… Happy Second Half! I’m not sure how much the play of CCHA teams in holiday tournaments and other nonconference play taught us about the hockey yet to come, but it was an interesting few days. Here are three things that stay with me from the most recent games.
The Great Lakes Invitational is a great tournament. Okay, so this sounds ridiculous coming from someone who’s covered it for years, but I’ve never much liked the GLI — partly because of the monotony of familiarity with three perennial participants and partly because the attendance can be so spotty, affecting the atmosphere in Joe Louis Arena. This year, though, with an improved Michigan Tech, very different Spartans and Wolverines from years past and the addition of Boston College, the field was riveting. Attendance — which topped 15,000 the first day and 17,000 the second — was so good that the only game that lacked a large and enthusiastic audience was the third-place game between BC and MTU. Every game was good, the officiating was good, the crowds were enthusiastic and the outcome was in question from the moment the Eagles lost to Michigan. I’ve heard mixed rumors about whether or not this tournament will endure after the realignment becomes reality in 2013-14, but I hope that it continues.
Overrated? Underrated? Who knows? The CCHA went 6-6 against nonconference opponents, and three ranked teams — No. 8 Western Michigan, No. 11 Ferris State, No. 16 Lake Superior — lost to unranked foes from other conferences. WMU needed overtime to get by St. Cloud State in the second game of their series after dropping the first. FSU was swept, losing to RIT and Vermont. LSSU beat Vermont and lost to RIT in the title game of the Catamount Cup. But two CCHA teams — Michigan and Notre Dame — beat sound Hockey East opponents, Ohio State beat Robert Morris and Northern Michigan beat the talented Russian Red Stars in exhibition. What does this all mean? We’ve been talking about parity within the CCHA all season, but the reality is that it’s everywhere in college hockey this year. Look at Air Force over Colorado College, Harvard and North Dakota tying, Quinnipiac and Nebraska-Omaha tying.
Midseason heroes. There’s something about the holiday games — especially tournament games — that shines a spotlight on lesser-known players. Look at Notre Dame freshman Garrett Peterson, whose second career goal was the first go-ahead goal against Boston University; ND sophomore Jeff Costello also had his second of the year, the game winner, and freshman Peter Schneider helped set up both of them with his third and fourth assists of the year. Ferris State sophomore Justin DeMartino notched his first career goal in FSU’s 4-2 loss to Vermont. Ohio State sophomore defenseman Curtis Gedig netted his second career goal in OSU’s 4-2 win over Robert Morris. Even better-known players sometimes elevate their games for big events. How else can you explain Michigan junior forward A.J. Treais, who had both game-winning goals for the Wolverines in last year’s GLI tournament and the game winner against BC this year? Then there’s Michigan State senior goaltender Drew Palmisano, whose 90 saves in two games is a new GLI record, one more save than what Colgate goaltender Geoff McMullen recorded in 1969. His teammate, freshman Tanner Sorensen, scored his first collegiate goal in the title game loss to Michigan.
Weekend work-up, Jan. 2, 2012: Three, two, one …
Cup? What Cup?
The New Year’s Edition of three things I learned from Atlantic Hockey play this weekend:
– There is no Catamount Cup. A tournament yes, a trophy…
[blackbirdpie url=”https://twitter.com/bmcgows/statuses/152898535845666816″]
Rochester Institute of Technology knocked off a pair of ranked teams at the Catamount Cup (the tournament). The Tigers defeated No. 11 Ferris State 3-0 on Thursday and then bested No. 16 Lake Superior State 3-1 to win the Cup (the tournament). RIT defenseman Chris Saracino was named the MVP with a goal and two assists. Shane Madolora recorded his eighth career shutout, extending what is already a school record in its Division I era. Sophomore Josh Watson won the second game, his first NCAA victory.
– Three out of ten ain’t bad. The league was just 13-46-8 in non-conference play going into this week, so going 3-7 improved Atlantic Hockey’s winning percentage. All three wins came against ranked teams, with RIT winning the aforementioned pair, and Air Force defeating cross-town rival Colorado College 2-1. Connecticut and Robert Morris also played well against ranked opponents but ultimately come up short with the Colonials falling to Ohio State 4-2 with an empty-net goal and the Huskies dropping the championship game of their tournament 3-2 in overtime.
– Highs and lows come be extreme in a 24 hour period. On Friday night, Air Force won for the first time at the Colorado Springs World Arena, defeating fifth-ranked Colorado College 2-1. But the following evening in front of 2,812 fans at Cadet Arena, Air Force was thumped by No. 15 Denver 7-1. “Last night we showed what we are capable of and tonight showed that we still have some work to do,” said Air Force coach Frank Serratore.
Getting my vote:
Here’s my ballot for this week’s USCHO.com Poll:
1. Minnesota-Duluth
2. Ohio State
3. Notre Dame
4. Minnesota
5. Boston College
6. Merrimack
7. Colorado College
8. Colgate
9. Western Michigan
10. Boston University
11. Denver
12. Mass-Lowell
13. Union
14. Ferris State
15. North Dakota
16. Michigan
17. Yale
18. Lake Superior
19. Michigan State
20. Air Force
Gallery: Hamilton at Curry
<!–<!–
Our best shots of 2011
2011 provided plenty of memorable moments in college hockey, and our cameras were there to capture many of them.
Here are some of our best shots of the year:
[photoshelter-gallery g_id=’G0000ctaQI93rFk0′ g_name=’20111231-Best-of-2011′ f_show_caption=’t’ f_show_slidenum=’t’ img_title=’casc’ pho_credit=’iptc’ f_link=’t’ f_bbar=’t’ fsvis=’f’ width=’500′ height=’375′ bgcolor=’#AAAAAA’ bgtrans=’t’ btype=’old’ bcolor=’#CCCCCC’ crop=’f’ trans=’xfade’ tbs=’4000′ f_ap=’t’ linkdest=’c’ f_fullscreen=’f’ f_constrain=’f’ twoup=’f’ f_topbar=’f’ f_bbarbig=” f_htmllinks=’f’ f_enable_embed_btn=’f’ f_show_watermark=’f’ f_send_to_friend_btn=’f’ f_smooth=’f’ f_mtrx=’f’ f_up=’f’ target=’_self’ wmds=’llQ6QNgpeC.p1Ucz7U.Y4B3PgEzg.H8jWQU3AHvzCS4CHckJnWuWCmH67FGPsQKXA5dISw–‘ ]
Notes from the GLI championship game
Successful defense
The Wolverines were the defending Great Lakes Invitational champs, having beaten Colorado College 6-5 in 2010. Including tonight’s win, Michigan has won the GLI title 16 times and these UM seniors have won all but one of their years with Michigan — 2009, the last time Michigan State was crowned GLI champs.
