Are the various leagues going to share officials?

Western Collegiate Hockey Association logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Someone had this article posted on USCHO.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Edit: MTU's game winning goal against BSU.

First, I am not shy about my critiques of the officials in the WCHA. I think the level of officiating in the WCHA “at times” has been questionable if not downright brutal. Here is another example of a blown call; in talking to a person that I know in Bemidji; who saw the game – alerted me to the game winning goal scored by Michigan Tech's forward Blake Pietila.

First, the video embedded doesn't show the beginning of the play in question; so here is a different video link. At the 1:30 mark of the linked video, you will see that the start of play where the Michigan Tech forward shoots the puck from behind the red line – meaning the play should have been whistled for being icing.

The play should have been whistled dead, but wasn't.

The play continues on and the puck goes behind the BSU net where the Beaver defender is tripped behind the BSU net.

There is still no whistle.

The puck is then picked up by MTU freshman forward Jujhar Khaira who passes the puck to MTU forward Blake Pietila; who was waiting out front of the Bemidji State net who buries the puck in the BSU net. In my opinion that play shouldn't have ever happened.

Posted at the Hockey Writers - Combine.

WCHA Power Rankings (10/28/12)

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.

1.  Minnesota Gophers – (3-1-0, WCHA 1-1-0) – This past weekend, the Minnesota Gophers tied their exhibition game with the US National Development Under-18 team (2-2). As this week’s power rankings were being put up, Minnesota was playing Canisius College, who Minnesota on paper, should have no trouble beating. This weekend, the Minnesota Gophers have a home and home series with the Minnesota State Mankato Mavericks.

2. Denver University – (4-0-0, WCHA 2-0-0) – This weekend, the Denver Pioneers stayed hot as they swept the Michigan Tech Huskies (5-1 W – 5-2) at home. This weekend, the undefeated Denver Pioneers entertain the Saint Cloud State Huskies at Magness Arena. Junior goalie Sam Brittain’s numbers are eye popping to say the least (2-0-0, 1.00 GAA, 0.970 save percentage).

3. University of North Dakota – (2-1-1, WCHA 1-0-1) – This past weekend, the Green and While took three points from the UAA Seawolves (4-1 W – 3-3 T). This weekend, the University of North Dakota plays the Boston University Terriers in an important nonconference series at Ralph Englestad Arena. Freshman Rocco Grimaldi (2g-2a—4pts) and senior Danny Kristo (0g-4a—4pts) lead UND in points.

4. Saint Cloud State – (4-2-0, WCHA 2-0-0) – This past weekend, the Huskies swept the Minnesota State Mankato Mavericks (5-1 W – 5-1 W) at the National Hockey Center.  This weekend, the Huskies travel to Denver, Colorado to play the Denver University Pioneers in a weekend series at Magness Arena. It should be an exciting series because both teams hung 10 goals on their opponents this past weekend. Huskies forwards Nick Dowd (4g-6a—10pts) and Drew LeBlanc (3g-7a—10pts) lead their team in scoring.

5. Colorado College – (3-3-0, WCHA 0-0-0) – This past weekend, the Colorado College Tigers were swept (0-2 L – 2-3 L) by the Cornell Big Red of the ECAC in Ithaca, New York. This weekend, the Tigers travel to Madison Wisconsin to begin WCHA play against the Wisconsin Badger in the Kohl Center.

6. Michigan Tech – (2-4-0, WCHA 1-3-0) – This past weekend, the Huskies were swept in the weekend series against the Denver Pioneers (1-5 L – 2-5 L) at Magness Arena. This weekend, the Huskies entertain the UNO Mavericks in a two game set at MacInnes Student Ice Arena in Houghton, Michigan.

7. Nebraska Omaha – (2-3-1, WCHA 0-1-1) – This past weekend, the Red Mavericks took one point against the Bemidji State Beavers (3-3 T – 2-3 L). Since the 2010-11 season; the Mavericks have played 12 games against the Beavers and have a horrid 1-7-4 record. That includes a 0-5-3 record at home against the Beavers. This weekend the Mavericks travel to Houghton, Michigan to play the Tech Huskies at the MacInnes Student Ice Arena in Houghton, Michigan.

8. Wisconsin – (1-2-1, WCHA 1-0-1) – This past weekend, the Badgers traveled to Duluth, Minnesota where they took three points against the Bulldogs (2-0 W – 2-2 T). This weekend, the Badgers entertain the Colorado College Tigers at the Kohl Center. Badgers junior goalie Joel Rumpel (1-1-1, GAA 1.30, 0.954 save percentage) recorded a 2-0 shutout on Friday night against the Bulldogs.  Rumpel stopped all 29 shots he faced.

9. Minnesota Duluth – (2-3-1, WCHA 0-1-1) – This past weekend, UMD Bulldogs took one point in their weekend series against the Wisconsin Badgers (0-2 L – 2-2 T). This weekend, the Bull Dogs have a bye week.

10. Bemidji State – (2-1-1, WCHA 1-0-1) – This past weekend, the Bemidji State Beavers took three points against the Nebraska Omaha Mavericks (3-3 T – 3-2 W), in Omaha Nebraska. No Dan Bakala – no problem, the Beavers continued their obscene dominance of the 7-1-4 against the Mavericks since the 2010-11 season, that includes a 5-0-3 record in Omaha. While the Beavers have been dominant against the Mavericks, it hasn’t translated to the rest of their games as the Beavers record during that same time frame is 16-31-5. This weekend, the Beavers are off.

11. Alaska Anchorage – (2-1-1, WCHA 0-1-1) – This past weekend, the Seawolves took a point against the University of North Dakota (1-4 L – 3-3 T) at Ralph Englestad Arena.  This weekend, the Seawolves are off.

12. Minnesota State Mankato – (2-2-2, WCHA 0-2-0) – This past weekend, the Purple Mavericks were swept by the Saint Cloud State Huskies at the National Hockey Center (1-5 L – 1-5 L).   This weekend, Mavericks play a home and home series with the Minnesota Gophers. The Mavericks are having trouble staying out of the penalty box and are ranked 3^rd in penalty minutes after 6 games.

 Taylor Seibel  WCHA Power Rankings

1. Minnesota – (3-1-0, 1-1-0 WCHA) – The Gophers did not play in the WCHA this weekend, but drew with the USA U-18 Team.  I wouldn’t read too much into that result, but if the Gophers struggle next weekend, they may be in jeopardy of dropping in my rankings.  Minnesota takes on Minnesota State in a home/away series next weekend.

