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2007-2008 MCHA News & Notes

-April 16, 2008
Lawrence's Peterson Signs With IHL's Flint Generals
-Release courtesy of Lawrence University Sports Information Department
Contact: Joe Vanden Acker, Sports Information Director, 920-832-6878

APPLETON, Wis. -- Josh Peterson is taking his game up a level.

The standout Lawrence University senior defenseman signed a contract with the Flint Generals of the International Hockey League on Tuesday.

"I’ve been thinking about doing this since the end of the season," said Peterson, the first Lawrence player to play professionally. "I wasn’t ready to be done, and I wanted to play at the next level."

Lawrence head coach Mike Szkodzinski was helping Peterson fulfill his dream of playing in the pro ranks when he saw what might be an opportunity with the Generals.

"I had noticed that they had a couple of d-men injured toward the end of the year," Szkodzinski said. "I gave coach (Peter) South a call last Friday night and spoke with him on Saturday."

Things moved quickly from there, as Flint completed its regular season this past weekend. Flint finished third in the regular season standings of the IHL, which Szkodzinski compared to baseball at the AA level.

A native of Duluth, Minn., Peterson said he got a call from Szkodzinski on Monday morning and was told the Generals were interested.

"I was sitting in class around noon and got a phone call," Peterson said. "It happened really fast, and I’ve been running ever since."

Peterson arrived in Flint on Monday night and signed his contract and took part in his first practice on Tuesday. The Generals open the IHL playoffs Friday when they travel to the Port Huron Icehawks.

Peterson said he’s not sure if he will get a chance to play on Friday, but he is one of only six defensemen on the Generals’ playoff roster.

"I’m just going to be ready for any opportunity that comes up," Peterson said.

Peterson is only the second player in Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association history to be named all-conference four times. He scored six goals and had 20 assists for 26 points this past season. Peterson finished fifth on Lawrence’s career list with 77 points and is first among defenseman. He ranks second with 56 career assists and 14th with 21 goals.

"Our season has been over for a while so I have to get my legs back under me," Peterson said. "I know I have a lot to improve upon, but I feel like I can play at this level."

Peterson earned the maximum three selections to the academic all-conference and is completing his biology major. He will continue his schoolwork while participating in the playoffs.

"We are very proud of Josh’s latest accomplishment. His passion for the game and desire to reach the next level while maintaining exemplary academic success has set a great example for the current and future Vikings," Szkodzinski said.

"Josh has earned an opportunity that so many young players dream of while growing up. We are certain that he will represent himself and the Lawrence hockey program very well while in Flint."

-April 4, 2008
MCHA Players and Coach Land on All-USCHO.com Teams
Five players and one head coach from the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association landed spots on the All-USCHO.com teams when they were announced earlier this month. Adrian College's Adam Krug, Quinn Waller, Eric Miller, Shawn Skelly and head coach Ron Fagarty and MSOE's Jason Woll all earned various honors, the most-ever for the MCHA on this list (the league had four players earn honors in 2006-07).

Krug, the MCHA Player of the Year, earned a spot on the West Second Team, while Waller and Woll were West Team honorable mention selections. Waller, Miller and Skelly took up three spots on the West All-Rookie Team, while Fogarty earned honorable mention coach of the year accolades.

                        
Left to Right: Adam Krug, Quinn Waller, Eric Miller, Shawn Skelly, Jason Woll, Ron Fogarty

########################################
Release from USCHO.com below

MINNEAPOLIS (April 4) — St. Norbert senior goaltender Kyle Jones has been selected the USCHO.com National Player of the Year. The North Delta, British Columbia native led the Green Knights to their first national title this season, recording one of the best seasons ever by a Division III goaltender.

Jones posted a 1.09 GAA and a .950 save percentage. He set Division III records for shutouts in a season (10) and for a career (25) including shutouts in the Division III semifinals and finals.

USCHO.com has also named St. Norbert coach Tim Coghlin National Coach of the Year. Coghlin led the Green Knights to a 27-1-4 record and their first ever national title this season.

The winners and all-star teams are selected by the USCHO.com staff. A complete list follows:

East First Team

Goal — Longo, Keith, Jr., Hobart
Defense — Arthur Fritch, Sr., Colby
Defense — Tom Maldonado, Sr., Middlebury
Forward — Rick Cleaver, Sr., Norwich
Forward — T.J. Kelley, Sr., Colby
Forward — Neil Trimm, Sr., Neumann

East Second Team

Goal — Casey Tuttle, So., Elmira
Defense — Nick Dumoulin, Jr., Elmira
Defense — Nick Rolls, Jr., Plattsburgh
Forward — Nikita Kashirsky, Sr. Norwich
Forward — Matt McGilvary, Johnson & Wales
Forward — Michael Richard, Sr., Elmira

Honorable Mention:: Ryan Donovan (UMass-Boston), Mark Ehl (New England), Ryan Ellis (Oswego), Greg Parker (Conn. College), Josh Reber (Colby), David Thompson (Norwich), Trevor Turner (New England), Mike Westerman (Bowdoin)

East Rookie Team

Goal — Bryan Hince, Plattsburgh
Defense — Paul Conter, Southern Maine
Defense — Karl Linden, Elmira
Forward — Dylan Clarke, Plattsburgh
Forward — Justin Fox, Salem State
Forward — Ryan Leary, Bowdoin

Honorable Mention: Ryan Corry (Plattsburgh), Cody McKinney (Colby), Sylvain Messier (Norwich), Alex Myolenko (Skidmore), Eric Tufman (Mass-Boston), Jason Yuell (Curry), Matthew Wallace (Hobart)

West First Team

Goal — Kyle Jones Sr., St. Norbert
Defense — Jim Henkemeyer, Sr., UW-River Falls
Defense — Jack Wolgemuth, Jr., UW-Stout
Forward — Marc Belanger, Sr., St. Norbert
Forward — Tyler Dahl, Sr., UW-River Falls
Forward — Dustin Fulton, Jr., Hamline

West Second Team

Goal — Chad Beiswenger, Jr., UW-Superior
Defense — Adam Davis, Jr., St. Thomas
Defense — Joe Long, Jr., Hamline
Forward — Pat Borgestad, Sr., UW-River Falls
Forward — Derek Hansberry, Jr., UW-River Falls
Forward — Adam Krug, Jr., Adrian

Honorable Mention: Tyler Chestnut (St. Thomas), Derek Hanson (UW-Stout), Jared Hummel (Hamline), David Martinson (Gustavus Adolphus), Andrew Panchenko (St. Thomas), Derek Paige (UW-Superior), Quinn Waller (Adrian), Jason Woll (MSOE)

West Rookie Team

Goal — Thomas Speer, UW-Stevens Point
Defense — Nick Tabisz, St. Norbert
Defense — Quinn Waller, Adrian
Forward — Mike Glaesmer, St. Mary’s
Forward — Eric Miller, Adrian
Forward — Shawn Skelly, Adrian

Honorable Mention: Jared Hummel (Hamline), Rob Johnson (St. Thomas), Josh Swartout (Gustavus Adolphus)

D-III Player of the Year: Kyle Jones, St. Norbert

Honorable Mention: Rick Cleaver, Norwich

D-III Coach of the Year: Tim Coghlin, St. Norbert

Honorable Mention: Bob Emery (Plattsburgh), Tim Ceglarski (Elmira), Ron Fogarty (Adrian)

-March 23, 2008
Krug Earns Second-Team All-American Honors
-Release courtesy of Adrian College Sports Information Department
Adrian College junior forward Adam Krug, who led all NCAA Division III players in scoring with 77 points on the season, was named to the RBK Second Team West All-American squad.

