WCHA Power Rankings 12/02/2012

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Taylor Seibel‘s WCHA Power Rankings

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

UND Recruit Jack Rowe - 1 December 2012

Cedar Rapids RoughRiders Forward Jack Rowe tallied an assist to Judd Peterson in the 2nd period in a rare Thursday night game against the Chicago Steel on November 29, 2012.  He followed that up with another assist to Bryson Cianfrone in the 3rd period against the Dubuque Fighting Saints on December 1, 2012.

Raubenheimer Hit From Behind On Bjugstad

UNO forward Zahn Raubenheimer was given a five minute major and a game misconduct for this hit on Minnesota junior forward Nick Bjugstad. I don't have a problem with the penalty being a major penalty and it's a call that the refs should be making. You can't hit a player into the board is you can see his numbers and his name tag.

UND women torches RIT Tigers 8-2.

Grand Forks, ND – After last night’s win, University of North Dakota women’s head coach Brian Idalski wasn’t happy with his teams play. Words like lethargic and sloppy were uttered by the head coach. You would have thought he was the head coach of the team that had lost 3-2 to the RIT Tigers.

What a difference 22 hours make.

UND game out of the gates like a team possessed. From the drop of the first puck UND came out and put a lot of pressure on the Tiger goal.  During the opening period, the Green and White managed to put 26 shots on the Tigers net. Four of the 26 shots found the back of twine to give UND a 4-1 lead after one period of play. UND would win the game 8-2. 

After not being very pleased with his team play the night before, UND head coach Brian Idalski was much more complimentary of his team tonight.

“I thought we played with a lot more energy – we did a good job getting pucks to the net – a lot more traffic in front of the net, screens, tips, over-all a lot better performance,” Idalski said.

UND’s 26 shots was the most shots that RIT has faced in a period since November 15, 2008 when RIT tied Potsdam 3-3.

The RIT Tigers sophomore goalie Ali Binnington was under siege during the first period and if it wasn’t for her stellar play the score would have been way worse.

The Tigers would pulled Binnington after the first period and replaced her with Laura Chamberlain who stopped 28 of 32 shots.

One of the story lines coming into tonight’s game was UND sophomore forward Josefine Jakobsen. The sophomore forward has been on a torrid streak and with two goals in the first period, she has scored (5g-4a—9 pts) in the last five games. Jakobsen missed a few opportunities in the third period to bury a third goal but couldn’t get another marker.

The second period lacked the drama of the first period and there was no scoring as UND outshot RIT 12-3.  UND did have to kill of a five minute major when Samantha Hanson was given a five and game for checking from behind. UND stood tall on the penalty kill and RIT wasn't able to dent the twine on the power play.

After the game UND, head coach Brian Idalski thought the penalty on Hanson was a little harsh.

“That call has been two minutes for the last couple of weeks,” Idalski said. “There was no intent on her part.”

The third period saw a goal from all world Michelle Karvinen and two power play goals for UND from Jocelyn and Monique Lamoureux as both scored on the man advantage. UND freshman forward Shannon Kaiser would end the scoring for the Green and White by burying her first career goal.

Having big night for UND were Michelle Karvinen (1a-4a—5pts), Monique Lamoureux (1g-3a—4pts) and Jocelyn Lamoureux (2g-2a—4pts) would end the night with four points each.  Monique Lamoureux with her four points tonight moved into the top 10 in scoring all time in the NCAA.

Michelle Karvinen who missed the first 10 games with an undisclosed injury has scored (4g-13a—17pts) in six games.

UND played with an edge tonight that they didn’t have last night and Jocelyne Lamoureux talked about that after the game.

“Yeah I don’t think that anyone was too happy with their performance yesterday,” Lamoureux said.  “Kept it a little too close and just we were too lackadaisical. Not taking care of the puck. We have to be better to be good down the stretch we just flat out have to better. I think there was some meeting today. Things got laid out pretty bluntly and I think people were ready to go today.”

