Two Games, Two Majors, Joey LaLeggia & Brandon Thompson Get Tossed

For Denver defenseman Joey LaLeggia the box score will read.

DEN-3 Joey LaLeggia (5-Contact to the Head) (Served by Matt Marcinew) PRV 2x4 10:37
DEN-4 Joey LaLeggia (10-Disqualification).

For Brandon Thompson the box score will read.

RIT 05:43 Brandon Thompson: Checking From Behind
RIT 05:43 Brandon Thompson: Game Misconduct

After watching the video, what do you think?

Breaking down the last week in the NCHC

With one week remaining, the National Collegiate Hockey Conference standings are very tight. We probably won’t know the seeding’s for the NCHC playoffs until after all of the games have been played on Saturday night.

University of North Dakota (19-10-3, 14-8-0 NCHC) – Pairwise Ranking 9. This weekend: North Dakota entertains the Western Michigan University Broncos (16-13-5, 10-10-2 NCHC) – Pairwise Ranking T-21. Season series: UND went 2-0-0 against WMU (3-2, 3-2 North Dakota). North Dakota is closing in on securing an at-large NCAA Tournament bid. More than likely, if UND makes the NCHC tourney they’re in the NCAA tournament. WMU will probably need to win the NCHC tourney to make the NCAA tourney.

Saint Cloud State University Huskies (19-8-5, 13-6-3 NCHC) – Pairwise Ranking 4. This weekend: the Huskies travel to Colorado Springs to take on the Colorado College Tigers (6-20-6, 6-11-5 NCHC) – Pairwise Ranking 48. Season series: the Huskies went 1-0-1 against the Tigers this season (2-2 Tie and 6-2 SCSU). Saint Cloud State is a lock to make the NCAA tourney. Colorado College will have to win the NCHC tourney to make the NCAA tourney.

Nebraska-Omaha (15-15-2, 12-8-2 NCHC) – Pairwise Ranking 28. This Weekend: Nebraska-Omaha travels to Minnesota Duluth (15-13-4, 10-10-2 NCHC) – Pairwise Ranking 17. Season series: UMD 2-0-0 record against UNO (3-1, 3-2 Minnesota Duluth).  Both teams are going to need help making the NCAA tournament as an at-large bid.

University of Denver (15-13-6, 9-10-3 NCHC) – Pairwise Ranking 26. This weekend: Denver entertains Miami University (11-18-3, 5-16-1 NCHC) – Pairwise Ranking 41. Season series: The two teams split their season series so far (3-1 Miami and 4-2 Denver). From looking at the Pairwise, it appears that Denver needs to win the NCHC tourney to make the NCAA tourney. Same for Miami there’s no other way Miami can make the NCAA tournament. 

Related articles

• Bowling Green Unhappy with Travel in NCHC? (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• NCHC Hockey: Breaking Down the Numbers (thehockeywriters.com)
• NCHC Hockey: Breaking Down the Numbers Half Way Point (thehockeywriters.com)
• NCHC Hockey: Updated standing (ndgoon.blogspot.com)

Weekend Match-Ups (By Donn)

The rest of the season is nothing but NCHC games, so the race is on for the first ever NCHC regular season championship.  And mathematically everyone still has a shot at the title. 

Last weekend in the Saturday SCSU-UNO game both teams had a player score a hat trick, Kossila for the Huskies and Zombo for the Mavericks, you don’t see that very often!

NCHC STANDINGS 2013-2014

Team………………………W-L-T-SW………Points

St. Cloud St……………….8-4-2-0…………...26
North Dakota………………8-6-0-0……….….24
Denver…………………..…7-5-2-1…………..24
Nebraska-Omaha…………7-5-2-1…………..24
Minnesota-Duluth…………7-6-1-1……….….23
Western Michigan………..6-7-1-1…………...20
Miami………………………4-9-1-1….…….….14
Colorado College……….. 3-8-3-1…….….….13

NCHC Games

Western Michigan @ Miami

Last weekend the Broncos were swept by the Bulldogs (5-2, 3-1) in Kalamazoo and the RedHawks had a bye weekend.

