Matt MackinderIt was about time Alabama-Huntsville started getting some ink in this column. After starting out the year en fuego, the Chargers tailed off, but came back alive last weekend in sweeping Niagara at a place they hadn’t played in 75 days — the Von Braun Center. Alabama-Huntsville celebrates its sweep of Niagara (photo: Doug Eagan). … Read more
Last week, we discussed how Bemidji State was becoming mortal again. Last weekend, the Beavers perhaps took notice of their slump and came out with a two-game sweep against then-No. 4 Minnesota-Duluth in a home-and-home series. “This was important because UMD is in the WCHA and they’ve been ahead of us in the rankings,” BSU … Read more
Looks like Bemidji State is human after all. After being swept by Minnesota State five weeks ago, Bemidji State still had hopes of being undefeated in CHA play this season. Niagara, the only team to have ever gone undefeated in league action, wanted it to stay that way and now it will after the Purple … Read more
Maybe Pittsburgh should change its moniker from the Steel City to Upset City. Seriously. Just ask the Miami RedHawks, who waltzed into Mellon Arena last Friday night to play Robert Morris in the Pittsburgh College Hockey Showcase as the No. 1 team in the country. Final score: Robert Morris 3, Miami 1. Seriously. But wait, … Read more
Happy New Year! A fresh start, snow on the ground, and a slew of games this weekend — what could be better? At the top of the list this weekend is the annual Pittsburgh College Hockey Showcase, where Robert Morris will play No. 1 Miami on Friday night at Mellon Arena. The RedHawks will be … Read more
It’s hard to lead off this column with anything other than Bemidji State, but when the crumbling conference that is the CHA boasts the No. 4 team in the country, there’s a reason why the Beavers deserve top billing. It also doesn’t hurt that BSU leads the country with 13 wins. They got Nos. 12 … Read more
Bemidji State is no longer in the Cinderella category. No more glass slippers — the Beavers are for real. Just look at what happened last weekend in Grand Forks. BSU toppled the nation’s top team, Miami, in the first game of the Subway Holiday Classic and then went to overtime with an always-tough Ohio State … Read more
First and foremost, Happy Thanksgiving! As is the norm for this space on this date every year since 2005, it’s time to look at the teams that make up College Hockey America and make note of what each team is thankful for on this Turkey Day Eve. First off, each team needs to look in … Read more
Niagara wishes all its games could be on Wednesday night at home. After putting an “0-fer” on the board through the first six weeks of the season, the Purple Eagles finally got in the win column with a 4-1 win over RPI at home on Wednesday. “To come out and play a full 60-minute game … Read more
And the beat goes on for Bemidji State. Honestly, this is a team that’s looking like it will not only keep up with the rest of the WCHA next year, but for the time being will be a team that looks unstoppable in CHA play. The facts don’t lie. The Beavers are one of three … Read more
Every year when CHA coaches are asked about their nonconference schedules, they all usually say something along the lines of “in college hockey, anyone can win on any given night.” Last Friday night, Robert Morris opened its home schedule against No. 18 Quinnipiac and was soundly defeated, 5-0. Sure, on paper, that looked about right. … Read more
Pop quiz: Who’s the hottest college hockey team in Minnesota right now? Sorry, Gophers, but you need to score goals to even be considered. Duluth? Nah. Minnesota State? Try again. St. Cloud State? Nupe. Ladies and gentlemen, Bemidji State is the hottest college hockey team in Minnesota right now after getting a hard-fought tie and … Read more
How ’bout them Alabama-Huntsville Chargers? Paying attention, CCHA? UAH is off to a 3-1 start. Yes, you read that correctly. Three wins and just one loss. Granted, we’re only two weeks into the season, but to put this into perspective, the Chargers won just five games all of last year. What makes the CCHA cringe … Read more
Maybe it was ironic that mere months after the CCHA chose not to accept Alabama-Huntsville into the conference, UAH opened its season on the road at Notre Dame. Most figured it would be a cinch for the Irish to get four points from the Chargers, but “most” didn’t include the Chargers themselves as UAH earned … Read more
This season, Alabama-Huntsville will be a member of the CHA, but next year is anyone’s guess. The Chargers prefer to focus on this season, however, and let next year sort itself out when that ship comes to port. “We’ve had a lot of distractions this summer and I think all of us are happy to … Read more
No matter who graduates, who gets hurt, or who the unproven freshmen are, Niagara is always at or near the top of the CHA standings. Niagara expects that. Most years, Niagara succeeds and this year, the expectations are the same as they always are. “I’m happy with the depth we have at each position,” NU … Read more
Bemidji State coach Tom Serratore is done talking about last season’s Cinderella run to the Frozen Four. Believe it or not, he’d rather talk about this season and the Beavers’ chances. “There never really was a hangover,” said Serratore, whose squad also won the CHA regular-season and playoff titles. “We shouldn’t even be talking about … Read more
What can one say about College Hockey America that hasn’t already been said? This is the final year of the conference? Check. Niagara and Robert Morris are off to Atlantic Hockey next season? Check. Bemidji State finally got into the WCHA starting with next year? Check. Alabama-Huntsville doesn’t have a home yet for 2010-11? Check. … Read more
This is Robert Morris’ last chance to win a CHA championship. And with a 1-in-4 chance, those are pretty good odds. RMU made the CHA finals last spring after upsetting defending champion Niagara in the semifinals. The Colonials hope to go farther next spring. “Everyone wants to look toward the end and hope to be … Read more
Perhaps the third time is the charm for Bemidji State. After winning the CHA tournament title in 2005 and 2006, the Beavers are once again champions after their nail-biting 3-2 overtime win over Robert Morris last Saturday night on home ice. Tournament MVP Matt Read scored 8:05 into the extra session to send the 1,962 … Read more