More NCHC Hate

Michigan Tech logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

What an awesome idea, insult a whole fan base travels well before they show up and spend money in your hometown.

I actually expected to read more poorly written  editorials like this during the final year of the WCHA as we know it today, but we haven’t so far. Why write this now?

First off, if you’re going to attack someone you should have saved your ire for the Wisconsin Badgers athletics department. Wasn’t Barry Alvarez one of the big cheer leaders of the B1G? Without the Big Ten Hockey Conference none of this would probably ever happened.

Brandon Veale; DMG Sports Editor --- You can probably bet on this being the last time UND slums around here, thanks to they and the rest of the band of mutineers that formed the National Collegiate Hockey Conference. You may remember the NCHC as the league formed to avoid undesirable (and more importantly, untelevised) trips to places like Houghton, Mankato and Anchorage and replace them with occasionally televised places like Oxford, Ohio and Kalamazoo.

They're very excited about this, as the NCHC is already sending out regular releases on each future member's progress, even though league play doesn't begin until next season. It's a job Winston from the book would be proud of.

I'm sure everyone the television industry is beating the door down to go to Grand Forks in January to show the Fighting _____ play Western Michigan, though I wouldn't mind seeing how they're going with uninstalling all the _____ logos paid for, and demanded by, Ralph Engelstad's hard-earned casino money.

First, I don’t have anything against Michigan Tech and appreciate their school and their hockey program so this isn't directed at their team. I have met many great Michigan Tech fans and have enjoyed interacting with their fans during the Final Fives.

Last year, during the Final Five I had a 0:300 am breakfast at Mickey’s Diner in Saint Paul with a Gopher fan, two Tech fans and two other UND hockey fans that I know and the general theme was we’re were going miss days like this when our favorite teams all go different directions in 2013-14.

That being said, this sports column was hardly needed.

Like I have said a few times, the fans are hardly to blame when it comes to College Hockey re-alignment; we had no choice in this matter. These types of conference decisions are made by people in athletic departments that are supposed to be a lot smarter than the rest of us. I don't remember them asking any of us for our feed back when they made these decisions either.

I have always told people if you’re unhappy with the formation of the NCHC send the people that made this happen an email or letter. That’s where your anger should be focused.

Lastly, I also don’t think that it’s necessary to take shots at a dead benefactor. What’s the point? I don’t know any college hockey program that would have turned down a 100,000,000.00 donation/gift to build a hockey arena. Ralph Englestad Arena has been a God send to UND, and helps recruit some the best hockey players in college hockeys. I am just shocked there wasn't a Nazi reference in there. I mean seriously, Ralph Englestad has been dead since November 26, 2002 but yet the hateful comments never cease, ten years later.

Related articles

• Former Gophers Andy Brink's thought's on college hockey and the WCHA (thehockeywriters.com)
• WCHA Issues One-Game Suspension to Wisconsin's Little (ndgoon.blogspot.com)

WCHA Issues One-Game Suspension to Wisconsin’s Little

The WCHA has suspended Ryan Little for this hit. In looking at the video, this is the type of hit that the NCAA is trying to eliminate and I have no issue with this suspension. I also can see why some from Badger Nation might be a little ornery as well.

In fact, Wisconsin has been on the wrong end of some really bad calls this season and I am going to let Andy Johnson of Bucky's Fifth Quarter explain the latest bad call against the Badgers.

While Khaira was certainly deserving of a penalty, the refs should have penalized him for a five minute major and ejected him from the contest. Video reviews clearly showed Khaira grabbing UW sophomore defenseman Jake McCabe from behind by the facemask and dropping him to the ice like it was a WWE wrestling match.

Jujhar Khaira was whistled for holding with 4:09 left to play in the third period. Wisconsin's Tyler Barnes would go on to score on the man advantage to tie things up at one.

While I applaud the WCHA for getting it right in this instance, there have been many instances where the league’s officials have been wrong as well.

If I have to use one word to explain the officiating on the ice in the WCHA this season I would use the term “brutal.”

Inconsistency has been plagued WCHA officials in recent times, causing many fans in attendance to scoff when the WCHA on ice officials skate on to the ice. We never know what they’re going to call or what they’re not going to call.

MADISON, Wis. – The men’s Western Collegiate Hockey Association today announced a one-game suspension to University of Wisconsin hockey player Ryan Little as a result of his actions in the December 8 game against Michigan Tech University.

Little’s suspension was determined after a review by the league office of an illegal check with 1:24 remaining in the overtime session and comes under the WCHA’s Supplementary Discipline Policy and Procedures.

