2008-09 MCHA
News & Notes
-May 15, 2009
Lawrence's Jennette Signs with Hunstville
Havoc
Release courtesy of the Lawrence University Sports Information Department
Contact: Joe Vanden Acker, Sports Information Director, 920-832-6878
APPLETON,
Wis. -- Lawrence University hockey standout Nick Jennette has signed
a contract to play for the Huntsville Havoc of the Southern Professional Hockey
League.
Jennette (Grand Rapids, Mich./East Grand Rapids) becomes the second Lawrence
player in as many years to sign a pro contract. Josh Peterson signed with the
Flint Generals of the International Hockey League in April 2008.
"I am extremely excited to get down there and get after it," Jennette
said. "Hopefully I can work hard enough to earn a spot on the team."
Jennette was an All-Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association selection this past
season. He scored 14 goals and added 14 assists for 28 points in 28 games.
"Nick has worked very hard over the past three seasons," Lawrence head
coach Mike Szkodzinski said. "He has grown in all aspects on and off the
ice. His competitive drive and other intangibles are going to be tough to
replace for our program but will be a great addition to the Havoc. We have no
doubt that Nick will be a great representative of the Lawrence hockey program at
the professional level."
Jennette broke or tied a number of Lawrence records this season and broke one
NCAA mark. Jennette, a six-time MCHA Player of the Week and academic
all-conference selection, set the NCAA record with 111 consecutive games played.
Jennette finished his career with school-record totals of 103 points and 48
goals. He also holds the school record of 19 career power-play goals and the
season record of 18 goals.
"I'm very grateful for everything that coach Szkodzinski and my team has
done for me. There is no way I could have done this on my own," Jennette
said. "I'm very fortunate to have this opportunity to try and get into the
lineup, but I know I have a long road ahead of me."
-April 14, 2009
NCAA Grants
Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association Automatic Qualifier for 2010
After 11 seasons of existence, the Midwest Collegiate Hockey
Association finally has what it has wanted for years – the winner of the
Harris Cup will now officially advance to the NCAA Tournament field and compete
for the national championship.
The NCAA notified MCHA Commissioner Terry Brand Tuesday
that what the league has been long-hoping for is now official. The NCAA has
indeed granted the MCHA an AQ for the winner of the league tournament starting
next season, with Brand receiving the official notice in the mail today.
“This is a huge day for the MCHA,” Brand said. “We are finally on an even
playing field with all the other NCAA Division III teams that are members of
conferences with AQ's. We are now in control of our own destiny.”
The MCHA has never had an at-large team qualify for the NCAA Tournament field in
its existence, despite the much-publicized runs by Adrian College each of the
past two seasons (going 53-4-1 in that time) and another recent attempt by MSOE
in 2006 when it went 21-5-1.
“This completes a multi-year effort to achieve this,” Brand said. “It now
allows us to
move forward with other plans for the future and do the things we can to get
more than one team in the NCAA tournament. Our coaches are elated with the fact
that they can tell a recruit he is guaranteed a chance to compete in the NCAA
Championship.”
Quotes
from other coaches and athletic directors in the MCHA:
“The news of the MCHA receiving an
automatic bid into future NCAA championships is great for all the
student-athletes and coaches who work so hard to make the MCHA a top-notch
league. The national tournament is a special honor to reach for and now our
league members can realize a dream.”
-Michael Duffy
Athletic Director,
Adrian
College
“This is a tremendous opportunity for our student athletes to be guaranteed an
opportunity to showcase their talents, sportsmanship, and institutional pride in
the national tournament.”
-Rob Barnhill
Director of Athletics,
Concordia
University
“I am sure
Lawrence
is in agreement with the rest of the conference in thinking this is a great
opportunity to further the positive growth of our conference.”
-Chris Howard
Athletic Director,
Lawrence
University
“As the new member of the league in 2009-10, the timing of the bid is terrific
for
Lake Forest
. We are really excited about our MCHA participation and the league's bright
future.”
-Jackie Slaats
Athletic Director,
Lake Forest
College
“I’m pleased with the NCAA Championship committee’s
approval of the MCHA’s automatic qualifier waiver. It was clear that
they saw the waiver as a positive step in the growth of D-III hockey and the
MCHA. As D-III adds AQ’s (MASSCAC) I look forward to the possible
expansion of the D-III tournament.”
-Mark Ostapina
Head Coach, MSOE
“This is great news for all MCHA student-athletes, as a
conference team will have an opportunity to challenge for the 2010 NCAA
Championship.”
-Ron Fogarty
Head Coach,
Adrian
College
“This is not
only a tremendous moment for the MCHA, but also for Division III college hockey
in the West Region. We feel very fortunate to be a member in a conference that
is making so many positive strides.”
-Mike Szkodzinski
Head Coach,
Lawrence
University
-April 10, 2009
MSOE's Jason Woll Signs Playoff Contract With Cyclones
Release courtesy of the MSOE Sports Information Department
Milwaukee,
Wis. - Former
Milwaukee
School
of Engineering (MSOE) senior defenseman Jason Woll (Portland, OR.) signed a playoff contract
with the 2008 Kelly Cup champion Cincinnati Cyclones.
The Cyclones are the ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Nashville Predators
and Montreal Canadians.
Woll, 24,
signed a contract on March 5, 2009 for the regular season with the Cyclones
after the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association (MCHA) playoffs.
He played in ten regular season games were he tallied three assists and
finished the season plus 7.
In the playoffs, Woll has performed in three games,
he has two assist and is currently plus 5 for the Cyclones.
"Jason is enjoying himself in Cincinnati
and is excited about the challenges of being a pro player,” said head hockey
coach Mark Ostapina. “MSOE is
proud that the Cyclones see in Jason a player who can help them in the defense
of the Kelly Cup.”
-April 9, 2009
MCHA
Players Land on All-USCHO.com Teams
Three players from the Midwest
Collegiate Hockey Association landed spots on the All-USCHO.com teams when they
were announced last week. Adrian College's Shawn Skelly, Adam Krug
and Mike Leone all earned various honors.
Skelly, the MCHA Player of the Year, earned a spot on the West First
Team, while Krug was selected for Honorable Mention honors. Leone was tabbed for
West Rookie Team Honorable Mention accolades.
A year ago, Krug - the MCHA Player of the Year that season - was a
West Second team selection and Skelly was an Honorable Mention choice.
Left to Right: Shawn Skelly, Adam Krug, Mike Leone
########################################
Release from USCHO.com below
MINNEAPOLIS (April 3) — Amherst
senior defenseman Jeff Landers has been selected the USCHO.com National Player
of the Year. The Hanover, Mass. native tallied nine goals and 33 assists this
season to lead all Division III defensemen. He led the Lord Jeffs to a
school-best 22-5-1 record and the NESCAC regular season and playoff titles.
USCHO.com has also named Neumann coach Dominick Dawes National
Coach of the Year. In his debut season, Dawes’ Knights won their first ever
Division III National Championship.
The winners and all-star teams are selected by the USCHO.com
staff. A complete list follows:
East First Team
Goal : Keith Longo, Sr., Hobart
Defense : Jeff Landers, Sr., Amherst
Defense : Nick Rolls, Sr., Plattsburgh
Forward : Jeff Hazelwood, Sr., Curry
Forward : Nikita Kashirsky, Sr., Norwich
Forward: Jamie McKenna, Sr., Middlebury
East Second Team
Goal: Cole Anderson, So., Amherst
Defense: Andy Brennan, Sr., Hobart
Defense: Karl Linden, So., Elmira
Forward : Dylan Clarke, So., Plattsburgh
Forward: Jason Hill, Sr., Buffalo State
Forward : Chris Trafford, Sr., Manhattanville
Honorable Mention: Justin Fox (Salem State), Matt Ward
(Neumann), Joey Wilson (Plattsburgh),
East Rookie Team
Goal: Ross MacKinnon, Neumann
Defense : Jeremy Gates, Neumann
Defense: Wayne Sands, Mass-Boston
Forward: Tim Coffman, Utica
Forward: Martin Drolet, Middlebury
Forward: Skylur Jameson, Wentworth
Honorable Mention: Ryan Barlock (Curry), Emmond Bell
(Norwich), Alan Dionne (Wentworth), Marlon Gardner (Neumann), Jacob Rinn
(Nichols), Erik Selleck (Oswego),
West First Team
Goal: Chad Beiswenger, Sr., UW-Superior
Defense: Chris Berenguer, So., Hamline
Defense: Nick Tabisz, So., St. Norbert
Forward: Derek Hanson, Jr., UW-Stout
Forward: David Martinson, Jr., Gustavus Adolphus
Forward: Shawn Skelly, So., Adrian
West Second Team
Goal: Steve Bounds, Sr., St. Scholastica
Defense: Adam Davis, Sr., St. Thomas
Defense: Jack Wolgemuth, Sr., UW-Stout
Forward: Braden Desmet, Jr., UW-Superior
Forward: AJ Gale, Jr., St. Norbert
Forward: AJ Tucker, Sr., St. Scholastica
Honorable Mention:Joel Gaulrapp (UW-Stout), Chris
Johnson (Augsburg), Rob Johnson (St. Thomas),Adam Krug (Adrian), Dylan Mueller
(St. Olaf)
West Rookie Team
Goal: Beau Christian, Hamline
Defense : Trevor Doden, Augsburg
Defense: Matt Morin, UW-Stout
Forward : Nick Guran, Augsburg
Forward : Jon Madden, UW-Stevens Point
Forward : Ross Ring-Jarvi,Gustavus Adolphus
Honorable Mention: Brian Arrigoni (Hamline), Chris
Fiala (Bethel), Kent Detlefsen (UW-Superior), Mike Leone (Adrian), Carl Wood
(St. Thomas)
D-III Player of the Year: Jeff Landers, Amherst
D-III Coach of the Year: Dominick Dawes, Neumann
-March 25, 2009
MCHA
Well-Represented Among Final NCAA Statistical Leaders
With the end of the regular season in the books
with the Neumann Knights winning the national championship, one look at the final
national statistics sees the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association
well-represented among the individual and team leaders.
Individually, for the
second-straight season, the Adrian College trio of Shawn Skelly, Eric
Miller and Adam Krug are once again the top three point-producers in
the country. Skelly finished as the nation's leader with 65 points, coming on 30
goals and 35 assists. Miller (18G/34A) and Krug (22G/30A) were both tied for
second with 52 points. A year ago, the trio finished Krug-Skelly-Miller at the
top of the list. In addition, Skelly finished first in total goals with 30 and
with his 1.07 goals-per-game average. He also dominated the power play goal
tally, taking first with 20, with second-place coming in at a distant 12.
Defensively, two MCHA goalies
left an impression as well, with Adrian's Brad Fogal and Lawrence's Evan
Johnson topping the charts. Fogal led the nation with 25 wins and his .948
winning percentage (25-1-1), while also placing third in goals-against-average
at 1.66. In fact, the only two that finished ahead of him were a pair of goalies
from Amherst that split time in net all year.
Johnson topped the nation in shutouts, blanking opponents on seven different
occasions over the course of the 2008-09 campaign.
Left to right: Shawn Skelly ... Eric Miller ... Adam Krug ... Evan Johnson
As a team, the Bulldogs may
have missed out on an at-large invitation to the NCAA Tournament, but did record
an impressive 10-1 victory over eventual-national champ Neumann this season en
route to a 27-1-1 record, the highest winning percentage (.948) in the land and
the only team over 90% on the season. The Bulldogs, winners of a league-record
35-consecutive MCHA games, led the nation in scoring offense (6.52) for the
second-straight year, finishing well ahead up second place (4.96), and also in
scoring margin (4.83, second was Plattsburgh's 2.89). They also posted a 1.69
GAA as a team, which ranked second. Lastly, the Bulldogs led the country in
power play at 35.9% (second was Neumann's 27.7%) and will carry a winning streak
of 26 games into next season.
-March 13, 2009
Hrkac Gets a WILD Phone Call
Release courtesy of the Concordia University Sports Information Department
Tony
Hrkac, perhaps Concordia’s best known head coach, enjoyed an18-year
professional hockey career including stints with the Anaheim Mighty Ducks,
Atlanta Thrashers, Chicago Black Hawks, Dallas Stars, Edmonton Oilers, New York
Islanders, Quebec Nordiques, San Jose Sharks, and St. Louis Blues. His
playing career spanned from 1987 to 2005… and now it may be starting over!
“I was a little surprised when I got the call from The Wild
(Minnesota) organization, but in truth it was not the first time I’ve heard
from them since coming to Concordia.”
Hrkac, who is 42, stays in great shape. He scrimmaged at the
Wisconsin Badger hockey camp last summer and a Wild assistant coach (who was
also working the clinic) was obviously impressed with the Falcon men's hockey
mentor.
The most recent call from the Wild organization came Wednesday
and the timing was right this time since the CUW Falcon hockey season is over.
“Concordia has graciously allowed me a short leave of absence so I can lace up
the skates,” laughed Hrkac.
Tony will report to the Houston Aeros AHL franchise over the
weekend and start skating next Monday. “I will have a week to practice
before my first game action.”
Hrkac, who won the Hobey Baker Award as hockey’s best
collegiate player while leading North Dakota to a National Championship in 1987,
also owns a Stanley Cup Ring (Dallas Stars 1999) and has his jersey hanging from
the Milwaukee Admiral rafters as one of that team’s all-time greats.
“I have no grand illusions,” says Hrkac, who helped the
Admirals win the Calder Cup in his most recent pro stint. “My long-term
professional commitment is to Concordia Falcon hockey. I will still make
recruiting calls during my free time. It’s just that this is an
opportunity most guys don’t get. If I can help the Minnesota Wild
organization for a couple of months, then I will be satisfied.”
Detroit’s Chris Chelios is the NHL’s oldest active player
at age 46 and Claude LeMieux (43) was recently added to the San Jose Sharks
roster at age 43 after a 5 year hiatus- so the precedent has been set.
“Let’s see what happens!” smiled Hrkac.
March 12, 2009
Cincinnati Cyclones
Add Second-Straight MCHA Alum in Adam Krug
Release courtesy of the Adrian College
Sports Information Department and www.cycloneshockey.com
CINCINNATI,
Ohio - The 2008 Kelly Cup champion Cincinnati Cyclones
announced Thursday that they have signed forward Adam Krug to a contract.
Krug, 25, signed with the Cyclones at the conclusion of the
2008-09 season for Adrian College. The Bulldogs missed out on an NCAA Division
III postseason berth despite posting a 27-1-1 record. Adrian College won its
final 26 games of the season to capture the Midwest Collegiate Hockey
Association's regular season and tournament titles. Adam was the third-leading
scorer in NCAA Division III hockey (netting the most by any senior player) with
22 goals and 30 assists for 52 points in 28 games.