2. Denver – (4-0-0, 2-0-0 WCHA) – The Pioneers jump up my rankings thanks in part to their offensive outbursts.  This squad was expected to struggle to score goals.  With their goaltending, Denver is a scary team if they can continue their prowess with the puck.  DU will face another test next weekend as the Pios take on SCSU in Denver next weekend.

3. North Dakota – (2-1-1, 1-0-1 WCHA) – North Dakota was a dominating team on Friday, taking down UAA 4-1, but struggled at times on Saturday for the second weekend in a row in a 3-3 draw.  North Dakota has the talent to be the top team in the league, but they will need to play more consistently than they are right now.  UND takes on BU in non-conference action next weekend.

4. St. Cloud State – (4-2-0, 2-0-0 WCHA) – The Huskies dominated Minnesota State this weekend, winning both of their contests with the Mavericks by a 5-1 score.  If SCSU continues to play defense like they are capable of, they will be a difficult matchup with anyone in the conference.  Next weekend, SCSU travels to Denver in what could be the series of the week in the WCHA.

5. Wisconsin – (1-2-1, 1-0-1 WCHA) – Wisconsin went into Duluth and were able to take 3 points from the hometown Bulldogs this weekend.  The Badgers used timely scoring and great goaltending and defense to take a win on Friday (2-0) and a draw on Saturday (2-2).  Next Weekend the Badgers host the Colorado College Tigers.

6. Michigan Tech – (2-4-0, 1-3-0 WCHA) – The Huskies struggled to solve Denver this weekend, but that could be a common theme for everyone in the league this season.  Michigan Tech will look to get back on track next weekend as the Nebraska Omaha Mavericks make the trek to Houghton, MI in WCHA action.

7. Colorado College – (3-3-0, 0-0-0 WCHA) – The Tigers are the only team that has yet to play a conference game, and CC traveled out to Cornell to take on the Big Red this past weekend.  CC played with a top-notch team, but were unable to score victories.  CC finally gets back into the mix this weekend as the Tigers travel to Madison to take on the Badgers.

8. Bemidji State – (2-1-1, 1-0-1 WCHA) – The Beavers traveled to Omaha this past weekend, and proved to not only the Mavericks, but the rest of the WCHA as well that they are a team that can do some damage.  Bemidji scored a tie on Friday (3-3) before defeating Omaha on Saturday 3-2.  If the Beavers can keep this type of play up, they could challenge for home ice.  BSU is off next weekend.

9. Minnesota Duluth – (2-3-1, 0-1-1 WCHA) – The Bulldogs were only able to score 1 point this weekend against Wisconsin, but played well enough defensively and in the net to get more than that.  Duluth should challenge for home ice this season, but they will need to find more scoring, especially at home.  The Bulldogs are off next weekend.

10. Nebraska Omaha – (2-3-1, 0-1-1 WCHA) – Inconsistency continued for the Mavericks as they took only 1 point from Bemidji at home this past weekend.  Omaha has the talent to challenge for home ice, but they will need to be more consistent if they hope to host a game in Omaha in mid-March.  Omaha travels to Michigan Tech next weekend in WCHA play.

11. Alaska Anchorage – (2-2-2, 0-1-1 WCHA) – The Seawolves were a little unlucky to come out of Grand Forks with just 1 point, as they led 3-2 with less than 90 seconds on Saturday, but more importantly, UAA showed that they are capable of playing with anyone in the country.  The Seawolves have a weekend off next weekend before hosting Minnesota (Nov. 9/10).

12. Minnesota State – (2-2-2, 0-2-0 WCHA) – The Mavericks ran into the SCSU buzzsaw this past weekend, scoring only 2 goals in the series.  Minnesota State should recoup and move up these rankings in the coming weeks, but right now they are my cellar dweller.  The Mavs take on top-ranked Minnesota next weekend in a home

Saturday Morning Links

Here are some of the stories from last night’s game between UND and UAA as well as other stories from around the college hockey world.

This is what the Alaska Anchorage beat writer Doyle Woody had to say about this team’s effort last night. I am not sure he is going to win a lot of support from the UAA faithful with that kind of reporting. [Click to view]

Here is what Timothy Boger from US College Hockey on line had to say about the game last night. Balanced offensive attack guides North Dakota over Alaska-Anchorage [click to view]

Here is my break down of the game last night. [Click to link]

UND’s Virg Foss, UND Dominates in 4-1 win over Alaska Anchorage. [undsports.com]

USA Under-18 Team goalie Thatcher Demko was a beast in the net last night against the Minnesota Gophers as he stopped 39/41 shots and led the USA to a 2-2 tie against the Minnesota Gophers.

I remember not too long ago, Minnesota fans were talking about how UND was out shot by the U-18 team, in a 6-4 UND win and now their own team ties the U-18 team. Actually, the U-18 team had a 2-0 lead over the Gophers before they fought back to tie the game. [Box Score]

Michael Russo the beat writer for the Locked out Minnesota Wild, is filling in for Roman as he’s covering the WNBA Finals. It’s a shame that Russo is covering the Gophers right now, he should be covering the NHL.

Thinking of Former College Hockey players, former SCSU forward Matt Cullen and current locked Minnesota Wild forward is less than pleased about the current state of the CBA negotiations. Also, Former Wisconsin Badger Ryan Suter is less than impressed with the NHL owners and here is what he had to say about the matter.

"It's disappointing. If you can't afford to (sign contracts) then you shouldn't do it," Suter said. "(Leipold) signed us to contracts. At the time he said everything was fine. Yeah, it's disappointing. A couple months before, everything is fine, and now they want to take money out of our contracts that we already signed." [Craig Custance; ESPN.COM]

Kudos to Puck Daddy’s Greg Wyshynski for coming to the Frozen Tundra that is Grand Forks, ND. Here is the link to a interview he did with the Monique and Locelyne Lamoureux. There is some good stuff here.

You can tell when you watch girls play, which ones grew up playing boys hockey. In practice, if someone gets knocked over, you have girls that will ask 'oh, are you OK?' The ones that played against boys don't say anything. It doesn't faze them. It's part of the game.

From the same article I really like this one and thought it was funny.

So when you win, what comes out first: the Magnums of Molson or the cigars?

Monique: [Laughs] I hate beer, so probably something else. But probably a cigar for me. I love cigars.

Jocelyne: [The Canadian players] got a lot of flack for that. We would have done the same thing. And if it was guys, they would have been laughing about it.

