The Huskies hosted Michigan for the first time since 1983 this past weekend. The end result was a sweep of epic proportions. Tech won 4-1 Friday (in front of the Stanley Cup!) and 6-2 Saturday, giving the Huskies a perfect 6-0-0 record.
Four different Huskies scored goals Friday, and six different players scored Saturday, while Jamie Phillips continued his hot streak and stopped 54 Wolverine shots on the weekend.
It’s exactly the kind of performance Tech head coach Mel Pearson was looking for in his team’s home opener — he said last week he was worried about the potential for a letdown for his team playing at home for such a big series.
Luckily, that didn’t happen, and the Huskies are now 6-0-0 after sweeping away two ranked teams.
Pearson said at the beginning of the season that, on paper, this was the deepest offensive team he’s ever had since taking over the head job in 2011. With weekends like this, he might have a point.
Houghton Daily Mining Gazette sports editor Brandon Veale put it best in a Tweet after game two: “If this is the #mtuhky team we’re getting all season, look the hell out college hockey world.”
2. Bemidji State shows off at home
After upsetting then No. 2 North Dakota in Grand Forks in their season opener (unrelated, but I have a feeling that result is going to be discussed all season, no matter how each teams’ seasons play out), the Beavers lost their next three (the next night at home against UND then at No. 1 Minnesota).
This weekend’s result against No. 16 Alaska showed that the Beavers aren’t just a one-hit wonder. BSU swept the Nanooks in Bemidji, routing Alaska 6-1 Friday before winning 4-3 in overtime Saturday.
Both wins showed BSU’s improved offensive depth and versatility compared to the last few seasons. The Beavers have already scored 21 goals in six games, with 10 players having at least a goal. Four are tied for the team-lead with three, and perhaps most surprising is that none of those are Cory Ward (who did, however, score Saturday’s overtime game-winner).
Ward has just two goals, but guys like fourth-liner Charlie O’Connor (who had two goals in all of last season) has three, as does Markus Gerbrandt, Nate Arentz and Brendan Harms (who happen to share the same line).
The Beavers have a difficult upcoming schedule, taking on Minnesota State, Michigan Tech and Bowling Green back-to-back-to-back. All three teams ahead of them in the standings so far. If they can keep up this kind of scoring, BSU might be a force in the WCHA.
3. Lakers breathe sigh of relief
Lake Superior State won’t start the season 0-10 after all.
The Lakers stole a 3-2 overtime win Saturday night in Anchorage, snapping their nine-game losing streak to start the season.
Bryce Schmitt, the team leader with three goals, scored Friday’s game-winner for the Lakers, who had lost 3-2 the previous night despite outshooting the Seawolves 29-24.
Under new head coach Damon Whitten, the Lakers have been playing nonstop since Oct. 4. Their schedule included trips to Robert Morris, Notre Dame and Anchorage, and they already have five WCHA losses.
So getting their first win before going into this bye week — the Lakers’ first break this season — couldn’t have come at a better time for Whitten, who now has a week to get his players ready for another grueling stretch in November and December that features trips to Huntsville, Grand Forks and Ferris State and home games against strong Alaska and Minnesota State teams.
Nebraska-Omaha can win with defense
Nebraska-Omaha entered the weekend 3-1, and in part had won by putting up a lot of points on the board. The Mavericks had scored five goals in two of their first four games, three in another, and had been held to two goals in their only loss.
It was fair to wonder then, if this year’s edition would be like last year’s: winning if they could score in bunches and losing when kept down on the scoreboard.
This weekend against Cornell, the Mavericks got three of four points despite only scoring three goals. On Friday night, goaltender Ryan Massa made 28 saves as the Mavericks got a 1-1 tie with Cornell. The offense peppered Cornell goaltender Mitch Gillam with 39 shots, and Tyler Vessel got the only Mavericks goal.
On Saturday, UNO earned a 2-1 win as Massa stopped 32 shots. The Mavericks top line came through, as Austin Orgeta got the game-winner and assisted on the first goal, and Dominic Zombo assisted on the first goal. Ortega is now tied for sixth nationally in scoring, as is his linemate, Jake Guentzel.
The Mavericks’ road journey continues next week when they travel to Columbus to take on Ohio State. It will be their third consecutive road series, a stretch that sees them on the road for five of six weekends.
UNO has a good shot to be ranked when the polls come out Monday, which would put six of the eight NCHC teams in the top 20.
St. Cloud continues success against top
St. Cloud State entered the weekend ranked seventh, despite having only a 2-2 record. Voters probably recognize that the Huskies have played a brutal schedule, opening with No. 4 Colgate and No. 2 Union.
This weekend, the Huskies had a home-and-home with top-ranked Minnesota, and again split, winning 4-1 at home Friday and suffering a 4-3 overtime loss Saturday when Justin Kloos scored for the Gophers 1:19 into the extra session.
Charlie Lindgren was sensational in the loss, making 31 saves. St. Cloud’s offense was more limited, only getting 14 shots on net. Lindgren was also strong in the win on Friday, making 31 saves.
Leading scorer Jonny Brodzinski continues to be the sparkplug for the Huskies. He notched three points in Friday’s win. In the loss Saturday, the Gophers keyed on him and kept him off the score sheet.
It was only the Huskies’ fourth win in the last 11 against their in-state rival, and ended a two-game losing skid against the Gophers, including in the NCAA tournament last season.
Quick strikes help Denver gets measure of revenge
St. Cloud wasn’t the only team looking for a little revenge for an NCAA tournament loss. No. 11 Denver welcomed No. 5 Boston College to Magness Arena this weekend; the Eagles had defeated the Pioneers last year in the first round, 6-2.
On Friday, a tight defensive battle went to the Eagles, 2-1. Ryan Fitzgerald got the game-winner for the visitors at 15:18 of the third. The Pioneers had 26 shots on Eagles netminder Thatcher Demko, and were hurt in part by going 0-6 on the power play. Denver was also unable to build momentum on Nolan Zajac’s goal at 28 seconds of the second.
Denver got the early lead again Saturday, as highly touted freshman Danton Heinen struck at 21 seconds of the second. The Eagles answered at 12:56, and that was all the scoring in regulation, as Evan Cowley made 24 saves for Denver and Demko matched him with 30 saves.
However, at 4:05 of OT, Heinen got the Pioneers the important split when he scored with a quick snap shot from Demko’s right.
The win was all the more impressive as Denver had three key players out of the line-up. Joey LaLeggia, Zac Laraza, and Quentin Shore were out with a stomach bug.
Denver’s power-play struggles continued, as the Pioneers again went 0-6 on the power play.
Bonus
Entering the season, Minnesota-Duluth was looking to replace starting goaltender Aaron Crandall, who graduated. So far, freshman Kasimir Kaskisuo seems to be the go-to for the Bulldogs, in part due to saves like this.
Canisius played its first games at the new HarborCenter in Buffalo, N.Y., this weekend. Here are photos from Ohio State’s 4-1 win over the Golden Griffins on Saturday:
It ended up coming in a losing effort, but Minnesota-Duluth’s Kasimir Kaskisuo made a behind-the-back glove save Friday that will be tough to beat as the best of the night.
That stop of Cody Murphy was one of 35 made by Kaskisuo on Friday, but the RedHawks won 3-2 on a Sean Kuraly goal with the Bulldogs two skaters short in the final two minutes.
As defending ECAC East champions, Norwich is within hours of forging into uncharted territory. Without question, the Cadets are clearly overwhelming favorites to return as league champs; a recurring cycle of 20-plus win seasons vividly tell us such. For the Cadets, it isn’t about when, it’s about how. What will be the plan as the Cadets collectively wrestle with the loss of all-everything Tori Charron?
Closing up camp, coach Mark Bolding spoke about “being different up front” going forward in relation to Charron’s absence. In all, Bolding has tested 16 freshmen during the summer, and believes that the majority are able to “contribute right away
The Cadets look to seniors Kaycie Anderson and captain Vanessa Champagne, as well as sophomore Madyson Moore, in terms of leading a hoped-for prolific offense. Bolding has more than a few highly touted defensemen among his freshman group, including Saskatchewan native Desirae Kuhlmann and North Carolina’s Kim Tiberi.
Among playoff eligibles, Castleton, Salve Regina, Massachusetts-Boston, and Manhattanville look to be able suitors for the immediate slots behind the Cadets. The Spartans and Seahawks are hoping to build off viable second-half runs with new faces behind the bench. Steph Moberg, a former two-time All American at Plattsburgh, is entrusted with the future of Castleton, while Beth McCann seeks to add to the burgeoning Salve Regina postseason resume. McCann (Northeastern University), was the driving force behind the University of Rhode Island ACHA hockey club for 15 seasons (304-128-26).
Massachusetts-Boston hopes to enhance its newly developed defensive stature that fashioned five shutouts along the way. A Manhattanville bounce-back from a less than stellar season is a strong possibility, given the experience and character throughout the roster. Goalie Liz Bergstrom offers Southern Maine ample opportunities to garner wins when pitted against higher ranked clubs.
Castleton 2013-14 Record: 16-11-2 overall, 10-5-2 ECAC East 2013-14 Postseason: Lost 4-0 to Norwich in the ECAC East conference championship. Coach: Steph Moberg (first season) Key Returners: F Anna Daniels (14-17-31), F Lisa Kilroy (10-15-25), F Brie Narodowy (8-7-15), F Rachel Bombardier (6-8-14), F Taylor Steadman (6-3-9 in 17 games), G Paula Stephens (1.66 goals-against average, .944 save percentage, 11-8-2) Key Departures: F Nicoline Jensen (15-9-34) to University of New Hampshire Outlook: The Spartans’ team symmetry reached a crescendo down the stretch, proving to be problematic for opponents. With 17 returners, the stage is set for another strong run to remain among the top clubs in the conference. Defensively, Castleton hosts a wealth of experience. Goaltender Paula Stephens, a big-game performer, has the added security of six defenders who all played in at least 28 games a year ago. New coach Steph Moberg’s club could develop a a few hiccups in the early going without leading scorer Nicoline Jensen in the line-up following her departure to the D-I ranks.
Manhattanville 2013-14 Record: 8-14-4 overall, 6-7-3 ECAC East 2013-14 Postseason: Lost 3-0 to Massachusetts-Boston in opening round of ECAC tournament. Coach: David Turco (41-32-9, fourth season) Key Returners: F Sydney Asselstine (15-14-29), D Rachael Morrison (2-9-11), F Alla Traun (11-13-24), F Michele Meggiolaro (8-16-24), G Kirsten Saughnessy (2.51 GAA) Key Departures: D Caitlyn Beauvais (2-1-3) Outlook: A cadre of battle-tested seniors are in place in hopes of erasing the memory of the Valiants’ first losing season in program history. Solid up and down the sheet, coach Turco will need everyone on the same page from the gate, a plan that failed to play out last fall. Asselstine, a dynamic scorer, joins an experienced duo in Traun and Meggiolaro. With departure of defensive stalwart Beauvais, Morrison takes over the Valiants’ power play that struggled, sputtering to a success rate of 11.8 percent.
Massachusetts-Boston 2013-14 Record: 12-11-4 overall, 7-8-1 ECAC East 2013-14 Postseason: lost 2-1 to Norwich in ECAC East tournament semifinals. Coach: Colleen Harris (42-51-12, fifth season) Key Returners: D Samantha Fallon (16-3-19), F Alyssa Sullivan (6-11-17), G Moe Bradley (.939 save percentage., 1.38 GAA) Key Departures: F Katie Loiselle (7-9-16), F Courtney White (3-5-8) Outlook: The Beacons bring back four of their top five scorers. Fallon piloted a power play that fashioned an 18.6 success rate overall, but over 20 percent in the months of January and February. In all, nine different skaters notched goals with the advantage. Bradley and Casey Schaejbe combined for a 9-5-2 record in a team-wide resurgent second half. Sophomore blue liners Kat Armstrong and K.C. McGinley have a season of experience in the bank and should be ready to step in and contribute from the get-go, joining seniors Angela Dandreo and Kelsey MacIsaac and junior Alexa Cappione.
