Inside College Hockey has named their 2007-08 Preseason All-America teams and their Preseason All-Rookie team. WCHA players are in bold.
First Team
F - Nathan Davis - Miami
F - Ryan Duncan - North Dakota
F - T.J. Oshie - North Dakota
D - Taylor Chorney - North Dakota
D - Matt Gilroy - Boston University
G - Jeff Lerg - Michigan State
Second Team
F - Nick Dodge - Clarkson
F - Eric Ehn - Air Force
F - Kevin Porter - Michigan
D - Chris Butler - Denver
D - Brett Motherwell - Boston College
G - Kevin Regan - New Hampshire
Third Team
F - Tim Kennedy- Michigan State
F - Nathan Gerbe - Boston College
F - Kyle Okposo - Minnesota
D - Kyle Lawson - Notre Dame
D - Bret Tyler - Maine
G - David Leggio - Clarkson
All-Rookie Team
F - Riley Nash - Cornell
F - Kyle Turris - Wisconsin
F - James van Riemsdyk - New Hampshire
D - Ryan McDonagh - Wisconsin
D - Kevin Shattenkirk - Boston University
G - Richard Bachman - Colorado College
Showing posts with label Season Preview. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Season Preview. Show all posts
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
INCH Preseason Power Rankings
Inside College Hockey published their annual preseason power rankings of each D-I college hockey team. Here's a link to the full list of all 59 schools, and below you can see where the WCHA teams are ranked. The number to the left of the school's name indicates where they rank in these power rankings, while the number in parenthesis after the school's name is where INCH predicted each team to finish in the WCHA standings.
1. North Dakota (1)
8. Minnesota (4)
10. Denver (2)
11. Colorado College (3)
15. Wisconsin (7)
18. St. Cloud State (5)
22. Michigan Tech (6)
35. Minnesota Duluth (8)
36. Minnesota State (9)
42. Alaska Anchorage (10)
1. North Dakota (1)
8. Minnesota (4)
10. Denver (2)
11. Colorado College (3)
15. Wisconsin (7)
18. St. Cloud State (5)
22. Michigan Tech (6)
35. Minnesota Duluth (8)
36. Minnesota State (9)
42. Alaska Anchorage (10)
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Season Preview - Full Recap
WCHA Preview
Part I: Conference Schedules
Part II: Non-Conference Schedules
Part III: Top 5 Returning Scorers By Team
Part IV: Goal Production Lost By Team
Part V: Freshmen by Team
Part VI: Freshmen by Age / League
Part VII: 2006-07 Scoring Breakdown By Class
Part VIII: Key Losses from Last Year
Part IX: Class Breakdown for Current Rosters
Part X: NHL Draftees By Team
Team Previews
Alaska Anchorage
Colorado College
Denver
Michigan Tech
Minnesota
Minnesota Duluth
Minnesota State
North Dakota
Wisconsin
St. Cloud State
Part I: Conference Schedules
Part II: Non-Conference Schedules
Part III: Top 5 Returning Scorers By Team
Part IV: Goal Production Lost By Team
Part V: Freshmen by Team
Part VI: Freshmen by Age / League
Part VII: 2006-07 Scoring Breakdown By Class
Part VIII: Key Losses from Last Year
Part IX: Class Breakdown for Current Rosters
Part X: NHL Draftees By Team
Team Previews
Alaska Anchorage
Colorado College
Denver
Michigan Tech
Minnesota
Minnesota Duluth
Minnesota State
North Dakota
Wisconsin
St. Cloud State
Monday, October 8, 2007
2007-08 Team Preview – Wisconsin
Official Roster
Full Schedule
2006-07 Team Statistics
Top 5 Returning Scorers
1. F – Michael Davis – Sophomore – 11 G, 13 A – 24 points
2. D – Jamie McBain – Sophomore – 3 G, 15 A – 18 points
3. F – Ben Street – Junior – 10 G, 7 A – 17 points
4. F – Matt Ford – Senior – 7 G, 6 A – 13 points
5. D – Kyle Klubertanz – Senior – 1 G, 12 A – 13 points
Key Losses From Last Season
F – Andrew Joudrey – 9 G, 20 A – 29 points
F – Jake Dowell – 19 G, 6 A – 25 points
F – Ross Carlson – 5 G, 18 A – 23 points
F – Jack Skille – 8 G, 10 A – 18 points
D – Joe Piskula – 1 G, 4 A – 5 points
G – Brian Elliott – 15-17-2, .923 save percentage, 2.10 GAA
2006-07 Scoring By Class
Senior 37 39.78%
Junior 13 13.98%
Sophomore 23 24.73%
Freshman 20 21.51%
Non-Conference Schedule
1 vs. Notre Dame – Oct. 12 – Lefty McFadden Invitational, Dayton, OH
1 vs. Mercyhurst or Ohio State – Oct. 13 – Lefty McFadden Invitational, Dayton, OH
1 vs. Robert Morris – Oct. 19-20
1 at Michigan – Nov. 23 – College Hockey Showcase
1 at Michigan State – Nov. 24 – College Hockey Showcase
1 vs. Colgate – Dec. 28 – Badger Showdown, Madison, WI
1 vs. Bowling Green or Northeastern – Dec. 29 – Badger Showdown, Madison, WI
Incoming Freshmen
F – Sean Dolan (Chicago – USHL) / 19
F – Pat Johnson (Lincoln – USHL) / 18
F – Josh Turnbull (Waterloo – USHL) / 19
F – Kyle Turris (Burnaby – BCHL) / 18
D – Craig Johnson (Fairbanks – NAHL) / 20
D – Cody Goloubef (Oakville – OPJHL) / 17
D – Brendan Smith (St. Mike’s – OPJHL) / 18
D – Ryan McDonagh (Cretin-Derham Hall High School) / 18
G – Scott Gudmandson (Omaha – USHL / Salmon Arm – BCHL) / 19
Average Freshman Age: 18.44
BCHL: 2
NAHL: 1
OPJHL: 2
USHL: 3
U.S. High Schools: 1
Breakdown of Current Roster
Freshmen – 9
Sophomores – 8
Juniors – 5
Seniors – 4
NHL Draftees
D – Jamie McBain – Sophomore – CAR
F – Blake Geoffrion – Sophomore – NSH
F – Matt Ford – Senior – CHI
D – Kyle Klubertanz – Senior – ANA
F – Zach Bearson – Sophomore – FLA
F – Kyle Turris – Freshman – PHO
D – Ryan McDonagh – Freshman – MON
D – Brendan Smith – Freshman – DET
F – Josh Turnbull – Freshman – LA
2006 Season Recap
Coming off a season where everything went right, the worm certainly turned early in the year last season for the Badgers. Early season injuries to key players such as Jack Skille, Ross Carlson, and Kyle Klubertanz depleted a UW team that had lost forwards Robbie Earl and Joe Pavelski early to the pros.
After going 3-1-2 against Northern Michigan, North Dakota, and Minnesota Duluth to start the season, the Badgers would win just one time in their next nine games. This stretch would prove to be very costly later in the year, but UW rebounded nicely. They defeated the eventual national champion Michigan State Spartans on home ice and then swept North Dakota in Grand Forks going into the Christmas break.
They stumbled a bit to open up the second half of the season, but they were one of the best teams in the nation down the stretch, going 8-3-2 to close their season. By most accounts, winning just one more game on their season would have got the Badgers into the NCAA tournament, but the defending champions were not invited to the dance.
2007 Season Preview
Despite their scoring deficiencies last season, no team in the WCHA loses more goal scoring – as a percentage of their teams overall goal scoring – than Wisconsin. Leading goal-scorer Jake Dowell, team points leader Andrew Joudrey, and first round NHL draft pick Jack Skille have all moved on.
On the backend, goaltender Brian Elliott, who has been the best goalie in the WCHA – and maybe the nation – over the last two years had moved on after his senior season. Junior defenseman Joe Piskula left the team shortly after their season concluded, signing a professional contract with the Los Angeles Kings.
Ordinarily, a team losing this much at both ends of the ice wouldn’t be very optimistic about being able to replace all that production. However, head coach Mike Eaves has assembled arguably the best recruiting class in the nation. Led by BCHL standout Kyle Turris, who was the third overall pick in the 2007 NHL draft and recently tore apart Russia in the Canada vs. Russia Super Series, this group of freshmen will be leaned upon to carry the team.
A pair of first round picks – Ryan McDonagh and Brendan Smith – will see lots of icetime on the blueline. They join key returnees Jamie McBain and Kyle Klubertanz. The UW blueline will be very talented, but also very young.
Replacing Elliott between the pipes will be junior Shane Connelly. In limited action last season, Connelly was stellar: he went 4-1-2 with a 1.11 goals against average and a .952 save percentage. History tells us that he will continue the trend of solid goaltending in Madison.
Key Question
Over Mike Eaves’ tenure at UW, his teams have always been very good in their own end but have struggled to score. This was certainly the case last season, They were last in the conference, scoring just 2.11 goals per WCHA game. And, as previously stated, they lose more goal production than any other team in the league. So, as is the case most years at this time, the question is this: will Wisconsin be able to score enough goals? The defensive core is more offensively minded that some previous groups, and Turris will likely be one of the most dynamic forwards in the country as a freshmen, so those two things should certainly help.
WCHA Blog Prediction:
Fifth place
Previous Team Previews
Alaska Anchorage
Colorado College
Denver
Michigan Tech
Minnesota
Minnesota Duluth
Minnesota State
North Dakota
St. Cloud State
Full Schedule
2006-07 Team Statistics
Top 5 Returning Scorers
1. F – Michael Davis – Sophomore – 11 G, 13 A – 24 points
2. D – Jamie McBain – Sophomore – 3 G, 15 A – 18 points
3. F – Ben Street – Junior – 10 G, 7 A – 17 points
4. F – Matt Ford – Senior – 7 G, 6 A – 13 points
5. D – Kyle Klubertanz – Senior – 1 G, 12 A – 13 points
Key Losses From Last Season
F – Andrew Joudrey – 9 G, 20 A – 29 points
F – Jake Dowell – 19 G, 6 A – 25 points
F – Ross Carlson – 5 G, 18 A – 23 points
F – Jack Skille – 8 G, 10 A – 18 points
D – Joe Piskula – 1 G, 4 A – 5 points
G – Brian Elliott – 15-17-2, .923 save percentage, 2.10 GAA
2006-07 Scoring By Class
Senior 37 39.78%
Junior 13 13.98%
Sophomore 23 24.73%
Freshman 20 21.51%
Non-Conference Schedule
1 vs. Notre Dame – Oct. 12 – Lefty McFadden Invitational, Dayton, OH
1 vs. Mercyhurst or Ohio State – Oct. 13 – Lefty McFadden Invitational, Dayton, OH
1 vs. Robert Morris – Oct. 19-20
1 at Michigan – Nov. 23 – College Hockey Showcase
1 at Michigan State – Nov. 24 – College Hockey Showcase
1 vs. Colgate – Dec. 28 – Badger Showdown, Madison, WI
1 vs. Bowling Green or Northeastern – Dec. 29 – Badger Showdown, Madison, WI
Incoming Freshmen
F – Sean Dolan (Chicago – USHL) / 19
F – Pat Johnson (Lincoln – USHL) / 18
F – Josh Turnbull (Waterloo – USHL) / 19
F – Kyle Turris (Burnaby – BCHL) / 18
D – Craig Johnson (Fairbanks – NAHL) / 20
D – Cody Goloubef (Oakville – OPJHL) / 17
D – Brendan Smith (St. Mike’s – OPJHL) / 18
D – Ryan McDonagh (Cretin-Derham Hall High School) / 18
G – Scott Gudmandson (Omaha – USHL / Salmon Arm – BCHL) / 19
Average Freshman Age: 18.44
BCHL: 2
NAHL: 1
OPJHL: 2
USHL: 3
U.S. High Schools: 1
Breakdown of Current Roster
Freshmen – 9
Sophomores – 8
Juniors – 5
Seniors – 4
NHL Draftees
D – Jamie McBain – Sophomore – CAR
F – Blake Geoffrion – Sophomore – NSH
F – Matt Ford – Senior – CHI
D – Kyle Klubertanz – Senior – ANA
F – Zach Bearson – Sophomore – FLA
F – Kyle Turris – Freshman – PHO
D – Ryan McDonagh – Freshman – MON
D – Brendan Smith – Freshman – DET
F – Josh Turnbull – Freshman – LA
2006 Season Recap
Coming off a season where everything went right, the worm certainly turned early in the year last season for the Badgers. Early season injuries to key players such as Jack Skille, Ross Carlson, and Kyle Klubertanz depleted a UW team that had lost forwards Robbie Earl and Joe Pavelski early to the pros.
After going 3-1-2 against Northern Michigan, North Dakota, and Minnesota Duluth to start the season, the Badgers would win just one time in their next nine games. This stretch would prove to be very costly later in the year, but UW rebounded nicely. They defeated the eventual national champion Michigan State Spartans on home ice and then swept North Dakota in Grand Forks going into the Christmas break.
They stumbled a bit to open up the second half of the season, but they were one of the best teams in the nation down the stretch, going 8-3-2 to close their season. By most accounts, winning just one more game on their season would have got the Badgers into the NCAA tournament, but the defending champions were not invited to the dance.
2007 Season Preview
Despite their scoring deficiencies last season, no team in the WCHA loses more goal scoring – as a percentage of their teams overall goal scoring – than Wisconsin. Leading goal-scorer Jake Dowell, team points leader Andrew Joudrey, and first round NHL draft pick Jack Skille have all moved on.
On the backend, goaltender Brian Elliott, who has been the best goalie in the WCHA – and maybe the nation – over the last two years had moved on after his senior season. Junior defenseman Joe Piskula left the team shortly after their season concluded, signing a professional contract with the Los Angeles Kings.
Ordinarily, a team losing this much at both ends of the ice wouldn’t be very optimistic about being able to replace all that production. However, head coach Mike Eaves has assembled arguably the best recruiting class in the nation. Led by BCHL standout Kyle Turris, who was the third overall pick in the 2007 NHL draft and recently tore apart Russia in the Canada vs. Russia Super Series, this group of freshmen will be leaned upon to carry the team.