Brad Schlossman, UND MEN'S HOCKEY: Kristo returns in win over Alaska Anchorage

Weekend Match-Ups (Sioux 7)

Western Collegiate Hockey Association logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The WCHA got officially started last weekend in Houghton, the “home” of the MacNaughton Cup (MTU is the cups trustee).  The Huskies started off the season on the right skate, with a 5-3 win over visiting Minnesota.  The games between MTU and UM, might have been the last meeting in Houghton between the two long time foes.  Since UM will be leaving the WCHA and doesn’t like (or perhaps it’s a policy that needs to be re-evaluated) to leave Minneapolis for non-conference games.  It’s said to think, that after 266 games (UM leads all-time 173-78-15) against each other, it’s coming to a halt. 

WCHA STANDINGS 2012-2013

Team………………………W-L-T………Points

1. Michigan Tech………….1-1-0…………2
1. Minnesota…………….…1-1-0…..…….2
2. Minnesota-Duluth….…..0-0-0….……..0
2. Denver…………..………0-0-0………...0
2. North Dakota.………..…0-0-0….……0
2. Colorado College ……..0-0-0……….0
2. St. Cloud St………….…0-0-0………0
2. Nebraska-Omaha………0-0-0……...0
2. Bemidji State……..…….0-0-0.……...0
2. Wisconsin…....………..0-0-0...…..…0
2. Minnesota State………0-0-0...……..0
2. Alaska-Anchorage…....0-0-0………..0

WCHA Games

Michigan Tech @ #5 Denver

Last weekend the Huskies split with the Gophers in Houghton and the Pioneers beat Mass-Lowell 5-1 on Friday and then beat Air Force 5-2 on Saturday.

I watched the Huskies/Gophers games last weekend, and MTU looked good.  They have some speed up front and solid goaltending.  Not seeing DU in action, but since they have the number five ranking, it is safe to say they are a quality team this year (just like every year).  Both play on an NHL sized ice sheet, so that won’t be a factor in these games.  It appears that second year head coach Mel Pearson has gotten the Huskies back on track and looking like the Tech teams of yore.  I’m going to go with a SPLIT in this series.

Minnesota State @ St. Could St. 

Last weekend the Mavericks tied (3-3) and beat (4-3ot) the Engineers in Mankato and the Huskies obliterated the UAH Chargers, by scores of 8-3 and 4-0, in St. Cloud.

This in-state rivalry should be a fun series to start of each teams WCHA season.  Both teams play on the Olympic size ice, so don’t look for too much checking, with all that space.  With all the space special teams will be accentuated, thus you don’t want to be taking any bad or unnecessary penalties.  Of note, the Mavericks last three games have gone to overtime, so perhaps the fans of these teams will get some “bonus” hockey this weekend.  I’m thinking both teams will get their first points of the season.  SPLIT

Wisconsin @ #14 Minnesota-Duluth

Last weekend the Badgers were off and the Bulldogs split with the Irish, winning thurday 3-1 and then losing Friday 4-1, in South Bend.

The Badgers are not off the start they wanted, going 0-2-0, to start their last season in the WCHA.  The Bulldogs are off to a 2-2-0 start, splitting their first two series with CCHA teams, Ohio State and Notre Dame.  UW plays on an almost Olympic size ice sheet and the Bulldogs play on the NHL size in the new Amsoil arena.  This will most likely be the last trip UW makes to Duluth in a while with the upcoming league changes, so enjoy these games this weekend.  I’m taking the home team here, Bulldogs 3-pts

Alaska-Anchorage @ #4 North Dakota

Last weekend the Seawolves lost to NoDak 5-0 and beat Merrimack 6-3 in the Alaska Gold Rush Tournament in Fairbanks and UND beat UAA 5-0 and lost to UAF 2-1 in the Alaska Gold Rush Tournament in Fairbanks.

They meet again!  Three out of four games these teams play against each other to start the season.  NoDak put a pretty good licking on the Seawolves in Alaska, with a bunch of players suspended for that game.  Now that they will have their full rooster, one should predict a similar outcome, which I will.  NoDak Sweep

Bemidji St. @ Nebraska-Omaha

Last weekend the Beavers split with the LSSU Lakers losing Friday 2-0 and rebounding Saturday with a 5-0 win and the Mavericks split swept with the Northern Michigan Wildcats winning 5-2 in the first game and losing 2-1 in the rematch, in Omaha.

The Beavers had UNO’s number a couple of years ago, but last year the Maverick’s changed that trend.  This year the Mavericks are off to a 2-2-0 start and the Beavers are off to a 1-1-0 start.  This is the first of two series these team will play; they also play each other January 25-26, 2013 in Bemidji.  I’m going to say they each get a win this weekend, SPLIT

Non-Conference Games
#19 Colorado College @ Cornell
Last weekend the Tigers beat Air Force 6-2 and lost to Mass-Lowell 3-1 in Colorado Springs and the Big Red beat the US-U-18 team 6-2 in exhibition play

The Tigers are off to a 3-1-0 start, they won their first three games before dropping one last weekend.  The Big Red have yet to play an official game, they have played two exhibition games, beating the US U-18 team 6-2, and tying Brock U. 2-2.  Cornell plays in the ECAC conference; they are located in Ithaca, NY, and have an enrollment of approx. 13,500.  Generally speaking the ECAC is viewed as a second rate league, so the WCHA team should dispose of teams in lower leagues…  Tigers Sweep

Exhibition

US U-18 @ #2 Minnesota (Friday)
Last weekend the U-18 team lost to Cornell 6-2 and the Gophers split with the MTU Huskies in Houghton.

Since this game doesn’t official “exist” in unofficially picking the Gophers…

Non-Conference Games

Canisius @ #2 Minnesota (Sunday 1:05pm)
Last weekend the Golden Griffins where swept by Western Michigan in Kalamazoo and the Gophers split with the MTU Huskies in Houghton.

The Griffins are 1-3-0 to start the year, and scoop on them is they play in Atlantic Hockey, are located in Buffalo, NY, and have an enrollment of approx. 3,300 students.  Last year Canisius went 10-22-4 overall and where 10-14-3 in AH, finishing in 9^th place, out of 12 teams.  The Gophers have too much talent for the Griffins, so unless there is some type of self destruction the Gophers should win.