The five-foot-eleven, 170 pounder from Livonia, Mich. began
his college career at Wayne State (2004-05) and played two seasons with the
Warriors, collecting 18 goals and 24 assists for 42 points in 67 games. After
Wayne State discontinued Division I hockey, Krug transferred to Adrian and was a
two-time All-MCHA selection and a two-time All-Academic choice. During 2007-08,
Adam was the MCHA Player of the Year after turning in a 30 goal, 47 assist, 77
point effort in 29 contests. He was also selected as a West Region All-American.
Krug has practiced with the team this week and is expected in
the lineup for this weekend's (March 13 and 15) games at Johnstown and Trenton.
-March 6, 2009
MSOE's Woll Signed
by 2008 Kelly Cup Champion Cincinnati Cyclones
Release courtesy of www.cycloneshockey.com
CINCINNATI,
Ohio
– The 2008 Kelly Cup champion
Cincinnati Cyclones announced today that they have signed defenseman Jason
Woll to a contract. The Cyclones are the ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s
Montreal Canadiens and Nashville Predators.
Woll,
24, is launching his professional career after finishing up his collegiate
career at Milwaukee School of Engineering. At MSOE, Jason played in 108
games and netted 14 goals to go with 63 assists for 77 points and 319 penalty
minutes. A three-time Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association All-Academic
selection, he was also selected to the MCHA All-Tournament team in 2006-07. Woll
also twice in his career earned MCHA ‘Defensive Player of the Week’ honors.
In addition, he was a four-time member of the league’s All-Conference team at
seasons end—only the third player in MCHA history to achieve this.
The
six-foot-two, 210 pounder from Portland, OR
played 29 games this season for MSOE and collected a pair of goals, dished off
21 assists for 23 points and had 45 penalty minutes. He was selected to the
Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association’s All-Tournament team, having helped the
Raiders advance to the Harris Cup’s championship game. There, MSOE was
defeated in the championship game by Adrian
College
.
Woll practiced
with the team this morning and are expected in the lineup for this weekend’s
(March 6-7) games at Reading. Both games will be aired on MAX-FM (97.7 and 99.5) beginning each night at
6:45pm.
-March 1, 2009
Adrian College
Repeats as MCHA Tournament Champions, Runs Record to Amazing 27-1-1
Game story courtesy of the Adrian College
Sports Information Department
ADRIAN,
Mich. - The Bulldog men's hockey team made easy work
of MSOE on Sunday afternoon, 7-1, and in the process hoisted the Harris Cup as
the MCHA postseason tournament winner for the second year in a row. Adrian
(27-1-1) entered the tournament a heavy favorite and did not disappoint in front
of the home fans at Arrington Ice Arena.
The first eight minutes were played evenly as both teams did
not take too many chances and were feeling each other out on the big stage.
Adrian broke into the scoring column at the 12:00 mark of the first period as
Adam Krug scored his 22nd goal of the season with assists from Quinn Waller and
Eric Miller. That goal really seemed to open the floodgates for the Bulldogs who
scored three more goals over the next 4:28 to end the period up 4-0.
Brad Houston's 16th goal of the season at 13:09 on a nice pass
from Joel Workman made it 2-0. Mike Dahlinger was left alone in front of the net
and buried a wrist shot in the top left corner of the net at 14:33 at even
strength to make it 3-0. Dahlinger's 15th goal was assisted by Mike Leone and
Reed Renaud. Waller added a power play goal on a 5-on-3 situation at 17:28 for
his third goal of the year with assists from Miller and Krug.
Adrian made it 5-0 at the 10:37 mark of the second period as
Houston went top shelf for his second goal of the game with an assist from Kyle
Watson. MSOE cut the lead to 5-1 as Matt Leitzan scored his first goal of the
season off a rebound at 11:33. Adrian added two more in the final period as
Waller had his first multi-goal game of the year with another power play tally
at 1:20 with an assist from Shawn Skelly. Sam Kuzyk ended the scoring at 5:57 of
the third for his 11th goal of the year with assists from Dahlinger and Leone.
Adrian had five recipients on the MCHA All-Tournament Team
including Krug, Waller, Houston, Miller and Brad FOgal. Miller was named the
tournament MVP for his fine efforts. Fogal made 22 saves as MSOE actually
outshot Adrian, 28-25. MSOE was 0-of-5 on the power play while Adrian was
2-of-5. The MCHA conference does not have an automatic bid into the Division III
Tournament, so Adrian will have to wait until next Sunday, March 8 to learn if
they earned an at-large bid in the tournament.
**********************************************************************************
All Tournament Team
Goalie - Brad Fogal, Adrian
Defense - Jason Woll, MSOE
Defense - Quinn Waller, Adrian
Forward - Michael Soik, MSOE
Forward - Adam Krug, Adrian
Forward - Brad Houston, Adrian
MVP - Eric Miller, Adrian
-February 27, 2009
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 Friday night in
Adrian
,
Mich.
The league's All-Conference, All-Freshman and All-Academic Teams were all
named, as well as the Player of the Year and Coach of the Year awards.
Adrian
College
was well-represented, with Shawn Skelly earning
MCHA Player of the Year honors and him and five of his teammates on the
all-conference squad for the second-straight season. Bulldog head coach Ron Fogarty was selected as the MCHA Coach of the Year.
MSOE defenseman Jason Woll became just the third player to earn
all-conference honors all four seasons, joining former Lawrence Viking Josh
Peterson (2004-08) and MSOE Raider Ryan Moren (1998-2002) on that
prestigious list.
2008-09
MCHA All-Conference (Alphabetically by
position)
Forward: Sam Aide, Concordia, Senior
Forward: Nick Jennette, Lawrence, Senior
Forward: Adam Krug, Adrian, Senior
Forward: Eric Miller, Adrian, Sophomore
Forward: Shawn Skelly, Adrian, Sophomore
Forward: Stephen Smiddy, MSOE, Junior
Defense: Quinn McIntosh, Finlandia, Junior
Defense: Chris Stansik, Adrian, Sophomore
Defense: Quinn Waller, Adrian, Sophomore
Defense: Jason Woll, MSOE, Senior
Goalie: Brad Fogal, Adrian, Sophomore
Goalie: Evan Johnson, Lawrence, Sophomore
MCHA All-Freshman Team
F: Brock King, MSOE
F: Adam Freeman, Marian
F: James Neitsch, Finlandia
D: Jameson Raymond, Lawrence
D: Ryno Linder, MSOE
G: Connor Toomey, MSOE
Player of the Year: Shawn Skelly, Adrian
Coach of the Year: Ron Fogarty, Adrian
2008-09
MCHA All-Academic Team
Adrian
- 16
Eric Bailen, Sophomore … Jeremy Cross, Sophomore … Mike Fiorillo, Sophomore
… Zach Galia, Sophomore … Bobby Hineman, Sophomore … Robert Hodnicki,
Junior * … Bradley Houston, Sophomore … Jeremy Klaver, Sophomore … Adam
Krug, Senior * … Sam Kuzyk, Sophomore … Eric Roman, Junior … Mike Towns,
Sophomore … Quinn Waller, Sophomore … Kyle Watson, Sophomore … Joel
Workman, Sophomore … Chris Stansik, Sophomore
Note: Breaks the record of 12 members set
by Minnesota-Crookston in 2003-04, Finlandia in 2006-07 and Marian in 2007-08.
Concordia - 12
Sam Aide, Senior … Joshua Farnam, Sophomore … Alec Kautzman, Junior * …
Cory Kopas, Sophomore … Erik Kroll, Sophomore … Dustin LeClaire, Sophomore
… Justus Neumann, Junior … Nicholas Prange, Junior * … Jonathan Smith,
Junior … Joel Stevenson, Sophomore … Christopher Thiess, Junior * …
Michael Wyenn, Junior
Finlandia – 12
Jim Brey, Sophomore … Ryan Donovan, Sophomore … CJ Fisher, Senior … Dan
Grille, Sophomore … Matt Krueger, Senior * … Marc Marcotte, Senior # …
Quinn McIntosh, Junior … Blake Miller, Senior # … Eric Schultz, Junior …
Bryan Solander, Junior * … Brandon VanAcker, Junior * … Matt Wylie,
Sophomore
Lawrence
– 5
Jesse Jacobs, Senior * … Matthew Jacobs, Sophomore … Aaron LaFave, Senior #
… Jon Sacks, Junior * … Billy Siers, Junior
Marian - 14
Nick Cinquegrani, Junior * … Todd Collins, Sophomore … Greg Copeland, Senior
# … Jason Ford, Junior * … Zach Gaynor, Sophomore … Bill Griffore, Senior
# … Nick Henkemeyer, Junior * … Ryan Hitchcock, Junior * … Jason Jadczak,
Senior # … Matt Lyon, Sophomore … Josh McAndrew, Senior # … Kyle
Rasmussen, Senior * … Jeff Wills, Senior # … Randy Wills, Sophomore
MSOE - 4
Aaron Humphries, Sophomore … Michael Johnson, Junior … Michael Soik,
Sophomore … Jason Woll, Senior #
Minnesota
, Crookston - 7
Martin Husicka, Sophomore … Fred Kooser, Junior * … Matt Marchel, Junior *
… Jacob Osland, Senior * … Ben Sullivan, Sophomore … Brent Swanson ,
Junior * … Nick Sylvester, Sophomore
Northland - 6
Brandon Gassi, Junior … Ryan Pageau, Sophomore … Daniel McIntosh, Sophomore
… Shaun Newman, Sophomore … Matt Tanneberg, Junior * … Brian Zwawa, Junior
Note: * = Two-Time All-Academic member ... #
= Three-time All-Academic member
-February 24, 2009
MCHA Harris Cup Four All Set
The Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association started its tournament play
last week and the seeds held form, as the top four teams all advanced to the
Harris Cup Four at Arrington Ice Arena this weekend.
Three of the four series were sweeps:
No. 1 Adrian defeated No. 8 Northland, 10-1 and 8-2
No. 2 Lawrence defeated No. 7 Concordia, 4-0 and 5-3
No. 4 Marian got by No. 5 Finlandia, 5-3 and 4-3
In the other series, No. 6 Minnesota, Crookston came out firing against No. 3
MSOE, winning Friday, 4-1. The Raiders needed a late goal Saturday to grab a 2-1
win that evened the series and then went on to win the mini-game, 2-1, to
advance.
********************************************************************
The MCHA Tournament Semifinals and Finals conclude this weekend at the Arrington
Ice Arena in Adrian, Michigan.
For game schedule
and time information, click HERE.
2009
MCHA Harris Cup Four
Saturday and Sunday -- Feb. 28-Mar. 1
Arrington Ice Arena -- Adrian, Mich.
Tournament Ticket Information
Reserved Seats - $10
General Admission (Standing Room Only) - $8
Seniors/Students (Must have college I.D.) - $4
There will also be tournament passes available:
3 Game Reserved - $25
3 Game General Admission (Standing Room Only) - $20
3 Game Seniors/Students (Must have college I.D.) - $10
Note:
Ice Arena will be cleared after first semifinal game on Saturday.
For
all ticket information, please contact Kate Hamilton (517-265-5161 Ext.
5011) at Arrington Ice Arena.
The MCHA All-Conference
Team, All-Freshman Team, Player of the Year, Coach of the Year and All-Academic
Teams will also be announced at the awards banquet Friday.
Schedule of events:
Friday, February 27
MCHA End of Season Banquet
Saturday, February 28
#1 Adrian
vs. #4
Marian at 3 p.m. EST
#2 Lawrence vs. #3 MSOE at 7 p.m. EST
Sunday, March 1
MCHA Harris Cup Championship at 3 p.m. EST
Note: The
Adrian College Sports Information Department will have Gametracker live stats
available for each game.
Also, Live Video Streaming will be available for all
three games at video.fasthockey.com
-February
21, 2009
Lawrence's Jennette Has Record-Breaking
Night Against Concordia
Nick
Jennette scored two goals, tied one school record, topped the 100-point
plateau and broke an NCAA record as the Lawrence University hockey team beat
Concordia University of Wisconsin 5-3 Saturday to sweep a Midwest Collegiate
Hockey Association quarterfinal playoff series.
Jennette, a senior forward, scored two goals to tie the school's career record
of 48 goals held by Mike Burkhart. Jennette, who had three points, also became
only the second player in school history with 100 points and now has 102. Ryan
Blick holds the school record at 103.
Jennette has not missed a game
in his four seasons at Lawrence. Friday night he tied the NCAA Division III
record of 109-consecutive games played set by Garrett Strot of Bethel (Minn.)
between 1984 and '87. Jennette broke the mark with very memorable No. 110
Saturday.
Jennette got his 100th point in the first period when he assisted on Marc Howe's
goal at 13:00 that put Lawrence up 1-0. Jennette made it 2-0 when he scored off
an assist from Howe just 18 seconds into the second period.
Jennette then sealed the win and tied the record for career goals with an
empty-net goal with just two seconds left.
Note: Information from the
LU Sports Information Department was used in this release.
-February 20, 2009
Marian's Greg Copeland a Finalist for
Hockey Humanitarian Award
From the Marian
University Sports Information Department
Marian
University announces that Greg Copeland (Lloydminister, AB) has been
selected as a finalist for one of hockey's most important awards. The senior
defenseman has been selected as a finalist for the Hockey Humanitarian Award,
sponsored by The Bank of New York Mellon.
Copeland was one of twenty-one nominees up for the award throughout the country.
Ryan Adler, Senior,
Hobart College
Andrew Brolsma, Senior,
Castleton State College
Greg Copeland, Senior,
Marian University
Ethan Cox, Junior,
Colgate University
Missy Elumba, Senior,
Northeastern University
Eric Greene, Senior,
SUNY Plattsburgh
Crysti Howsers, Senior,
Yale University
Jerad Kaufmann, Senior,
University of Nebraska at Omaha
Jeff Lerg, Senior,
Michigan State University
Dagney Willey, Senior,
University of Minnesota
Official
Release HERE.
The Foundation wants to acknowledge not only the
accomplishments of the student-athlete on-the-ice, but also the accomplishments
of personal character, scholarship, and the giving of oneself off the ice to the
larger community. The Humanitarian Award is meant to be seen as a true measure
of a person's worth, not just as an athlete, but as someone who embodies those
values that merit recognition.
Each year their Foundation board solicits nominations from
every college varsity hockey program in the country - male and female in
Divisions I-III. With the responses they receive they are treated to reading the
biographies of the latest group of distinguished nominees, men and women who
compete with both intensity and civility, respecting the rules of the game on
and off the ice, young adults who understand that giving back to one’s
community is not so much an obligation as it is a privilege and an opportunity
to enrich both their own lives and those to whom they reach out. They read not
just of Rhodes Scholar candidates, team captains, campus leaders and volunteers
helping our youth, the handicapped, the homeless, and the disadvantaged. They
also have reaffirmed each year that there are, throughout this and other college
sports, young people whose upbringing, whose coaches, and whose athletic
programs deserve notice for reasons that ultimately are far more important than
mere personal statistics or won-lost records might indicate.