Related articles

• UND Women Battle to Beat RIT (insidehockey.com)
• Michelle Karvinen Returning to UND Lineup (insidehockey.com)
• Minnesota State Slips Past North Dakota (insidehockey.com)
• North Dakota Women Outlast St. Cloud (insidehockey.com)

UND Women vs. RIT game 2

[Link for the chat]

UND Forward lines

3 Michelle Karvinen – 63 Josefine Jakobsen – 25 Leah Jensen

19 Meghan Dufault – 17 Jocelyne Lamoureux (C) – 51 Becca Kohler

6 Allison Parizek – 2 Mary Loken – 15 Megan Gilbert

 No Player – 11 Shannon Kaiser –– 13 Layla Marvin

UND Defensive parings

22 Tanja Eisenschmid – 18 Monique Lamoureux (A)

7 Jordan Slavin – 8 Samantha Hanson

16 Tori Willaims – 9 Kayla Berg

4 Sam Lashomb 

UND goalies

1 Shelby Amsley-Benzie

30 Jorid Dagfinrud

33 Michelle Bonapace-Potvin

RIT Tigers Forward lines 

6 Tenecia Hiller (A) – 10 Kim Schlattman (C) – 23 Lindsay Grigg

8 Ariane Yokoyama (A) – 26 Kortney Kunichika 24 Chelste Brown

17 Carly Payerl – 20 Erin Zach – 22 Katire Hubert

27 Jess Paton – 18 Julie Hall – 19 Marissa Maugeri 

Tiger Defensive Parings 

4 Kristina Moss – 2 Danielle Read

3 Morgan Scoyne – 21 Emilee Bulleid

11 Ellesha Fortuna 28 Melissa Bromley

Tiger Goalies

39 Ali Binnington

35 Laura Chamberlain 

Officials:

Referees: Robert Ludwig, Shawn Thiele

Linesmen: Aaron Story, Josh Brown 

Game Time Keeper Erik Martinson (StatsonCrack)

Tale of two worlds

Last night, after the game, UND women’s head hockey coach head Brian Idalski looked less than pleased and even a bit agitated – his team won on the right side of a 3-2 victory against Division I newcomer RIT.

Words like lethargic and sloppy were uttered by the UND coach during the postgame press conference.

I made the comment to the women’s SID after the media scrum that it would be fun to see today’s pregame skate. I am sure it wasn’t all fun and games and there probably wasn’t any of coaching staffs vehicles parked at center ice today at the REA before the pre-game skate.

But I digress.

Idalski’s hockey team in also on an impressive six game winning streak including sweeps against conference foe’s UMD and BSU.

Yet there are grounds for concern. There are still minor things that need to be fixed going forward. I have seen some of the mistakes that the team was making earlier in the season not happen as much on the ice the past two games.

Sitting in the press box I was entertained by an exciting game of hockey that went down to the wire – with the home team coming out with the win. In the closing seconds of the game the Tigers came very close to tying the game as a shot hit flush off of the right post of the UND goal with the goaltenders moving to her left.

Listening to UND men’s head coach Dave last night during the postgame with Radio personality Tim Hennessey, I didn’t’ have to watch a video or be there in person to know that he was less than pleased with the results of last night’s game. Hakstol’s team did everything they had to do to win; except score enough goals to win.That’s not going to comfort anyone including the head coach – but it’s not time to call for the head coaches head either.

Personally, based on this team’s history, I am not all that concerned about their results so far to date. Especially with the teams that they’ve played to date – UND has played four out five series against teams that are nationally ranked and that have winning records. So far in 13 games, UND has only played against two teams that don’t have a winning record UAA and UMD and both of those teams aren’t easy draws as well.

These guys are winners and take their job very seriously – both coaches’ teams are very close to turning the corner and putting an 8-1 or 9-2 whooping on someone.

There are some things to remember going forward. No team has ever won a national title in November, December, January and February. Seasons are a body of work and national rankings and the pairwise rankings mean nothing right now. The season is a body of work and the head coach will have this team ready to play.