Weekend Match-Ups (by Sioux 7)

We have our first official WCHA games this weekend with MTU hosting UM in Houghton.  We also really get cracking with the “official” start of the season, with a slew of non-conference and tournaments.  Maybe college hockey will gain a few more fans this season with the NHL still not playing games, with their lock-out.

On a completely different tangent, I would like to take this paragraph and say thanks to the Goon.  Last week he and I went out to the “hunting shack” (the “t” is silent in hunting by the way) bird hunting.  We shot some nice ducks and some humungous canadain geese.  It was relaxing time away from work and the big city (I think Fargo is getting big enough, ugh).  Thanks Goon!  (Thanks to Dakota Dog too, for retrieving all those birds.)

WCHA STANDINGS 2012-2013

Team………………………W-L-T………Points

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

WCHA Games

#1 Minnesota @ Michigan Tech

Last weekend the Gophers stomped Michigan State by scores of 5-1 and 7-1 in Minneapolis and last Thursday, the 11^th, the Huskies lost their opener to Upper Peninsula rival Northern Michigan, 4-2, in Marquette.

Now that both teams have gotten legitimate games under their belts, the first game jitters should be out of the way.  These games also are the first of the last WCHA season (well the WCHA as it currently is).   Last December these teams played one series in Minneapolis with the Huskies winning the opener 3-2 in OT and the Gophers winning the closer 6-2.  This time it’s Tech has the home ice, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Huskies give Minnesota all the can handle, with second year coach Pearson’s leading the pack.  Gophers 3-pts.

Non Conference Games

#13 Minnesota-Duluth @ #9 Notre Dame (Thurs/Fri)

Last weekend the Bulldogs split with Ohio State in Duluth with UMD winning the opener 6-2 and the Buckeyes getting even on Saturday winning 3-2.  Notre Dame beat Maine 1-0 and then beat Nebraska-Omaha 3-2 in the IceBreaker in Kansas City.

Since this season is still in its infancy, I’m not sure what to expect with the rankings teams have, but it the pollsters are close, this should be a heckuva match-up.  I’m going to call it a split.

#19 Colorado College @ Air Force (Fri)

Last weekend the Tigers swept Clarkson in Colorado Springs by identical 5-4 scores and Air Force tied Alaska and Alaska-Anchorage by identical scores of 3-3 in the Kendall Hockey Classic in Anchorage.

This game is literally across town affair.  Even though it is non-conference, it’s always nice to win and have bragging rights around town.  Tigers Win.

#10 Massachusetts-Lowell @ #7 Denver (Fri)

Last weekend the River Hawks tied Vermont 1-1 in Lowell and the Pioneers were off last weekend.

With the Pioneers only having one “unofficial” game under their belt, I’m not sure how this one will play out.  But you know me; I got to go with the WCHA while I can, Pioneers Win.

#10 Massachusetts-Lowell @ #19 Colorado College (Sat)

After playing the Pioneers on Friday, the River Hawks travel down the road an hour or so to play the Tigers.  I’m going with the higher ranked team in this match-up, River Hawks Win.

Air Force @ #7 Denver (Sat)

I’m going with the Pioneers in this match-up; DU has just too much depth for the Falcons to match them.  DU Wins

Rensselaer @ Minnesota State

Last weekend the Engineers beat and tied Ferris State, 3-1 and 2-2, and the Mavericks beat and tied the UAH Chargers, with scores of 4-1 and 2-2 in Huntsville.

I don’t much about the Engineers, other than I like their name J, so just going with that I’m going to say a SPLIT is on tap for this series.

Alabama-Huntsville @ St. Could St. 

Last weekend the Chargers lost and tied the Minnesota State Mavericks and the Huskies were swept by the New Hampshire Wildcats in Durham.

Last season the Chargers managed to get 2 wins all season and 1 tie, losing all the rest.  I’m not sure things are going to fair any better this year for the boys down south.  Huskies Sweep

#17 Northern Michigan @ Nebraska-Omaha

Last weekend the Wildcats swept the Wisconsin Badgers in Marquette by scores of 2-1 and 4-2 and the UNO Mavericks beat Army 5-1 and lost to Notre Dame 3-2 in the IceBreaker in Kansas City.

Those of you that are old enough remember the days when NMU was in the WCHA, and UNO didn’t have a D1 program.  The Mavericks will no doubt want to bounce back after losing the championship game last weekend.  This means trying to take out their frustration this weekend on the visiting Wildcats.  I think they will get a win, but not two, SPLIT.

Alaska Gold Rush Tournament (Fairbanks, Alaska)

#2 North Dakota vs Alaska-Anchorage (Fri)

Last weekend NoDak beat the US U-18 team 6-4 in Grand Forks and the Seawolves beat Canisius 2-0 and tied Air Force 3-3 in the Kendall Hockey Classic in Anchorage.

This will be the first of three games between these teams in a two weekend span, this one is non-conference game, and next weekend they play a pair of WCHA games in Grand Forks.  It is early and the flight up North is a long one, but in the end, NoDak has just too talent for the Seawolves.  NoDak Wins

Merrimack vs Alaska (Fri)

I’ll take the home team, Nanooks win.

#2 North Dakota vs Alaska (Sat)

Last weekend the Nanooks tied Air Force 3-3 and lost to Canisius 3-1 in the Kendall Hockey Classic in Anchorage.

The Nanooks (I like their jersey’s) will have the home crowd advantage.  It will give them some inspiration, but that doesn’t win games, goals do.  NoDak Wins

Merrimack vs Alaska-Anchorage (Sat)

Last weekend the Warriors lost to fellow Hockey East foe Northeastern 4-2.

The Seawolves will not be heading south (not but once, maybe twice, a year I can say that) empty this weekend, Seawolves Win

BYE WEEK

Bemidji St.
Wisconsin

WCHA official Friesema's comment about bomb lands him in jail, closes airport

Yesterday, we found out that if you make a comment about having a bomb in your suit case while you’re checking in at any airport – you’ll probably cause an airport to be immediately evacuated and people’s flights to be delayed.

What started out as joke – ended up blowing up and going viral on the Internet.

Also, it doesn’t matter if you’re joking or not, the TSA and the Airport police probably will not think that it’s very funny and you will probably be led away from the airport in handcuffs – you’ll also miss your flight and end up in a jail cell until you court appearance.

Early Sunday morning, WCHA on ice official Peter Friesema was charged with making terroristic threats and disorderly conduct after he made an ill-advised comment about having a bomb in his check-in luggage.