He’s all you need
Michigan State head coach Tom Anastos is a storyteller and a very good one. Here, Anastos explains a few of the turns of the game in the post-game press conference. The voice you hear off camera is that of Neil Koepke, who wrote for the Lansing State Journal for years. Koepke — one of the best in the business — is an MSU staff writer now.
[youtube_sc url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpLDUmUth9g&feature=youtu.be width=500]
A difference of opinion
Not surprisingly, Michigan head coach Red Berenson has a very different take on the lack of television timeouts in overtime.
[youtube_sc url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0pSx5Y18Mrg&feature=youtu.be width=500]
A banner raised
The winner of the GLI gets to raise a banner to the rafters of Joe Louis Arena. The GLI banner hangs all year, and the winning team is on display until the following year’s tournament.
I’m no videographer — clearly — but here’s what I was able to get of the Wolverines raising the banner and leaving the ice.
[youtube_sc url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JYo6pbMK4Y&feature=youtu.be width=500]
All-tournament team
- Forwards Brett Perlini (MSU), A.J. Treais (UM) and David Wohlberg (UM)
- Defensemen Kevin Clare (UM) and Torey Krug (MSU)
- Goaltender Drew Palmisano (MSU)
Clare, who scored the overtime game winner, was named tournament MVP. With 90 saves in the tournament, 45 each night, Palmisano set a new GLI record. His save percentage for the tourney was .957.
Notes from the GLI consolation game
This weekend is far more interesting than I originally thought it would be. Not only did I not expect to see Boston College in the GLI third-place game, but when the Eagles lost yesterday, I fully expected them to score more than they did in today’s consolation game against Michigan Tech. Today’s game was the third in a row that the Eagles’ eighth-best offense in the country — averaging more than 3.5 goals per game coming into this weekend — was kept to two goals per game.
They’re good, or at least Jerry York hopes they are
Heading into this consolation game, York said he prepped his team by reminding them that the game counted toward the PairWise Rankings. He also said that he suspects that MTU will continue to improve as the season progressed, rising in the PWR.
I asked York if he was now also rooting for Michigan, given yesterday’s loss. He smiled and said that, yes, he’s a Wolverines fan for the rest of the season — and a Spartans fan, given that BC beat MSU 5-2 to open their 2011-12 season.
[youtube_sc url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01YqyfzfFJA&feature=youtu.be width=500]
No hard feelings
With 28.9 seconds left in regulation, BC up 2-1 and MTU’s goaltender, Josh Robinson, pulled for the extra skater, Blake Pietila knocked a rebound in past BC’s Parker Milner and appeared to have tied the game. After a lengthy review, the official determined that the puck had come to Pietila off the high stick of another Huskies player.
That’s the way it goes, said MTU coach Mel Pearson.
Pearson ended his post-game press conference wishing for a better fate for his players, who worked hard all weekend and came away with nothing to show for it.
[youtube_sc url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gm-DOxJ6M4U&feature=youtu.be width=500]
Small school, big spirit
Every year, Michigan Tech brings the most spirited student pep band to the GLI — and if you saw yesterday’s blog of the opening game, you know there’s a certain dog that brings his own charm to the building, too.
Bands aren’t allowed to play enough at these events, with the venues piping in recorded music far too often. There were many chants of, “Less canned, more band!” from the MTU fans in the Huskies’ band corner. After a solid 13 minutes of promotions and recorded music between the second and third periods, the MTU band was allowed to play. Here’s how they did it.
[youtube_sc url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=duQGhvPqe9c&feature=youtu.be width=500]
Big Day on Tap for Atlantic Hockey
2011 is going out with a bang for several Atlantic Hockey teams. In what must be a record, AHA teams are taking on a total of six ranked teams in tournament and non-conference games today.
Rochester Institute of Technology, which already defeated No. 11 Ferris State 3-0 yesterday, will take on 16th-ranked Lake Superior State this afternoon in Vermont in what amounts to the championship game of the Catamount Cup. The tournament has a pre-determined schedule but both RIT and LSSU won their games yesterday.
Canisius travels to No. 12 Colgate, UConn hosts 17th-ranked Mass-Lowell in the championship game of its tournament, Niagara is at No. 2 Minnesota in the first round of the Mariucci Classic, Air Force plays at cross-town rival No. 6 Colorado College and Robert Morris hosts 4th-ranked Ohio State at the CONSOL Energy Center in downtown Pittsburgh.
Tomorrow, Air Force hosts No. 15 Denver and Holy Cross could be playing 7th-ranked Merrimack in the Ledyard Bank Tournament at Dartmouth. The Crusaders take on the Big Green today in the first round.
Finally, on Sunday, Bentley travels to No. 19 Yale.
So in total, AHA teams will play nine and possibly 10 teams in the Top 20.
ECAC East/NESCAC picks: Dec. 30
The picks are still coming in my way after going 3-1-2 on the final weekend prior to the semester break. Those picks built my season record to 16-7-3 (.692), with a challenging group of tournament and nonconference games to choose from this New Year’s weekend.
There are some intriguing match-ups, but in order to spread the wealth, I am going make a total of 10 predictions where each team only appears once in the mix. No, I am not shying away a marquee Castleton vs. Plattsburgh match-up that likely will be the final of the Cardinal Classic. I am just trying to keep the interest across a schedule that basically carries through the week and right into league play starting on the weekend of January 6.
