Tiger's Taft scores the game winning goal against DU, with help from DU goalie

This is the goal in question, I was finally able to get my hand on it. Colorado College forward Charlie Taft will probably never score a more fluky goal than this one. This was also the goal, that everyone was talking about on Monday morning that vaulted the Tigers to the Final Five and left the Denver Pioneers scratching their heads. I am sure there are some that aren't feeling sorry for the Pioneers, it's just one of those things.

The goal in question is at the 2:18 mark. s/t to Joe Paisley sending me the video. DU's Juho Olkinuora is a great goalie, but stuff happens in games that has no explanation sometimes.

Tate Maris takes the ice

That was one of my favorite moments of the season, it was a classy move by the UND coaching staff, to give Tate Maris a few moments between the pipes, it was nice to see. The post game press conference was pretty cool as well. Last night on Twitter, the #TateMarisWatch picked up some serious momentum.

What was more impressive, coach Hakstol pulled Clarke Saunders, who at the time, had a 27 shot shutout going and put in Tate Maris, that to me was cool because, it showed a commitment to a team player and not just individual's numbers. The team worked hard to preserved the shutout and I thought Tate looked good in net.

UND Hockey makes the Final Five for a 11th year in a row with win over Tech

Seal of the University of North Dakota (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Grand Forks, ND – With the win tonight, the University of North Dakota (21-11-7) hockey team has made the WCHA Final Five in each of Dave Hakstol’s nine seasons.

What’s even more impressive with UND’s 6-0 win over Michigan Tech, UND has made the Final Five for the 11th-straight year in a row, that’s the longest current streak in the WCHA.

Since coach Hakstol took over the reins in 2004-05, the University of North Dakota hockey team has never lost a first round WCHA playoff series and currently holds 18-4 (.818) record.

Hakstol also holds an impressive 32-9 record in the WCHA playoff games.

After last night’s 2-1 loss to the Michigan Tech Huskies, that streak appeared to be in jeopardy.  In last night’s game, the Michigan Tech Huskies were a miserable team to play against; they clogged up the neutral zone up and gave North Dakota little time and space. Huskies also beat UND to the puck all night long.

Tonight was a different story, the Green and White left little doubt as they were the better team all night long and beat the Huskies to the puck all night long and the Huskies defenders had no answer for UND team speed as they entered the neutral zone with speed and when the Huskies got a chance on Clarke Saunders the UND defense was there to clear the puck.

In the end, UND blew out the Michigan Tech Huskies (13-20-4) and actually ended up pulling the  starting goalie Clarke Saunders with 4:02 left and inserted the backup goalie Tate Maris who’s a very popular third string goalie with his teammates and with the fans as well.

Think about this, Clarke Saunders had a 27 save shutout, when the ever popular Tate Maris entered the game to a standing ovation. That happened. It was a very classy move by the head coach Dave Hakstol.

“I thought the level of play was our most complete of the year, without a question,” Head coach Dave Hakstol said of his team’s 6-0 win over the Michigan Tech Huskies. “We played at a playoff level for three periods tonight and it started right from the drop of the puck.”

An emotional Tate Maris explained what it was like to finally get a taste of game action in the last home game of his college hockey career. “it’s kind of indescribable I guess,” Maris said. I don’t know. I guess I am kind of at a loss for words for it. It’s kind of four years pushed into one night in four minutes there at the end. Pretty surreal, to say the least, it’s just amazing to be out there with your fellow teammates. To be surrounded by those fans, it’s kind of indescribable, just amazing to say the least.”

According to senior forward Corban Knight, tonight was a statement game for the UND hockey team and the head coach challenged the team to be better for 60 minutes tonight.

“We set the bar pretty high tonight with the way we played,” senior forward Corban Knight said. “In order for us to be successful like you said, we need to keep that bar high and make sure we’re working hard to get to that every night, because we’re only going to be playing better teams from here on in.”

Up next for UND is Colorado College who beat DU 4-3. That game will be next Thursday night at 7:00 p.m. central time. UND and Colorado College split the season series 2-2.

Cross-posted at the Hockey Writers Combine.

UND: The Weekend Ahead (3/15-3/17)

This weekend, the University of North Dakota entertains the Michigan Tech Huskies in the first round of the WCHA playoffs at Ralph Engelstad Arena, March 15-17, 2013.

Historically, this is also the last WCHA playoff home series before UND moves to the NCHC next season.

Matchup: North Dakota (19-10-7, 14-7-7 WCHA) #4 versus #Unranked Michigan Tech (12-18-4, 8-16-4 WCHA).

Dates: March 15-17, 2013

Times: March 15: 7:37 p.m. (CT); March 16: 7:07 p.m. (CT), March 17: 7:07 p.m. (If Necessary)

Radio: UND 96.1 (KQHT-FM) – The Fox.