The Broncos suffered their first losses of 2014 last weekend, and head to Oxford this weekend.  These teams just played a series last month, to kick off 2014, which resulted in a Broncos sweep.  But this time around it’s at the RedHawks home rink. Miami started off the season as one of the pre-season favorites to win the league.  Now the RedHawks are looking at a bottom half finish.  If the Broncos sweep the RedHawks this weekend, it would be a monumental task for the Oxford guys to get into the top half.  SPLIT

#15 Denver @ #6 SCSU

Last weekend the Pioneers were on a bye and the Huskies split with the Mavericks (5-3W, 8-6L) in Omaha.

With three points separating the top five teams, it goes without saying that these series are big games for both these teams.  The Pioneer’s hosted the Huskies back a month ago and the teams split that series, SCSU won the opener 6-3 and DU evened it up 5-2 that following night.  I think a repeat is on tap this weekend with each team getting a win.  SPLIT

Colorado College @ #17 Minnesota-Duluth 

Last weekend the Tigers were enjoying an off weekend and the Bulldogs swept the Broncos (5-2, 3-1) in Kalamazoo. 

The Bulldogs are on a good streak, having not lost in their last 5 games (3-0-2).  Meanwhile the Tigers managed only one win in December and one win in January. I don’t think a Bulldog sweep would surprise anyone this weekend, not even the Tigers.  BULLDOGS SWEEP

Nebraska-Omaha @ #16 North Dakota

Last weekend the Mavericks split (5-3L, 8-6W) with the Huskies in Omaha and NoDak was resting up on a bye weekend. 

The Mavericks went winless in December, and managed one win and January and have one win already in February.  NoDak was on a 10 game unbeaten streak until they dropped their last game at Denver.  That last game in DU featured a stellar performance by their goaltender that stopped all 43-shots he faced.  I think NoDak is in the midst of their traditional second half run, and will get back on track this weekend at the expense of Omaha.  NODAK SWEEPS.

Related articles

• NCHC Hockey: Breaking Down the Numbers Half Way Point (thehockeywriters.com)
• NCHC Hockey: Breaking Down the Numbers at the Half Way Point (thehockeywriters.com)

(Video) UND 4 DU 2

UND took DU to the proverbial woodshed last night, and dominated DU. In my opinion, it wasn't even close. UND head coach Dave Hakstol talks about playing on their toes.  UND was on their toes all-game long and had DU on their heels for most of the night.  This was the best effort that I have seen from UND this season, bar none. Also, we have to give have to give UND goalie Clarke Saunders credit, he was simply amazing stopping 29-of-31 shots and the defenders in front of him were very good when they had to be. UND game into the game going 1-for-18 on the power play went 2-4 tonight. In the last 12 games against DU, UND is 9-3-1.

UND beats BSU 4-2

Grand Forks, ND – The University of North Dakota entered Saturday’s game riding an eight-game unbeaten streak and looked to push it to nine-games with a win.

Mission accomplished. With the 4-2 win, UND has now won 8-of-9 games and hasn’t given up more than three goals, during that time. UND has been very stingy on defense, giving up an average of 1.77 goals per game.

Goaltending has been good as well. Sophomore goalie Zane Gothberg has started all nine games during UND’s unbeaten streak. Gothberg has been nothing short of amazing, posting an 8-0-1 record, with an impressive 1.76 goals against average and a .923 save percentage.

During the streak, UND has received balanced scoring from their forward lines. Tonight, players not normally known for their scoring chipped in goals for UND.  On the score sheet, forwards Derek Rodwell (4), Connor Gaarder (3), Andrew Panzarella (1) and Michael Parks (6) all scored for UND.