Enjoy the New Year’s festivities, and if your plans include watching a bit of puck play, then all the better to ring in 2012.
Friday, December 30, 2011
Lake Forest vs. Amherst
It’s bad enough to travel across the country to play in the East over the New Year. It’s worse your team has scored just 16 goals in 10 games this season and you are playing against one of the best defensive teams in the nation. Don’t think there is much drama here unless the partying in Amherst has already commenced. Amherst 6-1
Salve Regina vs. St. Michael’s
The Seahawks have already beaten Colby this season in a close game at the Bowdoin/Colby Face-Off Challenge over Thanksgiving, but that is also the last time Salve Regina has won a game, as they have since gone 0-4 and been outscored 28-4 in those games. The Purple Knights are hosting, so there is one advantage for the home team, and even though they have been goal-challenged, St. Mike’s should get it done on Friday. St. Michael’s 3-2
Utica vs. Castleton
This game is a very intriguing match-up, and likely presents the Spartans with their toughest opponent outside of league rival Norwich. Utica can score, and has been very strong defensively this season, giving up just over two goals per game this season. Unfortunately for them, the Spartans can make two goals stand up in the win column. Castleton 2-1
Babson vs. Plattsburgh
The other match-up in the Cardinal Classic could be equally as intriguing as the Utica/Castleton game, depending upon which Babson team shows up coming out of the break. The Beavers have struggled, giving up a lot of goals (47) in their first 10 games, so coach Jamie Rice’s squad is going to need to tighten things up against a hard-working and opportunistic Plattsburgh team. Score is close but not in Babson’s favor. Plattsburgh 3-2
Connecticut College vs. Oswego
Last season, the Lakers headed into their own tournament undefeated and maybe looking past a young Hamilton squad that upset them in the first round. What’s the point? I wouldn’t want to be Connecticut College this year, because I am sure that all of the analogies about a weaker team from NESCAC coming in are going to be made in the Oswego locker room. No upset this year. Oswego 5-1
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Skidmore vs. Middlebury
The Thoroughbreds head into Middlebury catching the Panthers a bit stung following their back-to-back losses to Hamilton and Amherst to close out the semester. The Panthers’ offense has had a chance to stew on missed opportunities, so expect Colin Bessey and the Skidmore defense to be very busy on Saturday. Middlebury 5-3
Southern Maine vs. Potsdam
While Southern Maine probably didn’t want the semester to interrupt its three-game winning streak, it returns to a worthy challenger that is looking to stop a two-game skid that ended their first half. The Bears lost two tough games to Oswego and Utica, so expect this one to be tight as well, not as low scoring as you might think. Southern Maine 4-3
Hamilton vs. Curry
Curry has quietly raced off to a great start behind senior forward Peyden Benning, who passed the century mark in points for his career in the first half of the season. Hamilton is still looking for game-to-game consistency for coach Rob Haberbusch. The Colonels would like to build on their seven-game win streak and do so. Curry 3-1
Monday, January 2, 2012
Colby vs. Salem State
The Mules need to set a better tempo for the second half, and face a tough opponent on the road in trying to do that. The key for Colby is the game IS on the road, where they have fared much better than in Waterville. This one will probably be a one-goal affair and fairly low-scoring. Colby 3-2
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Bowdoin vs. Wentworth
If you like offense and skill players, this may be the match-up of the weekend. Skylur Jameson and Casey Shade lead a potent Wentworth attack, while defensemen Jordan Lalor and Tim McGarry spearhead the attack for the Polar Bears. I would not want to be between the pipes in either goal, as there will be lots of rubber flying in this one. Richard Nerland has been solid in net for Bowdoin in the first half, and that’s the difference here. Bowdoin 5-3
I hope 2011 has been memorable for everyone and 2012 brings great things on the ice and off. Enjoy the weekend festivities and forget the dropping ball in Time’s Square — drop the puck!
Bethel moving up
When the puck drops on the 2012 portion of the schedule, Bethel will try to keep its recent success rolling. Every college team wants positive energy going into the winter break, and Bethel has it.
Consider Bethel the surprise team in the MIAC this season. It is locked into a tight race in the conference standings. Bethel is tied for fourth with Gustavus and Hamline, two teams that were expected to be at the top of the MIAC in the beginning of the season. St. Thomas, Concordia (Minn.) and St. Olaf are on top of the conference at this time.
“The MIAC is pretty even this year, so it doesn’t really matter who you play and when,” Bethel coach Charlie Burggraf said. “Bottom line: if your team doesn’t show up to play, you most likely will lose the game. With the break, every team is faced with recreating a positive momentum. We will see how it goes”.
Currently, Bethel has a three-game winning streak, its first since 2010, and has won four out of its last five games. Last season, Bethel only won four games.
“I believe the recent success is a result of a number of factors: the team learning the system, learning to play together, and learning to find a way to win games,” said Burggraf, who is in his second season at Bethel.
During Bethel’s December victory streak, it swept defending MIAC champion Hamline, and in its last game before the winter break, Bethel defeated No. 11 Milwaukee School of Engineering, 2-1, which is an incredible turnaround, considering the team started the season off with five losses
“I feel we have been ‘in’ all but two of our games this year,” Burggraf added. “We played well enough to win. We have had some great moments and some not-so-great moments along the way, but our approach is to apply the science of continuous improvement to the process and use what we refer to as ‘game data’ to get better. So we have been trending in this direction since the beginning (with variation along the way), and it is good to see the guys experience success in the form of wins”.
Bethel had many new faces to begin the season. There were 11 freshman and two transfers taking the ice for the first time.
“As a philosophy, I prefer to keep line composition changes to a necessary minimum; however, being a new coach and having so many contributing freshman, we have had to move things around quite a bit to see how lines played together in games,” Burggraf said. “There are minor matching adjustments in games, but I believe in playing to our strengths, versus being too overly concerned with what the other team is doing.”
However, the strength of Bethel’s accomplishments this season has been the veteran presence on the team.
“A significant factor to the team’s success has been our team’s leadership. The captains have done an outstanding job of leading. Each player has also taken ownership of their respective effort and attitude as well, and our team culture is the most significant contributor to the team’s success. We believe culture beats strategy.”