A pair of first round picks – Ryan McDonagh and Brendan Smith – will see lots of icetime on the blueline. They join key returnees Jamie McBain and Kyle Klubertanz. The UW blueline will be very talented, but also very young.
Replacing Elliott between the pipes will be junior Shane Connelly. In limited action last season, Connelly was stellar: he went 4-1-2 with a 1.11 goals against average and a .952 save percentage. History tells us that he will continue the trend of solid goaltending in Madison.
Key Question
Over Mike Eaves’ tenure at UW, his teams have always been very good in their own end but have struggled to score. This was certainly the case last season, They were last in the conference, scoring just 2.11 goals per WCHA game. And, as previously stated, they lose more goal production than any other team in the league. So, as is the case most years at this time, the question is this: will Wisconsin be able to score enough goals? The defensive core is more offensively minded that some previous groups, and Turris will likely be one of the most dynamic forwards in the country as a freshmen, so those two things should certainly help.
WCHA Blog Prediction:
Fifth place
Previous Team Previews
Alaska Anchorage
Colorado College
Denver
Michigan Tech
Minnesota
Minnesota Duluth
Minnesota State
North Dakota
St. Cloud State
Friday, October 5, 2007
WCHA exhibition games start this weekend
They aren't official games of course, but WCHA play gets underway tonight in Wasilla, which is about a half-hour north of Anchorage, as the Alaska Anchorage Seawolves take on Southern Alberta Tech. Then, on Saturday, Colorado College plays host to the University of Calgary while Michigan Tech takes on the University of Toronto. Finally, on Sunday, North Dakota plays host to the University of Manitoba, while Denver takes on Calgary.
All WCHA teams open up the regular season next weekend in non-conference action.
All WCHA teams open up the regular season next weekend in non-conference action.
2007-08 Team Preview – St. Cloud State
Official Roster
Full Schedule
2006-07 Team Statistics
Top 5 Returning Scorers
1. F – Andreas Nodl – Sophomore – 18 G, 28 A – 46 points
2. F – Ryan Lasch – Sophomore – 16 G, 23 A – 39 points
3. F – Nate Dey – Senior – 10 G, 22 A – 32 points
4. D – Matt Stephenson – Senior – 2 G, 22 A – 24 points
5. F – John Swanson – Junior – 9 G, 14 A – 23 points
Key Losses From Last Season
F – Andrew Gordon – 22 G, 23 A – 45 points
F – Dan Kronick – 14 G, 12 A – 26 points
D – Justin Fletcher – 6 G, 18 A – 24 points
D – Casey Borer – 2 G, 9 A – 11 points
G – Bobby Goepfert – 17-10-7, .924 save percentage, 2.29 GAA
2006-07 Scoring By Class
Senior 35 27.56%
Junior 46 36.22%
Sophomore 11 8.66%
Freshman 35 27.56%
Non-Conference Schedule
2 vs. Canisius – Oct. 12-13
2 vs. Bemidji State – Oct. 26-27
2 at Clarkson – Nov. 23-24
1 vs. Miami (Ohio) – Dec. 29 – Ohio Hockey Classic, Columbus, OH
1 vs. Harvard or Ohio State – Dec. 30 – Ohio Hockey Classic, Columbus, OH
Incoming Freshmen
F – Tony Mosey (Salmon Arm – BCHL) / 19
F – Aaron Marvin (Warroad High School) / 19
F – Nick Oslund (Tri-City – USHL) / 19
F – Brian Volpei (Salmon Arm – BCHL) / 19
F – Garret Roe (Indiana – USHL) / 19
D – Brett Barta (Waterloo – USHL) / 20
G – Dan Dunn (Wellington – OPJHL) / 19
Average Freshman Age: 19.14
BCHL: 2
OPJHL: 1
USHL: 3
U.S. High Schools: 1
Breakdown of Current Roster
Freshmen – 7
Sophomores – 9
Juniors – 4
Seniors – 6
NHL Draftees
F – Andreas Nodl – Sophomore – PHI
F – Luca Cunti – Freshman– TB
F – Aaron Marvin – Freshman– CGY
F – Nick Oslund – Freshman– DET
G – Jase Weslosky – Sophomore – NYI
G – Dan Dunn – Freshman – WAS
2006 Season Recap
Bob Motzko’s second season in St. Cloud was certainly a success, as he led the Huskies to a second-place finish in the WCHA and an NCAA tournament berth.
During the middle of the season, a 20-game stretch where the team lost just once propelled SCSU to both of those aforementioned accomplishments. A pair of freshmen – Andreas Nodl and Ryan Lasch – excelled in their first seasons in the Granite City, notching 46 and 39 points, respectively. Junior Andrew Gordon led the team with 22 goals and was one of the premier forwards in the WCHA.
In his second and final season in St. Cloud, senior netminder Bobby Goepfert had another solid season, posting a .924 save percentage and a 2.29 goals against average.
Despite their regular season success, the Huskies fell victim to a late season slump. They took just one point from a red-hot North Dakota team at home to conclude the regular season. They followed that effort up by beating Minnesota Duluth in the first round of the WCHA playoffs, although both wins came in overtime after losing the Friday night game 3-1. At the WCHA Final Five, they were dominated by UND in the first semi-final, losing 6-2, and then lost in overtime to Wisconsin in the third place game on Saturday by a 4-3 score in overtime.
The Huskies were sent to Rochester, N.Y. for the NCAA East Regional and appeared to have a much more favorable draw that some other WCHA teams (such as Minnesota and North Dakota). Despite that, they bowed out in their first game to Maine by a 4-1 score.
2007 Season Preview
St. Cloud State losses this offseason rival those of any other WCHA team. In addition to Gordon signing a professional contract with the Washington Capitals and Goepfert graduating, senior forward Dan Kronick (26 points) and senior defensemen Justin Fletcher (24 points) and Casey Borer (11 points) also depart.
In total, SCSU loses 45 percent of their goal-scoring from a year ago, along with an elite goalie and three senior defensemen. Freshmen such as Warroad’s Aaron Marvin and Garret Roe (Indiana of the USHL) will need to help fill the void. Fellow forward Luca Cunti appears as if he’ll be able to join the Huskies this fall. A third round pick in this past summer’s NHL Entry Draft, Cunti had some issues getting clearance to play this fall, primarily because he’s a native of Switzerland and just recently came over to the U.S.
Four players who were freshmen last year will need to step up their play on the backend if SCSU is going to rival the success they had last year. Defensemen Garrett Raboin, Craig Gaudet, and Jon Ammerman will see much more icetime this year than last. Sophomore goalie Jase Weslosky will likely battle incoming freshman Dan Dunn for time between the pipes.
Key Question
This will be Bob Motzko’s third season in St. Cloud, and of course his first without Goepfert, who posted great regular season stats in his tenure as a Husky. Motzko seems to have done a good job recruiting, and it’s clear that he knows what he’d doing as a WCHA head coach. However, how much of the Huskies’ success over the last two years can be attributed to the play of Goepfert, and can the combination of Weslosky / Dunn replace him?
WCHA Blog Prediction:
Sixth place
Previous Team Previews
Alaska Anchorage
Colorado College
Denver
Michigan Tech
Minnesota
Minnesota Duluth
Minnesota State
North Dakota
Full Schedule
2006-07 Team Statistics
Top 5 Returning Scorers
1. F – Andreas Nodl – Sophomore – 18 G, 28 A – 46 points
2. F – Ryan Lasch – Sophomore – 16 G, 23 A – 39 points
3. F – Nate Dey – Senior – 10 G, 22 A – 32 points
4. D – Matt Stephenson – Senior – 2 G, 22 A – 24 points
5. F – John Swanson – Junior – 9 G, 14 A – 23 points
Key Losses From Last Season
F – Andrew Gordon – 22 G, 23 A – 45 points
F – Dan Kronick – 14 G, 12 A – 26 points
D – Justin Fletcher – 6 G, 18 A – 24 points
D – Casey Borer – 2 G, 9 A – 11 points
G – Bobby Goepfert – 17-10-7, .924 save percentage, 2.29 GAA
2006-07 Scoring By Class
Senior 35 27.56%
Junior 46 36.22%
Sophomore 11 8.66%
Freshman 35 27.56%
Non-Conference Schedule
2 vs. Canisius – Oct. 12-13
2 vs. Bemidji State – Oct. 26-27
2 at Clarkson – Nov. 23-24
1 vs. Miami (Ohio) – Dec. 29 – Ohio Hockey Classic, Columbus, OH
1 vs. Harvard or Ohio State – Dec. 30 – Ohio Hockey Classic, Columbus, OH
Incoming Freshmen
F – Tony Mosey (Salmon Arm – BCHL) / 19
F – Aaron Marvin (Warroad High School) / 19
F – Nick Oslund (Tri-City – USHL) / 19
F – Brian Volpei (Salmon Arm – BCHL) / 19
F – Garret Roe (Indiana – USHL) / 19
D – Brett Barta (Waterloo – USHL) / 20
G – Dan Dunn (Wellington – OPJHL) / 19
Average Freshman Age: 19.14
BCHL: 2
OPJHL: 1
USHL: 3
U.S. High Schools: 1
Breakdown of Current Roster
Freshmen – 7
Sophomores – 9
Juniors – 4
Seniors – 6
NHL Draftees
F – Andreas Nodl – Sophomore – PHI
F – Luca Cunti – Freshman– TB
F – Aaron Marvin – Freshman– CGY
F – Nick Oslund – Freshman– DET
G – Jase Weslosky – Sophomore – NYI
G – Dan Dunn – Freshman – WAS
2006 Season Recap
Bob Motzko’s second season in St. Cloud was certainly a success, as he led the Huskies to a second-place finish in the WCHA and an NCAA tournament berth.
During the middle of the season, a 20-game stretch where the team lost just once propelled SCSU to both of those aforementioned accomplishments. A pair of freshmen – Andreas Nodl and Ryan Lasch – excelled in their first seasons in the Granite City, notching 46 and 39 points, respectively. Junior Andrew Gordon led the team with 22 goals and was one of the premier forwards in the WCHA.
In his second and final season in St. Cloud, senior netminder Bobby Goepfert had another solid season, posting a .924 save percentage and a 2.29 goals against average.
Despite their regular season success, the Huskies fell victim to a late season slump. They took just one point from a red-hot North Dakota team at home to conclude the regular season. They followed that effort up by beating Minnesota Duluth in the first round of the WCHA playoffs, although both wins came in overtime after losing the Friday night game 3-1. At the WCHA Final Five, they were dominated by UND in the first semi-final, losing 6-2, and then lost in overtime to Wisconsin in the third place game on Saturday by a 4-3 score in overtime.
The Huskies were sent to Rochester, N.Y. for the NCAA East Regional and appeared to have a much more favorable draw that some other WCHA teams (such as Minnesota and North Dakota). Despite that, they bowed out in their first game to Maine by a 4-1 score.
2007 Season Preview
St. Cloud State losses this offseason rival those of any other WCHA team. In addition to Gordon signing a professional contract with the Washington Capitals and Goepfert graduating, senior forward Dan Kronick (26 points) and senior defensemen Justin Fletcher (24 points) and Casey Borer (11 points) also depart.
In total, SCSU loses 45 percent of their goal-scoring from a year ago, along with an elite goalie and three senior defensemen. Freshmen such as Warroad’s Aaron Marvin and Garret Roe (Indiana of the USHL) will need to help fill the void. Fellow forward Luca Cunti appears as if he’ll be able to join the Huskies this fall. A third round pick in this past summer’s NHL Entry Draft, Cunti had some issues getting clearance to play this fall, primarily because he’s a native of Switzerland and just recently came over to the U.S.
Four players who were freshmen last year will need to step up their play on the backend if SCSU is going to rival the success they had last year. Defensemen Garrett Raboin, Craig Gaudet, and Jon Ammerman will see much more icetime this year than last. Sophomore goalie Jase Weslosky will likely battle incoming freshman Dan Dunn for time between the pipes.
Key Question
This will be Bob Motzko’s third season in St. Cloud, and of course his first without Goepfert, who posted great regular season stats in his tenure as a Husky. Motzko seems to have done a good job recruiting, and it’s clear that he knows what he’d doing as a WCHA head coach. However, how much of the Huskies’ success over the last two years can be attributed to the play of Goepfert, and can the combination of Weslosky / Dunn replace him?
WCHA Blog Prediction:
Sixth place
Previous Team Previews
Alaska Anchorage
Colorado College
Denver
Michigan Tech
Minnesota
Minnesota Duluth
Minnesota State
North Dakota
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Season Preview Recap - 10/4
The season gets underway with some exhibition games this weekend, so here is a full recap of all the season preview entries I've posted over the last month or so, along with the team previews that have been posted so far. The rest of the team previews (St. Cloud State and Wisconsin) will be posted on Friday (SCSU) and Monday (UW).