One of  tonight’s highlights was junior forward Andrew Panzarella, who scored the first goal of his UND career.

It feels definitely good,” Panzarella said. “It’s a long time coming. So, I don’t know, it couldn’t have been any easier. I was just driving to the net and Mark (MacMillan) put in on my tape, I don’t think I even moved my stick.”

The Beavers head coach Tom Serratore seemed a bit disappointed with the loss, but took it in stride.

“We just couldn’t get into a rhythm,” Serratore said. “They had a lot of offensive zone play. That was tough because we were down after one. They definitely won the time of possession battle. We just couldn’t get into a rhythm.”

“I think the biggest thing at this time of year is that you want to try to get better every game,” Serratore said. “We got a tie last night and came in here optimistic. You want to come in this building – which is a very, very difficult building to play in, but you want to respond. I thought there were some bright spots, but at the end of the day, we lost.”

UND head coach Dave Hakstol seemed pleased with the win tonight.

“We got a couple that found a hole early,” Hakstol said. “I think that was important. We put a lot of pucks to the net and this time we had something to show for it.”

One of the reoccurring storylines has been the play of forward Derek Rodwell and his linemates. That effort hasn’t gone unnoticed by the UND head coach.

“Derek played extremely well and there was chemistry there,” Hakstol said. “And that’s not just been this weekend. Those guys have been very good together over the last couple of months. Rods is playing very well right now.”

The forward line of Stephane Pattyn, Connor Gaarder and Derek Rodwell has been miserable to play against. It’s also been their calling card. Tonight, their hard work was rewarded with a couple of goals.

“I think it’s kind of starting from baseline things,” Rodwell said. “We’re kind of going out there and doing the same thing every day, going hard to the net, working (hard). They’re starting to go in for us now. We know going to the net the bounces are going to come and they kind of been coming for us lately.”

Now for the good news, UND hasn’t lost in eight-games.  With the tie, UND is (11-7-3, 7-5-0 NCHC). On the other end of the ice, the tie leaves Bemidji State Beavers with a record of (7-11-7, 7-7-4 WCHA). The Beavers now have seven ties on the season

Next weekend, UND travels to Denver, Colorado to play the University of Denver in an important two-game conference series, game time is at 7:37 Mountain Time.

[Box Score]

Related articles

• UND Hockey: Adam Tambellini Leaves UND for the WHL (thehockeywriters.com)
• UND Hockey: Derek Rodwell Making an Impact for North Dakota (thehockeywriters.com)
• North Dakota Comes Back to Beat Colorado College (insidehockey.com)
• North Dakota Slips Past St. Lawrence (insidehockey.com)
• UND Beats C.C. in Grand Forks (insidehockey.com)

Weekend Match-Ups (by Donn)

I forgot to post my predictions last weekend, but believe me, I got them all correct. J  Here are this weekend match-ups and they are up for your viewing pleasure.

NCHC STANDINGS 2013-2014

Team………………………W-L-T-SW………Points

St. Cloud St……………….7-2-1-0…………...22
North Dakota………………7-5-0-0……….….21
Denver…………………..…5-4-1-1…………..17
Nebraska-Omaha…………5-4-1-1…………..17
Minnesota-Duluth…………5-5-0-0……….….15
Western Michigan………..5-5-0-0…………...15
Colorado College……….. 2-7-3-1…….….….10
Miami………………………3-7-0-0….…….….9

NCHC Games

Western Michigan @ #3 St. Cloud St. 

Last weekend the Broncos swept the RedHawks (5-4, 3-2) in Kalamazoo and the Huskies split with the Pioneers (6-3W, 5-2L) in Denver.

