Michigan Tech (8-19-2) wins the Winter Carnival tournament for the first time since 2001 with a 1-1 tie Friday and a 4-2 win Saturday. The Huskies also get a much needed 3 points in the WCHA against Minnesota State - Mankato. Tech fans showed up in full force, loading the MacInnes Ice Arena with over 3400 fans both nights. MTU is now 7-3-1 in the last 11 and have not lost in the last 4 games.
Two of the seniors stepped up for there last carnival, Colin Murphy had a goal Friday night and a goal and an assist Saturday and Cam Ellsworth stopped 63 of the 66 shots he faced. But It was Freshman Jimmy Kerr that shined in the second game, tallying 2 goals and an assist for the Huskies, including a shorty.
Friday saw two goalies at there best, both making great save after great save. It was MSU-M that took the first lead, it came in the third period, in the first 2 minutes. It appeared to be a tie when Chris Conner came down and put a shot on net, the rebound came loose and look as if it when in and under a lifted goal. It was not counted.
Tech pulled the goalie with just over a minute to go. Taggart Desmet won the draw in the MSU-M zone to Murphy who waited for traffic in front of the net, then let a wrist shot go, and it found the back of the net. Regulation ended in a 1-1 tie.
In OT, both teams had chances, the best chance coming from the Mavericks, when a one-timer got past Ellsworth and appeared to go in and come out just as fast, no light went on and the goal was not allowed. The period had one recorded shot, and ended in the 1-1 tie.
Saturday night was a different story as both teams came out fast and firing. MSU-M took an early lead, at the 1:00 minute mark. It was Kerr that tied the game up when he took a pass from Brandon Schwartz and buried the one-timer. The period ended in a deadlock, 1-1.
The second started almost identical to the first, MSU-M scored early, this time it was at the 1:20 mark. Tech looked again as if it was tied, when Conner had a shorthanded breakaway. Conner put the shot on and the rebound went in, the light went on, but the referee came in and waved it off, saying that the net was off before the puck went in. Kerr made sure there was no question on his shorthanded goal, his second of the night, when he tapped in a rebound on a Murphy shot. Murphy received the only assist on the goal. Kerr was involved in the game winning goal as well, when he put a pass to Schwartz who was waiting on the back door and just needed to tap it in.
In the third, Murphy put it away for the Huskies when he put in his 11th goal of the season, on a beautiful goal. Tyler Shelast did the hard work, getting the puck off of the wall and finding Murphy all alone, who waited for Chris Clark to go down then lifted it over him to the top corner.
Murphy was named the tournament MVP and now has a nation’s leading 36. He also extended his scoring streak to 9 games on the weekend and solidified the claims of being a finalist for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award.
Next weekend Tech will take on Upper Peninsula rival Northern Michigan with a home and home series on Thursday and Saturday night.
Saturday, February 12, 2005
Warriors tie up Eagles
Adam Krug notched a goal and assist
for Wayne State on Saturday afternoon
(photo by Mark Hicks / Westside Photography)
Read Matt Mackinder's full game story at USCHO.com
PLYMOUTH, MICH-- The Wayne State Warriors (12-14-3, 5-7-3 CHA) snapped their season high 5-game losing skid as they skated to a 2-2 tie with the Niagara Purple Eagles at the Compuware Sports Arena on Saturday afternoon.
Warrior Freshman Adam Krug (9-4--13) grabbed the game’s First Star with an assist on Steve Kovalchik’s first goal and by scoring the game tying goal at 15:18 of the third period.
Barret Ehgoetz and Ryan Carrigan scored for the Eagles who are now winless in their last five contests.
The tie keeps the Warriors a scant one point ahead of the Eagles for third place in the CHA and 11 points behind first place Bemidji State.
The Warriors and Eagles share a 1-1-1 record through three games of their four-game regular season series.
WSU and NU will conclude their two game set with a 2:05 face-off back in Plymouth on Sunday afternoon.
Friday, February 11, 2005
Smolinski latest NHLer to join Mechanics
Former Michigan State Spartan forward Bryan Smolinski (1989-1993) has signed with the Motor City Mechanics of the United Hockey League.