WCHA Preview
Part I: Conference Schedules
Part II: Non-Conference Schedules
Part III: Top 5 Returning Scorers By Team
Part IV: Goal Production Lost By Team
Part V: Freshmen by Team
Part VI: Freshmen by Age / League
Part VII: 2006-07 Scoring Breakdown By Class
Part VIII: Key Losses from Last Year
Part IX: Class Breakdown for Current Rosters
Part X: NHL Draftees By Team
Team Previews
Alaska Anchorage
Colorado College
Denver
Michigan Tech
Minnesota
Minnesota Duluth
Minnesota State
North Dakota
WCHA Preview
Part I: Conference Schedules
Part II: Non-Conference Schedules
Part III: Top 5 Returning Scorers By Team
Part IV: Goal Production Lost By Team
Part V: Freshmen by Team
Part VI: Freshmen by Age / League
Part VII: 2006-07 Scoring Breakdown By Class
Part VIII: Key Losses from Last Year
Part IX: Class Breakdown for Current Rosters
Part X: NHL Draftees By Team
Team Previews
Alaska Anchorage
Colorado College
Denver
Michigan Tech
Minnesota
Minnesota Duluth
Minnesota State
North Dakota
2007-08 Team Preview – North Dakota
Official Roster
Full Schedule
2006-07 Team Statistics
Top 5 Returning Scorers
1. F – Ryan Duncan – Junior – 31 G, 26 A – 57 points
2. F – T.J. Oshie – Junior – 17 G, 35 A – 52 points
3. D – Robbie Bina – Senior – 10 G, 22 A – 32 points
4. D – Taylor Chorney – Junior – 8 G, 23 A – 31 points
5. F – Brad Miller – Junior – 10 G, 14 A – 24 points
Key Losses From Last Season
F – Jonathan Toews – 18 G, 28 A – 46 points
F – Chris Porter – 13 G, 17 A – 30 points
D – Brian Lee – 2 G, 24 A – 26 points
2006-07 Scoring By Class
Senior 19 12.42%
Junior 17 11.11%
Sophomore 101 66.01%
Freshman 16 10.46%
Non-Conference Schedule
1 vs. Michigan State – Oct. 13 – U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame game
1 at Boston College – Oct. 19
1 at Northeastern – Oct. 20
2 vs. New Hampshire – Dec. 28-29
2 vs. Bemidji State – Feb. 23-24
Incoming Freshmen
F – Brett Davidson (Neepawa – MJHL) / 20
F – Matt Frattin (Fort Saskatchewan – AJHL) / 19
F – Brad Malone (Sioux Falls – USHL) / 18
F – Evan Trupp (Penticton – BCHL) / 20
D – Derrick LaPoint (Green Bay – USHL) / 19
D – Jake Marto (Omaha – USHL) / 21
Average Freshman Age: 19.50
USHL: 3
AJHL: 1
BCHL: 1
MJHL: 1
Breakdown of Current Roster
Freshmen – 6
Sophomores – 5
Juniors – 10
Seniors – 4
NHL Draftees
D – Joe Finley – Junior – WAS
D – Taylor Chorney – Junior – EDM
F – T.J. Oshie – Junior – STL
F – Andrew Kozek – Junior – ATL
F – Rylan Kaip – Senior – ATL
F – Michael Forney – Sophomore – ATL
F – Matt Watkins – Junior – DAL
F – Chris VandeVelde – Sophomore – EDM
F – Matt Frattin – Freshman – TOR
F – Brad Malone – Freshman – COL
D – Derrick LaPoint – Freshman – FLA
2006 Season Recap
For the third year in a row under head coach Dave Hakstol, the Fighting Sioux advanced all the way to the Frozen Four. However, it didn’t always appear as if that would be the case.
UND got off to a 7-10-1 start, which culminated with four straight home sweeps by Wisconsin and Michigan Tech. However, the Sioux regrouped after the holiday break and were the best team in the nation the rest of the way on, losing just four times after December 17.
After taking three of four points at SCSU to close out the regular season, the Sioux advanced to the WCHA Final Five and proceeded to pound the Huskies by a 6-2 score in the first semifinal, and appeared as though they’d hoist the Broadmoor Trophy for the second straight year. But they were upended by the Golden Gophers in the title game the next night, thanks to a once-in-a-lifetime goal by Blake Wheeler.
However, UND would get their revenge the next weekend. After beating Michigan in a wild 8-5 content, the Fighting Sioux edged the Gophers by a 3-2 score in overtime to advance to St. Louis and the Frozen Four. For the second straight year though, they fell victim to Boston College in the first semifinal game, ending another great season in Grand Forks.
2007 Season Preview
This season, UND is the preseason favorite by many to capture the MacNaughton Cup. Despite losing the likes of Jonathan Toews and Brian Lee in the offseason, they return stars such as Hobey Baker winner Ryan Duncan, T.J. Oshie, and Taylor Chorney, among others.
They also have a senior netminder in Philippe Lamoureux who posted a .913 save percentage last season. They only lose Lee from a elite defensive core, and they bring in freshman Derrick LaPoint who should contribute from day one.
Speaking of freshmen, the Sioux again have an elite recruiting class that ranks among the best in the nation. Youngsters like Matt Frattin, Brad Malone, and Evan Trupp should all make their presence felt during the freshmen campaigns, and will supplement an already experienced core of forwards.
Key Question
No team in the WCHA relied more on the power play than UND, who scored 56 power play tallies last year. With the lose of setup-man Jonathan Toews, who posted 28 assists in 34 games last year, will the Sioux power play continue to click? Duncan, in particular, shined on the power play, as 22 of his 31 goals came with the man-advantage. The Sioux certainly have the firepower to excel in this area, but it will be interesting to see just how big of an impact Toews had.
WCHA Blog Prediction:
First Place
Previous Team Previews
Alaska Anchorage
Colorado College
Denver
Michigan Tech
Minnesota
Minnesota Duluth
Minnesota State
Full Schedule
2006-07 Team Statistics
Top 5 Returning Scorers
1. F – Ryan Duncan – Junior – 31 G, 26 A – 57 points
2. F – T.J. Oshie – Junior – 17 G, 35 A – 52 points
3. D – Robbie Bina – Senior – 10 G, 22 A – 32 points
4. D – Taylor Chorney – Junior – 8 G, 23 A – 31 points
5. F – Brad Miller – Junior – 10 G, 14 A – 24 points
Key Losses From Last Season
F – Jonathan Toews – 18 G, 28 A – 46 points
F – Chris Porter – 13 G, 17 A – 30 points
D – Brian Lee – 2 G, 24 A – 26 points
2006-07 Scoring By Class
Senior 19 12.42%
Junior 17 11.11%
Sophomore 101 66.01%
Freshman 16 10.46%
Non-Conference Schedule
1 vs. Michigan State – Oct. 13 – U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame game
1 at Boston College – Oct. 19
1 at Northeastern – Oct. 20
2 vs. New Hampshire – Dec. 28-29
2 vs. Bemidji State – Feb. 23-24
Incoming Freshmen
F – Brett Davidson (Neepawa – MJHL) / 20
F – Matt Frattin (Fort Saskatchewan – AJHL) / 19
F – Brad Malone (Sioux Falls – USHL) / 18
F – Evan Trupp (Penticton – BCHL) / 20
D – Derrick LaPoint (Green Bay – USHL) / 19
D – Jake Marto (Omaha – USHL) / 21
Average Freshman Age: 19.50
USHL: 3
AJHL: 1
BCHL: 1
MJHL: 1
Breakdown of Current Roster
Freshmen – 6
Sophomores – 5
Juniors – 10
Seniors – 4
NHL Draftees
D – Joe Finley – Junior – WAS
D – Taylor Chorney – Junior – EDM
F – T.J. Oshie – Junior – STL
F – Andrew Kozek – Junior – ATL
F – Rylan Kaip – Senior – ATL
F – Michael Forney – Sophomore – ATL
F – Matt Watkins – Junior – DAL
F – Chris VandeVelde – Sophomore – EDM
F – Matt Frattin – Freshman – TOR
F – Brad Malone – Freshman – COL
D – Derrick LaPoint – Freshman – FLA
2006 Season Recap
For the third year in a row under head coach Dave Hakstol, the Fighting Sioux advanced all the way to the Frozen Four. However, it didn’t always appear as if that would be the case.
UND got off to a 7-10-1 start, which culminated with four straight home sweeps by Wisconsin and Michigan Tech. However, the Sioux regrouped after the holiday break and were the best team in the nation the rest of the way on, losing just four times after December 17.
After taking three of four points at SCSU to close out the regular season, the Sioux advanced to the WCHA Final Five and proceeded to pound the Huskies by a 6-2 score in the first semifinal, and appeared as though they’d hoist the Broadmoor Trophy for the second straight year. But they were upended by the Golden Gophers in the title game the next night, thanks to a once-in-a-lifetime goal by Blake Wheeler.
However, UND would get their revenge the next weekend. After beating Michigan in a wild 8-5 content, the Fighting Sioux edged the Gophers by a 3-2 score in overtime to advance to St. Louis and the Frozen Four. For the second straight year though, they fell victim to Boston College in the first semifinal game, ending another great season in Grand Forks.
2007 Season Preview
This season, UND is the preseason favorite by many to capture the MacNaughton Cup. Despite losing the likes of Jonathan Toews and Brian Lee in the offseason, they return stars such as Hobey Baker winner Ryan Duncan, T.J. Oshie, and Taylor Chorney, among others.
They also have a senior netminder in Philippe Lamoureux who posted a .913 save percentage last season. They only lose Lee from a elite defensive core, and they bring in freshman Derrick LaPoint who should contribute from day one.
Speaking of freshmen, the Sioux again have an elite recruiting class that ranks among the best in the nation. Youngsters like Matt Frattin, Brad Malone, and Evan Trupp should all make their presence felt during the freshmen campaigns, and will supplement an already experienced core of forwards.
Key Question
No team in the WCHA relied more on the power play than UND, who scored 56 power play tallies last year. With the lose of setup-man Jonathan Toews, who posted 28 assists in 34 games last year, will the Sioux power play continue to click? Duncan, in particular, shined on the power play, as 22 of his 31 goals came with the man-advantage. The Sioux certainly have the firepower to excel in this area, but it will be interesting to see just how big of an impact Toews had.
WCHA Blog Prediction:
First Place
Previous Team Previews
Alaska Anchorage
Colorado College
Denver
Michigan Tech
Minnesota
Minnesota Duluth
Minnesota State
Season Preview, Part X – NHL Draftees By Team
The WCHA Blog’s season preview wraps up today by listing out each WCHA team’s players whose rights are held by NHL teams. Some schools have players that have either signed letters of intent or verbally committed to play for that school, but regardless, they will not play for that specific school this year.
So, the first number you’ll see to the right of the school’s name is the number of players who have been drafted by an NHL team that are slated to enroll at that school this year. The number in parenthesis, if any, is the number of committed players (letter of intent or verbal) that are schedule to enroll in 2008 or beyond.
Season Preview Archive
Part I: Conference Schedules
Part II: Non-Conference Schedules
Part III: Top 5 Returning Scorers By Team
Part IV: Goal Production Lost By Team
Part V: Freshmen by Team
Part VI: Freshmen by Age / League
Part VII: 2006-07 Scoring Breakdown By Class
Part VIII: Key Losses from Last Year
Part IX: Class Breakdown for Current Rosters
Alaska Anchorage - 2
D – Luke Beaverson – Senior – FLA
D – Nils Backstrom – Sophomore – DET
Colorado College - 5
D – Kris Fredheim – Sophomore – VAN
F – Chad Rau – Junior – TOR
F – Scott McCulloch – Senior – CHI
F – Bill Sweatt – Sophomore – CHI
G – Richard Bachman – Freshman – DAL
Denver – 8 (1)
D – Chris Butler – Junior – BUF
D – Andrew Thomas – Senior – WAS
F – Rhett Rakhshani – Sophomore – NYI
F – Tyler Ruegsegger – Sophomore – TOR
F – Matt Glasser – Sophomore – EDM
F – Brian Gifford – Sophomore – PIT
F – Jesse Martin – Freshmen – ATL
G – Marc Cheverie – Freshmen – FLA
F – John Lee – FLA
Michigan Tech - 2
F – Jordan Foote – Senior – NYR
F – Casey Pierro-Zabotel – Freshman – PIT
Minnesota – 15 (4)
G – Jeff Frazee – Junior – NJ
D – Derek Peltier – Senior – COL
D – RJ Anderson – Junior – PHI
F – Kyle Okposo – Sophomore – NYI
F – Tony Lucia – Sophomore – SJ
F – Mike Carman – Sophomore – COL
F – Blake Wheeler – Junior – PHO
D – David Fischer – Sophomore – MON
F – Ryan Flynn – Sophomore – NSH
F – Jay Barriball – Sophomore – SJ (rights traded to STL)
F – Ryan Stoa – Junior - COL
F – Patrick White – Freshman – VAN
F – Mike Hoeffel – Freshman – NJ
D – Cade Fairchild – Freshman – STL
G – Alex Kangas – Freshmen - ATL
F – Nico Sacchetti – DAL
F – Jake Hansen – CBJ
F – Taylor Matson – VAN
F – Nick Larson - WAS
Minnesota Duluth – 8 (1)
F – Michael Gergen – Junior – PIT
F – Matt McKnight – Senior – DAL
F – Matt Greer – Junior – CBJ
D – Josh Meyers – Juinor – LA
D – Travis Gawryletz – Senior – PHI
F – Jordan Fulton – Sophomore – CAL
F – Mike Curry – Senior – LA
G – Alex Stalock – Sophomore – SJ
D – Schott Kishel – MON
Minnesota State – 2
F – Jon Kalinski – Junior - PHI
F – Andy Sackrison – Freshman – STL
North Dakota – 11 (4)
D – Joe Finley – Junior – WAS
D – Taylor Chorney – Junior – EDM
F – T.J. Oshie – Junior – STL
F – Andrew Kozek – Junior – ATL
F – Rylan Kaip – Senior – ATL
F – Michael Forney – Sophomore – ATL
F – Matt Watkins – Junior – DAL
F – Chris VandeVelde – Sophomore – EDM
F – Matt Frattin – Freshman – TOR
F – Brad Malone – Freshman – COL
D – Derrick LaPoint – Freshman – FLA
F – Jason Gregoire – NYI
F – Brett Bruneteau – WAS
D – Ben Blood – OTT
G – Brad Eidsness – BUF
St. Cloud State – 6
F – Andreas Nodl – Sophomore – PHI
F – Luca Cunti – Freshman– TB
F – Aaron Marvin – Freshman– CGY
F – Nick Oslund – Freshman– DET
G – Jase Weslosky – Sophomore – NYI
G – Dan Dunn – Freshman – WAS
Wisconsin – 9 (2)
D – Jamie McBain – Sophomore – CAR
F – Blake Geoffrion – Sophomore – NSH
F – Matt Ford – Senior – CHI
D – Kyle Klubertanz – Senior – ANA
F – Zach Bearson – Sophomore – FLA
F – Kyle Turris – Freshman – PHO
D – Ryan McDonagh – Freshman – MON
D – Brendan Smith – Freshman – DET
F – Josh Turnbull – Freshman – LA
F – Travis Erstad – STL
F – Chris Hickey – MIN
So, the first number you’ll see to the right of the school’s name is the number of players who have been drafted by an NHL team that are slated to enroll at that school this year. The number in parenthesis, if any, is the number of committed players (letter of intent or verbal) that are schedule to enroll in 2008 or beyond.
