Theresa SpisakNote: Usually we’ll have Tyler’s picks here too; however, outside circumstances prevented him from getting his picks in this week. Friday, October 15 and Saturday, October 16 North Dakota @ Bemidji State: Split. Bemidji takes the arena opener and the Sioux come back the next night. Minnesota State @ Michigan Tech: Split. The Huskies continue … Read more
We’re in another year and we’ve got a new-look everything. New-look league, new-look USCHO and new-look WCHA coverage. This year, we’re following Hockey East’s lead and splitting the duties. Much like Jim Connelly and Dave Hendrickson have been sharing things over there, this year, I’ll be sharing this space with Tyler Buckentine. You’ve already read … Read more
It’s not often that an out-of-town opponent comes out stronger in the latter half of the second game in a series in Colorado, but that’s exactly what happened Saturday night at World Arena. The Rensselaer Engineers scored two third-period goals to force a 2-2 tie against the Colorado College Tigers and salvage a point from … Read more
Last season, things were starting to look up for Alaska-Anchorage. The Seawolves had seven seniors, the most in six years, and it appeared as if they might have the necessary tools to get over the hump to finally get out of the league basement and join up with the middle of the pack. They got … Read more
Colorado College was in an underdog role last season, and it stuck. The Tigers finished in the bottom half of the league for the first time in six years. It didn’t appear as if they would end up that way, however, getting off to a good start thanks to some surprising play from freshman goaltender … Read more
After being shut out of the NCAA tournament in 2008-09, last year Wisconsin team was determined to get back on to the national scene. The Badgers accomplished that in fine form by not only making the tournament, but by going all the way to Detroit and the Frozen Four as the league’s sole representative. This … Read more
Denver was the unanimous preseason pick to win the league last season. The Pioneers succeeded in this feat by being consistently good throughout the early part of the year before going on an 11-1 tear (9-1 in conference) to finish out the season. However, it may have been too much, as the team ran out … Read more
Just by looking at their results from last season, one might think that North Dakota did its same old song and dance — start slow-ish, surge late and end up in the mix at the end of the season. Results, though, don’t tell the whole story. The Fighting Sioux started off well, but then lost … Read more
The story of Michigan Tech’s 2009-10 season was the much of the same as it has been the past few years: Enter the season with low external expectations. Live up to them, finishing dead last (and with fewer points than the year before). Get a few wins here and there, keep a few games close … Read more
From the beginning of the season, Wisconsin coach Mike Eaves has built a team that is well-balanced and relaxed, relying on a potent offense and a dangerous defense in front of decent — but not spectacular — goaltending. The results have worked out well, propelling the Badgers to second place in the WCHA and now … Read more
Last season, Minnesota-Duluth made Final Five history, becoming the first team to win three games in three nights. This year, North Dakota repeated the feat, beating St. Cloud State, 5-3, game to capture the championship. “Minnesota-Duluth proved that it could be done last year,” said UND coach Dave Hakstol. “We came in both nights after … Read more
Coming into the Final Five’s third place game, neither Denver nor Wisconsin had lost two games in a row all season. Now, that statement is only true for the Badgers. Buoyed by a three-goal first period in which WCHA player of the year Marc Cheverie was pulled, the Badgers beat the Pioneers, 6-3, Saturday afternoon. … Read more
Denver now has good reason to be up for Saturday’s third-place game — a chance to redeem itself. Theresa Spisak reports.
When Wisconsin and St. Cloud State met in the regular season, the games were relatively high-scoring affairs. When the two teams met Friday afternoon for the Final Five, they showcased their defensive sides, with the Huskies coming out on top of the Badgers, 2-0, thanks to a stellar performance by goaltender Mike Lee. However, that’s … Read more
Last year, Minnesota-Duluth became the first team to win all three games at the Final Five. This year, the Bulldogs won’t have that chance. Instead, it’ll be North Dakota, as the Sioux shutout the Bulldogs, 2-0, Thursday night thanks to a two-goal third period. Related link: Sioux Penalty Kill Negates Bulldogs “We live to fight … Read more
Happy St. Patrick’s Day, everyone! Lucky you, you get the last column of the year a day early due to the WCHA switching around its awards banquet. So, onward, and if of legal age, hope you’ve been enjoying being Irish today. Around the WCHA As the season has ended, we’ve already seen two players sign … Read more
Sometimes, teams are good enough to win a game even if they don’t show up for the full 60 minutes. Such was the case Saturday night, as the University of Denver overcame a poor first period to beat Michigan Tech, 4-2, to advance to St. Paul, Minn., and the WCHA Final Five tournament. Despite coming … Read more
Oh hey, look at that — playoffs start this week. For a season that seemed to drag at times, the last month sure has flown by … Red Baron WCHA Players of the Week Red Baron WCHA Offensive Player of the Week: Kevin Clark, UAA. Why: Scored four goals (two in each game) to help … Read more
After a disappointing loss at home Friday night, the No. 1 University of Denver rebounded strongly on the road on Saturday, trouncing in-state rival Colorado College, 7-3. The win meant that the Pioneers claimed the Gold Pan, a trophy awarded to the winner of the season series between the two teams, ending a three-year Tigers’ … Read more
Look at that date. March. We’re finally nearing spring, which means warmer weather and more sun. The cold, dreary days of winter are finally coming to a close. More importantly, we’re now in the last week of the regular season and just one month away from the end of college hockey. So, let’s do this … Read more