Krug, the captain and lone junior on the inaugural NCAA men's hockey team at Adrian, helped lead the team to a 26-3 season as the team captured the MCHA regular season and conference tournament titles. The Livonia, Michigan native led all NCAA hockey players regardless of division* in scoring (77 points) and assists (47). Krug was also tied for third for the most goals in Division III hockey this season with 30.

For the full release from the American Hockey Coaches Association, please use the following link:
Men's Division III RBK Hockey All-Americans Announced

* The NCAA Division I men's hockey season is not yet completed.

*******************

Krug becomes the second MCHA player to earn All-American honors. Brian Soik of MSOE became the first MCHA player to accomplish the feat last season.

March 13, 2008
Milwaukee Admirals Set to Retire Tony Hrkac's Jersey Friday
Tony Hrkac, the current head coach of the Concordia University Falcons, will be honored by the Milwaukee Admirals when the team retires his #26 jersey Friday. The Admirals will also be giving away Hrkac bobbleheads (see below) to the first 5,000 fans at their game against Peoria at 7 p.m.

Following a 12-year NHL career where he recorded 371 points (132 goals, 239 assists), Hrkac played five seasons with the Milwaukee Admirals. In that time, he led the team in scoring three seasons and still ranks No. 6 on the all-time scoring list.

The hockey veteran won an NCAA title, the Stanley Cup and also led the Admirals to the Calder Cup in 2004 when he led the team with 59 points.

"It’s an honor to have your number retired,” said Hrkac in a story posted on www.milwaukeeadmirals.com. “You play the game the best you can, you try to win, you’re not thinking about people retiring you number. As your career goes on, you play hard, and it nice to be recognized by the teams you’ve played for and know that you’ve done a good job over the years and they respect that.”

For complete story from the Admirals website, click HERE:

-March 9, 2008
Adrian's Dream Season Ends After Missing NCAA Tournament Field
-Release courtesy of Adrian College Sports Information Department
The Adrian College men's hockey squad might feel a sting for awhile as the NCAA Division III Men's Hockey Selection Committee has passed on the Bulldogs for entry into the 2007-08 national tournament. The season, however, has been one of exciting moments and memories that will last a lifetime for players and fans. Adrian finished the season with a 26-3 record and won their final 20 games en route to both a MCHA regular season and tournament titles.

For the full NCAA release please click on the link below:

NCAA Announces Field of 10

-March 4, 2008
Adam Krug of Adrian College Appears in This Week's Sports Illustrated 
The Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association Player of the Year, Adam Krug of Adrian College, is among the six finalists to appear in the "Faces In the Crowd" feature in Sports Illustrated this week.

He already appears on the website version of the "Faces" feature, which is a well-known and long-running (started in 1956) segment in SI. Krug's issue will hit the newsstands tomorrow. He is noted for his exploits on the ice this season, including leading the nation in scoring and being named the league's player of the year.

It can be viewed online at:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/scorecard/faces/2008/03/10/

-March 2, 2008
Adrian College Wins 2008 Harris Cup in Overtime Thriller
Eric Miller’s goal just 2:29 into the overtime session was the only score of the contest and won the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association Tournament Championship for Adrian College Sunday afternoon at the Kern Center. The Bulldogs and Lions, two teams known for their stellar offensive play, gave the crowd a game that kept them on their feet all afternoon, with the stars of the game coming on the defensive side in the 1-0 decision.

The Bulldogs had both of the shots in overtime, as Adam Krug put the first on net just 30 seconds in, but had it saved by Lion goalie Ryan Donovan, who was simply stellar in goal all day.

However, Krug was at it again just minutes later, taking a pass from Eric Bailen near center ice and finding Miller on the breakaway. Miller made the most of his opportunity, sneaking one past Donovan for his nation-leading 40^th of the season before the celebration for the Harris Cup began on the ice for Adrian.

         
-Eric Miller netted the game-winner for Adrian in overtime to give the Bulldogs the Harris Cup
Photos courtesy of Adrian Assistant SID Sarah Miesle

“It was my first-ever overtime goal and it feels awesome,” Miller said of the goal. “You know, I could definitely not have done it without these guys. My teammates kept pushing me through to keep going and without those guys I would not have been able to do it.”

The Finlandia defense held the Adrian offense scoreless for three-straight periods – marking the first time that had happened to the Bulldogs all season. Donovan was credited with 35 saves and was named the MCHA Tournament MVP for his efforts in the loss. He made a variety of highlight-reel saves, including at least 10 in each period. AC keeper Brad Fogal improved to a nation-best 20-2-0, making 18 saves for his fifth shutout of the season.

“This really capped off a great season by the guys,” Adrian head coach Ron Fogarty said. “It was well-deserved. It was a great battle … Finlandia played great and Ryan Donovan was very deserving of the MVP – he played a phenomenal game. For Eric Miller to pick up his 40^th goal of the season, it could not have come at a better time. We are pretty excited right now.”

The Bulldogs had quite an inaugural season, winning the Harris Cup and regular season championships along the way while recording a 26-3-0 record. The team leads the nation in scoring offense, has the nation’s top three scorers on the roster and will carry a 20-game winning streak into a potential continuation of its postseason run if they are awarded the opportunity to play in the NCAA Tournament.

“I am very happy for the 25 guys out there on the ice,” Fogarty said during the postgame celebration. “It’s the greatest feeling in the world when you get to win a championship and we had the chance to win one in the regular season and the tournament in one year. It is something these guys will never forget.”

Photos from MCHA Tournament Championship Game:

First Period        Second Period        Third Period        OT and celebration

The MCHA All-Tournament Team was also named immediately following the end of the game:

MVP: Ryan Donovan, Finlandia

         

-March 1, 2008
Defending Champ Finlandia Advances to MCHA Finals With 4-2 Win Over Marian
The Finlandia Lions gave themselves a chance to maintain possession of the Harris Cup Saturday when they defeated Marian College, 4-2, at the Kern Center in an MCHA semifinal Saturday night.