Season Preview Archive
Part I: Conference Schedules
Part II: Non-Conference Schedules
Part III: Top 5 Returning Scorers By Team
Part IV: Goal Production Lost By Team
Part V: Freshmen by Team
Part VI: Freshmen by Age / League
Part VII: 2006-07 Scoring Breakdown By Class
Part VIII: Key Losses from Last Year
Part IX: Class Breakdown for Current Rosters
Alaska Anchorage - 2
D – Luke Beaverson – Senior – FLA
D – Nils Backstrom – Sophomore – DET
Colorado College - 5
D – Kris Fredheim – Sophomore – VAN
F – Chad Rau – Junior – TOR
F – Scott McCulloch – Senior – CHI
F – Bill Sweatt – Sophomore – CHI
G – Richard Bachman – Freshman – DAL
Denver – 8 (1)
D – Chris Butler – Junior – BUF
D – Andrew Thomas – Senior – WAS
F – Rhett Rakhshani – Sophomore – NYI
F – Tyler Ruegsegger – Sophomore – TOR
F – Matt Glasser – Sophomore – EDM
F – Brian Gifford – Sophomore – PIT
F – Jesse Martin – Freshmen – ATL
G – Marc Cheverie – Freshmen – FLA
F – John Lee – FLA
Michigan Tech - 2
F – Jordan Foote – Senior – NYR
F – Casey Pierro-Zabotel – Freshman – PIT
Minnesota – 15 (4)
G – Jeff Frazee – Junior – NJ
D – Derek Peltier – Senior – COL
D – RJ Anderson – Junior – PHI
F – Kyle Okposo – Sophomore – NYI
F – Tony Lucia – Sophomore – SJ
F – Mike Carman – Sophomore – COL
F – Blake Wheeler – Junior – PHO
D – David Fischer – Sophomore – MON
F – Ryan Flynn – Sophomore – NSH
F – Jay Barriball – Sophomore – SJ (rights traded to STL)
F – Ryan Stoa – Junior - COL
F – Patrick White – Freshman – VAN
F – Mike Hoeffel – Freshman – NJ
D – Cade Fairchild – Freshman – STL
G – Alex Kangas – Freshmen - ATL
F – Nico Sacchetti – DAL
F – Jake Hansen – CBJ
F – Taylor Matson – VAN
F – Nick Larson - WAS
Minnesota Duluth – 8 (1)
F – Michael Gergen – Junior – PIT
F – Matt McKnight – Senior – DAL
F – Matt Greer – Junior – CBJ
D – Josh Meyers – Juinor – LA
D – Travis Gawryletz – Senior – PHI
F – Jordan Fulton – Sophomore – CAL
F – Mike Curry – Senior – LA
G – Alex Stalock – Sophomore – SJ
D – Schott Kishel – MON
Minnesota State – 2
F – Jon Kalinski – Junior - PHI
F – Andy Sackrison – Freshman – STL
North Dakota – 11 (4)
D – Joe Finley – Junior – WAS
D – Taylor Chorney – Junior – EDM
F – T.J. Oshie – Junior – STL
F – Andrew Kozek – Junior – ATL
F – Rylan Kaip – Senior – ATL
F – Michael Forney – Sophomore – ATL
F – Matt Watkins – Junior – DAL
F – Chris VandeVelde – Sophomore – EDM
F – Matt Frattin – Freshman – TOR
F – Brad Malone – Freshman – COL
D – Derrick LaPoint – Freshman – FLA
F – Jason Gregoire – NYI
F – Brett Bruneteau – WAS
D – Ben Blood – OTT
G – Brad Eidsness – BUF
St. Cloud State – 6
F – Andreas Nodl – Sophomore – PHI
F – Luca Cunti – Freshman– TB
F – Aaron Marvin – Freshman– CGY
F – Nick Oslund – Freshman– DET
G – Jase Weslosky – Sophomore – NYI
G – Dan Dunn – Freshman – WAS
Wisconsin – 9 (2)
D – Jamie McBain – Sophomore – CAR
F – Blake Geoffrion – Sophomore – NSH
F – Matt Ford – Senior – CHI
D – Kyle Klubertanz – Senior – ANA
F – Zach Bearson – Sophomore – FLA
F – Kyle Turris – Freshman – PHO
D – Ryan McDonagh – Freshman – MON
D – Brendan Smith – Freshman – DET
F – Josh Turnbull – Freshman – LA
F – Travis Erstad – STL
F – Chris Hickey – MIN
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
2007-08 Team Preview – Minnesota State
Official Roster
Full Schedule
2006-07 Team Statistics
Top 5 Returning Scorers
1. F – Joel Hanson – Senior – 15 G, 13 A – 28 points
2. F – Jon Kalinski – Junior – 17 G, 10 A – 27 points
3. F – Mick Berge – Junior – 12 G, 7 A – 19 points
4. F – Kael Mouillierat – Sophomore – 8 G, 7 A – 15 points
5. F – Trevor Bruess – Sophomore – 3 G, 11 A – 14 points
Key Losses From Last Season
F – Travis Morin – 17 G, 22 A – 39 points
F – Kurtis Kisio – 4 G, 7 A – 11 points
D – Steve Wagner – 6 G, 23 A – 29 points
2006-07 Scoring By Class
Senior 23 21.70%
Junior 23 21.70%
Sophomore 32 30.19%
Freshman 28 26.42%
Non-Conference Schedule
2 at Alabama-Huntsville – Nov. 2-3
2 at Bemidji State – Dec. 14-15
1 at Nebraska-Omaha – Dec. 18
1 vs. Princeton – Dec. 28
1 vs. Yale – Dec. 30
1 vs. Nebraska-Omaha – Feb. 26
Incoming Freshmen
F – Brett Peterson (Indiana – USHL) / 19
F – Mike Louwerse (Blake High School) / 19
F – Andy Sackrison (Tri-City – USHL) / 19
F – Ryan Galiardi (Alexandria – NAHL) / 21
D – Kurt Davis (Green Bay – USHL) / 21
D – Channing Boe (Green Bay – USHL) / 21
D – Ben Youds (Shattuck-St. Mary’s – USHS) / 19
D – Peter Lompado (Shattuck-St. Mary’s – USHS) / 18
G – Austin Lee (Fargo-Moorhead – NAHL) / 19
Average Freshman Age: 19.67
NAHL: 2
USHL: 4
U.S. High Schools: 3
Breakdown of Current Roster
Freshmen – 9
Sophomores – 9
Juniors – 6
Seniors – 3
NHL Draftees
F – Jon Kalinski – Junior – PHI
F – Andy Sackrison – Freshman – STL
2006 Season Recap
Despite an eighth place finish in the WCHA, a closer look at things reveals the Mavericks were just Sioux points away from third place. Now, obviously there’s a reason they finished in eighth and North Dakota, in this case, finished in third, but it shows that the gap between Minnesota State and some of the upper-echelon WCHA teams wasn’t too great last season.
Like a few other WCHA teams, a slow start ended up haunting the Mavericks. After their first 17 games, they were just 3-11-3. Two of their wins – at St. Cloud State and at home vs. Notre Dame – showed that Minnesota State had the talent to hang with two teams who were at or near the top of their respective conferences all season long.
After their abysmal start, the Mavericks used a mid-December sweep of Minnesota Duluth to finish the season on a 10-8-3 run. They wrapped up the regular season strong, sweeping Colorado College on the road. The next weekend, the Mavericks squared off with UND in the first round of the WCHA playoffs. Historically, Minnesota State has played the Fighting Sioux very tough, but the Mavs went quietly in this series, losing both games in Grand Forks by a combined score of 7-3.
2007 Season Preview
When teams like Alaska Anchorage, Michigan Tech, or, in this case, Minnesota State make a run at the upper-half of the WCHA standings, their rosters generally have more upperclassmen than lowerclassmen. However, this incarnation of the Mavericks has 18 freshmen or sophomores, which could be problematic.
Leading scorer Travis Morin, who had a team-leading 17 goals last year, has moved on. The same is the case for defenseman Steve Wagner, who signed a pro contract with the St. Louis Blues after posting 29 points in 38 games.
Three upperclassmen forwards – Joel Hanson, Jon Kalinski, and Mick Berge – will have to lead the way offensively. The Mavericks had four freshmen forwards who had double-digit points last year, and they’ll need to continue their development in their sophomore campaigns.
On the blueline, seniors Chad Brownlee and Lucas Fransen are also gone. Sophomore Nick Canzanello and freshman Ben Youds are two players that have a chance to be successful, both in the short-term (this year) as well as over the course of their careers in Mankato.
Junior netminders Mike Zacharias and Dan Tormey are both back, and should make a sound foundation for this young Minnesota State team to rely on. Based on play from last season, Zacharias has a bit of a leg-up on Tormey, but both will need to step up their play, which could be a challenge playing behind a young team / defensive core.
Key Question
WCHA teams like Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin have had to rely on freshmen and sophomores in recent years, and have done so with a great deal of success. However, on paper, the freshmen and sophomores on those teams are typically much more talented than those on Minnesota State. On any given night this season, the Mavericks could have well over half their lineup consisting of freshmen or sophomores. No doubt this will payoff down the road, but will the “kids” be able to adjust to WCHA-play quick enough for the Mavericks to be successful this season?
WCHA Blog Prediction:
Eight place
Previous Team Previews
Alaska Anchorage
Colorado College
Denver
Michigan Tech
Minnesota
Minnesota Duluth
Full Schedule
2006-07 Team Statistics
Top 5 Returning Scorers
1. F – Joel Hanson – Senior – 15 G, 13 A – 28 points
2. F – Jon Kalinski – Junior – 17 G, 10 A – 27 points
3. F – Mick Berge – Junior – 12 G, 7 A – 19 points
4. F – Kael Mouillierat – Sophomore – 8 G, 7 A – 15 points
5. F – Trevor Bruess – Sophomore – 3 G, 11 A – 14 points
Key Losses From Last Season
F – Travis Morin – 17 G, 22 A – 39 points
F – Kurtis Kisio – 4 G, 7 A – 11 points
D – Steve Wagner – 6 G, 23 A – 29 points
2006-07 Scoring By Class
Senior 23 21.70%
Junior 23 21.70%
Sophomore 32 30.19%
Freshman 28 26.42%
Non-Conference Schedule
2 at Alabama-Huntsville – Nov. 2-3
2 at Bemidji State – Dec. 14-15
1 at Nebraska-Omaha – Dec. 18
1 vs. Princeton – Dec. 28
1 vs. Yale – Dec. 30
1 vs. Nebraska-Omaha – Feb. 26
Incoming Freshmen
F – Brett Peterson (Indiana – USHL) / 19
F – Mike Louwerse (Blake High School) / 19
F – Andy Sackrison (Tri-City – USHL) / 19
F – Ryan Galiardi (Alexandria – NAHL) / 21
D – Kurt Davis (Green Bay – USHL) / 21
D – Channing Boe (Green Bay – USHL) / 21
D – Ben Youds (Shattuck-St. Mary’s – USHS) / 19
D – Peter Lompado (Shattuck-St. Mary’s – USHS) / 18
G – Austin Lee (Fargo-Moorhead – NAHL) / 19
Average Freshman Age: 19.67
NAHL: 2
USHL: 4
U.S. High Schools: 3
Breakdown of Current Roster
Freshmen – 9
Sophomores – 9
Juniors – 6
Seniors – 3
NHL Draftees
F – Jon Kalinski – Junior – PHI
F – Andy Sackrison – Freshman – STL
2006 Season Recap
Despite an eighth place finish in the WCHA, a closer look at things reveals the Mavericks were just Sioux points away from third place. Now, obviously there’s a reason they finished in eighth and North Dakota, in this case, finished in third, but it shows that the gap between Minnesota State and some of the upper-echelon WCHA teams wasn’t too great last season.
Like a few other WCHA teams, a slow start ended up haunting the Mavericks. After their first 17 games, they were just 3-11-3. Two of their wins – at St. Cloud State and at home vs. Notre Dame – showed that Minnesota State had the talent to hang with two teams who were at or near the top of their respective conferences all season long.
After their abysmal start, the Mavericks used a mid-December sweep of Minnesota Duluth to finish the season on a 10-8-3 run. They wrapped up the regular season strong, sweeping Colorado College on the road. The next weekend, the Mavericks squared off with UND in the first round of the WCHA playoffs. Historically, Minnesota State has played the Fighting Sioux very tough, but the Mavs went quietly in this series, losing both games in Grand Forks by a combined score of 7-3.
2007 Season Preview
When teams like Alaska Anchorage, Michigan Tech, or, in this case, Minnesota State make a run at the upper-half of the WCHA standings, their rosters generally have more upperclassmen than lowerclassmen. However, this incarnation of the Mavericks has 18 freshmen or sophomores, which could be problematic.
Leading scorer Travis Morin, who had a team-leading 17 goals last year, has moved on. The same is the case for defenseman Steve Wagner, who signed a pro contract with the St. Louis Blues after posting 29 points in 38 games.
Three upperclassmen forwards – Joel Hanson, Jon Kalinski, and Mick Berge – will have to lead the way offensively. The Mavericks had four freshmen forwards who had double-digit points last year, and they’ll need to continue their development in their sophomore campaigns.
On the blueline, seniors Chad Brownlee and Lucas Fransen are also gone. Sophomore Nick Canzanello and freshman Ben Youds are two players that have a chance to be successful, both in the short-term (this year) as well as over the course of their careers in Mankato.
Junior netminders Mike Zacharias and Dan Tormey are both back, and should make a sound foundation for this young Minnesota State team to rely on. Based on play from last season, Zacharias has a bit of a leg-up on Tormey, but both will need to step up their play, which could be a challenge playing behind a young team / defensive core.
Key Question
WCHA teams like Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin have had to rely on freshmen and sophomores in recent years, and have done so with a great deal of success. However, on paper, the freshmen and sophomores on those teams are typically much more talented than those on Minnesota State. On any given night this season, the Mavericks could have well over half their lineup consisting of freshmen or sophomores. No doubt this will payoff down the road, but will the “kids” be able to adjust to WCHA-play quick enough for the Mavericks to be successful this season?
WCHA Blog Prediction:
Eight place
Previous Team Previews
Alaska Anchorage
Colorado College
Denver
Michigan Tech
Minnesota
Minnesota Duluth
Season Preview, Part IX – Class Breakdown for Current Rosters
As part of the WCHA Blog’s preview of the upcoming season, here is a look at each team's current roster and how it breaks down by class.