Putting on the foil - A look at the numbers

This morning, I updated the numbers from a post that Jayson Hajdu did last season, looking at Coach Hakstol’s teams before Christmas break and then the coach’s record after the Christmas Break. I think the record speaks for itself. I am not saying that losing is great, I am just saying that It’s not as bad as it might seem.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2011-12: 9-8-1 (.528) - 17-5-2 (.750)

2012-13: 6-5-2 (.538) - ?

Totals 86-62-15 (.573) - 133-49-18 (.710)

Related articles

• UND Women Battle to Beat RIT (insidehockey.com)
• Michelle Karvinen Returning to UND Lineup (insidehockey.com)
• UMD and UND gut out hard fought 4-4 tie (thehockeywriters.com)

MSU-M's Eriah Hayes between the legs, no-look pass

For some reason I still get MSU Mankato's highlight video's emailed to me and this one came in my email last night before I went to bed. I thought I would put it up so you could take a look at. It's an awesome hockey play by Eriah Hayes. Thoughts?

UND women claw out 3-2 win against RIT

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

Grand Forks, ND – The University of North Dakota women came into the game riding a five-game winning streak with a win over Clarkson and sweeps over conference foes BSU and UMD.

Tonight, the opponent for the North Dakota Women’s team was the RIT Tigers of the CHA. Last season, the Tigers won a NCAA Division III title and after they collected their tourney hardware; the Tigers made the jump to Division I women’s hockey.

The UND women knew they were going to be in for a tough fight as the Tigers are a team that was loaded with juniors and seniors.

UND looked good early as they would jump to a two goal lead with goals from Monique Lamoureux and Michele Karvinen less than seven minutes apart. It looked like UND was going to run away and hide but the Tigers didn't go away quietly.

The Tigers would score a goal at 16:27 mark of the first period with a goal by senior forward Kim Schlattman.

That would be all of the scoring in the first period for both teams. UND would out-shoot RIT 10-9.

With UND freshman forward Becca Kohler in the box for hooking; RIT would even the score with what I would describe as a beautiful power play goal. At the 08:57 mark of the second period, RIT Tiger junior forward Kortney Kunchika would take a pass from senior forward Airanne Yokoyama and pull the UND goalie Jorid Dagfinrud off of the right post with some slick stick handling and deposited the puck behind her.

Tie game.

Michelle Karvinen would miss a glorious opportunity in the waning second of the second period standing at side of the Tiger net but the junior forward shot the puck wide of the net.

UND would out-shoot the Tigers 10-6 in the second period.

After the game, UND junior forward Michele Karvinen was asked about the shot that went wide; while she was in the paint just to the side of the Tiger net.

“I came down, I knew Joss [Jocelyne Lamoureux] would probably pass it to me and I should have been a little stronger on my stick and put it into the net,” Karvinen said. “Yeah, basically I should have been stronger on the stick.”

With Tiger junior defenseman Melissa Bromley in the box for cross checking, UND would take the lead again at the 02:08 mark of the third period with a power play goal from Monique Lamoureux – her second of the game – as she buried the puck at the goal mouth as the RIT goalie Laura Chamberlain wasn’t able to get over the right point.

The Tigers would put up a valiant fight at the end of the game, but were unable to get one more shot past Dagfinrud. UND would survive one final surge as the Tigers would ring a shot off straight of the left post at the .54 second mark of the third period. It was a very lucky break for UND because Dagfinrud was moving to her left and the whole right side of the net was left exposed.

Whew! That was close.

In the end, the Tigers would prove to be a tough formidable opponent as they got in the shooting lanes and made it tough for UND to get any time and space. Tomorrow night’s game will be no cake walk for the green and white and they will have to put up a better effort if they are going to prolong the winning streak.

With the win tonight, the Green and White stretch the winning streak to six games.

After the game, the UND head coach Brian Idalski seemed was definitely less than pleased with the play of his team and had this to say.

“I thought we were a little lethargic,” Idhalski said. I thought we were a little sloppy.  I didn't think we executed well – something for us to learn from and do a little better tomorrow.

Leading UND on the score sheet was Michelle Karvinen (1g-1a—2pts) and Monique Lamoureux (2g-1a—3pts). Junior goalie Laura Chamberlain was stellar in net for the Tigers stopping 25 of 28 shots.