More specifically, Friesema in an attempt to be funny made a comment about his friend’s bag having a bomb in it after a gate agent from Alaska Airlines put the wrong bag tag on his checks luggage. As most of us know from flying post 9-11, an airport is the wrong place to make a comment like this.

Lisa Demer and Richard Mauer, Anchorage Daily News --- "But my friend's bag has a bomb in it," the agent remembers him [Frieseman] saying, according to a charging document. He recounted it to authorities slightly differently, more to the effect of "what if my friend's bag has a bomb in it?

"Either way, his comment was "perhaps an effort to be funny or flirtatious," Assistant District Attorney Adam Alexander said Sunday before Friesema made a court appearance.

Developing... The WCHA will release a press release about the status of their on ice official Peter Friesema later in the day.

Weekend Match-Ups (by Sioux 7)

Last weekend the college hockey season un-officially got underway, with a slate of exhibition games.  None of the WCHA teams lost however there were a couple of ties.

WCHA STANDINGS 2012-2013

Team………………………W-L-T………Points

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

Non Conference Games

Clarkson @ Colorado College

The Golden Knights (ECAC) invade the World Arena this weekend for a pair of games against the Tigers.  I’m sure the Knights hope they will be the ones holding the Tigers under siege and not the other way around.  The Tigers started out last season on a hot streak and their fans are hoping for another fast start.  Tigers Sweep.

Minnesota State @ Alabama-Huntsville

The Mavericks hit the road to start the season and they hit it with a lengthy trip.  The Chargers are the lone independent team (I know Penn State starts this year as an independent, but I don’t count them since they are new.) in the college hockey world; hopefully a nice conference will adopt them next season…  Last year the Chargers had season to forget, they went 2-28-1, in their games.  Mavericks Sweep.

Ohio State @ Minnesota-Duluth

The Buckeyes from Columbus will make a trek to scenic Duluth to start their last season as a CCHA team before moving to the big ten conference.  Last season OSU finished the season 15-15-5, it doesn’t get any more even than that.  The Bulldogs have been good at home in their new arena and I expect them to add to their win total there this weekend.  Bulldogs Sweep.


Michigan State @ Minnesota
The Spartans come to Minneapolis, for a weekend series, to kick off their non conference schedule.  Next year this will be a conference game as both teams will head to the new big ten hockey conference.  With all the returning talent the Gophers have, you would expect them to win this series.  Gophers Sweep.

St. Could St. @ New Hampshire

Coach Motzko and his team of Huskies mush their way across the country to New Hampshire to begin their 2012 campaign.  Last year the Wildcats finished 11-14-2 in Hockey East and 15-19-3 overall, so they were down a bit from normal, while the Huskies finished 12-12-4 in the WCHA and 17-17-5 overall, they were even stevens.  I’m going to wimp out and call this series a SPLIT.

Northern Michigan @ Wisconsin

The Wildcats from Marquette head down south to Madison to take on the Badgers.  Last season the boys from NMU finished 11-11-6-3 in the CCHA and 17-14-6 overall, compared to the guys from UW who went 11-15-2 in the WCHA and 17-18-2 overall.  I’m inclined to call this series even based on last year’s numbers.  SPLIT.

Exhibition Game

US U-18 @ North Dakota

The USA development team travels to Grand Forks this year to take on NoDak.  The last time they were in GF was back in December 2010, when the Sioux won 2-1 in that game.  UND will most likely be playing everyone that is dressed to play, to get everyone some ice time and experience.  ND Wins. 

US U-18 @ Bemidji State University.  BSU Wins.

IceBreaker Tournament (Kansas City, Missouri)

Nebraska-Omaha vs Army

The Mavericks could be considered the home team in this contest, give their proximity to this tournament.  Given that last season the Black Knights finished 4-23-7 overall, I have to give the advantage to UNO in this tilt.  Mavericks Win

Notre Dame vs Maine

The Irish finish the 11-12 season with a 19-18-3 overall mark, and the Black Bears owned a 23-14-3 overall mark.  I’m going with the Black Bears to chase off the Irish.  Maine Wins

Thus that gives me UM vs UNO for the championship, I’ll take the Black Bears to win the tournament.  Then that leaves ND vs Army, and I’ll take the Irish in that game.

Kendall Hockey Classic (hosted in Anchorage, Alaska)

Canisius vs Alaska-Anchorage

The Golden Griffins from Buffalo, NY finished last season with a 10-22-4 overall record.  The Seawolves finished the 11-12 campaign with a 9-25-2 record.  I’ll pick the home team here.  Seawolves Win

Air Force vs Alaska

Last year the Falcons from Air Force won the Atlantic Hockey regular season title with a 15-6-6 AH record and where 21-11-7 overall.  The Nanooks from Fairbanks, didn’t fare as well, going 8-16-4 in the CCHA and 12-20-4 overall.  Falcons Win

Then the teams switch in this tournament –

Canisius vs Alaska – I’ll take the Nanooks in this Saturday game.

Air Force vs Alaska-Anchorage – I’ll take the Falcons in this game.

BYE WEEK

Denver Pioneers

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My take on the Don Adam hiring by the NCHC

Like I said on twitter today – the NCHC is going to end up being the most discussed league in hockey before they ever play a period of hockey.  Some of the discussion will be positive and some of the discussion will not be so positive. 

@mnstate0fhockey Just think the NCHC is going to be the most discussed hockey league before they ever play a period of hockey @bruceciskie
— Eric J. Burton (@goon48) September 20, 2012

Today’s announcement from the NCHC isn't going to sit well with UND hockey fans base.

Earlier this morning, the NCHC, which is set to begin play for the 2013-14 season – added more to the discussion as the league announced that they had hired the much maligned WCHA on ice official Don Adam to be the leagues' first Director of Officiating. Fans of the newly founded NCHC, are luke warm to the leagues' newest personnel move. 

Of course there was grumblings… 

It’s not an understatement to say that this hire is not playing well with the fans – especially UND hockey fans who have watched Don Adam officiate many crucial but also controversial hockey games involving their favorite hockey team over the past 10 years. 

While some will not be happy that I brought this up –  for the most part UND hockey fans do not look favorably on Don Adam and why should they? 

Adam is remembered infamously for being the on ice official when UND Hockey players Robbie Bina and Chay Genoway were injured on the ice while Adam looked on. 

During the 2005 WCHA Final Five semifinal game – Adam incorrectly gave Geoff Paukovich a two minute minor after he drove UND defenseman Robbie Bina from behind head first into the boards breaking his neck.