Indeed, the candidates this annual award honors are not just a group of terrific
athletes, they represent future leaders in education, business, and our
communities, people who may well become our children’s teachers, employers,
and neighbors. It has always been the belief of the Foundation that there needs
to be room in our lives for both games and responsibility and that the men and
women recognized by the Humanitarian Award are really the kind of individuals
our kids should be looking up to. In the end, they claim, it is not about how
many times you touch the puck, but often you touch a life.
On-the-ice this season, Copeland has started as a defender in
twenty-two of the team's twenty-three contests. He has recorded 7 points
(2G/5A), while being a leader on defense. He has also accumulated 38 career
points.
In the classroom, Copeland is majoring in both Information
Technology and Business Administration/Economics and Finance. He sports a 3.47
cumulative GPA and has made the Dean's List three times. He has also been named
to the MCHA All-Academic Team twice as a Sabre.
Copeland is also a tireless volunteer worker for both the
Marian and Fond du Lac community. During his freshman year he quickly joined
multiple organizations to start giving back to the community which he was going
to call home for the next four years. He joined the Student Senate as the
freshman representative and joined the Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC)
as the hockey representative. Over the course of the year he helped raise over
$1,000 in donations towards the house build for the Fond du Lac Habitat for
Humanity project. He also got the SAAC involved with the local elementary
schools to start a reading program for children. He helped set up and create the
Marian University Cans Across the Conference donation site. Greg was a key
member in setting up the annual clean-up for Earth Day. He also
volunteered his time at the local ice arena, refereeing the youth hockey
tournaments and helping as a coach from time-to-time for the youth programs. Finally,
he volunteered his time in a support role for the annual Sabre Walk/Run and
Big-Band Concert.
During his sophomore year he signed on as a Resident Advisor
for the duplexes on the Marian University campus and took over the President
position for the SAAC. He continued to be involved with the endeavors from his
freshman year. Add to this, the set-up and running of an informational night on
the dangers and affects of alcohol abuse. Greg also helped with the set-up of
the annual on-campus Sexual Awareness week, Alcohol awareness Week, and
Halloween Night for the kids with the help of the Phi Sigs fraternity. He
continued to create awareness in the community for the Hockey and Baseball
programs on campus as he started the creation of game flyers to promote both
sports. Once again he participated in youth hockey programs as a volunteer
referee and a helper coach.
As a junior at Marian, Greg continued to stay involved as the
President of SAAC. He joined the Student Senate briefly as an interim
Parliamentarian. Greg began working on campus in the Information Technology
department and with the Institutional Research division as a website creator. He
continued to be involved in Reading Day, Make a Difference Day, Habitat for
Humanity, Cans Across the Conference, and Earth Day. His new project was helping
set-up and run the first annual Kid’s Night on Marian University’s campus,
which brought the kids of the community on campus to play fun activities like
floor hockey, kickball, and watch a movie. All donations received were donated
back to Habitat for Humanity and their new build in the community. Greg
volunteered his time in creating awareness for the 1st annual Marian
Hockey “Pink Out” raising money to fight breast cancer. All the donations
from the game went to breast cancer research.
In his final year at Marian, Greg has continued as the
president of the SAAC at Marian. He is still volunteering his time as a
youth hockey coach and is part of the reading group for the elementary kids at
the local schools. He went a step further in promoting the Men’s Hockey
“Pink Out” game this year, as he and his fellow captain walked the streets
of Fond du Lac passing out flyers to store owners and hand delivering the
message door-to-door. He now has an internship at Hometown Bank and was
part of the annual Make a Difference Day which teamed up with Habitat for
Humanity this year. Greg will be a main volunteer in Earth day, and the 2nd
annual Kid’s Night at Marian.
Finalists were announced on the Hockey Humanitarian Award
Foundation website (www.hockeyhumanitarian.org),
and later, the Award's 14th recipient will be named in a ceremony on
Friday, April 10 at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC in conjuction with the
2009 NCAA Frozen Four.
-February 16, 2009
MCHA Regular Season Comes to a Close
The 11th season of play in the
Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association has come to a close and tournament play
begins this upcoming weekend. The tournament seedings have now been set based on
what happened over the course of the weekend on the ice.
Adrian
College
(20-0-0), which had already secured its second-straight MCHA regular season
crown and the No. 1 seed in the event, will play host to eighth-seeded
Northland
College
(1-18-1). The Bulldogs completed just the second-ever undefeated regular season
in MCHA history with two wins over Concordia on the weekend, joining Marian
(which went 16-0-0 in 2001-02) in the record book.
Lawrence
University
(14-5-1), already the holder of the No. 2 seed as the Northern Division winner,
did end up claiming the overall second spot as well after a split with
Finlandia
University
. The Vikings claimed a 2-1 victory Saturday to set a record for most wins in a
season in program history. They will host Concordia (4-16-0), which finished as
the No. 7 seed.
MSOE stayed hot and took care of business against
Marian
University
, winning both games of a home-and-home series last weekend to move past the
Sabres in the standings. The Raiders (12-7-1) are the No. 3 seed and will host
Minnesota
, Crookston (5-15-0), which moved up to the No. 6 spot with a weekend sweep of
Northland.
The Sabres (11-8-1) held on to the last spot for home ice despite the losses,
and will host Finlandia (10-8-2) in the No. 4 vs. No. 5 match-up in the
tournament.
As far as the record book goes, Adrian’s Shawn
Skelly and Brad Fogal left quite an impression this season, as Skelly broke
league marks for goals, assists and points as a sophomore as well as the mark
for most power play goals in a season. Fogal set a record with 19 wins (he is
now 33-0-0 in two years), as well as 1,078:30 minutes. The team’s 1.25 GAA
broke the old mark and so did it’s power play (34.8).
(Old standard in parentheses)
Points by a sophomore: 47, Skelly (36, Lee Swallow,
MSOE, 2005-06)
Goals by a sophomore: 23, Skelly (18, Ryan Sullivan, Finlandia, 2006-07)
Assists by a sophomore: 24, Skelly (23, Lee Swallow, MSOE, 2005-06)
Power play goals: 16, Skelly (10, Sullivan in 2006-07 and 2007-08)
Note: Skelly leads the nation with 19 power play goals … second has 10
Games by a goalie: 19, Fogal (Tie: 19, Bo Storozuk,
Northland College, 2006-2007)
Wins: 19, Fogal (14,
Fogal)
Best W-L %: 1.000, Fogal (19-0-0)
Most minutes: 1078:30, Fogal (1053:17, Bo Storozuk, Northland College,
2006-2007)
All game dates and times are available on the MCHA
schedule page. The chase for the Harris Cup starts this weekend with the first
round of the playoffs Feb. 20-21. The opening round is a two-game series with
possible mini-game. The winners will advance to the MCHA Harris Cup Four, hosted
by
Adrian
College
at the Arrington Ice Arena.
Left to Right: Nick Jennette
(Lawrence) ... Conner Toomey (MSOE) ... Bryan Dalbec (Crookston)
Players of
the Week
-Lawrence University Vikings senior forward Nick
Jennette (Grand Rapids, Mich.) is the MCHA Player of the Week for his role in his team’s play securing
the second overall record in the league standings. The biology major scored an
unassisted goal in Friday’s game and then followed that up with the
game-winning goal and an assist in Saturday’s finale. He finished weekend +2
with three points while playing against Finlandia’s top scoring line.
Other Nominees: Fred Kooser (Crookston), Chris Stansik (Adrian), Connor Toomey (MSOE)
-Milwaukee School of Engineering Raiders freshman goalie Conner
Toomey (Burlington, Mass.) is this week’s MCHA Defensive Player of the Week. Just when the Raiders
needed it the most, the business major stepped up with two victories, posting a
1.50 GAA while recording back-to-back 46-save performances.
Other Nominees: Jim Ryan (Lawrence), Chris Stansik (Adrian)
-University
of
Minnesota, Crookston Golden Eagles freshman goalie Bryan
Dalbec (Superior, Wis.) earns
MCHA Freshman of the Week accolades for his play in his team’s weekend sweep
of Northland. He stopped 32 of 33 shots, had a .970 save percentage, held
the Lumberjacks to a 1-for-13 showing on the power play and posted a shutout on
Saturday.
Other Nominees: Kyle Smith (MSOE), Chris Thompson (Marian), Matt Hughes (Lawrence)
-February 12, 2009
Daniel McIntosh of Northland College
Appears in This Week's Sports Illustrated
The Midwest Collegiate
Hockey Association has received some national recognition courtesy of Northland
goalie Daniel McIntosh, who broke a 36-year old NCAA record when he made
95 saves against Adrian College Jan. 23. He is among the six finalists to appear
in the "Faces In the Crowd" feature in Sports Illustrated that
hit the newsstands this week.
McIntosh, who was named the MCHA Defensive Player of the Week after making 134
saves in two games (.937 save percentage) against the then-No. 8 team in the
country, broke the
previous record of 77, held by John Herud of Nichols
College against Maine back in 1973. It is also a new mark for most saves
at any NCAA level.
It can be viewed online at:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/scorecard/faces/2009/02/16/
-February 9, 2009
Lawrence Wraps Up Division Race, Adrian
Stays Perfect
With just one weekend of play left in the
Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association regular season, the division titles have
been wrapped up but plenty of drama remains for the rest of the seedings for the
postseason.
Lawrence
University
claimed the Northern Division title, improving to 13-4-1 (27 points) with two
wins over Northland
College. The Vikings won 3-0 Friday and then added a 4-0 win Saturday.
Adrian
College, which moved back to No. 8 in the USCHO.com National Poll today, kept the
possibility of a perfect conference record alive by dropping MSOE to move to
18-0 with just the two games left. The Bulldogs defeated the Raiders 5-0 Friday
and 7-1 in the finale. They look to become the second MCHA team to go unbeaten
in regular season play, joining the Marian
College
squad of 2001-02 that went 16-0-0.
Finlandia turned in an impressive weekend, scoring 13
goals in two victories over Minnesota, Crookston. The Lions came out and posted a 7-1 win Friday before sweeping with
a 6-1 win Saturday. In the other series, Marian and Concordia split a
home-and-home series, with the Falcons upsetting the Sabres, 4-3 in overtime,
Friday at home.
Adrian
holds the No. 1 seed for the upcoming MCHA Tournament and Lawrence the No. 2 at
this point. The showdown for No.’s 3-4-5 will be an entertaining one, as
Marian (23 points), MSOE (21 points) and Finlandia (20) will all be battling
down to the wire. The Sabres and Raiders play each other this weekend, while the
Lions head south to play Lawrence. Adrian
visits Concordia with visions of 20-0 awaiting them at the end of the weekend.
Left to Right: Brandon
VanAcker (Finlandia) ... Brad Fogal (Adrian) ... Charlie Benik (Finlandia)
Players
of the Week
-Finlandia University Lions junior forward Brandon
VanAcker (Lincoln Park, Mich.) is this week’s MCHA Player of the Week. His play sparked the Lions to
back-to-back wins, posting two assists in Friday’s win and four more points (2
PP G/2A) on Saturday to complete the weekend sweep. He was +3 on the weekend and
helped the power play unit go 5-for-15 in the two games.
-Adrian College Bulldogs sophomore goalie Brad Fogal (Sharon, ONT) is the
MCHA Defensive Player of the Week for a league-best fourth time this season. He
nearly posted back-to-back shutouts in victories over MSOE. He made 17 stops in
the 5-0 win and stopped 19 of 20 shots Saturday to move to 17-0-0 on the year in
league play.
-Finlandia University Lions freshman forward Charlie
Benik (Andover, Minn.) gives his team two award-winners after earning MCHA Freshman of the Week
honors. He scored the first hat trick of his career Friday and added an assist.
He followed that up with another assist in Saturday’s victory and finished the
weekend +3 on the ice.
-February 2, 2009
Adrian Claims Second-Straight MCHA
Regular Season Title
With a sweep at home of Marian University, Adrian College claimed its
second-consecutive Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association regular season crown in
extending its win streak in league games to 31. After a tight 3-1 victory on
Friday, the Bulldogs made it official with a convincing 10-1 win Saturday in
front of another sellout crowd to extend their win streak on the season to
18-straight overall.
Yet Adrian, now 19-1-1 on the year, slipped a spot in the USCHO.com National Poll released
today, dropping from No. 8 to No. 9 after the undefeated weekend.
Lawrence
University stays hot, winning two more games to solidify its lead in the Northern Division
and also moved into second place overall. The Vikings have gone 8-2-1 in their
past 11 games and moved to 11-4-1 in league play with 2-0 and 5-4 victories over
Minnesota, Crookston over the weekend.
MSOE closed the gap between itself and Marian in the
standings with a sweep of Concordia to get to 10-5-1 in the league standings.
The Raiders posted victories of 7-1 on the road and 6-4 at home against the
Falcons.
In the other series, Finlandia earned three points against Northland, winning
4-0 Friday before posting a 2-2 tie Saturday evening.
On the schedule this upcoming weekend:
Adrian
will look to extend its winning streaks at home against MSOE and Lawrence
looks to wrap up the North when it hosts Northland.
Left to Right: Shawn Skelly
(Adrian) ... Brad Fogal (Adrian) ... Jameson Raymond (Lawrence)
Player
of the Week
-Adrian College Bulldogs sophomore forward Shawn
Skelly (Wolverine Lake, Mich.) is the MCHA Player of the Week for the fourth time
this season. The leading scorer in the nation put his stamp on AC’s victories,
starting things off with two goals – including the game-winner - in the 3-1
win Friday. He topped that with a hat trick Saturday to clinch the title. His
point total of 41 (20G/21A) earns him a couple of more records – the 41 points
(old record was 36) and 20 goals (was 18) are new MCHA records for sophomores.
His 13 power play goals (was 10) is also a new standard.
Other Nominees: Michael Johnson (MSOE), Nigel Smith (Minnesota, Crookston)
-Adrian College Bulldogs sophomore goalie Brad Fogal (Sharon, ONT) gives
AC two awards this week as he is the MCHA Defensive Player of the Week for the
third time this season. He posted his 14th and 15th wins in league play to break
his own record for wins in a season (he was a perfect 14-0-0 a year ago). He was
instrumental in the penalty kill, being perfect on the weekend (an impressive
0-for-16) and now has league-leading totals of a 1.19 GAA and .946 save
percentage.
Other Nominees: Michael Johnson (MSOE), Matt Marchel (Minnesota, Crookston), Jameson Raymond (Lawrence)
-
Lawrence
University
freshman defenseman Jameson Raymond (Flint, Mich.) adds MCHA Freshman of the Week honors to his resume after being named for
the defensive honor earlier this season. The history major scored both
game-winners this weekend for his team. He finished the weekend +3 and was a top
penalty-kill player for Lawrence. The two wins move LU into second overall.
Other Nominees: Brock King (MSOE), Bryan Dalbec (Minnesota, Crookston), Mike Leone (Adrian)
-January 26, 2009
Adrian College Breaks Record for
Consecutive Wins in League Play
With a weekend sweep of Northland
College, No. 8 Adrian adds another entry to the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association
record book. The Bulldogs have now won 29-consecutive regular season league
games, breaking the mark of 27 held by Marian
University
(then College) from 2000-2003. AC won its games, 4-0 and 5-0, to move to 17-1-1
overall on the year and to a perfect 14-0-0 in league play.