Same two teams play again tomorrow night at 7:07 pm.

[Box score]

UND Women vs. RIT Tigers game one

UND Forward lines

3 Michelle Karvinen – 63 Josefine Jakobsen – 17 Jocelyne Lamoureux (C)

19 Meghan Dufault – 51 Becca Kohler – 15 Megan Gilbert

10 Andrea Dalen – 2 Mary Loken – 6 Allison Parizek

No Player – 25 Leah Jensen – 13 Layla Marvin

UND Defensive parings

22 Tanja Eisenschmid – 18 Monique Lamoureux (A)

7 Jordan Slavin – 8 Samantha Hanson

16 Tori Willaims – 9 Kayla Berg

4 Sam Lashomb

UND goalies

30 Jorid Dagfinrud

1 Shelby Amsley-Benzie

33 Michelle Bonapace-Potvin

RIT Tigers Forward lines

6 Tenecia Hiller (A) – 10 Kim Schlattman (C) – 23 Lindsay Grigg

8 Ariane Yokoyama (A) – 26 Kortney Kunichika 24 Chelste Brown

17 Carly Payerl – 20 Erin Zach – 22 Katire Hubert

27 Jess Paton – 18 Julie Hall – 19 Marissa Maugeri

RIT Tiger Defensive Parings

4 Kristina Moss – 2 Danielle Read

3 Morgan Scoyne – 21 Emilee Bulleid

11 Ellesha Fortuna 28 Melissa Bromley

Tiger Goalies

35 Laura Chamberlain

39 Ali Binnington

Officials:

Referees: Robert Ludwig, Shawn Thiele

Linesmen: Aaron Story, Josh Brown 

Game Time Keeper Erik Martinson (StatsonCrack)

Justin Schultz goal against the Aeros

At the 43 second mark of this video, former Badgers and current OKC Baron's defenseman Justin Schultz scores an absolutely beautiful goal against the Hoston Aeros. Schultz is leading the Baron's team in scoring (11g-18a--29pts)... Just for the record the Barons aren't a bunch of hacks either, you can see for yourself.

Can you imagine if the Badgers still had this guy in their lineup?

Former PSU recruit Thomas Welsh to sign with the Mississauga Steelheads of the OHL

Thomas and Mike Welsh

Back in September of 2011, I was informed about a highly regarded hockey player that had chosen the NCAA hockey route instead of the CHL route.

At the time, it appeared that the Penn State Nittany Lions had landed Canadian born Thomas Welsh to play his Division I hockey at Penn State University instead of playing in the CHL.

I interviewed his father Mike via email about his son’s decision to join PSU hockey. That article can be found at Inside Hockey.

This past September, Welsh decommitted from Penn State and decided to weigh his options, I wrote about that back in September and that article can be found at Inside Hockey as well.

Yesterday, while I was monitoring my twitter feed I saw a tweet where Thomas Welsh had decided to play for the Mississauga Steelheads of the OHL.

Last night, I reached out to Thomas Welsh and he agreed to an interview.

EB: Thanks for taking the time to answer a few questions. Sorry to hear about the passing of your father Mike.  Can you tell us what It was like to play for Canada East during the recent 2012 Junior “A” Challenge?    

Thomas Welsh: This was an opportunity of a life time.  When I was notified that I had made the final selection camp I was pumped.  It was sad as well, as my Dad passed away the day earlier of being notified, so he wasn’t aware.

The Team Canada East camp was intense, every player there deserved to be there.  The caliber and bar were set high to make the team.  I gave it 100% every practice and game, in fact on the final day, final game, 1st period I broke my nose.  Had it reset on the bench and continued to play with packing in it.  I was notified the next day by the Team Canada East coaching staff that I had made the team.  Everything happened very quickly as the next day the team left for Yarmouth.

With our first exhibition game against Russia, our bus pulled up to the arena and it was unreal to see fans had lined up 2 hours prior to game to try to get tickets to a sold out event.  The community of Yarmouth was nuts, loud, and extremely supportive of all the teams, but especially to the Team Canada Teams.  I have played in front of crowds around 500 but not 1700 people.  It was so professional, from the volunteers, to the staff running the event.