With a sweep last weekend the Broncos can now see the top of the standings.  If they could pull off another pair of wins with weekend they would be could be looking down the standings…  However, that is a tall task; the Huskies will be looking to cement their top spot in the standings.  The Broncos have won four in a row and 5 of the last 6 games.  So they do have some momentum going into SC, but there’s a reason they are ranked number three.  HUSKIES SWEEP

#16 Denver @ Minnesota-Duluth

Last weekend the Pioneers split with the Huskies (6-3L, 5-2W) in Denver and the Bulldogs swept the Mavericks (3-2, 3-1) in Omaha.

The Bulldogs have won three in a row entering the weekend.  The Pioneers have won, lost, and tied their last three games.  DU is 3-2-3 on the road and UMD is 3-4-1 at home.  I’m going with the UMD on Friday and DU on Saturday.  SPLIT

Nebraska-Omaha @ Miami

Last weekend the Mavericks were swept by the Bulldogs (3-2, 3-1) in Omaha and the RedHawks were swept by the Broncos (5-4, 3-2) in Kalamazoo.

The Mavericks have lost four in a row and haven’t won a in their past six games.  The RedHawks are losers of their last three and lost four of the last five.  Someone could end their slump this weekend at the expense of the other, could.  SPLIT

Non-Conference Games

Bemidji State vs #20 North Dakota (Fri. Bemidji, Sat. Grand Forks)

Last weekend NoDak swept the Tigers (5-3, 3-2) in Grand Forks and the Beavers swept the Lake Superior (5-2, 3-1) in Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan.

The Beavers are 3-8-3 on the road and 4-3-3 at home, and NoDak is 7-4-1 at home and 4-3-1 on the road.  UND leads the all-time series 25-2-2.  It appears that UND is heating up with winning seven games in a row, here’s to the streak continuing this weekend.  NORTH DAKOTA SWEEP

#7 Providence (13-5-4) @ Colorado College (2-15-3)

Last weekend the Friars lost to Boston College (5-2) on the road and the Tigers were swept by NoDak (5-3, 3-2) in Grand Forks.

The Tigers have been struggling all season long and it doesn’t get any easier this weekend with the Friars from the Hockey East coming for a visit.  FRIARS SWEEP

Related articles

• NCHC Hockey: Breaking Down the Numbers (thehockeywriters.com)

NCHC Shootout numbers

Today, I was bored and the topic of the Shootout has had a lot of discussion as of late. Some of the discussion has been in favor of the shootout and, others have down right slammed it.  I am in favor of the shootout, I think it’s a good way to settle “regular” season games that are tied after regulation and after the overtime is over.

Yesterday, Vancouver Canucks head coach John Tortrella said, "That gimmick should be out of the league."

November 8, 2013: Denver vs. C.C. Denver wins in a shootout against C.C. 2-1 in two rounds.

Shootout goals DU: Joey LaLeggia (1-1), David Makowski (1-1).

Shootout Goals C.C.:  0

Shootout Records DU: Joey LaLeggia (1-1), David Makowski (1-1)

Shootout Record: C.C.:  Charlie Taft (0-1), Alexander Krushelnyski (0-1)

DU Shootout Record 1-0 – C.C. Shootout Record 0-1

___________________________________________

November 22, 2013: SCSU vs. C.C., The Tigers win in a shootout against the Huskies 3-2 in three rounds.

Shootout goals C.C.:  Scott Wamsqanz (1-1)

Shootout goals SCSU: 0

SCSU shootout record: Joey Benik (0-1), David Morely (0-1), Kalle Kossila (0-1).

C.C. shootout record: Scott Wamsganz (1-1), Alexander Krushelnyski (0-1).

C.C. Shootout Record 1-1 – SCSU Shootout Record: 0-1

___________________________________________

December 7, 2013: UNO vs. C.C., the UNO Mavericks win in a shootout win against the Tigers (4-3) in four rounds.

Shootout goals UNO Mavericks:  Josh Archibald 1-1, Ryan Walters 1-1

Shootout goals C.C. Tigers: Alexander Krushelnyski (1-1)

Shootout records C.C. Tigers: Alexander Krushelnyski (1-3), Scott Wamsganz (1-1), Alex Roos (0-1), Jordan DiGiando (0-1), Jordan Slaven (0-1), Charlie Taft (0-1).

