1. Ringy Dingy… Six Times A Game
Lake Superior State’s hot offensive start continued this weekend, this time with a sweep of Alabama Huntsville. The Lakers, now 4-0, beat the Chargers 6-3 and 5-2 in Huntsville. LSSU has scored at least five goals in each of its four games this season — that’s six goals per game, currently the best in the league. Last season, the Lakers scored a league-worst 1.80 goals a game. Overall they’ve netted 24 goals, with five different players — JT Henke, Gage Torrel, Diego Cuglietta, Anthony Nellis and Brayden Gelsinger — scoring three goals already.
2. Brickley breaks out
It’s still early (obviously) but Mnnesota State’s Daniel Brickley’s three-assist game against Alaska on Friday night gave the Maverick defensemam 10 points on the season. That’s good enough for the conference’s scoring lead. He’s got one goal and nine assists already through just six games. Not too bad, considering the Utah native had 11 points in 36 games. Brickley’s currently the only league player to his double-digit scoring so far.
3. Nonconference struggles continue
The league’s dismal nonconference track record didn’t get much better this weekend. With three teams playing nonleague series, the WCHA squads went 0-5-1. No. 18 Bemidji State, despite being swept by No. 1 North Dakota, lost both games by a goal. Michigan Tech also played well against No. 11 Michigan but was unable to hold onto a one-goal lead in either game this weekend. They lost 4-3 Friday before tying 3-3 Saturday. Preseason league favorite Bowling Green hasn’t played well yet this season and didn’t change things against Ohio State. The Falcons lost 5-4 and 6-1 in their home and home series. They’re one of two WCHA teams (along with Ferris) still without a win.
Overall WCHA teams are 6-19-2 in nonconference play. Lake State and Minnesota State holds two of those wins (they swept Michigan State and St. Cloud State, respectively, the previous weekend). Those losses have added up quick, and won’t help matters in the Pairwise down the road.