New England College 2013-14 Record: 3-23-0 overall, 3-14-0 ECAC East
2013-14 Postseason: Lost 8-1 to Norwich in ECAC-East quarterfinals. Coach: Kristi Kehoe (3-23-0, second season) Key Returners: F Marisa Roth (4-7-11), Mackenzie Meegan (3-7-10), F Kellie McLean (6-0-6) Key Departures: F Alexis Fitzpatrick (4-4-8), F Kristen Dehm (3-4-7), D Jamie Tabb (2-1-3) Outlook: Losing two of their top four scorers is surely not conducive to building on a three-win season. The departure of defenseman Jamie Tabb, who headed the Pilgrims’ power play unit, leaves little room for a lengthy learning curve in NEC’s own end. Kehoe brought in five newcomers to the mix in hopes of solidifying the all-around defensive posture.
Nichols 2013-14 Record: 4-21-0 overall , 2-14-0 ECAC East 2013-14 Postseason: none Coach: Wil Brown (4-21-0, second season) Key Returners: F Grace Murphy (15-22-37), G Tori Gianformaggio (.916 save percentage), F Talia Hohmann (5-10-15) Key Departures: G Francesca Palazzo (2-10-0), D Megan Gerein (3-2-5) Outlook: The Bison’s success, or lack of it, will depend mainly on defending in their own end. Coach Brown’s crew was outshot by a 952-578 margin over the season. Goaltender Tori Gianformaggio has upped her game considerably since her sophomore season, but help is sorely needed for her to excel.
Norwich 2013-14 Record: 27-4-0 overall , 16-0-0 ECAC East 2013-14 Postseason: Lost NCAA D-III Championship final to Plattsburgh 9-2. Coach: Mark Bolding (152-41-13, eighth season) Key Returners: F Madyson Moore (14-4-18), F Kaycie Anderson (5-13-18), D Taylor Cross (3-13-16), G Taylor Fairchild (15-3-0, .924 save percentage, 1.49 GAA) G Loren Carrier (9-1-0, 1.49 GAA) Key Departures: Tori Charron (29-17-46), Emily MacKinnon (8-10-18), D Brittany Sharman (1-17-18), D Kayla Parsons (0-18-18), D Marie-Philip Guay (6-10-16), Meghan Papagno (9-4-13) Outlook: Having lost a staggering 55 percent of their goal-scoring output, the Cadets went the proactive route, welcoming more than a dozen new players to the fold. Coach Bolding expects a majority of his recruits to offer contributions immediately. In spite of facing a transitional season in a personnel sense, the Cadets have a strong hold in players who’ve experienced a championship environment on a consistent basis. Goalies Taylor Fairchild and Loren Carrier are both capable of bolstering their teammates on an off night if required.
Plymouth State 2013-14 Record: 5-19-2 overall, 3-11-2 ECAC East 2013-14 Postseason: Lost to Salve Regina 5-0 in the ECAC East tournament first round. Coach: Ashley Kilstein (11-55-9, fourth season) Key Returners: F Marisa Zamrock 5-6-11), D Courtney Sollows (0-6-6), F Kelsey Cosby (2-5-7), F Kelsey Lynch (4-4-8) Key Departures: F Meghan Cassidy (4-4-8), F Jane Baruch (1-4-5), D Tasha Wyatt (1-2-3), G Ali Ponte (4-14-2, 2.84 GAA) Outlook: Tied for 47th in the nation in team offense in 2013-14, the underclass-heavy Panthers are looking for support for leading scorers Marisa Zamrock, Kelsey Lynch, and Kelsey Cosby. Coach Kilstein will request aid from seven new faces to supplement the hard-earned experience of a handful of sophomores.
Salve Regina 2013-14 Record: 16-7-4 overall, 10-5-1 ECAC East 2013-14 Postseason: Lost to Castleton 5-0 in ECAC East tournament semifinal. Coach: Beth McCann (0-0-0, first season) Key Returners: F Sarah Markey (12-13-25), F Taylor Shepherd (10-13-23), D Amanda Cronin (6-10-16), G Colleen Marcik (11-5-4) Key Departures: D Shannon Coleman (6-3-9), F Monika Borkowski (1-7-8) Outlook: The Seahawks rolled into the postseason harboring an 8-1-1 slate through their final 10 games of the regular season. The offensive core remains intact, as does the goaltending crew. Michaela Chiuccariello registered 101 bids on goal last season and remains the Seahawks’ leading sniper. Salve’s defensive outlook took a hit with the graduation of Coleman, but the coaching staff will hope to counter with five incoming defensemen.
Southern Maine 2013-14 Record: 10-15-1overall, 7-9-0 ECAC East 2013-14 Postseason: Lost to Castleton 1-0 in ECAC East quarterfinals. Coach: John Lauziere (73-117-21, ninth season) Key Returners: G Liz Bergstrom (8-10-1, 2.42 GAA), F Julia Pearl (6-6-12), D Tayla Bent (2-6-8) Key Departures: F Erin Banfield (12-6-18), F Bridget O’Brien (5-3-8) Outlook: Outshooting the opposition more often than not, and posting a 5-5 one-goal game record, bodes well for a team that lacked a boatload of overall experience. Replacing Banfield’s numbers and overall presence will prove challenging. Pearl plays both ends of the ice with visible adroitness. The Huskies, not shy in pushing their defensemen forward, received points from all eight returning defensemen.
University of New England 2013-14 Record: 9-11-5 overall, Independent in 2013-14 2013-14 Postseason: none Coach: David Venditti (9-11-5, second season) Key Returners: F Gabby Crugnale (10-10-20), F Emily Corrales (9-8-17), D Cassandra Connolly (1-9-10), G Sydney Helmbrecht (.942 save percentage, 1.79 GAA) Key Departures: F Jenni Poulin (12-8-20) Outlook: Possessing a roster laden with underclassmen, coach Venditti will undoubtedly experience the undulating emotions that go with said dynamic. Jenni Poulin’s 20 points are a significant void to patch on the offensive side. Coming out of camp however, a number of prospects have emerged as possible candidates for night-in and night-out front line production, including junior forward Marissa Clifford-Biederman and sophomore Shannon Smith, who finished with 12 points in her initial campaign.
Holy Cross (D-I) 2013-14 Record: 18-8-1 overall; 11-4-1 ECAC East 2013-14 Postseason: Lost 2-1 to St. Anselm in ECAC Women’s Open. Coach: Peter VanBuskirk 214-125-26 (15th season) Key Returners: F Nicole Giannino (12-14-26), F Rachel Miller (9-9-18), D Izzy Bagi (4-11-15), G Alexandra Stevenson (10-3-1, 1.33 GAA) Key Departures: F Kylee Sullivan (9-4-13) Outlook: The Crusaders are a familiar group, with 19 letter-winners back on the ice. Holy Cross enjoyed a plus-38 goal differential. Expect consistent outings throughout the first portion of the campaign.
Franklin Pierce (D-II) 2013-14 Record: 18-4-2 overall; D-II Independent 2013-14 Postseason: none Coach: David Stockdale ( 25-18-2 (third season) Key Returners: F Karsyn Baker (17-15-32), F Colleen Doucette (7-15-22), D Hayley Arnold (3-10-13), G Shannon O’Neil (9-1-1), G Noelle White (9-3-1), F Marisa Ketterman (11-9-20) Key Departures: F Jamie Wiley (5-10-15) Outlook: Franklin Pierce recorded a clean 12-0-0 record on home ice last year. Baker doubled her goal output of her freshman season. Combined with Doucette, whose play-making improved dramatically, and sophomore Marisa Kettermann, the Ravens remain in good stead offensively.
St. Michael’s (D-II) 2013-14 Record: 3-19-4 overall, 2-12-2 ECAC East 2013-14 Postseason: Tied Sacred Heart 1-1 in ECAC Women’s Open Tournament Coach: Chris Donovan 56-263-15 (15th season) Key Returners: F Amanda Kempainen (5-3-8); F Erin Dwyer (4-4-8); F Fernanda Saavedra (2-10-12); D Emily Loebs (3-5-8) Key Departures: F Macey Thomas (7-6-13) Outlook: Statistically, the Knights displayed slight increments of overall improvement since the 2010-11 season. St. Mike’s offensive-minded skaters will benefit from an influx of six freshman. The level of advancement remains questionable in Colchester.
St. Anselm (D-II) 2013-14 Record: 24-3-0 overall, 14-2-0 ECAC East 2013-14 Postseason: ECAC Women’s Open Champions Coach: Kerstin Matthews 114-39-9 (seventh season) Key Returners: F Alison Quinn (14-13-27), F Alex Kazmer (12-14-26), F Tiffany Herron (11-13-24), F Alexandra Starzyk (14-7-21), D Franny Nicholson (2-16-18), G Hannah Synnott (11-0-0, 1.69 GAA) Key Departures: F Courtney Winters (10-20-30), D Andi Foss (6-10-16), D Jacqueline Bouchie (1-15-16) Outlook: Alison Quinn brought an exciting, dynamic element to the Hawks as a freshman. With Winters no longer on board, expect Quinn to act as the catalyst in improving everyone on the ice. It’s another lofty campaign for the Hawks.
Someone finally took a lead in our picks race. After last week, I’m up two games on Arlan thanks to Dartmouth and Clarkson. Last week, I went 21-5-1 (.796) while Arlan went 19-7-1 (.722). On the year, I am 64-14-11 (.780), while Arlan is 62-16-11 (.758).
Let’s see if I can hold the lead for more than a week.