Season Preview Archive
Part I: Conference Schedules
Part II: Non-Conference Schedules
Part III: Top 5 Returning Scorers By Team
Part IV: Goal Production Lost By Team
Part V: Freshmen by Team
Part VI: Freshmen by Age / League
Part VII: 2006-07 Scoring Breakdown By Class
Part VIII: Key Losses from Last Year
Alaska Anchorage
Freshmen – 10
Sophomores – 8
Juniors – 3
Seniors – 5
Colorado College
Freshmen – 6
Sophomores – 10
Juniors – 5
Seniors – 5
Denver
Freshmen – 12
Sophomores – 7
Juniors – 4
Seniors – 4
Michigan Tech
Freshmen – 5
Sophomores – 5
Juniors – 9
Seniors – 8
Minnesota
Freshmen – 8
Sophomores – 7
Juniors – 5
Seniors – 6
Minnesota Duluth
Freshmen – 8
Sophomores – 6
Juniors – 8
Seniors – 4
Minnesota State
Freshmen – 9
Sophomores – 9
Juniors – 6
Seniors – 3
North Dakota
Freshmen – 6
Sophomores – 5
Juniors – 10
Seniors – 4
St. Cloud State
Freshmen – 7
Sophomores – 9
Juniors – 4
Seniors – 6
Wisconsin
Freshmen – 9
Sophomores – 8
Juniors – 5
Seniors – 4
Season Preview Archive
Part I: Conference Schedules
Part II: Non-Conference Schedules
Part III: Top 5 Returning Scorers By Team
Part IV: Goal Production Lost By Team
Part V: Freshmen by Team
Part VI: Freshmen by Age / League
Part VII: 2006-07 Scoring Breakdown By Class
Part VIII: Key Losses from Last Year
Alaska Anchorage
Freshmen – 10
Sophomores – 8
Juniors – 3
Seniors – 5
Colorado College
Freshmen – 6
Sophomores – 10
Juniors – 5
Seniors – 5
Denver
Freshmen – 12
Sophomores – 7
Juniors – 4
Seniors – 4
Michigan Tech
Freshmen – 5
Sophomores – 5
Juniors – 9
Seniors – 8
Minnesota
Freshmen – 8
Sophomores – 7
Juniors – 5
Seniors – 6
Minnesota Duluth
Freshmen – 8
Sophomores – 6
Juniors – 8
Seniors – 4
Minnesota State
Freshmen – 9
Sophomores – 9
Juniors – 6
Seniors – 3
North Dakota
Freshmen – 6
Sophomores – 5
Juniors – 10
Seniors – 4
St. Cloud State
Freshmen – 7
Sophomores – 9
Juniors – 4
Seniors – 6
Wisconsin
Freshmen – 9
Sophomores – 8
Juniors – 5
Seniors – 4
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
2007-08 Team Preview – Minnesota Duluth
Official Roster
Full Schedule
2006-07 Team Statistics
Top 5 Returning Scorers
1. F – MacGregor Sharp – Junior – 11 G, 16 A – 27 points
2. D – Josh Meyers – Junior – 11 G, 13 A – 24 points
3. F – Michael Gergen – Junior – 5 G, 11 A – 16 points
4. F – Mike Curry – Senior – 3 G, 11 A – 14 points
5. F – Nick Kemp – Junior – 4 G, 8 A – 12 points
Key Losses From Last Season
F – Mason Raymond – 14 G, 32 A – 46 points
F – Bryan McGregor – 16 G, 12 A – 28 points
D – Matt Niskanen – 9 G, 22 A – 31 points
G – Josh Johnson – 8-7-2, .922 save percentage, 2.14 GAA
2006-07 Scoring By Class
Senior 21 20.39%
Junior 7 6.80%
Sophomore 63 61.17%
Freshman 12 11.65%
Non-Conference Schedule
1 vs. Lake Superior State – Oct. 12
1 vs. Northern Michigan – Oct. 13
1 vs. Bemidji State – Jan. 4
1 at Bemidji State – Jan. 5
2 at UMass – Lowell – Jan. 25-26
Incoming Freshmen
F – Mike Montgomery (Southern Minnesota – NAHL) / 21
F – Rob Bordson (Cedar Rapids – USHL) / 19
F – Kyle Schmidt (Fairbanks – NAHL) / 20
F – Justin Fontaine (Bonnyville – AJHL) / 19
F – Cody Danberg (Nanaimo – BCHL) / 20
D – Chad Huttel (Hermantown High School) / 18
D – Evan Oberg (Camrose – AJHL) / 19
G – Kenny Reiter (Alaska / St. Louis – NAHL) / 21
Average Freshman Age: 19.63
NAHL: 3
AJHL: 2
BCHL: 1
USHL: 1
U.S. High School: 1
Breakdown of Current Roster
Freshmen – 8
Sophomores – 6
Juniors – 8
Seniors – 4
NHL Draftees
F – Michael Gergen – Junior – PIT
F – Matt McKnight – Senior – DAL
F – Matt Greer – Junior – CBJ
D – Josh Meyers – Juinor – LA
D – Travis Gawryletz – Senior – PHI
F – Jordan Fulton – Sophomore – CAL
F – Mike Curry – Senior – LA
G – Alex Stalock – Sophomore – SJ
2006 Season Recap
For the second straight season, Minnesota Duluth finished a disappointing ninth place in the WCHA, ahead of only Alaska Anchorage each season. UMD’s season was essentially over last year after a dismal first half which resulted in a 4-12-3 record heading into the Christmas break.
The Bulldogs played much better over the second half of the year, going 9-9-2 after the Christmas break and pushing rival St. Cloud State to the limit in one of the most exciting first round series in WCHA playoff history. After winning 3-1 on Friday night in St. Cloud, UMD would lose in overtime the next two nights, including a triple overtime defeat in the third and deciding game on Sunday night.
Senior goalie Josh Johnson was one of the main reasons the Bulldogs were able to turn their season around. Freshman Alex Stalock played a majority of the games during the first half of the year, but Johnson took over as the year went on, and was able to post very good numbers, including a 8-7-1 record with a .922 save percentage and a 2.14 goals against average.
2007 Season Preview
Despite their strong close to the 2006-07 season, most optimism for the new campaign was dampened when team’s two leading scorers – sophomores Mason Raymond and Matt Niskanen – opted to turn pro shortly after the Bulldog’s season ended last March. The two combined for 77 points and would have been two of the better players in the WCHA this upcoming season.
The Bulldogs also lose senior Bryan McGregor, who had a team-leading 16 goals last season. A trio of juniors – forwards MacGregor Sharp and Michael Gergen, along with defenseman Josh Meyers – will need to carry UMD offensively.
Senior Ryan Geris joins Niskanen as the only two departures from the defensive core, which should be solid. Young players like Meyers and Trent Palm should emerge with increased time this year. Freshman Evan Oberg should make an impact from day one as well.
Stalock, who was inconsistent as a freshman last season, will need to carry the load as a sophomore, and should be able to build on the experience he gained last year. UMD likely won’t score as much as they did last season, to Stalock will be one of the keys to the Bulldogs’ season.
Key Question
Despite finishing in ninth place last season, only two teams in the WCHA lose more goal scoring (as a percentage) than the Bulldogs. They return just three players who scored five or more goals, and only three players who had more than 20 points. And on top of all of that, they were just eighth in conference play last year in goals scored. So, will UMD be able to replace the scoring that left the North Shore when Niskanen and Raymond turned pro and McGregor graduated?
WCHA Blog Prediction:
Ninth Place
Previous Team Previews
Alaska Anchorage
Colorado College
Denver
Michigan Tech
Minnesota
Monday, October 1, 2007
2007-08 Team Preview – Minnesota
Official Roster
Full Schedule
2006-07 Team Statistics
Top 5 Returning Scorers
1. F – Jay Barriball – Sophomore – 20 G, 23 A – 43 points
2. F – Kyle Okposo – Sophomore – 19 G, 21 A – 40 points
3. F – Blake Wheeler – Junior – 18 G, 20 A – 38 points
4. F – Ben Gordon – Senior – 12 G, 19 A – 31 points
5. F – Ryan Stoa – Junior – 12 G, 12 A – 24 points
Key Losses From Last Season
D – Mike Vannelli – 10 G, 29 A – 39 points
D – Alex Goligoski – 9 G, 30 A – 39 points
D – Erik Johnson – 4 G, 20 A – 24 points
G – Kellen Briggs – 17-7-2, .917 save percentage, 2.13 GAA
2006-07 Scoring By Class
Senior 14 8.70%
Junior 41 25.47%
Sophomore 34 21.12%
Freshman 72 44.72%
Non-Conference Schedule
1 vs. Rensselaer – Oct. 12 – IceBreaker Tournament, St. Paul, MN
1 vs. Boston College or Michigan – Oct. 13 – IceBreaker Tournament, St. Paul, MN
2 vs. Ohio State – Oct. 25-26
1 at Michigan State – Nov. 23 – College Hockey Showcase
1 at Michigan – Nov. 24 – College Hockey Showcase
1 vs. RIT – Dec. 29 – Dodge Holiday Classic
1 vs. Air Force or Boston College – Dodge Holiday Classic
2 vs. Wayne State – Jan. 4-5
Incoming Freshmen
F – Drew Fisher (Sioux Falls – USHL) / 20
F – Patrick White (Grand Rapids High School) / 18
F – Mike Hoeffel (USNTDP) / 18
D – Stu Bickel (Sioux Falls – USHL) / 21
D – Cade Fairchild (USNTDP) / 18
D – Kevin Wehrs (Cedar Rapids – USHL) / 19
G – Alex Kangas (Indiana – USHL) / 20
Average Freshman Age: 19.14
USHL: 4
USNTDP: 2
U.S. High Schools: 1
Breakdown of Current Roster
Freshmen – 8
Sophomores – 7
Juniors – 5
Seniors – 6
NHL Draftees
G – Jeff Frazee – Junior – NJ
D – Derek Peltier – Senior – COL
D – RJ Anderson – Junior – PHI
F – Kyle Okposo – Sophomore – NYI
F – Tony Lucia – Sophomore – SJ
F – Mike Carman – Sophomore – COL
F – Blake Wheeler – Junior – PHO
D – David Fischer – Sophomore – MON
F – Ryan Flynn – Sophomore – NSH
F – Jay Barriball – Sophomore – SJ (rights traded to STL)
F – Ryan Stoa – Junior - COL
F – Patrick White – Freshman – VAN
F – Mike Hoeffel – Freshman – NJ
D – Cade Fairchild – Freshman – STL
G – Alex Kangas – Freshman – ATL
2006 Season Recap
Going into last season, many onlookers thought the Gophers may stumble out of the gate because of their youth. However, after an opening-night loss to Maine, the team went on a 19-0-3 run to essentially capture their second-straight MacNaughton Cup.
However, near the end of that run, senior wing Tyler Hirsch was dismissed from the team, and after the loss of Hirsch – who, at the time had 22 points in 15 games – Minnesota’s offense suffered.
The team went just 14-9-0 after January 1, but that stretch included being swept at home by North Dakota in a pair of lopsided games, and losing both games of a home-and-home series to St. Cloud State in a similar fashion. In the first round of the WCHA playoffs, the Gophers were pushed to three games by the last-place Alaska Anchorage Seawolves, but managed to win the third game and advance to St. Paul for the WCHA Final Five.
Minnesota fans were not sure what to expect in St. Paul, but their team didn’t disappoint. They dispatched the Wisconsin Badgers on Friday night by a 4-2 score to advance to the title game, and of course upended North Dakota 3-2 in overtime to capture the Broadmoor Trophy, thanks to Blake Wheeler’s tremendous overtime game-winner.
Just one year after the Holy Cross disaster, the Gophers were almost dealt a similar fate at the hands of Air Force. The Gophers found themselves down 3-1 midway through the third period in their game against the Falcons in the West Regional, but stormed back to win 4-3. The next night though, they lost to the Fighting Sioux by a 3-2 score in overtime to end their season.
2007 Season Preview
As usual, the Gophers bring in a great freshman class to supplement a deep and talented returning core. Only Colorado College and Michigan Tech bring back a larger percentage of goals scored than Minnesota. All the forwards that were on the ice at the end of last season return, and newcomers Patrick White and Mike Hoeffel should add even more punch.
Defensively, the Gophers will be talented but unproven. Mike Vannelli graduated last year, and Alex Goligoski and Erik Johnson elected to sign pro contracts. Senior Derek Peltier will be looked to as a leader, while junior RJ Anderson and sophomore David Fischer will need to step up their production. Freshmen Cade Fairchild and Kevin Wehrs should see ample icetime in all situations.
The WCHA career wins leader Kellen Briggs is now gone, but he is replaced by freshman Alex Kangas, who is considered by many to be one of the top freshmen netminders in the country. He’ll get his chances this year, but junior Jeff Frazee should see a majority of the action. Frazee played very well late last year, particularly in the final two games against North Dakota. A second round draft pick of New Jersey, Frazee could be looking to turn pro after this season, so that could be an additionally motivator.
Key Question
No team lost more on defense than Minnesota, so will the current (and young) Gopher defensive core be able to hold their own as the season goes on? There’s no doubt Minnesota will be able to score plenty of goals, but keeping them out of their own net could be an issue, especially early in the season. There could be some serious fireworks if Minnesota and Boston College meet-up in the IceBreaker title game during both team’s opening weekend.
