College Hockey Inc. announces the field for the 2014 Ice Breaker

Notre Dame hockey will play host to the 2014 Ice Breaker Tournament at the Compton Family Ice Arena. #GoIrish
— Notre Dame Hockey (@NDHockey) July 23, 2013

The Minnesota Gophers, Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs, Rensselaer Engineers and the Host Notre Dame Fighting Irish will participate in the 2014 Ice Breaker Tournament that is to be held at the Compton Family Ice Arena on the Campus of Notre Dame. So, you have the B1G, Hockey East, ECAC and NCHC represented in this Ice Breaker Tourney.

ECAC Hockey -- TheIce Breaker Tournament , the traditional start to the college hockey season, will be held at the Compton Family Ice Arena at the University of Notre Dame in 2014 and at the Cumberland County Civic Center in Portland, Maine, in 2015.

College Hockey Inc., which manages the event on behalf of the Hockey Commissioners Association, also announced that the 2014 tournament will feature Minnesota, Minnesota Duluth and Rensselaer in addition to host Notre Dame. The 2015 field will include the host school, the University of Maine, with three other teams to be determined at a later date.

“The Ice Breaker will be visiting two fantastic venues in 2014 and ’15, arenas that showcase college hockey in their own unique way,” said Mike Snee, Executive Director of College Hockey Inc. “We are thrilled to work with Notre Dame and Maine on these tournaments and look forward to celebrating the start of the 2014 and ’15 seasons in these terrific settings.”

The 2013 Ice Breaker Tournament, the 17th year of the event, will be held Oct. 11-12 at Minnesota’s Mariucci Arena and features Clarkson, Mercyhurst and New Hampshire in addition to the host Golden Gophers.

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WCHA Power Rankings: Week 15

Here is the week 15 WCHA Power Rankings. This season, I have been doing the WCHA Power Rankings with Taylor Seibel who is a contributor of College Hockey Weekly.

1. Minnesota Gophers – (17-3-4, WCHA 9-3-4) – This past week, the Minnesota Gophers took (5-1 W – 4-4 T) three points against UND at Mariucci Arena. This weekend, the Gophers play a home and home series with Minnesota State Mankato.

2. University of North Dakota – (13-7-4, WCHA 8-4-4) – This past weekend, UND took (1-5 L – 4-4 T) one point in their series against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Mariucci Arena. This weekend, UND entertains Saint Cloud State University at the Ralph Englestad Arena.

3. Saint Cloud State – (14-10-0, WCHA 11-5-0) – This past weekend, the Huskies swept (5-2 W – 5-1 W) the Denver Pioneers at the national hockey center. This weekend, the Huskies travel to Grand Forks to play North Dakota.

4. Nebraska Omaha – (13-9-2, WCHA 9-5-2) – This past weekend, the Mavericks were off. This weekend, the Mavericks travel to Bemidji to play the Beavers. The Beavers have had the Red Mavericks number since they joined the WCHA going an unimpressive 2-8-4. A bad weekend in Bemidji could doom the Mavericks chances at winning a MacNaughton Cup.

5.  Denver University – (13-8-4, WCHA 8-6-4) – This past weekend, the Denver Pioneers were swept (2-5 L – 1-5 L) by the Huskies at the National Hockey Center. This weekend, the Pioneers travel to Duluth to play the Bulldogs at Amsoil Arena.

6.  Wisconsin – (9-8-5, WCHA 6-5-5) – This past weekend, the Wisconsin Badgers split (1-0 W – 1-2 L) their weekend series with the Miami RedHawks. This weekend, the Badgers make the Entertain the Seawolves at the Kohl Center.

7. Minnesota State Mankato – (15-8-3, WCHA 9-8-1) – This past weekend, the Mavericks took (3-3 T – 4-0 W) three points from the Seawolves, in Anchorage, Alaska. This weekend, the Mavericks play the Minnesota Gophers in a home and home series.

8. Minnesota Duluth – (10-11-3, WCHA 8-7-3) – This past weekend, the Bulldogs split (3-2 W – 1-5 L) their Series against the Colorado College Tigers at World Arena. This weekend, the Bulldogs have an exhibition game against the U-18 team.

 9. Colorado College – (10-14-2, WCHA 7-10-1) – This past weekend, the Colorado College Tigers split (2-3 L – 5-1 W) their series with the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs at the World Arena. This weekend, the Tigers are off.

 10. Michigan Tech – (7-12-4, WCHA 4-10-3) – This past weekend, the Huskies took (4-0 W – 2-2 T) three points from the Bemidji State Beavers at John J. MacInnes Student Ice Arena. This weekend, the Huskies are off.

