-Duluth……….1-1-0……….…..3
North Dakota…………….1-1-0……….….3
Denver……………………0-0-0…………..0
Nebraska-Omaha……….0-0-0…………..0
St. Could St………………0-0-0…………..0
Western Michigan………0-0-0…………..0 

Non-Conference Games

Colorado College @ Clarkson

Last weekend the Tigers split their first ever NCHC home series with the Bulldogs, winning the opener 3-1 and dropping the next game 5-1.

The Tigers travel this weekend to Potsdam, NY to visit the 4-1-1 Golden Knights of the ECAConference.  Since it is early in the season, I will have to give the nod to the new NCHC in this series.  TIGERS 3-pts

#10 St. Could St. @ Colgate

The Huskies also travel to NY this weekend; they are going to Hamilton, NY to play the Raiders of Colgate, who happened to be 2-2-1 on the season.

Last season the Huskies made the Frozen Four and the Raiders lost in the first round of the ECAC tourney.  This one is an easy pick for me, SCSU SWEEP.

Niagara @ #17 Denver

Last weekend the Pioneers lost to Alaska in OT, 3-2 and to Alaska-Anchorage the next night 3-2 in OT, at the Alaska Gold Rush Tournament.

The 1-2-1 Purple Eagles from Niagara NY and members of the Atlantic Hockey Conference will be landing in Denver this weekend to play a pair of games.

With the Pioneers dropping a pair of games last weekend up in Alaska, I wonder about them…but let’s face it, AH isn’t the best league out there.  PIONEERS 3-pts

#2 Notre Dame @ Minnesota-Duluth

Last weekend the Bulldogs split their first ever NCHC home series with the Tigers, they dropped the first game 3-1 and winning the second 5-1.

The number two team in the nation takes their way 4-0-0 record to the DECC this weekend for another weekend series on Lake Superior (they were at MTU last weekend).  These teams already have a common opponent already, MTU, UMD won and tied them, ND swept them.  I’ll take Notre Dame for 3-pts this weekend.

#19 Cornell @ Nebraska-Omaha

Last weekend the Mavericks split their first series with the Wildcats from NMU, winning the opener 2-1 and dropping the next game 6-3.

The Big Red from Ithaca, NY and of the ECAC, take the ice for their first official games of the season this weekend.  The Mavericks have eight of their next ten games at home. After this series, their home games get much harder #6 NoDak, #4 Michigan,  and #3 Miami, ouch (and away at Denver).  I know it is early in the season, but these are some must win games already.  SPLIT.

Exhibition Games

US U-18 TEAM @ #6 North Dakota

Last weekend UND split their first ever NCHC road series with the Redhawks, winning the opener 4-2 and dropping the next game 6-2.

Being an “un-official” game, I’m officially picking UND to win, you know, to keep balance in the universe.

BYE WEEK

#3 Miami

Western Michigan 

NCHC Kicks off the league play

This weekend, the National Collegiate Hockey Conference finally kicks off play.

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My Ballot for the 1st Annual NCHC Blog/Web Media Preseason Poll

Here is the ballot that I submitted for the 1st Annual NCHC Blog/Web Media Preseason Poll. Feel free to tell me what you think.

Predicted Order of Finish:

Miami University - 1

University of North Dakota - 2

Denver University - 3

St Cloud State - 4

Minnesota-Duluth - 5

Nebraska-Omaha   - 6

Western Michigan - 7

Colorado College - 8

All-Conference Team

F- Jonny Brodzinski – SCSU

F- Mark MacMillan – UND

F- Alexander Krushelnysky – C.C.

D- Dillon Simpson – UND

D- Joey LaLeggia – DU

G- Frank Slubowski – Western Michigan

Player of the Year   - Ryan Walters UNO

Rookie of the Year    - Adam Tambellini – UND

Defenseman of the Year - Joey LaLeggia – DU

Breakout Player of the Year - Zane Gothberg – UND 

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Comparing the Trophies (NCHC vs. B1G)

Jackie was too chicken to put this picture up herself, even though she has full blogger rights on this blog. :) So, I will take the heat for her. Comparing the two trophies which one do you like better? Obviously, I like the Julie and Spencer Penrose Memorial Cup better.