Webcast: undsports.com

TV: Midco/FCS

Live Stats: wcha.com

Series History: All-Time: UND leads the series against the Huskies 147-93-10 (.608). UND leads the series against the Huskies in Grand Forks, North Dakota 82-33-5 (.704). UND leads the series in Houghton, Michigan 63-55-5 (.533). At Neutral sites, MTU Leads 2-5-0 (.286) Last 10 games against the Huskies, UND leads 9-0-1 (.950). This season; UND leads the series 2-0 (1.000).

Players to Watch:

North Dakota: Forwards: Corbin Knight (14g-31a—45pts), Danny Kristo (21g-24a—45pts), Rocco Grimaldi (13g-18a—31pts), Mark MacMillan (13g-12a—25pts), Carter Rowney (9g-15a—24pts). Defense: Dillon Simpson (3g-18a—21pts), Joe Gleason (5g-11a—16pts), Joe Gleason (5g-11a—16pts), Nick Mattson (3g-12a—15pts), Derek Forbort (4g-9a—13pts), Jordan Schmaltz (3g-9a—12pts) Andrew MacWilliam (1g-9a—10pts). Goaltenders: Clarke Saunders 12-6-4, 2.30 GAA, .915 save percentage, Zane Gothberg 7-4-3, 2.52 GAA, .918 save percentage.

Michigan Tech Huskies: Forwards Alex Petan (15g-18a—33pts), David Johnstone (10g-19a—29pts), Jujhar Khaira (6g-18a—24pts), Blake Pietila (14g-9a—23pts), Tanner Kerio (10g-13a—23pts) Defense: Steven Seigo (6g-11a—17pts) Riley Sweeney (1g-11a—12pts), Brad Stebner (1g-8a—9pts). Goalies: Phoenix Copley 7-14-1, 3.19 GAA, .899 save percentage, Kevin Genoe 2-3-3, 3.09 GAA, .908 save percentage.

UND Officials Web Page

Michigan Tech Web Page

DirecTV will not be able to pick up Friday's game. Still awaiting word on Saturday and Sunday (if necessary).
— North Dakota MHockey (@UNDMHockey) March 13, 2013

Cross-Posted at the Hockey Writers Combine

Related articles

• WCHA Web Media Poll: Week 22 (thehockeywriters.com)
• My 2012-2013 All-WCHA Ballot (thehockeywriters.com)

UND’s Zane Gothberg name Red Baron Co-Defensive player of the week

Western Collegiate Hockey Association logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Third time is a charm for UND's Freshman goalie Zane Gothberg

MADISON, Wis. – A pair of goaltenders who both totalled more than 70 saves in league competition last weekend, Colorado College’s Joe Howe and University of North Dakota’s Zane Gothberg, have been named Red Baron® WCHA Men’s co-Defensive Players of the Week for March 12.

Howe, a 6-0, 195-pound senior from Plymouth, Minn., turned aside 31 shots on goal last Friday (March 8) in a 2-0 setback at Michigan Tech before coming back with 46 stops to lead the visiting Tigers to a 4-3 road victory over the Huskies last Saturday (March 9). He posted 77 total saves in the series, with double-digit stop totals in all six periods and 20 in the second stanza of game two, and helped his team kill off seven of eight MTU power-plays.

Gothberg, a 6-2, 198-pound freshman from Thief River Falls, Minn., had a hot hand throughout visiting North Dakota’s WCHA series split at Minnesota State, stopping 72 shots – the most in a two-game series by a UND goalie this season. In last Friday’s 4-3 UND win, Gothberg made a career-high 37 saves, including 14 in the third period. The following night, he added another 35 saves in a 2-1 overtime loss in the regular season finale, which ended his personal six-game unbeaten streak. 

Gothberg, who is 4-1-2 with a .937 save percentage since Feb. 1, led the WCHA in winning percentage during league play (.708) and finished fourth in save percentage.

Also nominated: Matt Prapavessis, D, BSU; Joey LaLeggia, D, DU; Steven Seigo, D, MTU; Andrew Prochno, D, SCSU.

Per the UND Athletic Web Page

UND's WCHA Players of the Week

Nov. 20: Danny Kristo (Offensive)

Dec. 11:   Carter Rowney (Offensive)

Dec. 11:   Rocco Grimaldi (co-Rookie)

Dec. 18:   Corban Knight (Offensive)

Jan. 8:     Corban Knight (co-Offensive)

Feb. 5:     Zane Gothberg (Rookie)

Feb. 12:   Zane Gothberg (Defensive)
Feb. 27:   Danny Kristo (co-Offensive)

Mar. 12:  Zane Gothberg (co-Defensive)

Related articles

• UND goalie Zane Gothberg Defensive Player of the Week (mvn.com)

Last weekend in the WCHA; All is jacked-up...