The team also played the U.S. National Under-18 Team Tuesday, winning an
exciting game, 5-4 on a third period goal by Adam
Krug, after falling behind 3-1 early. The game was played in front of a
packed house of 735 at Arrington Ice Arena. They remain, once again, at No. 8 in
the national USCHO.com poll.
Not to be lost in the shuffle is the NCAA record that Northland’s Daniel
McIntosh established Friday, when he shattered the record for saves in a
game when he stopped and eye-opening 95 shots to break the former mark of 77.
The old league mark, 71 set by Northland’s Todor Petkov in February of 2005,
fell as well.
In addition to the AC/NC series, Marian and Lawrence battled through a
hard-fought home-and-home slate, with the Sabres earning a 2-0 win in
Appleton
Friday before the two teams settled for a 1-1 tie in Fond du Lac. The Vikings also played
Bethel
Monday, falling 4-1.
In the other league series, MSOE traveled to Finlandia and came back with three
points, earning a 3-3 tie Saturday before taking a 5-0 win in the finale Sunday
afternoon. The Raiders made it a 2-0-1 week by downing Concordia, 6-3, Tuesday
as well.
Four league series dot the schedule this upcoming weekend, with Adrian
hosting Marian in what is the No. 1 vs. No. 2 seeds in the Southern Division.
Left to Right: Michael Soik (MSOE) ... Daniel McIntosh (Northland) ... Mike
Leone (Adrian)
Players
of the Week
-Milwaukee School of Engineering sophomore forward
Michael Soik (Stevens Point,
Wis.) makes a quick impression in his return from injury in being named the MCHA
Player of the Week. The mechanical engineering major was an impact player on the
ice for MSOE this week, tallying two game-winning goals among his five points
(3G/2A) in three games (team went 2-0-1) while recording a +3 total.
Other Nominees: Daniel McIntosh (Northland)
-Northland
College
sophomore goalie Daniel McIntosh (Calgary, Alberta) may be the first player to earn MCHA Defensive Player of the Week after
going 0-2, but it was hard to argue with his record-breaking performance. He
made 95 saves Friday and then 39 more on Saturday, giving him a .937 save
percentage on the weekend against the No. 8 team in the country.
Other Nominees: Chris Keller (MSOE), Jason Jadczak (Marian)
-Adrian
College
freshman forward Mike Leone (Dearborn, Mich.) is the MCHA Freshman of the Week after recording a goal and an assist in
each game on the weekend - including the game winning goal on Friday. He was +4
for the weekend while scoring four points (2G/2A) and is tied for third in the
country in scoring (34 points on 11G/23A) after netting 15 points (6G/9A) in
just seven games after transferring to Adrian.
Other Nominees: Ryno Linder (MSOE)
-January 23, 2009
McIntosh Breaks NCAA Record for Saves in
a Game
It may look like just a 4-0 loss on the scoreboard, but the game
between No. 8 Adrian College and Northland College Friday night will be one for
the record books.
Sophomore
Goalie Dan McIntosh (Calgary, AB) was able to break a thirty-six
year old NCAA record for Division III hockey by saving 95 shots in the game. The
previous record of 77 was held by John Herud of Nichols College against Maine
back in 1973. Going into tonight's game, McIntosh was in the conference
lead for saves on the season with 564 saves.
The list for most saves in an MCHA game:
Game: 95-Daniel
McIntosh, Northland College vs. Adrian, 01/23/09
71-Todor Petkov, Northland College vs. MSOE, 02/05/05
70-Justus Neumann, Concordia University vs. Adrian College, 1/12/08
65-Todor Petkov, Northland College vs. Marian, 11/12/04
63-Alexander Koeppen, Concordia University vs. Lawrence University, 1/19/08
62-Dustin Le Claire, Concordia University vs. Marian College, 12/8/07
-January 19, 2009
No. 8 Adrian, Lawrence Extend Division
Leads With Sweeps
The No. 8 Adrian Bulldogs and the Lawrence
Vikings both increased their division leads in the Midwest Collegiate Hockey
Association play, with Adrian
moving to 12-0-0 with a sweep of Minnesota, Crookston and Lawrence
improving to 9-3-0 after recording a pair of W’s over Concordia.
The Bulldogs, who once again remained at No. 8 in this week’s USCHO.com
National Poll, dropped wins of 13-1 and 11-1 on the Golden Eagles, while the
Vikings stopped the Falcons, 5-3 and 6-3.
AC is now 15-1-1 on the year, has won 14-straight overall this season and also
improved its winning streak in conference games (dating back to last season) to
an impressive 27 contests to tie the league record first set by Marian (then
College) covering the 2000-01 to the 2002-03 campaigns.
Marian
University
helped LU’s cause in the standings, as the Sabres played host to Finlandia
and also recorded a weekend sweep, topping the Lions 3-2 in overtime Friday
before taking a 6-4 win Saturday.
In the final series, MSOE topped Northland twice, winning
4-2 Friday before a 10-0 blowout Saturday.
In addition to more conference play this upcoming weekend, Lawrence
took on Bethel
today and Adrian
welcomes the U-18 US Nationals team on Tuesday.
Left to Right: Shawn Skelly (Adrian) ... Bobby Hineman (Adrian) ... Justin
Cormier (Marian)
Players of
the Week
-Adrian College Bulldogs sophomore forward Shawn
Skelly (Wolverine Lake, Mich.) is this week’s MCHA Player of the Week for the scoring outburst he had
in his team’s weekend sweep. He wins his third award of the season as his 5
goal/4 assist/9 point weekend was a league high and gives him 45 points overall
(20G/25A) to lead the nation in scoring by 10 points over second place. He had
two goals - including the game-winner – and three assists in Fridays 13-1 win.
Then he followed that up with two goals, including a power play goal (tying the
record for most power play goals in a season with 10), along with two more
assists. In addition to his nine points, he was also +7 on the ice for the
weekend.
Other Nominees: Justin Cormier (Marian), Matt Buha (MSOE)
-Adrian College Bulldogs sophomore defenseman Bobby
Hineman (Odessa, Ontario) gives his squad a pair of winners as he is the MCHA Defensive Player of
the Week. He had three assists and was +2 in Friday’s win before adding two
more assists in Saturday’s win. He helped hold the Golden Eagles without a
power play goal in 10 chances and was +4 on the weekend.
Other Nominees: Connor Toomey (MSOE)
-Marian
University
freshman forward Justin Cormier (Calgary, Alberta) is this week’s MCHA Freshman of the Week. He had a big weekend in the
Sabres’ sweep of Finlandia, assisting or scoring each game-winner. He started
the weekend off by assisting on the game-tying goal and game-winning tally OT.
He finished Friday night’s
game with two assists and a +2 rating. He followed that performance with
the game-winning goal Saturday and also scoring the
empty-netter to seal the victory and sweep of Finlandia. He was again +2
and had weekend totals of two goals and two assists for four points. More
importantly, it was the first Marian sweep of Finlandia since the Lions joined
the MCHA in 2004-2005.
Other Nominees: Brock King (MSOE), Mike Leone (Adrian)
-January 16, 2009
Adrian College Set to Play USDL U-18
Squad
The Adrian College Men’s Varsity team will take on the U.S.D.L.
U-18 team here at Arrington Arena on
Tuesday, January 20 at 7 p.m.
The U.S.D.L. U-18 team trains out of Ann Arbor and is comprised of what are
considered to be the best hockey players in the entire USA that are 18 years old
and under. Currently there are 16 players on their team that are on the
midterm rankings for the 2009 NHL Entry Draft in June. The roster also
features a few players that will be 1st Round Draft picks and many
others that will be drafted. Adrian College played them in Ann Arbor last
year and beat them in overtime 6-5. This should be a very exciting game!
Tickets are $10/seat and available for purchase by calling Kate Hamilton
at 517-265-5161 ext. 5011. Standing
room is free for all Adrian College Staff members by showing their ID at the
door.
-January 12, 2009
Lawrence Moves Into Top Spot in Northern
Division, Adrian Sweeps Again
The league standings continue to get more
interesting, as Lawrence
University
made the long road trip to Finlandia and came out of it with a two-game sweep
of the Lions. The Vikings opened the weekend with a 3-1 win on Friday and then
topped that with a 3-2 win in overtime Saturday – scoring the winning goal
with 0.7 seconds remaining on the clock. With the pair of victories, LU moves
into first place in the Northern Division standings at 7-3-0, while FU falls to
6-4-0.
Adrian continues to pile up wins, taking a pair of games from Concordia to extend its
winning streak to 12 games on the year in posting back-to-back shutouts (9-0 and
7-0) of the Falcons. The Bulldogs improve to 10-0-0 in league play with the
sweep and remains at No. 8 in this week’s USCHO.com National Poll released
this afternoon. In the national statistics, Shawn Skelly (36 points on 16g/20a), Adam Krug (28 on 12g/16a) and Eric
Miller (28 on 13g/15a) remain the top three total point-producers in the
nation.
Not to be outdone,
Minnesota, Crookston also swept a league series, taking wins of 4-2 and 9-2 over
Northland
College. In the other series, Marian
University
and MSOE split a home-and-home date, with the Raiders winning, 4-3, Wednesday
in
Fond du Lac
and the Sabres pulling out the 3-2 win at the Kern
Center
Friday.
More conference action dots the schedule this coming weekend with all eight
teams squaring off Friday and Saturday. Northland also gets things underway with
a non-conference tilt against No. 4 St. Scholastica Tuesday.
Players of the
Week
Left to Right: Josh DeSmit (Lawrence) ... Jameson Raymond (Lawrence) ...
Nigel Smith (Minnesota, Crookston)
-Lawrence University Vikings sophomore
forward Josh DeSmit (New Hope, Minn.) wins MCHA Player of the Week honors for his heroics in LU’s sweep of
Finlandia. The studio art major started things out Friday with an assist on the
game-tying goal and a +2 rating on the ice. He topped that Saturday by scoring
the game-tying goal late in the third period before adding the winner in
overtime with just 0.7 seconds left on the clock while again finishing +2.
Other Nominees:
Mike
Towns
(Adrian), Stephen Smiddy (MSOE), Fred Kooser (Crookston)
-Lawrence University Vikings freshman defenseman Jameson
Raymond (Flint, Mich.) gives his team two award winners this week as the MCHA Defensive Player of
the Week. The history major scored the game-tying goal in Friday’s win and
then added two assist Saturday – including one on the game-winner in overtime.
He helped hold the Lions to a 1-for-13 showing on the power play and finished
the weekend +5 on the ice.
Other Nominees: Jason Woll (MSOE), Matt Marchel (Crookston), Jeremy Cross (Adrian)
-University of Minnesota, Crookston Golden Eagles freshman forward Nigel
Smith (White Rock, British Columbia) scored two goals and added an
assist for three points on the weekend to claim MCHA Freshman of the Week
honors. In Friday’s 4-2 victory, Smith scored a goal. He added a goal and an
assist in Saturday’s 9-3 victory to give his team the sweep and recorded 10
shots on goal.
Other Nominees: Brock King (MSOE), Mike Leone (Adrian), Jameson Raymond (Lawrence)
-January 5, 2009
Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association
Returns to the Ice in 2009
The MCHA returned to action after the holidays, with five teams
playing non-conference contests. The #9 Adrian Bulldogs extended their winning
streak to 10 games, taking to the road to knock off St. John’s
in a game they led 4-0 en route to a 5-2 victory.
As a result, the Bulldogs have moved up a spot to No. 8 in this week's USCHO.com
national poll.
MSOE played a home-and-home with defending national champion St. Norbert,
falling 3-0 on the road and 7-2 at home. Minnesota, Crookston played two tough
opponents, falling to two teams receiving votes in the national poll in
UW-Stevens Points and UW-Eau Claire. Northland fell, 6-2, at the hands of #7 St.
Scholastica and Concordia tied and lost in its home-and-home set against Lake Forest
College, earning a 2-2 draw on the road Saturday night. Lastly, Finlandia was supposed
to play a two-game series against Salve Regina, only to see those games get
cancelled.
Conference play rules the upcoming weekend, as Adrian
hosts Concordia, Finlandia hosts Lawrence
and Crookston welcomes Northland on the weekend. Marian and MSOE will also play
a pair, scheduled for Wednesday in
Fond du Lac
and Friday in downtown
Milwaukee.
Left to Right: Kyle Watson (Adrian) ... Brad Fogal (Adrian) ... Ben Plocar (MSOE)
Players
of the Week
-Adrian College Bulldogs sophomore forward Kyle
Watson (Stittsville, Ontario) wins his first MCHA Player of the Week award for his work in AC’s road
victory over St. John’s. He opened the scoring in the first period to get things rolling and also
assisted on a shorthanded goal in the third period that put the game away.
-Adrian College Bulldogs sophomore goalie Brad Fogal (Sharon, ONT) is
honored as the MCHA Defensive Player of the Week for the second time this
season. He held St. John’s
scoreless well into the third period while making 23 saves. The victory was his
11th of the season and 31st of his career. His .885
winning percentage (11-1-1) this season is ranked sixth nationally and only one
goalie has more wins than his 11 in NCAA D-III hockey so far this season.
-Milwaukee School of Engineering Raiders freshman defenseman Ben Plocar (Elkhart Lake, Wis.) is this week’s MCHA Freshman of the Week. The business major played well
against defending champ St. Norbert over the weekend while also tallying his
first career goal Saturday.
-December 8, 2008
Weekend Sweeps Highlight MCHA Play
All four league series resulted in sweeps, as
No. 8 Adrian, Finlandia, Marian and Lawrence all earned a pair of victories and four points over the weekend.
The Bulldogs made the trip to the Kern Center, with MSOE hanging tough but AC earning two hard-fought, one-goal victories by
scores of 2-1 Friday and 6-5 Saturday. Finlandia kept its grip on the lead in
the Northern Division, taking a pair from
Minnesota
, Crookston by scores of 5-2 Friday and 6-2 Saturday. Marian took a
home-and-home series from Concordia, topping the Falcons 5-1 Friday and 6-2
Saturday. Lastly, the Vikings made the long trip to Northland and brought back a
pair of wins, topping the Lumberjacks, 5-0 and 7-1.
MSOE also earned a 4-0 victory over CUW midweek.
Adrian
remained No. 8 in today’s USCHO.com national poll. Schedule-wise, just a pair
of league games this week with Crookston at Concordia. Besides that, just two
other games will be played before the calendar turns to 2009, as Finlandia hosts
No. 2 UW-Superior Dec. 13 and then welcomes Salve Regina Dec. 31.
The next player of the week awards will be given out Jan.
5, 2009.
Left to Right: Adam Krug (Adrian) ... Quinn McIntosh (Finlandia) ... Ben
DiMarco (Lawrence)
Players
of the Week
-Adrian College Bulldogs senior forward Adam Krug (Livonia,
Mich.) is the MCHA Player of the Week. Krug assisted the game winning goal during
Friday's 2-1 victory and then had a hand in half of his team’s goals in
Saturday’s 6-5 win by recording two goals and another assists.