Jake Kogler and Chris Fiala lead the team in scoring with 11 points each. Kogler leads the team with eight goals. John Crouse has added 10 points, while Jack Paul has eight points on the season.
Even after a tough start to the season, the team remained poised and began to turn things around after the first month of the season.
“We did let some games get away from us earlier in the season, and the tendency is for players to begin questioning themselves and what we are doing,” Burggraf said. “A result is that confidence can be tied to the result, as opposed to the process of what we are doing. It boils down to a matter of disciplined focus by each team member, including the coaches.”
The growth of the team during the course of the season has been an education in itself for the Bethel team.
“In the process of maturing, difficulty can be a great teacher, and has for us,” Burggraf added. “To their credit, the guys have been persistent and battled through the challenges. I am proud of them and the way they have responded to the challenges. I am hopeful that we can continue growing throughout the entire season, which is the true test of where a team is at from a maturity standpoint.”
The recent team achievement has made Bethel a revelation in the MIAC.
“Obviously, the success has had a positive impact on the team’s confidence,” he stated.
Bethel resumes play on January 6, when it will host Wisconsin-Stout and then face MIAC leader St. Thomas on January 7. Due to the interlocking schedule of the MIAC and NCHA, the game against St. Thomas will be a nonconference game in the standings.
MCHA/MIAC/NCHA picks: Dec. 30
Some teams will be having a shorter winter break this year, as college hockey games will be played the last weekend of 2011. Hamline will travel to Oswego for a tournament. Lake Forest will spend the New Year’s Eve weekend in New England. Augsburg will host Lawrence, and Adrian travels to Wisconsin-Stevens Point to round out the action this weekend. Now, I am 13-8 for the season, for a .615 winning percentage for the season.
{Predicted winners bolded}
Friday, December 30, 2011
Hamline vs. Neumann
The first game of the Pathfinder Bank Tournament at Oswego will feature these two teams. Hamline has not been a good road team this season, with a record of 1-5. It is also in the middle of a four-game losing streak, two of which have been in overtime. Beau Christian will have to be stellar in goal for Hamline to have a chance. Neumann is ranked No. 11 in the USCHO.com poll, and is 3-1 playing on the road. Expect Neumann to face Oswego in the title game of the tournament.
Lake Forest at Amherst
No. 8 Amherst is 7-1 on the season and undefeated at home. Lake Forest has not won a road game this year. Lake Forest has a three-game swing out East to close out 2011 and begin 2012. Amherst will be the most skilled opponent Lake Forest faces on this road trip.
Lawrence at Augsburg
Augsburg has only played three home games this season, but it is 2-1 at home. Augsburg is also in the midst of a three-game losing streak. Lawrence has not won a game outside of the MCHA this year, so that swings the pendulum in Augsburg’s direction to win the game.
Adrian at Wis.-Stevens Point
Adrian will face a stiff challenge as it faces one of the surprise teams of the NCHA this season. Wis.-Stevens Point was not expected to be this competitive this year, but don’t tell them that. Wis.-Stevens Point has beaten St. Norbert, then ranked No. 1, at home this season. Adrian should anticipate a tough series.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Lawrence at Augsburg
For Augsburg to win the series, it has to play a tight defense and not let Lawrence’s leading scorer, Matt Hughes, make an impact. Hughes has seven goals and four assists on the season. Freshman defenseman Jamison Wicks leads Augsburg in scoring with four goals and three assists.
Adrian at Wis.-Stevens Point
Wis.-Stevens Point is 3-3-1 at home, while Adrian is 4-1 in away games this season. Adrian should sweep the series, but it would not be a surprise if Wis.-Stevens Point won a game this series. This is by far the most intriguing Division III series in the Midwest this weekend.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Lake Forest at Trinity
Trinity has not won a home game this season. Lake Forest has a chance to pull out its first victory on the road and 2012.
ECAC Northeast/MASCAC picks: Dec. 30
Don’t look for any conference games this weekend, as ECAC Northeast and MASCAC teams will ring in the new year with a slate of nonconference and tournament games.
The holiday break will officially be over Friday for the ECAC Northeast, when Salve Regina and Becker open against nonconference opponents in the St. Michael’s Holiday Classic in Colchester, Vt. Three days later, the MASCAC schedule resumes after the holiday break when Salem State hosts Colby on Monday.
I went 4-2 on my picks last week, moving to 22-12-5 this season. Here’s this week’s pick-six:
ECAC Northeast
Becker vs. Wesleyan, St. Michael’s Holiday Classic, Colchester, Vt., 1 p.m. Friday
Becker opens the tournament at St. Michael’s against Wesleyan, looking to snap a four-game losing streak, and will play the first half of back-to-back tournament weekends in its schedule. Nik Tasiopoulos leads Wesleyan with 12 points (eight goals, four assists) in his first eight games. Pick: Wesleyan 3-2
Salve Regina vs. St. Michael’s, St. Michael’s Holiday Classic, Colchester, Vt., 4 p.m. Friday
Salve Regina is winless since November 27, and in that time the Seagulls have scored four goals, all in a 7-4 loss December 9 at Geneseo. This could be a battle of attrition of sorts; St. Michael’s has one win this season, a 5-3 decision November 11 at Southern Maine. Pick: Salve Regina 3-1
Hamilton at Curry, 2:35 p.m. Saturday
Curry resumes its season after a 23-day break between games, while Hamilton resumes its season after a 21-day break between games. However, Curry enters the final weekend of the calendar year on a seven-game winning streak, while Hamilton has lost three of its last four games. Pick: Curry 5-2
Bowdoin at Wentworth, 7 p.m. Tuesday
Wentworth won three of its final four games before the holiday break, and opens the new year with three nonconference games: first hosting Bowdoin, then traveling to New Hampshire next weekend (January 7-8) for two games at Plymouth State. Against Bowdoin, the Leopards will face goalie Richard Nerland. The senior is second in the nation with a 1.77 goals-against average, and is one of three goalies tied for sixth in the nation with a .932 saves percentage. Pick: Bowdoin 3-1
MASCAC
Colby at Salem State, 6 p.m. Monday
Salem State will play three nonconference games in a five-day stretch next week, opening the new year against Colby, a team that has only two wins so far this season. The Vikings meanwhile, look to start the new year with a clean slate — Salem State ended its four-game December schedule with a 4-0 loss to Worcester State in a MASCAC game. Pick: Salem State 4-3
Williams at Westfield State, 7:35 p.m. Tuesday
Westfield State scored five goals in its final four games before the holiday break — all losses — and faces Williams, a squad that’s lost once this season. Williams is 10th in the nation in team defense, allowing an average of 2.12 goals a game, Westfield State is the most penalized team in the nation, averaging 25.3 minutes a game. Pick: Williams 6-3
SUNYAC picks: Dec. 30
Two teams hosting tournaments
Only three SUNYAC teams are in action New Year’s weekend, and two of them are hosting tournaments.