This has to be one of the most messed up standings we have seen in some time. By that I mean, no one really knows where anyone is going yet. We do know that UAA is going to finish last place, but we have known that for some time. But after that, it's a crap shoot at best. Five teams have a chance at winning the MacNaughton Cup.

This Week in the WCHA. 

College Hockey Tonight. 

Related articles

• WCHA Power Rankings: Week 21 (thehockeywriters.com)
• WCHA Web Media Poll: Week 21 (thehockeywriters.com)

Charges dropped against UND’s Corban Knight

What do we have here? Looks like the charges were dropped against Hobey Baker Memorial Award Candidate Corban Knight. I always hear how these charges will hurt Knight, well, that argument is now gone.

Grand Forks Herald. --- A misdemeanor charge against UND men’s hockey player Corban Knight was dropped this week in Grand Forks.

Knight was charged with “unlawful deliver to certain persons,” stemming from a team party in September. The charge was for supplying alcohol to the party where there were people under the age of 21.

anny Kristo, Carter Rowney, Joe Gleason and Andrew MacWilliam changed their plea to guilty for the charge.

Let's not forget, that you’re also innocent until proven guilty in this country.

I am sure we'll see some black helicopter stuff written on the internet from fans of other teams in the WCHA and around college hockey. I am sure some of the things we will see written, is how the judge must be a UND fan or how the judge stepped in for Knight because he was a candidate for the Hobey Baker or something along those lines. Yes, I am saying this tongue in cheek, you've got to have a sense of humor. But, it's good news for Knight. From everything that I have heard, Knight is a good, straight laced kid that rarely, if ever swears.

Monique Lamouruex snubbed for Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award Finalist

Last week, when the list for the top-10 Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award Finalists came out, missing from the missing from the list was UND senior defenseman Monique Lamoureux (25g-39a—64pts), (Grand Forks, N.D./University of North Dakota).

The top-10 Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award Finalists are listed below, with their stats.

Looking at the list, I don’t know how Monique Lamoureux can be missing from this list; honestly, she is the top scoring defenseman in the country. Monique is leading the second place defenseman Megan Bozek from Minnesota by 12 points.

In case you’re wondering what the Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award is, it’s the equivalent of the Women’s College Hockey Hobey Baker Memorial Award that was named after a famous woman’s college hockey player that died of a rare blood disorder.

[From the webpage]  “An award of The USA Hockey Foundation, the Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award is presented annually to the top player in NCAA Division I women’s ice hockey. Other selection criteria include outstanding individual and team skills, sportsmanship, performance in the clutch, personal character, competitiveness and a love of hockey. Consideration is also given to academic achievement and civic involvement.”

Looking at these criteria, I could see Monique Lamoureux’s as a legitimate candidate for this award, based on her play on the ice, as well as her work in the class room; Monique carries a 4.0 grade point average. Unfortunately, Monique will never get a chance to find out; she never received a second nomination for the award.

Not knowing what the criteria was, I asked what takes to be nominated for the Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award. To be able to make the list, a player needs to be nominated by a two NCAA Division I woman’s coaches.

Wait, what? You mean to tell me, there isn’t a single second coach, in the WCHA, or in all of Division I women’s hockey, that didn’t noticed Monique Lamoureux racking up 64 points from the blue line this season, the same defenseman that is number two all-time for scoring in the WCHA. It just doesn’t seem right to me. This is also the same defenseman that somehow only able to make all-WCHA Second Team last year, leaving UND fans to scratch their head on that snub as well.

Breaking it down further, Jocelyn and Monique Lamoureux are ranked 1-2 all-time in the WCHA for points Jocelyne Lamoureux (125g-158a—284pts) and Monique Lamoureux (112g-152a—264Pts). On Saturday, with her (2g-4a—6pts) Monique also passed former Wisconsin Badgers forward Hillary Knight (143g-119a—262pts).

In closing, people will wonder, why do I care? I care because I want to see people that deserve to be recognized, receive the recognition that they deserve, nothing more, nothing less.
The Top-10 Patty Kazmaier finalists include:

1. Senior defenseman Megan Bozek (18g-34a—52pts), (Buffalo Grove, Ill./University of Minnesota).

2. Freshman forward Hannah Brandt (29g-48a—77pts), (Vadnais Heights, Minn./University of Minnesota).

3. Sophomore forward Alex Carpenter (31g-37a—68pts), (Reading, Mass./Boston College).

4. Sophomore forward Kendall Coyne (35g-30a—65pts), (Palos Heights, Ill./Northeastern University).

5. Senior forward Brianna Decker (29g-26a—55pts), (Dousman, Wis./University of Wisconsin).

6. Senior forward Jillian Dempsey (23g-20a—43pts), (Winthrop, Mass./Harvard University).

7. Junior forward Brianne Jenner (32a-31a—63pts), (Oakville, Ont./Cornell University).

8. Junior forward Amanda Kessel (43g-51a—94pts), (Madison, Wis./University of Minnesota.

9. Senior forward Jocelyne Lamoureux (35g-44a—79pts), (Grand Forks, N.D./University of North Dakota).

10. Senior goaltender Noora Raty (33-0-0, 0.92 GAA , save percentage .956, 15 shutouts. (Espoo, Finland/University of Minnesota