Adam incorrectly gave Paukovich a two minute minor penalty for the hit. The call was later changed to a five minute major and a game suspension by the WCHA tournament officials. Denver University head coach George Gwozdecky would later give Paukovich an additional game causing Paukovich to miss DU’s first game during the 2005 NCAA playoffs.  

So after that incident UND fans were not so enamored by Don Adam or his officiating skills. Let’s also not forget that Don Adam was one of the officials that was on the ice for the Aaron Marvin hit on Chay Genoway.  

Of course neither on ice referees Tim Walsh and Don Adam saw the play. 

After the play in question  – head official Don Adam conferred with the linesmen – at first the officiating crew incorrectly penalized SCSU defenseman Chris Hepp and he was originally incorrectly given a five minute major  a game misconduct – the mistake was later corrected between periods and Hepp who had taken off his equipment and taken a shower, had to put his equipment back on and rejoin the game.  

Let me just say that UND hockey fans have long memories, but this is not a popular choice among the fans of the NCHC. 

Perusing the fan message boards – there’s a lot of angst and anger over this selection.

Like many other fans, I am am also frustrated with this move, because I thought the NCHC was formed by likeminded schools that wanted to get away from the lack of transparency that has surrounded the WCHA under the leadership of Bruce McLeod. When you think of WCHA on ice officials Don Adam's name is one of the first that pops into your head when discussion of officials occurs. 

At first glimpse, this would appear to be a bad decision at least from my perspective – obviously I am just one person, but why do you bring in an official that is the face of the old WCHA? Why not start out new and hire a respected official from the USHL or another hockey league that doesn’t come with the baggage of the good ole boy WCHA? 

Many fans like me, are concerned that we will now see a conga line of officials from the WCHA.

WCHA 2012-13 season preview

Originally posted at the Hockey Writers Combine.

The 2012-13 WCHA season is going to be a historic season. After this season, the WCHA is going to go through some major changes – the Minnesota Gophers and the Wisconsin Badgers will move to the newly formed Big Ten Hockey Conference and join their fellow Big Ten Conference schools the Penn State Nittany Lions, Ohio State Buckeyes, Michigan Wolverines and Michigan State.

Also set to leave the WCHA next season are the Colorado College Tigers, Denver Pioneers, University of Minnesota Duluth Dog, University of Nebraska Omaha, University of North Dakota and Saint Cloud State Huskies who are going to join the Miami University and Western Michigan in a newly formed league the National Collegiate Hockey Conference, Notre Dame is moving to the Hockey East.

We’re not done yet – the remaining CCHA and WCHA schools are going to form what some refer to as the nWCHA beginning for the 2013-14 season.  If your head is spinning – you’re not alone.

Here is how I think the WCHA is going to shake out this season.

1.) University of Minnesota –  During the 2011-12 season the Minnesota Gophers had what many would consider a pretty successful season, the Gophers (28-14-1 Overall – 20-8-0 1^st WCHA)  rebounded to win the MacNaughton Cup after suffering through three subpar seasons where they failed to make the NCAA tourney. During the 2011-12 season – the Minnesota Gophers made it all the way to the Frozen Four before being beaten soundly by the Boston College Eagles 6-1 in the Semi Finals.

With what the Gophers have lost from last season and with what the Gophers have coming in, I don’t think it’s unreasonable to have the Minnesota Golden Gophers penciled in to repeat for the league title and another trip to the Frozen Four. That being said, the Gophers are going to have the proverbial target on their back – every team in the league this season is going to be gunning for the Gophers. The heavily favored Gophers are going to be looking for a goaltender to fill the void left by the graduation of senior goaltender Kent Patterson.

Key returning players – Nick Bjugstad, forward (25g-17a—42pts), Zach Budish, forward (12g-23a—35pts), Erik Haula, forward (20g-29a—49pts), Kyle Rau, forward (18g-25a—43pts).

Key Losses – Kent Patterson, goaltender (.907 SV%, 2.32 GAA 28-14-1 record), Jake Hanson, forward (16g-22a—38pts), Taylor Mattson, forward (8g-13a—23pts).

Key Incoming Freshmen – Reilly Connor forward, Mike Reilly defenseman and Ryan Reilly forward, AJ Michaelson forward.

2.) University of North Dakota – The University of North Dakota, nickname to be determined later, (25-14-1 Overall – 16-11-0 4^th WCHA) won an unprecedented third Broadmoor Cup in a row and look to four peat before heading to the NCHC for the 2013-14 season.

Since 2005-06 season no other WCHA team has won more Broadmoor Cups than UND – UND has twice won three games in three days – two out of the last three seasons to win an unprecedented third Broadmoor Trophy in a row. During that run through the Final Five,  UND beat Saint Cloud State University, the University of Minnesota and Denver University in three consecutive days.

UND would travel to the Xcel Energy Center where it would beat the Western Michigan University Bronco 2-1 before losing the next night 5-2 in the Midwest Regional finals to the Minnesota Golden Gophers.
The University of North Dakota should also be a force to be reckoned with during the 2012-13 campaign – while UND loses Brock Nelson – Rocco Grimaldi is back after having season ending surgery. UND also has a pretty decent recruiting class to replace the players that graduated from last season.

Key returning players – Corbin Knight, forward (16g-24a—40pts), Danny Kristo, forward (19g-26—45pts), Carter Rowney, forward (18g-15a—33pts), Nick Mattson, defenseman (6g-13a—19pts), Dillon Simpson, defenseman (2g-16a—18pts).

Key Losses – Brock Nelson, Forward (28g-19a—47pts), Aaron Dell, goaltender (.900 SV%, 2.67 GAA 18-10-2 record), Ben Blood, defenseman (3g-18a—21pts).

Key incoming freshman/players – Rocco Grimaldi, forward (1g-1a—2pts), Jordan Schmaltz Defense, Zane Gothberg goaltender, Clarke Saunders (.906 SV%, 3.72 GAA, 2-23-1 record).

3.) University of Wisconsin – The Wisconsin Badgers had what Badgers fans could classify the 2011-12 campaign as a season to forget, (17-18-2 Overall – 11-15-2 10^th WCHA) as the Badgers missed the Final Five and traveled on the road for the first round of the playoffs and then lost in the first round of the WCHA playoffs to the Denver University Pioneers in three games. While the Badgers lost Justin Schultz to the NHL they didn’t lose many other players to the NHL.