Friday, Oct. 31
Clarkson at Brown Candace: Clarkson has found its offense. Clarkson 6-1 Arlan: Clarkson has won by more than a goal only once in the last five encounters with the Bears. Clarkson 5-0
Quinnipiac at Colgate Candace: If the Bobcats look ahead to Saturday, this could get interesting. Quinnipiac 4-1 Arlan: Potential trap game for the Bobcats. Quinnipiac 3-1
Princeton at Cornell Candace: Cornell can’t afford to look ahead either, but given how badly the Big Red lost to Boston College, I don’t think they will. Cornell 3-1 Arlan: Neither team dazzled in its opening weekend. Cornell 4-2
Union at Dartmouth Candace: Dartmouth looks to get off to a good start. Dartmouth 3-1 Arlan: Union finally defeated Dartmouth last year, but is still looking for its first win in Hanover. Dartmouth 4-0
Rensselaer at Harvard Candace: The Engineers have troubled the Crimson in recent years, but I don’t see it happening this year. Harvard 3-1 Arlan: Last year’s Crimson only lost once in their first 15 games; that loss was to Rensselaer. Harvard 4-1
St. Lawrence at Yale Candace: St. Lawrence fell back to Earth last week. I’ll pick home ice. Yale 4-2 Arlan: I think these teams are just about dead even, so I’ll take home ice. Yale 2-1
Friday-Saturday, Oct. 31-Nov. 1
St. Cloud at Ohio State Candace: I think both of these will be close, but I have to believe Ohio State will win. Ohio State 2-1, 3-1 Arlan: Both teams are coming off byes, so who had the better week of preparation? Ohio State 2-0, 3-2
Bemidji State at Minnesota Candace: Never betting against Minnesota this season. Minnesota 4-2, 4-1 Arlan: The last couple of years the Beavers have been blown out the first game in Minneapolis and then played a tight game, and that was when all the Gophers were available. Minnesota 4-1, 2-1
Wisconsin at North Dakota Candace: Neither team has looked exceptional over the last few weeks. A tie seems likely, but I can’t pick ties, so I’m going with the Badgers. Wisconsin 3-2, 4-2 Arlan: North Dakota holds a 4-3-1 edge in the last eight meetings, but Wisconsin dominated prior to that. I think UND gets a tie. Wisconsin 3-1, 1-0
Robert Morris at Mercyhurst Candace: Picking a Lakers sweep is harder after the Colonials got three points last week against Northeastern and have Rebecca Vint back in the line-up. Robert Morris 3-2, Mercyhurst 2-1 Arlan: Paul Colontino is 7-6-1 versus his former boss, and Mike Sisti is still looking for his first sweep in the meetings. Mercyhurst 4-2, Robert Morris 2-1
Penn State at Syracuse Candace: Until Monday night, Penn State had gotten at least a tie in every game it scored in. Syracuse hasn’t won since the first game of the year, but they’ll pick up points this weekend. Two ties wouldn’t surprise me. Syracuse 3-2, 2-1 Arlan: Syracuse has taken all eight games in this young rivalry, including two OT wins. Syracuse 4-1, Penn State 2-0
Providence vs. Boston College (home-and-home) Candace: BC needs to avoid a letdown after last weekend, and I think the Eagles will. Boston College 5-1, 6-2 Arlan: This has the makings for a good game of Russian roulette — how many Eagles can depart for Four Nations before Providence wins? Boston College 7-0, 2-1
Maine at Connecticut Candace: Can the Bears gain any momentum from upsetting Boston University last week? Possibly, but the Huskies have been consistently inconsistent, and I’ll still pick them. Connecticut 2-1 Arlan: Looks like a tie, so I’ll take home ice. Connecticut 2-1
Saturday, Nov. 1
St. Lawrence at Brown Candace: I have to think the Saints haven’t fallen that far yet. St. Lawrence 4-2 Arlan: Over the last seven years, the Bears have averaged five wins per season; not a lot of percentage in picking them in most contests. St. Lawrence 3-1
Princeton at Colgate Candace: Colgate is off to a decent start, but I think the Tigers prevail. Princeton 3-2 Arlan: Does anybody know if Lauren Wildfang is ever going to play? Princeton 2-1
Quinnipiac at Cornell Candace: Cornell will be without Jillian Saulnier, and while the Bobcats won’t have Shiann Darkangelo, I think the Bobcats are better positioned. Quinnipiac 3-2 Arlan: Cornell has struggled mightily versus Quinnipiac the last couple of years, and based on how it looked versus BC, it will struggle versus a lot of teams this year. So, yeah, I’ll pick the Big Red. Cornell 3-2
Rensselaer at Dartmouth Candace: The Big Green also helped me last week, so I’ll go with them again this week. Dartmouth 4-2 Arlan: Dartmouth lost six of its first seven last year. The one win was over Rensselaer. Dartmouth 4-1
Union at Harvard Candace: Regardless of overall results, this isn’t the game I gain on Arlan. Harvard 4-1 Arlan: If Candace gains on me in this game, then I’ll know it’s not my year and I’ll concede. Harvard 5-0
Clarkson at Yale Candace: I gained a game on Arlan last week by picking the Golden Knights, who have looked very good of late. Even if Erin Ambrose is Four Nations bound before this game, I think Clarkson can win. Clarkson 4-2 Arlan: Have to pick some upsets when behind in the contest (so I can fall farther behind). Yale 3-2
Maine at Northeastern Candace: Northeastern has struggled so far this year, but I think they’ll come out on top. Northeastern 2-1 Arlan: I’ll take the under in this game. Northeastern 1-0
Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 1-2
Minnesota State at Minnesota-Duluth Candace: Can the Bulldogs build some consistency? Something tells me yes. Minnesota-Duluth 4-2, 3-2 Arlan: There has been bad blood in the past, but there’s been so much turnover on both rosters that I doubt it remains. Minnesota-Duluth 5-0, 3-1
Sunday, Nov. 2
New Hampshire at Boston University Candace: I have a hard team seeing the Terriers losing, even sans Poulin. Boston University 3-1 Arlan: It’s likely that Four Nations absences will impact results in some games; the question is, which games? Boston University 2-1
Connecticut at Vermont Candace: Vermont has been inconsistent so far this year, and the Catamounts won’t have Amanda Pelkey for this game, but I think they’ll still win. Vermont 2-1 Arlan: I used to feel like this after taking an exam if I hadn’t studied. Or gone to class. Or gotten anything correct. Vermont 3-2
Dave rallied last weekend to post an impressive 13-3-1 mark and make up the two-game deficit. Three weeks in, all tied.
Jim last week: 11-5-1 Jim to-date: 32-13-3 Dave last week: 13-3-1 Dave to-date: 32-13-3
Friday, October 31
Massachusetts at Maine
Jim’s pick: Though I like the way UMass is playing of late, Maine showed last weekend that home cooking helps. Maine 3, UMass 2
Dave’s pick: Agreed. This would be a tough call at the Mullins Center. Maine 4, UMass 2
Vermont at Notre Dame
Jim’s pick: One of the marquis series of the season, I feel this one will be a split and I’ll give it to the hosts out of the gate. UND 3, UVM 1
Dave’s pick: The Catamounts have been proving me wrong so far this season even when on the road, but I’m still going with the Irish. UND 3, UVM 2
Boston University at Providence
Jim’s pick: Another top notch series, this one a home-and-home. And while Providence may have been the preseason favorite, BU is playing more like the crème de la crème. BU 4, PC 3
Dave’s pick: The Friars have disappointed so far while the Terriers have impressed, but I think these two potential powerhouses will hold serve in this home-and-home. PC 3, BU 2
Massachusetts-Lowell at New Hampshire
Jim’s pick: Lowell’s Murderer’s Row of opponents to begin the season continues. And while the River Hawks have been impressive handling this tough schedule to begin, I’m going with the Wildcats, equally as impressive to start, at home. UNH 3, UML 2
Dave’s pick: If the River Hawks had looked better against Michigan last week, I’d be more tempted to give them a sweep. Instead, this looks like a home team split. UNH 3, UML 2
Boston College at Denver
Jim’s pick: Another intriguing weekend series in Hockey East. The Eagles seem to be playing well but I am concerned about depth on defense for BC and playing at altitude. Thus, I’m going with Denver in the opener. DU 4, BC 2
Dave’s pick: Last year, Denver wasn’t much better at home than on the road, so I’m thinking altitude won’t be as big a factor as one would instinctively think. BC 3, DU 2 (OT)
Connecticut vs. Merrimack (Liberty Invitational Tournament, at Newark, N.J.)
Jim’s pick: This non-conference game between two Hockey East opponents will be played at the Prudential Center in New Jersey as part of the Liberty Invitational Tournament. These teams squared off in a tight tilt already with Merrimack squeaking out a win. Thus, I’m going to go with the Huskies on neutral ice. UConn 2, MC 1 (OT)
Dave’s pick: The Warriors outplayed UConn by a good margin in that first game even though they needed an extra skater goal to force overtime where they won it, so I’m picking them in this one even away from Lawler Arena. MC 2, UConn 1
Saturday, November 1
Providence at Boston University
Jim’s pick: Though the BU winning streak has to end at some point and a top-notch opponent like Providence is the sensible favorite to end it, I’m sticking with the Terriers on home ice. BU 3, PC 2
Dave’s pick: The Terriers will salvage the split of the home-and-home series after dropping Friday night’s contest at Schneider Arena. BU 4, PC 2
Massachusetts at Maine
Jim’s pick: Maybe I’m showing too much confidence in Maine one week after I showed zero. But I like the Black Bears to sweep. Maine 4, UMass 2
Dave’s pick: I’m going with a Black Bears sweep as well. I think they’re the better team with the venue being icing on the cake. Maine 4, UMass 2
Vermont at Notre Dame
Jim’s pick: Look for the Catamounts to bounce back and earn the split. UVM 3, UND 2
Dave’s pick: Put me in the category of guys who just don’t learn, but I’m going against Vermont again. Notre Dame sweeps. UND 3, UVM 2
New Hampshire at Massachusetts-Lowell
Jim’s pick: Home ice is nice for the River Hawks UML 4, UNH 1
Dave’s pick: Agreed. The River Hawks get the split. UML 4, UNH 3
Boston College at Denver
Jim’s pick: Acclimated to the environment, BC salvages the weekend split. BC 4, DU 1
Dave’s pick: The Eagles complete an impressive road sweep. BC 4, DU 2
Northeastern at Quinnipiac
Jim’s pick: A battle of two teams not living up to expectations thus far goes to the home team. And the start of the year gets longer for Huskies fans. QU 3, NU 2
Dave’s pick: It’s hard to believe the Huskies have been outscored 15-4 while losing their first four games. QU 4, NU 2
Sunday, November 2
Northeastern at Quinnipiac
Jim’s pick: Is it finally time for Northeastern to get into the win column? I think so. NU 4, QU 2
Dave’s pick: Based on the evidence to date, there’s no reason to pick the Huskies. QU 4, NU 2
Merrimack/UConn vs. Princeton/Yale (Liberty Invitational Tournament, Newark, N.J.)
Jim’s pick: I don’t know what to expect out of Princeton with a first-year coach. But I’m pretty confident in Yale. Picking all outcomes. MC 3, PU 1; UConn 3, PU 2; Yale 4, MC 2; Yale 4, UConn 1
Dave’s pick: Princeton was 6-26-0 last year, so, like Jim, I’m picking against the Tigers. Yale is the class of this tourney. MC 2, PU 1; UConn 3, PU 2; Yale 3, MC 1; Yale 4, UConn 2
Wednesday, November 5
Jim’s pick: The teacher vs. the student. No more classic clash in athletics. Can the student (UConn coach Mike Cavanaugh) beat his former boss of two decades (BC head coach Jerry York)? It would make a great storyline, but I can’t pick it. BC 5, UConn 2
Dave’s pick: It’s a great storyline but not a believable plot. BC 4, UConn 1
There are five Big Ten teams with nonconference series this weekend. Wisconsin is off again this week. Bentley and Penn State began their two-game set last night, and Drew and I published the picks for that series yesterday. We’ll include those picks in our season total next week. (Hint: Drew’s already up on me, 1-0, before Friday’s games have been played.)
Last week
Drew: 7-1-0 (.875)
Paula: 6-2-0 (.750)
Season
Drew: 14-11-2 (.555)
Paula: 11-13-2 (.462)
This week
Ferris State at Michigan State
Drew: It looked like the Spartans found something that resembled a potent offense in their series against visiting Massachusetts two weeks ago. Too bad they must have forgot it at home when they headed out east last weekend. Michigan State has to feel snake-bitten so far this season; three losses by one goal will do that to you. Both of these teams dropped two games last weekend so this series will be about who responds to adversity better. If this was at Ferris State, I would pick a sweep for the Bulldogs. Even though it’s at Munn, I’m still tempted to pick a Ferris State sweep, but I’m going to predict that home ice helps Michigan State steals one.
Paula: Naturally, I love the old CCHA rivalries and am looking forward to catching Saturday’s game in East Lansing. The Spartans lead this all-time series 68-35-15, but the Bulldogs are 4-0 in the last four games in the series, winning most recently in Munn, 2-0, Dec. 14, 2013. Not only did each of these teams drop two games last weekend, but each was beaten by identical scores on the road: 1-0 and 2-1. The Bulldogs have just one goal in three games, the length of their current losing streak. Like Drew, if this series were in Ewigleben Arena, I’d call a Ferris State sweep. Like Drew, I’m calling a split. Each game begins at 7:00 p.m., and Friday’s game is being carried by Comcast.
Drew’s picks: Ferris State 4-1, Michigan State 3-2. Paula’s picks: Ferris State 3-1, Michigan State 3-2.