Tied 1-1 heading into the third period, the Lions used the strength of three third-period goals to advance as the No. 2 seed in the postseason.

Ross Rouleau wasted no time getting things started in the decisive frame, lighting the lamp just 15 seconds to make it 2-1 in FU's favor. Almost 11 minutes later, Travis Hanson netted the eventual game-winner, tallying his 10th goal of the season at the 11:06 mark on assists by Joe Beaudry and Tiger Marcotte.

Marian made it a one-goal game again at the 12:28 mark of the third, getting a goal from Nick Cinquegrani to make it 3-2. Marcotte netted a late insurance goal to seal the Lions invitation to take on Adrian for the Harris Cup on Sunday.

In goal, Ryan Donovan made 35 saves for the win, while Jason Jadczak had 22 in defeat.

The Lions and Adrian Bulldogs meet for the championship at the Kern Center Sunday afternoon, with the puck dropping at 4 p.m.

-March 1, 2008
No. 9 Bulldogs Score in Clutch to Advance to MCHA Finals
-Game story courtesy of Adrian College Sports Information Department
The Adrian College Bulldogs scored three times in the second period and twice in the third period, as the #1 seed in the MCHA Tournament defeated the Milwaukee School of Engineering Raiders, 5-3, for their 20^th straight win on Saturday.

After a scoreless first period, Joel Workman got the #9 Bulldogs on the scoreboard first on an even-strength goal 5:28 into the period. Adam Krug did not take long to extend the Bulldog lead to two goals, netting a power-play goal 2:22 after Workman’s goal. Michael Soik pulled the Raiders within one, notching MSOE’s first goal of the game at the 16:25 mark on a power-play effort to make the game 2-1. Eric Miller (pictured at left) regained momentum for Adrian just 43 seconds before the break with his first goal of the game to push the Bulldog lead back to two goals.

The top-seeded team in the tournament stretched its lead to three just 1:01 into the third period, when Samuel Kuzyk scored an even-strength goal for the Bulldogs. The Raiders would not go quietly in the semi-final game, however. Soik notched his second goal of the game at 12:01 to breathe life back into the Raiders’ lungs. The Raiders then pulled their goalie to opt for the extra attacker in order to cut the lead to one. The Bulldogs had other plans as Shawn Skelly gained control of the puck in the neutral zone for a breakaway opportunity which Eric Miller finished for Adrian with 2:29 to put the team up for good. Matt Fastelin got a late goal for the Raiders, but it was not enough as the top-seeded Bulldogs advanced to the MCHA Tournament Final on Sunday.

The Bulldogs, winners of 20-straight, will now wait to see who their opponent will be in the league tournament final on Sunday afternoon.  Second-seeded Finlandia and third-seeded Marian will face-off at 7:00 tonight to battle for the honor of playing in the MCHA Tournament Finals. Tomorrow’s championship game is slated to begin at 4 p.m. CT at the Kern Center in Milwaukee .

-February 29, 2008
Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association Announces End-of-Season Awards
The Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association announced all if its league awards at a banquet held in conjunction with the MCHA Tournament on Friday night in Milwaukee, Wis. The league's All-Conference, All-Freshman and All-Academic Teams were all named, as well as the Player and Coach of the Year awards.

Adrian College was well-represented, with Adam Krug earning MCHA Player of the Year honors and him and five of his teammates on the all-conference squad. Marian College head coach Jasen Wise was selected as the MCHA Coach-of-the-Year.

Lawrence University defenseman Josh Peterson became just the second player to earn all-conference honors all four season, joining former MSOE Raider Ryan Moren (1998-2002) on that prestigious list.

2007-08 CHA ALL-CONFERENCE
Carl Bresser, Marian, Senior, Forward
Marc Howe, Lawrence, Sophomore, Forward
Adam Krug, Adrian, Junior, Forward
Eric Miller, Adrian, Freshman, Forward
Shawn Skelly, Adrian, Freshman, Forward
Lee Swallow, MSOE, Senior, Forward
Josh Peterson, Lawrence, Senior, Defenseman
Chris Stansik, Adrian, Freshman, Defenseman
Quinn Waller, Adrian, Freshman, Defenseman
Jason Woll, MSOE, Junior, Defenseman
Brad Fogal, Adrian, Freshman, Goalie
Jason Jadczak, Marian, Junior, Goalie

MCHA Player of the Year: Adam Krug, Adrian (Below)

MCHA Coach of the Year: Jasen Wise, Marian

    



MCHA ALL-FRESHMAN TEAM
Todd Collins, Marian
Brad Fogal, Adrian
Eric Miller, Adrian
Shawn Skelly, Adrian
Michael Soik, MSOE
Quinn Waller, Adrian

MCHA ALL-ACADEMIC TEAM
Note: * = Two-Time All-Academic member ... # = Three-time All-Academic member ... $ = Four-time All-Academic member

Adrian – 2
Rob Hodnicki, Sophomore … Adam Krug, Junior

Concordia – 3
Alec Kautzman, Sophomore … Nick Prange, Sophomore … Chris Thiess, Sophomore

Finlandia – 12
Lucas Alberer, Senior # … Charles Fisher, Senior # … Travis Hanson, Senior # … Matthew Krueger, Junior … Matt Lindgren, Senior # … Marc Marcotte, Junior * … Blake Miller, Junior * … Josh Paquette, Senior # … Mike Parks, Senior # … Bryan Solander, Sophomore … Ryan Sullivan, Junior * … Brandon Vanacker, Sophomore
Note: Ties record of 12 members set by Minnesota-Crookston's in 2003-04 and Finlandia in 2006-07

Lawrence – 8
Marc Howe, Sophomore … Jesse Jacobs, Junior … Nick Jennette, Junior * … Brian Kennihan, Senior # … Aaron LaFave, Junior * … Austin Montgomery, Senior * … Josh Peterson, Senior # … Jon Sacks, Sophomore

Marian – 12
Nick Cinquegrani, Sophomore … Greg Copeland, Junior * … Dave DeSander, Senior # … Jason Ford, Sophomore … Bill Griffore, Junior * … Nick Henkemeyer, Sophomore … Ryan Hitchcock, Sophomore … Jason Jadczak, Junior * … Kyle Jones, Senior * … Josh McAndrew, Junior * … Kyle Rasmussen, Senior … Jeff Wills, Junior *
Note: Ties record of 12 members set by Minnesota-Crookston's in 2003-04 and Finlandia in 2006-07

MSOE – 5
Ross Chawansky, Senior # … Reid Crawford, Sophomore … Matt Fastelin, Senior # … Paul Haviland, Sophomore … Jason Woll, Junior *

Minnesota-Crookston – 7
Fred Kooser, Sophomore … Matt Waclawik, Sophomore … Matt Marchel, Sophomore … Jacob Osland, Junior … Teal Plaine, Senior $ … Brent Swanson, Sophomore … Ryan Tucker, Senior #

Northland – 4
Jeff Diehl, Sophomore … Adam Gorecki, Sophomore … Brandon Sachwitz, Sophomore … Matt Tanneberg, Sophomore

-February 25, 2008
Final Four Teams Set to Battle for Harris Cup
The first round of the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association is over and the top four seeds from the regular season held form and advanced. #1 Adrian, #2 Finlandia, #3 Marian and #4 MSOE all won first-round series with two victories to advance to the Kern Center in Milwaukee this weekend and the battle for the Harris Cup.