Plattsburgh holds its longstanding Cardinal Classic, which this year consists of Castleton, Babson, and Utica.
“Our goal is twofold,” Plattsburgh coach Bob Emery said. “We try to get different teams and quality teams. Since we’re one of the few schools that have a tournament, people always contact me to get into the tournament. Our goal every year is to try to get one ECAC West team, one ECAC East team, and one NESCAC team.”
They weren’t able to get a NESCAC team this year, so they got two ECAC East teams. Castleton sits in first place while Babson is tied for fourth. Over in the ECAC West, Utica is struggling in its league, but is 8-3 overall.
“This year, I think we got a great field, and it’s anyone’s tournament to win,” Emery said.
Plattsburgh faces Babson in the first round, and I’ll take the Cardinals to win this game.
“We don’t have a lot of superstars,” Emery said. “We got good balance and good depth.”
Oswego is hosting its newer Pathfinder Bank Oswego Hockey Classic. It, too, tries to get teams from different areas of the country, including the west. This year, it got Connecticut College (NESCAC), Neumann (ECAC West), and Hamline (MIAC).
“It’s a good field; Neumann and Hamline are two teams that both were in the NCAA tournament,” Oswego coach Ed Gosek said. “It says a lot for the tournament that three of the four teams were in the NCAA tournament last year.”
Oswego faces Connecticut College in the first game. The Camels are struggling this year, winning only twice in eight games.
“You never know.” Gosek said. “You have to be prepared for the first game.”
I think Oswego will be plenty prepared, and will advance to the championship game.
And one team traveling to one
The only other team in action is Potsdam, as it travels to Middlebury for the Holiday Classic. This tournament has a preset schedule, so Potsdam will be playing Southern Maine and Skidmore.
Expect Potsdam to beat Southern Maine, but lose to Skidmore.
In the last week of action before the break, I went 8-3-1 for a total of 42-14-7 (.722).
WCHA picks Dec. 30-31
Michigan Tech (9-10-1, 6-7-1 WCHA) vs. Boston College (12-7-0, 9-4-0 HE) at Great Lakes Invitational — Friday
Brian: Third-ranked Boston College ruined what should have been the most intriguing matchup of the weekend by losing to Michigan and robbing us of the first head-to-head meeting between Michigan Tech coach Mel Pearson and his long-time mentor, Red Berenson of the Wolverines. After coach Jerry York placed much of the blame for BC’s loss on hangover from the long layoff, my guess is the Eagles bounce back strong and wrestle the consolation title from the Huskies.
Bowling Green (6-11-3, 1-11-2 CCHA) at Bemidji State (9-9-2, 5-7-2 WCHA) — Friday/Saturday
Tyler: While the Nov. 20 1-0 win over North Dakota was a wake-up call for the Sioux, it served as a building block for BSU’s current stretch in which they’re unbeaten in six of seven games. The hot streak continues this season, whether the Beavers go with Dan Bakala or Andrew Walsh. The Beavers sweep their future WCHA opponent.
Brian: These are two teams headed in much different directions before the break. The Beavers are 5-1-1 in their last seven while the Falcons are winless in their last eight (0-6-2). BSU holds a decided edge in special teams having not allowed a power-play goal in 22 consecutive attempts spanning six games. BGSU, on the other hand, is only scoring at an 11.5 percent rate with the man advantage. The teams have never met in their long histories and Bemidji State takes a 2-0 all-time series lead.
Air Force (9-4-2, 8-2-1 AHA)/Union (9-3-5, 3-3-2 ECAC) at Colorado College (11-5-0, 9-5-0 WCHA) — Friday/Saturday
Tyler: I don’t see either team skating into Colorado Springs, where the Tigers are 6-1, and getting a win. It will be fun to see who wins the battle between the CC’s nation-best offense (4.19 goals per game) and Union’s second-best defense (1.88 goals allowed per game). I’ll take the Tigers. Both games.
Brian: The Tigers are 58-7-2 all time against the Falcons including 9-0 at the World Arena. Although Air Force is 6-2-0 in its last eight, I’m not impressed by sweeps of Sacred Heart, Connecticut, and American International. CC wins.
Saturday matches the nation’s No. 1 offense in Colorado College (4.19 goals per game) vs. the nation’s second-stingiest defense in Union (1.88 goals allowed per game). CC has never lost to Union (3-0-0) but the last meeting was over seven years ago so that’s not much of an indicator. While Jaden Schwartz remains north of the border captaining Team Canada at the World Junior Championships, Scott Winkler returns after representing his country (Norway) in international play earlier in the month. CC wins.
Harvard (4-3-3, 4-3-3 ECAC) at North Dakota (9-8-1, 7-7-0 WCHA) — Friday/Saturday
Tyler: I’ll take North Dakota to score a lot of goals against Harvard’s 51st-ranked defense that has allowed 3.40 goals per game. UND sweep.
Brian: The Crimson’s special teams units are polar opposites in terms of efficiency. Harvard’s power play leads the nation at 32.1 percent while its penalty kill ranks 57th out of 58 Division I teams at 68.6 percent. I look for North Dakota’s power play unit, particularly Brock Nelson who leads the nation in power-play goals with nine, to take full advantage of Harvard’s glaring weakness. Winners of five of its last six (5-1-0), UND sweeps Harvard at home.