Cross-posted at Inside Hockey

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Series ticket packages for first round of WCHA playoffs on sale Tuesday

Western Collegiate Hockey Association logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

GRAND FORKS, N.D. – Series ticket packages for the University of North Dakota's Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) first-round playoff series will go on sale to the general public and UND students on Tuesday, March 6, at 10 a.m. Central.

Student tickets will be available online only at Ticketmaster.com. General public ticket packages can be purchased by calling 1-800-745-3000, logging on to Ticketmaster.com or by visiting the UND Ticket Office at the Ralph Engelstad Arena. The ticket office is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

UND students will receive an e-mail with a keyword needed to purchase a series ticket package. Student ticket packages will be held for students until the student pre-sale ends on Thursday, March 7 at 5 p.m. All unsold student tickets will then be released to the general public at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 8. Students may purchase up to four reserved seating student tickets per UND student ID.

Series ticket packages are $40 for adults and $20 for students and youth.

Single-game WCHA first-round playoff tickets will go one sale on Friday, March 8 at 10 a.m. Single-game tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students and youth. Single-game tickets are subject to availability.

The first round of the WCHA playoffs take place March 15, 16 and 17 (if necessary). Game times are 7:37 p.m. on Friday and 7:07 on Saturday and Sunday. All times Central. UND's first-round opponent has not yet been determined.

UND clinched home ice for the first round of the WCHA playoffs with a 2-2 overtime tie Saturday night against Bemidji State. It is the 11^th straight year UND will host the first round, the longest active streak in the league.

(Video) UND 4 - BSU 2

Here is the video of the goals from Friday's game. The McMillan boy's were on fire this weekend, and chipped in a lot offensively. Bemidji State did not have an answer for their speed.

I thought SCSU Fans said that Mitch MacMilllan couldn't play hockey. That's (2g-1a--3pts) in the last game and a half.
— Eric J. Burton (@goon48) March 3, 2013

CONFIRMED: UND has officially clinched home ice for the first round of the WCHA playoffs.
— North Dakota MHockey (@UNDMHockey) March 3, 2013

Related articles

• UND and BSU slug out a 2-2 tie (thehockeywriters.com)
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UND and BSU slug out a 2-2 tie

Western Collegiate Hockey Association logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Grand Forks, ND – Tonight was senior night for six seniors and it’s an emotional time for all of them. Assistant captain Corban Knight showed up to the post-game press conference still wearing his home white and he was obviously choked up. When asked to explain his emotions, Corban Knight said this.

“Tough to explain – you know – putting something to a program for the last four years, it’s coming to an end, it’s tough to explain.

It was obvious; the tie didn’t sit well with the senior forward as he banged his stick on the ice as the clock ticked down the horn sounded, ending the game in a 2-2 tie. At times the Beavers kept the 12,117 fans (second most all-time) frustrated as well as the Beavers kept UND’s shots to the outside and protected their net blocking shot after shot.

When asked about his team’s tenacious shot blocking was a key to the game, Bemidji State Beavers head coach Tom Serratore said.

“You got to block shots,” Serratore said. “That’s hockey; that’s not a key, that’s automatic, that’s non-negotiable, that’s part of being a hockey player, that’s sacrifice.

The Bemidji State Beavers are a hard team to play against, they get in the shooting and they limit your time and space and they pack it in around their net. Tonight, was no different, throughout the game, the Beavers were in UND’s grill.

“It’s always tough to playing against those guys,” Corban Knight said. “The way they play, they really pack it in defensively. It’s a grind against those guys. That was definitely the case tonight. It was a hard fought 65 minutes; it was pretty low scoring hockey – not a lot of chances – it’s the way they play and it’s tough to play against.”

A late power play goal at the 08:37 mark of the third period by freshman defenseman Jordan Schmaltzhelped the University of North Dakota  (18-9-7, 13-6-7 WCHA)  salvage a 2-2 tie with the 11^th place Bemidji State Beavers (6-18-8, 5-14-7 WCHA).

After the game UND head coach Dave Hakstol seem pleased with the effort of his team.