Other Nominees: Stephan Smiddy (MSOE), Justin Cormier (Marian), Jimmy Brey
(Finlandia)
-Finlandia University Lions junior defenseman Quinn
McIntosh (Lucky Lake, Saskatchewan) is this week’s MCHA Defensive Player of the Week. He helped the Lions to
two wins with his play, assisting on two goals in each game on the weekend. He
also helped limit the Golden Eagles’ power plat and finished +5 on the
weekend.
Other Nominees: Jameson Raymond (Lawrence), Quinn Waller (Adrian), Ryan Hitchcock (Marian)
-Lawrence University Vikings freshman forward Ben
DiMarco (Galvestan, Tex.) earns his second MCHA Freshman of the Week honor for his play against
Northland this past weekend. He scored two goals in each game, highlighted by
being credited for the game-winner each contest. The economics major netted his
pair of goals in just a 14-second span Friday.
Other Nominees: Justin Cormier (Marian), Connor Toomey (MSOE), Jimmy Brey
(Finlandia)
-December 1, 2008
MSOE's Near-Upset Highlights Light Week
on the Ice
The Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association had
just a light schedule over the Thanksgiving weekend, but one of the games was
one to remember when the MSOE Raiders took No. 2 UW-Superior to overtime and
earned a point with a 3-3 tie on the road. The Raiders led, 3-2, in the third
period, only to see
Superior
tie the game at the 14:44 mark of the final period. Conner
Toomey made 39 saves to earn the draw.
“This is a big step for the program in regards showing that we can play with
anyone,” MSOE head coach Mark Ostapina said
in a release from MSOE’s website. “To get a tie in their barn shows that we
had the opportunity to win. We played well enough to win. The whole team played
well … Toomey played extremely well.”
The decision marked the 10th time in the past five years that an MCHA
team earned a win or tie against a team ranked in the USCHO.com National Poll,
and came against the highest-ranked opponent (Superior
was No. 2) on the list:
MSOE tied #2 UW-Superior, 3-3, 11/29/08
Marian tied #12 UW-River
Falls, 4-4, 10/24/08
Adrian
beat #7 Neumann, 7-6, 10/28/07
Marian tied #4 UW-River Falls, 4-4, 1/4/07
Finlandia beat #4 UW-Superior, 5-3, 12/16/06
Finlandia beat #12 MSOE, 6-5, 2/18/06
MSOE beat #11 Babson, 3-2, 11/26/05
Marian tied #3 St. Norbert, 3-3, 11/26/04
Marian beat #5 UW-River
Falls, 4-2, 1/9/04
Crookston tied #9 St. John’s, 3-3, 12/13/03
The league returns to conference play this weekend, with Finlandia at Crookston,
Lawrence at Northland, Concordia at Marian, and Adrian – which remained at No.
8 in this week’s poll – at MSOE.
Left to Right: Conner Toomey (MSOE) ... Jason Woll (MSOE) ... Adam Freeman
(Marian)
Players
of the Week:
-Milwaukee School of Engineering Raiders freshman
goalie Conner Toomey (Burlington, Mass.) is the MCHA Player of the Week. The business major had an outstanding game
against
Superior
, stopping 39 of 42 shots in nearly pulling the upset over the No. 2 team in the
country. The three goals he did allow came against a team averaging over 5.5
goals a game coming into the contest.
-Milwaukee School of Engineering Raiders senior defenseman Jason
Woll (Portland, Ore.) gives MSOE two honorees this week as the MCHA Defensive Player of the
Week. He played a pivotal role in the game against Superior
in penalty kill, power-play and 5-on-5 situations. The business major finished
even for the game.
-Marian University Sabres freshman forward Adam
Freeman (Wauwatosa, Wis.) makes it back-to-back (and three on the season) MCHA Freshman of the Week
honors. Adam had a hand in three of Marian’s four goals in a 5-4 overtime loss
to UW-River
Falls. He scored once and assisted two others, finishing with three points and a +1
rating in a game where his team allowed five goals.
-November 24, 2008
Adrian College Up Two Spots to No. 8 in
National Poll
Adrian
College
swept the weekend series pitting two previously-unbeaten league teams, topping Marian
University
by scores of 4-2 and 5-2 to improve to 6-0 in league play and extend its win
streak in MCHA play to 21-consecutive games. As a result, the Bulldogs, now
8-1-1, have moved up a pair of spots in the USCHO.com national poll released
today, and now sit at No. 8 – tied for the highest-ever spot for an MCHA team
(a feat first accomplished by AC a year ago).
Finlandia kept its grip on the lead in the Northern
Division, taking a pair from Northland by scores of 5-2 and 3-0 to move to 4-2
in league play.
Lawrence
University
made it a sweep-filled weekend, taking pair of games from Minnesota, Crookston. The Vikings won by scores of 5-0 and 8-0 to get back to .500 in
league play at 3-3.
MSOE was off this week, while Concordia fell twice to #14 Hamline. The
Thanksgiving schedule is a bit light this week, with teams getting in some
nonconference action over the holiday. Highlights include several games against
ranked teams, with MSOE squaring off against #2 UW-Superior Saturday and Lawrence
playing defending national champ and third-ranked St. Norbert as well on
Saturday.
Left to Right: Shawn Skelly
(Adrian) ... Nick Jennette (Lawrence) ... Evan Johnson (Lawrence) ... Adam
Freeman (Marian)
Players
of the Week
-Adrian College Bulldogs sophomore forward Shawn
Skelly (Wolverine Lake, Mich.) and Lawrence University Vikings senior forward
Nick
Jennette (Grand Rapids, Mich.) become the first pair of players to share MCHA Player of the Week honors
this season. In a battle of the top-two teams from the preseason poll, Skelly
paced his
Adrian
squad to a sweep with a five point weekend to earn his second POW honor of the
year. He started things with a goal and two assists in Friday’s 4-2 win and
then had two more goals the next day in a 5-2 victory. He currently leads the
nation in points and is just one point away from 100 for his career (overall) in
just 39 games. Jennette played a vital role in his team’s pair of wins,
netting a league-best seven points (3G/4A) on the weekend. The biology major had
a power-play goal and an assist Friday and then topped that with two goals and
three assists – all coming on goals by Marc Howe – Saturday.
Other Nominees: Keith Johnstone (Finlandia)
-Lawrence University Vikings sophomore goalkeeper Evan
Johnson (Suwanee, GA
) gives LU two of the weekly honors, as he is the MCHA Defensive Player of
the Week. The economics major posted back-to-back shutouts over Crookston,
setting a new Viking record with three shutouts in a season and tying the
school’s career mark with his fourth.
Other Nominees: Brad Fogal (Adrian)
-Marian University Sabres freshman forward Adam
Freeman (Wauwatosa, Wis.) earns his second MCHA Freshman of the Week award of the
season: Freeman was a
major factor for Marian by having a hand in three of his team’s four goals on
the weekend. On Friday, he scored the first goal, assisted on the second goal
and was also +2. Saturday, he scored the team’s second goal on the power
play.
Other Nominees: Mike Wuthrich (Finlandia), Matt Hughes (Lawrence)
-November 17, 2008
Bulldogs Sweep MCHA Battle of Unbeatens
No.
9 Adrian College made the early-season statement in a series that matched two
teams that had started the year 2-0 in league play coming in, taking a pair of
home games this weekend from Finlandia
University. The team posted wins of 6-2 and 5-2 over the Lions to improve to 4-0.
Marian
University
kept pace with the Bulldogs as well, sweeping Minnesota, Crookston on the road to be the other team besides
Adrian
to start 4-0 in league play this season. The Sabres won, 2-1, Friday and then
5-1 Saturday.
In the other league series, both ended in splits. Lawrence
took MSOE to overtime Friday before falling and then won a 1-0 contest Saturday
on a goal with less than 10 seconds remaining in regulation.
Northland and Concordia each recorded their first conference wins of the season
by splitting a pair up in Ashland,
Wis.
Left to Right: Kyle Smythe
(Northland) ... Jason Jadczak (Marian) ... Ben DiMarco (Lawrence)
Players
of the Week
-
Northland
College
Lumberjacks freshman forward Kyle Smythe
(Round Lake, Ill.) becomes the first player from his school to earn MCHA Player of the Week
honors this season. Smythe scored his first and second collegiate goals Friday
– his first was the game winner – and also had an assist in the 5-2 win over
Concordia. Then on Saturday, he continued his scoring punch with another goal
and assist. His weekend totals were five points (3G/2A) and a +4 rating.
Other Nominees: Stephen Smiddy (MSOE), Chris Stansik (Adrian), Jason Jadczak (Marian)
-Marian University Sabres senior goaltender Jason
Jadczak (Des Plaines, Ill.) earns the nod for MCHA Defensive Player of the Week honors for his work
between the pipes against Minnesota, Crookston. The netminder stopped 20 of 21 shots for a save percentage of .952
in Friday’s 2-1 win. He followed that up with a more impressive performance
Saturday, stopping 32 of 33 shots for a save percentage of .970 in a 5-1
victory. For the weekend, Jadczak stopped 52 of 54 shots (.963) and earned
both victories. He was also the key to holding the Golden Eagles power play to a
1-for-15 showing on the weekend. It is the second time this season he has won
this award.
Other Nominees: Evan Johnson (Lawrence), Jiri Zeman (Northland), Chris Stansik (Adrian), Jeremy Klaver (Adrian
), Conner Toomey (MSOE)
-Lawrence University Vikings freshman forward Ben
DiMarco (Galvestan, Tex.) is the MCHA Freshman of the Week. The economics major had an assist in
Friday’s tough, 2-1, overtime loss and then gave his team a thrilling 1-0
victory over MSOE Saturday when he scored the lone goal on a breakaway with just
eight seconds remaining in regulation.
Other Nominees: Sean Streicher (Marian), Kyle Smythe (Northland)
-November 10, 2008
Adrian and Finlandia Join Marian With
2-0 League Starts
Adrian
College
and
Finlandia
University
both swept weekend league match-ups, giving the MCHA three teams at 2-0 in the
early-season standings (joining Marian
University). The Bulldogs got past Lawrence
by scores of 5-0 and 9-1, while the Lions knocked off Concordia, winning 5-1
and 6-2. The wins helped the Bulldogs rise a spot in the national poll, as they
are now up from No. 10 to No. 9 with their 4-1-1 mark so far this year.
In the other league meeting from the past weekend, MSOE
made the trip to play Minnesota-Crookston and came away with a split, winning
3-2 Saturday after the Golden Eagles had opened the weekend with a 3-1 victory
Friday. The Sabres were also in action, tying a
Bethel
squad receiving votes in the national poll Friday before being unable to close
out an early 2-0 lead Saturday in a 3-2 loss.
All eight teams will entertain league games this upcoming weekend, highlighted
by a meeting between last year’s division champions when Finlandia heads to
play at
Adrian
.
Lastly, the MCHA correspondent for USCHO.com – Matthew Webb – has his season
preview for the league now available. Click HERE
for the link and insight into the new season just underway.
Left to Right: Eric Miller
(Adrian) ... Brad Fogal (Adrian) ... Jacob Schira (Minnesota, Crookston)
Players
of the Week
-Adrian College Bulldogs sophomore forward Eric
Miller (Erlanger, Kent.) doesn’t take long to be the first two-time MCHA
Player of the Week this season, as he played a large role in the Bulldogs making
the long trip to
Lawrence
and getting the sweep. He started things with a goal and an assist in
Friday’s 5-0 win and then topped that with a hat trick in Saturday’s 9-1
decision. He is currently tied for first in the nation with his eight goals.
Other Nominees: Matt Krueger (Finlandia), Tony Huberty (
Minnesota
, Crookston), Brook King (MSOE)
-Adrian College Bulldogs sophomore goalie Brad
Fogal (Sharon, ONT) played brilliantly in net over the weekend en route to
earning MCHA Defensive Player of the Week honors. On Friday, he recorded 27
saves in a shutout win. Then, on Saturday, despite allowing the one goal, made a
save on a penalty shot and had 31 more stops, giving him a save percentage of
.983 (58 of 59) for the two games.
Other Nominees: Ryan Donovan (Finlandia), Brent Swanson (
Minnesota
, Crookston), Michael Johnson (MSOE)
-University
of
Minnesota, Crookston Golden Eagles freshman goalie Jacob Schira (Bloomfield Hills,
Mich.) earns MCHA Freshman of the Week honors just seven days removed from being
tabbed for defensive honors. He stopped 33 of 34 shots in Friday’s 3-1
victory, limiting MSOE to an 0-for-6 showing on the power play.
Other Nominees: James Neitsch (Finlandia), Connor Toomey (MSOE)
-November 3, 2008
Marian University Jumps Out With Sweep
in First League Series
Marian
University
and Northland
College
played the first MCHA league series of the season and the Sabres jumped out to
an early lead with a two-game sweep. The team scored three unanswered goals
after falling behind in Friday’s 3-1 win and followed that up with a
convincing 11-1 victory over the Lumberjacks on Saturday.
No. 10 Adrian dropped a game for the first time in nearly
a full year Saturday, falling 4-2 to a Neumann team that is receiving votes in
the national poll. The Bulldogs regrouped quickly, coming back Sunday with a
10-1 pasting to earn the split. The loss ended what was a 22-game unbeaten
streak (21-0-1), as the team last lost to Marian back on Nov. 30 of 2007.
In other action, the
University
of
Minnesota
, Crookston opened its season, twice falling victim to a strong
Bethel
team that is receiving votes in the poll. The Golden Eagles dropped a tight 2-1
decision Friday and fell, 4-2, Saturday. Earlier in the week, Finlandia dropped
its season opener to No. 13 UW-Superior and
Lawrence
fell in its opener to No. 1 St. Norbert.
Left to Right: Shawn Skelly (Adrian
College) ... Jacob Schira (Minnesota, Crookston) ... Adam Freeman (Marian
University)
Players
of the Week
-Adrian College Bulldogs sophomore forward Shawn
Skelly (Wolverine Lake, Mich.) earns his first MCHA Player of the Week award after helping lead his team
to a convincing 10-1 victory over Nuemann Sunday. The high-scoring forward had a
hand in half of his team’s goals, recording a hat trick and two assists. He
currently is tied for the national lead in goals and is second in points.
Other Nominees: James Goodfellow (Marian), Nigel Smith (Minnesota, Crookston)
-University
of Minnesota, Crookston Golden Eagles freshman goalie Jacob
Schira (Bloomfield Hills, Mich.) earns MCHA Defensive Player of the Week honors for his work between the
pipes in his collegiate debut. He recorded a .923 save percentage against Bethel, stopping 24 of 26 shots in a tough 2-1 loss in the team’s season opener.
