UND and DU skate to a 2-2 tie.

Grand Forks, ND – It's no mystery that the Denver Pioneers and the University of North Dakota don't like each other very much.

I would compare the historic rivalry to the Hatfield’s and McCoy’s feud. There are hours and hours of video on YouTube that back this up.

Tonight's game, didn't quite go to script as both teams for the most part played a disciplined game and took a combined 14 minor penalties, tame in comparison to previous games .

The series has had many twist and turns. The two teams have played four times in the playoffs since the 2009-10 season with UND winning all four games.

Denver would come into tonight’s game with a 0-3-1 record over the last four games after going 9-1-0 to start the season – so you had to know that DU would be in a foul mood, coming into tonight’s game.

In the last eight games, the two teams have played; UND has held a 6-2 edge in the series.

When the two teams play, records go out the window, tonight was no different. On the ice tonight, the two teams each scored one goal even strength and one goal on the power play as the two teams skated to a 2-2 tie.

Chris Knowlton and Scott Mayfield scored goals for the Denver Pioneers. Senior forwards Carter Rowney and Corban Knight had goals for the Green and White.

Coming into the season, UND had not won a game in overtime since the 2009 season. With the tie tonight, UND has a 2-0-3 record in overtime so far this season.

UND outshot the Pioneers 33-20, this was the third game in a row that UND has outshot their opponents but they weren't able to get the third goal late in the third period when UND was pressing.

According to UND SID Jayson Hajdu, "UND has outshot No. 6 Denver and No. 18 Colorado College 121-66 over the last three games." No small feat for the Green and White.

In the third period, Rocco Grimaldi missed a glorious opportunity to bury a goal that would have given UND the lead and possibly the win. After the game, Rocco Grimaldi was pretty hard on himself for not burying the potential game winning goal.

“For me I have to put that in that in the empty net,” Grimaldi said. “I don’t know how I missed the net – I hit the post whatever… so I have to bear down, so I basically lost the game. He [Juho Olkinuora] won it and I lost it for our team so.”

After the game head coach Dave Hakstol thought his team came out a little flat to start the game.

“I like the last 45 minutes,” Hakstol said. “I thought we finally got on track and played our game. I didn’t think we were what we wanted to be coming out of the gates at the drop of the puck.”

Denver came into tonight’s game with only 10 forwards due to an illness to Zac Larraza and a suspension to Larkin Jacobson.

Coach Hakstol’s team was able to roll four lines during most of the game and it appeared to play into UND’s favor as the game wore on. However, when the head coach was asked about this he wasn’t ready to say that his team benefited from playing the extra line.

“I think you can be if you have everyone playing from the start of the game,” Hakstol said. “Maybe that wasn’t the case tonight.”

Same two teams tomorrow night at 07:07 pm.

Cross posted at the Hockey Writers Combine.

DU and UND lines games 1

UND’s Forward lines

16 Mark MacMillan–10 Corban Knight (A) –7 Danny Kristo (A)

9 Drake Caggiula –27 Carter Rowney (A) –19 Rocco Grimaldi

21 Brendan O’Donnell– 17 Colten St. Clair –13 Connor Gaarder

8 Daniel Senkbeil – 28 Steph Pattyn––11 Derek Rodwell

UND Defense Parings

2 Andrew MacWilliam (C) – 5 Nick Mattson

18 Dillon Simpson–20 Joe Gleason

4 Derek Forbort – 24 Jordan Schmaltz

UND goalies 

33 Clarke Saunders

31 Zane Gothberg

Not in lineup: Michael Parks – 15 (injury), 29 Bryn Chyzyk  , Coltyn Sanderson – 26, Andrew Panzarella – 22.

Referees: Marco Hunt, Derek Shepherd

Assistant Referees: Nathan Freeman, Justin Hills

Denver Pioneers Forward Lines

11 Chris Knowlton–23 Nick Shore–19 Daniel Doremus
12 Ty Loney–26 Shawn Ostrow–39 Grant Arnold
9 Gabe Levin–27 Quentin Shore–25 Matt Tabrum
17 Garrett Allen

Denver Pioneers Defensive pairings

6 Dakota Mermis–7 Paul Phillips
21 Joey LaLeggia–2 Scott Mayfield
8 Nolan Zajac–10 David Makowski

Denver Pioneer Goalies

31 Juho Olkinuora
1 Sam Brittain
33 Adam Murray

Related articles

• UND: The Weekend Ahead (12/7-12/8) (thehockeywriters.com)

Shore removes the doubt...