Quinnipiac (11-6-3, 3-4-3 ECAC) at Nebraska-Omaha (9-8-3, 7-4-3 WCHA) — Friday/Saturday
Tyler: UNO’s defense has kept the Mavericks afloat but distractions are making it a challenge for UNO to keep its head above water; Alex Hudson’s and Zach Mausolf’s removal of the team, the addition of Joe Krause, the goalie carousel and Dean Blais gone for three weeks coaching Team USA. Yet, the Mavericks sit in fourth place in the WCHA. Split
Brian: The Bobcats swept the Mavericks in Connecticut last season (4-3, 3-2) and travel to Omaha toting a five-game unbeaten streak (4-0-1) and the nation’s fourth best penalty kill (76 of 85, 89.4 percent). That PK should be a good test for UNO’s 11th ranked power play (23.17 percent). The Mavericks are missing head coach Dean Blais and freshman forward Josh Archibald who are with Team USA at the World Junior Championships. Assistant Mike Hastings will lead UNO this weekend to a split with Quinnipiac.
Minnesota (14-5-1, 11-3-0 WCHA) hosts Mariucci Classic — Friday/Saturday
Tyler: The fact that Nick Bjugstad and Kyle Rau are linemates at Minnesota is great when they display their chemistry for Team USA. It’s the opposite for the Gophers right now, because without the duo that combines for 49 of Minnesota’s 219 recorded points this season, the Gophers lines may be a little too jumbled for comfort. Minnesota should have no problem with Niagra of the Atlantic Hockey Association, but Saturday’s championship could pose a potential trap game for the Gophers. Northeastern will be favored over Princeton in the other Friday game and has the defense to slow down a Gophers offense that is without its big guns. UM beats Niagra, loses to Northeastern.
Brian: The absence of Team USA members Nick Bjugstad and Kyle Rau won’t be felt as much on Friday when the Gophers emerge from their Friday funk (1-4-0 in last five Friday games) to beat Niagara. But I think they’ll be missed on Saturday when Minnesota faces, I believe, Northeastern in the title game.
By then the Huskies will have won seven straight including a road win at Michigan immediately followed by a sweep at Notre Dame. While Minnesota’s sixth-ranked power play (24.74 percent) vs. Northeastern’s 40th rated penalty kill would seem heavily favorable to the Gophers, two key components of that unit are playing in Alberta this weekend. Minnesota did win three of four at home against Minnesota State and Michigan Tech, all four games were a grind and that was with Rau and Bjugstad in the lineup. Minnesota last won the Mariucci Classic in 2008 with a win over Northeastern but the tables are turned this year as the Huskies down the Gophers in the title game.
Union (9-3-5, 3-3-2 ECAC) at Denver (8-7-3, 6-5-3 WCHA) — Friday
Tyler: Union’s defense and Jason Zucker’s absence from Denver’s top line gives Union the edge in this one. Union wins
Brian: Things just don’t stack up well for Denver in this one the way I see it. The Pioneers are without Jason Zucker (he is captaining Team USA in the World Junior Championships) but, more importantly, Beau Bennett remains out with a wrist injury. Denver is just 2-4-2 and averaging almost 3 goals per game fewer (4.40 as opposed to 1.75) without Bennett in the lineup. That doesn’t bode well when facing the nation’s No. 2 scoring defense. The Dutchmen dominate the special teams match-ups and, although the Pioneers are playing at home, Union is playing at a 7-1-3 clip (.773) on the road this season. If you haven’t figured it out yet, I’m picking Union.
Denver (8-7-3, 6-5-3 WCHA) at Air Force (9-4-2, 8-2-1 AHA) — Saturday
Tyler: Denver bounces back with a win on the road Saturday. Denver wins
Brian: Although the Falcons are undefeated (6-0-1) at home this season, their opponents at Cadet Ice Arena are a combined 25-46-14 (.376) this season. The Pioneers lead the all-time series at 30-3 and have won nine of the last 10 meetings with Air Force. There are many indications that the Falcons are poised to pick up a rare win against Denver, but a gut feeling says it won’t happen. Denver wins.
If you’re looking for our St. Cloud State vs. Western Michigan picks, we did those yesterday. Click HERE for that.
Notes from the second game of the GLI
I won’t pretend that I’m not shocked that Michigan beat Boston College, and that the Wolverines looked to be in control for most of this game. I’ve seen UM play some passionless hockey in the first half of the season, but no one can accuse the Wolverines of anything but inspired play from the get-go tonight. If UM has awakened, the second half of the CCHA season will be even more interesting than I’ve already anticipated.
What a difference two weeks makes
The Eagles last played 20 days ago, the Wolverines 19, but each team seems to have reacted differently to the time away from the ice.
“It was important to stay in shape over break,” said UM’s Luke Glendening, who scored the empty-net goal. “That’s a key part of my game.”
Not to imply that the Eagles didn’t stay in shape during the break, but BC coach Jerry York said that the time off affected his team adversely, especially at the start of the game — when the Wolverines had a lot of jump.
“The first period was just summer hockey,” said York. “We showed the effects of the … layoff. We just stood around and watched Michigan. I thought as the game developed, we played better.”
[youtube_sc url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tDM10SkQS8&list=UU7STgJ6yXNcmsKVjQZgeTVg&index=3&feature=plcp width=500]
Minus a man — or two
Both the Eagles and the Wolverines were missing players tonight, guys who are representing Team USA in the IIHF World Junior Championship. BC is without forward Billy Arnold, the team’s second leading scorer. UM is without — technically — defenseman Jon Merrill, who has spent the first half of the season suspended from play for violating team rules.
York said that programs like BC and UM expect to lose players to the WJC every year.