Little will be required to serve the one-game suspension in Wisconsin’s next regularly scheduled contest on Thursday, December 13 vs Alabama-Huntsville.

Related articles

• Former Gophers Andy Brink's thought's on college hockey and the WCHA (thehockeywriters.com)
• WCHA Power Rankings: 12/09/12 (insidehockey.com)
• WCHA Web Media Poll: Week 9 (thehockeywriters.com)

Highly touted Kerdiles to stay at Wisconsin

Originally posted at the Hockey Writers Combine

The University of Wisconsin Badgers fan base got some great news today, as they found out that their highly touted incoming freshman forward Nic Kerdiles will be staying at the University of Wisconsin and will not be bolting for the Kelowna Rockets of the Western Hockey League, who own his rights.

If Kerdiles had decided to bolt to the Western Hockey League – instead of serving his eight game suspension – he would have been eligible to play immediately for the Rockets.

This is a “huge” win for college hockey fans, but also college hockey in general, which over the past two years has suffered through the loss of some highly touted blue chip recruits and players, who bolted the CHL.

As a college hockey fan, it is a breath of fresh air to see a kid like Kerdiles’ stature happy to be a student at the University of Wisconsin and now have one foot out the door already. Kerdiles said as much today during the press conference.

 "To be the best student-athlete I can be and work toward my degree at a great university,” Kerdiles said.
It also looks like there wasn’t a lot of doubt in Kerdiles’ mind where he wanted to be and he is proud to be part of the Wisconsin Badgers hockey team.

"I'm so glad to be able to call myself a Badger and to continue doing so,” Kerdiles said. "There was never a doubt" he would remain with the Badgers. It was an easy decision for my family and I."

It also sounds like the head coach of the Wisconsin Badgers Mike Eaves is also very relieved to have this problem behind him and that he will not have to worry about his blue chip forward bolting to the WHL or anywhere else.

"I'm glad we're going to put this behind us and move forward," Eaves said. "When he gets back in there, we'll have an impact player in our lineup"

Kerdiles is eligible to return to the Badgers lineup on November 9^th, 2012 when they play the Denver Pioneers at Magness Arena  in Denver, Colorado. Kerdiles already has November 30^th, 2012 circled on his calendar.

When the Badgers finally get Kerdiles back in the lineup from his 10 game suspension – it will be like a team getting a free agent player at the trade deadline or a players returning from injury reserve after a long term injury. But for now, the Badgers Kerdiles will just have to sit and wait.

Wisconsin Freshman Nic Kerdiles’ suspension reduced to 10 games by the NCAA

Originally posted at the Hockey Writer – Combine

Earlier in the month, we had found out that highly touted incoming Wisconsin Badgers freshman forward Nic Kerdiles, had been suspended for one year by the NCAA for a violation of the NCAA’s amateurism rules.

Courtesy of the United States of Hockey --- Apparently, Kerdiles stayed in a hotel room the night of the NHL Entry Draft that was part of a block paid for by a credit card owned by family advisor and certified NHL player agent Ian Pulver. According to the source, though the Kerdiles family eventually repaid Pulver, apparently enough time had lapsed prior to repayment leading the NCAA to view this as a loan from an agent and therefore an improper benefit.

With the reduction of the suspension from the NCAA, Kerdiles will now have a 10 game suspension, with time served. The Badgers have already played in two games so eight games remain on Kerdiles’s suspension. Kerdiles will be eligible to return on November 30, 2012 when the Wisconsin Badgers play the Denver Pioneers in Denver, Colorado.

Kerdiles’s has a big decision ahead him, one of his option is that he was been drafted by the Kelowna Rockets of the Western Hockey Leagues and he could leave the University of  Wisconsin and he would be eligible immediately to play in the WHL.

As a college hockey fan and advocate, I would hope that ends up “not” being the case.

Walter Dickey, Wisconsin's Senior Associate Athletic Director for Regulatory Affairs, who handled the appeal on behalf of the University of Wisconsin, issued the following statement.

"While we recognize the significant nature of a reduction in penalty from a full season withholding to 30 percent, we are dismayed that any penalty whatsoever was imposed on Nic Kerdiles in this matter. We remain confident that the facts demonstrate Nic had no culpability. The facts serve as evidence that he has the kind of character we believed he had when he was first recruited. Throughout this ordeal, Nic has demonstrated nothing but poise and integrity consistent with the outstanding student-athlete we know he is.
"Nic is currently exploring his options which we have encouraged him to do. Our hope is that he remains a Badger."

Wisconsin freshman Nic Kerdiles suspended for one year by the NCAA

Bucky Badger 2003-Present (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Originally posted at the Hockey Writers - Combine. 