Adrian advanced with wins of 8-0 and 9-1 over Concordia, with three players recording six or more points on the weekend. Adam Krug tallied a league-high nine (5 goals/4 assists), with Eric Miller (4G/2A) and Shawn Skelly (2G/4A) each netting six a piece. The Bulldogs also set a new record for victories in a season by a Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association team with 24, topping the old mark of 23 set by Findlay in 1998-99 (who went 23-5-0 that season). Adrian remained in the top 10 nationally when the new USCHO.com poll was released today, but did fall a spot from No. 8 to No. 9 after an interesting week on the ice across the country. AC will carry a nation-best 24 wins, .889 winning percentage (tied with 22-1-4 St. Norbert) and 18-game winning streak into the final weekend, in search of the league’s first bid to the NCAA Tournament.

Defending Harris Cup champion Finlandia took care of business against Northland, winning 5-1 Friday and 3-1 Saturday to advance to the semifinals, led by Joe Beaudry and his four goals in the two games. Marian needed overtime Friday to get a win, avoiding the upset by Minnesota-Crookston when James Goodfellow lit the lamp 3:47 into the extra session to give the Sabres the 3-2 victory. Marian then advanced with a 3-1 win Saturday. MSOE and Lawrence played Saturday and Sunday, with the Raiders posting wins of 3-1 and 4-2 while never trailing in the series.

Heading into the remainder of the tournament, several MCHA names occupy top 10 spots (or close) in the national statistics. They include:

Points per Game
1. Adam Krug, Adrian: 2.78 (29G/46A=75 points)
2. Shawn Skelly, Adrian: 2.70 (30G/43A=73 points)
3. Eric Miller, Adrian: 2.50 (37G/28A=65 points)

Goals per Game
1. Eric Miller, Adrian: 1.42 (37G in 26 games)
4. Shawn Skelly, Adrian: 1.11 (30G in 27 games)
6. Adam Krug, Adrian: 1.07 (29G in 27 games)
8. Carl Bresser, Marian: 0.96 (24G in 25 games)

Assists per Game
1. Adam Krug, Adrian: 1.70 (46A in 27 games)
2. Shawn Skelly, Adrian: 1.59 (43A in 27 games)
3. Quinn Waller, Adrian: 1.41 (38A in 27 games)
10. Lee Swallow, MSOE: 1.11 (30A in 27 games)

Power Play Goals
1. Eric Miller, Adrian: 13
3. Ryan Sullivan Finlandia: 12
3. Shawn Skelly, Adrian: 12

Short-Handed Goals
1. Carl Bresser, Marian: 6
2. Adam Krug, Adrian: 5

Game-Winning Goals
1. Shawn Skelly, Adrian: 7
4. Michael Soik, MSOE: 5

Points per Game (Defenseman)
1. Quinn Waller, Adrian: 1.67 (7G/38A=45 points)
4. Chris Stansik, Adrian: 1.26 (11G/23A=34 points)

Goals Against Average
5. Brad Fogal, Adrian: 1.91

Save Percentage
11. Brad Fogal, Adrian: .925

Scoring Offense
1. Adrian: 7.93 goals per game
11. Finlandia: 4.22 gpg

Scoring Defense
10. Adrian: 2.30 goals per game

Scoring Margin
1. Adrian: +5.63

Power Play
1. Adrian: 34.3%

Penalty Kill
4. Finlandia: 88.0%
8. Adrian: 87.0%

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

The MCHA Tournament Semifinals and Finals conclude this weekend at the Kern Center in Milwaukee, Wis.



The address is 1245 N. Broadway in downtown Milwaukee. For a map of the Kern Center location, click HERE.
Ticket Prices: General Admission is $6 and student price (ID required) is $4.
Tickets may be preordered by phone with credit card. Contact Kristen Burck at 414-277-4552.

The MCHA All-Conference Team, All-Freshman Team, Player of the Year, Coach of the Year and All-Academic Teams will also be announced.

Schedule of events:
Friday, February 29
MCHA End of Season Banquet at Roy W. Johnson Residence Hall, one block south of the Kern Center
Social begins at 6 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m., program (guest speaker/awards) to follow.

Saturday, March 1
#1 Adrian vs. #4 MSOE at 3 p.m.
#2 Finlandia vs. #3 Marian at 7 p.m.

Sunday, March 2
MCHA Harris Cup Championship at 4 p.m.

NOTE:
-- Games involving Marian College will be podcasted at www.fdlpodcasting.com
-- Games involving Finlandia University will be available on 98.7 FM (local) and www.keepitintheup.com
-- Games involving MSOE will also be available on the internet. Check http://www.msoe.edu/athletics/broadcasts.shtml for more information.

-February 18, 2008
MCHA Regular Season in the Books
The 10^th season of play in the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association has come to a close and tournament play is about to begin. The season will go down as one of the most noteworthy in the history of the league. Newcomer Adrian claimed a league title in its first year and has gone on to become the first-ever MCHA team to be ranked in the Top 10 nationally. The Bulldogs continued their weekly rise up the polls with two more wins this week, moving from No. 9 to No. 8 in the USCHO.com poll that came out today. That, and they added a second first-place vote to their tally as well.

Plenty of records were broken, with one of the oldest and most visual standards in the book to fall: most points in a season. It was quite a race between teammates over the final weekend, but Adrian’s Adam Krug (21G/35A) edged teammate Shawn Skelly (21G/34A) by a single point to establish the new season record at 56 points, breaking the former mark of 49 set by Marian’s Dave Chipman back in the league’s inaugural season of 1998-99.

The tournament seedings have now been set: Adrian had already clinched the one seed as the regular season champion, but assured its weekend opponent, Concordia, the eighth seed and a return trip next weekend with two victories.