Michigan at Michigan Tech
Drew: This would be a fantastic series to go to. There’s nothing better than when the big schools roll into town to play the smaller in-state rival at their place. The arena should be packed and it should be a hostile environment. That will definitely give a lift to the Huskies, but it shouldn’t hurt the Wolverines’ chances. I expect that this series will produce two close games. If either team gets a sweep, it’s going to be a hard-fought one. This a prefect opportunity for Michigan Tech to prove that it is for real; it’s also a perfect opportunity for Michigan to make everyone forget about its early-season struggles. Michigan’s next six games are very favorable so doing well this weekend could be the start of a nice run.
Paula: This is Michigan’s first trip to Houghton since 1983 — the first time for the Wolverines under coach Red Berenson — and it’s only because Berenson’s former associate head coach Mel Pearson is behind the Huskies’ bench that the Wolverines are making the trip to the Yoop. This is an all-time series with history: Friday’s game marks the 218th meeting between the teams, dating back to 1927. The Wolverines lead this series 122-91-4 and Berenson is 22-3-0 against MTU. Last season, the Wolverines swept the Huskies in Yost in two one-goal games (Nov. 1-2, 2013). Each of these games begins at 7:00 p.m. Neither is televised.
Drew: St. Cloud State split its first two series against top-rated teams, so calling a split for this series might be a logical play. In my eyes, however, Minnesota is a cut above Colgate and Union, and that’s not meant to be a dig on those two programs. Minnesota has also owned the series with the Huskies. The Gophers own a 54-28-12 all-time advantage and have been great against St. Cloud in recent years. The Gophers are 7-3 against the Huskies in their last 10 meetings. The Huskies also haven’t won at Mariucci Arena since 2010, although they haven’t gotten a lot of opportunities.
Paula: I don’t see the Gophers losing, either, and I’m not going to call them to do so until they do so. This is a home-and-home series, with St. Cloud hosting Friday night at 7:30 p.m. and Minnesota hosting Saturday at 4:00 p.m. Both games are carried by Fox Sports North and Fox College Sports.
Drew: It isn’t going to be easy, but Ohio State needs a sweep this weekend after starting the season 1-3. The Buckeyes’ first four contests were against upper-echelon teams, so they do have an excuse for their record. With a weekend off to prepare, they don’t have an excuse not to play well against an Atlantic Hockey opponent, even if the Golden Griffins have gotten off to a decent start this season. If Ohio State wants to be considered one of the top teams in the conference, it sweeps this weekend.
Paula: While I agree that the Buckeyes could use these wins for all kinds of reasons, I don’t see any Atlantic Hockey opponent as a gimme — and I am pretty certain that the Buckeyes don’t, either. Ohio State swept Canisius last season in Columbus in the teams’ first-ever series (Nov. 15-16, 2013). A cool note about this weekend’s series is that Friday’s game will be the first in the HarborCenter, a 20-story, $172.2 million facility in downtown Buffalo financed by Terry Pegula, the owner of the Buffalo Sabres and Buffalo Bills, and the fairy godfather for the Penn State hockey program. The HarborCenter will be home to Canisius, plus the Erie Community College Kats (NJCAA) and the Buffalo Jr. Sabres (Ontario Junior A). The games begin at 7:30 p.m. each night and neither is televised.
Drew’s picks: Ohio State 4-1, 4-2. Paula’s picks: Canisius 3-2, Ohio State 4-2.
I’ve never been a big fan of the slow, unbalanced rollout of the WCHA schedule. I’d love to see everybody begin league play together and then have the schedulers do their best to keep games in hand to a minimum as the season progresses. Yes, this comes from the it-was-my-understanding-there’d-be-no-math department, but I think everybody wants to know where teams actually stand in the standings.
This week, the three teams yet to play a conference series — Alaska, Alaska Anchorage and Bemidji State — finally get to play for points, and there are definitely some intriguing matchups in league play this weekend. Out of league play, too, actually.
All right, Jack, I’m off my soapbox now. Let’s pick:
Minnesota State at Bowling Green
Shane: On paper, this is the best series of the weekend. These are two very good teams who met five times last year, with each of their regular-season meetings being decided by one goal and three of those going into overtime. No one should be surprised if that happens again. I’m thinking split here. Falcons 2-1. Mavericks 3-2
Jack: The Falcons and the Mavs are the best scoring offenses in the WCHA right now, with 21 goals each in six games. I don’t have any reason to pick against a split. It may be a high-scoring weekend. Mavericks 5-4, Falcons 5-3
Alaska at Bemidji State
Shane: I’m intrigued by this series, too. The Nanooks are off to a hot start but are in the midst of a road trip now. The Beavers, meanwhile, held their own with that killer early-season schedule. Getting one win in four games against North Dakota and Minnesota is nothing to sneeze at. Should be a good series split for you to cover, Jack. Beavers 3-1. Nanooks 4-1
Jack: The Beavers played really well against the Gophers last weekend — especially Saturday – and I think Tom Serratore was disappointed his team couldn’t pick up at least one win. Regardless, they looked much better skating on the big ice than they have in years past, which is encouraging. As for the Nanooks, it will be interesting to see how they perform after this extended road trip — they’ve been in Michigan last Thursday and will be driving 750 miles to Minnesota. I have a hard time picking against a split. Beavers 4-1. Nanooks 3-2
Lake Superior at Alaska Anchorage
Shane: Damon Whitten, what have you walked into? This has been a brutal schedule for the new coach, and, yes, I’m going to keep saying that until the Lakers finally get a breather. Playing Tech on the first weekend of practice, trips to Robert Morris and Notre Dame, home against Northern, now a trip to Anchorage. Sounds like punishment. The Seawolves, meanwhile, return home where they play pretty good hockey. Seawolves 3-2, 3-0
Jack: Just about the only bright spot for the Lakers is that when they’ve scored, they’ve been able to spread it up and down the lineup, which is encouraging for a team that before the season was basically viewed as “Alex GHlobke and Co.” The question is if they can put more goals on the board and get some wins. I don’t think that happens this weekend. Seawolves 5-2, 3-2
Michigan at Michigan Tech
Shane: On to nonconference play, and everybody’s excited in Houghton and the return of the Wolverines after more than 30 years. Plus, the Stanley Cup, the MacNaughton Cup and other trophies are going to be in town. It’s a hockey smorgasbord! Dare we say that the Huskies should be favored in this series? Can Mel Pearson turn the tables on his old mentor, Red Berenson? He will one night, for sure. Huskies 4-2. Wolverines 5-3
Jack: It’s definitely going to be an insane atmosphere this weekend in the Keweenaw. But when I talked to Mel Pearson the other day he was a bit concerned simply because this is a heck of a lot of distractions for a home opener. Will the Huskies be able to overcome it and win? I think they may stumble Friday then rally for a big win Saturday. Wolverines 4-3 (OT), Huskies 6-3.
Ferris State at Michigan State
Shane: Another series where the WCHA team should be favored over the Big Ten team. Ferris State has to be a little bitter after dropping those two games at home to Michigan Tech last weekend. Now, the Bulldogs will go down the road to face their old CCHA foe. They’ve beaten Sparty four times in a row. I see that streak going to six. Bulldogs 3-1, 2-1
Jack: Much like Minnesota, the Wolverines and Spartans should be given some credit for continuing to play their in-state rivals and not big-timing them after bolting for the Big Ten. The Bulldogs have won nine of the past 11 meetings against MSU and two straight at Munn. But Ferris has lost three straight (at St. Lawrence and home against Michigan Tech). I think that streak ends with a sweep. Bulldogs 4-2, 4-3
Alabama Huntsville at Northern Michigan (nonconference)
Shane: With scheduling in the new WCHA (At what point do we stop calling it new? Probably now.), the Chargers and the Wildcats opted to keep this nonconference series on the schedule this year. They play each other just one weekend in league play. The Chargers will be kicking themselves in January if they steal a win or two this weekend and get no points out of it. The rest of the league will be annoyed, too. Considering NMU’s start, I don’t see that happening, though.Wildcats 4-1, 4-1
Jack: This is an odd bit of scheduling for sure. The Chargers have been playing better and they might be in both of these games with their goaltenders but I also can’t see them stealing a win.Wildcats 2-1, 4-2
Last week was a good one for me, and a bad one for Matthew, and as such, I now have a five-game lead in our race for the six pack of micro brew. Last week, I went 9-2-1 (.791), moving to 25-10-1 (.708), while Matthew went 5-6-1 (.458) to move to 20-15-1 (.569) on the year.
This week presents a big challenge, so let’s get to it.
Friday-Saturday, Oct. 31-Nov. 1
Miami at Minnesota-Duluth Candace: Like Matthew, I think UMD’s trend of winning on Saturday will continue. Miami 3-1, Minnesota-Duluth 3-2 Matthew: Duluth has already developed a pretty steady habit of losing on the first night of a weekend series and winning the second, and I think the same thing is going to happen again here. Miami 3-1, Minnesota-Duluth 3-1
Nebraska-Omaha at Cornell Candace: UNO is looking for revenge after last year’s sweep by the Big Red in the Mavericks’ barn. I’m picking UNO to return the favor. Nebraska-Omaha 4-2, 3-2 Matthew: This is UNO’s first-ever trip to Lynah, and I think the Mavericks will get at least a split out of it. The Ivy League teams starting their hockey season later than everyone else might bite the Big Red in the behind. Nebraska-Omaha 3-2, Cornell 4-1
Boston College at Denver Candace: I’m tempted to pick a split, but this is one of those where I have a very tough time picking against Jerry York. Boston College 3-2, 4-1 Matthew: This is definitely this weekend’s toughest series to predict. BC ought to pick up at least one win at Magness and could come away with a sweep if everything goes the Eagles’ way, but I think DU will spoil that bid. Denver 2-1, Boston College 3-1
Minnesota vs. St. Cloud State home-and-home Candace: I think St. Cloud might be happy to finish the first six weeks at .500, given how hard their schedule is. I’ll go with home ice on each. St. Cloud 4-3, Minnesota 4-2 Matthew: Another tough series to call, and I’m tempted to go the safe route again. Home team wins twice. St. Cloud State 3-2, Minnesota 3-1
Saturday, Nov. 1
Air Force at North Dakota Candace: North Dakota has looked very good since its opening game. Air Force is always a tough out, but UND should be able to make it through. North Dakota 5-2 Matthew: UND has largely been very good so far this season, and I don’t know if Air Force is up to that much. This could be a trap game for UND, but I think North Dakota will pick up the win. North Dakota 4-2
The schedule expands a bit this weekend, with the Ivy League teams playing their season openers and Union and Rensselaer facing off in the first conference game of the year.
All games are 7 p.m. unless noted
Union at Rensselaer
It’s hard to forget what happened the last time these teams met. But don’t count on any shenanigans this time around, and it will be nice to see the focus return to the game on the ice in one of the league’s better rivalries.
RPI is mired in a five-game losing skid while Union had its unbeaten streak snapped last weekend against St. Cloud. Dutchmen coach Rick Bennett and his players have said Union needs to play better, but I think they’ll have enough against RPI. Union wins
Mercyhurst at Colgate, 7:05 p.m.