While I was on my vacation at the beginning of this week – a major story broke on Badgers freshman forward Nic Kerdiles.

Kerdiles is a highly touted incoming freshman forward and was one of the better players on the U.S. National Under-18 Team last season; unfortunately, he has been suspended by the NCAA for one year.

According to Andy Baggott, beat writer for the Wisconsin Badgers; the University of Wisconsin men’s hockey team could end up losing their highly talented freshman winger Nic Kerdiles for a year for a violation of the NCAA’s amateurism rules.

Multiple sources in the NHL and college hockey indicate the NCAA acted on photos and postings made public via social media that involve an agent and took place leading up to the NHL Entry Draft in June.

It’s not clear what specific issues led the NCAA to rule against Kerdiles, an 18-year-old from Irvine, Calif., but the Bucky’s 5th Quarter website culled a photo from an agent’s Twitter account that showed Kerdiles and two of the agent’s clients holding glasses that advertised a specific energy drink.

The photo could be construed as Kerdiles being marketed by the representative as well as being used to promote a specific product.

The agent who posted the energy drink photo, Toronto-based Ian Pulver of Pulver Sports, didn’t return a phone call seeking comment Monday.

This would be a major hit for the Wisconsin Badgers, according to Andy Johnson of Bucky’s Fifth quarter, Kerdiles is one of the top incoming recruits in the country this season and was expected to challenge for a spot on the Badgers top line.  Losing Kerdiles would be a major hit for the Wisconsin Badgers who have been picked by some to finish in the upper half of the WCHA standings this season.

Of course the University of Wisconsin is appealing this unprecedented decision. According to a tweet by Baggott the NCAA isn’t even going to hear Wisconsin’s Appeal this week.

Wisconsin officials confirm NCAA will not hear Nic Kerdiles appeal this week. No specific timetable for when NCAA will act.
— Andy Baggot (@AndyBaggotWSJ) October 11, 2012

Here is the kicker, you would think since Kerdiles has been suspended by the NCAA he could just go back and hone his skills in junior hockey and serve his suspension while he’s playing Junior hockey – he can’t – Kerdiles has to serve the suspension on the Wisconsin campus.

So, it would appear that a blue chip player like Nic Kerdiles isn’t going to sit idle for a season – the home town Anaheim Ducks who drafted Kerdiles in the second round 36^th overall aren’t going to want him to sit around idle for a season, waiting to play Division I college hockey.

Appeal hearing for suspended Wisconsin forward Nic Kerdiles expected Thurs. WHL's Kelowna Rockets and NHL's Anaheim Ducks watching closely.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) October 9, 2012

I would imagine that the Ducks are going to want him to continue playing hockey and you have to wonder if the CHL will be Kerdiles’ next destination.  Kerdiles rights are owned by the  Kelowna Rockets of the Western Hockey League.

It will be interesting to see how this story develops.

Related articles

• Nic Kerdiles suspended, NCAA still doesn't get it (sbnation.com)
• NCAA Officially Rules Kerdiles Ineligible for Season, Wisconsin Appealing [Updated] (unitedstatesofhockey.com)
• UW Frosh Kerdiles Faces Eligibility Issues, Social Media to Blame? [Updated] (unitedstatesofhockey.com)

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.

Related articles

• Pre-Season Predictions (by Sioux 7)

WCHA well represent in the Top-60 Fantasy Hockey Defensemen Rankings

The WCHA is highly represented in this season’s Top-60 Fantasy Hockey Defensemen Rankings – as was expected the University of Wisconsin aka Defenseman U placed four defenders on the list and the University of Minnesota placed second with three defenders…

1. Erik Karlsson
2. Zdeno Chara
3. Shea Weber
4. Kris Letang
5. Dustin Byfuglien - Roseau Minnesota
6. Alex Pietrangelo
7. Dan Boyle - Miami
8. Alexander Edler
9. Ryan Suter - Wisconsin
10. Brian Campbell
19. Jack Johnson - Michigan
27. Alex Goligoski - Minnesota
39. Matt Carle - Denver
48. Brendan Smith - Wisconsin
49. John-Michael Liles - Michigan State
51. Ryan McDonagh - Wisconsin
52. Nick Leddy - Minnesota
53. Erik Johnson - Minnesota
54. Justin Schultz - Wisconsin
57. Justin Faulk - Duluth
60. Jared Spurgeon

Thursday at the Links - Trupp, Parise and Chicago Hockey City Classic and more

Good Thursday morning and we are another day closer to hockey season – if my math is correct we are approximately 37 days away from the first exhibition game between the Fighting Sioux UND Hockey and the Manitoba Bison.