Finlandia had also already secured the No. 2 seed when they claimed the Northern Division title, but kept Lawrence from moving up in the standings with a split. The Vikings posted a 3-2 win Friday, only to see the Lions defend their home ice with a 5-3 win Saturday.

Marian and MSOE split a home-and-home series, leaving the Sabres as the No. 3 seed and allowing the Raiders to wrap up the final spot with home ice for the playoffs as the No. 4 seed. Marian won, 4-1, Friday before MSOE rebounded with a 4-3 win at the Blue Line Ice Center.

Minnesota-Crookston is the No. 6 seed, splitting its series with Northland. The Lumberjacks won, 8-6, Friday, only to see the Golden Eagles get the 4-2 win Saturday to take the sixth seed.

As stated before, the new league records set this season added up to an impressive list:
(Old standard in parentheses)
Season points: 56, Adam Krug, Adrian (49, Dave Chipman, Marian, 1998-99)
Career points: 130, Josh Paquette (99, Dan Odegard, Marian, 1999-2003)
Points by a freshman: 55, Shawn Skelly, Adrian (36, Pat Telford, Marian, 1998-99)
Points by a junior: 56, Adam Krug, Adrian (49, Dave Chipman, Marian, 1998-99)
Points by a Defenseman: 36, Quinn Waller, Adrian (32, Brent Somerville, Findlay , 1998-99)
Season goals: 28, Eric Miller, Adrian (27, Dave Chipman and CJ Koroll, Marian, 1998-99)
Career goals: 47 (tie), Josh Paquette, Finlandia (47, Dave Chipman, Marian, 1998-2000)
Goals by a freshman: 28, Eric Miller, Adrian (17, held by two players)
Power play season goals: 10 (tie), Ryan Sullivan, Finlandia (10, held by two players)
Shorthanded season goals: 5, Carl Bresser, Marian (4, held by four players)
Shorthanded career goals: 8, Carl Bresser, Marian (7; RG Flath, MSOE)
Assists in a game: 5 (tie), Adam Krug and Quinn Waller, Adrian (5, Darryl Somerville, Findlay vs. Benedictine in 1999)
Season assists: 35, Adam Krug, Adrian (24, Brian Soik, MSOE, 2006-07)
Career assists: 83, Josh Paquette, Finlandia (66, Brian Soik, MSOE, 2003-07)
Assists by a freshman: 34, Shawn Skelly, Adrian (21, Josh Paquette, Finlandia, 2004-05)
Assists by a junior: 35, Adam Krug, Adrian (22, Brian Soik, MSOE, 2005-06)
Assists in a game by a defenseman: 5; Quinn Waller, Adrian (4; held by three players)
Assists in a season by a defenseman: 31, Quinn Waller, Adrian (18, Brent Somerville, Findlay, 1998-99)
Goalie winning percentage: 1.000 (tie, 14-0-0), Brad Fogal, Adrian (1.000, 10-0-0, Terry Dunbar, Marian, 2001-02)
Most wins: 14, Brad Fogal, Adrian (13, Terry Dunbar, Marian, 2003-04)
Overall team unbeaten streak: 16 [current], Adrian (12, 12-0-0, 2001-02)
Most goals, season: 168, Adrian (156, Marian, 1998-99)
Power play percentage: .338, Adrian (.301, Marian, 1999-2000)

The chase for the Harris Cup starts this weekend with the first round of the playoffs Feb. 22-24. The opening round is a two-game series with possible mini-game. The winners will advance to the MCHA Tournament, hosted by MSOE at the Kern Center , March 1-2.

         
Left to Right: Adam Krug (Adrian) ... Tiger Marcotte (Finlandia) ... Sam Kuzyk (Adrian)

Players of the Week
-Adrian College Bulldogs junior forward Adam Krug (Livonia, Mich.) earns his league-best fifth MCHA Player of the Week award on the season for his record-breaking performance over the weekend. After recording an assist on Friday, he came up big with one goal and five assists Saturday to set a new record for season points at 56. His five assists Saturday also tied the league record for most assists in one game.
Other Nominees: Matt Hahn (Crookston), Nick Matson (Northland), Lee Swallow (MSOE), Ross Rouleau (Finlandia)

-Finlandia University Lions junior defenseman Tiger Marcotte (L’anse, Mich.) earns his second MCHA Defensive Player of the Week award this season. On Friday, he helped the FU defense shut down Lawrence , limiting them to an 0-for-7 showing on the power play. Then, on Saturday, he had two assists in the win while limiting Lawrence to a 1-for-8 showing on the power play.
Other Nominees: Brent Groenke (Crookston), Quinn Waller (Adrian), Daniel McIntosh (Northland), Evan Johnson (Lawrence), Jason Woll (MSOE)

-Adrian College Bulldogs freshman forward Sam Kuzyk (Winnipeg, Manitoba) is recognized for his first MCHA Freshman of the Week award this season for his offensive fireworks over the weekend against Concordia. After a four-goal effort Friday, he topped that with six more points (three goals/three assists) in Saturday’s victory for a league-best 10 points on the weekend.
Other Nominees: Nick Matson (Northland), Matt Jacobs (Lawrence), Ryan Donovan (Finlandia)

-February 15, 2008
Bulldog Teammates Both Break MCHA Scoring MarkNot one, but two Adrian players each broke the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association single-season scoring mark on Friday night. In the Bulldogs 16-2 defeat over Concordia, both Adam Krug (left) and Shawn Skelly (right) eclipsed the former standard of 49 points in a season when each recorded No. 50 of the league campaign.

Krug needed just one point as he entered the night tied for the record. He assisted a Skelly goal 21 seconds into the second period to push his season tally to 50 points on 20 goals and 30 assists.

Skelly needed more points to get there, finishing the night with a hat trick and one assist to push his season tallies to the exact same 50 point total (20G/30A) as Krug. He lit the lamp for his fourth point of the night at the 3:24 mark of the third.

With just one game remaining in the regular season schedule, it should be quite a battle tomorrow to see who ends up holding the new record, set originally by Marian’s Dave Chipman back in 1998-99 (27G/22A). Coincidentally, one (or both) will also hold the new season assist record, as each has passed the former mark of 24, established by Brian Soik of MSOE in 2006-2007.

-February 11, 2008
Bulldogs Claim MCHA Regular Season Title
It was quite a weekend for Adrian College. First, on Friday, the team clinched the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association regular season title with a 7-4 win over MSOE. Then, on Saturday, it added a prestigious mark to the campaign, breaking the standard of victories by a first-year program with a 5-0 win. The Bulldogs, now 20-3-0 overall, surpassed the former mark of 19 wins by a first-year team, held by both Union College (NY), which went 19-4-0 in 1975-76, and the College of Saint Scholastica, which went 19-5-2 in 1972-73. The two wins helped AC reach No. 9 in the newest USCHO.com poll released today – highlighted by receiving a first place vote – continuing the highest-ever trek for an MCHA team.