WCHA Blog Prediction:
Second Place
Previous Team Previews
Alaska Anchorage
Colorado College
Denver
Michigan Tech
Full Schedule
2006-07 Team Statistics
Top 5 Returning Scorers
1. F – Jay Barriball – Sophomore – 20 G, 23 A – 43 points
2. F – Kyle Okposo – Sophomore – 19 G, 21 A – 40 points
3. F – Blake Wheeler – Junior – 18 G, 20 A – 38 points
4. F – Ben Gordon – Senior – 12 G, 19 A – 31 points
5. F – Ryan Stoa – Junior – 12 G, 12 A – 24 points
Key Losses From Last Season
D – Mike Vannelli – 10 G, 29 A – 39 points
D – Alex Goligoski – 9 G, 30 A – 39 points
D – Erik Johnson – 4 G, 20 A – 24 points
G – Kellen Briggs – 17-7-2, .917 save percentage, 2.13 GAA
2006-07 Scoring By Class
Senior 14 8.70%
Junior 41 25.47%
Sophomore 34 21.12%
Freshman 72 44.72%
Non-Conference Schedule
1 vs. Rensselaer – Oct. 12 – IceBreaker Tournament, St. Paul, MN
1 vs. Boston College or Michigan – Oct. 13 – IceBreaker Tournament, St. Paul, MN
2 vs. Ohio State – Oct. 25-26
1 at Michigan State – Nov. 23 – College Hockey Showcase
1 at Michigan – Nov. 24 – College Hockey Showcase
1 vs. RIT – Dec. 29 – Dodge Holiday Classic
1 vs. Air Force or Boston College – Dodge Holiday Classic
2 vs. Wayne State – Jan. 4-5
Incoming Freshmen
F – Drew Fisher (Sioux Falls – USHL) / 20
F – Patrick White (Grand Rapids High School) / 18
F – Mike Hoeffel (USNTDP) / 18
D – Stu Bickel (Sioux Falls – USHL) / 21
D – Cade Fairchild (USNTDP) / 18
D – Kevin Wehrs (Cedar Rapids – USHL) / 19
G – Alex Kangas (Indiana – USHL) / 20
Average Freshman Age: 19.14
USHL: 4
USNTDP: 2
U.S. High Schools: 1
Breakdown of Current Roster
Freshmen – 8
Sophomores – 7
Juniors – 5
Seniors – 6
NHL Draftees
G – Jeff Frazee – Junior – NJ
D – Derek Peltier – Senior – COL
D – RJ Anderson – Junior – PHI
F – Kyle Okposo – Sophomore – NYI
F – Tony Lucia – Sophomore – SJ
F – Mike Carman – Sophomore – COL
F – Blake Wheeler – Junior – PHO
D – David Fischer – Sophomore – MON
F – Ryan Flynn – Sophomore – NSH
F – Jay Barriball – Sophomore – SJ (rights traded to STL)
F – Ryan Stoa – Junior - COL
F – Patrick White – Freshman – VAN
F – Mike Hoeffel – Freshman – NJ
D – Cade Fairchild – Freshman – STL
G – Alex Kangas – Freshman – ATL
2006 Season Recap
Going into last season, many onlookers thought the Gophers may stumble out of the gate because of their youth. However, after an opening-night loss to Maine, the team went on a 19-0-3 run to essentially capture their second-straight MacNaughton Cup.
However, near the end of that run, senior wing Tyler Hirsch was dismissed from the team, and after the loss of Hirsch – who, at the time had 22 points in 15 games – Minnesota’s offense suffered.
The team went just 14-9-0 after January 1, but that stretch included being swept at home by North Dakota in a pair of lopsided games, and losing both games of a home-and-home series to St. Cloud State in a similar fashion. In the first round of the WCHA playoffs, the Gophers were pushed to three games by the last-place Alaska Anchorage Seawolves, but managed to win the third game and advance to St. Paul for the WCHA Final Five.
Minnesota fans were not sure what to expect in St. Paul, but their team didn’t disappoint. They dispatched the Wisconsin Badgers on Friday night by a 4-2 score to advance to the title game, and of course upended North Dakota 3-2 in overtime to capture the Broadmoor Trophy, thanks to Blake Wheeler’s tremendous overtime game-winner.
Just one year after the Holy Cross disaster, the Gophers were almost dealt a similar fate at the hands of Air Force. The Gophers found themselves down 3-1 midway through the third period in their game against the Falcons in the West Regional, but stormed back to win 4-3. The next night though, they lost to the Fighting Sioux by a 3-2 score in overtime to end their season.
2007 Season Preview
As usual, the Gophers bring in a great freshman class to supplement a deep and talented returning core. Only Colorado College and Michigan Tech bring back a larger percentage of goals scored than Minnesota. All the forwards that were on the ice at the end of last season return, and newcomers Patrick White and Mike Hoeffel should add even more punch.
Defensively, the Gophers will be talented but unproven. Mike Vannelli graduated last year, and Alex Goligoski and Erik Johnson elected to sign pro contracts. Senior Derek Peltier will be looked to as a leader, while junior RJ Anderson and sophomore David Fischer will need to step up their production. Freshmen Cade Fairchild and Kevin Wehrs should see ample icetime in all situations.
The WCHA career wins leader Kellen Briggs is now gone, but he is replaced by freshman Alex Kangas, who is considered by many to be one of the top freshmen netminders in the country. He’ll get his chances this year, but junior Jeff Frazee should see a majority of the action. Frazee played very well late last year, particularly in the final two games against North Dakota. A second round draft pick of New Jersey, Frazee could be looking to turn pro after this season, so that could be an additionally motivator.
Key Question
No team lost more on defense than Minnesota, so will the current (and young) Gopher defensive core be able to hold their own as the season goes on? There’s no doubt Minnesota will be able to score plenty of goals, but keeping them out of their own net could be an issue, especially early in the season. There could be some serious fireworks if Minnesota and Boston College meet-up in the IceBreaker title game during both team’s opening weekend.
WCHA Blog Prediction:
Second Place
Previous Team Previews
Alaska Anchorage
Colorado College
Denver
Michigan Tech
Friday, September 28, 2007
2007-08 Inside College Hockey Recruiting Rankings
Each year, Inside College Hockey comes out with their recruiting rankings, and they published the 2007-08 rankings today. According to INCH, the put their rankings together "...with extensive input from college and junior coaches, as well as professional scouts. Participants were asked to evaluate recruits based on their projected impact at the college level, not on their professional hockey prospects."
WCHA players / teams are listed in bold.
Forwards
WCHA players / teams are listed in bold.
Forwards
1. Kyle Turris - Wisconsin
2. James van Riemsdyk - New Hampshire
3. Colin Wilson - Boston University
4. Riley Nash - Cornell
5. Tyler Bozak - Denver
6. Max Pacioretty - Michigan
7. Aaron Palushaj - Michigan
8. Kyle Ostrow - Denver
9. Patrick White - Minnesota
10. Phil DiSimone - New Hampshire
11. Ben Ryan - Notre Dame
12. Carter Camper - Miami
13. Carl Hagelin - Michigan
14. Mike Hoeffel - Minnesota
15. Tyler Helfrich - Rensselaer
16. Jacob Cepis - Bowling Green
17. Corey Tropp - Michigan State
18. Scott Freeman - Clarkson
19. Matt Frattin - North Dakota
20. Tyler Johnson - Colorado College
Defensemen
1. Ryan McDonagh - Wisconsin
2. Kevin Shattenkirk - Boston University
3. Jeff Petry - Michigan State
4. Ian Cole - Notre Dame
5. Nick Petrecki - Boston College
6. Colby Cohen - Boston University
7. Kevin Quick - Michigan
8. Shane Sims - Ohio State
9. Cade Fairchild - Minnesota
10. Brendan Smith - Wisconsin
11. Bryan Brutlag - Rensselaer
12. Ted Ruth - Notre Dame
13. Cody Goloubef - Wisconsin
14. Brian Rufenach - Clarkson
15. Derrick LaPoint - North Dakota
16. Joe Lavin - Providence
17. Alain Goulet - Nebraska-Omaha
18. Ben Youds - Minnesota State
19. Vince Lo Verde - Miami
20. Kevin Wehrs - Minnesota
Goalies
1. Matt Dalton - Bemidji State
2. Alex Kangas - Minnesota
3. Richard Bachman - Colorado College
4. Pat Nagle - Ferris State
5. Dan Dunn - St. Cloud State
6. Brad Phillips - Notre Dame
7. Cameron Talbot - Alabama-Huntsville
8. Alan Reynolds - Princeton
9. Marc Cheverie - Denver
10. John Muse - Boston College
Overall Freshmen Classes
1. Wisconsin
2. Boston University
3. New Hampshire
4. Notre Dame
5. Michigan
6. Michigan State
7. Miami
8. Boston College
9. Denver
10. Minnesota
11. North Dakota
12. Clarkson
13. Rensselaer
14. Ohio State
15. Nebraska-Omaha
2007-08 Team Preview – Michigan Tech
Official Roster
Full Schedule
2006-07 Team Statistics
Top 5 Returning Scorers
1. F – Peter Roleau – Senior – 7 G, 23 A – 30 points
2. F – Tyler Shelast – Senior – 15 G, 9 A – 24 points
3. F – Jimmy Kerr – Senior – 10 G, 9 A – 19 points
4. D – Geoff Kinrade – Junior – 5 G, 14 A – 19 points
5. F – Malcolm Gwilliam – Junior – 9 G, 8 A – 17 points
Key Losses From Last Season
F – Tyler Skworchinski – 8 G, 7 A – 15 points
D – Lars Helminen – 2 G, 19 A – 21 points
2006-07 Scoring By Class
Senior 12 13.33%
Junior 36 40.00%
Sophomore 28 31.11%
Freshman 14 15.56%
Non-Conference Schedule
1 vs. Northern Michigan – Oct. 12
1 vs. Lake Superior State – Oct. 14
1 at Northern Michigan – Dec. 14
1 vs. Northern Michigan – Dec. 15
1 vs. Michigan State – Dec. 28 – Great Lakes Invitational, Detroit, MI
1 vs. Michigan or Providence – Dec. 28 – Great Lakes Invitational, Detroit, MI
2 at Mercyhurst – Jan. 4-5
Incoming Freshmen
F – Casey Pierro-Zabotel (Merritt – BCHL) / 18
F – Bennett Royer (Calgary – AJHL) / 19
F – Eric Kattelus (Indiana – USHL) / 20
F – Jordan Baker (Olds – AJHL) / 19
D – Deron Cousens (Penticton – BCHL) / 20
Average Freshman Age: 19.20
AJHL: 2
BCHL: 2
USHL: 1
Breakdown of Current Roster
Freshmen – 5
Sophomores – 5
Juniors – 9
Seniors – 8
NHL Draftees
F – Jordan Foote – Senior – NYR
F – Casey Pierro-Zabotel – Freshman – PIT
2006 Season Recap
The Huskies were one of the feel good stories in all of college hockey last season. After being one of the bottom teams in the WCHA more often than not, head coach Jamie Russell led his team to a winning record and a trip to St. Paul for the WCHA Final Five.
The team got off to a great start, going 5-1-0 to start the year, including an impressive sweep at Vermont. The Huskies struggled a bit in November and December, but managed to sweep North Dakota in Grand Forks to close out the first half of the season.
They were one of the better teams in the nation after January 1, going 10-7-3, including a opening round win in the WCHA playoffs by winning a pair of one-goal games at Colorado College. The Huskies came up flat in the final five against an equally hot Wisconsin team, but that didn’t take away from what was a great season for Michigan Tech.
2007 Season Preview
This season could be even better for the Huskies than last year was. No team in the WCHA returns more goals (as a percentage) than Michigan Tech. They only lose 13 goals from their lineup, and bring in a solid freshman class led by BCHL forward Casey Pierro-Zabotel. Due to some academic issues, he won’t be able to suit up for the Huskies until December, but he should be an impact player when he joins their lineup.
Peter Rouleau, the team’s leading scorer from last season, returns for his senior season, as does the team’s leading goal-scorer Tyler Shelast. The biggest loss from last season for the Huskies is defenseman Lars Helminen, who had 21 points. He was also the quarterback of their power play and will be missed. Junior Geoff Kinrade will look to improve on his 19-point sophomore season on the blueline.
Both of Tech’s standout sophomore goalies return as well. Michael-Lee Teslak (.916 save percentage, 2.00 goals against average) and Rob Nolan (.910 save percentage, 2.26 goals against average) were arguably the league’s best duo last year, and they’ll hope to build on last year’s numbers. The two will likely split the goaltending duties to start the season.
Key Question
Coming into last season, the Huskies had won just seven games the previous season and nobody thought they would have the type of success they did. This year though, because Tech returns a good deal of talent and supplements that with a solid recruiting class, the bar is set a little higher. Can Michigan Tech prove last year wasn’t a fluke and find similar success under the raised expectations?
WCHA Blog Prediction:
Fourth place
Previous Team Previews
Alaska Anchorage
Colorado College
Denver
Full Schedule
2006-07 Team Statistics
Top 5 Returning Scorers
1. F – Peter Roleau – Senior – 7 G, 23 A – 30 points
2. F – Tyler Shelast – Senior – 15 G, 9 A – 24 points
3. F – Jimmy Kerr – Senior – 10 G, 9 A – 19 points
4. D – Geoff Kinrade – Junior – 5 G, 14 A – 19 points
5. F – Malcolm Gwilliam – Junior – 9 G, 8 A – 17 points
Key Losses From Last Season
F – Tyler Skworchinski – 8 G, 7 A – 15 points
D – Lars Helminen – 2 G, 19 A – 21 points
2006-07 Scoring By Class
Senior 12 13.33%
Junior 36 40.00%
Sophomore 28 31.11%
Freshman 14 15.56%
Non-Conference Schedule
1 vs. Northern Michigan – Oct. 12
1 vs. Lake Superior State – Oct. 14
1 at Northern Michigan – Dec. 14
1 vs. Northern Michigan – Dec. 15
1 vs. Michigan State – Dec. 28 – Great Lakes Invitational, Detroit, MI
1 vs. Michigan or Providence – Dec. 28 – Great Lakes Invitational, Detroit, MI
2 at Mercyhurst – Jan. 4-5
Incoming Freshmen
F – Casey Pierro-Zabotel (Merritt – BCHL) / 18
F – Bennett Royer (Calgary – AJHL) / 19
F – Eric Kattelus (Indiana – USHL) / 20
F – Jordan Baker (Olds – AJHL) / 19
D – Deron Cousens (Penticton – BCHL) / 20
Average Freshman Age: 19.20
AJHL: 2
BCHL: 2
USHL: 1
Breakdown of Current Roster
Freshmen – 5
Sophomores – 5
Juniors – 9
Seniors – 8
NHL Draftees
F – Jordan Foote – Senior – NYR
F – Casey Pierro-Zabotel – Freshman – PIT
2006 Season Recap
The Huskies were one of the feel good stories in all of college hockey last season. After being one of the bottom teams in the WCHA more often than not, head coach Jamie Russell led his team to a winning record and a trip to St. Paul for the WCHA Final Five.