Andy Johnson aka Chuck Schwartz from Bucky’s Fifth Quarter has an interesting article on how they were surprised when they got the ticket prices for the Hockey City Classic at Soldier Field – I don’t think it would be an exaggeration to say that the tickets are expensive between $65.00 and $75.00.

Joe from Paisley’s Hockey has his Thursday links up and Former C.C. Tiger Jaden Schwartz was recently at an NHL rookie symposium - it will be interesting to see where Schwartz starts the season for the St. Louis Blues.

Sabrina Diaz of the Daily Nebraskan suggested that the University of Nebraska Lincoln add hockey – Big Ten hockey could be worthy addition for UNL

Former Fighting Sioux forward Evan Trupp has re-signed with the ECHL's Bakersfield Condors.
[Doyle Woody], [A Tradition of Excellence], [Bakersfield Condors]

CONDORSTOWN, Calif. --- Trupp, 24, was acquired via trade with Cincinnati in January andplayed 45 games in 2011-12 with 12 goals and 22 assists for 34 points. He broke out with the Condors though, amassing 22 points (10g-12a) in 25 games, missing some time due to injury. The Anchorage, Alaska native earned ECHL Player of the Week honors for the week of Feb. 6-12 as he became an internet and viral sensation for his lacrosse-style, behind-the-net goal against Las Vegas on Feb. 11.

Prior to turning pro, the 5’10″, 180 lbs. forward played four seasons at the University of North Dakota where he registered 108 points (40g-68a) in 157 games including 78 points over his junior and senior campaigns.

“What I enjoy most about the team is that we get along well on and off the ice,” said Trupp. “I would get texts and calls throughout the summer from guys letting me know they were coming back and I want to be a part of that. There are great fans in Bakersfield, a great facility, a great rink and I enjoyed last season. I think with a little more experience under our belt now, we’ll be pretty good this season.”

Evgeni Malkin and a few others plan to make plans to play elsewhere when if there is a work stoppage in the NHL this season..

This was from Puck Daddy - From Cap Geek, the 16 teams that are over a $58 million salary cap threshold noticed the two teams at the top:

Boston Bruins ($68,867,976)
Minnesota Wild ($68,848,867)
Vancouver Canucks ($67,768,333)
Calgary Flames ($66,668,332)
Philadelphia Flyers ($66,643,373)
San Jose Sharks ($65,241,667)
Montreal Canadiens ($63,897,976)
Tampa Bay Lightning ($63,246,916)
Edmonton Oilers ($62,933,333)
Toronto Maple Leafs ($62,873,333)
Chicago Blackhawks ($62,445,128)
Los Angeles Kings ($62,320,227)
Buffalo Sabres ($61,542,023)
Pittsburgh Penguins ($60,263,333)
Washington Capitals ($59,627,905)
New York Rangers ($58,508,334)

Here is an interesting read on everyone's favorite Commish - Grange on NHL: Big man in the boardroom...

Tony Gallagher, The Province - NHL players brought some of this on themselves...

Yesterday Michael Russo Star Tribune beat writer for the Minnesota Wild was at the Octagon Pro Hockey Camp in St. Louis Park Minnesota and got former Fighting Sioux All-American Zach Parise take on the CBA negotiations.

Here is Parise:

I’m still optimistic that we’ll all be able to figure it out with the amount of time that we have left. I’m just trying to be hopeful and optimistic about it, so we’ll find out some reaction about what [union chief] Don [Fehr] thinks about the NHL’s proposal in the next couple days.

For whatever reason, [lockouts] seem to be what Gary likes to do. Whether this time around it’s a negotiating tactic or what, you’d hope that he’s smart enough to realize that as a league, the fanbases, with the momentum that the league has gotten, that it wouldn’t be a good idea to have a lockout.

I thought the first proposal was embarrassing. Embarrassing. If you look at it in the long run, in my opinion, it was a quick fix for them, but I feel seven years down the road, it’s not addressing the problem and we’re going to be in the exact same spot where we are now. I could go on for a long time, but I thought it was a joke.

Zach Parise told the St. Paul Pioneer Press that the players are ready to play.

"I think the '04-'05 season is still pretty fresh in everyone's minds, and now we find ourselves in the same position," Parise said after a workout in St. Louis Park on Tuesday, Aug. 26. "It's not good for the game. It's not good for anyone. We're ready to play. We want to play. But (NHL commissioner) Gary (Bettman)'s pretty adamant about his third lockout of his tenure."