“One point, great performance,” Hakstol said.  “High level of pride for our senior class”

Freshman defenseman Jordan Schmaltz scored at the 08:37 mark of the third period to force the extra session. Schmaltz has been very noticeable on the ice the last 4-5 series and coach Hakstol agreed.

“I think his game took a step about a month ago,” Hakstol said. He’s held it as a pretty good level. I think the challenge for him is no different than it is for the rest of our team, we want to take one more step yet in terms of our over-all performance.”

It was obvious from the replay in the press box that Jordan Schmaltz had scored the game tying goal but the on ice official Brad Shepherd waved the goal off on the ice. After a short review, the goal was confirmed. Tie game. 

“I got a pass from Carter Rowney and kind of made one quick move,” Schmaltz said. “Was lucky to get it on net, it went post and in”

Next weekend, UND travels to Mankato to play the Minnesota State Mavericks in an important two game series, that will go a long way in determining who UND plays during their first round of the WCHA playoffs.

CONFIRMED: UND has officially clinched home ice for the first round of the WCHA playoffs. — North Dakota MHockey (@UNDMHockey) March 3, 2013

Related articles

• MacMillian (X2) lead UND past BSU 4-2 (thehockeywriters.com)
• Lamoureux Twins Leave UND in Good Hands (insidehockey.com)
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MacMillan (X2) lead UND past BSU 4-2

Seal of the University of North Dakota (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Grand Forks, ND – Coming into tonight’s game, UND senior forward Danny Kristo had never scored a goal, or recorded a single point in six career games against the Bemidji State Beavers.

No, you don’t need to check your eyes.

During his four year career at the University of North Dakota, Kristo had racked up an impressive (62g-91a—153pts) in a 148 games, but had never scored a single point in his four year career against the Bemidji State Beavers.

Wait, what? Not a single one.

In his seventh game against the Bemidji State Beavers, Kristo finally was able to record a single assist on UND’s third goal that was scored by UND defenseman Joe Gleason.

Apparently, Kristo’s pointless streak against the Beavers was a point of discussion during this week in practice. 

Unlike Danny Kristo, Mark MacMillan has little trouble during his two seasons at UND scoring against the Bemidji State Beavers, coming into tonight’s game, MacMillan had recorded (1g-4a—5 pts) in four games against the Beavers.  Mark added (2g-1a—3pts) to his point total and was awarded the game’s first star of the game as he lead UND (18-9-6, 13-6-6 WCHA) to a 4-2 over the Bemidji State Beavers (6-17-7, 5-13-6 WCHA).

Mark’s brother Mitch MacMillan also chipped in a (1g-1a—2pts) as that line seemed to give BSU fits all night long. One has to wonder if the MacMillan boys are finding their magic they had when they played together in juniors back in Alberni Valley of the BCHL, in British Colombia.

“Hopefully, it seemed to work out well tonight,” Mark MacMillan said.  The chemistry between us is slowly starting to come back. Obviously the college game is little different than junior hockey.”

The University of North Dakota is 8-4-4 when the opposition scores the first goal. That is the second game in a row that the opposition has scored the first goal of the game that UND has come back to win.

The game was tired 1-1 going into the third period, before UND scored four straight goals. BSU head coach Tom Serratore seemed upbeat after the game, even though his team lost.

First off, I thought it was a good hockey game,” Serratore said.  “You know what, you go into third period in this building tied 1-1,  to me it was where we wanted them at that particular time.  Obviously, the second and third goals were killers. We probably could have prevented those goals.”

I don’t think it would be an understatement to say that tonight’s game wasn’t all that entertaining. It was a gut-it-out gritty style of game. The Beavers are a tough team to play against, they get in the shooting lanes and they play a high pressure game. Some like to incorrectly call the Beavers style of play a trap. The head coach of the Beavers agreed that it was tough sledding, out on the ice.

“Tonight, I thought the game was pretty much a turf war,” Serratore said.

When asked if he thought the game was a turf war, head coach Dave Hakstol was hesitant to use the term, he said, “you can call it what you want. It was a hard fought hockey game. At times there wasn't a lot of flow to it.”

 Cross-posted a the Hockey Writes Combine. 

UND’s Kristo Red Baron WCHA Co-Offensive Players of the Week

MADISON, Wis. – University of North Dakota forward Danny Kristo and Colorado College forward Rylan Schwartz, a pair of assistant team captains who both produced impressive numbers in league competition last weekend, have been named Red Baron® WCHA Men’s co-Offensive Players of the Week for February 27.

Kristo, a 5-11, 185-pound senior right winger from Eden Prairie, Minn., had a goal and an assist for two points in each of North Dakota’s two games at Denver on February 22-23, led his team with nine shots on goal and earned a +2 plus/minus rating. In a one-goal 5-4 loss to DU last Friday, Kristo factored in on goals that twice brought his team to within one with an assist in the second period and a shorthanded goal in the third. Then last Saturday he was named the No. 1 Star of the Game after scoring another goal and assist to help propel UND to a 6-1 victory over the host Pioneers, extending his point streak to seven games.