Although I appreciate the inquiry, I am excited to be with the pioneers and getting ready for North Dakota this weekend, hear arena is sick!
— Quentin Shore (@QShore27) December 5, 2012

Yesterday, Ryan Kennedy of the Hockey News started quite a buzz on twitter as he tweeted, "Quentin Shore may be leaving NCAA Pioneers for #WHL Portland." Apparently, that rumor isn't true and Shore is staying with the Pioneers and will be in Grand Forks, ND for this weekends series against UND.

Quentin Shore not leaving Denver just yet - controversy surrounding Portland a factor
— Ryan Kennedy (@THNRyanKennedy) December 5, 2012

Is Quentin Shore leaving DU for Portland of the WHL?

According to @thnryankennedy, Quentin Shore might be leaving the Denver Pioneers for the Portland Winterhawks.
— Cody Nickolet (@WHLFromAbove) December 5, 2012

My twitter feed has an interesting tweet pop up in the last few minutes. Apparently, there is a rumor out there that Denver Pioneers forward/defenseman Quentin Shore might be leaving the Pioneers mid-season to play with the Portland Winterhawks of the Western Hockey League.

This would be a big story if true. Of course, the minute this news comes out many fans are skeptical because of Portland's recent troubles with the WHL.

Quentin Shore is a freshman from Denver, Colorado and has played in 14 games and has scored (3g-4a-7pts) so far this season. Quetin's brother Nick Shore also plays for the Pioneers and the junior forward is the Pioneers leading scorer (6g-12a-18pts).

It this is true, it has not been a good day for NCAA hockey.

This news comes on the heals of Boston University sophomore forward Yasin Cisse leaving the Terriers for what appears to be the QMJHL.

Potential big news out of Denver: Quentin Shore may be leaving NCAA Pioneers for #WHL Portland
— Ryan Kennedy (@THNRyanKennedy) December 5, 2012

I like it..

Bay State (ROAD) Sports blog had this posted on his blog and I thought it was worth posting. I hope we hear this song a lot this weekend against our heated rivals the Denver Pioneers. For the latest in smack talk check out the DU Sports Blog.

Are the various leagues going to share officials?

Western Collegiate Hockey Association logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Someone had this article posted on USCHO.

Seeing this article makes my stomach turn when I read this misguided propaganda from the WCHA commissioner.

My first reaction, no thanks and next. Let the WCHA keep their current crew band of bumbling buffoons of referees. I like many NCHC fans, would like to start out new with a different set of officials that aren't currently referring games in the WCHA.I have had a few people tell me that they would like to see a Shepherd free NCHC and I agree with this thought process.

Danny Martin; newsminer.com --- Regarding on-ice officials, McLeod said the revamped WCHA plans to have a core of officials but are planning to propose sharing officials among other leagues.

“We’re going to try to have a minimum number of games that they have to commit to the WCHA, but we’re trying to allow them to work other leagues, too,” he said.

McLeod said the revamped WCHA also will be taking into consideration an NCAA rule that once an official has worked 15 games in a league, he is committed to that league.

“You cannot officiate those games (in other leagues) from a neutrality standpoint,” he said. “We’re really conscious of a lot of those things. We want to have our core group of officials, but there will be hopefully some sharing of officials.”

There are very few officials that I would like to see in the NCHC that are currently working in the WCHA, Butch Mousseaux is one that comes to mind that I would like to see in the NCHC. Mousseaux is one of the more liked officials in the WCHA. My biggest disappointment is that the NCHC hired Don Adam to be their head of officials. This season, Adam has been paired with WCHA official Tim Walsh.

This is a perfect opportunity to start fresh and hire new officials instead of re-using officials currently in the WCHA. If anything, I would recommend that the NCHC brass reject this idea.

Weekend Match-Ups (by Sioux 7)

Hopefully every American enjoyed their Thanksgiving weekend and spent time with family or friends.  Now that the turkey hangover should be a distant memory, we continue on our way with a full helping of WCHA games this weekend.

WCHA STANDINGS 2012-2013

Team………………………W-L-T………Points
1. Denver…………..………7-1-0………....14
2. St. Cloud St………….…5-3-0………….10
2. Minnesota………………4-2-2………….10
4. Nebraska-Omaha………4-1-1……........9
5. Colorado College ……..4-2-0..….……..8
5. North Dakota.………..…3-1-2…..……...8
7. Bemidji State……..…….2-4-2.…….......6
7. Michigan Tech………….3-5-0…………6
7. Minnesota State………..3-5-0.…...……6
10. Wisconsin…....………..1-5-2………....4
10. Minnesota-Duluth….…1-5-2………….4
12. Alaska-Anchorage…....0-3-3…...…….3

WCHA Games

#7 North Dakota @ #18 Colorado College

Last weekend NoDak split with the Irish in South Bend (2-1, 2-5) and the Tigers tied with New Hampshire (4-4ot) on Friday and lost to Yale (6-5ot), on Saturday in Colorado Springs.

