As we hit November, we start to get a sense of exactly where WCHA teams are at, now that they have a good chunk of their non-conference matchups out of the way. It will be interesting to see where things stand after this weekend. I had a decent first week of picks, just edging Jack out (I have a feeling this advantage may not last long).
Daver last week: 9-3-0
Jack last week: 8-4-0
Daver this season: 9-3-0
Jack this season: 23-15-3
On to the action:
Nebraska Omaha at Alaska Anchorage
The Mavericks split with Ohio State in their last outing two weeks ago. Despite the travel for Omaha to Anchorage, the Mavericks would like this weekend to be a tune up for Wisconsin next weekend. The Seawolves are looking to build off a split against Alaska last weekend.
Daver: Omaha sweeps, 5-1 and 4-1
Jack: Omaha sweeps, 4-1 and 3-1
Ferris State at Lake Superior State
Lake Superior State has run the gauntlet in the early going facing Denver, Michigan and Notre Dame. Coach Damon Whitten would love nothing more than to have his team return home and play better defense. The Bulldogs would like to wash last weekend’s sweep by Northern Michigan from their memory.
Daver: LSSU sweeps, 4-1 and 4-2
Jack: LSSU sweeps, 3-1 and 4-2
Alabama Huntsville at (20) Northern Michigan
The Wildcats swept Ferris State last weekend on the strength of four goals from Griffin Loughran. They face a bruised Chargers squad who took two on the chin last weekend against Minnesota State and are still searching for their first win.
Daver: NMU sweeps, 5-1 and 4-2
Jack: NMU sweeps, 4-2 and 5-2
(18) Bowling Green at (2) Minnesota State
The most intriguing matchup of the weekend features a pair of teams who look like early favorites for the WCHA Playoff Championship at the end of the season. The Mavericks are fresh off a sweep of the Chargers. The Falcons are looking to bounce back from a tough loss to Michigan Tech last Saturday.
Daver: BGSU wins Friday 3-2, MSU wins Saturday 4-1
Jack: MSU wins Friday 3-1, BGSU wins Saturday 3-2
Bemidji State at Alaska
The Nanooks are the darlings of the young season in the WCHA after a sweep of the Huskies and a win last weekend over the Seawolves. This weekend, they play host to the Beavers, who played a tough series against North Dakota last weekend.
Daver: Alaska sweeps, 3-2 and 2-1
Jack: Alaska wins Friday 4-2, Bemidji wins Saturday 5-3
Michigan Tech at (14) North Dakota
The Huskies got their first WCHA win of the season last weekend with a big road win at Bowling Green. This weekend, they head back out on the road for the U.S.A. Hockey Hall of Fame game. Unlike last year, when they played in the game in Madison, this year they are in Grand Forks to take on the Fighting Hawks, who are fresh off a sweep of the Beavers last weekend.
Daver: Michigan Tech wins 2-1
Jack: North Dakota wins 4-1 Saturday
