WCHA Power Rankings 12/02/2012

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 if anything; this past weekend proved that there is a lot of parity in college hockey and the WCHA this season. More specifically, the goal starved Wisconsin Badgers took three points from the Denver Pioneers who are one of the top scoring teams in the WCHA. That speaks volumes of the Wisconsin Defense. The last place UAA Seawolves scored 6 goals against the second place Saint Cloud State University Huskies.

Again, I think that you could swap any of the top five to six teams in the league as well, there are also seven teams separated by just two points.

1. Denver University – (9-4-1, WCHA 7-2-1) – This past weekend, the Denver Pioneers took a single point (1-1 T – 1-3 L) from the Wisconsin Badgers. This weekend the Pioneers travel to Grand Forks, ND to play the University of North Dakota in an important two game WCHA series. Denver is has a record of 0-3-1 in the last four games.

2. University of North Dakota – (7-5-2, WCHA 4-2-2) – This past weekend, UND split (2-5 L – 3-2 W O.T.) their series with the Colorado College Tigers. This weekend, the University of North Dakota entertains first place Denver Pioneers at Ralph Englestad Arena, in an important two game WCHA series. After not winning a game in overtime since the 2009 season; the Green and White now has two wins in overtime so far this season and owns a 2-0-2 record in the extra session.

3. Minnesota Gophers – (10-3-2, WCHA 5-3-2) – This past weekend, the Minnesota Gophers split (2-3 L – 3-2 W) their series with the University of Nebraska Omaha Mavericks at Mariucci Arena in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This weekend, the Gophers travel to Colorado Springs to play the Colorado College Tigers at the World Arena. Saturday’s win against the Mavericks, was the Gophers first win against a team that “currently” holds a winning record.

4. Nebraska Omaha – (9-4-1, WCHA 5-2-1) – This past weekend, the Mavericks split (3-2 W – 2-3 L) their weekend series against the Minnesota Gophers at Mariucci Arena in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This weekend, the Mavericks travel to Saint Cloud, Minnesota to play the Saint Cloud State Huskies at the National Hockey Center.  This past weekend, the Mavericks got their first win of the season against a team with a winning record.

5. Saint Cloud State – (8-6-0, WCHA 6-4-0) – This past weekend, the Huskies split (4-3 W O.T. – 3-1 L) their weekend series with the University Alaska Anchorage Seawolves in Anchorage, Alaska. This weekend, the Huskies entertain the Nebraska Omaha Mavericks at the National Hockey center.

6. Colorado College – (8-7-1, WCHA 5-3-0) – This past weekend, the Colorado College Tigers split (5-3 W – 2-3 O.T. L) their weekend series against the University of North Dakota. This weekend, the Tigers entertain the Minnesota Golden Gophers at the World Arena in Colorado Spring Colorado.

7. Minnesota State Mankato – (7-5-2, WCHA 5-5-0) – This past weekend, the Mavericks swept (3-0 W – 6-1 W) the Bemidji State Beavers at the Verizon Wireless Center. The Mavericks defense held to the Beavers to on goal all weekend. This weekend, the Mavericks entertain the University of Anchorage Alaska Seawolves at the Verizon Wireless Center.  While the Mavericks have a winning record, the Mavericks have only beat one team (Minnesota) with a winning record.

8.  Minnesota Duluth – (4-7-1, WCHA 2-5-3) – This past weekend, the UMD Bulldogs took three points (7-3W – 4-4 T) from the Michigan Tech Huskies. This weekend, the Bulldogs entertain the Bemidji State Beavers in a two game series at Amsoil Arena.

9. Michigan Tech – (4-7-1, WCHA 3-6-1) – This past weekend, the Huskies took one point (3-7 L – 4-4 T) from the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs at MacInnes Student Ice Arena. This week, the Huskies play a single nonconference game at Northern Michigan on Tuesday night. This weekend, the Huskies travel to Madison Wisconsin to play an important two game series against the Wisconsin Badgers.