UW and UND to continue series after both teams leave the WCHA

There is some really good news to pass along. According to the beat writer for the Wisconsin Badgers Andy Baggot – UND and Wisconsin will continue their historic and heated rivalry after both teams leave the WCHA for the B1G and the NCHA after next season.

2014-15 -- UW has tentative agreements to host North Dakota.

2015-16 -- UW has tentative agreements to play a series at North Dakota.

2016-17 -- UW has tentative agreements to host a series North Dakota.

2017-18 -- UW has a tentative agreement to play a series at North Dakota.

This is good news for Badger and Fighting Sioux hockey fans, the Wisconsin and UND series is one of the most heated rivalries in all of college hockey. Both programs also have a lot of respect for each other.

During his career at UND, head coach Dave Hakstol has a 12-14-2 record against the Wisconsin Badgers. Wisconsin is one of two WCHA teams that Dave Hakstol does not have a winning record against, the other team is Denver 12-15-1. During his tenure at UND Hakstol has also compiled a 3-1 record against Wisconsin in the WCHA and NCAA playoffs.

NHL clubs ready to woo U.S. collegian Justin Schultz

Another story that many college hockey fans are probably following this summer; where is former Wisconsin Badger's All-Star Defenseman Justin Schultz going and or what team is he going to sign with. You have to wonder if the GM of the Toronto Maple Leafs Brian Burke will try and sign the former Wisconsin Star?

Doug Harrison, CBC Sports --- [Justin] Schultz, 21, and his representative, Newport Sports Management in Toronto, found a loophole in the soon-to-be-expired collective bargaining agreement that allows the player to test free agency because he played an extra year of major junior hockey in British Columbia Hockey League before attending the University of Wisconsin.

Schultz is considered an elite offensive defenceman who many observers believe could step into the NHL next season as a top-four blue-liner. He reportedly will be in Toronto on Tuesday and can begin to field offers Wednesday.

“The competition for Schultz will be every bit as intense as the competition for [unrestricted free agents Ryan] Suter and [Zach] Parise,” former NHL forward-turned broadcaster Ray Ferraro told a Canadian sports radio station recently.

Schultz is a six-foot-two, 185-pound right-handed shooting defenceman fresh off a strong season with the U. of Wisconsin Badgers in which he scored 16 goals and 44 points in 37 games. In three seasons, he has posted 40 goals and 73 assists for 113 points in 121 contests.

It’s been said the native of West Kelowna, B.C., would like to play closer to home or with former Wisconsin teammates. He reportedly also wants guaranteed playing time on a NHL roster.

That would put the Maple Leafs in the running as Toronto rearguard Jake Gardiner, acquired from Anaheim along with forward Joffrey Lupul for defenceman Francois Beauchemin in February 2011, was Schultz’s defence partner at Wisconsin.

So if you’re an NHL hockey fan where would you like to see Justin Schultz land? If I was a betting man – I would say that Schultz is going to end up with the New York Rangers or the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Wisconsin's Justin Schultz moving on

None of us in the college hockey world are probably very shocked by this announcement. Personally, I really enjoyed watching Justin Schultz play three season at the University of Wisconsin and he could have signed a professional contract after last season, it was admirable that he choose to come back and play a third season with the Wisconsin Badgers.

For everything Wisconsin Badgers check out Chuck Schwartz.

Ben Hanowski's Beard

Wow!!! This video is really funny... Stick Tap to Rachel Lenzi, she had this on her daily internet newspaper, the Rachel Lenzi Daily. I mean seriously, check out Saint Cloud State forward Ben Hanowski's playoff beard, you could have animals living in that thing and he might not ever know it.

Related articles

• WCHA Power Rankings: March 8, 2012 (insidehockey.com)
• Goon's WCHA Power Rankings 3/04/2012 (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• UND versus SCSU series notes. (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• WCHA Power Rankings: 2/28/12 (insidehockey.com)
• Goon's WCHA Power Rankings 2/26/2012 (ndgoon.blogspot.com)

Goon's WCHA Power Rankings 2/19/2012

Image via Wikipedia

This is my weekly WCHA Power Rankings for INSIDE HOCKEY, Zack Friedli from Hockey State of Mind and I do a weekly WCHA Power Rankings.

1. Minnesota Duluth – (14-6-4 WCHA, 20-7-5) The Bulldogs took three of four points (4-2 W, 4-4 T) from the Minnesota State Mavericks this past weekend in Mankato. This weekend the Bulldogs entertain the Colorado College Tigers.

2. Minnesota – (17-7-0 WCHA, 21-11-1) The Gophers swept (3-0 W, 4-1 W) the Bemidji State Beavers this past weekend in Minneapolis. This weekend the Gophers travel to Omaha Nebraska to play the UNO Mavericks.