The team got off to a great start, going 5-1-0 to start the year, including an impressive sweep at Vermont. The Huskies struggled a bit in November and December, but managed to sweep North Dakota in Grand Forks to close out the first half of the season.
They were one of the better teams in the nation after January 1, going 10-7-3, including a opening round win in the WCHA playoffs by winning a pair of one-goal games at Colorado College. The Huskies came up flat in the final five against an equally hot Wisconsin team, but that didn’t take away from what was a great season for Michigan Tech.
2007 Season Preview
This season could be even better for the Huskies than last year was. No team in the WCHA returns more goals (as a percentage) than Michigan Tech. They only lose 13 goals from their lineup, and bring in a solid freshman class led by BCHL forward Casey Pierro-Zabotel. Due to some academic issues, he won’t be able to suit up for the Huskies until December, but he should be an impact player when he joins their lineup.
Peter Rouleau, the team’s leading scorer from last season, returns for his senior season, as does the team’s leading goal-scorer Tyler Shelast. The biggest loss from last season for the Huskies is defenseman Lars Helminen, who had 21 points. He was also the quarterback of their power play and will be missed. Junior Geoff Kinrade will look to improve on his 19-point sophomore season on the blueline.
Both of Tech’s standout sophomore goalies return as well. Michael-Lee Teslak (.916 save percentage, 2.00 goals against average) and Rob Nolan (.910 save percentage, 2.26 goals against average) were arguably the league’s best duo last year, and they’ll hope to build on last year’s numbers. The two will likely split the goaltending duties to start the season.
Key Question
Coming into last season, the Huskies had won just seven games the previous season and nobody thought they would have the type of success they did. This year though, because Tech returns a good deal of talent and supplements that with a solid recruiting class, the bar is set a little higher. Can Michigan Tech prove last year wasn’t a fluke and find similar success under the raised expectations?
WCHA Blog Prediction:
Fourth place
Previous Team Previews
Alaska Anchorage
Colorado College
Denver
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Season Preview, Part VIII – Key Losses from Last Year
As part of the WCHA Blog’s preview of the upcoming season, here is a look at some of the key losses that each WCHA team has suffered this offseason. This list incorporates both players lost to graduation and also those who elected to sign professional contracts before their eligibility was up.
Season Preview Archive
Part I: Conference Schedules
Part II: Non-Conference Schedules
Part III: Top 5 Returning Scorers By Team
Part IV: Goal Production Lost By Team
Part V: Freshmen by Team
Part VI: Freshmen by Age / League
Part VII: 2006-07 Scoring Breakdown By Class
Alaska Anchorage
F – Justin Bourne – 10 G, 21 A – 31 points
F – Jay Beagle – 10 G, 10 A – 20 points
D – Chad Anderson – 7 G, 13 A – 20 points
G – Nathan Lawson – 10-15-2, .892 save percentage, 3.03 GAA
Colorado College
F – Brandon Polich – 4 G, 15 A – 19 points
F – Braydon Cox – 7 G, 9 A – 16 points
D – Lee Sweatt – 9 G, 15 A – 24 points
G – Matt Zaba – 15-13-4, .917 save percentage, 2.39 GAA
Denver
F – Ryan Dingle – 22 G, 15 A – 37 points
F – Geoff Paukovich – 8 G, 9 A – 17 points
F – Adrian Veideman – 3 G, 10 A – 13 points
D – Keith Seabrook – 2 G, 11 A – 13 points
G – Glenn Fisher – 13-9-2, .919 saves percentage, 2.32 GAA
Michigan Tech
F – Tyler Skworchinski – 8 G, 7 A – 15 points
D – Lars Helminen – 2 G, 19 A – 21 points
Minnesota
D – Mike Vannelli – 10 G, 29 A – 39 points
D – Alex Goligoski – 9 G, 30 A – 39 points
D – Erik Johnson – 4 G, 20 A – 24 points
G – Kellen Briggs – 17-7-2, .917 save percentage, 2.13 GAA
Minnesota Duluth
F – Mason Raymond – 14 G, 32 A – 46 points
F – Bryan McGregor – 16 G, 12 A – 28 points
D – Matt Niskanen – 9 G, 22 A – 31 points
G – Josh Johnson – 8-7-2, .922 save percentage, 2.14 GAA
Minnesota State
F – Travis Morin – 17 G, 22 A – 39 points
F – Kurtis Kisio – 4 G, 7 A – 11 points
D – Steve Wagner – 6 G, 23 A – 29 points
North Dakota
F – Jonathan Toews – 18 G, 28 A – 46 points
F – Chris Porter – 13 G, 17 A – 30 points
D – Brian Lee – 2 G, 24 A – 26 points
St. Cloud State
F – Andrew Gordon – 22 G, 23 A – 45 points
F – Dan Kronick – 14 G, 12 A – 26 points
D – Justin Fletcher – 6 G, 18 A – 24 points
D – Casey Borer – 2 G, 9 A – 11 points
G – Bobby Goepfert – 17-10-7, .924 save percentage, 2.29 GAA
Wisconsin
F – Andrew Joudrey – 9 G, 20 A – 29 points
F – Jake Dowell – 19 G, 6 A – 25 points
F – Ross Carlson – 5 G, 18 A – 23 points
F – Jack Skille – 8 G, 10 A – 18 points
D – Joe Piskula – 1 G, 4 A – 5 points
G – Brian Elliott – 15-17-2, .923 save percentage, 2.10 GAA
Season Preview Archive
Part I: Conference Schedules
Part II: Non-Conference Schedules
Part III: Top 5 Returning Scorers By Team
Part IV: Goal Production Lost By Team
Part V: Freshmen by Team
Part VI: Freshmen by Age / League
Part VII: 2006-07 Scoring Breakdown By Class
Alaska Anchorage
F – Justin Bourne – 10 G, 21 A – 31 points
F – Jay Beagle – 10 G, 10 A – 20 points
D – Chad Anderson – 7 G, 13 A – 20 points
G – Nathan Lawson – 10-15-2, .892 save percentage, 3.03 GAA
Colorado College
F – Brandon Polich – 4 G, 15 A – 19 points
F – Braydon Cox – 7 G, 9 A – 16 points
D – Lee Sweatt – 9 G, 15 A – 24 points
G – Matt Zaba – 15-13-4, .917 save percentage, 2.39 GAA
Denver
F – Ryan Dingle – 22 G, 15 A – 37 points
F – Geoff Paukovich – 8 G, 9 A – 17 points
F – Adrian Veideman – 3 G, 10 A – 13 points
D – Keith Seabrook – 2 G, 11 A – 13 points
G – Glenn Fisher – 13-9-2, .919 saves percentage, 2.32 GAA
Michigan Tech
F – Tyler Skworchinski – 8 G, 7 A – 15 points
D – Lars Helminen – 2 G, 19 A – 21 points
Minnesota
D – Mike Vannelli – 10 G, 29 A – 39 points
D – Alex Goligoski – 9 G, 30 A – 39 points
D – Erik Johnson – 4 G, 20 A – 24 points
G – Kellen Briggs – 17-7-2, .917 save percentage, 2.13 GAA
Minnesota Duluth
F – Mason Raymond – 14 G, 32 A – 46 points
F – Bryan McGregor – 16 G, 12 A – 28 points
D – Matt Niskanen – 9 G, 22 A – 31 points
G – Josh Johnson – 8-7-2, .922 save percentage, 2.14 GAA
Minnesota State
F – Travis Morin – 17 G, 22 A – 39 points
F – Kurtis Kisio – 4 G, 7 A – 11 points
D – Steve Wagner – 6 G, 23 A – 29 points
North Dakota
F – Jonathan Toews – 18 G, 28 A – 46 points
F – Chris Porter – 13 G, 17 A – 30 points
D – Brian Lee – 2 G, 24 A – 26 points
St. Cloud State
F – Andrew Gordon – 22 G, 23 A – 45 points
F – Dan Kronick – 14 G, 12 A – 26 points
D – Justin Fletcher – 6 G, 18 A – 24 points
D – Casey Borer – 2 G, 9 A – 11 points
G – Bobby Goepfert – 17-10-7, .924 save percentage, 2.29 GAA
Wisconsin
F – Andrew Joudrey – 9 G, 20 A – 29 points
F – Jake Dowell – 19 G, 6 A – 25 points
F – Ross Carlson – 5 G, 18 A – 23 points
F – Jack Skille – 8 G, 10 A – 18 points
D – Joe Piskula – 1 G, 4 A – 5 points
G – Brian Elliott – 15-17-2, .923 save percentage, 2.10 GAA
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Grand Forks Herald's annual preseason coaches' poll released
In today's edition of the Grand Forks Herlad, the 37th annual WCHA coaches' poll was released. Not surprisingly, the North Dakota Fighting Sioux were picked to win the league for the first time since the 2000-01 season. UND received 7 of the ten first place votes, with Minnesota picking up the remaining three.
Nine of the ten first place votes for WCHA Player of the Year went to members of the Fighting Sioux. Reigning Hobey Baker award winner Ryan Duncan picked up 5 votes, with fellow juniors T.J. Oshie (3) and Taylor Chorney (1) took the other four votes. Minnesota forward Kyle Okposo also received a vote.
For the Rookie of the Year voting, Wisconsin freshmen Kyle Turris was the clear-cut pick amongst the coaches, as he received 9 of ten first place votes. UND forward Evan Trupp got the other vote.
Courtesy of Brad Schlossman's blog, here are the full results of the poll:
1. UND (7) 79
2. Minnesota (3) 74
3. Colorado College 55
4. Denver 53
5. Wisconsin 52
6. St. Cloud State 43
7. Michigan Tech 41
8. Minn.-Duluth 23
9. MSU-Mankato 19
10. Anchorage 11
Nine of the ten first place votes for WCHA Player of the Year went to members of the Fighting Sioux. Reigning Hobey Baker award winner Ryan Duncan picked up 5 votes, with fellow juniors T.J. Oshie (3) and Taylor Chorney (1) took the other four votes. Minnesota forward Kyle Okposo also received a vote.
For the Rookie of the Year voting, Wisconsin freshmen Kyle Turris was the clear-cut pick amongst the coaches, as he received 9 of ten first place votes. UND forward Evan Trupp got the other vote.
Courtesy of Brad Schlossman's blog, here are the full results of the poll:
1. UND (7) 79
2. Minnesota (3) 74
3. Colorado College 55
4. Denver 53
5. Wisconsin 52
6. St. Cloud State 43
7. Michigan Tech 41
8. Minn.-Duluth 23
9. MSU-Mankato 19
10. Anchorage 11
2007-08 Team Preview – Denver
Official Roster
Full Schedule
2006-07 Team Statistics
Top 5 Returning Scorers
1. F – Brock Trotter – Sophomore – 16 G, 24 A – 40 points
2. F – Rhett Rakhshani – Sophomore – 10 G, 26 A – 36 points
3. F – Tyler Ruegsegger – Sophomore – 15 G, 19 A – 34 points
4. D – Chris Butler – Junior – 10 G, 17 A – 27 points
5. F – Patrick Mullen – Junior – 5 G, 12 A – 17 points
Key Losses From Last Season
F – Ryan Dingle – 22 G, 15 A – 37 points
F – Geoff Paukovich – 8 G, 9 A – 17 points
F – Adrian Veideman – 3 G, 10 A – 13 points
D – Keith Seabrook – 2 G, 11 A – 13 points
G – Glenn Fisher – 13-9-2, .919 saves percentage, 2.32 GAA
2006-07 Scoring By Class
Senior 11 10.28%
Junior 33 30.84%
Sophomore 15 14.02%
Freshman 48 44.86%
Non-Conference Schedule
2 vs. Maine – Oct. 12-13
2 at Notre Dame – Oct. 18-19
1 vs. Sacred Heart – Dec. 28 – Wells Fargo Denver Cup, Denver, CO
1 vs. Dartmouth or Northern Michigan – Dec. 29 – Wells Fargo Denver Cup, Denver, CO
1 vs. Air Force – Jan. 18
1 vs. Bemidji State – Jan. 19
Incoming Freshmen
F – Steve Cunningham (Burnaby – BCHL) / 21
F – Dusty Jackson (Southern Minnesota – NAHL) / 21
F- Tyler Bozek (Victoria – BCHL) / 21
F – Jesse Martin (Tri-City – USHL) / 19
F – Kyle Ostrow (Nanaimo – BCHL) / 20
F – Anthony Maiani (Sioux City – USHL) / 18
D – Jon Cook (Camrose – AJHL) / 21
D – Chris Nutini (Wichita Falls – NAHL) / 20
D – John Ryder (Ohio – USHL) / 18
D – Joey Brehm (Edina High School – USHS) / 18
G – Marc Cheverie (Nanaimo – BCHL) / 20
G – Eddie Guinn (Cleveland – CSHL) / 20
Average Freshman Age: 19.75
BCHL: 4
USHL: 3
NAHL: 2
AJHL: 1
CSHL: 1
U.S. High Schools: 1
Breakdown of Current Roster
Freshmen – 12
Sophomores – 7
Juniors – 4
Seniors – 4
NHL Draftees
D – Chris Butler – Junior – BUF
D – Andrew Thomas – Senior – WAS
F – Rhett Rakhshani – Sophomore – NYI
F – Tyler Ruegsegger – Sophomore – TOR
F – Matt Glasser – Sophomore – EDM
F – Brian Gifford – Sophomore – PIT
F – Jesse Martin – Freshmen – ATL
G – Marc Cheverie – Freshmen – FLA
2006 Season Recap
Much like their counterparts to the south, the 2006-07 Denver season – like the CC Tigers’ season – started off with some promise but eventually was derailed prematurely. Through October / November, the Pioneers were 9-4-1 and appeared to be one of the better teams in the WCHA. They were then swept by the Tigers in a home-and-home series, but lost just once in their next 11 games, leaving them at 18-7-2.
They appeared assured of an NCAA tournament birth, which would have meant placement at the Pepsi Center in downtown Denver, home to the West Regional. After defeating Minnesota by a 1-0 score on January 19, DU would win just three games the rest of the way, as their season culminated by being swept at home in the first round of the WCHA playoffs by the defending national champion Wisconsin Badgers.