11. Bemidji State – (5-12-5, WCHA 4-8-4) – This past weekend, the Beavers took, (0-4 L 2-2 T) on point against the Michigan Tech Huskies at the John J. MacInnes Student Ice Arena. This weekend, the Beavers entertain the Nebraska Omaha Mavericks at the Sanford Center. The Beavers hold an 8-2-4 record against the Mavericks. The Beavers have an all-time record of 8-4-4 against the Mavericks.

12. Alaska Anchorage – (3-13-4, WCHA 1-13-4) – This past weekend, Seawolves took (3-3 T – 0-4 L) one point from the Minnesota State Mavericks at the Sullivan Arena. This weekend, the Seawolves travel to Madison to play the Wisconsin Badgers at the Kohl Center. The Seawolves are mired in horrible streak and have won one game in the last 18 games (1-13-4).

Taylors Seibel’s WCHA Power Rankings

1. Minnesota – (17-3-4, 9-3-4 WCHA) – Minnesota cemented their status as the top squad in the WCHA with a 3 point weekend over North Dakota.  Next weekend, the Gophers play Minnesota State in a home and away WCHA series.

2. North Dakota – (13-7-4, 8-4-4 WCHA) – North Dakota struggled on Friday, falling to Minnesota 5-1, but responded well in a 4-4 draw that saw UND lose a 4-2 lead with less than 10 minutes left.  Next weekend, UND hosts SCSU.

3. St. Cloud State – (14-10-0, 11-5-0 WCHA) – SCSU vaulted into first place after sweeping Denver at home.  Next weekend, SCSU travels to Grand Forks to take on North Dakota.

4. Nebraska Omaha – (13-9-2, 9-5-2 WCHA) – Omaha was off this past weekend.  Next weekend, the Mavericks travel to Bemidji State in WCHA play.

5. Denver – (13-8-4, 8-6-4 WCHA) – Denver saw their 4 year run without getting swept in WCHA play end this weekend up in St. Cloud.  The Pioneers are off next weekend.

6. Wisconsin – (9-8-5, 6-5-5 WCHA) – The Badgers split with CCHA foe Miami this weekend.  Next weekend, the Badgers host Alaska Anchorage in WCHA action.

7. Minnesota State – (15-8-3, 9-8-1 WCHA) – The Mavericks took three points in Anchorage this past weekend, but Mankato will need to improve their play next weekend as they square off against Minnesota in a home and away conference series.

8. Minnesota Duluth – (10-11-3, 8-7-3 WCHA) – The Bulldogs split their series with the CC Tigers this weekend.  Next weekend, Duluth takes on the USA Under-18 Squad in an exhibition game.

9. Colorado College – (10-14-2, 7-10-1 WCHA) – The CC Tigers split with Duluth at home this weekend.  Next weekend, the Tigers are off.

10. Michigan Tech – (7-12-4, 4-10-4 WCHA) – Michigan Tech took three points from the visiting Bemidji State squad.  Next weekend, Michigan Tech is off.

11. Bemidji State – (5-11-5, 4-8-4 WCHA) – The Beavers managed a draw with the Huskies of Tech on Saturday to salvage a point in their series.  Next weekend, Bemidji hosts Omaha in WCHA play.

12. Alaska Anchorage – (3-14-5, 1-13-4 WCHA) – The Seawolves managed to take 1 point from the visiting Mavericks of Mankato.  Next weekend, Anchorage travels to Madison to take on conference foe Wisconsin.

Related articles

• WCHA Power Rankings: Week 14 (insidehockey.com)

Nick Bjugstad returns to the Gophers

The Minnesota Gophers got some good news yesterday when they learned that their power forward Nick Bjugstad will be returning for his junior season. With the return of Bjugstad the Gophers are going to have the target on their back.

Lets not kid ourselves, Bjugstad is one of the better forwards in the WCHA and could’ve signed a entry level professional contract this summer if he wanted to.

Recently while listening to the P.A. show on KFAN 100.3 at the end of June,  the host Paul Allen had Michael Russo of the Star and Tribune on the show with him.

During that segment in question Russo said that if Bjugstad did in fact sign an entry level deal, he would probably would start the season in the AHL based on who the Panthers had on their roster. It also sounds like the Panthers were in no rush to sign the young Minnesota forward.

The upside is with Bjugstad staying in college, it doesn't hurt his development at all, he is going to play against older players. The Gophers also win because they don't to rush another forward in to take his place in the line up and they keep their coveted forward for one more season.

There is one loser in the equation - it's bad for WCHA goalies - who he could be lighting up for 20+ goals this season - Bjugstad had 25 last season. 

Gopher Sports --- Minnesota junior Nick Bjugstad announced today that he is returning to the Golden Gopher hockey team for the 2012-13 season.

"This is the right spot for me," said Bjugstad. "I am going to be close to finishing my education and hopefully can accomplish the goal that I have had ever since I was little, which is winning a national championship. We are going to have a good team this year and hopefully get another chance at the national championship and make a run there. I feel I can develop here and become more of a leader on the team as well. Hopefully, I will have a good season."