Key Returning Players - Mark Zengerle, forward (13g-37a—50pts), Michael Mersch, forward (14g-16a—30pts), Tyrler Barnes, forward (11g-15a—26pts), John Ramage, defense (3g-7a—10pts), Jake McCabe, defense (3g-9a—12pts), Joel Rumpel, goalie (.919 SV%, 2.48 GAA, 12-12-2).

Key incoming players - Morgan Zulinick forward, Kevin Schulze defense, Nic Kerdiles Defense.
Key losses - Justin Schultz, defense (16g-28a—44pts).

4.) Denver University – The Denver Pioneers were picked to win the WCHA in 2011-12 in picked to finish first in all three WCHA preseason polls (25-14-4 Overall – 16-8-4 3^rd WCHA) Media, Writers and the coach’s polls). It would be four if you count the WCHA Blogger and Website Preseason Poll which also picked the Denver Pioneers to win the WCHA.

The Pioneers suffered an inordinate amount of injuries and really never got going and ended up under achieving – there are many talented players returning to the Pioneers but the losses of Jason Zucker and Drew Shore is going to be noticed on the ice this season. The Pioneers should battle for home ice and make the NCAA playoffs.

Key Losses – Drew Shore, forward (22g-31a—51pts), Jason Zucker, forward (22g-24a—46pts), Beau Bennett, forward 4g-9a—13pts), Luke Salazar, forward (12g-18a—30pts).

Key Returning Players – Nick Shore, forward (13g-28a—41pts), Shawn Ostrow, forward (11g-10a—21pts), Joey LaLeggia, defense (11g-27a—38pts), Ty Loney, forward (10g-11a—21pts).

Key Incoming Players – Dakota Mermis defense, Quentin Shore forward, Nolan Zajac defense, Gabe Levin forward, Grant Arnold forward.

5.) University of Minnesota Duluth – Last season the UMD Bulldogs (25-10-6 Overal – 16-7-5 2^nd WCHA) overpowered teams with their speed and offensive prowess. UMD was a very dangerous team even strength and the Bulldogs finished second nationally in offensive scoring. This season team will be talented; however, the Bulldog lineup is going to be looking to others to step up offensively after losing 160 points with the graduation of Jack Connolly, Travis Olesksuk and the with the signing of J.T. Brown. That’s not to say that the Cupboard is entirely bare either – Mike Seidel and Caleb Herbert look to fill the void for the Bulldogs. The Bulldogs should secure home ice for the WCHA playoffs and challenge for a top three finish in the WCHA standings.

Key Losses – Jack Connolly, forward (20g-40a—60pts), Travis Olesksuk, forward (21g-32a—53pts), J.T. Brown forward 24g23a—47, Brady Lamb defense (9g-22a—31pts).

Key Returning Players – Caleb Hebert, forward (14g-19a—33pts), Mike Seidel, forward (17g-13a—30pts).

Key Incoming Players – Austin Farley, forward, Tony Cameranesi, forward, Andy Welinski defense, Matt McNeely goalie, Austyn Young forward.

6.) Colorado College – At the start of last season, the Colorado College Tigers had great expectations for their season (26-13-3 – 15-12-1 – 5^th WCHA) but in the end the Tigers ended up under achieving causing Tigers fans to wonder what happened. There is some good news and bad news. The good news, this season the Tigers are going to be a relatively older squad as they return seven seniors and six juniors. The bad news the Tigers lost two of their top three forward from last year’s lineup to include their best forward Jaden Schwartz after he signed an entry level deal with the St. Louis Blues of the NHL.

Last season, Tigers junior goalie Joe Howe what many would classify as a rough season after having two pretty solid freshman and sophomore seasons. Look for Joe Howe to bounce back this season.
Key Losses – Jaden Schwartz,forward (15g-26a—41pts), Nick Dineen, forward (14g-12a—26pts), Gabe Guentzel, defense (4g-22a—26pts).

Key Returning Players – Rylan Schwartz, forward (23g-17a—40pts), Joe Howe, goalie (.882 SV%, 3.48 GAA 5-8-1), Josh Thorimbert, goalie (.924 SV%, 2.35 GAA 18-8-1).

Key Incoming Players – Hunter Fejes forward.

6.) Michigan Tech University – It would not be a stretch to say that the 2000’s have not been kind to the Michigan Tech Huskies. Under former head coach Jamie Russell, the Huskies had a combined record of 31-105-17 from 2007-11. Last year, the Tech Huskies were much improved team under first year head coach Mel Pearson and last season the Huskies topped their previous three season’s win total with a record of (16-19-4 Overall – 11-13-4 8^th WCHA).

I think it’s safe to say that, Mel Pearson has turned the Huskies’ ship around and has the program going in the right direction, after taking over the reins from former head coach Jamie Russell.

Pearson’s returned the Huskies to the Final Five after the Huskies knocked off the Colorado College Tigers in the first round of the WCHA playoffs to advance to the Final Five. The Huskies magical run ended a day later when they lost in the quarter final game to the Denver Pioneers. In one season, Pearson changed the Huskies fortunes.   The Huskies once thought of as an easy win under Pearson have become a tough team to play against.

Key Losses – Brett Olson, forward (10g-20a—30pts), Jordan Baker, forward 10g-18a—28pts), Alex MacLeod, forward (8g-11a—19pts), Josh Robinson, goalie (.909 SV%, 2.83 GAA, 15-14-4).
Key Returning Players – David Johnstone, forward (11g-18a—29pts), Ryan Furne, forward (12g-12a—24pts), Kevin Genoe goalie (880 SV%, 2.71 GAA, 1-5-0).

Key Incoming Players – Jujhar Khaira forward, Alex Petan forward, Malcolm Gould forward, Jamie Phillips goalie, Pheonix Copley goalie.

8. University of Nebraska Omaha – I am kind of torn on this team.   I’m not sure where they should be ranked after the Mavericks had a disappointing season (14-18-6 overall – 11-12-5 7^th WCHA). The Mavericks had high hopes for the 2011-12 WCHA season but under achieved.

The Mavericks ended their season on a disappointing note when the Mavericks failed to gain home ice for the WCHA playoffs – traveled to Saint Cloud for the first round of the WCHA playoffs – lost the first round season to end their season. The Mavericks in their two seasons in the WCHA, have failed to make the WCHA Final Five – losing in the first round of both seasons to the Beavers and Huskies, respectively.
Picking the Mavericks finish is a tough task this season because they’re a bit of enigma this season. The Mavericks on paper are a relatively young team and have five freshman and eight sophomores and only three seniors. Also, the Mavericks have a pretty solid incoming recruiting class coming in this fall that could fill in the void left by this offseason departures.