ND and CC find themselves tied for fifth in the league after six games.  The Tigers are 3-3-0 at World Arena this season in NoDak is 2-3-0 away from home.  ND has won every Friday night game this season and has been less than perfect on Saturday evenings.  The Tigers have fallen on hard times, again, they are winless in their last four games, 0-3-1.  CC has gone streaking this year, 3-wins, 3-loses, 4-wins, and now 4-winless.  The Tigers have a tough stretch starting this weekend hosting NoDak, then UMinn, and then at SCSU, before the Christmas break.  I’m saying these team end the weekend they way they started, tied in the standings.  SPLIT

Wisconsin @ #5 Denver

Last weekend the Badgers were swept by the MSUM Mavericks (4-2, 4-2) in Madison and the Pioneers lost to Yale (2-1ot) on Friday and lost to New Hampshire (6-4) on Saturday in Denver.

I think the Pioneers were suffering from a double hangover last weekend, the CC games and the Thanksgiving holiday.  DU got a wakeup call with a pair of wins last weekend.  But the doctor might have the right prescription to help DU, a woefully Badger team, comes into Magnus this weekend.  UW has managed a total of 18 goals over a total of 10 games; the Badgers however have limited the damage, by only allowing 29 goals over their 10 games.  In the end, the Pioneers should bury the Badgers.  PIONEERS SWEEP

Bemidji St. @ Minnesota State

Last weekend the Beavers took 3-pts from the Seawolves (2-2ot, 5-4) in Bemidji and the Mavericks swept the Badgers (4-2, 4-2) in Madison.

With these teams in a three way tie for seventh, it should mean a couple of too close to call games.  Both are coming off successful Thanksgiving weekends, with MSUM getting four points and BSU collecting three points in the league.  Both have scored one less goal than they have allowed, overall, with the Beavers at 28-29 and the Mavericks at 35-36.  The numbers are telling me it should be a split, so that is what I’m going with.  SPLIT

Minnesota-Duluth @ Michigan Tech

Last weekend the Bulldogs split with the SCSU Huskies (2-1, 1-5) in Duluth and the MTU Huskies enjoyed their open Thanksgiving weekend.

The Bulldogs finally notched a conference win, with a 2-1 victory on Friday night.  UMD is 1-4-1 this year away from Duluth, while the Huskies are 2-3-0 in Houghton, overall.  When looking at both teams goals for and against, they are almost even, UMD has 29-37, and MTU has 31-36.  The Huskies could even their league record with a couple of wins this weekend, and but the Bulldogs further in their rear view mirror.  A pointless weekend for the Bulldogs would certainly cause further concern in Duluth.  Huskies 3-points

#14 St. Could St. @ Alaska-Anchorage

Last weekend the Huskies split with the Bulldogs (1-2, 5-1) in Duluth and the Seawolves got a point from the Beavers (2-2ot, 4-5) in Bemidji.

The Seawolves find themselves in the bottom spot in the league after six games, the upside is UAA has two games in hand on most of the league.  UAA is now the last team looking for their first conference win.  SCSU finds themselves in an excellent position, tied for second in the WCHA.  The Huskies are looking to improve on their 2-4-0 road record this weekend, and playing in Anchorage could be what they need.  Even though the Seawolves haven’t won a WCHA game this year, you still have to play your game, or UAA can/will beat you.  HUSKIES SWEEP

#13 Nebraska-Omaha @ #3 Minnesota

Last weekend the Mavericks swept the UAH Chargers (3-2, 8-0) in Omaha and the Gophers swept the Catamounts (5-1, 3-1) in Vermont.

The Mavericks trail the Gophers by a lone point in the standings, but have played two fewer games than the Gophers.  The Mavericks are currently on a 6-game winning streak and the Gophers are on a 6-game unbeaten streak, 4-0-2, so unless there is a pair of ties, somebody’s streak is going to come to an end.  SPLIT

WCHA Web Media Poll: Week 7

Western Collegiate Hockey Association logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Representing Name Publication Twitter

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


Originally posted at the Hockey Writers Combine. 

Edit: A look at the numbers.

Western Collegiate Hockey Association logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I was digging through the numbers today; it appears that a few of the teams with impressive win totals have racked up their wins playing opponents that don’t have a very good overall records. Some might call them cupcakes.

To date, the Gophers have played one team with a record “at” .500, the Minnesota State Mavericks which they split with and have played against no one that is currently ranked in the top 20 national rankings.

To date, the UNO Mavericks have played a grand total of “one” game against a team with a winning record.

