WCHA suspends Alaska-Anchorage’s Mitchell, Alaska’s Vieth one game each for illegal hits

The WCHA announced Tuesday one-game suspensions for Alaska-Anchorage sophomore forward Mason Mitchell and Alaska junior forward Austin Vieth. The suspensions will be effective for the next games for the Seawolves and Nanooks, respectively. Mitchell’s suspension is a result of a blindside hit at the 4:58 mark of the first overtime period of Alaska-Anchorage’s game of … Read more

Both Alaska programs spared as cuts announced at Fairbanks, Anchorage

At a Thursday press conference, it was announced that several sports are in their last season at Alaska-Fairbanks and Alaska-Anchorage. None of those sports is hockey, however. Skiing is being eliminated at both schools, while UAA is axing indoor track and field. Those sports were targeted for elimination in a waiver request submitted by the … Read more

WCHA roundups: Crazy special teams night sees Wisconsin beat Northern Michigan

Tony Granato’s first victory as Wisconsin coach came despite a wacky night on special teams. The Badgers scored four power-play goals but allowed two short-handed scores. Northern Michigan had a third-period five-on-three advantage but failed to convert. And Trent Frederic’s first collegiate goal on — what else? — a Wisconsin power play with 8:24 remaining … Read more

Bowling Green favored in WCHA coaches, media polls; Ferris State’s Mayhew preseason player of the year

On Tuesday, the WCHA announced the results of its coaches and media preseason polls, in addition to preseason All-WCHA Teams, preseason Player of the Year and preseason Rookies of the Year. Bowling Green took the top spot in both polls, while Ferris State’s Gerald Mayhew was tabbed preseason Player of the Year in both. Minnesota … Read more

WCHA announces 3-on-3 overtime and shootout, three-point standings structure and new NHL-sized nets

The WCHA announced Tuesday three pivotal changes to take effect for the upcoming 2016-17 season. The changes include the introduction of 3-on-3 overtime and shootout (both if necessary) for regular-season league games, a three-point-per-game structure to the league standings and mandatory NHL nets in all arenas. “The WCHA is committed to evolving and adapting however … Read more

Nanooks lose Corbin, Andrea Schmidt to Minnesota ‘for new career opportunities’

After four years at Alaska, the husband-wife duo of Corbin and Andrea Schmidt have announced their resignations, with their last official day being July 22. Corbin is currently the assistant men’s coach and Andrea is the senior woman administrator/assistant athletic director for student-athlete academic services. They will be moving onward to Minnesota for new career … Read more

WCHA announces entire playoffs, starting with ’16-17 season, will be at campus sites

Starting with the 2016-17 season, the WCHA men’s playoffs — from the quarterfinals through the championship game — will be hosted by the highest remaining seeds at on-campus venues. Starting in 2017 and continuing for at least the next three seasons, the “WCHA Playoffs” will consist of four best-of-three, quarterfinal round series hosted by the … Read more

Michigan Tech and Minnesota State head up WCHA award winners

The WCHA announced its year-end award winners on Thursday and also unveiled three All-WCHA Teams and an All-Rookie Team. Michigan Tech senior co-captain Alex Petan, who led the league in scoring during conference play, was named WCHA Player of Year and Scoring Champion. Minnesota State junior Casey Nelson was tabbed the Defensive Player of the … Read more

WCHA coaches, media both tab Minnesota State as preseason favorite

Both the WCHA coaches and media have selected Minnesota State as the conference’s top team heading in to the 2015-16 season. The coaches’ poll was conducted by Shane Frederick of the Mankato Free Press, while the media poll was compiled by the Bemidji Pioneer’s Jack Hittinger. WCHA PRESEASON COACHES’ POLL WCHA PRESEASON MEDIA POLL In … Read more

Alaska’s Youngmun will face rape charges in July jury trial

According to Webcenter11.com, Alaska senior Nolan Youngmun’s defense attorneys have announced they may file for a change of venue. Youngmun is charged with the rape of a woman at UAF campus housing earlier this offseason. His defense attorneys said due to publicity of the charges and “new and unfounded allegations,” they wanted the trial held … Read more

Denver adds former Alaska coach MacMillan as new assistant coach

Denver announced Wednesday that longtime Winnipeg Jets scout and former Alaska head coach Tavis MacMillan will be joining the Pioneers as an assistant coach. MacMillan replaces Joe Clark, who recently resigned his post due to family obligations. “We’re very excited to be adding Tavis to our staff,” said DU head coach Jim Montgomery in a … Read more