[youtube_sc url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABqnYXNZIBY&list=UU7STgJ6yXNcmsKVjQZgeTVg&index=1&feature=plcp width=500]
Attendance
The total attendance for both games today was 15,091, and the place looked pretty full from the start of the first game on. One of the ushers told me that there was a bit of confusion surrounding the start of the game; people working the game were told to be here at 2:30 p.m., but the doors opened at 2:00 and fans were allowed in. As far as I know, the fans behaved themselves — but the ushers seemed distressed.
A reader wrote in to tell me that he paid more than $5.00 for his tickets, as I wrote earlier today that tickets were available for just five American dollars. According to the Michigan Tech website, upper level general admission tickets indeed were available for $5.00 in advance online, with a code the Huskies published.
ECAC Picks: Dec. 30-Jan. 1
A little belated jump on the picks blog for this weekend as I sit in the lobby at Connecticut’s Freitas Ice Forum.
Not a good start in holiday tournament play for the ECAC as Clarkson fell 6-1 to Maine in Florida, and RPI lost 7-2 to UMass-Lowell in a game that was just as bad as the score suggests.
It should be noted that the Golden Knights were without the services of goalie Paul Karpowich, who was sick and did not make the trip to Florida, according to Cap Carey of The Watertown Daily Times. With those two games in the background, here’s a look to a busy weekend ahead, which comes after Yale kicked off the second half with a chippy 6-4 win against the Russian Red Stars Wednesday night in New Haven.
Cornell-Massachusetts is under way as I’m typing this, so I won’t be making a pick for that game.
Last time: 1-1
Overall: 12-7
Merrimack vs. St. Lawrence (Ledyard National Bank Classic)
Each of these teams faced an opponent from the others’ respective conference last time out, with the Saints beating Vermont to close the first half and the Warriors falling to Union 3-1. SLU won this tourney in 1996, but I don’t think they’ll add another Ledyard Classic championship to their resume.
Merrimack 4, St. Lawrence 2
RPI vs. Army (UConn Holiday Classic Consolation)
The Engineers are a mess right now, and I think host Connecticut will hold off Army in the second game tonight, setting up this consolation matchup in the UConn Holiday Classic.
Army 4, RPI 3
Princeton vs. Northeastern (Mariucci Classic)
Two teams from the Eastern seaboard are all the way out in Minnesota as a part of the Mariucci Classic. Princeton won the tournament in 1998, but the Huskies are one of the hottest teams in the country and, well, Princeton isn’t.
Northeastern 3 Princeton 1
Brown at New Hampshire
No holiday tournament here, just a non-conference game between two teams that would like to have some more consistency the second half. Brown snapped a five-game winless streak with a 6-4 win against Yale in their last game before the break on Dec. 3. Meanwhile, the Wildcats unbeaten in their last eight games against the Bears (7-0-1) and have rebounded from a miserable start. Tough to pick against UNH at home.
New Hampshire 5, Brown 4
Canisius at Colgate
The Raiders are riding a six-game unbeaten streak, thanks in part to the nation’s tenth-stingiest defense. I don’t think that streak will snap against Canisius.
Colgate 4, Canisius 1
Holy Cross at Dartmouth (Ledyard National Bank Classic)
Host Dartmouth gets the later game Friday night, taking on Holy Cross at Thompson Arena. The series is split 3-3-1, but the Big Green should break that deadlock and make it to the championship game Saturday.
Dartmouth 3, Holy Cross 2
Harvard at North Dakota
Buried amidst the tournament action this weekend is the chance for the ECAC to do some real damage in non-conference play. The Figthing Sioux aren’t having a season up to their lofty standards, but are still dangerous and 8-1-1 against the Crimson in a series which dates back to the 1950-1951 season. Muzzling Harvard’s potent power play would go a long way towards avoiding the upset, although I think the Crimson will make it closer in the second game of the series.
North Dakota 5, Harvard 1
North Dakota 4, Harvard 3
Quinnipiac at Nebraska-Omaha
Quick, who’s higher in the PairWise rankings? If you guessed the Bobcats, you’re right. Quinnipiac is currently 21st, thanks in part to a stellar penalty kill unit that had produced three shorthanded goals and is fifth in the nation in efficiency. Two games, one win for each team this weekend.
Nebraska-Omaha 3, Quinnipiac 1
Quinnipiac 3, Nebraska-Omaha 2
Union at Denver
The Dutchmen take a six game unbeaten steak out west. The Pioneers have been a top-15 team in the polls since Nov., 15 2006. Union is ahead of them in the PairWise (18th to 23rd), and should get the non-upset win here.
Union 4, Denver 3
Union at Colorado College
The second and final game of a western swing for Union. The Tigers own a 3-0 series record against the Dutchmen and should push that mark to 4-0.
Colorado College 3, Union 2
Holy Cross vs. St. Lawrence (Ledyard National Bank Classic Consolation)
The Saints won’t leave New Hampshire without a win, but unfortunately for them it will come in the consolation game.
St. Lawrence 4, Holy Cross 3
Merrimack at Dartmouth (Ledyard National Bank Classic Championship)
This is Dartmouth’s tournament on their rink, so you’d like to think the chips would fall their way, but the Warriors are tough to pick against.
Merrimack 3, Dartmouth 0
Princeton vs. Niagara (Mariucci Classic Consolation)
Yes, it’s a consolation game against an Atlantic Hockey opponent, but the Tigers can’t let their guard down. And I don’t think they will.
Princeton 3, Niagara 2
Cornell vs. Maine (Florida College Classic Championship)
Let’s say Cornell makes it past UMass and into the championship game. Maine avoided one of the conference’s top goalies in the opening win against Clarskon, but Andy Iles and the Cornell ‘D’ should hold tight.
Cornell 3, Maine 2
Bentley at Yale
Wednesday’s matchup with the Russian Red Stars should put the Bulldogs in a good position for a rare Sunday game against the Falcons in New Haven.
Yale 5, Bentley 2
Brown at Providence
The Bears face former Union coach Nate Leaman and cross-town rival Providence in the Mayor’s Cup. The Friars have been a pleasant surprise this season and should start the second half with a win.
Providence 5, Brown 4
Notes from the first game of the GLI
It’s the middle of the first period of the Boston College-Michigan game as I post this, and I have to say that I’m shocked that the Wolverines scored two minutes into the game. I’ve called BC to win it all. As longtime readers know, however, that could be good news for anyone the Eagles play.