With 43 points (20g, 23a) on the season, Kristo has also surpassed the 150 career point plateau with his 152 leading all active NCAA Div. 1 men’s players. He is a NHL draftee of Montreal.

Schwartz, a 5-10, 196-pound senior from Wilcox, Sask., led the Tigers with a five-point series against league-leading St. Cloud State last weekend. He had a goal and two assists last Friday, including one on the game-winner, and was the No. 2 Star of the Game as Colorado College defeated the Huskies 4-3. He then scored two more goals last Saturday and was the No. 3 Star of the Game in the Tigers’ 5-2 setback. In addition to his five points, Schwartz also had four shots on goal in the series and was a +4 on the plus/minus.

Over his 146-game collegiate career, Schwartz has averaged a point per game with 53 goals, 93 assists and 146 points. He is fifth in scoring overall among WCHA players this season with 40 points (14g, 26a).

Also nominated: Sam Warning, F, UM; Jonny Brodzinski, F, SCSU; Tyler Barnes, F, UW.

EDIT... WCHA Power Rankings: Week 20

Here is the week 20 WCHA Power Rankings. This season, I have been doing the WCHA Power Rankings with Taylor Seibel, who is a contributor for The Hockey Writers Combine.

 1.  Saint Cloud State – (19-12-1, WCHA 16-7-1) – This past weekend, the Huskies split (3-4 L – 5-2 W) their weekend series with the Colorado College Tigers in Colorado Springs. This weekend, the Huskies entertain the Michigan Tech Huskies. The Huskies have split the last two series they have played in. Pairwise Ranking 10.

 2. Minnesota – (21-6-5, WCHA 13-6-5) – This past weekend, the Minnesota Gophers took (5-3 W – 2-2 T) three points in their weekend series with the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs, who have won “one” game, in their last ten games (1-7-2). This weekend, the Gophers play the Denver Pioneers at Mariucci Arena. Fun fact, the Gophers have swept one “conference” series this season, Alaska Anchorage 01/11-01/12. The Gophers went an impressive 8-0-0 in their non-conference play. Pairwise Ranking 2.

 3. University of North Dakota – (17-9-6, WCHA 12-6-6) – This past weekend, UND split (4-5 L – 6-1 L) their weekend series with the Denver Pioneers, at Magness Arena. This weekend, UND entertains the Bemidji State Beavers at the Ralph Engelstad Arena. Pairwise Ranking 6.

4. Minnesota State Mankato – (20-9-3, WCHA 14-9-1) – This past weekend, the Mavericks were off. This weekend, the Purple Mavericks travel to Colorado Springs to play the Tigers. Pairwise Ranking 7.
5.  Nebraska Omaha – (18-12-2, WCHA 14-8-2) – This past weekend, the Mavericks lost their exhibition game against the U-18 team 2-3. This weekend, the Red Mavericks entertain the Wisconsin Badgers. Friday’s game between the Mavericks and the Badgers will be on NBCSN. Pairwise Ranking 20t.

6. Denver University – (16-10-5, WCHA 11-8-5) – This past weekend, the Denver Pioneers split (5-4 W – 1-6 L) their weekend series with the University of North Dakota at Magness Arena. This weekend, the Pioneers travel to Minnesota to play the Gophers at Mariucci Arena. The Pioneers in essence, are competing with the Badgers for the last home playoff spot.  Pairwise Ranking 13t.

7.  Wisconsin – (14-11-7, WCHA 10-7-7) – The Wisconsin Badgers  split (5-0 w – 2-3 L O.T.) their non-conference series with future conference foe Penn State at the Kohl Center during a Sunday, Monday series. After starting the season 1-7-3, the Badgers have gone an amazing 13-4-4. This weekend, the Badgers travel to Nebraska-Omaha to play the Mavericks in an important two game series. The Badgers in essence, are competing with the Pioneers for the last home playoff spot.  Friday’s game between the Mavericks and the Badgers will be on NBCSN. Pairwise Ranking 28.

8.  Colorado College – (12-15-5, WCHA 9-11-4) – This past weekend, the Colorado College Tigers split (4-3 W – 2-5 L) their weekend series with the Saint Cloud State Huskies at the World Arena in Colorado Springs, Colorado. This weekend, the Tigers entertain the Minnesota State Mavericks. Pairwise Ranking 30.