The Saint Cloud State Huskies have two wins against teams with winning records above .500.

Denver University has a 3-3 record against teams with winning records.

UND has a record of 3-4-0 against teams with winning records. UND also has a 3-3 record against teams that are ranked in the top 20.

Michigan Tech – (4-6-0, WCHA 3-5-0) –The Huskies opponents have a combined record of 36-20-5 (.631) winning percentage.

Denver University – (9-3-0, WCHA 7-1-0) –The Pioneers opponents have a combined record of 44-36-10 (.544) winning percentage.

Minnesota Duluth – (3-7-1, WCHA 1-5-2) – The Bulldogs opponents have a combined record of 36-27-8 (.563) winning percentage.

University of North Dakota – (6-4-2, WCHA 3-1-2) – UND’s opponents have a combined record of 34-29-9 (.534) winning percentage.

Wisconsin – (1-7-2, WCHA 1-5-2) – The Badgers opponents have a combined record of 29-26-10 (.523) winning percentage.

Colorado College – (7-6-1, WCHA 4-2-0) –The Tigers opponents have a combined record of 40-37-15 (.516) winning percentage.

Saint Cloud State – (7-5-0, WCHA 5-3-0) – The Huskies opponents have a combined record of 33-32-9 (.506) winning percentage.

Alaska Anchorage – (2-4-4, WCHA 0-3-3) –The Seawolves opponents have a 27-27-15 record (.500) winning percentage.

Bemidji State – (3-5-2, WCHA 2-4-2) – The Beavers opponents have a combined record of 26-26-4 (.500) winning percentage. 

Minnesota State Mankato – (3-5-2, WCHA 1-5-0) –The Mavericks opponents have a combined record of 30-39-7 (.440) winning percentage.

Some parts of this article are post over at the Hockey Writers - Combine.  

Related articles

• WCHA Power Rankings: 11/25/2012 (insidehockey.com)
• WCHA Power Rankings: 11/18/2012 (insidehockey.com)
• WCHA Power Rankings: 11/11/2012 (insidehockey.com)
• WCHA Power Rankings (11/04/2012) (insidehockey.com)
• WCHA Power Rankings (10/28/12) (insidehockey.com)
• WCHA Power Rankings: 10/21/12 (insidehockey.com)

WCHA Power Rankings for 11/25/2012

Here’s this week’s WCHA Power Rankings. This season, I will be doing the WCHA Power Rankings with Taylor Seibel who is a contributor of College Hockey Weekly for Inside Hockey.com.

I think there is a little bit of separation starting to emerge in the WCHA, which is very balanced league this season. Wisconsin Badgers are on the verge of being buried in the bottom of the WCHA standings.

I also think that you could swap any of the top four teams in the league as well. The Power Rankings are a snap shot of the WCHA teams on this date in the season. I am not convinced that UMN is a top two team in the WCHA – throw their record out – which they have padded playing some very bad non-conference teams and then split with MTU and MSU-M.

To quote UND head coach Dave Hakstol, “polls are meaningless this time of year.”

That being said, they’re still fun to look at.

I tend to agree!  The other night, I saw ECAC fans talking about the Pairwise Rankings and how there are X number of ECAC teams in the top 12 right now. That is also a meaningless stat because we are only 6-12 games into a 34-36 game season. The Pairwise Rankings are going to move a lot between now and selection Sunday.

1. Denver University – (9-3-0, WCHA 7-1-0) – This past weekend, the Denver Pioneers were swept (1-2 O.T. L – 4-6-L) by nonconference foes Yale and New Hampshire at Magness Arena. This weekend, The Pioneers entertain the hapless Wisconsin Badgers in a two game series. The Pioneers opponents have a combined record of 44-36-10 (.544) winning percentage.

2. University of North Dakota – (6-4-2, WCHA 3-1-2) – This past weekend, UND split (2-1 W – 2-5 L) their nonconference series with the #6 ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish of the CCHA. This weekend, UND is back on the road and travels to Colorado Springs to play an important two game series with the Colorado College Tigers. UND’s opponents, have a combined record of 34-29-9 (.534) winning percentage.

3. Minnesota Gophers – (9-2-2, WCHA 4-2-2) – This past weekend, the Minnesota Gophers swept (5-1 W – 3-1 W) nonconference foe Vermont of Hockey East. This weekend, the Gophers entertain the University of Nebraska Omaha Mavericks. Fun fact; the Gophers have yet to play a team with a record above .500 so far this season. The Gophers opponents have an “unimpressive” combined record of 22-41-4 (.376) winning percentage.