Other Nominees: Jeff Wills (Marian), Quinn Waller (Adrian)
-Marian University Sabres freshman forward Adam
Freeman (Wauwatosa, Wis.) earns his first-ever MCHA Freshman of the Week
honor for his play in the Sabres’ league-opening series against Northland. On
Friday night, Adam had a hand in two scores of a 3-1 win, assisting on the first
and scoring the second. Then, on Saturday, he had power-play goal followed
by one more goal and an assist. For the weekend, Adam had three goals and two
assists and a +2 plus/minus rating.
Other Nominees: Riley Hughes (Adrian), Derek Ricke (Minnesota, Crookston)
-October 27, 2008
Adrian College Comeback Helps Team Earn
Undefeated Weekend
The 10th-ranked
Adrian
College
hockey team opened its season with a long road trip, but made the return to
campus without a loss in extending its current unbeaten streak to 22 games (21-0-1).
The Bulldogs accomplished it by earning a 6-6 tie in the season opener Friday
before posting a 6-4 win Saturday over a
Potsdam
team that was receiving votes in the national poll.
Friday was a roller-coaster ride for AC, as they took a 2-0 lead early in the
second period before surrendering six unanswered goals to fall behind 6-2
entering the third. The team was resilient in the final period, scoring four
times, netting the eventual tying goal at the 19:50 mark of regulation to earn
the tie.
Elsewhere,
Marian
University
held its own against two ranked opponents, tying #12
River
Falls
Friday before dropping a 3-2 decision at #11 Stout Saturday. The Sabres led
Friday’s game, 4-3, before a late Falcon goal sent the game to overtime.
MSOE split its home-and-home series with Lake Forest, with the home team winning a one-goal decision each night.
Concordia and Northland also opened play. The Falcons gave #11 UW-Stout a scare,
taking a 2-0 lead into the second before the Blue Devils tallied the final four
goals of the game. New CUW goalkeeper Eric
Everson made 63 saves in his first appearance – tied for the fourth-most
in MCHA history and eight away from the MCHA record of 71. Lastly, the
Lumberjacks dropped decisions to #13 UW-Superior and to UW-Stevens Point.
Left to Right: Eric Miller
(Adrian) ... Jason Jadczak (Marian) ... Lane Boswell (Marian)
Players
of the Week
-Adrian College Bulldogs sophomore forward Eric
Miller (Erlanger, Kent.) earns the first MCHA Player of the Week award this
season. He played a key role in his team’s 1-0-1 start, beginning with three
assists in Friday’s 6-6 tie. He recorded helpers on two of the four goals in
the big third-period comeback. Then, on Saturday, Miller had two goals –
including the game-winner.
-Marian College Sabres senior goaltender Jason
Jadczak (Des Plaines, Ill.) faced nationally-ranked competition in both games on the weekend and ended
with a tie and one-goal loss despite making 76 saves on 83 shots against River
Falls and Stout. His .916 save percentage came against teams ranked No. 11 and
No. 12 in the country and earns him the MCHA Defensive Player of the Week award.
-Marian College Sabres freshman forward Lane Boswell (Calgary, Alberta) made a nice impression in his first two games, earning MCHA Freshman of
the Week honors. His first collegiate goal tied Marian with River
Falls
in the third period Friday, while his second came the next night in a tough 3-2
loss. He ended the weekend +2 with two goals.
-October 23, 2008
Marian Hockey Team
to Hold "Pink Out" Game to Fight Breast Cancer
From the Marian
University Sports Information Department:
What: Marian Hockey is fighting breast
cancer by having a “PINK OUT”. We want every person at the game to
wear a pink t-shirt to create a “PINK OUT” at the game. This will help
us create awareness and raise money to support cancer research.
Where: Blue Line Family Ice Center
When: Friday October 31, 2008 Game
starts at 7 PM vs. Northland College
Why: Fight Breast Cancer
How: We are selling pink t-shirts in
advance of the game starting Thursday Oct. 23. The pink shirt will be your
ticket into the game. We will also have shirts for sale at the game.
Pink t-shirts purchased in advance cost $15. Purchased at the door $20.
To purchase your pink t-shirt visit JR’s Sports Bar and Grill on Main Street,
visit Festival Foods on Johnson Avenue, Ma and Pa’s miracle mile or contact
Coach Jasen Wise at jtwise@marianuniversity.edu.
Other locations may be added very soon.
-October 21, 2008
Let the Games Begin!...Puck
Drops Wednesday Night on 2008-09 Season
With the hockey
regular season beginning this week, players and coaches alike are eager to start
playing for real. The Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association will begin its 11th
season of play this Thursday when Northland College hits the road to open the
slate against No. 13 UW-Superior.
Then, on the weekend, four other league schools get action underway, with
preseason favorite Adrian College heading to play a Potsdam team that is
receiving votes in the poll for games Friday and Saturday. Marian University
will open with a stiff test, playing at No. 12 River Falls Friday and then No.
11 UW-Stout Saturday. Concordia University begins its season season by hosting
#11 Stout Friday. MSOE will also be in action, playing Lake Forest in a
home-and-home series. Northland plays again Saturday, heading to a UW-Stevens
Point team that is also receiving votes in the poll.
Also, the
USCHO.com preseason poll was released yesterday and the MCHA has it's first-ever
Top 15 preseason selection, as Adrian has come in at No. 10 and also received
one of the 20 first-place votes. And, for the second-straight season, the league
has two schools in the poll, as MSOE was also receiving votes.
From the Adrian Sports Information Department:
The second season of men's hockey will
start with a great deal of anticipation and it will also start with the Bulldogs
ranked 10th in Division III according to USCHO.com's preseason poll. Adrian
College received one first-place vote among the 20 first-place votes that are
given out across the country. The Bulldogs finished last season with a 26-3
record and were 11th in the final poll of the year in March.
Adrian
College received 134 poll points and are just two points behind Manhattanville
in ninth and four points behind Hobart in eighth. Defending champion St. Norbert
sits atop the poll with 14 first-place votes and 293 poll points. They are
followed in the top five by Plattsburgh (282), Elmira (245), Norwich (197) and
St. Thomas (167). Plattsburgh received the remaining five first-place votes.
Adrian
College will open up their 2008-09 season this Friday at SUNY-Potsdam with
faceoff scheduled for 7:00 p.m. The Bulldogs' home opener is set for Saturday,
Nov. 1 versus Neumann at 7:00 p.m.
-The following are season previews for each
MCHA team compiled by the SID offices.
Adrian
College
After a
record-breaking, out-of-this-world debut season in 2007-08, one might think that
Adrian
College
men’s ice hockey could just reflect on all of their accomplishments. Not so
fast! This year’s group knows that there is no doubt some unfinished business
when it comes to 2008-09.
“We
really are motivated going into our second year,” says head coach Ron Fogarty.
“By not making the NCAA Nationals we feel like we still have doubters. Our
guys are going to be more revved up than ever. Last year we did not really know
what we were getting ourselves into and what our opponents would be like. Our
guys are going to practice a motto this year which simply states ‘Adapting
through Learning and Perfection through Experience’. We feel like we have
adapted to the level of play and now we must perfect our skills after gaining
experience.”
After
compiling a 26-3 record in year one as a Division III program the team can not
become complacent according to coach Fogarty.
“We
set an NCAA record for most wins by a first-year program last year,” stated
Fogarty. “We feel like we can be even better this year. Our guys have really
worked hard on their strength training and conditioning will not be any concern
going through a long season. I give a lot of credit to Matt Nicholson for
developing a strength program which will greatly benefit our team.”
The
team knows that this year a huge bulls-eye will be on their back and being
prepared each and every night will be the difference between playing for a
national title and watching from the stands.
“We
must be focused every minute because it might only take one or two losses for us
to be left out of the party again,” explained Fogarty. “The NCAA has not
granted the MCHA with an automatic bid so we must build a resume and once again
hope that the national committee gives us a chance.”
Offense
The
scoring machine was well oiled last season as the Bulldogs led all of Division
III in scoring offense at 7.59 goals per game. The good news about having a
second-year team is that the retention of top players means having quality
point-producers for a couple of years.
The
forward line of senior Adam Krug (
Livonia
,
Mich.
), sophomore Eric Miller (
Erlanger
,
Ky.
) and sophomore Shawn Skelly (
Wolverine Lake
,
Mich.
) was far-and-away the best scoring trio in Division III. Krug was named West
Region Second Team All-American and it was a no-brainer as he led the nation
with 2.66 points per game (77 total points). Miller was right on Krug’s heels
all year finishing with 69 points and led the nation in goals per game with 1.43
(40 total goals). Skelly ranked second in the nation in points per game with
2.55 (74 total points) and also was tops in Division III with seven game-winning
goals.
“What
else needs to be said about the caliber of play from Krug, Miller and Skelly,”
says Fogarty. “I believe that one of these guys is capable of scoring 50
goals, but sharing the puck means just as much as putting it in the net and
that’s what makes them special as teammates.”
One
key element of a balanced hockey team is also having people who can mix it up
and be physical and that job falls on the broad shoulders of sophomore Drew
Satterley (Kentwood, Mich.), sophomore Mike Towns (Surrey, B.C.) and sophomore
Kyle Watson (Stittsville, Ont.). Satterley played in 28 games and finished the
season with 13 points and a plus/minus rating of +11. He also recorded 40
penalty minutes and took 44 shots. Towns and Watson will serve as alternate
captains proving how much their leadership is valued on the team. Towns finished
the season with 14 points and 61 penalty minutes. He also had a +6 plus/minus
rating and played in 27 games. Watson tallied 11 points including seven goals a
year ago. He led the team with 87 penalty minutes and ended the year with a +9
rating.
The
scoring depth continues with the projected line of sophomore Brad Houston
(Chatham, Ont.), sophomore Sam Kuzyk (
Winnipeg
,
Man.
) and newcomer junior Kyle Frieday (
Burlington
, Ont.).
Houston
ranked fifth on the team last year with 44 points including 21 goals. He had a
+30 rating and had three power-play goals and three game-winning goals. Kuzyk
played in 26 games and totaled 29 points and a +21 rating. He also seven
power-play goals and two hat tricks on the year. Frieday spent last season as a
member of the Robert Morris University Colonials at the Division I level and
played 16 games. He finished the season with six points, 25 shots and 25 penalty
minutes.
The
fourth line on the ice is somewhat undecided heading into the season. There are
several players who will be fighting hard for ice time in the weeks leading up
to the season opener at
Potsdam
on October 24. Sophomore Mike Fiorillo (
Edmonton
, Alb.) could be one of the most improved players for the Bulldogs. He has added
strength during the offseason and should improve upon his 16 points from last
year. He tallied six goals on 60 shots and had a +20 rating.
Sophomore
Mike Dahlinger (Windsor, Ont.) is a scrappy guy who finished eighth on the team
in points with 24 as a freshman. Dahlinger served 53 minutes in the box and had
a +22 rating. Sophomore Eric Bailen (
Fredonia
,
N.Y.
) was just one point behind Dahlinger with 23 on the season. Bailen ranked sixth
on the team with 12 goals and had two power-play goals and two game winners.
Also filling out the forwards are sophomore Mark Gertsakis (Pickering, Ont.) and
sophomore Joel Workman (Mooretown, Ont.). Gertsakis played in 11 games a year
ago and had five points. Workman played in 20 games and had 14 points.
Defense
The
defense was equal to the task when compared to the offensive numbers in 2007-08.
The Bulldogs allowed 65 goals in 29 games (2.24 per game) and led the nation in
scoring margin at a 5.34 goal differential per contest. The penalty killing
units were just as productive finishing fourth in Division III at a 87.5 percent
clip.
Adrian
’s scoring defense ranked eighth in the country.
Sophomore
Quinn Waller (Windsor, Ont.) will wear the captain’s sweater this season and
earned First Team All-MCHA honors a year ago. He finished fourth on the team
with 46 points and set a conference record by defenseman with 31 assists in
league games. Waller ranked third in Division III in assists per game (1.34) and
was an astounding +43 in plus/minus rating.
Joining
Waller on the first pairing is sophomore Chris Stansik (
Livonia
,
Mich.
) who finished with 34 points and 11 goals last year. Stansik had five
power-play goals from the point and had a +43 rating. He was also selected to
the MCHA All-Freshman Team.
The
second wave of defensemen will be sophomore Bobby Hineman (
Odessa
, Ont.) and sophomore Jeremy Klaver (Strathroy, Ont.). Hineman played in 28
games as a freshman and registered 20 points including five goals. Hineman had a
+35 rating and served 24 minutes in the sin bin. Klaver is one of three
alternate captains on the squad and his leadership will be crucial to the
team’s success in 2008-09. Klaver totaled 22 points and seven goals and had a
+31 rating as a freshman. He scored five of his seven goals on the man advantage
and also had an overtime game-winner during the season.
The
third line of defense has three players who are fighting for two spots in the
regular rotation. Junior Rob Hodnicki (
Allen Park
,
Mich.
) played in 23 games as a sophomore and had seven points. He had a +25 rating
and served 12 penalty minutes. Sophomore Eric Roman (
Southfield
,
Mich.
) joins
Adrian
College
after playing previously for
Wayne
State
University
. Roman played in 22 games and had 20 penalty minutes for the Warriors. Freshman
Riley Hughes (
Calgary
, Alb.) is a physical force at 6-2, 212 and comes to
Adrian
from the Estevan Bruins of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL). Hughes
tallied 17 points in 36 games and also served 59 penalty minutes.
Goaltending
One of
the main reasons that any defense puts up great numbers is that they have a
stone wall between the pipes and the Bulldogs bring back all three goalminders
who gained experience last season.
Sophomore
Brad Fogal (Pickering, Ont.) saw action in 22 games a year ago and made 20
starts in net. He was named First Team All-MCHA and also was selected to the
MCHA All-Tournament Team after playing very well in the MCHA Final Four held in
Milwaukee
. Fogal tied a conference record by going 14-0 in league games for a 1.000
winning percentage and also set a league mark with his 14 wins. He yielded just
1.82 goals per contest overall and had a save percentage of .928. He recorded
five shutouts and also had the best winning percentage (.952) in Division III.
Sophomore
Bryan Scott (Pickering, Ont.) played in 12 games and started the other nine
games for the Bulldogs in 2007-08. Scott allowed 3.24 goals per game and had a
.849 save percentage. He picked up six wins in net and posted one shutout.
Sophomore
Jeremy Cross (
Bowling Green
,
Ohio
) played in three games and logged 24:33 on the ice a year ago. Cross made seven
saves and did not allow a goal.
Concordia
University
Coming off a 2-25-0 inaugural season, the young Falcons hope to improve
significantly. A total of 19 members of last year’s original freshman
cast return along with nine freshman recruits and four additional
transfers.
“We improved to a point as the
2007-08 season went along,” opined Coach Tony Hrkac. “There is no
substitute for strength and experience. At times the game was just too fast
and too physical for us. Hopefully an off-season in the weight room and a
season under our belts helped enough so that we can be more
competitive.”
The top CUW returnees include senior center
Sam Aide, sophomore forward Jonathon Smith, plus defensemen Jari Sanders and
Steve Panas. New goaltender Eric Everson, a UM-Crookston transfer, should help
solidify the Falcon defense.