Shootout record UNO Mavericks: Josh Archibald (1-1), Ryan Walters (1-1), Michael Young (0-1), Johnnie Searfoss (0-1).

C.C. Shootout Record: 1-2 – UNO Shootout Record: 1-0

___________________________________________

As you can see by the data, there’s hasn’t been a lot of shootouts in the NCHC this season. They’re just not occurring with very much frequency. Ironically, there have been three shootouts in NCHC play and Colorado College has been involved in all of them.

Shootout Standings

UNO 1-0

DU 1-0

C.C. 1-2

SCSU 0-1 

Weekend Match-Ups (by Donn)

Here we are the first weekend of play in 2014.  The first half of the season seems to have flown by.

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 

Non-Conference Games

Brown (5-6-1) @ #17 Denver (10-6-2)

The Bears are 1-5-0 away from home, which is Providence, R.I., if you’re wondering. The Pioneers are 7-3-0 at home in Magness Arena this season.  I think the Pioneers will catch the Bears hibernating this weekend.  Pioneers Win.

Brown (5-6-1) @ Colorado College (2-12-3)

With the Pioneers waking the sleeping Bears, I say the Tigers will feel their rude awaking anger.  Bears Win.

#19 Nebraska-Omaha (8-7-1) @ New Hampshire (10-10-1)

The Mavericks are 3-2-1 on the road this season and the Wildcats are 3-4-1 at home at the Whittemore Center in Durham.  SPLIT

Exhibition Games

North Dakota vs British Columbia (Fri.) vs Simon Fraser (Sat.)

Last action for NoDak was the sweep of the NMU Wildcats in Grand Forks. It has been two years since NoDak has played in great country of Canada.

UND is riding a 5 game winning streak and, well, this won’t officially effect it, since these are exhibition games.  But here to starting the New Year off right, NoDak wins both games.

US U-18 TEAM @ Minnesota-Duluth

Since it is an exhibition game, it is hard to say who wins… I’m sure UMD will use the game to get everyone back on the ice and playing at game speed.  TIE.

US U-18 TEAM @ #4 St. Cloud St.

Same as above, except SCSU wins.

BYE

#12  Miami

Western Michigan

Lambert on the NCHC....

This is what Ryan Lambert of Puck Daddy fame had to say about the NCHC on CHN. It would be interesting to see how many college hockey games that he has actually watched this season?

NCHC

Colorado College: This would have to be one hell of a “second-half surge.”
Denver: Yeah, 5-3 sounds just about right for a Denver win at UMass. I very much buy that as a reasonable result.

Miami: Riley Barber as captain of the US World Junior team seems like a no-brainer. One of the few returners, and he's very, very good. Given the amount of ice time he's been eating up for the RedHawks this year, he might never come off the ice in Sweden.

Minnesota-Duluth: The reason Justin Crandall isn't a goalie, and instead is the best forward on UMD this season, is that after his brother Aaron and his dad Jeff both played that position, his mom said he couldn't.

Nebraska-Omaha: I guess that yes, it is fair to say Jake Guentzel and Josh Arbcibald have been "key contributors" for the Mavs this season, given that the latter is a point-a-game player and the former is third on the team in assists as a freshman.

North Dakota: Oh a kid from Grand Forks committed to UND? Seems like that was a slam dunk. They've only been recruiting him his whole life.

St. Cloud: The St. Cloud Times gives the Huskies an “A” for the first half, which they say is “grading on a curve.” No need for a curve, they're just one of the best teams in the country.

Western Michigan: Lawson Arena got a scoreboard upgrade over the summer because NCHC rules mandated it, but apparently any talk about a new arena any time soon is just wishful thinking. “Lawson looks very nice,” said WMU athletic director Kathy Beauregard, stretching things a little.