The Toledo native joins newly-signed forward Sean Avery, a former Detroit Red Wings forward, and defensemen Chris Chelios and Derian Hatcher, two Wings that signed last week.
Smolinski scored 80 goals and 181 points in his four years playing at Munn Ice Arena. He has played in the NHL since 1992 with Boston, Pittsburgh, New York Islanders, Los Angeles and most recently with Ottawa.
Not a stranger to playing in the minors during a labor situation, Smolinski played for the Detroit Vipers of the old International Hockey League back in 1996 while holding out from Pittsburgh. He was later dealt to the Islanders for Darius Kasparaitis.
The Toledo native joins newly-signed forward Sean Avery, a former Detroit Red Wings forward, and defensemen Chris Chelios and Derian Hatcher, two Wings that signed last week.
Smolinski scored 80 goals and 181 points in his four years playing at Munn Ice Arena. He has played in the NHL since 1992 with Boston, Pittsburgh, New York Islanders, Los Angeles and most recently with Ottawa.
Not a stranger to playing in the minors during a labor situation, Smolinski played for the Detroit Vipers of the old International Hockey League back in 1996 while holding out from Pittsburgh. He was later dealt to the Islanders for Darius Kasparaitis.
Thursday, February 10, 2005
Former LSSU star takes CHL honors
Former Lake Superior State star Joe Blaznek (1994-1998) recorded seven multiple point outings for the Wichita Thunder and was named the Central Hockey League's Player of the Month for January. His top performances came in back-to-back contests at New Mexico Jan. 14-15 when he totaled six goals and five assists, and on Jan. 27 with a hat trick and an assist in a 6-2 win over Corpus Christi.
After scoring just twice in the Thunder’s first 18 games, Blaznek, an Allen Park native, has emerged as a dangerous weapon along with All-Star teammates Jason Duda and Travis Clayton (ranked first and second in the CHL scoring race), racking up 24 goals and 22 assists in his last 23 contests.
After scoring just twice in the Thunder’s first 18 games, Blaznek, an Allen Park native, has emerged as a dangerous weapon along with All-Star teammates Jason Duda and Travis Clayton (ranked first and second in the CHL scoring race), racking up 24 goals and 22 assists in his last 23 contests.
Wednesday, February 09, 2005
Husky Talk: Between the Pipes
The team has been playing some of the best hockey they have in years, and it is exciting to be a fan. Thinking about it at the end of last week, I was not sure who I should put under fire, but then Michigan Tech had a player stand out in the sweep of Minnesota-Duluth. He happens to be the man between the pipes, Mr. Cam Ellsworth (CE). He let me (MCH) pick his brain about this years club and the current successes. I want to thank Cam again and wish him and all the Huskies the best of luck this weekend and the rest of the year.
(MCH): Well first off, awesome weekend for you and the team. Nice to get two wins on the road. You played well in net again and received your third Defensive Player of the Week award in five weeks. Do you feel more is expected of you now that you have been playing so well?
(CE): Not really, I just try to go out every night and give the team a chance to win. There are going to be nights when the goalie is going to play well or a forward gets a hat trick. I just go and do what I can.
(MCH): Coach Russell called out the goalies in the first half of the season. That was a point in which the team was not getting much help defensively and were not finding ways to win. You and Bryce were splitting time at that point, too. Did you use that comment as motivation?
(CE): It was tough, I was frustrated, we weren’t winning, the whole team was frustrated. Coach Russell and I sat down and talked about everything. That helped me a lot, having an open forum about the season and myself as a player. It turned out to be a big positive.
(MCH): Since then, you have been in the net every game have something like a .940 save percentage, and right around 2.5 goals against average. What adjustments did you make in your game from that conversation?
(CE): Personally, I did not do much different, we played Denver that next weekend and as a team we played better. That helps me, it makes my job easier when everyone is playing better, and when I am playing well it makes everybody’s job easier, it is such a team game. I did not approach the game differently, we found success as a team, but I prepared the same and gave the same effort. Credit needs to be given to the team, as a whole, we have played better.