10. Wisconsin – (2-7-3, WCHA 2-5-3) – This past weekend, the Badgers took three points (2-4 L – 2-4 L) from the first place Denver Pioneers. This weekend, the Badgers return home to entertain the Michigan Tech Huskies in an important two game series at the Kohl Center. This weekend, the highly regarded freshman Nic Kerdiles finally made his season debut and scored his first collegiate goal in his second game against the Pioneers. The Badgers have been offensively challenged so far this season and have scored a meager 19 goals in the last 10 games for an average of 1.9 goals per game. The Badgers record during that 10 game stretch is 2-5-3.

11. Alaska Anchorage – (2-4-4, WCHA 0-3-3) – This past weekend, the Seawolves split (4-3 O.T. L – 3-1 W) their series with the Saint Cloud State Huskies at the Sullivan Arena in Anchorage, Alaska. This weekend, The Seawolves travel to Mankato to play the Minnesota State Mavericks at the Verizon Wireless Center. The Seawolves have not been swept in a WCHA series this season and have gotten at least a point in each series.

12.   Bemidji State – (3-7-2, WCHA 2-6-2) – This past weekend, the Bemidji State Beavers were swept (0-3 L – 1-6 W) by the Minnesota State Mavericks at the Verizon Wireless Center. This weekend the Beavers travel to Duluth to play the Bulldogs at Amsoil Arena. The Beavers have had a tough go as of late they are 2-6-2 in their last 10 games. The goal starved Beavers have managed to score only 23 goals in 10 games for an average of 2.3 goals per game.

Taylor Seibel‘s WCHA Power Rankings

1. Denver – (9-4-1, 7-2-1 WCHA) – While Denver only escaped this past weekend with 1 point at home against a struggling Wisconsin squad, the Pioneers maintain the #1 spot in my rankings because of the lackluster results from the teams below them and DU’s hot start to begin the season.  Denver travels to North Dakota in what should be a great WCHA series next weekend.

2. North Dakota – (7-5-2, 4-2-2 WCHA) – UND outplayed Colorado College for nearly 120 minutes, but it appeared that they were going to leave the Springs with nothing to show for it.  All that changed in the blink of an eye, as North Dakota rallied back on Saturday for a 3-2 OT victory.  UND faces rival Denver next weekend at the Ralph.

3. Minnesota – (10-3-2, 5-3-2 WCHA) – The Gophers struggled mightily on Friday in a loss at home against Omaha, but responded well enough to gain a 3-2 victory on Saturday and salvage a series split.  This was probably Minnesota’s toughest test to date, as Omaha is a high quality opponent.  The Gophers travel to Colorado Springs next weekend to square off against the Tigers.

4. Nebraska Omaha – (9-4-1, 5-2-1 WCHA) – Mariucci Arena is always a difficult place to play, and UNO responded well to the atmosphere with a series split against the Gophers.  With the 2 points, Omaha moves up to #4 in my rankings.  To stay there, UNO will have to continue their gritty style of play, as the Mavs travel to St. Cloud to take on the Huskies next weekend.

5. St. Cloud State – (8-6-0, 6-4-0 WCHA) – The Huskies made the trip north to take on Alaska Anchorage this past weekend, and if not for a great comeback on Friday would have been coming back to St. Cloud with 0 points.  Anchorage is a solid squad, but SCSU should have done better this weekend.  SCSU drops to #5 as a result.  The Huskies face a key series with Omaha next weekend at home.

6. Colorado College – (8-7-1, 5-3-0 WCHA) – The Tigers took advantage of several UND mistakes on Friday en route to a 5-3 victory over the visiting squad.  On Saturday, CC nearly hung in long enough to get the win, but a late goal to tie led to an OT defeat for CC.  For now, CC is firmly in the #6 spot in my rankings.  The Tigers host Minnesota next weekend.

7. Minnesota State – (7-5-2, 5-5-0 WCHA) – The Mavericks swept Bemidji State this weekend in convincing fashion, outscoring the Beavers 9-1 on the weekend.  If Mankato can continue to suffocate teams defensively, and score in bunches, they will be a force in the WCHA as the season progresses.  Next weekend, Anchorage comes to Mankato, as the Mavs look to extend their winning streak to six games.