Team Canada East visited a school, played floor hockey with the kids, and talked about the importance of schooling, what it’s like being a player and such.

Disappointing finish for our team, not the result the team should have gotten but none the less an experience that I will forever be grateful for.  Wearing the jersey and representing Canada is a thrill.

EB: Congrats on your next endeavor in hockey. I noticed on twitter that you were heading to the Mississauga steelheads of the OHL. Can you give us some details what led to your making the jump to the OHL?   When did the OHL become an option again?

Thomas Welsh: Well, as you were aware I had a commitment with Penn State for 2013 but decommitted in September of this year, when we could not come to terms with the original agreement.  I was still very much interested in NCAA hockey and as such was doing my due diligence with other Div. 1 NCAA schools.

When Steelheads contacted my advisor and family for a meeting in June, of this year, it was just a meet and greet sort of thing.  They have been monitoring my development steadily since my acquisition and have stayed in contact.

This week, less than 24 hours ago, the Steelheads, presented an offer.  After discussion with my mom and my advisor were able to come to an agreement.  I have a strong interest in schooling along with developing as a player and I feel at this time that the Steelheads will assist me in this next step academically and athletically.  I am looking forward to developing as a player with the Steelheads and Coach Boyd.

NCAA is a fantastic option and I have been lucky to have the option of the OHL as well.   I think either option is great and it’s an individual thing.

EB: When are you going to be NHL draft eligible? My NHL draft is 2013. Who is your favorite NHL team and who would you like to be drafted by? 

Thomas Welsh:  I think being drafted by any NHL team would be a dream, but would probably have to say Leafs.  I’m a hometown boy.

EB: According to the Toronto Sun, you’re expected to play tonight against the Niagara IceDogs.  
Thomas Welsh: Yes, I am expecting the paperwork to be finalized prior to game time.

EB: Thank you for your time and best of luck to you.  If you don’t mind I would like to follow up with you as your season in the OHL progresses. 

Thomas Welsh:  No problem, Thanks Eric you have been fantastic




Originally Posted at the Hockey Writers Combine.

Friday Links

Good morning and happy Friday to you.

This weekend the University of North Dakota travel to Colorado Springs to take on the high flying Colorado College Tigers. The Tigers are putting a lot of pucks in the net but their defense has been suspect – the Tigers are giving up 3.5 goals a game that’s good for a national ranking of 54^th overall. UND is giving up goal less per game at 2.5 and that has UND ranked at 20^th nationally.

UND is ranked 39^th on the power play and 19^th on the penalty kill.

C.C. is ranked 7^th nationally on the power play and 57 on the penalty kill. 

Both Colorado College and UND are middle of the pack in penalty minutes; C.C. 26^th and UND 29^th.

You can watch both games at the dreaded Floating Tiger site this weekend. The price is $6.95 for a single game or you can watch both games for a price of $10.95 [Click to view]

For Colorado College Tigers coverage you can get all of your Tiger hockey information for Paisely Hockey. [Click to view] Joe is also working for the NCHC site as well.

Joe Paisley and Tyler Buckentine give their weekly prediction on this weekend’s games. [Click to view]

Brad E. Schlossman has his Friday links up. [Click to view]

A Tradition of Excellence has his Friday Links up as well. [Click to view]

Apparently, former Fighting Sioux forward Matt Frattin is in beat mode after returning from injury. [click to view]

The series preview is up at the Hockey Writers Combine along with an article about UND goalie Clarke Saunders.

Through These Doors - 208 - Knight & Game Day

You have to think after watching this video, players that are thinking about going to UND; this might serve as a pretty good recruiting tool. I am also glad to know that Corban Knight is a safe driver.

NHL proposes meeting between owners, players

National Hockey League Players' Association (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

This newspaper article came through my twitter feed. After reading a few of these articles it would appear that the owners are pulling out all the stops to break the NHLPA. I can't think of anything else that they're trying to accomplish.