(MCH): I have been watching the team a number of years, and I think that Tech is playing some of the best hockey they have in many years, hopefully we can carry that on.
(CE): Yeah, we have an exciting team and a lot of exciting players, when we put it together, I think we have proven that we can beat a lot of very good hockey teams.
(MCH): You get to see all the offensive weapons from the opposing teams, and practice against ours, from what you have seen is there a better line than ours with Chris Conner, Taggart Desmet and Colin Murphy?
(CE): I don’t believe so, I think we have a really balanced team and our number one line, run DMC has a lot going for it. We also have a great power play. We have a bunch of great guys that do their jobs in all facets of the game. Offensively, Murphy, Conner and Desmet see the ice so well and
play well together, it is amazing. It’s a real treat to be a part of it and practice against them, and it makes me and everyone better.
(MCH): The defense has been improving from the beginning of the season, from what you can see, what are the things that they are doing well, and what are some of the things that they can still improve on?
(CE): From game to game we re-evaluate on how everyone is playing different situations, we communicate really well, the defensemen and myself. There are no huge adjustments, just tweaks here and there. The defense is clearing and letting me see the puck. They are working hard in front of the net and limit second and third chances, you can not ask for much more than that.
(MCH): You are seeing the puck well and getting in the right positions. It appears that you make some saves that seem impossible to make. Is there luck involved? What is your secret?
(CE): I am seeing the puck well at this time. I never quit on a play, and I feel that if I never quit, once in a while you knock out a few that maybe you shouldn’t.
(MCH): With winning comes the fans have now been coming out to the games, I think we had 3300 plus last Saturday on the home game, does having a group like the misfits and a full house help you and the team?
(CE): Yeah, they are great. The misfits came down to Duluth, they are very vocal. It is great to have fans that know you, recognize you, and cheer for you. Our band is great as well. When we get people in our house, it is a pretty intimidating place for other teams to come in and play. It gets loud, the fans are right on top of you the band gets going, we get a couple of goals, and it makes for a tough place to play. You can feel the electricity in the building as a player, especially when the fans get behind you. The other thing about our fans is they are smart fans, they cheer at the right times and boo at the right times. They understand the game, that is important, it is nice that they know what is going on, and they react in a way that is beneficial to us.
(MCH): Now that the season is coming to an end, where do you see a realistic ending is for this season?
(CE): Right now, the sky is the limit. The way we are rolling I would not sell us short now, we are playing well and are getting better every game. Sometimes it is not how you start, but how you finish. I think we can still play better hockey and we are peaking at the right time. I would not put it past us to win a number of games in the playoff. Winning is something that you learn how to do, we have beat some pretty good teams in pretty tough situations.
(MCH): With your career here coming to an end, do you have plans to continue playing hockey after this year?
(CE): I would love to keep playing, right now I have more pressing matters at hand. I am planning on sticking around this season for the long haul and go deep with this team. Right now I am not worrying about it. I do want to keep playing hockey and I hope that will continue on for me, as for now, everyone wants to keep going in the right direction and win some hockey games.
(MCH): Is there anything that you would like me to add or anything that you would like to say?
(CE): I just want to thank the town and all the fans, they should be commended on how they support the program. It was great throughout my four years here and hope it will continue with all the others to come.
(MCH): Well first off, awesome weekend for you and the team. Nice to get two wins on the road. You played well in net again and received your third Defensive Player of the Week award in five weeks. Do you feel more is expected of you now that you have been playing so well?
(CE): Not really, I just try to go out every night and give the team a chance to win. There are going to be nights when the goalie is going to play well or a forward gets a hat trick. I just go and do what I can.
(MCH): Coach Russell called out the goalies in the first half of the season. That was a point in which the team was not getting much help defensively and were not finding ways to win. You and Bryce were splitting time at that point, too. Did you use that comment as motivation?
(CE): It was tough, I was frustrated, we weren’t winning, the whole team was frustrated. Coach Russell and I sat down and talked about everything. That helped me a lot, having an open forum about the season and myself as a player. It turned out to be a big positive.
