Season previews for teams
After opening the season with four-straight wins over MCHA opponents, the Cobbers won just one more game. Concordia beat Wisconsin-Superior — which made it to the NCAA Tournament — 4-3 in overtime on Nov. 25. The Cobbers do return their top scorer in senior winger Dan Perry (12-7-19) and all of their goaltenders, including sophomore … Read more
There’s really only one storyline for the Johnnies this season and it’s the loss of goaltender Adam Hanna. In three seasons, Hanna posted a 51-13-5 record with a .929 save percentage and 1.75 goals against average. “(Hanna is) one of those guys that comes around once in a coaching career,” coach John Harrington said. “I … Read more
St. Thomas is in a good position to repeat as regular-season champs in 2006-07, despite losing three of its top five scorers. Gone are forwards Brandon Wilcox (12-26-38) and Dan Krmpotich (12-23-35) and defenseman John Bottoms (6-15-21). Bottoms may be the biggest loss for the Tommies as coach Terry Skrypek said he played probably two-thirds … Read more
Last season, St. Mary’s showed signs of promise in the final weeks of the season, going 7-1-0 in the final eight games of the season. That run included a pair of wins over St. Olaf and one over Bethel. If the Cardinals are going to be the “dark horse” St. Thomas coach Terry Skrypek predicts … Read more
A strong start to the 2005-2006 season didn’t amount to much for the Auggies. They opened the season with three-straight wins over Lake Forest, St. Norbert and Wisconsin-Stout. But an eight-game slide at the end of the conference season capped off a disappointing season. First-year coach Chris Brown should be in good shape offensively as … Read more
No one could have predicted the magical playoff run St. Olaf made last season. In their final regular-season games of the year, the Oles tied Hamline, then, were swept by St. Mary’s before heading into the playoffs. Obviously, it didn’t matter much to St. Olaf as it made it all the way to the first … Read more
Entering his first season as coach of the Vikings, Mike Szkodzinski is more than excited about the prospects of the Lawrence program. “It’s an opportunity to create an atmosphere based on great pride and character,” he said. “This is a school with great academics and an athletic director who is fully supportive. This is something … Read more
The Lions enter their third season in the MCHA hoping to continue the progress they have made in their first two. Following up a fourth place finish in their inaugural season with a third place finish last year, Finlandia returns every single player from last season which is reason enough to instill hope in head … Read more
Commonly overshadowed by the NCHA and MIAC, the MCHA is a conference looking to fully establish itself not only in the West Region, but nationally. In terms of recognition, Milwaukee School of Engineering carried the league on its back last season. Finishing with a 21-5-1 record, including victories over Lake Forest and Babson and a … Read more
Quite frankly, there isn’t much to suggest the two-time defending MCHA Champions won’t make it three in a row this season. Whether it’s in net, on defense or at forward, the Raiders are loaded. A major difference this season, however, is that between the two-time defending league champion status and the NCAA talk swirling about … Read more
As Steve Fabiili enters his second season as head coach of the Lumberjacks, it’s clear his program has nowhere to go but up. The Lumberjacks have posted a record of 17-106-4 over the past five seasons, and have been firmly planted in the MCHA cellar. Northland’s attempt to forget the past and focus on the … Read more
After taking over an undermanned program three years ago, head coach Jasen Wise has been able to turn the Sabres into one of the most formidable teams in the MCHA. With no losses to graduation following last season, it’s reasonable to assume Marian may continue their climb up the MCHA ladder. Leading the cast of … Read more
The Golden Eagles are only two seasons removed from back-to-back MCHA tournament championships. After falling on harder times over the past to years, Minnesota-Crookston will attempt to get back to the top with vastly revamped lineup. The Golden Eagles will welcome 21 new faces to this season’s lineup. Good news, however, is that three of … Read more
Only a 2-2 tie in the final game of the season kept the Pointers from locking up home ice in the playoffs last year. For Stevens Point to improve on what ultimately ended up being a fifth place finish, they must find a way to be more consistent. For example, last season the Pointers posted … Read more
Last year, all the talk leading into the season was about the numerous coaching changes, including the defending champions. This year, there are again coaching changes, this time with two schools, though one is a return of a longtime coach, and again one involves the defending champions. However, the talk leading into this season is … Read more
It is all about attitude this year at Lebanon Valley. Well, actually trying to change an attitude to be specific. It is no secret that the Flying Dutchmen have struggled since joining the ECAC West two years ago. While they were competitive in almost every league game last season, something would usually transpire late in … Read more
The Blue Devils surprised the league last season by knocking off Wis.-River Falls in the first round of the NCHA playoffs. Though they dropped their semifinal game at St. Norbert, there is still plenty of optimism surrounding this year’s club. With the return of sophomore Matt Koenig and junior Mike Stone in goal, head coach … Read more
If things fall correctly for the Yellowjackets, 2006-07 could be a season of destiny. Having a history of playoff success, as well as being the last NCHA team to win a national title, Superior is bound to be mindful of the opportunity to play for a national championship on home ice. That’s a long way … Read more
In a league that seems bent on making things as convoluted as possible, it’s only fitting that the defending champions were the ones who had to bear the most significant losses to graduation. Eleven players are gone from last season’s Green Knight roster, eight of whom were forwards. Most notable is the departure of team … Read more
Since starting the Utica hockey team six years ago, coach Gary Heenan has built his team around a tough, hard-nosed defensive style of play that has earned the Pioneers a regular season title and two trips to the league playoffs. But with the changing of emphasis in the NCAA rules comes a change in philosophy … Read more