3. Denver – (13-7-4 WCHA, 18-10-4) The Pioneers Split (3-0 W, 2-5 L) their weekend series with the Wisconsin Badgers in Madison. This weekend the Pioneers return home to play the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux. 

3. North Dakota – (13-10-1, 17-11-3) The Fighting Sioux took three of four points (4-2 W, 1-1 T) from the Michigan Tech Huskies this weekend in Grand Forks. This weekend the Fighting Sioux travel to Denver to play the Pioneers. With a sweep of the Pioneers and UND would pass the Pioneers in the standings. 

5. Colorado College – (13-10-1 WCHA, 16-12-2) This Tigers split (4-3 W, 3-5 L) their weekend series with the Mavericks in Colorado Springs. This weekend the Tigers travel to Duluth to play the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs. 

6. Nebraska-Omaha – (11-5-5 WCHA, 14-12-6) The Mavericks split (3-4 L, 5-3 W) their weekend series with the C.C. Tigers in Colorado Springs, Colorado. This weekend the Mavericks entertain the Gophers in Omaha. 

7. Michigan Tech – (10-10-4 WCHA, 13-15-1) The Tech Huskies took one point (2-4 L, 1-1 T) in their weekend series with the Fighting Sioux in Grand Forks. The Tech Huskies entertain the Saint Cloud State Huskies in Houghton. 

8. St. Cloud State – (10-11-3 WCHA, 13-15-4) The Huskies split (2-3 L O.T., 8-3 W) their weekend series with the Anchorage Alaska Seawolves in Saint Cloud.   This weekend the Saint Cloud State Huskies make the trek to Houghton Michigan to play the Huskies. 

9. Bemidji State – (9-12-3 WCHA, 15-14-3) The Beavers were swept (0-3 L, 1-4 L) in Minneapolis by the Minnesota Gophers. The Beavers look to get back on track when they entertain the Wisconsin Badgers in Bemidji. The Badgers are 1-8-1 on the road in ten games this season. 

10. Wisconsin – (8-14-2 WCHA, 13-15-2) the Wisconsin Badgers split their weekend series (0-3 L, 5-2 W) with the Denver Pioneers in Madison and broke a five game losing streak with a victory over the Pioneers on Saturday night. This week the Badgers take their unimpressive 1-8-1 road record to Bemidji where they will play the Bemidji State Beavers. 

11. Minnesota State – (8-16-2 WCHA, 12-20-2) The Mavericks took one point (2-4 L, 4-4 T) in their weekend series with Minnesota Duluth. This weekend the Mavericks are idle. 

12.  Alaska-Anchorage – (5-20-1 WCHA, 8-20-2) The Seawolves split (3-2 W O.T., 3-8 L) their weekend series with the Saint Cloud State Huskies in Saint Cloud. This weekend the Seawolves have a home and home series with their cross-state rival the University of Alaska Nanooks in the Governor’s Cup.

Related articles

• Goon's WCHA Power Rankings 2/12/2012 (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• Goon's WCHA Power Rankings 2/5/2012 (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• Goon's WCHA Power Rankings 1/29/2012 (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• Goon's WCHA Power Rankings 1/22/2012 (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• Goon's WCHA Power Rankings 1/15/2012 (ndgoon.blogspot.com)

Goon's WCHA Power Rankings 2/12/2012

Image via WikipediaThis is my weekly WCHA Power Rankings for INSIDE HOCKEY, Zack Friedli from Hockey State of Mind and I do a weekly WCHA Power Rankings.

1.  Minnesota Duluth – (13-6-3 WCHA, 19-7-4) The Bulldogs split with the UND Fighting Sioux this past weekend (1-3 L, 5-4 W).  This weekend the Bulldogs travel to Minnesota State to play the Mavericks in Mankato.

2. Denver – (12-6-4 WCHA, 17-9-4). The Denver Pioneers swept the Minnesota Gophers in Denver this past weekend (5-3 W, 4-3 W O.T.)  This weekend the Pioneers travel to Wisconsin to take on the struggling Badgers who are winless in their last four games.

3. North Dakota – (12-10-0, 16-11-2) The University of North Dakota split with the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs (3-1 W, 4-5 L). The Fighting Sioux return home to entertain the resurgent MTU Huskies at home this weekend.

4. Minnesota – (15-7-0 WCHA, 19-11-1). The Minnesota Gophers were swept by the Denver Pioneers this past weekend in Denver (3-5 L, 4-5 L O.T.) The Gophers entertain the smoking hot Bemidji State Beavers at Mariucci Arena this weekend.