4. Saint Cloud State – (7-5-0, WCHA 5-3-0) – This past weekend, the Huskies split (1-2 L – 5-1 W) their weekend series with the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs at Amsoil Arena. This weekend the Huskies head north to Alaska to play the UAA Seawolves. The Huskies opponents have a combined record of 33-32-9 (.506) winning percentage.

5. Nebraska Omaha – (8-3-1, WCHA 4-1-1) – This past weekend, Mavericks (3-2 W – 8-0 W) swept nonconference foe Alabama Huntsville Chargers. This weekend, the Mavericks travel to Minneapolis to play the Gophers in an important WCHA matchup. The Mavericks have played one team with a winning record so far this season and their opponents have a combined record of 28-46-9 (.391) winning percentage.

6. Colorado College – (7-6-1, WCHA 4-2-0) – This past weekend, the Colorado College Tigers recorded a tie and a loss (4-4 T – 5-6 O.T. L) against New Hampshire and Yale at the World Arena. This weekend, the Tigers entertain the University of North Dakota in a two game series at World Arena. The Tigers opponents have a combined record of 40-37-15 (.516) winning percentage.

7. Michigan Tech – (4-6-0, WCHA 3-5-0) – This past weekend, the Huskies were off. This weekend, the Huskies entertain the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs at MacInnes Student Ice Arena. The Huskies opponents, have a combined record of 36-20-5 (.631) winning percentage.

8. Bemidji State – (3-5-2, WCHA 2-4-2) – This past weekend, the Bemidji State Beavers took three points (2-2 T – 5-4 W) from the UAA Seawolves. This weekend, the Beavers travel to Mankato to play the MSU Mavericks. The Beavers opponents have a combined record of 26-26-4 (.517) winning percentage.

9.  Minnesota Duluth – (3-7-1, WCHA 1-5-2) – This past weekend, the UMD Bulldogs split (2-1 W – 5-1 L) their weekend series against the Saint Cloud State Huskies at Amsoil Arena. This weekend, the Bulldogs travel to Houghton, Michigan to play the Huskies. The Bulldogs opponents have a combined record of 36-27-8 (.563) winning percentage.

10. Minnesota State Mankato – (3-5-2, WCHA 1-5-0) – This past weekend, the Mavericks swept (4-2 W – 4-2 W) the Wisconsin Badgers at the Kohl center in Madison, Wisconsin. This weekend the Mavericks entertain the Bemidji State Beavers. The Mavericks opponents have a combined record of 30-39-7 (.440) winning percentage.

11. Wisconsin – (1-7-2, WCHA 1-5-2) – This past weekend, the Badgers were swept (2-4 L – 2-4 L) by the Minnesota State Mavericks at the Kohl Center. This weekend, the Badgers travel to Denver to play the Pioneers. The Badgers opponents have a combined record of 29-26-10 (.523) winning percentage.

12.   Alaska Anchorage – (2-4-4, WCHA 0-3-3) – This past weekend, the Seawolves took one point (2-2 T – 5-4) from the BSU Beavers. This weekend, the Seawolves entertain the SCSU Huskies at Sullivan Arena. The Seawolves opponents have a 27-27-15 record (.500) winning percentage.

Taylor Seibel‘s WCHA Power Rankings  for 11/25/2012

1. Denver – (9-3-0, 7-1-0 WCHA) – The Pioneers lost two heartbreaking non-conference games this past weekend, falling 2-1 in OT against Yale before losing 3-0 and 4-2 leads to New Hampshire on Saturday in a 6-4 loss.  On the plus side, Denver is still 7-1-0 in the WCHA, and could have easily won both games.  They stay at the top spot in my WCHA Rankings.  Next weekend DU takes on Wisconsin in Denver.

2. North Dakota – (6-4-2, 3-1-2 WCHA) – North Dakota managed a split in South Bend against the Fighting Irish this weekend, taking Friday’s contest 2-1 before falling 5-2 on Saturday.  UND is still struggling with consistency, but Notre Dame is a great squad.  A split on the road against the Irish is nothing to sneeze at.  North Dakota travels to Colorado Springs next weekend to play the CC Tigers.

3. Minnesota – (9-2-2, 4-2-2 WCHA) – The Gophers traveled to Vermont this weekend and walked away with a sweep of the Catamounts in non-conference play.  Minnesota is slowly rounding into form, a scary sign for the WCHA.  Look for the Gophers to continue to improve as the season progresses.  Next weekend, Minnesota hosts Nebraska Omaha.

4. St. Cloud State – (7-5-0, 5-3-0 WCHA) – SCSU took on Duluth this weekend, and after a subpar performance on Friday in a loss, the Huskies responded with a dominating victory on Saturday.  SCSU drops a spot primarily due to Minnesota’s play, but expect the Huskies to stay in the top 4 of the conference throughout the rest of this season.  SCSU travels to Anchorage to take on UAA next weekend.