Adrian also became the first start-up to win a league title in extending its nation-best win streak to 14 games. That number also established a new MCHA record for overall unbeaten streak, which had been 12 by Marian College in 2001-02. Individually, junior Adam Krug has now tied the mark for league points in a season with 49 (20G/29A). His next point breaks the record set by Marian’s Dave Chipman back in 1998-99.

Longest Overall Unbeaten Streaks in MCHA History
1. Marian 12 (12-0-0), 2001-02
2. MSOE 11 (10-0-1), 2005-06
3. Marian 10 (9-0-1), 1998-99
4. Minnesota-Crookston 10 (10-0-0), 1999-2000
5. Findlay 8 (8-0-0), 1998-99

In other league action, Finlandia University assures itself of the second seed in the league tournament by virtue of wrapping up the Northern Division with a sweep of Minnesota-Crookston. The Lions posted wins of 5-2 and 3-1 to get to 13-5-0 in league play. Marian then assured itself of the No. 3 seed in the league tournament, taking a home-and-home series from Concordia University. The Sabres won 6-2 at home Friday and then 6-5 in Mequon Saturday.

Lawrence University continues its late-season surge for a home series in the first round of the league tournament. The Vikings swept Northland, 6-3 and 5-0, to get to 9-8-1 in league play, just one standings point behind MSOE, which is 10-8-0, with the last weekend to go. So, the top three seeds are set, but all of the remaining seeds are still up in the air heading into the final weekend of the regular season.

Left to Right: Marc Howe (Lawrence) ... Brad Fogal (Adrian) ... Ryan Donovan (Finlandia)

Players of the Week
-Lawrence University Vikings sophomore forward Marc Howe (Cedarburg, Wis.) becomes the second-straight Viking to win the MCHA Player of the Week award after his performance in LU’s sweep of Northland. He adds his second Player of the Week award this season to his resume after netting both game-winning goals on the weekend. He started things out with two goals and an assist on Friday before tallying two short-handed goals in Saturday’s win. He finished +5 on the weekend.
Other Nominees: Joe Beaudry (Finlandia), Carl Bresser (Marian)

-Adrian College Bulldogs freshman goalie Brad Fogal (Sharon, ONT) earns his second MCHA Defensive Player of the Week award this year for his undefeated weekend that gave Adrian the regular season crown. Fogal played just over 51 minutes Friday, giving up two goals in the 7-4 decision. Then, Saturday, he made 33 saves to blank the Raiders and up his save percentage to .964 on the weekend. He currently leads MCHA goalies with a .937 save percentage, 1.68 GAA and 1.000 (13-0) winning percentage.
Other Nominees: Ross Rouleau (Finlandia)

-Finlandia University Lions freshman goalie Ryan Donovan (Pinckney, Mich.) is the MCHA Freshman of the Week for the second time this year. He earns the honors for his effort between the pipes against Minnesota-Crookston. He stopped 20 of 22 shots Friday and then 26 of 27 in Saturday’s win (.939 save percentage overall) while limiting the Golden Eagles to a 1-for-15 showing on the power play in the series.
Other Nominees: Brendan Hull (Marian), Josh DeSmit (Lawrence), Brad Houston (Adrian)

-February 8, 2008
Adrian College Claims First MCHA Regular Season Title
The amazing run of Adrian College, playing in just its first year of NCAA Division III hockey, continued on Friday evening when it claimed its first Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association regular season championship with a 7-4 victory over the MSOE Raiders. The Bulldogs, led by head coach Ron Fogarty, improved to 19-3-0 overall (16-1 in league) and have now won 13-straight games.

On an individual note, AC's Adam Krug added two more goals in league play, upping his season totals in MCHA action to 48 points (19G/29A). He sits just one point from one of the oldest league records in the book, the highest point total for a season of 49 set by Marian’s Dave Chipman back in 1998-99.

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#10 Bulldogs Clinch MCHA Crown With 13th Consecutive Win
Adrian takes third game from MSOE this season
-Courtesy of Adrian College Sports Information

Milwaukee, Wis. - The #10 Adrian College men's varsity hockey team defeated the Milwaukee School of Engineering Raiders by a 7-4 score for their 13th straight victory. With the win, the Bulldogs clinch the regular season MCHA title and the #1 seed in the conference tournament in two weeks.

The Bulldogs got on the scoreboard first on Friday night when Mike Dahlinger scored a power-play goal at 11:27 for the early 1-0 lead. The Raiders responded with a delayed-penalty goal with 6:52 left in the first period to knot the score at 1-1. The #10 team in the nation in Division III hockey was determined not to go to the locker room with a tie. The Bulldogs netted back-to-back goals at 1:29 (Brad Houston) and at :07 (Jeremy Klaver) to give the Bulldogs a two-goal lead at the break.

The game remained 3-1 in favor of the visitors until midway through the second period when the Raiders scored their second goal of the game to close the gap to one goal. Any momentum that the home team might have gotten from that goal was quickly taken away as Adam Krug hit the puck off of the top post and into the goal 25 seconds later to push the Bulldog cushion back to two. In the final two minutes of the period, Joel Workman netted the game-winner to put the Bulldogs up 5-2 before the second intermission.

In the third period, Krug made a strong move to get himself open and shot the puck through the five hole to give the Bulldogs the 6-2 lead. With 6:26 to play in the contest, the Raiders narrowed the margin to three goals by finding the back of the net for the third time in the game. The Bulldogs once again stifled any attempt to build off of the momentum gained from scoring a goal by responding with a goal of their own. Brad Houston notched the seventh goal of the game for the visitors with 5:30 left to play. A power-play goal with less than 3:30 minutes in the game was all the Raiders could put together to try to mount a late comeback as the Bulldogs claimed the 7-4 victory.

Brad Fogal picked up his 15th win of the season before giving way to Bryan Scott in goal. The two combined for 24 saves in the game.

The #10 Bulldogs and the Raiders will face off again tomorrow afternoon in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The puck is set to drop at 3:00 p.m. CT.

-February 4, 2008
Adrian Sweeps First-Place Showdown With Marian
Heading into the weekend just three points ahead of its closest foe, Adrian College opened up a seven-point lead in the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association standings with a 5-0 win Friday and a come-from-behind 5-4 overtime win Saturday over Marian College. Saturday was a thriller, as Adrian was down, 4-2, with less than five minutes remaining in the contest before rallying for the win in front of a packed home crowd. The Bulldogs, now 15-1-0 in league play, have 30 points compared to 23 by the Sabres (11-4-1) with four games remaining in the regular season.