9. Minnesota Duluth – (10-17-4, WCHA 8-13-5) – This past weekend, the Bulldogs took a single point (2-4 L – 1-1 T) in their weekend series with the Minnesota Golden Gophers. The Bulldogs have had a tough go recently, taking only a single point in each of their last two series and have one win in their last 10 games 1-7-2. This weekend that should change, as the Bulldogs entertain the Alabama Huntsville Chargers (1-18-1) at Amsoil Arena.

10. Michigan Tech – (10-16-4, WCHA 6-14-4) – This past week, the Huskies were off. The Michigan Tech Huskies travel to Saint Cloud Minnesota to play the Saint Cloud State Huskies at the National Hockey Center in the battle of the Dogs.

11. Bemidji State – (6-17-7, WCHA 5-13-6) – This past weekend, the Beavers were off. Thiks weekend, the Beavers travel down Highway 2 to play the University of North Dakota in a two game series at Ralph Engelstad Arena.

12. Alaska Anchorage – (4-19-7, WCHA 2-18-6) – This past weekend, the Seawolves were off. This weekend, the Seawolves play their cross state rivals the Nanooks in the Governor’s Cup. The Seawolves travel to Fairbanks on Friday and then entertain the Nanooks on Saturday night. The Seawolves have won one game since December 1, 2012, going 1-14-3.

Taylor Seibel’s WCHA Power Rankings

1.  St. Cloud State – (19-12-1, 16-7-1 WCHA) – The Huskies managed only a split against the Tigers this weekend, but still have a strong hold to the top spot in the WCHA thanks in part to slip-ups from Minnesota and North Dakota.  St. Cloud State has an excellent chance at gaining four points next weekend as the SCSU Huskies host the Michigan Tech Huskies, a team that SCSU has not lost to at home in over a decade.

2. Minnesota – (21-6-5, 13-6-5 WCHA) – The Gophers managed three points on the weekend against Minnesota Duluth, and struggled at times against the visiting Bulldogs.  While Minnesota still has a chance at winning the MacNaughton, the point they dropped on Saturday could prove decisive.  It also gave North Dakota a little bit of room to sneak the #2 spot away from the Gophers.  Next weekend, Denver travels up to Mariucci for WCHA play.

3. North Dakota – (17-9-6, 12-6-6 WCHA) – North Dakota struggled mightily against Denver’s powerplay on Friday, but found a way to largely control Denver’s man advantage on Saturday.  The result was a weekend split between these two rivals.  North Dakota says three points back of St. Cloud and one point back of Minnesota in the race for the MacNaughton.  North Dakota hosts Bemidji State next weekend, and four points will be crucial for UND’s hopes of winning the Cup.

4. Nebraska Omaha – (18-12-2, 14-8-2 WCHA) – The Mavericks were essentially off this past weekend, or at least some of the players thought so, as Omaha was defeated by the USA Under-18 squad.  To be fair, that same Under-18 squad has registered draws against Minnesota and Notre Dame on the season.  While the Mavericks are in good position for home ice, a strong showing next weekend at home against Wisconsin could cement their spot in the top half.

5. Minnesota State – (20-9-3, 14-9-1 WCHA) – The Mavericks of Mankato were also off this weekend.  In a similar position to Omaha, Mankato has a chance to solidify their spot as a top half team next weekend if they can take four points from Colorado College down in Colorado Springs.  Anything less, and it will be a shakier proposition as North Dakota comes down to Mankato to close out the regular season.

6. Denver – (16-10-5, 11-8-5 WCHA) – Denver played quite well in their victory over North Dakota on Friday, but failed to respond effectively on Saturday, and the Pioneers were trounced by the Visiting squad from Grand Forks.  The split drew the Pioneers even with Wisconsin heading into the final two weekends of the season.  Given that Denver loses the tiebreaker with Wisconsin, it makes any points that they can gather next weekend at Minnesota that much more important to their chances for home ice.

7. Wisconsin – (14-10-7, 10-7-7 WCHA) – The Badgers defeated Penn State last night in the first game of an odd Sunday-Monday series.  The victory shot Wisconsin up to an NCAA bubble squad.  The Badgers are also on the bubble when it comes to gaining home ice in the WCHA Tournament.  Currently, Wisconsin is tied with Denver for the 6^th and final spot.  Next weekend, the Badgers travel to Omaha to take on the Mavericks in a key series for both squads.

8. Colorado College – (12-15-5, 9-11-4 WCHA) – The Tigers surprised many in the WCHA with their victory over St. Cloud on Friday, but were unable to complete the sweep, losing on Saturday.  Barring surprising results elsewhere in the conference, it is likely that CC will remain in the #8 slot in the conference.  Any chance at home ice would start next weekend, when Minnesota State comes into town.

9. Minnesota Duluth – (10-17-5, 8-13-5 WCHA) – Minnesota Duluth was able to steal a point from Minnesota this weekend, but it was not enough to prevent the Bulldogs from being eliminated from home ice contention.  With only two WCHA games remaining, the Bulldogs will definitely be a team nobody in the top half will want to square off against in the first round of the WCHA Tournament.  Next weekend, the Bulldogs host Alabama Huntsville.