2007 Season Preview
No WCHA will bring in as many freshmen – 12 – as Denver. However, as you can see from the above stats and info, the average age of these freshmen is nearly 20-years-old, so they should be able to contribute right away. Up front, Denver returns a trio as good as any in the league. Sophomores Brock Trotter, Rhett Rakhshani, and Tyler Ruegsegger combined for 110 points last season, and should build on that number this year.
After those three though, DU doesn’t return a lot of scoring up front. Freshmen such as Tyler Bozek, Jesse Martin, and Anthony Maiani will likely be leaned on to contribute offensively from the get-go.
On the blueline, the mid-summer departure of Keith Seabrook as a big blow. Junior Chris Butler, who had 27 points last season, will be one of the elite defensemen in the WCHA this season. Senior Andrew Thomas will likely continue his steady play, but after that, there are a lot of question marks.
DU returns one of the top goalies in the WCHA with senior Peter Mannino. Last year, he posted a .919 saves percentage and a 2.19 goals against average. However, with a depleted defensive core in front of him, things could prove to come a little tougher this year. Freshmen Marc Cheverie will back up Mannino and will likely see action in 5-10 games.
Key Question
We’ve seen over time that youth is more often that not a recipe for disaster in the WCHA. However, there are expectations to the rule, such as the 2005-06 North Dakota team and the 2006-07 Minnesota team. Both rosters were riddled with freshmen and sophomores but both had successful seasons. However, on paper, those team’s had more talent within those classes, so will DU’s freshmen and sophomores be able to carry the load? The proverbial carrot is out there: a regional in Colorado Springs and the Frozen Four is in Denver. Should the Pios make the NCAA tournament, they might follow Wisconsin’s lead from 2005-06 and not have to leave their home-state.
WCHA Blog Prediction:
Seventh place
Previous Team Previews
Alaska Anchorage
Colorado College
Full Schedule
2006-07 Team Statistics
Top 5 Returning Scorers
1. F – Brock Trotter – Sophomore – 16 G, 24 A – 40 points
2. F – Rhett Rakhshani – Sophomore – 10 G, 26 A – 36 points
3. F – Tyler Ruegsegger – Sophomore – 15 G, 19 A – 34 points
4. D – Chris Butler – Junior – 10 G, 17 A – 27 points
5. F – Patrick Mullen – Junior – 5 G, 12 A – 17 points
Key Losses From Last Season
F – Ryan Dingle – 22 G, 15 A – 37 points
F – Geoff Paukovich – 8 G, 9 A – 17 points
F – Adrian Veideman – 3 G, 10 A – 13 points
D – Keith Seabrook – 2 G, 11 A – 13 points
G – Glenn Fisher – 13-9-2, .919 saves percentage, 2.32 GAA
2006-07 Scoring By Class
Senior 11 10.28%
Junior 33 30.84%
Sophomore 15 14.02%
Freshman 48 44.86%
Non-Conference Schedule
2 vs. Maine – Oct. 12-13
2 at Notre Dame – Oct. 18-19
1 vs. Sacred Heart – Dec. 28 – Wells Fargo Denver Cup, Denver, CO
1 vs. Dartmouth or Northern Michigan – Dec. 29 – Wells Fargo Denver Cup, Denver, CO
1 vs. Air Force – Jan. 18
1 vs. Bemidji State – Jan. 19
Incoming Freshmen
F – Steve Cunningham (Burnaby – BCHL) / 21
F – Dusty Jackson (Southern Minnesota – NAHL) / 21
F- Tyler Bozek (Victoria – BCHL) / 21
F – Jesse Martin (Tri-City – USHL) / 19
F – Kyle Ostrow (Nanaimo – BCHL) / 20
F – Anthony Maiani (Sioux City – USHL) / 18
D – Jon Cook (Camrose – AJHL) / 21
D – Chris Nutini (Wichita Falls – NAHL) / 20
D – John Ryder (Ohio – USHL) / 18
D – Joey Brehm (Edina High School – USHS) / 18
G – Marc Cheverie (Nanaimo – BCHL) / 20
G – Eddie Guinn (Cleveland – CSHL) / 20
Average Freshman Age: 19.75
BCHL: 4
USHL: 3
NAHL: 2
AJHL: 1
CSHL: 1
U.S. High Schools: 1
Breakdown of Current Roster
Freshmen – 12
Sophomores – 7
Juniors – 4
Seniors – 4
NHL Draftees
D – Chris Butler – Junior – BUF
D – Andrew Thomas – Senior – WAS
F – Rhett Rakhshani – Sophomore – NYI
F – Tyler Ruegsegger – Sophomore – TOR
F – Matt Glasser – Sophomore – EDM
F – Brian Gifford – Sophomore – PIT
F – Jesse Martin – Freshmen – ATL
G – Marc Cheverie – Freshmen – FLA
2006 Season Recap
Much like their counterparts to the south, the 2006-07 Denver season – like the CC Tigers’ season – started off with some promise but eventually was derailed prematurely. Through October / November, the Pioneers were 9-4-1 and appeared to be one of the better teams in the WCHA. They were then swept by the Tigers in a home-and-home series, but lost just once in their next 11 games, leaving them at 18-7-2.
They appeared assured of an NCAA tournament birth, which would have meant placement at the Pepsi Center in downtown Denver, home to the West Regional. After defeating Minnesota by a 1-0 score on January 19, DU would win just three games the rest of the way, as their season culminated by being swept at home in the first round of the WCHA playoffs by the defending national champion Wisconsin Badgers.
2007 Season Preview
No WCHA will bring in as many freshmen – 12 – as Denver. However, as you can see from the above stats and info, the average age of these freshmen is nearly 20-years-old, so they should be able to contribute right away. Up front, Denver returns a trio as good as any in the league. Sophomores Brock Trotter, Rhett Rakhshani, and Tyler Ruegsegger combined for 110 points last season, and should build on that number this year.
After those three though, DU doesn’t return a lot of scoring up front. Freshmen such as Tyler Bozek, Jesse Martin, and Anthony Maiani will likely be leaned on to contribute offensively from the get-go.
On the blueline, the mid-summer departure of Keith Seabrook as a big blow. Junior Chris Butler, who had 27 points last season, will be one of the elite defensemen in the WCHA this season. Senior Andrew Thomas will likely continue his steady play, but after that, there are a lot of question marks.
DU returns one of the top goalies in the WCHA with senior Peter Mannino. Last year, he posted a .919 saves percentage and a 2.19 goals against average. However, with a depleted defensive core in front of him, things could prove to come a little tougher this year. Freshmen Marc Cheverie will back up Mannino and will likely see action in 5-10 games.
Key Question
We’ve seen over time that youth is more often that not a recipe for disaster in the WCHA. However, there are expectations to the rule, such as the 2005-06 North Dakota team and the 2006-07 Minnesota team. Both rosters were riddled with freshmen and sophomores but both had successful seasons. However, on paper, those team’s had more talent within those classes, so will DU’s freshmen and sophomores be able to carry the load? The proverbial carrot is out there: a regional in Colorado Springs and the Frozen Four is in Denver. Should the Pios make the NCAA tournament, they might follow Wisconsin’s lead from 2005-06 and not have to leave their home-state.
WCHA Blog Prediction:
Seventh place
Previous Team Previews
Alaska Anchorage
Colorado College
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Season Preview: Predictions
According to Brad Schlossman's blog, the 37th annual Grand Forks Herald WCHA coaches' poll will be released this week. I feel somewhat obligated to make some pre-season predictions, so I thought I'd get them out there before things like the coaches' poll and sites like USCHO and Inside College Hockey publish their predictions.
Feel free to let me know what you think and/or what your predictions are via the comments area.
Season Preview Archive
Part I: Conference Schedules
Part II: Non-Conference Schedules
Part III: Top 5 Returning Scorers By Team
Part IV: Goal Production Lost By Team
Part V: Freshmen by Team
Part VI: Freshmen by Age / League
Part VII: 2006-07 Scoring Breakdown By Class
Standings
1. North Dakota
2. Minnesota
3. Colorado College
4. Michigan Tech
5. Wisconsin
6. St. Cloud State
7. Denver
8. Minnesota State
9. Minnesota Duluth
10. Alaska Anchorage
Player of the Year
T.J. Oshie - UND
Freshman of the Year
Kyle Turris - UW
Coach of the Year
Dave Hakstol - UND
All-WCHA First Team
F - T.J. Oshie - UND
F - Andreas Nodl - SCSU
F - Kyle Okposo - UM
D - Taylor Chorney - UND
D - Chris Butler - DU
G - Michael-Lee Teslak - MTU
WCHA All-Rookie Team
F - Kyle Turris - UW
F - Patrick White - UM
F - Tyler Bozek - DU
D - Derrick LaPoint - UND
D - Ryan McDonagh - UW
G - Alex Kangas - UM
Feel free to let me know what you think and/or what your predictions are via the comments area.
Season Preview Archive
Part I: Conference Schedules
Part II: Non-Conference Schedules
Part III: Top 5 Returning Scorers By Team
Part IV: Goal Production Lost By Team
Part V: Freshmen by Team
Part VI: Freshmen by Age / League
Part VII: 2006-07 Scoring Breakdown By Class
Standings
1. North Dakota
2. Minnesota
3. Colorado College
4. Michigan Tech
5. Wisconsin
6. St. Cloud State
7. Denver
8. Minnesota State
9. Minnesota Duluth
10. Alaska Anchorage
Player of the Year
T.J. Oshie - UND
Freshman of the Year
Kyle Turris - UW
Coach of the Year
Dave Hakstol - UND
All-WCHA First Team
F - T.J. Oshie - UND
F - Andreas Nodl - SCSU
F - Kyle Okposo - UM
D - Taylor Chorney - UND
D - Chris Butler - DU
G - Michael-Lee Teslak - MTU
WCHA All-Rookie Team
F - Kyle Turris - UW
F - Patrick White - UM
F - Tyler Bozek - DU
D - Derrick LaPoint - UND
D - Ryan McDonagh - UW
G - Alex Kangas - UM
Season Preview, Part VII – 2006-07 Scoring Breakdown By Class
The WCHA Blog will continue previewing the upcoming season today by breaking down each WCHA team’s goal-scoring by class from the 2006-07 season. These numbers are based off all games, both conference and non-conference.
Orange text: highest scoring senior class (by percentage of team’s total goals)
Red text: highest scoring junior class (by percentage of team’s total goals)
Green text: highest scoring sophomore class (by percentage of team’s total goals)
Blue text: highest scoring freshman class (by percentage of team’s total goals)
Season Preview Archive
Part I: Conference Schedules
Part II: Non-Conference Schedules
Part III: Top 5 Returning Scorers By Team
Part IV: Goal Production Lost By Team
Part V: Freshmen by Team
Part VI: Freshmen by Age / League
Alaska Anchorage
Senior 27 30.0%
Junior 19 21.1%
Sophomore 13 14.4%
Freshman 31 34.4%
Colorado College
Senior 21 18.92%
Junior 42 37.84%
Sophomore 17 15.32%
Freshman 31 27.93%
Denver
Senior 11 10.28%
Junior 33 30.84%
Sophomore 15 14.02%
Freshman 48 44.86%
Michigan Tech
Senior 12 13.33%
Junior 36 40.00%
Sophomore 28 31.11%
Freshman 14 15.56%
Minnesota
Senior 14 8.70%
Junior 41 25.47%
Sophomore 34 21.12%
Freshman 72 44.72%
Minnesota Duluth
Senior 21 20.39%
Junior 7 6.80%
Sophomore 63 61.17%
Freshman 12 11.65%
Minnesota State
Senior 23 21.70%
Junior 23 21.70%
Sophomore 32 30.19%
Freshman 28 26.42%
North Dakota
Senior 19 12.42%
Junior 17 11.11%
Sophomore 101 66.01%
Freshman 16 10.46%
St. Cloud State
Senior 35 27.56%
Junior 46 36.22%
Sophomore 11 8.66%
Freshman 35 27.56%
Wisconsin
Senior 37 39.78%
Junior 13 13.98%
Sophomore 23 24.73%
Freshman 20 21.51%
Cumulative Numbers
Senior 220 19.28%
Junior 277 24.28%
Sophomore 337 29.54%
Freshman 307 26.91%
Orange text: highest scoring senior class (by percentage of team’s total goals)
Red text: highest scoring junior class (by percentage of team’s total goals)
Green text: highest scoring sophomore class (by percentage of team’s total goals)
Blue text: highest scoring freshman class (by percentage of team’s total goals)
Season Preview Archive
Part I: Conference Schedules
Part II: Non-Conference Schedules
Part III: Top 5 Returning Scorers By Team
Part IV: Goal Production Lost By Team
Part V: Freshmen by Team
Part VI: Freshmen by Age / League
Alaska Anchorage
Senior 27 30.0%
Junior 19 21.1%
Sophomore 13 14.4%
Freshman 31 34.4%
Colorado College
Senior 21 18.92%
Junior 42 37.84%
Sophomore 17 15.32%
Freshman 31 27.93%
Denver
Senior 11 10.28%
Junior 33 30.84%
Sophomore 15 14.02%
Freshman 48 44.86%
Michigan Tech
Senior 12 13.33%
Junior 36 40.00%
Sophomore 28 31.11%
Freshman 14 15.56%
Minnesota
Senior 14 8.70%
Junior 41 25.47%
Sophomore 34 21.12%
Freshman 72 44.72%
Minnesota Duluth
Senior 21 20.39%
Junior 7 6.80%
Sophomore 63 61.17%
Freshman 12 11.65%
Minnesota State
Senior 23 21.70%
Junior 23 21.70%
Sophomore 32 30.19%
Freshman 28 26.42%
North Dakota
Senior 19 12.42%
Junior 17 11.11%
Sophomore 101 66.01%
Freshman 16 10.46%
St. Cloud State
Senior 35 27.56%
Junior 46 36.22%
Sophomore 11 8.66%
Freshman 35 27.56%
Wisconsin
Senior 37 39.78%
Junior 13 13.98%
Sophomore 23 24.73%
Freshman 20 21.51%
Cumulative Numbers
Senior 220 19.28%
Junior 277 24.28%
Sophomore 337 29.54%
Freshman 307 26.91%
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