First things first
The first game of the tournament, Michigan State’s 3-1 win over Michigan Tech, featured two gents who were coaching their first GLI games after years of familiarity with the tournament via other roles.
MTU’s Mel Pearson won the GLI as a player all four years he played for the Huskies (1977-81), and then served on the Michigan coaching staff for 23 years, earning a dozen GLI titles along the way.
MSU’s Tom Anastos, a Michigan State alum (1981-85) was commissioner of the CCHA from 1998 until the end of last season. The Spartans won the GLI tournament three times (1982-84) when Anastos was with the team.
Understandably, Pearson is rooting for the Wolverines in the tournament — unless the Huskies face them on Saturday.
[youtube_sc url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDEvXKNSn-8&feature=youtu.be width=500]
Familiar foes
Even though it was the first time that Anastos and Pearson had met as head coaches, the Spartans and Huskies are no strangers. This was the 156th meeting between the teams. MSU has now won 13 of the last 14 meetings.
This one — being the first game back from the break by both teams — was a little on the gritty side. Post-game, junior captain Torey Krug talked about how Anastos told the team that winning ugly was still winning, and Anastos elaborated.
[youtube_sc url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKtfyrsm8_M&feature=youtu.be width=500]
The really important stuff
They haven’t announced attendance yet for the games — they announce at the end for the day’s total — but the place had a very respectable crowd for the MSU-MTU game, with the lower bowl of Joe Louis Arena nearly full and many fans in the upper bowl as well. As a veteran of the GLI, I can tell you that I’ve attended first games with barely 5,000 people in the rink, including everyone participating. Given that the tickets are $5.00, I think the place should be full.
I’m happy to report that the Michigan Tech pep band still rocks. MTU’s mascot, Blizzard the Husky, is charming everyone he meets.
[youtube_sc url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2HeapdRp4k&list=UU7STgJ6yXNcmsKVjQZgeTVg&index=3&feature=plcp width=500]
After loss, U.S. finds itself in desperate position at World Juniors
The United States’ backs are against the wall at the 2012 World Junior Championship. The good news for the Americans is that everyone in the U.S. locker room knows it.
Coach Dean Blais said on Thursday that Friday’s pool play game against the Czech Republic is a “desperation” game for the Americans after a 4-1 loss to Finland, the first for U.S. against the Finns in the tournament in six years.
Through Friday’s game technically won’t be a must-win game, as the U.S. could potentially beat host Canada on New Year’s Eve and still advance to the medal round, a loss could put the Americans in a precarious position. A 1-2-0-0 record through three games would take control of fate out of the American team’s hands, requiring not only a win in over Canada but also a Finland victory over the Czech Republic on Saturday afternoon.
For Blais, he’d much prefer that not be the case.
“Certainly, it’s a desperation win [against the Czechs],” Blais said. “If we have to win against Canada to get into the medal round, [it] would really put a lot of pressure on everyone.”
Blais, the head coach at Nebraska-Omaha and the bench boss the last time the U.S. captured World Juniors gold in 2010, said he hasn’t even talked to his players about the standings and the math behind each win moving forward. Instead, their focus right now is on getting the team to simply play better.
“We had too many players who, for one reason or another, didn’t play their game [against Finland],” Blais said. “It kind of steamrolled and got worse. Some players score a goal and the whole team gets motivated, or some player blocks a shot or the goaltender makes a big save, but we didn’t have enough of those plays.”
What disturbed Blais most was his team’s inability to drive the net. Against Finland, the U.S. drew just one penalty, and that was negated almost immediately when goaltender John Gibson was whistled for interference, tripping a Finland player as the U.S. attempted to break out of the defensive zone after just 15 seconds of power-play time.
In Monday’s 11-3 victory over Denmark, it was the power play that sparked the U.S. offense, scoring three times in five chances. Thus, the inability to create scoring chances and force Finland to take penalties was a major disadvantage for the U.S. against Finland.
“We’ve been very good on the power play,” Blais said. “We got lot of shots, lots of opportunities and we only got one power play because we weren’t driving to the net. We didn’t make Finland pull us down because of our lack of second effort.”
Blais still hasn’t made a decision about which goaltender will be in net on Friday. Jack Campbell seems like the likely choice, having guided the U.S. to gold and bronze in the last two World Junior Championships. Gibson, while not playing bad, was unable to make the big stop in the key moments of Wednesday’s game and seems likely to take a back seat.
As for the opponent, Blais feels plenty of reason to be concerned about the Czechs.
Hardworking like Finland, the Czechs are an even more skilled team, Blais said, and will pose plenty of problems, likely generating more offensive chances than either Denmark or Finland.
To counter, Blais hopes to bring team speed that lacked in Wednesday’s loss.
“We’re going to have to use our speed,” said Blais. “That’s one of our strong points. With that speed is the effort needed to score goals.
“We don’t have the gifted scorers we had two years ago in Saskatoon to win it. We’ve got to be able to muck and grind and get those goals the dirty way, the hard way.”
Even with a win over the Czech Republic on Friday, there is no guarantee the U.S. will advance. A loss to Canada on Saturday combined with a Finland win over Denmark on Friday and a Czech win over Finland on Saturday — assuming all games are decided in regulation — would force a three-way tie for second between the Americans, the Czechs and the Finns.
All teams would be 2-2-0-0 with a 1-1-0-0 record against the other two teams in the three-way tie. Thus, everything would come down to goal differential, the top two teams of the trio advancing.
At the same time, though, the U.S. isn’t yet out of the running to win the pool and earn a bye in the medal round. That, though, would take two regulation wins over the Czechs and, of course, Canada.
Those numbers, though, are for the fans and the media. The team itself, said Blais, is simply focused on playing its best hockey and that — and only that — can help the Americans advance.
“We’re not even going to talk about [numbers],” Blais said. “As a coaching staff, we don’t have to put any more pressure on than is already there. We just have to be mentally tough and get second-effort type of play from the entire team.”