5. Nebraska Omaha – (8-3-1, 4-1-1 WCHA) – Dean Blais ripped into his team following a disappointing performance on Friday against Alabama Huntsville where the Mavs won a tight game.  It worked.  On Saturday, UNO dominated UAH in their 8-0 victory.  UNO is quietly on the verge of breaking the top 4 if any of those above them falter.  The Mavs travel to the Twin Cities to take on Minnesota next weekend.

6. Colorado College – (7-6-1, 4-2-0 WCHA) – The Tigers played two tight non-conference games this past weekend against New Hampshire (4-4 tie) and Yale (6-5 OT loss).  CC proved that they are capable of playing with anyone in the country this weekend, but only managing a draw is a disappointing result.  CC will have the opportunity to rebound next weekend as North Dakota comes to town.

7. Michigan Tech – (4-6-0, 3-5-0 WCHA) – Michigan Tech was off this past weekend, and stay at #7 in my ranking.  The Huskies have the talent and coaching to make a push in the rankings before Christmas, but will need to get consistent play out of their entire lineup.  Tech hosts Minnesota Duluth next weekend.

8. Bemidji State – (3-5-2, 2-4-2 WCHA) – The Beavers took 3 points from the visiting UAA Seawolves this weekend, and continue to show that they are going to be a tough matchup for almost everyone in the league.  The middle of the WCHA is going to be very competitive, and the fight for home ice should include these Beavers.  Next weekend, Bemidji travels to Minnesota State.

9. Minnesota State – (5-5-2, 3-5-0 WCHA) – The Mavericks went into Madison and swept the Badgers, winning both games by 4-2 scores.  Coach Hastings has the Mavs playing very well early in the season, and it appears that the Mavs will compete for home ice this season.  The Mavs host Bemidji State next weekend.

10. Minnesota Duluth – (3-7-2, 1-5-2 WCHA) – The Bulldogs’ record does not reflect their ability thus far in the WCHA season.  Duluth finally got their first win of the season on Friday against SCSU, but fell on Saturday for a series split.  UMD has the talent to finish in the top half of the conference, but will need to avoid falling any further behind in order to have a chance at making a second half run.  Duluth travels to Houghton to take on Michigan Tech next weekend.

11. Alaska Anchorage – (2-4-4, 0-3-3 WCHA) – UAA traveled to Bemidji and took 1 point in a 2-2 draw on Friday.  The Seawolves have taken 1 point in each of their three conference series so far this season.  They will get another chance at WCHA points next weekend as SCSU comes to town.

12. Wisconsin – (1-7-2, 1-5-2 WCHA) – The Badgers were without top forward Mark Zengerle and top recruit Nic Kerdiles this past weekend, and it showed.  The Badgers struggled offensively in getting swept against Minnesota State.  Many Badger fans are calling for Coach Eaves to be shown the door.  Wisconsin hopes to turn things around next weekend against Denver in the Mile High City.

Related articles

• WCHA Power Rankings: 11/25/2012 (insidehockey.com)
• WCHA Power Rankings: 11/18/2012 (insidehockey.com)
• WCHA Power Rankings: 11/11/2012 (insidehockey.com)
• WCHA Power Rankings (11/04/2012) (insidehockey.com)
• WCHA Power Rankings (10/28/12) (insidehockey.com)

WCHA Web Media Poll: Week 6

Western Collegiate Hockey Association logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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

For the time being, the Denver Pioneers are the top team in the WCHA Web Media Poll as they swept their cross-state rival the Colorado College Tigers.  DU was an anonymous pick as they garnered all 12 first place votes.

	Team	Pts	Previous	Record	High	Low
1)	Denver (12)	144	1	9-1-0	1	1
2t)	Minnesota	117	4	7-2-2	2	8
2t)	North Dakota	117	3	5-3-2	2	4
4)	St. Cloud State	113	2	6-4-0	2	6
5)	Nebraska Omaha	97	6	6-3-1	3	6
6)	Colorado College	92	5	7-5-0	3	7
7)	Michigan Tech	63	10	4-6-0	5	11
8)	Wisconsin	56	11	1-5-2	7	10
9)	Minnesota Duluth	50	7	2-6-2	6	11
10)	Bemidji State	33	8	2-5-1	7	12
11)	Minnesota State	31	9	3-5-2	8	12
12)	Alaska Anchorage	23	12	2-3-3	9	12

Representing Name Publication Twitter

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

Originally posted at the Hockey Writers - Combine... 