So, we are to  believe that the National Collegiate Hockey Conference was built on entitlement, I find that statement interesting. So, only the Big Ten Hockey Conference was allowed to forward their interests. All others had to stand fast. Actually, if anything, the re-alignment allowed a team (UAH) to find a conference and this will allow for future expansion. I am not convinced that we're done moving teams around, just yet.

This seems not to have stopped the NCHC from trying to make itself more impressive, which is apparently the kind of thing we should have come to expect from a league built on entitlement more than anything else. When the Big Ten was announced, all the “prestige” programs, or whatever you want to call them, that were being left behind in the CCHA and WCHA simply decided that they couldn't be bothered slumming it against these other, lesser programs which were beneath their status and probably contempt, and thus was born the “National” Collegiate Hockey Conference, which is a curious name considering that on a geographical basis it ignores all the parts of the nation not between Ohio and Colorado.

That there was a fan vote to name the finals of the conference tournament is all good and well, and settling on the Frozen Faceoff (perhaps by design not more than a little evocative of “Frozen Four”) earlier this month, which beat out the NCHC Championship, is a little icky but not in the end that big of a deal.

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)
• Minnesota Gophers vs. Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs: Series Preview (hockeywilderness.com)
• NCAA Hockey: There Has to Be a Better Way (thehockeywriters.com)

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

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.

NCAA Hockey: Mike Hastings perplexed by officiating

I can say that I don't blame the coach for being upset, and it could cause a head coach some concern when they're doing their non-schedules in the future. I wonder if the on-ice officials can strike a balance where they can protect the integrity of the game, by calling the right amount of penalties, as well as protecting the puck carrier. At the same time, not affect the flow of the game too much. No one comes to watch an official call a game.

I also agree that the refs have to cal the game tighter, but how tight? But the refs also need to find a happy medium. If the refs call 20-plus penalties in a game, it's going to affect the flow of the game and you're going to end up with games that are almost three hours long.

Puckato -- Last January, Cornell coach Mike Schafer blasted the WCHA referees after a 2-1 loss at Denver, calling their performance “disgusting” and ending his rant with, “I won’t come back to the WCHA.”

I have to say that this is an interesting and thought provoking read. On Saturday night, after losing 3-0 in a game that included a combined 25 penalties for 80 minutes, Minnesota State’s Mike Hastings had a message for Schafer (or to that night's refs).

“One thing, Mike Schaffer, I want to let you know, we’re even now,” he said, “because a team from out west came out here and … I saw you last year and it sounded like you got it pretty bad. And I’m going to tell you that I believe east and west are even now.”

Providence plays in Hockey East, not Cornell’s ECAC, but this was hardly the first time a coach has expressed frustration with the way the game is called conference to conference, region to region.

This past weekend, UND killed 15 of 16 Vermont power plays. That's a lot of penalties over the course of a weekend. Last night, during the post game press conference, UND head coach Dave Hakstol said that he agrees with the way the games were called last weekend.

“I am on board with the emphasis on the hooks; basically protecting the offensive player’s hands,” Hakstol said. “Allowing an offensive player on the wall to protect the puck without being held, those are the three that I think are significant and good steps for our game.”

The UND coach went on to explain that the players have to make adjustments to the way the refs are calling the game as well.

"Our guys made a conscientious effort to skate with guys and not use their stick on them," Hakstol said."It’s about creating angles and back-pressuring, instead of using your stick.”

If the refs keep calling the game this way, they will. make adjustments to the game is called. Also, it will be interesting to see how the WCHA calls their games this season.