8. Minnesota Duluth – (4-7-3, 2-5-3 WCHA) – Minnesota Duluth took three points in their trip to Houghton this weekend, winning 7-3 on Friday, and drawing 4-4 on Saturday.  Duluth has been waiting to burst for much of the early portion of the season, and they finally erupted for 11 goals on the weekend.  The Bulldogs host Bemidji State next weekend.

9. Michigan Tech – (4-7-1, 3-6-1 WCHA) – The Huskies picked up only 1 point on the weekend against Duluth, and they needed 2 goals in the final 6+ minutes to get that.  Tech is a solid squad, capable of playing top-6 hockey.  However, they are far too inconsistent at the moment to be in the conversation for home ice.  Next weekend, the Huskies travel to Madison to take on the Badgers following a Tuesday game at Marquette against arch rival Northern Michigan.

10. Alaska Anchorage – (3-5-4, 1-4-3 WCHA) – The Seawolves arguably should have swept SCSU this weekend.  On Friday, UAA blew a 3-0 lead to lose 4-3 in OT.  Saturday, the Seawolves kept their composure after building another 3-0 lead, and they won 3-1.  The bottom half of the WCHA has been a wildcard for me much of this season, but I wouldn’t be surprised if UAA winds up stealing points from most teams.  Anchorage travels to Mankato next weekend.

11. Wisconsin – (2-7-3, 2-5-3 WCHA) – The Badgers finally played a solid weekend against a very strong team, taking 3 points at Denver.  If Wisconsin can continue playing solid defense, and get timely scoring, they will be a very difficult squad to play against.  For now, I can’t put Wisconsin any higher than #11 until they prove that this weekend wasn’t a fluke.  That being said, I think we’ll see Wisconsin move up the rankings in the coming weeks.  The Badgers host Michigan Tech next weekend.

 12. Bemidji State – (3-7-2, 2-6-2 WCHA) – The Beavers played poorly against Mankato in getting swept this weekend.  Teams 7-12 are extremely close, and, at least in my opinion, could be ranked in a wide array of orders.  However, Bemidji has only 3 points in their last 8 games, and the Beavers were destroyed this weekend.  As a result, they come in at #12 in my rankings.  The Beavers travel to Duluth next weekend to take on the Bulldogs.

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.

WCHA Power Rankings (10/21/12)

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

1.  Minnesota Gophers – (3-1-0, WCHA 1-1-0) – This past weekend, the Minnesota Gophers split their weekend series with Michigan Tech (2-5 L – 3-2 W) in Houghton, Michigan.  This weekend, the Gophers have an exhibition game with the US National Development Under 18 team on Friday night.

2. Denver University – (2-0-0, WCHA 0-0-0) – This past weekend, the Pioneers beat nonconference foes University of Mass-Lowell and Air Force Academy (5-1 W – 5-2) at Magness Arena. This weekend, the Pioneers entertain Michigan Tech in WCHA action.

3. University of North Dakota – (1-1-0, WCHA 0-0-0) – This past weekend, UND traveled to Fairbanks Alaska to play in the Brice Alaska Goal Rush Tourney, where they won their first game against of the tourney against the UAA Seawolves 5-0 W, then lost in the championship game against the UA Nanooks 1-2 L. This weekend, the Green and White entertain UAA Seawolves in WCHA action.

4. Colorado College – (3-1-0, WCHA 0-0-0) – This past weekend, the Tigers spit their weekend nonconference games. In their first game, the Tigers beat Atlantic Hockey foe Air Force Academy 6-2, the following night the Tigers lost to Hockey East Foe University of Mass-Lowell 1-3.  This weekend, the Tigers travel to Ithaca, New York to play nonconference foe Cornell University of the ECAC.

5. Minnesota Duluth – (2-2-0, WCHA 0-0-0) – This past weekend, UMD Bulldogs split their weekend series with CCHA foe Notre Dame at the new Compton Family Ice Arena in South Bend Indiana (3-1 W – 1-4 L). This weekend, the Bull Dogs entertain the Wisconsin Badgers in WCHA action.