The 6’5”, 211-pound center from Blaine, Minn., was named All-WCHA First Team and Second-Team All-American after recording 42 points in 40 games as a sophomore. He led Minnesota with 25 goals (tied for fifth in the nation) and also added 17 assists as he finished third on the team in points. His 25 goals were the most scored by a Gopher since Ryan Potulny had 38 in 2005-06. Minnesota was 20-6-1 when he had a point last season.

Bjugstad, who will turn 20 next Tuesday, recorded 21 of his points (9g-12a) in 16 road games and he had a point in 13 of 16 games away from Mariucci Arena. He was +21 on the season and tied for second on the team in power-play goals (8). He also led the team in shooting percentage (17.2%) and faceoffs (of players who have taken more than 50 faceoffs) with a 57.9% success rate.

Based on what has happened recently in College hockey Nick Bjugstad returning to the Golden Gophers for another season is a win for college hockey. It's rare that we get to see a highly talented blue chip players stay more than two seasons – this is exciting for college hockey fans – in the past highly talented first round draft choices rarely if ever stay more than two seasons.

Bjugstad goes back to college

Panthers prospect forward Nick Bjugstad, who was believed to have a chance at making the team this year, has decided to return to the University of Minnesota for his junior season and put his pro career on hold.

“We told him to weigh the pros and cons,’’ Tallon said. “Either way we stick by him and support him. He has a brilliant future for us and I’m excited for whenever it starts.’’

Gophers To Host North Dakota On Hockey Day Minnesota

This is really good news for UND Hockey fans. The Sioux and the Gophers will face off on Hockey Day Minnesota. I can’t think of a better way to send the Gophers off to the Big Ten by beating them at Mariucci Arena on Hockey Day Minnesota. Here is the release from the Minnesota Gophers official webpage.

Paul Rovnak, Gopher Sports --- The University of Minnesota men's hockey team will once again partake in Hockey Day Minnesota in 2013. Minnesota's participation in the seventh-annual statewide celebration of hockey was announced earlier today by FOX Sports North and the Minnesota Wild.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013, and will showcase the Golden Gophers against WCHA rival North Dakota at Mariucci Arena. It will be the last WCHA regular-season meeting between the longtime rivals. A start time for the game will be announced in the future.

Minnesota's game will be one of five hockey games shown on FOX Sports North on that day.

The Gophers are 4-2 in Hockey Day Minnesota games and beat Colorado College 2-1 last season at Mariucci Arena. This will be the first time that Minnesota will play North Dakota on Hockey Day Minnesota.

Just for the record, the game can be seen on DirecTV 668.

DQ Cup Redux?

This seems to be the talk of twitter this afternoon, seems like some fans aren't very excited about it as well. There is a little thing about perception. 

Roman Augustoviz, Roman Empire --- In 2013-14 the five Division I hockey programs in Minnesota -- now all in the WCHA -- will be in three different conferences.

But those same five teams are near finalizing an agreement to play in a four-team tournament in late January at the Xcel Energy Center, according to Gophers athletic director Joel Maturi.

"We are very close to getting it done," Maturi said. "It will be at the Xcel, that is what we are considering right now."

Maturi said on Saturday that all those schools have all agreed to the general format, but nothing has been signed. Presumably the Gophers would be in the field every year, and three of the other four Minnesota teams.

"We have to work out the finances and make sure everybody agrees to what it is," Maturi said, "and move forward."

Me personally, I agree with others that think it's a bit narcissistic on Minnesota's part, because the Gophers can have their cake and eat it too. The officials at Minnesota will claim that they are helping the have nots in out state Minnesota and will still be able to have their precious 20 home games at Mariucci Arena. Call it what you want, this is all about Gophers.

Let's not kid our selves, the chances of a BSU or a Minnesota State getting the Gophers to come to the Sanford center or the Verizon Wireless Center will still only happen maybe once every four or five years if they are lucky.

WCHA unlikely to punish coaches for Saturday's dust up.

Image via WikipediaAccording to Roman Augustoviz the WCHA is probably not going to discipline the coaches from either team. I believe it's a good decision by the league.

But Spencer said things happen sometimes in the "heat of the moment" and mentioned that everyone shook hands at the end of Saturday's game.

Lucia used the same "heat of the moment" phrase on his radio show on Monday in talking about what happened. Lucia also said that he regretted the trash-talking between coaches late in the Gophers's 6-2 victory over Michigan Tech at Mariucci Arena.

Lucia said he was upset because the Huskies were getting too aggressive A handful of penalties, mostly for roughing, were handed out in the final minutes of Saturday's game.

Reading between the lines, it seems unlikely the WCHA will take any action in this matter and considers it closed. If the officials' report does contain any hidden bombshells, I could see the three coaches possibly be given reprimands at worst. Don't think so, though.