Related articles

• WCHA Power Rankings: 11/18/2012 (insidehockey.com)
• WCHA Power Rankings: 11/11/2012 (insidehockey.com)
• Friday night in the WCHA (thehockeywriters.com)
• Results of the WCHA Web Media Poll: Week 4 (thehockeywriters.com)
• Results of the 3rd Annual WCHA Blogger & Website Preseason Poll (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• Results of the WCHA Web Media Poll: Week 5 (thehockeywriters.com)
• How some of us voted in the WCHA Web Media Poll (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• Results of the WCHA Web Media Poll: Week 3 (thehockeywriters.com)

WCHA Power Rankings: 11/18/2012

Here’s this week’s WCHA Power Rankings. This season, I will be doing the WCHA Power Rankings with Taylor Seibel who is a contributor of College Hockey Weekly.

I think that the WCHA is very balanced this season and there is a “little” distinction between teams 6-12.

After watching the UMD Bulldogs this past weekend. I am not sold that the Bulldogs are a last place team or even an 11^th place team, in the WCHA. I am not sure anyone would be thrilled about the prospects of their favorite team having to play the Bulldogs in the first round of the WCHA Playoffs. Nothing good can come from that matchup.

I am also not ready to bury the Wisconsin Badgers in the Bottom of the WCHA standings either, let’s see how they respond once they get Nic Kerdiles (NCAA suspension) and Mark Zangerle (injury) back in the lineup.

I also think that you could swap any of the top four teams in the league as well. The Power Rankings are a snap shot of the WCHA teams on this date in the season. I think that the Denver Pioneers are “currently” the best team in the WCHA.

1. Denver University – (9-1-0, WCHA 7-1-0) – This weekend, the Denver Pioneers swept (6-5 W – 6-2 W) their cross-state rival the Colorado College Tigers. This weekend, the Pioneers entertain Yale and New Hampshire at the Magness Arena.

2. Saint Cloud State – (6-4-0, WCHA 4-2-0) – This past weekend, the Huskies are idle. This weekend, the Huskies travel to Duluth to play the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs at Amsoil Arena.

3. University of North Dakota – (5-3-2, WCHA 3-1-2) – This past weekend, UND took three points (4-4 T – 4-3 O.T. W) in their series with University of Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs at Ralph Englestad Arena. This weekend, the Green and White travel to South Bend, Indiana to play the Fighting Irish in a nonconference series at Compton Family Arena.

4. Minnesota Gophers – (7-2-2, WCHA 4-2-2) – This past weekend, the Minnesota Gophers took three points (2-2 T – 3-1 W) from the Wisconsin Badgers at Marriucci Arena. This weekend, the Gophers go on “rare” nonconference road trip to play the Vermont Catamounts.

5. Nebraska Omaha – (6-3-1, WCHA 4-1-1) – This past weekend, Mavericks were off. This weekend, the Mavericks entertain the Alabama Huntsville Chargers in a nonconference series at Century Link Center.

6. Colorado College – (7-5-0, WCHA 4-2-0) – This past weekend, the Colorado College Tigers swept (5-6 L – 2-6 L) by their cross-state rivals the Denver Pioneers. This weekend, the Tigers entertain New Hampshire and Yale at the World Arena.

7. Michigan Tech – (4-6-0, WCHA 3-5-0) – This past weekend, the Huskies swept the Bemidji State Beavers at the Sandford Center in Bemidji, Minnesota. This weekend, the Huskies are off.

8. Bemidji State – (2-5-1, WCHA 1-4-1) – This past weekend, the Bemidji State Beavers were swept (4-5 O.T. L – 1-2 O.T. L) by the Michigan Tech Huskies at the Sanford Center. This weekend, the Beavers entertain the University of Alaska Anchorage Seawolves.

9.  Alaska Anchorage – (2-3-3, WCHA 0-2-2) – This past weekend, the Seawolves were off. This weekend, the Seawolves travel to Bemidji to take on the Beavers at the Sanford Center.

10. Wisconsin – (1-5-2, WCHA 1-3-2) – This past weekend, the Badgers took one point (2-2 T – 1-3 L) against their arch rivals the Minnesota Gophers at Marriucci Arena. This weekend, the Badgers return home to entertain the Minnesota State Mavericks at the Kohl Center.

11. Minnesota Duluth – (2-6-1, WCHA 0-4-2) – This past weekend, the UMD Bulldogs took a single point (4-4 T – 3-4 O.T. L) against the University of North Dakota at Ralph Englestad Arena. This weekend, the Bulldogs entertain the Saint Cloud State Huskies at Amsoil Arena in the battle of the dogs.