5 Colorado College – (12-9-1 WCHA, 15-11-2) The Tigers were swept by the Bemidji State Beavers this past weekend in Bemidji (2-4 L, 1-4 L). The Tigers return home to play the University of Nebraska Omaha Mavericks.

6. Nebraska-Omaha – (10-7-5 WCHA, 13-11-6) The Mavericks took three point against the Michigan Tech Huskies (3-3 T, 4-0 W) in Houghton, Michigan this past weekend. The Mavericks travel to Colorado Springs to play the Tigers this weekend.

Tie – 7. Michigan Tech – (10-9-3 WCHA, 13-14-3) The Michigan Tech Huskies  took  one point this weekend against the University of Nebraska Omaha Mavericks (3-3 T, 0-4 L). This weekend the Tech Huskies make the trek down highway 2 to play the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux.

Tie – 7. Bemidji State – (9-10-3 WCHA, 15-12-3) The Beavers swept the Colorado College Tigers this past weekend in Bemidji (4-2 W, 4-1 W). This weekend the Beavers travel to Minneapolis to play the Minnesota Gophers. The Beavers are 4-1-1 in their last six games.

9. St. Cloud State – (9-10-3 WCHA, 12-14-4) The Huskies were Idle this past weekend.  This weekend the Huskies entertain the  Anchorage Alaska Seawolves who have won one game in 11.

10. Wisconsin – (7-13-2 WCHA, 12-14-2) The Wisconsin Badgers were off this past weekend. Ironically, the idle Badgers actually fell to 11^th place in the WCHA with the Minnesota State’s sweep of the Seawolves. That being said, the Badgers have two games in hand on the Mavericks and entertain the Denver Pioneers this weekend at the Kohl Center. The Badgers look to break a four game losing streak against the Pioneers.

11. Minnesota State – (8-15-1 WCHA, 12-19-1) The Minnesota State Mavericks swept the University of Alaska Anchorage Seawolves (3-2 W, 2-1 W). This weekend the Mavericks entertain the University of Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs in Mankato.

12.  Alaska-Anchorage – (4-19-1 WCHA, 7-19-2) The Seawolves were swept by the Minnesota State Mavericks in Anchorage Alaska (2-3 L, 1-2 L). It would be an understatement to say that the Seawolves are struggling as they have lost 10 of 11 games and have one win since December 9^th 2011. This weekend the Seawolves travel to Saint Cloud State Huskies.

Related articles

• WCHA Power Rankings (2/2/12) (insidehockey.com)
• WCHA Power Rankings: 1/22/12 (insidehockey.com)

A few things...

In case you haven't seen this video, it's the Justin Schultz Highlight video that someone posted on Youtube. Schultz is one of the best defensemen in the country and would be my pick for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award if I had a vote. Schultz would probably be playing in the NHL right now if he had decided to for-go his junior year of eligibility.

You can bet that UND will be aware of Schultz whenever he's on the ice and will probably have someone checking him at all times. Obviously, it will be hard to shut down Schultz's offensive production, but you can bet that UND will put their best players on Schultz to slow him down. 

Speaking of Justin Schultz – the Junior Defenseman from the Wisconsin Badgers was named the Red Baron® WCHA Defensive Player of the Week this past week. Schultz scored (1g-4a—5pts) in helping his team beat the UAA Seawolves (4-0 W, 3-2 W) in Madison Wisconsin. Schultz is second on the Badgers in scoring with (12g-25a—37pts).

Coming into this weekend’s series the Wisconsin Badgers lead the all-time series against UND 86-62-11 (.575). UND has had some tough sledding as of late against the Badgers as they have only won three times in the last 10 games going an unimpressive 3-6-1.

It looks like this will probably be the top two forward lines for the Wisconsin Badgers and they have been together for four games; LW 16 Joseph LaBate (5g-13a—18pts)- C 9 Mark Zengerle (10g-28a—38pst) RW 7 Tyler Barnes (8g-12a—20pts) and from looking at the line sheets this appears to be the second line for the Badgers - LW 8 Matt Paape (4g-4a—8pts) - C 23 Derek Lee (4g-6a—10pts) - RW 25 Michael Mersch (8g-12—20tps)

Compare and contrast this was what the top line for UND has been most of the season; LW 29 Brock Nelson (17g-10a—27pts) - C 10 Corban Knight (8g-16a—24pts)- RW 7 Danny Kristo (12g-15a—27pts) and this was the second line last weekend LW 16 Mark MacMillan (4g-6a—10pts) - C 27 Carter Rowney (8g-7a—15pts) - RW 15 Michael Parks (4g-3a—7pts).