NCHC Hockey: Total of the Early Departures

With the hockey season approaching, I would think that the NCHC is done with its early departures.

Colorado College (0)

None

Denver (3)

Scott Mayfield So. D NY Islanders (NHL), April 5
Juho Olkinoura So. G Winnipeg (NHL), April 7 (FA)
Nick Shore Jr. F Los Angeles (NHL), April 12

Miami (0)

None

Minnesota Duluth (1)

Chris Casto So. D Boston (NHL), March 26 (FA)

Nebraska-Omaha (2)

Andrej Sustr Jr. D Tampa Bay (NHL), March 21 (FA)
Tony Turgeon Jr. D San Antonio (AHL), July 18 (FA)

North Dakota (1)

Derek Forbort Jr. D Los Angeles (NHL), April 5

St. Cloud State (1)

Nick Jensen Jr. D Detroit (NHL), May 2

Western Michigan (1)

Danny DeKeyser Jr. D Detroit (NHL), March 29 (FA)

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NCHC Launches it's New Webpage

Well, the NCHC launched it's new webpage today. Yay! Good times have come our way...  Actually, the new webpage looks pretty good. I don't know, comparing it to the B1G Hockey webpage, I like this one better.

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NCHC CHAMPIONSHIP TICKETS ON SALE NOW TO GENERAL PUBLIC

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Ticket packages for the inaugural National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) Championship are now on sale.  Fans are being encouraged to purchase tickets early to reserve their spot for this historic event. The four-game packages can be obtained for as low as $15/game. Packages start at $60 for an upper level ticket while fans can enjoy the action up-close in the lower bowl for $130. Tickets can be purchased by clicking here or visiting the newly released conference website, NCHCHockey.com.

In addition to the great game action, fans will have the opportunity to experience the NCHC Fan Fest, featuring interactive games, food and beverage specials, music, and pep rallies throughout the weekend. More details about the Fan Fest will be released at a later date. 

"The NCHC is committed to providing a championship experience for our student-athletes, coaches and passionate fans,” said NCHC Commissioner, Josh Fenton. “Fans investing in the championship weekend will be provided an unrivaled and unique experience while watching the best college hockey has to offer."

The puck will drop on the NCHC’s inaugural championship weekend on Friday, March 21, 2014 with two semifinals. The third-place and championship games will take place on Saturday, March 22, 2014. Game times are still being determined and will be released at a later date. All games will be held at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minn.  As previously announced, the Target Center will be the home to the NCHC Championship for the next five years.  

“Target Center is thrilled to be hosting such an exciting and prestigious event,” said Target Center Vice President/General Manager, Steve Mattson.  “When event ticket packages go on sale to the general public, those inaugural ticket purchasers will become a part of hockey history.” 

Through its partnership with Meet Minneapolis, the NCHC has secured fan hotel blocks at several Minneapolis hotels within walking distance to Target Center. To secure your hotel for the championship click here or visit NCHCHockey.com. 

“Our new conference website can be used as a portal for fans to find anything they need to know about the Championship weekend,” stated Fenton. “The entire Minneapolis area, including Meet Minneapolis and Target Center, has shown great enthusiasm for our championship weekend.”

To learn more about the NCHC Championship Tournament, purchasing tickets and reserving a hotel room, please visit the NCHC website at NCHCHockey.com.

For information on group tickets please contact the Target Center directly at 612-673-1311 or nchchockey@targetcenter.com.

The NCHC, which includes member institutions Colorado College, Denver, Miami, Minnesota Duluth, Nebraska Omaha, North Dakota, St. Cloud State and Western Michigan, begins its inaugural season on October 18, 2013, with a double-header featuring North Dakota at Miami and Colorado College hosting Minnesota Duluth. Games times are to be announced.

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