Related articles

• UND and UVM Skate to a Tie (insidehockey.com)
• NCAA Hockey: Focus on Obstruction and Checking from Behind (hockeywilderness.com)

DU Hockey: Student Season Ticket Campout Underway

http://t.co/3B1cu3jhwq - DU Hockey Student Season Ticket Campout Underway #PioNation http://t.co/NHBJBoLjG2
— Denver Hockey (@DU_Hockey) October 4, 2013

All fifty of DU's student section is camping out, to get in-line for their season hockey tickets. They shouldn't take long to distribute. :)

Related articles

• UND Hockey: Both games of the UND vs. DU Hockey Series will be on DirecTV (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• NCAA Hockey: Focus on Obstruction and Checking from Behind (hockeywilderness.com)
• UND Hockey: UND set in net (ndgoon.blogspot.com)

NHL Hockey: Gwozdecky Ready to make Leap to NHL Coaching

Here’s the press release from the Tampa Bay Lightning site for George Gwozdecky being hired by the Tampa Bay Lightning as an assistant coach. Former Denver defenseman Matt Carle seems happy to have George as his coach again and isn't worried about him not having any NHL experience. “I don’t think it matters that he doesn’t have a lot of NHL coaching experience, because it’s all about how you deal with people,” said Carle.

Tampa Bay Lightning -- The Tampa Bay Lightning have named George Gwozdecky (gwahz-DECK-ee) as assistant coach on Jon Cooper’s staff today, vice president and general manager Steve Yzerman announced. Gwozdecky most recently served as head coach for the University of Denver Pioneers men’s hockey team.

“I am excited to be joining the Tampa Bay Lightning coaching staff and am really looking forward to working with outstanding coaches like Jon (Cooper), Steve (Thomas) and Rick (Bowness),” Gwozdecky said. “The opportunity to coach in an organization with such highly-respected ownership and excellent front office leadership, as well as a talented mix of veteran and young players in a great community like Tampa Bay is the chance of a lifetime.”

"We are pleased to add George to the coaching staff," Yzerman said. "He brings a wealth of experience to the bench and we feel he will be a valuable addition to the organization."

Gwozdecky, 60, spent 19 seasons at Denver as head coach, posting a 443-267-64 record in 774 games. He led the Pioneers to back-to-back NCAA National Championships in 2004 and 2005 and earned National Coach of the Year honors in 1993 and 2005. In addition he was named the WCHA Coach of the Year in 1995, 2002, 2005 and 2010. With Gwozdecky behind the bench, Denver became a perennial Top 10 program that, in addition to two national championships, also won three WCHA regular season and four WCHA playoff titles. They are the only team in NCAA hockey to have recorded at least 20 wins in each of the previous 12 seasons. During his tenure with the Pioneers, Gwozdecky helped the team to 15 20-win seasons, nine with 25 or more and a pair of campaigns with at least 30.

A native of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Gwozdecky ranks 11th all-time in NCAA men’s hockey for wins with 593. Prior to joining Denver, Gwozdecky was head coach for the Miami (Ohio) University Red Hawks. He served there for five seasons, winning the school’s first CCHA title and earning its first NCAA tournament bid. While at Miami he won the Spencer Penrose Award as National Coach of the Year as well as a pair of CCHA coach of the year honors. He was added to the Miami University “Cradle of Coaches” Hall of Fame in 2006. Before joining the Red Hawks he served as an assistant for the Michigan State Spartans following a stint as the bench boss at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.

Gwozdecky was a four-year letterman at the University of Wisconsin and graduated in 1978 with a degree in physical education. The forward was a member of the Badgers’ 1977 National Championship team. Gwozdecky was inducted into the Wisconsin Hockey Hall of Fame in 1994.

Married with a daughter, Gwozdecky was the only coach in NCAA hockey history to win a Division I National Championship as a player (Wisconsin, 1977), assistant coach (Michigan State, 1986) and as a head coach (Denver, 2004 and 2005).

NHL Hockey: George Gwozdecky to Become Tampa Bay Assistant

Interesting development, Terry Frei an NHL hockey reporter from the Denver Dost is reporting that former DU head coach George Gwozdecky will become an assistant coach with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Actually, I find it surprising since Gwozdecky never played in the NHL.