Who is hot for UND; freshman forward Michael Parks has points in four out of his last six games. Corbin Knight broke a five game scoreless streak by recording a (2g-1a—3 pts) in Saturday's game against Saint Cloud.

Related articles

• WCHA Power Rankings: 1/22/12 (insidehockey.com)
• WCHA Power Rankings - January 8 (insidehockey.com)

Goon’s WCHA Power Rankings 1/22/2012

This is my weekly WCHA Power Rankings for INSIDE HOCKEY, Zack Friedli from Hockey State of Mind was out of town he didn't do a  weekly WCHA Power Rankings.

1.  Minnesota Duluth – (11-3-2 WCHA, 17-4-3) The Bulldogs swept the University of Alabama Huntsville Chargers (2-1 W, 4-3 W) in Duluth this past weekend. This weekend the Bulldogs entertain the Michigan Tech Huskies. Barring a complete meltdown it looks like the Bulldogs are hitting on all cylinders and are the best team in the WCHA

2. Minnesota – (13-5-0 WCHA, 17-9-1) Minnesota split with Colorado College Tigers (1-2 L, 2-1 W) at Mariucci Arena. This weekend the Gophers have a home and home series with the Saint Cloud State Huskies, Minnesota has lost 4 of their last 6 games.

3.  Colorado College – (11-7-0 WCHA, 14-9-1) The Tigers split their weekend series with the Minnesota Gophers (2-1 W, 1-2 L). This weekend the Tigers are off.

4. Denver – (8-5-3 WCHA, 13-8-3). The Pioneers were off this past weekend. This weekend the Denver Pioneers make the trek to Alaska Anchorage to play the Seawolves.

5.  North Dakota – (9-9-0, 13-10-2) The University of North Dakota split with Saint Cloud at the National Hockey Center (1-3 L, 3-2 W). This weekend UND entertains the Wisconsin Badgers. The University of North Dakota has been hit by the Injury Ninja and the following players are “currently out” of the line up for UND.  Here is the list, Rocco Grimaldi (knee, season), Derek Forbort (lower body, day to day), Brendan O'Donnell (shoulder) and Derek Rodwell (shoulder, season).

6.  Nebraska-Omaha – (9-6-3 WCHA, 12-10-4) The Mavericks split with Minnesota State this past weekend in Mankato (1-2 O.T. L, 5-4 O.T. W). The Mavericks are off this weekend.

7.  St. Cloud State – (7-8-3 WCHA, 10-12-4) The Huskies split their weekend series with North Dakota (3-1 W, 2-3 L). The Huskies have a home and home series with the Minnesota Gophers. The Huskies could get Mike Lee and Drew LeBlanc back from injuries soon.

8. Michigan Tech – (8-7-1 WCHA, 11-12-1) The Michigan Tech Huskies lost to Northern Michigan.  The Huskies travel to Duluth to play the high flying Bulldogs. Tech is 2-4-0 in their last six games.

8. Wisconsin – (7-9-2 WCHA, 12-10-2) The Wisconsin Badgers have an impressive 11-4-1 record at home and after sweeping Alaska Anchorage at home (4-0 W, 3-2 W), the Badgers have a less than unimpressive 1-6-1 record away from the Kohl Center. This weekend the Badgers travel to Grand Forks, ND to play North Dakota.

10. Bemidji State – (5-9-2 WCHA, 11-11-2)  The Beavers are off this weekend. This weekend the Beavers entertain the Minnesota State Mavericks.

11. Minnesota State – (4-13-1 WCHA, 8-17-1) The Minnesota State Mavericks split their series with the Nebraska Omaha Mavericks (0-4 L, 3-0 W). The Mavericks travel to Bemidji State to play the Beavers.

 12.  Alaska-Anchorage – (3-14-1 WCHA, 6-14-2) The Seawolves were swept by the Wisconsin Badgers in Madison (2-6 L, 4-6 L). This weekend the Seawolves entertain the Denver Pioneers in Anchorage Alaska. Anchorage has lost five games in a row and has not won since December 9^th, 2011.

Related articles

• WCHA Power Rankings - January 15 (insidehockey.com)
• WCHA Power Rankings - January 8 (insidehockey.com)
• WCHA Power Rankings - December 12 (insidehockey.com)
• WCHA Power Rankings - December 5 (insidehockey.com)
• WCHA Power Rankings - November 28 (insidehockey.com)
• WCHA Power Rankings - November 21 (insidehockey.com)
• WCHA Power Rankings - November 13 (insidehockey.com)
• WCHA Power Rankings: November 1st (insidehockey.com)
• Minnesota pastes North Dakota (insidehockey.com)