6. Michigan Tech – (2-2-0, WCHA 0-0-0) – This past weekend, the Huskies split their weekend series against the high flying Minnesota Gophers (5-2 W – 2-3 L) at the John J. MacInnes Student Ice Arena. This weekend, the Huskies travel to Denver to play the Pioneers in WCHA action.

7. Nebraska Omaha – (2-2-0, WCHA 0-0-0) – This past weekend, the Red Mavericks split their weekend series with the Northern Michigan Wildcats (5-2 – 1-2 L) in Omaha, Nebraska. This weekend, the Mavericks stay home to host the Bemidji State Beavers in WCHA action.

8. Saint Cloud State – (2-2-0, WCHA 0-0-0) – This past weekend, the Huskies swept the Alabama Huntsville Chargers (8-3 W – 4-0W) at the National Hockey Center.  This weekend, the Huskies entertain the Minnesota State Mavericks in WCHA action.

9. Wisconsin – (0-2-0, WCHA 0-0-0) – This past weekend, the Badgers were idle. This weekend, the Badgers travel to Duluth to play the University of Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs in a crucial WCHA series at Amsoil Arena.

10. Minnesota State Mankato – (2-0-2, WCHA 0-0-0) – This past weekend, the Purple Mavericks beat and tied the Rensselaer Engineers (3-3 T – 4-3 W O.T.) at the Verizon Wireless Center, in Mankato, Minnesota. This weekend, the Mavericks travel to Saint Cloud to play the Huskies
11. Bemidji State – (1-1-0, WCHA) – This past weekend, the Beavers split their weekend series with the Lakers of Lake Superior State University (0-2 L – 5-0 W). This weekend, the Beavers travel to Nebraska, Omaha to play the UNO Mavericks.

12. Alaska Anchorage – (2-1-1, WCHA 0-0-0) – This past weekend, the Seawolves Traveled to the Brice Alaska Goal Rush Tourney, where the Seawolves lost to UND 0-5 L and beat Merrimack College 6-3. This weekend, the Seawolves travel to Grand Forks to play UND in WCHA action.

Here is Taylor Seibel’s power rankings for the WCHA.

1. Minnesota – (3-1-0, 1-1-0 WCHA) – Despite nearly getting swept in Houghton, Minnesota stays at #1 on my list.  Michigan Tech is a very strong team that should get plenty of victories over top teams this season.  However, Minnesota will have to fix some of their defensive miscues if they want to keep the top spot.  Up next for the Gophers is Canisius on Sunday.  
                                             
2. North Dakota – (1-1-0, 0-0-0 WCHA) – North Dakota played very well in a 5-0 victory on Friday.  Then on Saturday, UND laid an egg.  Now, certainly there are plenty of excuses that could be used to explain the loss, but at the end of the day a top team should win that game.  UND will have a chance to get back on track next weekend as they open up WCHA play against Anchorage.

 3. Denver – (2-0-0, 0-0-0 WCHA) – Denver looked shaky coming into the season, but put everything together this weekend, as they beat Lowell 5-1 on Friday and followed that up with a 5-2 victory over Air Force.  Denver begins WCHA play next weekend as they host Michigan Tech in what should be a great early season contest.

 4. Michigan Tech – (2-2-0, 1-1-0 WCHA) – The Huskies move up to #4 for me after a very impressive weekend.  Tech split a series with the consensus #1 team in the country, and they dominated stretches of the weekend.  Tech could have very well swept the series if not for some impressive goaltending by Minnesota’s Adam Wilcox.  Michigan Tech travels to Denver this weekend.

5. SCSU – (2-2-0, 0-0-0 WCHA) – St. Cloud was able to handle Alabama Huntsville this past weekend getting the sweep.  The Huskies’ defense shut down the Chargers in getting the shutout, and they will have to keep that up if they wish to compete for the MacNaughton Cup this season.  SCSU hosts Minnesota State Mankato this weekend in WCHA play.

 6. Wisconsin – (0-2-0, 0-0-0 WCHA) – The Badgers did not play this weekend, but they received some decent news that star Freshman Nic Kerdiles’ suspension would be reduced to 10 games (as opposed to the whole season).  We’ll see if Kerdiles still decides to stay at Wisconsin, but hopefully he can provide a boost for the Badgers.  Wisconsin travels to Duluth to take on the Bulldogs this weekend in WCHA play.