The Raiders needed a pair of late rallies to sweep Sacred Heart on the road last week. Mercyhurst has scored 12 goals in four games, but allowed 14. Colgate’s deep offense should be able to take advantage of the Lakers’ subpar defense. Colgate wins
Omaha at Cornell
One of the downsides of hockey at the Ivy schools is later start to the season. Omaha is 3-1 with an impressive 15 goals thus far, while Cornell opens the regular season following a pair of 3-2 exhibition wins. It will be interesting to see who start in goal for the Big Red – sophomore Mitch Gilliam or freshman Hayden Stewart. Either one will have their hands full with what looks to be a potent Mavericks team in the early going. Omaha wins
Clarkson at St. Lawrence
The North Country matchup might be neck-in-neck with Yale/Harvard and Union/RPI as the conference’s top rivalry. Clarkson has struggled offensively thus far, and they’ll face a hot goalie in Saints rookie Kyle Hayton. This non-conference matchup should go to St. Lawrence. St. Lawrence wins
Yale vs. Princeton (Liberty Invitational, Newark NJ)
Head coach Ron Fogarty’s first game at Princeton is against the 2013 national champions. The Tigers will have the benefit of being on even footing with Yale in terms of games played, but the Bulldogs should be stingy this year and Princeton doesn’t have a ton of big names on offense. Check back Sunday for updated picks for the championship and third-place game. Yale wins
Brown at Army
Keep an eye on the Bears this year. Brown returns the trio of Mark Naclerio, Matt Larito and Nick Lappin, and adds talented freshman Tyler Bird, Max Willman and Sam Lafferty. Army has been up-and-down thus far (2-3-1). Brown wins
Saturday, Nov. 1
Northeastern at Quinnipiac
Northeastern gives up a large number of shots, while the Bobcats are one of the most trigger-happy teams in the nation. Quinnipiac hasn’t been great this season, but I think they’ll possess the puck enough for the win. Quinnipiac wins
Rensselaer at Union
I’m tempted to call a split, but the Dutchmen should complete the sweep. Union wins
Mercyhurst at Colgate, 7:05 p.m.
Colgate completes the sweep, continuing its best start since the 2004-05 team. Colgate wins
St. Lawrence at Clarkson
I’ll throw a dart (isn’t that what these picks really boil down to?) and predict a rebound at home for the Golden Knights. Clarkson wins
Omaha at Cornell
No way the Big Red get swept at home. Cornell wins
Dartmouth at Harvard, 7:30
The newly renovated Bright-Landry Hockey Center opens Saturday against the Big Green, Harvard’s travel partner. Based on last year, I like Dartmouth’s goaltending a little better than the Crimsons’, although if Harvard speed ever translates into goals, look out. Dartmouth wins
Sunday, Nov. 2
Merrimack vs. Princeton, 1 p.m. (Liberty Invitational third-place game)
The Tigers tied Yale 2-2 Friday, but the Bulldogs advanced to the championship game via a shootout. Freshmen David Hallisey and Erik Robinson scored for Princeton, while goalie Colton Phinney made 45 saves. I think first-year head coach Ron Fogarty gets his first win at Princeton. Princeton wins
Connecticut vs. Yale, 4 p.m. (Liberty Invitational championship)
Yale is 10-0 all-time against their in-state rivals, with the last meeting coming in 2011. Both teams advanced to the championship game via a shootout, with freshman Ryan Hitchcock scoring the game-winner for the Bulldogs. Yale played four freshman Friday night, but should have enough experience throughout the lineup and in goal to win the title. Yale wins
Northeastern at Quinnipiac, 4 p.m.
Huskies rebound for a split in what should be a high-scoring weekend. Northeastern wins
Thursday, October 30 and Friday, October 31 Bentley at Penn State Dan: Call me a wikkid homah, but I’m taking the Falcons for at least one this weekend. There’s something about this team on the road that has be feeling like they’re going to be extremely mentally tough. I don’t like picking splits (even though that’s what I did last week), so I’m going with Bentley to win both. Bentley sweeps Chris: Could this be a repeat of last weekend, when Penn State soundly defeated Holy Cross twice? Or a repeat of last weekend when Bentley went into RPI and took two games in convincing fashion? I’m splitting things down the middle. Bentley wins Thursday; Penn State Friday.
Friday, October 31 and Saturday, November 1 Sacred Heart at Holy Cross Dan: Both teams were swept last weekend, but I have a feeling Sacred Heart’s near-upsets of Colgate has them slightly ahead of the Crusaders at this point. Call it this weekend for the Pioneers. Sacred Heart sweeps. Chris: The Crusaders will host on Friday; the Pioneers on Saturday. Both teams were swept last weekend, but SHU put up more of a fight, losing a pair of close games to Colgate. I’ve been burned going with the home teams in these home-and-home series, but I’m a glutton for punishment. Holy Cross wins Friday; Sacred Heart Saturday.
American International at Niagara Dan: Niagara was swept last weekend, but the losses came at Notre Dame. AIC, meanwhile, lost two to Canisius. I think the Yellow Jackets are going to surprise the Purple Eagles by having more depth, but ultimately I’m picking Niagara’s slightly better goaltending in this one. Don’t count out AIC to steal one on the road, though. Niagara sweeps. Chris: This is another case of both teams getting swept last weekend. Niagara has historically done well against AIC, but this is not a typical year so far for the Purple Eagles. I think AIC wins at least one. Niagara wins Friday; AIC wins Saturday.
Rochester Institute of Technology at Robert Morris Dan: Robert Morris is one point out of becoming the first Atlantic Hockey team in the USCHO Top 20 since Niagara two years ago. I’m not picking against them until someone beats them. Robert Morris sweeps. Chris: I’ll be broadcasting this series and am looking forward to it. RIT has won the last two meetings on the Island, but RMU is looking to stay unbeaten and is tough at home. If it comes down to goaltending, which it might, RMU has a pair of really hot netminders right now. Robert Morris sweeps.
Ohio State at Canisius Dan: The lights are on in the new building in Buffalo. Despite my hatred of picking sweeps, I find it hard to pick against a B1G team against Atlantic Hockey, even with my allegiances to the eastern league. That said, goaltending can win one, if not both, for the Griffs. Canisius wins Friday; Ohio State on Saturday. Chris: The Golden Griffins get to open their new home at HarborCenter against an OSU team that has scored three goals in its last three games. Still, I think each team will win a game. Canisius wins Friday; Ohio State on Saturday.
Mercyhurst at Colgate Dan: Starr Rink served as one of the filming locations for the movie Slap Shot. That has nothing to do with the outcome of this series, but I felt it warranted mentioning. Colgate wraps up four straight against the AHA at home, and although Mercyhurst is one of those battle tested teams, the Raiders have one of those teams built to handle business. Colgate sweeps Chris: Boy I really want to pick an upset here as the Lakers take on the No. 4 Raiders. But Colgate is deeper and playing at home. Raiders will sweep.
Friday, October 31 Brown at Army Dan: Brown might have some of the most dynamic players in ECAC in Matt Lorito and Mark Naclerio. They also have one of their best recruiting classes, headlined by Pittsburgh Penguins draft choice Sam Lafferty. I like Army a lot, but I think Brown has too much energy and too much firepower in this one. Brown wins. Chris: This is Brown’s first official game of the season (the Bears won an exhibition with Dartmouth last Sunday) while Army already has six contests under its belt. I like the Black Knights to play a few tricks on the Bears, and treat themselves to a victory. Army wins.
Saturday, November 1 Air Force at North Dakota Dan: If you haven’t experienced a game at the Ralph, I suggest you do it; nobody has a home ice advantage quite like North Dakota. This is also a game they have to take care of business in if they expect to be playing in Boston come springtime. North Dakota wins Chris: Just one game for the Falcons this weekend, but it’s a big one – at No. 3 North Dakota in the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame game. UND leads the all-time series 4-0 and I think that trend will continue. North Dakota wins.
Five Big Ten teams play this weekend, starting with tonight’s game between Bentley and Penn State in Pegula Arena. This two-game set concludes Friday night; both games begin at 7:00 p.m. and neither is televised. These are the last home games for the Nittany Lions until Jan. 9.
We’ll have the rest of the picks for the other four nonconference series tomorrow, along with our updated picks record.
Bentley at Penn State
Drew: The two teams in the Big Ten with the most momentum right now are Minnesota and Penn State. I like the way Matthew Skoff is playing and the Nittany Lions are scoring on the other end of the ice. Yes, their competition has been lacking so far this season, but this weekend I have no doubts about picking them to sweep again.
Paula: I have to respectfully disagree about the lack of competition that Penn State has faced. Alaska is a ranked team and Alaska-Anchorage is no slouch; Connecticut and Holy Cross each had more productive offenses than Penn State in 2013-2014, and each team’s defense was far more solid as well. If anything, the Huskies and the Crusaders are established Division I programs against which the newcomer Penn State can accurately and usefully measure its progress.
I think Bentley is a good barometer as well. The Falcons are 3-2 this season, most recently having swept Rensselaer on the road last weekend, 5-2 and 4-0. And like Penn State, Bentley’s offense is productive in the early going, averaging 3.8 goals per game in five contests. While it’s early, the Falcons’ combined special teams are fourth-best in the country. The Falcons have the ability to get themselves into penalty trouble, while the Nittany Lions like to play passionate hockey.
Drew’s picks: Penn State sweep 4-1, 5-1. Paula’s picks: Bentley 3-2, Penn State 3-2.
Coach Bob Motzko and St. Cloud State face a third straight team currently ranked in the top five (photo: Melissa Wade).
If you are a St. Cloud State fan, you could be forgiven for wondering if the season might ever get easier.
After an opening weekend split with current No. 4 Colgate, last weekend the Huskies traveled to New York for a series with No. 2 Union, again earning a split.
Now the Huskies return home to Minnesota, with only a home-and-home with in-state rival and current No. 1 Minnesota on the docket this weekend.
The current No. 3, North Dakota, will face the Huskies in late November.
In fact, in its first six weekends of play, the only currently nonranked team the Huskies will face is Western Michigan, which made the semifinals of last year’s NCHC tournament.
Asked about the seemingly brutal start to the season, St. Cloud coach Bob Motzko downplayed it as something not unique to this year.
“I kind of think it’s tough every year; I think all of us are used to it,” said Motzko. “When you say we have a tough schedule, if it was something else I’d like to know what easy is, because I’ve never found an easy schedule in college hockey.
“I don’t think we look at it from a standpoint of rankings. We’re playing awful good hockey teams right now, and we’re trying to get our season off to a good start and move forward.”
Last weekend against Union, St. Cloud lost the first game 5-1, plagued by a poor start and excellent play by Union netminder Colin Stevens, who kept St. Cloud off the board until there were only five seconds left in the game.
“We had plenty of chances that night to get back into the game, but I thought their goaltender, Colin Stevens, was outstanding, and we could have got in it to make it look better,” said Motzko. “We had three straight breakaways, power plays, plenty of shots, and Stevens was just outstanding in goal.”
Ben Storm finally got the Huskies on the board at 19:55 of the third, and while it would be easy to wonder if the goal helped give St. Cloud momentum that it used for a 3-2 win on Saturday, Motzko said it’s not the case.
“When you break it back down, it definitely wasn’t a 5-1 game,” Motzko said of Friday’s loss. “We really made a lot of mistakes to give them such a big lead. When you break the game down, we did a lot of good things Friday night, and we carried the momentum from good play.
“I’m sure it was encouraging that we got that goal late, but we played pretty good hockey for five periods, almost five and a half periods. It was really the first seven, eight minutes Friday night.”
Though the home-and-home with top-ranked Minnesota might seem to warrant more preparation, Motzko, whose team took it easy Monday after a long travel day on Sunday, said that his team is mainly concentrating on what it needs to do to improve.
“We’re breaking our game film down right now from the tendencies that a team has to work on defensively or offensively, and those are the things each week that you try to get your team working on better and moving your team forward to get better in the areas you have to have success,” he said.
“Early in the year, you are concentrating 90 percent on your own team, your own play, and worrying very little about the opponent you are going to play. It is what it is. Obviously, Minnesota has got tremendous talent and has some great strengths that we will have to be very well aware of, and we’ll try to be prepared for that and do our best.”
Dominic Zombo is part of a key line for Omaha (photo: Michelle Bishop).
Omaha retains scoring prowess
Coming into this season, many wondered where Omaha would find its scoring.
The Mavericks, who were 16th in team offense last season, lost three of their top six scorers to graduation and their top scorer, Josh Archibald, to early departure.