(MCH): Since then, you have been in the net every game have something like a .940 save percentage, and right around 2.5 goals against average. What adjustments did you make in your game from that conversation?
(CE): Personally, I did not do much different, we played Denver that next weekend and as a team we played better. That helps me, it makes my job easier when everyone is playing better, and when I am playing well it makes everybody’s job easier, it is such a team game. I did not approach the game differently, we found success as a team, but I prepared the same and gave the same effort. Credit needs to be given to the team, as a whole, we have played better.
(MCH): I have been watching the team a number of years, and I think that Tech is playing some of the best hockey they have in many years, hopefully we can carry that on.
(CE): Yeah, we have an exciting team and a lot of exciting players, when we put it together, I think we have proven that we can beat a lot of very good hockey teams.
(MCH): You get to see all the offensive weapons from the opposing teams, and practice against ours, from what you have seen is there a better line than ours with Chris Conner, Taggart Desmet and Colin Murphy?
(CE): I don’t believe so, I think we have a really balanced team and our number one line, run DMC has a lot going for it. We also have a great power play. We have a bunch of great guys that do their jobs in all facets of the game. Offensively, Murphy, Conner and Desmet see the ice so well and
play well together, it is amazing. It’s a real treat to be a part of it and practice against them, and it makes me and everyone better.
(MCH): The defense has been improving from the beginning of the season, from what you can see, what are the things that they are doing well, and what are some of the things that they can still improve on?
(CE): From game to game we re-evaluate on how everyone is playing different situations, we communicate really well, the defensemen and myself. There are no huge adjustments, just tweaks here and there. The defense is clearing and letting me see the puck. They are working hard in front of the net and limit second and third chances, you can not ask for much more than that.
(MCH): You are seeing the puck well and getting in the right positions. It appears that you make some saves that seem impossible to make. Is there luck involved? What is your secret?
(CE): I am seeing the puck well at this time. I never quit on a play, and I feel that if I never quit, once in a while you knock out a few that maybe you shouldn’t.
(MCH): With winning comes the fans have now been coming out to the games, I think we had 3300 plus last Saturday on the home game, does having a group like the misfits and a full house help you and the team?
(CE): Yeah, they are great. The misfits came down to Duluth, they are very vocal. It is great to have fans that know you, recognize you, and cheer for you. Our band is great as well. When we get people in our house, it is a pretty intimidating place for other teams to come in and play. It gets loud, the fans are right on top of you the band gets going, we get a couple of goals, and it makes for a tough place to play. You can feel the electricity in the building as a player, especially when the fans get behind you. The other thing about our fans is they are smart fans, they cheer at the right times and boo at the right times. They understand the game, that is important, it is nice that they know what is going on, and they react in a way that is beneficial to us.
(MCH): Now that the season is coming to an end, where do you see a realistic ending is for this season?
(CE): Right now, the sky is the limit. The way we are rolling I would not sell us short now, we are playing well and are getting better every game. Sometimes it is not how you start, but how you finish. I think we can still play better hockey and we are peaking at the right time. I would not put it past us to win a number of games in the playoff. Winning is something that you learn how to do, we have beat some pretty good teams in pretty tough situations.
(MCH): With your career here coming to an end, do you have plans to continue playing hockey after this year?
(CE): I would love to keep playing, right now I have more pressing matters at hand. I am planning on sticking around this season for the long haul and go deep with this team. Right now I am not worrying about it. I do want to keep playing hockey and I hope that will continue on for me, as for now, everyone wants to keep going in the right direction and win some hockey games.
(MCH): Is there anything that you would like me to add or anything that you would like to say?
(CE): I just want to thank the town and all the fans, they should be commended on how they support the program. It was great throughout my four years here and hope it will continue with all the others to come.
WSU freshman among nation's best
Wayne State University freshman wing Ashley King, who has already broken the Warrior school record for game-winning goals in a season with five, is tied-for-sixth nationally in game-winners.
She is second nationally among freshmen in game-winning goals trailing St. Lawrence's Sabrina Harbec, who has six.
King leads the squad with 11 goals and has scored the game-winner in five of WSU's nine victories this season.