 7. Minnesota Duluth – (2-2-0, 0-0-0 WCHA) – Duluth traveled to South Bend and split a Thursday-Friday series with the Irish.  Duluth has shown flashes of brilliance that could very well land them in the top half of my rankings sooner than later.  Duluth hosts Wisconsin in WCHA play next weekend.

 8. Colorado College – (3-1-0, 0-0-0 WCHA) – The Tigers beat local rival Air Force on Friday before falling to Doug Carr and the Massachusetts Lowell Riverhawks on Saturday.  Lowell is a very strong team, so nothing to get too worked up about down in the Springs.  CC continues their non-conference schedule next weekend, as they travel to Cornell.

 9. Nebraska Omaha – (2-2-0, 0-0-0 WCHA) – Another weekend, another split for the Mavericks.  This time, UNO split a series against Northern Michigan.  Early on, UNO has been very inconsistent, scoring 10 goals in their 2 wins, but only 3 in their 2 losses.  Next weekend, UNO will look to cure those inconsistencies as they host Bemidji State.

 10. Minnesota State – (2-0-2, 0-0-0 WCHA) – The Mavericks proved that they continue to be the cardiac kids, as they came back to tie and beat ECAC foe RPI this past weekend.  Mankato has the talent and coaching to make a significant rise up these rankings, and that could very well start next weekend as the Mavericks travel to St. Cloud to take on the Huskies.

11. Bemidji State – (1-1-0, 0-0-0 WCHA) – The Beavers met up with future WCHA foe Lake Superior State in Bemidji this weekend and managed to split, losing 2-0 on Friday before turning the tables and shutting out the Lakers 5-0 on Saturday.  The Beavers will need strong defensive performances like they had on Saturday if they wish to challenge for home ice this season.  Bemidji travels to Omaha next weekend to take on UNO.

 12. Alaska Anchorage – (2-1-1, 0-0-0 WCHA) – Anchorage was soundly defeated by North Dakota on Friday at the Alaska Goal Rush 5-0, but the Seawolves responded nicely with a 6-3 victory over Merrimack on Friday.  The Seawolves look to get some revenge next weekend as they travel to Grand Forks to take on North Dakota, this time in WCHA play.

Related articles

• WCHA Power Rankings (10/14/12) (insidehockey.com)
• WCHA 2012-13 Season Preview (insidehockey.com)
• Results of the Tech Hockey Guide WCHA Web Media Poll (thehockeywriters.com)

Goon’s WCHA Power Rankings 1/29/2012

Here is this weeks WCHA Power Rankings, Zack Friedli has a previous engagement this week, so here is this week's Inside Hockey WCHA Power Rankings.

1.  Minnesota – (15-5-0 WCHA, 19-9-1) Minnesota swept the Saint Cloud State Huskies in a home and home series (2-1 W, 3-2 W) this past weekend. The Minnesota Gophers limited the SCSU Huskies to 25 shots on net for the weekend. This weekend the Gophers are idle.

2. Minnesota Duluth – (11-4-3 WCHA, 17-5-4) The Bulldogs tied and lost (4-4 T, 0-5 L) against Michigan Tech University this past weekend at Amsoil Arena in Duluth, Minnesota. This weekend the Bulldogs travel to Anchorage, Alaska to play the UAA Seawolves.

3.  Colorado College – (11-7-0 WCHA, 14-9-1) The Tigers were idle this past weekend. This weekend the Tigers have a home and home series with their cross state rivals the Denver Pioneers.

4. Denver – (10-5-3 WCHA, 15-8-3). The Pioneers swept the Seawolves this past weekend in Anchorage Alaska (4-2 W, 6-3 W). Saturday, sophomore goalie Sam Brittain returned from a knee injury; started in goal and got the win in net for the Pioneers. This weekend the Pioneers have a home and home series with their cross state rivals the Colorado College Tigers.