So far, scoring hasn’t been a problem. The Mavericks are 10th in team offense nationally, and sophomore Jake Guentzel is third nationally in scoring while his classmate, Austin Ortega, is 13th.
“That’s our line right now, Ortega, [Dominic] Zombo and Guentzel,” said Omaha coach Dean Blais. “They’re doing everything for us, power play and penalty kill. We knew coming into the year that if we were going to be successful early, especially with a lot of freshmen, that those guys were going to have to carry us, and they’ve done a great job so far.”
In their last outing two weeks ago, the Mavericks swept Western Michigan on the road, notching 5-2 and 3-0 wins. While the top line was active on the score sheet, the Mavericks got contributions from others as well, such as Tanner Lane and Brian Cooper.
“We need scoring from other people, other players, than just that top line. That’s the key to anyone’s success, is a balanced scoring attack,” said Blais. “Last year, we had a bunch of seniors that could provide it, whether it was Ryan Walters, Zahn Raubenheimer, Brock Montpetit and Josh Archibald, certainly, who scored 29 goals for us. That’s hard to replace. Our whole freshman class might not get 29 goals together. It does put pressure on Zombo, Ortega and Guentzel, but it’s really important that those freshmen come along as fast as they can.”
The Mavericks have nine freshmen who have seen action so far. These young players are getting a tough introduction to the college game, as most of the first two months sees UNO on the road; the Mavericks have only one home series in a stretch of six series that started with Western Michigan.
“That’s always a concern, but we played really well against Western Michigan and won both those games against a real physical team, and we’re going right into Cornell and Ohio State with the same kind of mentality,” said Blais. “We have to be the aggressor; we can’t be the retaliator. Big and physical means that we are going to have use speed and discipline to have a chance to win.”
This weekend, the Mavericks travel to New York to face Cornell for a pair. Last year, the Big Red swept the Mavericks in Omaha.
“They did it on the power play mainly,” Blais said of that series. “They’re a well-coached team with Mike Schafer. They play the same way every year, and that’s good, honest, hard-nosed hockey, and we’re going to have to not try to do outdo them. We have to play to our strength, which is fast and execute well.”
Players of the week
Offensive player of the week — Austin Farley, Minnesota-Duluth: In a split with No. 11 Denver, Farley scored a goal in each game for the Bulldogs and had an assist. On Friday, he scored UMD’s only goal on a power play to tie the game at one before Denver scored twice to win. On Saturday, he fired 10 shots, recording another power-play goal and an assist in the third period in UMD’s 6-1 win.
Defensive player of the week — Troy Stecher, North Dakota: Stecher notched four assists, two on each night, while finishing with a plus-3 rating as North Dakota recorded a win and a tie against No. 5 Providence. On Friday, he assisted on the game-winning goal while finishing plus-2, and on Saturday, he assisted on both North Dakota goals in a 2-2 tie while blocking three shots. Stecher also helped North Dakota kill 14 of 15 penalties on the weekend.
Rookie of the week — Kasimir Kaskisuo, Minnesota-Duluth: Kaskisuo had a .923 save percentage and 2.02 GAA in Minnesota-Duluth’s split series with Denver. In Friday’s 3-1 loss, he made 19 saves and helped kill three of Denver’s four power plays. In Saturday’s 6-1 win, he made 29 saves and helped kill four of Denver’s five power plays. He totaled 48 saves on the weekend while giving up only two even-strength goals.
Goaltender of the week — Lukas Hafner, Western Michigan: Hafner played both games in Western Michigan’s split with No. 16 Alaska, recording a 1.52 GAA and a .953 save percentage. He made a total of 61 saves on the weekend, over 30 in each game, allowing only three goals on the weekend. On Friday, he helped kill six of seven Alaska power-play attempts in a 1-0 loss, and on Saturday he made 30 saves. One of Alaska’s two goals Saturday was on a penalty shot by Garrick Perry in the first period.
Defenseman Michael Paliotta leads Vermont with seven points through four games (photo: Melissa Wade).
A couple of seasons ago, Vermont coach Kevin Sneddon knew that his club had a lot of potential. The burning question was how to turn that potential into results.
Having begun the season 4-0, including 2-0 in Hockey East, it seems early on that the fruits of the labor the Catamounts coaching staff and players have delivered in recent years is beginning to harvest.
Sneddon said a lot of his team’s success this year can be traced back to last year’s senior class, the leadership of which changed the brand of hockey this club is playing while helping the team return to the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2010.
“The one thing that group did was, especially their junior and senior year, they wanted to make sure they put Vermont hockey back on the map,” said Sneddon. “Even in their junior year we saw some positive signs in terms of the culture and we knew we just had to do a good job in recruiting.”
Fast forward two seasons to the current day and that senior class led by Chris McCarthy and H.T. Lenz has graduated but the players remaining in the locker room are proving the cultural change paid off and they are ready to compete for championships.
One major step forward on the recruiting side was at the defensive position. Two years ago, Vermont had some relatively skilled blueliners but the mobility of these players was called into question.
Players like Michael Paliotta took steps forward improving both on the back end and offensively (Paliotta leads the Catamounts with seven points in four games), while classmate Nick Luukko became more mobile and reliable on the defensive side of the puck.
Recruiting has brought in a number of defensemen with talent, including transfer Alexx Privitera, who scored 28 points in 48 games at Boston University before leaving for Vermont at the beginning of last season.
“Recruiting and development has been a big part of it,” Sneddon said of his team’s defensive improvements. “In college hockey nowadays, team defense is a top priority for everybody. Certainly we want to have dynamic forwards who can score goals, but the bottom line is that if you don’t have your defensemen involved in not only jumping up in the play offensively but having great gap [control] because they have good feet and trust their feet, it certainly makes life very difficult for you.
“It’s been a process. That’s one of the positions that’s extremely hard to improve overnight.”
The other part of the defense that is putting forth stellar performances is goaltending. Brody Hoffman and Mike Santaguida continue to share the bulk of the work, so much so that Sneddon said his local media is trying to build a perceived “goaltender controversy.”
To Sneddon, that’s nowhere near correct as the pair pushes one another each and every day.
“We’re really fortunate to have that situation,” Sneddon said of having two solid goaltenders. “I don’t know that we’re in a rotation. It’s kind of a flip from last year where Brody was hurt for the first five games we had to throw Mike into the fire. This year, Mike came in a little bit banged up and Brody came back in fantastic shape and was ready to carry the ball.
“They’re competitive but really respectful. Like they’re brothers.”
Now the question for the Catamounts is whether this team can sustain a fast start. Health is the obvious factor, but often a lack of experience as the giant as opposed to the giant slayer can bring forth challenges.
That may get tested this weekend at Notre Dame, where Vermont will travel for two games to face the 20th-ranked Irish.
“We’ll be playing a team that certainly is young on paper but that is attracting some of the best talent in the country,” Sneddon said of the Irish. “They have some confidence right now, putting up some great numbers offensively the last two weekends.
“So we’ve got our hands full. I’m really excited to see how our team responds to this challenge.”
Northeastern’s Kevin Roy has just one point through four games (photo: Melissa Wade).
At 0-4, not yet panic time for Northeastern
Yes, this was supposed to be the season for Northeastern. Returning two of the league’s best forwards in Kevin Roy and Mike Szmatula as well as last year’s eye-popping goaltender in Hockey East Clay Witt, there was plenty of hope for the Huskies.
An opening-weekend loss to Vermont paired with two road shutout losses to Colgate, both by an identical 3-0 tally, certainly worried many of the Northeastern faithful.
But Massachusetts was on the docket ahead, at home. Should be an easy win, right? Lest we forget this same UMass team lost 8-1 at home to Boston University?
Well, the Minutemen didn’t seem to want to follow script last Friday night, the result a 3-2 victory for the road underdogs and a frightening 0-4 start for Northeastern.
And while you might expect plenty of frustration spouting from the Northeastern locker room after, that was hardly the case as coach Jim Madigan felt his team played a good enough game to win, something that had been absent for the Huskies to date.
“I like the way our guys played,” Madigan said. “We played with some pace and generated some offense. We had 44 shots on goal. We had some good looks.”
Looks didn’t translate to goals, something that could be the result of players feeling the weight of preseason expectations.
“If we get that effort [like we had Friday], we’ll get the monkey off our backs,” said Madigan. “We’re gripping the sticks too tight. We haven’t won yet.”
In an effort to get more offense, Madigan has moved Szmatula onto a line with Roy, trying to pair together his best two forwards instead of spreading offense among the lines. On Friday it created solid chances, just no goals.
Still, there is enough hockey remaining to right the ship.
“At the end of the day we’re 0-2 in the league,” Madigan said. “There’s 22 league games, so there’s a long way to go.”
If there is one major concern for Northeastern, however, it is the absence of goaltender Witt. Surprising to many, Witt wasn’t dressed for Friday’s loss, with Derick Roy playing well in the loss as Witt’s backup.
“That will be day-to-day and we’ll continue to monitor his progress any hopefully have more information,” said Madigan.
Still, the fourth-year coach isn’t ready to push the panic button just yet.
“We’ll turn this around the next game,” Madigan said of a road contest at Quinnipiac on Saturday. “I’m positive because I’ve seen too many good signs and the kids are working.”
Santini a major loss on BC blue line
Sophomore Steve Santini will miss the remainder of the first half for Boston College, the school announced on Tuesday.
Santini suffered ligament damage in his wrist on Saturday versus Massachusetts, an injury that required surgery to repair. He won’t return until, at earliest, January.
“Our priority is for Steve to get healthy,” Eagles coach Jerry York said in a statement. “His presence will be missed throughout this stretch of tough competition ahead of us, but we are looking forward to him returning to our club just after the New Year.”
Santini’s loss leaves a significant hole on a blue line that doesn’t have too much depth past its starters. It will require York to turn to either junior Travis Jeke, who played 22 games as a rookie but just two last season, or classmate Peter McMullen (eight games played in two season), or, as the team did a season ago, move forward Danny Linell back to the blue line.
Linell, who began his career at BC as a forward who didn’t see extensive playing time, moved to the defensive position during the 2013-14 season to help fill injury voids. Calling upon him in a similar situation might bring Matthew Gaudreau, the brother of last year’s Hobey Baker Award winner Johnny Gaudreau, into the lineup on a more permanent basis.
BU’s key to success: solid finishes
Jumping out to a 3-0 record for Boston University is a welcome sight after the team’s 10-21-4 mark a season ago.
The most impressive of the three opening wins for the Terriers came last Saturday against Michigan. A night after the Wolverines dismantled a respected Massachusetts-Lowell team 8-4, BU found itself trailing 2-1 entering the third.
The Terriers rallied, however, killing off an early Michigan power play before netting the tying and winning goals later in the frame.
The third-period success is becoming somewhat of a norm for this Terriers team, which has yet to surrender a goal in the final frame through three contests. Conversely, BU has scored eight times in the final period, including a six-spot on UMass to make a 2-1 contest an 8-1 rout.
The success the team has had over the final 20 minutes brings a smile to the face of second-year coach David Quinn.
“We’ve won all of our third periods which I think is a great sign,” Quinn said. “Depth up front allows us to keep guys fresh.
“It was doom and gloom after the second period [Friday]. We thought we had played well early in the second and then they get that power-play goal late [to take a 2-1 lead]. But when you win every third period this year, that’s a good sign.”
Quinn said that there is a confidence about his team heading into the third period, meaning if BU can stay within striking distance through 40 minutes, there’s no reason it can’t win.
“You could see it in their faces. We talked that, ‘Hey we’ve all been down 2-1 before and come back and won hockey games. This is nothing new,'” Quinn said about Friday’s comeback.
At 3-0, this BU team has taken a major step forward from a season ago. Knowing there is still room for improvement further enhances this team’s unbeaten record.