The offseason was not very kind to the Red Mavericks as they lost three of top players – two of which signed professional contracts, Terry Broadhurst and Jayson Megna and a third player, their sophomore goalie, Ryan Massa, decided to take the year off for personal reasons.

Key Losses – Terry Broadhurst, forward (16g-20a—36pts), Jayson Megna, forward (13g-18a—31pts), Ryan Massa goalie, (.914 SV%, 2.60 GAA, 7-8-2).

Key Returning Players – Matt White, forward (17g-23a—40pts) Ryan Walters, forward (10g-15a—25pts), Bryce Aneloski, defense (6g-14g—20pts).

Key Incoming Players – Anthony Stolarz goalie, Brian Cooper defense, Nick Seeler defense, Tanner Lane  forward,  Aaron Pearce forward.

9. Saint Cloud State University – Traditionally, the Saint Cloud State University Huskies tend to be in the top half of the WCHA and challenge for a top four finish in the WCHA.  Last season the SCSU Huskies (17-17-5 overall – 12-12-5 6^th WCHA) were a .500 team that was hit hard by the injury bug. The shorthanded Huskies made a late season surged and limped into the WCHA playoffs where their season ended in semifinals of the WCHA Final Five by the University of North Dakota.

Key Losses – David Eddy, forward (9g-16a—25pts), Travis Novak, forward (12g-15—27pts), Jared Festler 15g-19a—34pts), Mike Lee, goalie (.930 SV%, 2.23 GAA, 8-6-2).

Key Returning Players – Ben Hanowski, forward (23g-20a—43pts), Nic Dowd, forward (11g-13a—23pts), Andrew Prochno, defense (5g-24—29pts).

Key Incoming Players – Jimmy Murray forward, Jonny Brodzinski forward, Rasmus Reijola goaltender.

10. Bemidji State University – Last season the hard working Beavers’ (17-18-3 overall – 11-14-3 9^th WCHA) late season stumble – in which the Beavers lost four out of six games going into the playoffs  – prevented the Beavers from an upper division finish in the WCHA standings – the Beavers look to improve on their 9^th place finish.

This is what Head Coach Tom Serratore had to say at the end of last season after his Beavers were eliminated by the University of North Dakota in the first round of the WCHA playoffs.

“I thought it was a great season.  Everyone gauges their season differently, but I mean, this is a tough league, we know it’s a tough league.  We had 17 wins.  We were over five hundred in the regular season. We had more points than we had last year.  Those are the things we have look at right there.  Again, we made progress and we were hard to play against.  Again, I thought it was a great season.  Obviously we didn’t want it to end this way.  We wanted to advance to the WCHA Final Five, but it didn’t happen. But, that didn’t take anything away from the season we had.”

Going forward you can bet that Beavers head coach will have them ready to play and as usual, you can count on the Bemidji State Beavers being a small, quick and tenacious team that will get pucks deep and will fore-check the opposition relentlessly.  No team should look past the Beavers this season.

Key Losses – Shea Walters, forward (12g-14—26pts), Brad Hunt, defense (5g-21a—26pts) ,  Dan Bakela goaltender, (.911 SV%, 2.64 GAA, 11-13-2).

Key Returning Players – Jordan George, forward (19g-12a—31pts), Aaron McLeod, forward (9g-14—23pts), Brance Orban, forward (9g-13a—24pts).

Key Incoming Players – Markus Gerbrandt forward, Brad Robbins forward, Cory Ward forward, James Hansen defense, Graeme McCormack defense.

11. Minnesota State University Mankato – Last season the Minnesota State Mavericks experienced a rash of injuries that left their squad devastated and were never able to get going. The Mavericks had two of the more talented rookies Matt Leitner and Jean-Paul Lafontaine and lead the Mavericks in points.

After the season, Minnesota State decided to make a change in coaching, and removed Troy Jutting as the head coach of the Mavericks, who had been the head coach of the Mavericks for twelve seasons (2000-12 season), taking over for Don Brose who retired after the 1998-1999 season.  Under Jutting, Minnesota State had not made the Final Five or the NCAA tourney since the 2002-03 season. Minnesota State hired University of Nebraska Omaha assistant coach Mike Hastings to replace Jutting.  The Former head coach Troy Jutting has since been hired as an assistant coach at UNO to replace Mike Hastings.

Key Losses – Michael Dorr, forward (8g-11a—19pts), Justin Jokinen, forward (3g-10a—13pts), Austin Lee, goalie (.910 SV%, 3.07 GAA, 5-16-1).

Key Returning Players – Matt Leitner, forward (11g-18a—29pts), Jean-Paul Lafontatine, forward (13g-15a—28pts) Ericah Hayes, forward (13g-11a—24pts), Phil Cook, goalie (.887 SV%, 3.55 GAA, 7-8-0).
Key Incoming Players – Teddy Blueger forward, Bryce Gervais forward, Brett Knowles forward, Nick Buchanan Defense.

12. University of Anchorage Alaska - Last season hopes were high for the Seawolves after they had eliminated the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the first round of the WCHA playoffs and qualified for the WCHA Final Five – before losing in the quarter Finals to the Colorado College Tigers 4-2.

After having high hopes for the season – last season ended up being a season to forget for the Seawolves and their fans as they returned to the cellar of the WCHA (9-25-2 overall – 5-22-1 12^th WCHA). The second half of the season ended up being very rough for the Seawolves as they went a dismal 3-15-0 down the stretch after the first of the year – winning just three games in last 18 games.

Seawolves fans are expecting more out of them this season, led by Dave Shyiak who has a 76-152-26 in seven seasons with the Seawolves.

The Seawolves have large incoming freshman class that includes eight incoming players – including three players from local Anchorage Alaska area.

Key Losses – Mitch Bruijsten, forward (8g-8a—16pts), Eric Scheid, forward (6g-9—15pts), Curtis Leinweber, defense (9g-8a—17pts).

Key Returning Players – Jordan Kwas, forward (4g-10a—14pts), Scott Warner, defense (2g-13a—15pts).

Key Incoming Players – Blake Tatchell forward, Haden Trupp forward, Blake Leask defenseman, Michael Matyas goaltender.

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UND Women 5th in USCHO Poll

The UND women are ranked fifth in the first USCHO poll of the year. Coming into the season, the UND women's team returns most of their team from a year ago and will be "one" of the favorites in the WCHA this season.