10. Bemidji State – (6-17-7, 5-13-6 WCHA) – The Beavers were off last weekend, but perhaps no team can play as much of a spoiler role over the next two weekends as Bemidji State.  Next weekend, Bemidji travels to North Dakota.  The following weekend, the Beavers host Minnesota.  Both UND and Minnesota will be looking for sweeps, while Bemidji State will look to dash both teams’ dreams of the MacNaughton Cup.

11. Michigan Tech – (10-16-4, 6-14-4 WCHA) – The Huskies of Michigan Tech were off this weekend.  Hopefully they used the time to come up with a strategy to knock off St. Cloud State in St. Cloud, who they play next weekend. The season has been a disappointment for most Tech fans who were hoping to challenge for home ice, but a strong end to the season, coupled with the program’s first GLI Championship in three decades, would be a good consolation prize.

12. Alaska Anchorage – (4-19-7, 2-18-6 WCHA) – The Seawolves were off this past weekend.  While UAA has been assured the cellar, and a First Round matchup against the MacNaughton Cup Champions, the Seawolves are still playing for pride.  Next weekend, the Seawolves square off against in-state (and future WCHA) rival Alaska before concluding the WCHA and regular season at Denver.

Cross Posted at the Hockey Writers Combine.

Related articles

• WCHA Power Rankings: Week 20 (thehockeywriters.com)

(Video) DU downs UND 5-4

I don't think anyone is very happy with tonight's results, but it's also not time to panic either. UND has lost 4 games in the last 18 so, I don't think it's time to pull the pin yet. After the game, UND head coach Dave Hakstol didn't seem all that pleased with his team's effort. Basically he said they played a sloppy game.

" I thought we were a very sloppy hockey team tonight. It cost us an opportunity at points," said Hakstol. "You have to be able to sustain that push. You can't just come out with a one or two shift burst. We didn't sustain a whole lot through the entire night."

If there is a positive note with tonight's loss, UND remained 6th in the Pairwise rankings.

The Weekend Ahead: (2/22-2/23)

Seal of the University of North Dakota (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

This weekend, the University of North Dakota travels to Denver, Colorado to play the Denver Pioneers in an important two game WCHA series at Magness Arena February 22-23, 2013.

Matchup: North Dakota (16-8-6, 11-5-6 WCHA) #6 versus #10 Denver Pioneers (15-9-5, 10-7-5 WCHA).

Dates: February 22-23, 2013

Times: February 22: 9:10 p.m. (CT); February 23: 8:07 p.m. (CT)

Radio:  UND 96.1 (KQHT-FM) – The Fox.

TV Friday: NBC Sports Network, channel 220 DirecTV

TV Saturday: Root Sports, channel 683 DirecTV

Webcast: (NONE)

SERIES HISTORY: UND leads the All-time series 136-116-9 (.538). UND leads the series 81-42-6 (.651) in Grand Forks. UND trails the series 50-67-3 (.429) in Denver. Neutral sites, UND trails 5-7-0 (.417). In the last 10 games against DU, UND leads 7-2-1 (.750).

Players to Watch:

North Dakota: Forwards: Corbin Knight (13g-27a—40pts), Danny Kristo (18g-21a—39pts), Rocco Grimaldi (10g-14a—24pts), Mark MacMillan (9g-9a—18pts), Carter Rowney (6g-12a—18pts), Drake Caggiula (6g-6a—12pts).  Defense:  Dillon Simpson (2g-15a—17pts), Derek Forbort (4g-8a—12pts), Joe Gleason (4g-9a—13pts) Jordan Schmaltz (2g-7a—9pts) Andrew MacWilliam (1g-7a—8pts). Goaltenders: Clarke Saunders 10-5-4, 2.34 GAA, .914 save percentage, Zane Gothberg 6-3-2, 2.42 GAA, .918 save percentage.

Denver Pioneers: Nick Shore (11g-15a—26pts), Chris Knowlton (12g-12a—24pts), Shawn Ostrow (10g-10a—20pts), Daniel Doremus (8g-9a—17pts), Defense: Joey LaLeggia (10g-14a—24pts) David Makowski (6g-16a—22pts) Nolan Zajac (5g-16a—21pts). Goalies: Juho Olkinuora 9-3-5, 2.11 GAA, .935 save percentage, Adam Murray 2-1-0, 3.00 GAA, .902 save percentage, Sam Brittain 4-5-0 3.03 GAA, .902 save percentage.

UND Officials Web Page

Denver Pioneers Official Web Page

Cross posted at the Hockey Writers Combine...