4.  North Dakota – (11-9-0, 15-10-2) The University of North Dakota swept the Badgers at the Ralph Englestad Area this past weekend (5-3 W, 4-2 W). UND is idle this weekend. The University of North Dakota has been hit by the Injury Ninja and the following players are currently out of the lineup for UND.  Here is the list, Rocco Grimaldi (knee, season), Brendan O’Donnell (shoulder) and Derek Rodwell (shoulder, season).

6.  Nebraska-Omaha – (9-6-3 WCHA, 12-10-4) The Mavericks were idle this past weekend. This weekend the Mavericks entertain the Bemidji State Beavers.

7.  Michigan Tech – (9-7-2 WCHA, 12-12-2) The Michigan Tech Huskies look three of four points (4-4 T, 5-0 W) against the Bulldogs at Amsoil arena in Duluth, Minnesota. This weekend Michigan Tech travels to Mankato to play the Minnesota State Mavericks.

 8. Bemidji State – (6-10-2 WCHA, 12-12-2) The Beavers split their weekend series with the Minnesota State Mavericks (2-1 W, 2-5 L) at the Sanford Center. This weekend the Beavers travel to Omaha to play the University of Nebraska Omaha Mavericks.

9. Wisconsin – (7-10-2 WCHA, 12-12-2) The Wisconsin Badgers have an impressive 11-4-1 record at Kohl Center. After being swept by University of North Dakota this past weekend (2-5 L, 2-4 L) in Grand Forks, the Badgers have an unimpressive 1-8-1 record away from the Kohl Center. This weekend the Badgers look to improve on their home record against the depleted Saint Cloud State Huskies.

10. St. Cloud State – (7-10-3 WCHA, 10-14-4) The Huskies were swept by the Gophers (1-2 L, 2-3 L) this past weekend.  This weekend the Huskies travel to Wisconsin to take on the Badgers. Huskies junior goalie Mike Lee returned from injury and played Friday night for the Huskies. The Huskies has been hit by the Injury Ninja as they have lost forward Travis Novak to a lower body injury on Friday night and are still without their top forward Drew LeBlanc (broken leg).

11. Minnesota State – (5-14-1 WCHA, 9-18-1) The Minnesota State Mavericks split their series with the Bemidji State Beavers (1-2, L, 5-2 W). The Mavericks entertain the Michigan Tech Huskies in Mankato, Minnesota.

12.  Alaska-Anchorage – (3-16-1 WCHA, 6-16-2) The Seawolves were swept (2-4 L, 3-6 L) by the  Denver Pioneers in Anchorage Alaska this past weekend. This weekend the Seawolves entertain Minnesota Duluth. Anchorage has lost seven games in a row and has not won since December 9, 2011.

Goon's WCHA Power Rankings for 11/13/2011

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After a week hiatus the WCHA Power Rankings are back and are posted at Inside Hockey.  Here is the link to Zach Friedli's power rankings.

1. Minnesota – (10-2-0, 7-1-0 WCHA) Split with the Wisconsin Badgers this past weekend in Madison. Up next for the Minnesota Golden Gophers, a home and home series with the pesky Saint Cloud State University Huskies. Due to the two schools proximity to each other, this in state series should prove to be an exciting weekend of hockey.  With the Gopher’s win on Saturday night, Don Lucia hit the 300 win mark for his coaching career. 

2. Minnesota Duluth – (7-3-2, 5-2-1 WCHA) Swept the lowly University of Alaska Anchorage Seawolves in Duluth this past weekend.  Up next for the Bulldogs, a home series with the Minnesota State University Mankato. UMD Bulldog goalie Kenny Reiter has been on fire as of late, in the last seven games that Reiter has played in he has 5-0-2 record with a 1.26 goals against average and a .952 saves percentage. With the shutout on Friday night, Reiter tied the UMD record with 9 career shutouts. The Bulldogs are playing great team defense as well as they are ranked 2^nd in the WCHA.  Just to illustrate how well the Bulldogs are playing defensively they have only given up four goals in last five games.

3. Nebraska Omaha –  (6-5-1, 5-2-1 WCHA) The University of Omaha Nebraska Mavericks took three of four points from the Bemidji State University Beavers in Bemidji, Saturday’s victory against the Beavers was the first in eight games for the Mavericks 1-5-2. Up next for the Mavericks, a trip to Denver to play the Pioneers.  