Seriously! What else could this be?

It would also appear that the NHL owners are trying to check the unions solidarity as well. I suppose they think they can peal a few of the players off to pressure the union to sign their deal that they presented earlier.

Like some have said, this lockout just might be about the players with the big contracts. I am beginning to lean that way.

Rob Rossi, Triblive --- Now with a second lost season in eight years a growing possibility, the league has proposed a meeting between only owners and players, deputy commissioner Bill Daly said.

Daly declined to provide details, and he would not say whether all NHL owners or representatives would be available for the meeting that would exclude league and union executives such as commissioner Gary Bettman and union head Donald Fehr.

The Players’ Association did not say if it would agree to the meeting – though many players, including Penguins from Sidney Crosby to union rep Craig Adams, have said they would like to hear from more owners.

What do you think?

It would appear that the NHL owners have no intention of negotiating and seem to be dead set on cancelling another season if the players don't take their offer that is on the table. So we wait.

Clarke Saunders has his teammates back

Western Collegiate Hockey Association logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The University of North Dakota lost two veteran goalies after the 2011-12 season. Senior goaltender Brad Eidsness graduated and junior goalie Aaron Dell decided to forego his senior year of eligibility to start his professional hockey career.

Insert junior goalie Clarke Saunders who’s a transfer from the University of Alabama Huntsville.

Saunders came to UND after the Chargers hockey team announced that it was shutting down operations after the 2011-12 season.

Coming into the season, UND has some questions at the goaltending position. Freshman goaltender Zane Gothberg had no college hockey experience and Clarke Saunders was a veteran goaltender that had played two seasons with a very bad University of Alabama Huntsville team.

Since UAH was shutting down their hockey program, Sanders could transfer to another university and be eligible to play immediately. Saunders decided to transfer to the University of North Dakota.

Coming into this season, it was common knowledge that Saunders had faced a lot of shots playing for the UAH Chargers. During the 2011-12 season; Saunders faced 1013 shots stopping 918 of them for a .906 save percentage and a .372 goals against average.  Saunders was one of the bright spots on a team that went 2-28-1.

Playing on a team that is historically known for its tough defensive systems, UND has been a little loose on defense so far this season and Saunders is still facing a lot of shots. In the eight game that Saunders has played for UND this season, the junior goalie has faced 30 or more shots in 5/8 games. In the last two games that Saunders has played in, he has stopped 72/75 shots and recorded two wins.

Saunders has compiling a record of 4-2-2, a goals against average of 2.09 and a save percentage of .934 that is good for first overall in the WCHA.

During the Wednesday press conference Saunders was asked, ‘if would rather face a lot of shots or fewer shots; during the course of a game.’

“It all depends on the game and the type of scoring chances as well, Saunders said. “Sometimes getting a few more shots might kind of ease you into the game a little bit and keep you warm.  If you go on droughts without some shots I guess it’s pretty easy to get cold but you just have to stay mentally tough and battle through that. It is what it is, I am a goalie and I kind of have to go with the flow no matter what that might be.”

From watching the game that Saunders has played in this season, it’s no mystery that Saunders gives the UND forwards and defenseman some confidence with his play.  The junior goaltender is also a good teammate – that assumes nothing – when he’s not playing; Saunders is cheering on the other goaltenders from the player’s box.

When asked about his about the efforts of his battle tested goalie, senior forward Corban Knight had this to say.

“Yeah Clarkie [Saunders] he’s been a rock this year for us back there right from the beginning,” Knight said. “Its nice having a guy come in that has already that has played a couple of years in college hockey. Where he came from he got a lot of experience. Obviously with a lot of shots and stuff – I think all of the guys have a lot of faith in him and what he can do back there. Just the kind of person he is to – he puts a lot of confidence in you because he holds himself so well – he really works hard on his game trying to get better so that puts a lot of confidence in the defenseman and the forwards all the way through.”

While hockey is a team game, it’s no mystery that UND junior goalie Clarke Saunders has his teammate’s “six” and they’re happy to have him as a teammate.

Originally posted at The Hockey Writers - Combine.