“We’re a work in progress still,” said Quinn. “It’s nice to be winning when you think you’re going to get better and that our best hockey is ahead of us.”
(Becca Kohler-51 North Dakota)(Lauren Smith-25 Mankato State)2 Mar.. 13 The University of North Dakota hosts Bemidji State in a WCHA match-up at the Ralph Engelsted Arena in Grand Forks, ND. (BRADLEY K. OLSON)
For the 2007-08 season, Brian Idalski took over a North Dakota program that had gone winless in the WCHA the previous year. Under Idalski, the team showed some improvement, finishing tied for fifth place in his second year, but its upward climb looked to be a slow one.
In the spring of 2009, Grand Forks natives Jocelyne and Monique Lamoureux announced their plan to transfer to their home university. After competing in the 2010 Olympics, they began playing for UND in 2010-11 as sophomores, and the team had its first 20-win season. The following year, Finnish Olympian Michelle Karvinen joined the cast, and the trio combined for 214 points and led North Dakota to its first NCAA tournament. The 2012-13 campaign produced a program-best 26 wins and a return to the NCAAs, but ended an eyelash shy of a first Frozen Four trip. Last season, Karvinen captained UND to another 20 wins as a senior.
Now Idalski is left with the task of reconstructing North Dakota in the wake of its three graduated Olympians.
“[Karvinen] is just such a dynamic player,” Idalski said. “It’s very interesting. She was really just coming into her own. I don’t know if you replace a kid like that. Same thing with the Lamoureuxs. I don’t think you replace kids like that. They’re very few, and they’re getting fewer and fewer every year, to be honest with you. That’s a bit of a void; there’s no doubt about that.”
North Dakota lost another forward with Olympic experience when Susanna Tapani elected to remain in Finland after her freshman year.
Beyond the losses, the UND roster is unique in that only two of its 24 players are freshmen, and neither of those rookies has appeared in a game as yet. Might it have an advantage early in the year against opponents counting on newcomers still acclimating to the college game?
“I would have thought that we would, if we didn’t change everything,” Idalski said. “When you’re doing and trying to execute things that are vastly different than what you did in the past, I still think you’re falling back and there’s a learning curve to that before you don’t have to think about it.”
Junior forward Becca Kohler is one player who has done less falling back in the early going.
“Being a two-time U-18 player, she’s definitely skilled and somebody that was looked upon in the recruiting process to be an impact player for us,” Idalski said.
It took Kohler a bit to get rolling in the college atmosphere. She had 12 points as a rookie and added another 16 points in year two. Meanwhile, Canadian U-18 teammate Meghan Dufault recorded 69 points through two years.
“I think for me coming in as a freshman, my role was a little different than [Dufault],” Kohler said. “I’m a bigger player, and I think we’re different kind of players. I think she’s really speedy, and for me it took a while to kind of adjust to college hockey and adapt to my role.”
Most players find Division-I hockey to be more demanding physically than playing for their prep teams.
“In my last year of junior, I was really more offensive, so it was kind of a struggle coming here to college hockey and being up against stronger players,” Kohler said. “I think now I’m more comfortable like I was back in junior and I’m learning to use my size again. I’m kind of figuring out that my size is a really big advantage.”
While her six-foot frame gives her an edge, her age does not.
“I think what most people don’t know is she’s extremely young,” Idalski said. “Most of our sophomores are older than she is. It’s just taken her a bit to feel comfortable and being that kind of player and the consistency of showing up game in and game out and being a go-to kid. That’s really her role and she’s accepted it, and she’s doing great.”
Kohler charged out of the gate in October with four goals and six assists in her first five games, including a hat trick on opening night versus Rensselaer. The fast start is due at least in part to her preparation.
“This year coming in, I was more aware of what I was expected to do,” she said. “So I worked really hard in the summer with my shooting and knowing how to be more offensive. Coming in and knowing that was going to be my role, and I’ve been given the opportunity, and luckily, I’ve capitalized on it. I think I really enjoy this role more than being [on] the third or second line.”
She got another boost to her game in September thanks to Hockey Canada.
“I was at the national team camp,” Kohler said. “That was really exciting to be with the Olympians. I think that’s another thing that contributed to my good start here is that I came right from that camp, so I was practicing at a really high pace. I think coming right from that to here kind of helped my jump in the games. I attribute a lot to being at that camp, and that’s my goal, is to keep getting invited back to Hockey Canada.”
The national team benefit goes beyond the physical advantages it offers.
“I think just going to that camp and fitting in and knowing I belong there and deserve to be there really from a mental standpoint gave me a good start to this year,” Kohler said. “I attribute a lot to the mental aspect of it, so I think I got more confidence from that. When I play with confidence, I’m a lot more effective.”
Opponents recognize Kohler’s effectiveness as well and adjust their tactics.
“I feel like I have more pressure on me when I’m in the corners,” she said. “I feel like that’s always been there, but now it’s a little more intense. I kind of feed off that intensity, and I like when people are tough on me, because then it makes me go harder.”
That defensive intensity can also take its toll. After her quick start over which North Dakota won four of five, Kohler has been held without a point in the last three games, all UND losses, two by shutout. She can now better relate to what the Lamoureux twins faced as the object of every defense’s attention.
“I understand what they went through,” Kohler said. “You look at them and I saw how they handled the pressure. They were role models to look at in how they handled it, and they kept working hard. I’m fortunate enough I got to play with them [for a year].”
The best way to alleviate that pressure on Kohler is if other players are producing offense and drawing some of the defensive focus. Dufault is averaging a point per game, and five of senior Josefine Jakobsen’s 115 career points have come this year. Beyond that, there aren’t many people who have put up big numbers at this level.
“[Senior Andrea] Dalen has had some good looks,” Idalski said. “I think that we can get a little bit more there. [Junior Layla] Marvin has shown some flashes. We need to get production from the blue line. Gracen Hirschy and Halli [Krzyzaniak] need to jump in there. Sam Hanson has shown some flashes back there as well. I think [Northeastern transfer Jordan] Hampton is just starting to get comfortable for us. There’s a decent group of players that I think we’re going to get something from. As far as that being one person who is really going to jump up, I don’t know if that’s going to be the case. We’re going to need a core of kids that consistently are doing some better things for us offensively.”
Idalski has tried to increase the offensive output by moving some of his higher-scoring defensemen, in particular Hirschy, a WCHA All-Rookie Team honoree last year, to forward.
North Dakota is hardly alone in its quest for more firepower.
“You don’t see the Brandts or the Poulins or the Lamoureuxs as much,” Idalski said. “I don’t think there’s a lot of kids out there who are that dynamic. BC has a good group of them, but it’s getting more structured; it’s getting where everybody can play. You’re starting to see teams trap more and more and be good at it, because they can skate and angle and they have talent. It’s been very interesting to watch the game grow. In some areas, I’m not sure it’s super great, but obviously, we’re following the men. Twenty years ago it was where one or two people could carry a full team and do well. Now it’s depth and four lines. I think we’re mirroring that, too. A team can trap and win hockey games, and that wasn’t the case four, five years ago.”
Offense isn’t the only way to win, and UND demonstrated as much last year. It arrived at the final weekend of the WCHA tournament knowing it would have to win the championship in order to extend its string of NCAA appearances to three.
Against Wisconsin in the semifinals, a 35-save shutout from goaltender Shelby Amsley-Benzie and a goal from Dufault were enough to frustrate the Badgers and advance to the final. The same recipe worked against Minnesota — to a point. North Dakota held a 1-0 lead halfway through on a Jakobsen goal. Amsley-Benzie did her part with 41 more stops, but when the Gophers got a couple of power-play tallies, UND could not come up with an equalizer.
The North Dakota defense is much improved from just a few years ago when it first rose to national prominence. However, it is tough to win games against ranked opponents consistently by scoring only a goal or two.
That’s why it would be huge for UND if its tallest player can continue to take her game to new heights.
“[Kohler is] playing with a lot of confidence and she’s creating offense for us consistently,” Idalski said. “I’m super excited for her. The sky is the limit. She’s just scratching the surface of what she’s capable of.”
Michigan Tech fans will see Michigan at the John MacInnes Student Ice Arena for the first time since 1983 (photo: Jim Rosvold).
Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula has been Wolverine-free since 1983.
That will change this weekend.
Michigan visits Houghton, Mich., this weekend to take on Michigan Tech at the John MacInnes Student Ice Arena for the first time in more than 30 years.
It couldn’t have come at a better time for the 17th-ranked Huskies, who are 4-0 and riding high after their recent sweep of Ferris State in Big Rapids, Mich.
“Well, I don’t know if there’s ever a good time to play them,” Michigan Tech coach Mel Pearson said. “They’re such a good team. They’re so scary up front. They’re always a tough team to play.”
This weekend’s series will be Michigan Tech’s first home games this season. The Huskies started the season Oct. 4-5 at Lake Superior State, then had two weeks off before visiting Ferris.
Pearson wasn’t sure what to expect early this season, given the early start on the road plus a series at defending MacNaughton Cup champions Ferris State. The Bulldogs hadn’t lost at home in more than a year and made Ewigleben Ice Arena a house of horrors for league foes in 2013-14, going 15-0-1 at home in the WCHA.
But the Huskies allowed just one goal against the Bulldogs, with goaltender Jamie Phillips stopping 67 of 68 shots.
“I’m really happy with how we started,” Pearson said. “Considering last year we went 0-3-1 in our first four games, it’s quite a turnaround. Especially early, when you don’t know a lot about your team. But points are so critical, and any time you can get conference points on the road this early in the season, you’re happy. You bank those.”
Now the Huskies return home looking not for conference points but for in-state bragging rights and a little bit of confidence.
The significance of playing Michigan at home is not lost on Pearson, who played at Michigan Tech in his college days and was a longtime Michigan assistant under Red Berenson from 1988 to 2011.
“One of the first things I did when I got this job and got up here was to try and get Michigan on the schedule again,” Pearson said. “And Red was all for it. He’s all for college hockey. His teams aren’t afraid to travel.”
The Huskies and the Wolverines meet often, but it’s typically on neutral ice — Tech and Michigan annually take part in the Great Lakes Invitational played at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit. The last time the Wolverines visited Houghton, it was a conference series, when both teams were members of the CCHA.
It wasn’t until recently that the teams have decided to schedule one another for a home-and-home nonconference series.
The Huskies visited Ann Arbor in 2013 and are scheduled to return in the 2016-17 season; Pearson said he and Berenson were working hard to keep the scheduling relationship going and get the Wolverines back in the western U.P. in the near future.
For now, however, the Huskies will be looking for another solid series against a top team. Pearson is anxious to see how his team plays at home amid all the distractions — in addition to the Wolverines, the Stanley Cup will also be visiting Houghton on Friday, as will the MacNaughton Cup.
“This should give us a good idea of where we’re at,” Pearson said. “It’s going to be a festive weekend. We have to find a way to focus and play hockey.”
Minnesota State and Bowling Green last met in last season’s WCHA semifinals (photo: Michael Dubicki).
Series of the week
Minnesota State plays at Bowling Green this weekend, and if recent history is any indication, the series should feature a pair of close games.
The Mavericks and Falcons split four one-goal games last season, with three of the going into overtime. Minnesota State won two of the OT games.
“I think we developed a little bit of a rivalry,” Bowling Green coach Chris Bergeron said.
The rubber match was played in the semifinals of the Final Five, with the Mavericks winning 4-0.
“That wasn’t a 4-nothing game,” Minnesota State coach Mike Hastings said, recalling goalie Cole Huggins’ 36-save shutout. Shots were 36-36 in the game, and Huggins went on to take tournament MVP honors.
The Mavericks also got a great performance that night in Grand Rapids from Bryce Gervais (this week’s league offensive player of the week, by the way), who had a goal and two assists to lead his team into the Broadmoor Trophy championship game.