Terry Frei, Denver Post --- Former University of Denver hockey coach George Gwozdecky has agreed to become an assistant coach with the NHL's Tampa Bay Lightning, and arring unexpected last-minute snags, an announcement of his hiring will come soon, two college hockey sources confirmed Thursday.

Gwozdecky's firing after 19 seasons at DU — a stint that included back-to-back NCAA championships in 2004 and 2005 — generated controversy last spring, and he since had turned down an opportunity to be the head coach at Alabama-Huntsville. He had a year left on his contract at DU and was expected to sit out the 2013-14 season while waiting to see what other jobs might open on the collegiate level.

But the Lightning will bring in Gwozdecky to work under new head coach Jon Cooper, promoted after three seasons as head coach of Tampa Bay's American Hockey League farm club. Gwozdecky will join Rick Bowness, a veteran assistant who has had several stints as an NHL head coach, on Cooper's staff.

Related articles

• Gwoz not in the running for UAH coaching job (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• Gwoz to Huntsville? (mvn.com)

Explanation of the Ref's action following DU's Nick Shore hit to the head of UNH Kevin Goumas

I don't think anyone has a problem with the penalty, it was a hit to the head, I am fine with that call. I am not fine with the on-ice officials going over to the penalty box and reviewing the game film and then throwing Nick Shore out of the game. I am not an apologist for DU Hockey or Nick Shore either and I hope that UNH's Kevin Goumas is okay.

The fact that they went to the penalty box, after-the-fact, and watched the video and then threw Nick Shore out of the game, that's my bone of contention, especially when not one official's arm is in the air. That's what people have a problem with. It's not a conspiracy.

I am not sure why ESPNU think's it's there job to excuse the on-ice officials either? ESPNU can explain it anyway they want, the video confirms what happened on the ice.

Seriously, go back and watch the video again, the play went on for quite some time after the hit, the Pioneers maintained possession of the puck, which makes their explanation questionable. There were no arms in the air by any of the on-ice officials.

WCHA Web Media Poll: Week 22

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

This week, again, positions 1 – 3 remain the same, as well as 7 – 12; the middle of the poll is again, all mixed up. Minnesota State after splitting with North Dakota dropped from fourth-to-sixth place. Wisconsin stayed at fifth place and Denver moved up to fourth place from sixth place.

Here’s a look at the results the Tech Hockey Guide WCHA Web Media Poll for Week 22:

Place	Team	pts	Previous	Record	High	Low
1.	Minnesota (6)	138	1	24-7-5	1	2
2.	St. Cloud State (6)	136	2	21-14-1	1	4
3.	North Dakota	120	3	19-10-7	3	3
4.	Denver	99	6	19-11-5	4	6
5.	Wisconsin	98	5	17-12-7	4	6
6.	Minnesota State	93	4	22-11-3	2	6
7.	Nebraska Omaha	60	7	18-16-2	7	10
8.	Colorado College	59	8	14-17-5	7	10
9.	Minnesota Duluth	57	9	14-17-5	7	9
10.	Michigan Tech	39	10	12-18-4	8	11
11.	Bemidji State	25	11	6-20-8	10	11
12.	Alaska Anchorage	12	12	4-23-7	12	12

Representing Name Publication Twitter

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

Cross-posted at the Hockey Writes Combine.

Related articles

• WCHA Web Media Poll: Week 21 (thehockeywriters.com)
• WCHA Web Media Poll: Week 20 (thehockeywriters.com)
• WCHA Web Media Poll: Week 19 (thehockeywriters.com)
• WCHA Web Media Poll: Week 18 (thehockeywriters.com)
• WCHA Web Media Poll: Week 17 (thehockeywriters.com)
• WCHA Web Media Poll: Week 16 (thehockeywriters.com)
• WCHA Web Media Poll: Week 15 (thehockeywriters.com)