4.  Denver – (4-3-2, 3-2-2 WCHA), The Pioneer beat their in state rival the Colorado College Tigers 5-4 at home this past weekend, the return game of that series is in Colorado Springs on December 2^nd, that game will be on CBS College Sports at 7:07 MT. Up next for the Pioneers, a home series with the UNO Mavericks.  

5.  Colorado College – (5-2-0, 3-2-0 WCHA) The Colorado College Tigers lost 5-4 in a single game this past weekend against their in state rivals, the Denver Pioneers in Denver. The return game of that series is in Colorado Springs on December 2^nd, that game will be on CBS College Sports at 7:07 MT. Up next for the Tigers, a home date with the Wisconsin Badgers.

 6. Wisconsin – (5-6-1, 4-5-1 WCHA), The Wisconsin Badgers split their series with the high flying Minnesota Gophers. The Badgers took the Gophers to the woodshed on Friday night and looked a step slow against the Gophers in the second game of the series. In my opinion Badgers Defenseman  Justin Schultz (4g-12a—16pts) is  one of the best defensemen in the WCHA. Up next for the Badgers, a trip to the Springs to play the high octane Colorado College Tigers.  

 7.  North Dakota – (3-6-1, 1-5-0 WCHA) The University of North Dakota was idle this past weekend, Up next for the Fighting Sioux, a trip down highway 2 to Bemidji, Minnesota to play the BSU Beavers.  The Sioux are off to their worst start since the 1974-75 season when the Fighting Sioux started the season 1-9-0. The Fighting Sioux hope to regroup against the Bemidji State Beavers, a team the Fighting Sioux have never lost to in the modern era. 

7.  Michigan Tech – (6-3-1, 4-3-1 WCHA), The Huskies was idle this past weekend, Up next for the Michigan Tech Huskies, a trip to Anchorage, Alaska to play the University of Alaska Anchorage Seawolves. People from the Michigan Tech fan base are going to ask me why I don't have the Huskies ranked higher. You can include me in the I am not convinced crowd when it comes to the MTU Huskies. While the Huskies have played better hockey this season, they have also been swept by BSU and beaten badly by MSU-M. 

9.   St. Cloud State – (5-5-2, 3-2-1 WCHA), the Huskies split with the Minnesota State University Mankato Mavericks in Mankato this past weekend. The Huskies have been bitten by the injury bug and are missing two major cogs in their lineup; senior forward Drew LeBlanc broken leg and junior goalie Mike Lee undisclosed lower body injury. Up next for the Huskies, a home and home series with their in state rival the Minnesota Golden Gophers. 

10. Bemidji State – (4-7-1, 2-5-1 WCHA),  The Bemidji State University Beavers are another team which is hard to figure out, they swept the upstart Michigan Tech Huskies in Bemidji and split with Miami University to start the season but have had trouble getting consistent goaltending and have used all three of their goaltenders so far this season.  Leading scorer junior forward Jordan George (6g-2a-8—pts) has been held scoreless in 7 out of 12 games so far this season.  Up next for the Beavers is the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux who were idle this past weekend.  

11.  Minnesota State – (3-7-0, 2-4-0 WCHA), The Minnesota State University Mankato Mavericks have had a tough time with injuries and recently lost six games in a row before winning two of the last three games. The Mavericks split with the SCSU Huskies this past weekend in Mankato. Up next for the Minnesota State Mavericks, a trip to Duluth to play the University of Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs. The Mavericks who are last in goal scoring in the WCHA are going to have their work cut out for them next weekend against the Bulldogs who have been a defensive juggernaut the last five games.  

 12.  Alaska Anchorage – (3-6-1, 0-6-0 WCHA), The University of Alaska Anchorage Seawolves have an impressive 3-0-1 record in non-conference play but a dismal 0-6-0 record in conference play, the Seawolves scored an paltry one goal last weekend and were outscored 8-1 as the Bulldogs swept the Seawolves in Duluth.  Up next for the Seawolves, a home series with the MTU Huskies.