As for this season’s matchup, Bowling Green has the league’s and the nation’s top goal scorer in sophomore Kevin Dufour with eight goals, while Minnesota State senior defenseman Zach Palmquist is tied with Dufour for the league scoring league with eight points (3 goals, 5 assists).
The Falcons and the Mavericks are both averaging 3.5 goals per game, best in the WCHA.
Stay on schedule
Alabama-Huntsville travels to Northern Michigan for what will be a nonconference series in Marquette. According to Huntsville coach Mike Corbett, the quirk in the schedule comes from an agreement set before league realignment.
The two teams will play just one league series this season, which will take place Jan. 16-17 in Huntsville.
Ice chips
• At 3-1-2, Alaska Anchorage is off to its best six-game start since 2007-08.
• Ferris State goalie CJ Motte recorded his 2,400th save on Friday. He is third in the nation among active career saves leaders.
• Northern Michigan leads the nation in scoring defense, having allowed just three goals in four games for a 0.75 GAA. NMU sophomore goaltender Mathias Dahlström is second nationally with a 0.33 GAA in three games.
• Bowling Green sophomore forward Kevin Dufour scored nine goals all of last year. Now, he leads the NCAA with eight goals — at least one in all six of the Falcons’ games.
Players of the week
This week’s players of the week are: Minnesota State junior forward Bryce Gervais (offensive), Michigan Tech junior goaltender Jamie Phillips (defensive) and Bowling Green freshman forward Mitchell McLain (rookie).
Quinnipiac director of athletics and recreation Jack McDonald will retire in June 2015 after 20 years in that position, according to the New Haven Register.
The 63-year-old McDonald reportedly made the announcement at an athletic department staff meeting Wednesday morning.
McDonald, a former chairman of the NCAA men’s ice hockey committee, was hired in the fall of 1995 to oversee Quinnipiac’s transition from Division II and in that time, the school built a dual-sport facility for basketball and hockey (the $52 million TD Bank Sports Center, which opened in January 2007), upgraded conferences in all sports (hockey joined the ECAC in 2006), came within one win of a hockey national championship (in 2013, losing to Yale) and saw the women’s Frozen Four hosted by the school this past spring.
He is currently the chairman of the NCAA women’s ice hockey committee.
The former athletic director at Denver, McDonald helped lay the groundwork for that school’s return to Division I athletics in the late 1990s, with the hockey program as the centerpiece.
Matthew Skoff has a 1.96 GAA in helping Penn State to a 3-1-2 start (photo: Omar Phillips).
Halloween is this Friday. What do you think is scarier: an 0-4 Wisconsin or a 3-1-2 Penn State?
“Wisconsin is very young and they’ve played all veteran teams right now,” said Penn State coach Guy Gadowsky. “It won’t be long before they come around.”
Through four games, the Badgers have registered three goals by players belonging to three different classes: senior Brad Navin — who had four goals in 36 games last season — sophomore Tim Davison and freshman Matt Ustaski.
With eight rookies and four sophomores seeing time those four games to start the season, Wisconsin is going to look for underclassmen to fill some offensive voids when they return to the ice Nov. 7 against North Dakota.
But other teams have gotten production out of their freshmen in the early going. Four newcomers in the Big Ten are averaging at least a point per game: Michigan’s Dylan Larkin and Zach Werenski are averaging 1.20 points per game, tied for third among rookies nationally; Ohio State’s Matthew Weis and Penn State’s Scott Conway are averaging a point per game, tied for sixth nationally among freshmen. Incidentally, Werenski is tied for seventh among defensemen in points per game.
With the help of a 10-goal weekend, the Nittany Lions are tied for third nationally in scoring offense, averaging 4.17 goals per game — the same as Notre Dame and Union, at least in the early going.
Against Holy Cross, said Gadowsky, “I thought we played well.” He hastened to add, “I still think we have a long way to go. Still, we’re much, much further ahead than we were at the start of last season.”
No longer a rookie team in many ways, the Nittany Lions can turn to a few veterans to help propel them this season, especially junior goaltender Matthew Skoff (1.96 GAA, .931 save percentage).
“His value is more than his numbers,” said Gadowsky. “He’s such a great teammate and he’s got such a high level of work ethic. He’s also very calm in the net. The guys want to play for him.”
With a few weeks to digest the difference between this year and last, Gadowsky said that his team is no longer distracted by so many firsts.
“It was very easy to get distracted last year, but in ways in which you were honored,” he said. “There were a whole bunch of firsts, like the first game in Pegula [Arena], moving into Pegula, the first Big Ten game, the first Big Ten win — all of it. It was easy to let your focus wander a bit.”
Another difference between this season and last is something that Gadowsky is beginning to appreciate more as the current campaign progresses: the opportunity to play quality opponents with a schedule of all Division I play in 2013-14.
The Nittany Lions were a much different team at the end of last season than they were at the start of it, and not every team gets to continue that kind of momentum from one season to the next, but Gadowsky said it was kind of inevitable.
“Being in the Big Ten, you’re playing against some of the top programs in the country night in and night out, and it’s hard not to improve,” he said.
The Nittany Lions may be one of the stories to watch in the early part of this season, but Gadowsky said that he can’t exaggerate how far the program has to go. PSU has a short week this week, having played Holy Cross on Sunday with a game scheduled against visiting Bentley on Thursday.
“And don’t forget,” said Gadowsky, “Bentley’s a team that just swept RPI on the road.”
Thursday’s game between the Falcons and the Nittany Lions is the first of a two-game set that concludes Friday night in Pegula Arena.
Travis Boyd scored both game-winning goals for Minnesota last weekend (photo: Jim Rosvold).
Fast starts
No one is surprised by Minnesota’s fast start. The 4-0 Gophers were the unanimous No. 1 team in this week’s USCHO.com Division I Men’s Poll, partly because Minnesota’s offense looks so convincing, netting 4.25 goals per game on average and sporting the best power play in the nation so far, converting at 35.3 percent.
Gophers players out to fast starts include senior Travis Boyd and sophomore Connor Reilly. Boyd has three goals in four games, including two on the power play and two game-winning goals; in 41 games last season, Boyd had nine total goals, with five on the power play and no game winners. Reilly has two goals in four games this year, two on the power play; last year in 37 games, he netted six goals with one on the man advantage.
The special teams were a big factor in Minnesota’s sweep of Bemidji State last weekend. The Gophers beat the Beavers 5-2 and 5-3, with Boyd’s game-winning goal Friday coming short-handed and his game-winner Saturday on the power play. He also followed up Friday’s second-period short-hander with a power-play tally four minutes later.
“We are clicking right now on the power play and that is good to see because so much of the game depends on special teams,” said Boyd. “Our penalty kill was good this weekend, too. We talk about winning the special teams battle every game and every weekend and that is a big reason why we came out with two wins this weekend.”
Other players around the league who have opened the season well include Ohio State junior Anthony Greco and Buckeyes senior Tanner Fritz; Michigan State senior Matt Berry — who was hampered by injury during his junior season — and Michigan’s Alex Kile and Zach Hyman. Kile, a sophomore, has three goals in five games, including two on the power play; in 2013-14, Kile had four goals in 28 games.
Hyman’s three goals this season all came against Massachusetts-Lowell last Friday night, his first collegiate hat trick and only his second multi-goal game. Last season, Hyman netted seven goals in 35 games, and Hyman’s three-year career total before this season was 13 goals in 114 games.
All three of Hyman’s goals came in the second period of that 8-4 win, and he credited the Wolverines’ aggressive forecheck for his success. Michigan’s coach Red Berenson said that in the eight-goal game, the Wolverines got some “puck luck” that they hadn’t yet experienced so far this season.
Michigan’s offense is tied for 20th in the nation so far, averaging 3.20 goals per game. Michigan finished last season 19th nationally in offense, averaging 3.06 goals per game.
The Big Ten/Hockey East Challenge … and some grumbling
Let me make it clear from the start that the grumbling isn’t mine. It’s too early in the season for me to complain. Much. Yet.
We are approaching the midway point of the Big Ten/Hockey East Challenge. Five of the Big Ten’s schools are playing nine of Hockey East’s schools between Oct. 10 and Nov. 29. There are 20 games total scheduled for the challenge, 10 in Big Ten venues, 10 in Hockey East arenas.
There is a cup at stake, and it will be presented to the conference that records the most points from the 20 games. Teams earn two points for a win, one point for a tie, and a bonus point is awarded to a team with a road win. So far through Oct. 25, Hockey East leads 16-12.
Last weekend, both Michigan State and Michigan went east to face Hockey East opponents, and the Big Ten did not fare well in terms of points. The Wolverines had the only win, that 8-4 game against Lowell that delivered to the River Hawks their first loss of the season. The other three contests were losses for the Spartans and Wolverines.
Michigan State, which had put up eight goals against visiting Massachusetts to open the season Oct. 17-18, scored a single goal in the weekend, losing to Boston University 1-0 and Lowell 2-1.
In the Friday loss to BU, Jake Hildebrand made 39 saves for the Spartans. Saturday against Lowell, the Spartans scored to tie the game 1-1 in the second, but Michael Kapla’s short-handed goal within the first minute of the third period held up to be the game winner for the River Hawks.
After beating the River Hawks on Friday, the Wolverines led Boston University 2-1 going into the third period but gave up goals at 2:29 and 16:50 to let that one slip away — and Berenson was pretty vocal about all the goals in that contest.
“It’s disappointing when the outcome of the game comes down to the referees sitting in the penalty box looking at a monitor to decide whether the goals were in,” said Berenson, who was especially upset about a goal that was waved off near the midway point in the third, when the score was tied 2-2. A shot by freshman Sam Piazza would have given the Wolverines a 3-2 lead, but after some deliberation, the goal was disallowed.
“Of the five goals that were scored, I think all five of them were disputed goals or reviewed goals, and one that was called off on us,” said Berenson. “So I don’t know how we ever played hockey without the review, but the referees shouldn’t be the goal judges.”
Not surprisingly, Boston University coach David Quinn saw the calls a little differently, especially since the penalties in the game were lopsided: BU had six minors for 12 minutes to Michigan’s three for six. Both of Michigan’s goals came on the power play.
“They went to the review system and they were called goals, and that’s why you have the review system in place,” said Quinn. “I wish we had five power plays, but that’s a whole other story.”
The Big Ten and Hockey East tangle again when Michigan State travels to New Hampshire Nov. 7-8.
Players of the week
A newcomer, a familiar name and a name that may well become increasingly familiar.
First star — Minnesota senior forward Travis Boyd: Boyd scored both game-winning goals in Minnesota’s sweep of Bemidji State, tallying three goals and an assist on the weekend. Boyd has three goals in four games this season; he had nine goals in 41 contests in 2013-14. This is his third career Big Ten weekly award.
Second star — Michigan freshman forward Dylan Larkin: Larkin registered one goal and five assists in Michigan’s two games against Hockey East opponents. Larkin netted the game-winning goal in the Wolverines’ 8-4 win over Lowell on Friday and assisted on both Michigan goals in Michigan’s 3-2 loss to Boston University on Saturday. It’s his first career Big Ten weekly award.
Third star — Penn State junior goaltender Matthew Skoff: Skoff earned the third star for the second consecutive week, stopping 57 of 59 shots he faced in the Nittany Lions’ sweep of Holy Cross, for a weekend save percentage of .966 and GAA of 1.00 in the two contests. This is his third career Big Ten weekly award.
My ballot
1. Minnesota
2. Union
3. Boston College
4. North Dakota
5. Colgate
6. Providence
7. Notre Dame
8. Massachusetts-Lowell
9. St. Cloud State
10. Ferris State
11. New Hampshire
12. Michigan
13. Miami
14. Minnesota State
15. Quinnipiac
16. Denver
17. Minnesota-Duluth
18. Robert Morris
19. Alaska
20. Alaska-Anchorage