12.   Minnesota State Mankato – (3-5-2, WCHA 1-5-0) – This past weekend, the Purple Mavericks were off. This weekend, the Mavericks travel to Madison, Wisconsin to play the Wisconsin Badgers.

Taylor Seibel’s WCHA Power Rankings

 

1. Denver – (9-1-0, 7-1-0 WCHA) – The Pioneers once again used a blistering offense to gain a WCHA sweep, beating arch-rival Colorado College 6-5 and 6-2 this weekend.  Denver leads the country in goals/game at 4.50.  If they keep that up, they’ll likely walk away with the MacNaughton this season.  DU hosts Yale and New Hampshire in non-conference play next weekend.

2. North Dakota – (5-3-2, 3-1-2 WCHA) – UND struggled against Minnesota Duluth this weekend, but managed to walk away with 3 points.  North Dakota has shown flashes of brilliance, but they have also struggled mightily at times.  UND will have to become a more consistent team if they have ideas of winning the WCHA this season.  North Dakota travels to Notre Dame in non-conference play next weekend.

3. St. Cloud State – (6-4-0, 4-2-0 WCHA) – The Huskies were off this past weekend, and maintain the #3 spot in my WCHA rankings.  SCSU is battling some injuries right now, but they have all the pieces of a championship caliber team.  The Huskies square off against Minnesota Duluth in Duluth next weekend in WCHA action.

4. Minnesota – (7-2-2, 4-2-2 WCHA) – Minnesota fans can thank Adam Wilcox for a tremendous performance this past weekend, as the Gophers took 3 points from their arch-rival Wisconsin.  Minnesota struggled on the powerplay this weekend, but looked better on 5x5 against the Badgers.  The Gophers make the trip to Hockey East foe Vermont in non-conference play next weekend.

5. Nebraska Omaha – (6-3-1, 4-1-1 WCHA) – The Mavericks had this past weekend off.  Under Coach Blais, UNO is capable of beating any team in the league.  However, they are prone to inconsistency.  How consistent they are will likely determine how high they go in the rankings.  The Mavericks take on Alabama Huntsville in Omaha next weekend in non-conference action.

6. Colorado College – (7-5-0, 4-2-0 WCHA) – The Tigers took their lumps this weekend, allowing 12 goals to Denver in getting swept this weekend, CC’s first losses in WCHA action this season.  Denver might be just that good, but CC will need to play better if they want to contend for any hardware this season.  CC takes on New Hampshire and Yale in non-conference action down in the Springs next weekend.

7. Michigan Tech – (4-6-0, 3-5-0 WCHA) – Michigan Tech used two overtime victories to get their first ever wins in Bemidji this weekend, winning 5-4 on Friday and 2-1 on Saturday.  The Huskies are capable of being a top-half team, but have only shown that in flashes early in the season.  Perhaps this sweep will be what this team needs to get back on track.  Tech is off next weekend.

8. Alaska Anchorage – (2-3-3, 0-2-2 WCHA) – The Seawolves jump up a spot in my rankings, thanks in large part to the bottom-half teams not performing well this weekend.  Anchorage has surprised me this season, but will need to continue their strong play if they want to contend for home ice this season.  UAA travels to Bemidji State next weekend in WCHA play.

9. Bemidji State – (2-5-1, 1-4-1 WCHA) – The Beavers were in excellent position on Friday to notch their 2^nd WCHA win and move to .500 on the season and in conference play.  Then Michigan Tech stormed back and won in overtime.  Another similar defeat on Saturday, and Bemidji finds themselves falling in the WCHA standings.  BSU hosts Anchorage next weekend in WCHA action.

10. Wisconsin – (1-5-2, 1-3-2 WCHA) – Wisconsin was able to stifle the Minnesota offensive attack this past weekend, but the Badgers still walked away from Mariucci with only 1 point.  Wisconsin was without star forward Mark Zengerle, and top recruit Nic Kerdiles.  Given that, there is still some reason for optimism in Wisconsin circles.  The Badgers host Mankato next weekend in WCHA play.

11. Minnesota Duluth – (2-6-2, 0-4-2 WCHA) – The Bulldogs played well enough against North Dakota to win both games, but were unable to convert either opportunity into wins, managing only a draw on Friday.  Duluth has a potent offense, but take way too many penalties to be a top-half squad.  Minnesota Duluth hosts in-state rival St. Cloud State in WCHA play next weekend.

12. Minnesota State – (3-5-2, 1-5-0 WCHA) – The Mavericks had last weekend off, and fall to the cellar as a result of Duluth’s performance this weekend.  Mankato is capable of contending for a top-half spot, but have struggled to play a full 60 minutes.  The Mavericks take on Wisconsin in WCHA play next weekend in Madison.