Here is some audio from Michigan Tech head coach Mel Pearson and what he had to say about the incident between the benches. [Click to listen to the audio]

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Let’s not jump off the ledge just yet.

Image via WikipediaThis past week, I have been reading the various fan message boards to include fan comments. I’ve also been listening to the numerous podcasts around the college hockey world and the hockey pundits aren’t giving the Sioux much of a chance this weekend or for the rest of the season.  They are too young. There is no talent through the forward lines. The Fighting Sioux forwards are standing around watching Kristo make plays.

On one podcast, a self professed expert and fan of an unnamed team basically said the Sioux have shown him nothing this season and just aren’t very good, his blanket statement included the Fighting Sioux’s defensive unit.

When a hockey team loses 270+ points from their line up due to graduation and early defections it’s going to be noticeable on the ice in the early going of a hockey season.

I guess this self congratulatory and self professed expert missed the part where the Fighting Sioux have clamped it down on defense and have only given up nine goals in the last five games that is an average of 1.8 goals per game during that stretch; unfortunately the Sioux have gone 2-3-0.

In net for the Fighting Sioux, junior goalie Aaron Dell who had a rough start to the season has been in the zone as of late and has muscled the starting goaltender job away from senior goalie Brad Eidsness.

Most knowledgeable hockey fans know that hockey starts with a strong defensive team scheme.  Smart defense in your own end, generates offensive opportunities going the other way.

I guess this same expert, some how missed the part where the Fighting Sioux’s defense and goaltending held the mighty Golden Gophers to “five” goals for a weekend series and their All-American team “barely” got out with the sweep against the hapless Fighting Sioux at Mariucci Arena. But I digress.

More specifically, if you believe the hype and prattle the Fighting Sioux have little chance of doing anything this season and you can stick a fork in them because they are done.  I am not a math expert but if my count is right there are 21 regular season games left, if the Fighting Sioux can make their annual run at about a .600-.700 clip the Fighting Sioux should be right in the mix of things.

It’s easy to coach from the stands especially after a few beers

There has been a lot of Monday morning quarterbacking of the Fighting Sioux coaching staff, some of this criticism is very petty and almost hurtful; some of the criticism is deserved and well thought out.  

If you believe some of our anonymous fans that hide behind a screen name on the Internet, it would sound like the Fighting Sioux coaching staff is made up of a bunch of bumbling hacks that can’t coach a hockey team and are basically just lucky with the success they’ve had to date.

The same rumblings surface every time the Fighting Sioux face some adversity, the weekly FightingSioux.com chat blows up with comments of how Hakstol can’t win the big game when it counts the most.

Personally, I am not ready to write the Fighting Sioux’s eulogy just yet, there is a lot of hockey left to be played. There is also a lot of pride in that Fighting Sioux locker room and I expect the leaders of that team to take the bull by the horns and play Fighting Sioux hockey.

After Sundays 1-0 loss against the BSU Beavers; you could tell that the head coach of the Fighting Sioux head coach Dave Hakstol was not pleased with his team’s effort. Hakstol talked about his team not getting to dirty areas and how some of his players let their teammates down.

One game at a time

It starts with a good shift, and then couple of good shifts, a big hit in the corner or a goal off of a turnover. I know it’s cliché but Roman wasn’t built in a day. You can’t turn the season around in one game or series. I would be willing to bet, that from this point forward you will be some urgency in the Fighting Sioux game plan.

Speaking of historical statistics

The Fighting Sioux take on the Colorado College Tigers this weekend and historically the Fighting Sioux have had a lot of success against the Tigers. According to USCHO.COM, the Fighting Sioux have an all time record 135-76-10 (.633) against the Colorado College Tigers. Also the Sioux have an impressive 80-19-6 (.790) at home against the Tigers.

The Fighting Sioux are historically a second half team since Fighting Sioux head coach Dave Hakstol took over the coaching duties in 2004-05; the Fighting Sioux have an impressive and almost mind blowing record of 111-44-16 after Jan. 1. That means that under Hakstol the Fighting Sioux have been historically very hard to beat after the first of the year.  The $64,000.00 question is how will this team fare?

Year         Before                 After

2004-05   13-7-2  (.636)   12-8-3 (.587)

2005-06   12-7-1 (.625)    17-9-0 (.654)

2006-07   7-10-1 (.417)    17-4-4 (.760)

2007-08   8-6-1 (.567)       20-5-3 (.768)

2008-09   9-8-1 (.528)      15-7-3 (.660)

2009-10   9-6-3 (.583)      16-7-2 (.680)

2010-11   13-5-2 (.700)    19-4-1 (.813)

2011-12   4-7-1 (.375)          ?

Totals 75-56-12 (.566)      116-44-16 (.705)

 

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