Last year Concordia was outscored by a huge
200-57 margin. Aide led CUW offensively with 9 goals and 9
assists. Teammate Smith added 6 goals and 7 assists while 3 other Falcon
skaters found the net on 5 separate occasions. Goaltending was an adventure for
Concordia, with Alexander Koeppen (5.82) having the lowest goals against
average of the three goalies rotated by Hrkac.
“We have to get better defensively no
matter who we put in goal. Our guys got manhandled. We were boys
trying to compete with men.”
Finlandia
University
The 2008-09 Finlandia men’s hockey team will have a new look this
season due to the loss of 11 seniors and three upperclassmen. The Lions have
been very fortunate the last couple of years of only losing seven players in
that time. The past few seasons have given them an MCHA Championship,
All-Conference players and for three years they led the league with the most
players on the All-Academic Team.
Looking at this season, Finlandia will have
14 new players to compliment 12 returning players. This season will be a great
challenge for the program. The conference and non-conference schedule is one of
the toughest schedules they have had and it will be very important for them to
compete at a very high level every night. This year, FU will be looking at
veteran forwards Corey Blake (
Marquette
,
Mich.
), Keith Johnstone (
Marquette
,
Mich.
), and Brandon VanAcker (
Lincoln Park
,
Mich.
) to work with transfer student Eric Schultz (
Strasbourg
,
Saskatchewan
), freshmen Charlie Benik (
Andover
,
Minn.
), Jimmy Brey (
Hancock
,
Mich.
) and the entire forward lineup to make an impact.
The Finlandia defense and goaltending have
good talent and depth with Tiger Marcotte (L’Anse,
Mich.
), Chris Hendrickson (
Hancock
,
Mich.
), Blake Miller (
Hancock
,
Mich.
), and transfer Quinn McIntosh (Lucy Lake Saskatchewan) leading the way on
defense. Ryan Donovan (
Pinckney
,
Mich.
) returns between the pipes after a solid freshman season, with support from
Mike Wuthrich (
Houghton
,
Mich.
) and Jason Barden (
Scarborough
,
Maine
).
“We look forward to the challenges and
opportunities of the 2008-09 season,” states eighth-year year head coach Joe
Burcar.
Lawrence
University
The
Lawrence
University
hockey team enters the 2008-09 season with the expectation of taking another
step up in the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association.
The Vikings
finished fifth in the MCHA a season ago, just one point out of fourth place.
Lawrence
, which has posted back-to-back double-digit victory seasons, returns 17 players
from last season and has 13 newcomers.
Leading the group
of returning players and the forwards is junior Marc Howe, an All-MCHA selection
last season. Howe led the team with 33 points on 17 goals and 16 assists.
Howe is joined up
front by senior captain Nick Jennette, who tied the school season record with 18
goals last season on his way to 31 points.
Led by Howe and
Jennette,
Lawrence
returns 11 of its top 13 scorers from a season ago. The Vikings averaged 3.37
goals per game last season, and the 91 goals scored is the third-best season
total in school history.
Lawrence
scored a record-tying 40 power-play goals and a record seven short-handed goals
in 2007-08. Jennette had a team-best eight power-play goals, and Howe scored a
team-high three short-handers.
The Vikings have
a group of talented underclassmen at foward, led by sophomores Josh DeSmit and
Matt Jacobs. DeSmit had 10 goals and 29 points, and his 19 assists last season
leads all returning players. Jacobs had nine goals and 13 assists last season
for 22 points.
Also returning
are junior forwards Masa Takahashi (8-4-12), Billy Siers (4-7-11), and Jon Sacks
(1-0-1), and senior Jesse Jacobs. Sophomores Scott Minarcik (2-3-5), Jacob Esch
(1-3-4), and Joe Affinati round out the group of forwards.
A large group of
freshman forwards, Jonathan Bellotti, Ben DiMarco, Matt Fetter, Sam Johnson, and
Matt Hughes, give the Vikings great depth on offense.
The defense
starts with returning goaltenders Evan Johnson and Jim Ryan. Johnson, a
sophomore, posted a 5-11-3 record with a 3.80 goals against average and .877
save percentage during his rookie season. Ryan, a senior, went 5-3-0 with a 3.73
GAA and .880 save percentage in his first season at
Lawrence
.
Freshman Brady
Kain will battle the two returning goaltenders for playing time.
Lawrence
’s defense allowed 3.88 goals per game last season while the goaltenders
combined for an .876 save percentage. The 106 goals scored by the opposition is
the second-lowest total in school history.
A small group of
returning defenseman must mesh with a huge group of incoming players to bolster
Lawrence
’s back line.
The defensemen
are paced by junior Mike Ackley, who had three goals and 14 assists for 17
points a season ago.
The Vikings also
have three solid returning defensemen in senior Aaron LaFave (4-4-8) and
sophomores Corey Garrett (1-10-11) and Pat Brenner (2-4-6).
Sophomore Jonathon Sheridan joins freshmen defensemen Jesse Byam-Katzman, Jim
Crowley, Jameson Raymond, Chris Sims, Colin Smith, and Reijo Wahlin.
Marian
University
The Sabres enter the 2008-2009 season hoping to build off last year’s
success and with 13 returning upperclassmen; Head Coach Jasen Wise believes this
year’s squad can do just that. The Sabres finished last season 17-10-1 overall
and finished second in the MCHA with a 14-5-1 record. In the process, Coach Wise
picked up MCHA Coach-of-the-Year honors, while leading the Sabres to their best
record since the 2003-2004 season.
Coach Wise noted two things that he believes will help the
Sabres be successful this season. First he noted that he believes this year’s
team has the right combination of speed, skill, and physical play, which should
help the Sabres compete at a higher level. He also noted that for the first time
since he’s been at Marian, he will have an upperclassmen-dominated team at his
disposal. Wise is hoping that his seven seniors and six juniors will provide
leadership on-and-off the ice. He noted that these players have given a lot of
hard work and dedication training for the upcoming season and he hopes their
hard work will be rewarded with a successful season.
One of the Sabres team goals for the season is improving team
goals-against. Coach Wise noted he believes this can be achieved, seeing as how
the Sabres have a senior goaltender to go along with three senior defensemen. He
is looking for these four to provide leadership and experience, which should
help cut down on goals-against.
When asked about the schedule, Wise noted that he likes the
fact that it is very challenging. “As we have done in the past, we are playing
a tough non-conference schedule. We are on the road quite a bit as well, so it
will be a true challenge for us,” noted Wise. The Sabres are indeed on the
road quite a bit for their non-conference schedule as all five contests are away
from the
Blueline
Family
Ice
Center
in
Fond du Lac
.
Wise likes the fact that a lot of the non-MCHA contests were
scheduled at the beginning of the season, as it allows the Sabres to concentrate
on the MCHA games the second half of the season.
Wise noted that he sees
Adrian
as being the team to beat again in the MCHA, as they are picked as the
preseason favorite. He believes MSOE and
Lawrence
University
have made improvements and will be solid as well. He hopes the Sabres can give
Adrian
a fight for the Harris Cup, as his Sabres are picked to finish second in the
MCHA.
Positional Breakdown
Forwards: The Sabres return ten forwards from a year ago, including four
of their top five scorers. Coach Wise noted that senior co-captain James
Goodfellow (
Naperville
,
IL
) will be out to start the season, so the Sabres will need to have some
younger players step up in his absence. Goodfellow was second on the team in
scoring a year ago with 33 points (11G/22A). He also added two game-winners.
Wise is hoping guys like sophomores Todd Collins (
Whitby
,
ON
) and Brendan Hull (
Calgary
,
AB
), as well as freshman Justin Cormier (
Calgary
,
AB
) can step up and provide some scoring. Collins, an All-MCHA Freshmen team
selection, was third on the team in scoring a year ago with 10 goals and 16
assists.
Hull
added 23 points (12G/11A) a year ago, while scoring four game-winners.
The Sabres also return seniors Josh McAndrew (
Atikokan
,
ON
) and Bill Griffore Jr. (
Milford
,
MI
), juniors Nick Cinquegrani (
Rolling Meadows
,
IL
), Jason Ford (
Milford
,
MI
), Ryan Hitchcock (
Butte
,
MT
), and Mitch Bye (
Burlington
,
ON
), and sophomore Randy Wills (
Flint
,
MI
). Cinquegrani recorded 12 goals and 12 assists a year ago. Ford will serve
as an Assistant Captain this season.
The Sabres also welcome five new forwards, other than Cormier,
to the squad this season in Ryan Compeau (
Oakland
,
MN
), Bobby Roseland (
Sartel
,
MN
), Lane Boswell (
Calgary
,
AB
), Adam Freeman (
Wauwatosa
,
WI
), and Chris Thompson (
St. Paul
,
MN
).
Defensemen: As already mentioned, the Sabres
return three senior defensemen in co-captain Jeff Wills (
Flint
,
MI
), Greg Copeland (
Lloydminister
,
AB
), and Kyle Rasmussen (
Altoona
,
WI
). Wise stated that the team will rely heavily on them to play consistent
every shift and to lead by example with a commitment to the defensive zone.
A year ago, Wills chipped in with 18 points (8G/10A).
Other returning defensemen for the Sabres are junior Nick
Henkemeyer (
Prior Lake
,
MN
) and sophomore Zack Fray (
Cambridge
,
ON
). Henkemeyer recorded 16 points (2G/14A) a year ago.
Sean Streicher (
Malrton
,
NJ
), Ryan McGaughy (
Gurnee
,
IL
), and Zach Gaynor (
Beaverton
,
OR
) are three newcomers for the Sabres who will look to contribute on the
defensive end.
Goaltending: Marian returns two goaltenders and
has added a new one. Senior Jason Jadczak (
Des Plaines
,
IL
) and junior Cullen Caldwell (
Calgary
,
AB
) return, while Matthew Lyon (
Palm Harbor
,
FL
) is new to the group.
Jadczak is the Sabres top returning goalie as he was an All-MCHA
selection a year ago. Jadczak posted an 11-4-0 record a year ago as he stopped
434 shots and posted a .916 save percentage. He also recorded a 2.54
goals-against-average.
Caldwell
, a very solid backup goalie, was an All-MCHA selection his freshman season. A
year ago he sported a 3-3-1 record.
MSOE
MSOE men’s hockey has a major challenge in front of
them for the 2008-2009 season: return to the Midwest Collegiate Hockey
Association forefront and win the Harris Cup. This will not be an easy task as
the Raiders will have to battle through the highly regarded MCHA and defeat last
year’s champion, Adrian College. The Bulldogs came into the MCHA last
season and won the Harris Cup in their first year of varsity competition.
Head Coach Mark Ostapina, in his eighth year at the helm for the Raiders, has
his work cut out for him as his team graduated six players from last year’s
team, including two career 100+ point scorers in Raider history in forwards Lee
Swallow and Blair Hanberg. Swallow is the MSOE career assist leader with 102
assists in his prestigious four-year career.
Ostapina returns Midwest Collegiate Hockey
Association All Freshman selection Michael Soik and All-MCHA defensemen Jason
Woll to return to the first line for the Raiders. Soik led the team in goals
scored (20), second in total points (35) and third on the team in assists (15).
Michael is an excellent hockey player with a pro release,” said Ostapina.
“We look forward for him to improve on his 20 goals (from last year).”
Woll, a four-year starting defenseman, has
been the stalwart on defense since his first year. He was sixth on the team in
scoring (17) and assists (17). Ostapina states, “Woll is in his second
year as captain, is a player we look to dominate with his presence on and off
the ice.”
Offensively for the Raiders, they return
veteran Simon Labrosse-Gelinas and Stephen Smiddy to fill roles left by Hanberg
and Swallow. Gelinas, a 6’1” senior, forward was second the team in assists
(16) and tied for fourth on the team with 21 points. Smiddy, a 5’10” junior
forward, collected 24 points for third place on the team and had 13 goals and 11
assists, ranking him second and sixth respectively.
The Raiders add 12 new faces in the MSOE
program, strengthening the team. Michael Johnson, a junior transfer from
the Air Force Academy is one of the most touted and joins Woll as a key
defenseman for the Raiders. “Johnson brings and outstanding hockey background
to MSOE,” said Ostapina. “He is a three-zone player whom we look for great
play and leadership (from).”
Key freshman include defenseman and Ben
Plocar and Forward Brock King, both coming from quality junior programs.
King played with Lordminster of the Alberta Junior Hockey League, while Plocar
played for
Travers
City
of the North American Hockey league.
In the starting goalie position, 11-game
winner sophomore Chris Keller returns as the goalie to beat in the Raider camp.
He will have some stiff competition from sophomore Robert Kreuser and freshman
Conner Toomey.
The Raiders have another tough schedule
ahead of them. Home and home contests with
Lake Forest
and St. Norbert, along with an away match against UW Superior round out their
non- conference schedule. Returning conference champion Adrian looks to be the
team to beat in conference play with Marian, Lawrence and Finlandia competing
for MCHA supremacy along with MSOE.
Minnesota-Crookston
The
University
of
Minnesota
, Crookston Men’s Hockey team has strong reasons for optimism as they look to
enter the 2008-2009 campaign. Several new faces dot the Golden Eagle roster.
U of M, Crookston finished the 2007-2008
season with an overall record of 6-21-0 and Midwest Collegiate Hockey
Association (MCHA) record of 5-15-0 which was good for sixth place. The Golden
Eagles battled hard in their playoff series at
Marian
College
but fell in two tough games by scores of 3-2 and 3-1 respectively.
Veteran U of M, Crookston mentor Gary Warren
returns for his eighth season behind the Golden Eagle bench. He will have to
replace six seniors who finished as three of the top four point getters. Matt
Hann (Fwd,
Crookston
,
Minn.
) scored 12 goals and added nine assists for 21 points. Teal Plaine (Fwd,
Hallock
,
Minn.
) scored five goals and added 15 assists for 20 points. Ryan Tucker (Fwd,
Crookston
,
Minn.
) scored ten goals and added six assists for 16 points.
“We look forward to working with a
positive component of returning upperclassmen,” says Coach Warren. “A number
of these individuals have worked hard in the off-season and anticipate a
rewarding year. We have added to our depth in a number of positions and we
anticipate exciting contributions from our newcomers.”
U of M, Crookston does return a number of
players who saw major playing time last season. Matt Marchel (Jr, Def,
Grand Forks
,
N.D.
) scored three goals (two on the power play) and added eight assists for 11
points. John Lombardi (Jr, Fwd,
Apple Valley
,
Minn.
) scored six goals (three on the power play) and added two assists for eight
points. Martin Husicka (So, Fwd,
Vsetin
,
Czech Republic
) scored two goals (one power play) and added six assists for eight points
in only 15 games. Collin Perry (Jr, Fwd,
Grand Forks
,
N.D.
) scored two goals (both power play) and added four assists for six points.
Fred Kooser (Jr, Fwd,
Omaha
,
Neb.
) scored one goal and added three assists for four points. There is a battle
between newcomers at the goaltending position.