Adrian ’s Quinn Waller upped his assist total to 21 on the season, breaking the old standard for defensemen of 18 set by Brant Somerville of Findlay in 1998-99. Teammate Adam Krug upped his league season production to 46 points (17G/29A), currently third all-time and easily within striking distance of the league mark of 49 set by Marian’s Dave Chipman back in 1998-99. The team also extended its unbeaten streak to 12 games (12-0), the second-longest active streak in the nation to the 19 of St. Norbert College and also the longest current win streak. That helped the team move up a spot to No. 10 in the USCHO.com national poll released today – the first time an MCHA team has ever been ranked in the top 10.

Finlandia University came close to clinching the MCHA Northern Division with a sweep of Northland, winning games by scores of 10-1 and 9-0. The Lions lead the division by seven points over Lawrence, who swept Minnesota-Crookston over the weekend. The Vikings got a career-high four goals from Nick Jenette in their 5-3 win Friday and then pulled out an 8-7 overtime win to secure the sweep. Lastly, MSOE gave each series a sweep on the weekend, defeating Concordia, 4-1 and 5-4. The Raiders’ Lee Swallow netted his 150^th career point on the weekend and now has 55 goals and 95 assists overall in his career.

With the opening round of MCHA Tournament play on the schedule for February 22-24, the league seedings will start to round into shape after play this upcoming weekend.

         
Left to Right: Nick Jennette (Lawrence) ... Bobby Hineman (Adrian) ... Michael Soik (MSOE)

Players of the Week
-Lawrence University Vikings junior forward Nick Jennette (Grand Rapids, Mich.) is the MCHA Player of the Week for the second time this season, after sharing the honor back on Nov. 5. The biology major carried LU to a 5-3 win with four goals (including the game-winner) Friday and then added two more goals Saturday during a contest in which he was +4 on the ice.
Other Nominees: Joe Beaudry (Finlandia), Lee Swallow (MSOE), Adam Krug (Adrian)

-Adrian College Bulldogs freshman defenseman Bobby Hineman (Odessa, ONT) is the MCHA Defensive Player of the Week after playing a big role in Adrian’s sweep of Marian over the weekend. He assisted the game-winner and was +1 in Friday’s shutout, helping limit the potent Sabre line-up to no goals on 22 shots. Then, on Saturday, he capped Adrian’s big comeback victory with the game-winner in overtime.
Other Nominees: Ross Rouleau (Finlandia), Lukas Alberer (Finlandia), Josh Peterson (Lawrence)

-Milwaukee School of Engineering Raiders freshman forward Michael Soik (Stevens Point, Wis.) earns the MCHA Freshman of the Week award for his production in the sweep of Concordia. The mechanical engineering major had a six-point weekend and was +5 overall, netting four goals and two assists. He had both game-winning goals against the Falcons as well.
Other Nominees: Alex Maginnis (Minnesota-Crookston), Eric Bailen (Adrian), Josh DeSmit (Lawrence)

-January 28, 2008
Adrian Closes in on National Top 10 Ranking
Adrian College swept Northland College over the weekend, extending the nation’s third-longest current unbeaten streak to 10 games (10-0-0). The victories helped the Bulldogs move up in the polls as well, as they come in at No. 11 in the USCHO.com Top 15 poll released today – up from No. 13 a week ago.

The first-year program continues to impress, as they lead the nation in scoring at 7.32 goals a game (Neumann is second at 5.21) and scoring margin at 4.74 (Plattsburgh is second at 3.15). Individually, the lineup boasts the top three scorers at the NCAA D-III level. Adam Krug (17G/33A) and Shawn Skelly (22G/28A) are tied for the lead in the nation, both with 50 points. Eric Miller (27G/21A) sits in third with his nation-leading 27 goals, giving the team the only three players nationally with over 40 points on the season. Adrian defeated Northland, 18-1 and 7-0, with the 18 goals scored the most in league play in almost 10 years (Marian and Findlay each had 18 in early December of 1998).

In other series, Minnesota-Crookston also swept its opponent, getting past Concordia by scores of 6-0 and 4-3. The Finlandia vs. MSOE series ended in a split, with MSOE winning Friday, 6-3, before the Lions posted a 6-1 victory Saturday. Lawrence and Marian played a home-and-home series, with the Sabres winning 4-3 at home Friday before the Vikings battled for a 4-4 tie Saturday.

Plenty of records have already been broken this season, most notably the season record for assists which fell this past weekend when Adam Krug ended play with 26 helpers. That broke the season record of 24, set by MSOE’s Brian Soik in 2006-07. Additionally, Shawn Skelly has set a new standard for assists by a freshman. He currently has 23, breaking the old mark of 21 set by Josh Paquette of Finlandia in 2004-05. Eric Miller has one record already and another in his sights. His 22 goals sets a new mark for goals by a freshman, which had been 17 by MSOE’s R.G. Flath in 2005-06 and Finlandia’s Joe Lewis in 2004-05. He also has nine power play goals, just one off the season record of 10. Joining him on that list is Finlandia’s Ryan Sullivan, who also currently has nine power play markers. Skelly (38 points) and Miller (37 points) have each already passed the freshman season point record of 36 held by Marian College’s Pat Telford, set in 1998-1999. Adrian ’s Quinn Waller’s 18 assists in league play tie the old standard of 18 held by Brant Somerville of Findlay in 1998-99. Lastly, Marian College ’s Carl Bresser set new season and career marks for short-handed goals this year. His total of five in league play eclipses the old standard of four (held by four players) and his career total of eight sets a new standard as well.

         
Left to Right: Adam Krug (Adrian) ...Eric Everson (Crookston) ... Matt Jacobs (Lawrence)

Players of the Week
-Adrian College Bulldogs junior forward Adam Krug (Livonia, Mich.) earns his league-best fourth MCHA Player of the Week award on the season. The high-scoring Krug set two records this weekend in regards to assists. On Friday, he recorded two goals and three assists, setting a new record for MCHA assists by a junior. Then, on Saturday, he added another goal and three more assists to push his season total to 26, breaking the league season mark of 24 assists. His three goals and six assists represented a league-high nine points for the week.
Other Nominees: Lee Swallow (MSOE), Jeff Wills (Marian), Ryan Tucker (UM-Crookston), Mike Parks (Finlandia)

-University of Minnesota-Crookston Golden Eagles junior goalie Eric Everson (Stevens Point, Wis.) wins his second MCHA Defensive Player of the Week award this season. He made 20 saves in Friday’s shutout over Concordia and then made it back-to-back wins with 27 more saves in a 4-3 victory Saturday.
Other Nominees: Quinn Waller (Adrian), Jeff Wills (Marian), Jason Woll (MSOE), Lukas Alberer (Finlandia)

-Lawrence University Vikings freshman forward Matt Jacobs (East Northport, NY) earns the MCHA Freshman of the Week honors for his weekend efforts against Marian College. The biology major scored a goal and was +2 in the 4-3 loss on Friday before recording three assists in LU’s 4-4 OT decision Saturday.
Other Nominees: Michael Soik (MSOE), Eric Miller (Adrian), Eric Everson (UM-Crookston)

-January 21, 2008
Bulldogs Rise to No. 13 in the Nation After Big Weekend
Adrian College moved into first place in the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association standings over the weekend by sweeping Minnesota-Crookston, posting victories of 9-1 and 14-2 to stand in at 11-1 in league play. The 14 goals was not only a season-high for an MCHA team, but the most scored by a league squad since Marian College had 16 in a victory over Lawrence back on November 20, 1999. In the Friday game, Bulldog defenseman Quinn Waller tied the league mark for assists by a defenseman in a game with four. In the USCHO.com national poll released today, Adrian rose to No. 13 in the nation – the highest-ever ranking for an MCHA squad (MSOE was as high as No. 14 in Feb. of 2006).

Elsewhere, Marian had to make the long trip to Finlandia, winning 5-0 Friday before the Lions roared back with a come-from-behind, 5-4 victory Saturday, scoring three third-period goals to hand the Sabres their second loss (10-2) in league play.

In the other two series, Concordia posted its first-ever shutout win, as goalkeeper Alexander Koeppen made 52 saves in the 3-0 decision Friday. Lawrence responded with a 10-5 win Saturday, despite 63 more saves by Koeppen. MSOE also turned in a weekend sweep, traveling to Northland to get wins of 8-2 and 6-3.

Players of the Week
-Milwaukee School of Engineering Raiders sophomore forward Stephen Smiddy (Grand Rapids, Mich.) is this week’s MCHA Player of the Week for his work against Northland on the weekend. The mechanical engineering major struck for a hat trick Friday, netting two five-vs.-five goals and one on the power play.
Other Nominees: James Goodfellow (Marian)

-Finlandia University Lions junior defenseman Tiger Marcotte (L’anse, Mich.) is the MCHA Defensive Player of the Week. He had a goal and two third-period assists in FU’s 5-4 comeback win Saturday and was a +2 on the ice.
Other Nominees: Jeff Wills (Marian), Mike Jantzi (MSOE)

-Marian College Sabres freshman defenseman Brandon Blair (Regina, SK) earns the MCHA Freshman of the Week award for his gutty performance in the series with Finlandia. Despite playing the entire weekend with the flu, the sports and recreational management major had two assists and was +4 in Marian’s win on Friday. He finished the weekend +3 on the ice.
Other Nominees: Michael Soik (MSOE), Ryan Donovan (Finlandia)

-January 15, 2008
Adrian Cracks Top 15 in Poll; Marian Also Receiving Votes
After spending much of the season receiving votes in the USCHO.com Top 15 Poll, Adrian College has moved into the rankings, taking over the No. 15 spot after a 2-0 weekend upped its season record to 12-3-0 overall. Also receiving votes in the poll for the first time this season was Marian, giving the league four different schools (MSOE and Finlandia as well) to earn votes in the poll this season.

The Bulldogs, currently 9-1 in the league standings, added to their resume this season, which includes currently leading NCAA D-III hockey in scoring per game (6.07 gpg) and a victory over a Top 10 team (Adrian beat #7 Neumann, 7-6, 10/28/07). They are also closing in on the record for wins by a first-year MCHA team (Minnesota-Crookston won 15 games its first year in the league in 1999-2000).

-January 14, 2008
Adrian and Marian Move to Head of the Class
Two teams tightened their grips on a looming battle for first-place in the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association standings over the weekend, as Adrian College and Marian College both improved to 9-1 in league play with weekend sweeps. The Bulldogs took care of business against Concordia, beating the Falcons, 10-3 and 7-2. Marian, meanwhile, not only defeated MSOE for the first time in over two years, but one-upped that by taking a pair (3-2 Friday/4-3 Saturday) from the Raiders for the first time since February 7 and 8, 2004.

Not to be lost in the shuffle was Northland, who recorded 4-3 and 8-0 victories over Minnesota-Crookston to earn its first league weekend sweep since November of 2001 and also tallied its first-ever shutout against a varsity opponent. In the other series, Finlandia and Lawrence split a pair, with the Vikings winning, 5-3, Friday before the Lions roared back for a 7-2 victory Saturday to increase it's lead in the Northern Division. Of note in the Concordia/Adrian series was a near-record 70 saves by CUW goalie Justus Neumann Saturday, just missing the MCHA record of 71 (Todor Petkov, Northland College vs MSOE, 02/05/05).

Heading into the second half of the season, several MCHA names dot the NCAA rankings in numerous categories. Adrian boasts three of the top five scorers in the nation, with Shawn Skelly (16G/20A=nation-leading 36 points), Eric Miller (17G/16A) and Adam Krug (10G/22A) all in the top five. As a team, the Bulldogs also pace the nation in scoring at 6.07 goals per game and 91 total goals, with runner-up Neumann second at a 5.31 gpg clip. Adrian is also second in scoring margin at +3.07.

Other individual leaders include Finlandia's Ryan Sullivan leading the way with nine power-play goals, Marian's Carl Bresser with a high of five short-handed goals and AC's Skelly tied for first with four game-winners.

         
Left to Right: James Goodfellow (Marian) ... Daniel McIntosh (Northland) ... Eric Miller (Adrian)

Players of the Week
-Marian College Sabres junior forward James Goodfellow (Naperville, IL) keyed Marian's victories over MSOE with his play over the weekend to earn his second MCHA Player of the Week award of the year. On Friday, he had an assist before netting the game-winner halfway through the third period. Then, on Saturday, the captain and criminal justice major had three assists - including one on the game-winner - in MC's 4-3 come-from-behind win. 
Other Nominees: Josh Paquette (Finlandia), Ryan Tucker (UM-Crokston), Daniel McIntosh (Northland)

-Northland College freshman goalie Daniel McIntosh (Calgary, Alb.) gets the nod for MCHA Defensive Player of the Week for his work in the Lumberjacks noteworthy weekend. He posted his first collegiate win Friday with 26 saves. The engineering major then topped that with an 8-0 shutout Saturday, stopping 40 shots for the unprecendented shutout for Northland. For icing on the cake, he added an assist on NC's fourth goal of the night.
Other Nominees: Jason Jadczak (Marian), Tiger Marcotte (Finlandia), Jim Ryan (Lawrence), Brian Zwawa (Northland)

-Adrian College freshman forward Eric Miller (Erlanger, Kent