The Golden Eagles open the 2008-2009 season
with six straight home games. U of M, Crookston will host a non-conference
series with Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) foe
Bethel
University
on Friday, October 31 and Saturday, November 1 at the Crookston Civic Arena.
The puck drops at 7:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. respectively. They will open the MCHA
season the next weekend at home against the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE).
The puck will drop at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, November 7 and 2 p.m. on Saturday,
November 8.
For more information, visit the Golden Eagle
Athletics website at www.goldeneaglesports.com.
The
University
of
Minnesota
, Crookston is a NCAA Division II Institution and a member of the Northern Sun
Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). Golden Eagle Hockey is a member of the
Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association (MCHA). The Golden Eagle Equestrian team
is a member of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA).
Northland
College
Northland
College
Hockey will begin its 11th season of NCAA Division III hockey and its 10th
season competing in the MCHA conference. The
Jacks will look to build on previous seasons and are hopeful for a strong
season. “We are looking to take
steps forward year after year and are hopeful that this year will be an exciting
one.” Fabiilli said.
Looking to help transition the hockey
program will be a key group of returners along with some added talent in all
positions.
Returning for the Jacks will be Sophomore Captain Chad Moore and Junior
Assistant Captain Matt Tanneberg, “we are looking at both Chad and Matt to
take on the leadership role for the hockey program this year, and I am very
confident in both or their capabilities” Fabiilli said.
Also returning will be the leading scorer of last years team Sophomore
Nick Matson and Sophomore goalie Dan McIntosh who played the most for the Jacks
in net.
On forward the Jacks return players Chad Moore, Jeff Diehl, Jake Carlson,
Josh Spiegel, Nick Matson and Pat Sierocinski.
The Jacks also return Matt Tanneberg, Brian Zwawa, Jiri Zeman, Tim
Werner, Joe Belanger, Aaron Johnson and Shaun Newman on the blue line. Also
returning will be Sophomore goalie Dan McIntosh
“All of our returners have one to two years of experience which will
help our program take steps forward. We
are still relatively young and have room to grow and mature, we look to our
returners to build on their accomplishments from last year and continue to
improve daily. “Fabiilli said”
Joining the Jacks for their first season will be 15 new faces in forwards
Matt McKinlay, Cody Roy, Ryan Pageau, Spencer Irving, Craig Turner, Bryan Kim,
Josh Lopez, Brandon Gassi, Kyle Smythe, Steve Marino, Matthias Oertel and Erik
Bachynsky. On the blue line the
Jacks welcome Mike Gugin and in net the Jacks bring in Kyle Finch and BJ Leach.
“ We have a pretty big class coming in to help the program move forward
and look to these young guys to contribute and develop over the years”
Fabiilli said
Five games against top NCAA teams and 12 home contests highlight the
2008-09 Northland hockey schedule. “I am very excited about our schedule for
this season, we will be playing some tremendous competition in and out of
conference,” Fabiilli said.
Northland will open up the season playing two non conference games on the
road against the
University
of
Wisconsin-Superior
on Oct. 23 and the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point on Oct.25 in
non-conference matchups.
The Jacks will then open MCHA Hockey play the following weekend against
Marian
University
before hosting The University of Wisconsin-Stout on Nov. 4.
This season the Jacks will meet St. Scholastica twice with the first game in
Duluth
on Jan. 3 and the other being a home contest on Jan.13.
In total, the Jacks will play 25 regular-season games, including 20
against MCHA foes. Northland will play Finlandia,
Lawrence
and Minnesota-Crookston four times, two games at home and two on the road.
The Jacks will host Adrian and Concordia for two games, while traveling
to play MSOE and Marian in a two-game set.
MCHA playoffs will begin on Feb.20 where the lowest seeds will travel to
the higher seeds for a quarterfinal matchup.
This will be a best of two games with a mini game if necessary at campus
sites. The four remaining teams will be reseeded and will square off in the
semifinals at
Adrian
,
MI
on February 27 and in the finals the following night.
-October 10, 2008
Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association
Releases Preseason Poll
Adrian
College
has been selected as the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association’s No. 1 hockey
team, according to the league’s 2008-09 preseason coaches poll.
The
Bulldogs received 49 points, garnering all possible first-place votes from the
leagues eight head coaches (coaches could not vote for their own team).
Adrian
had arguably the greatest season ever for a first-year NCAA program last
season, going 26-3-0 in winning MCHA regular season and Harris Cup titles.
The Bulldogs spent most of the campaign in the national polls and found
themselves No. 9 in the final poll of the year. Not only did they lose no
seniors from last year’s squad, but they are set to return the top three
point-producers at the NCAA D-III level last year in Adam Krug (77 points on 30G/47A), Shawn Skelly (74 points on 30G/44A) and Eric Miller (69 points on 29A and an NCAA-best 40G).
Adrian
also had the nation’s highest-scoring offense at 7.59 goals per game (second
was 4.88 gpg) and carries a 20-game winning streak into the new campaign.
Marian
University
received the other first place vote and finished second with 40 points. The
Sabres went 17-10-1 a season ago, finishing second in the MCHA with a 14-5-1
record.
The next three spots were a tight race, as MSOE (15-13-0
in 2007-08) was third with 35 points,
Lawrence
University
(10-14-3) fourth with 32 points and
Finlandia
University
(18-9-2) fifth with 29 points.
Minnesota-Crookston (6-21-0) and Concordia (2-25-0) were up next, tied for sixth
with 15 points apiece. Northland (4-23-0) was eighth with nine points.
The MCHA enters its 11th season this fall, getting regular season
play underway October 23 when Northland opens the season at UW-Superior.
MCHA Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Adrian
(7 first-place votes) … 49 points
2. Marian
University
(1 first-place vote) … 40
3. MSOE … 35
4. Lawrence
University
… 32
5. Finlandia
University
… 29
T6. Minnesota-Crookston … 15
T6. Concordia
University
… 15
8.
Northland
College
… 9
-September 30, 2008
Golden Eagle Hockey Retires Bob Clauson's
#22 Jersey
-Release
courtesy of University of Minnesota, Crookston Sports Information Department
Contact:
Chris Vito, Assistant Sports Information Director
Phone: 218-281-8445 Fax: 218-281-8430 E-mail: vito@umn.edu
(Crookston,
Minn.)- In keeping with University of Minnesota, Crookston Hockey tradition,
the number 22 jersey of Bob Clauson was retired Saturday afternoon at halftime
of the Golden Eagles’ football game with Minnesota State University Moorhead
and will never be worn again. This is custom with all U of M, Crookston Hockey
alumni who are inducted into the school’s athletic hall of fame as Clauson was
Friday evening.
Bob
Clauson, ex. ’82, played hockey for the U of M, Crookston Trojans in 1981-82.
He was one of the team captains for the 1982 Minnesota State Junior College
Conference championship hockey team under Coach Jim Clauson and Assistant Coach
Chuck Habstritt. During that year, Clauson had 39 goals and 11assists in 18
games with an average of 2.8 points per game. He set a new single-game record
with six goals beating out a record formerly held by his brother, Jim. Named to
the All-Region XIII team as a freshman and sophomore, Clauson also was named to
the National Junior College Athletic Association All-American team. Ten years
later as an assistant coach, Clauson helped lead the U of M, Crookston to the
first of two back-to-back national championships.
“We are honored to retire the number 22 jersey of Bob Clauson,” says U of M,
Crookston Head Hockey Coach Gary Warren. “He played an integral role in the
success of hockey at the University of Minnesota, Crookston as not only a
player, but also an assistant coach.”
For more information, visit the Golden Eagle Athletics Web site at http://www.goldeneaglesports.com/.
The
University of Minnesota, Crookston is a NCAA Division II Institution and a
member of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). Golden Eagle
Hockey is a member of the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association (MCHA). The
Golden Eagle Equestrian team is a member of the Intercollegiate Horse Show
Association (IHSA).
-August 21, 2008
MCHA Alumni Continue to Join Professional
Ranks
Four players from the Midwest Collegiate Hockey
Association have been signed to professional contracts recently. Travis Van
Dyn Hoven of Marian University and Travis
Hanson, Josh Paquette and Ryan
Sullivan of Finlandia University have all joined the ranks of the pro hockey
world.
Van Dyn Hoven signed a contract with the Wheeling Nailers of the ECHL Premier
“AA” Hockey League this past weekend.
“I am very excited to continue my hockey career,” Van
Dyn Hoven said. “Going into my senior year, I wasn't sure if I wanted to
continue playing, but once the season ended I realized I wasn't ready to give it
up. I'm thankful for the opportunity and I look forward to the challenge. I’ve
enjoyed my time at
Marian
University
and I would like to thank the coaching staff for preparing me to play
at the next level.”
Van Dyn Hoven played in 42 games in his Marian career, recording 20 points
(10G/10A). In 2008, the senior recorded five goals and five assists. Two of
his goals were power play goals and he also added a game-winner.
“I am extremely happy for Travis,” Sabre head coach Jasen
Wise said. “His hard work and determination are great examples for younger
players. It shows you can play at the next level if you make a commitment to the
game of hockey. The Nailers are getting a great team player and a person who
will lay it on the line every night. The Marian Hockey program wishes Travis
luck and success. We will be watching.”
Hanson was re-signed by the Cincinnati Cyclones, an East
Coast Hockey League (ECHL) team affiliated with the NHL’s Nashville Predators
and Montreal Canadiens. He was originally signed after the MCHA tournament last
season and helped lead the Cyclones to a league championship when they defeated
Las Vegas
. He was a team captain at FU for two years, recording 58 points (25G/33A) in
103 career games.
“Travis has worked very hard to create this
opportunity,” Finlandia head coach Joe
Burcar said. “The Cyclones were looking for a big, strong player to win
battles on the wall, they called him in last spring and he made an
immediate impact in helping win the ECHL Championship.”
Paquette has been signed by the New Mexico Scorpions, a team in the Central
Hockey League (CHL). He rewrote the MCHA record book, setting new career marks
with 47 goals, 83 assists and 130 points. Overall in his career, he tallied 152
points (51G/101A) in 105 games. He was named to the all-conference team on two
occasions and to the all-newcomer team as a freshman, leading the Lions to a
Harris Cup Championship as a junior and to a second-straight title game
appearance a year ago.
“Josh is a very gifted player with his ability to score
in any given situation,” Burcar said. “He has been able to score at every
level he has played and will make the transition as a professional player very
smoothly.”
Sullivan will join Paquette on the roster of the Scorpions. The Lions Team MVP a
year ago, he was also an all-conference performer on the ice, recording 88
points (50G/38A) in 82 career games. The Scorpions will officially be back on
the ice October 6th for the start of training camp.
“Ryan is ready for the next level, he is very complete in his game,” Burcar
said. “We have used Ryan in every situation and he has excelled. The bigger
the game, the better Ryan is...”
All three Finlandia players were also regulars on the MCHA All-Academic Team.
“We will miss all three of these players; they have
brought so much to Finlandia Hockey. We wish them great success!”
-July 14, 2008
Date and Times set for MCHA Officials
Tryout Camp
The
Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association will be holding tryouts for Officials in
Milwaukee,
Wisconsin,
from September 19-21, 2008.
Tryouts will include classroom instruction, on-ice instruction and game
situation evaluation.
General Information:
The Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association is an NCAA Division III West
Region Hockey Conference. Member
Schools include Adrian College (MI), Concordia University (WI),
Finlandia
University
,
Lawrence
University
,
Marian
College
, Milwaukee School of Engineering,
Northland
College
and the
University
of
Minnesota
– Crookston. Each season, teams
compete for the Harris Cup as well as a National Championship.
Requirements:
To be considered for this position, applicants must be at least 22 years
of age, have officiating experience commensurate with working upper levels of
hockey and be able to work in a team atmosphere.
Successful candidates will also have the ability to communicate
effectively with officials, coaches, players and supervisors.
Candidates must display sound officiating techniques.
Application:
Officials interested in this opportunity should forward their officiating
resume, including three references, to Jim Olson, Supervisor of Officials,
before August 15, 2008. Invitations
to the Tryout Camp will be sent to candidates before September 1, 2008.
Any questions regarding this opportunity
should be forwarded to:
Jim Olson
Supervisor of Officials
mcharefs@att.net
(414) 305-5738
-June 26, 2008
Marian's Bresser Adds to List of MCHA
Alumni Signing Professionally
Carl
Bresser of Marian
University
is the latest player from the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association to continue
his career as a professional, signing a contract with the Gwinnett Gladiators of
the ECHL Premier “AA” Hockey League earlier this month.
.JPG)
Bresser,
who was named to the MCHA All-Conference Team this past season, played in 109
games in his Marian career, recording 102 points (57 goals/45 assists) to place
sixth on the Sabres’ all-time scoring list. His 12 career shorthanded tallies
are also a school record.
“I am very excited for this opportunity,” Bresser
said. “It's been a goal of mine to play pro hockey and now I'm getting that
chance. I've enjoyed my time at Marian and I feel working with Coach Wise
has helped prepare me for the next level.”
His 40 career goals in league play rank tied for ninth
all-time and his 18 goals this past year were just off the record of 20 by a
senior. He established new league records for shorthanded goals in a season
(five in 2007-08) and career (eight), while leading all of NCAA Division III
with six shorthanded goals in 2007-08. His 76 career points in MCHA play (40
goals/36 assists) rank 15th in league annals.
“This is an exciting time for Carl, his family and
Marian Hockey,” head coach Jasen Wise said.
“Carl has put in the time necessary to play at the next level and I believe he
has the ability. He made the most of his college career and is now leaving
Marian with the skills necessary to succeed both on and off the ice. I look
forward to following his pro career and wish him luck and success.”
Bresser joins Terry Dunbar (at Marian from 2000-04), Dan
Odegard (1999-2003) and Jamie Davidson (2000-03) as former Sabres who signed and
played in the professional ranks.
-April 15, 2008
Adrian College Honored at State Capital in Lansing, Mich.
The Adrian
College men's ice hockey team have received many awards and honors this season
but perhaps none were bigger than 
today's
latest acknowledgement by the state of Michigan. The state of Michigan presented
head coach Ron Fogarty and the team a formal proclamation honoring the
team in the state senate chamber this morning. Senator Cameron Brown
representing the 16th district, including Lenawee County, spoke about the
achievements of the first-year program and went on to say that the team has made
the area proud both on and off the ice.
"This is an unbelievable experience," said Fogarty.
"I could not have imagined this back in October when our season began. I've
been told by several people this morning that this type of thing does not happen
very often and especially in the Division III ranks."
Coach Fogarty and team captain Adam Krug addressed the
senate upon receiving the certificate from senator Brown. Both spoke of the
pride they had in receiving such a prestigious honor.
"Growing up in Livonia this is a big deal for me,"
said Krug. "It has been a very successful year for the team and I'm glad we
get to step on the ice next year together and finish our goals."
Joining Fogarty and Krug on the floor were assistant coach Matt
Nicholson and alternate team captains Jeremy Klaver, Mike Towns
and Quinn Waller.
-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."