All eight of WSU's remaining games will be against College Hockey America league foes beginning with a two-game series at Niagara this Friday and Saturday.
She is second nationally among freshmen in game-winning goals trailing St. Lawrence's Sabrina Harbec, who has six.
King leads the squad with 11 goals and has scored the game-winner in five of WSU's nine victories this season.
All eight of WSU's remaining games will be against College Hockey America league foes beginning with a two-game series at Niagara this Friday and Saturday.
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
Tech Netminder Name POTW
Cam Ellsworth, goalie of the Michigan Tech Huskies (7-19-1), was named Defensive Player of the Week for the WCHA. This is the 3rd time in the last 5 weeks that he has earned this honor. Cam lead the Huskies to a road sweep of the UMD Bulldogs over the weekend. These were the 4th and 5th wins away from home, and helped Tech move into a tie for 9th in the WCHA.
Ellsworth stopped 89 of 93 shots this past weekend, and now has 6 wins on the year. Since January 1st, Cam has a .948 save percentage and a 2.11 goals against average. He was also a huge part in holding UMD to 0 of 10 on the power play.
Ellsworth stopped 89 of 93 shots this past weekend, and now has 6 wins on the year. Since January 1st, Cam has a .948 save percentage and a 2.11 goals against average. He was also a huge part in holding UMD to 0 of 10 on the power play.
Monday, February 07, 2005
Spartans + Wolverines + 130 Minutes = Deadlock
Dominic Vicari made a total of 82 saves in helping
Michigan State to a pair of ties with rival Michigan
(photo and release courtesy of MSU Sports Information)
Dominic Vicari Named CCHA Defensive Player of the Week
Sophomore netminder stops 82-of-85 shots in back-to-back overtime ties with Michigan.
East Lansing, Mich. – Michigan State sophomore netminder Dominic Vicari (Clinton Township, Mich.) has been selected as the CCHA Defensive Player of the Week following his performance in MSU’s back-to-back overtime ties with No. 5 Michigan last weekend. It marks the third time this season that Vicari has earned CCHA Defensive Player of the Week honors.
Vicari, who practiced only sparingly last week as he battled the flu and had to work extremely hard during the game and between periods to stay hydrated, stopped 82-of-85 shots (.965) on the weekend. In State’s 2-2 tie with Michigan Friday (Feb. 3), Vicari stopped 41 shots, including 17 in the opening stanza, 10 in the middle, 11 in the third and three in the extra session in helping the Spartans to a dramatic comeback tie. In Saturday’s 1-1 tie, the Clinton Township, Mich., native once again stopped 41 shots, including eight in the first, 11 in the second, 18 in the third and four in overtime. He earned No. 3 star of the game honors Friday and No. 1 star honors Saturday.
For the season, Vicari has posted an 11-10-3 overall record along with a 2.11 goals-against average and a .928 saves percentage. Currently, he ranks sixth in the country in saves percentage and 13th in GAA. In addition, he has four shutouts to pace the CCHA.
Michigan State (13-11-4 overall, 8-9-3 CCHA) makes the trek to Fairbanks, Alaska, for a two-game set with the UAF Nanooks (9-12-3 overall, 8-11-3 CCHA) this weekend. Face-off is set for 11:05 p.m. ET both nights.
Spartans rally to tie U-M twice
Michigan and Michigan State continued their long-standing rivalry last weekend as they played to a 2-2 tie Friday night in Ann Arbor and a 1-1 stalemate Saturday night at Joe Louis Arena.
Friday, Drew Miller scored the tying goal with 1.3 seconds left in regulation after his first goal at 17:34 of the third period. Charlie Henderson and Jeff Tambellini gave the Wolverines (20-7-3, 16-3-2 CCHA) a 2-0 lead with first-period goals, both assisted by Andrew Ebbett.
Al Montoya stopped 23 shots for U of M while Dominic Vicari was stellar in making 41 saves.
"We had a shaky first period," said Miller. "But I thought we showed a lot of character in the second and third."
The next night, Jim McKenzie and Michigan captain Eric Nystrom traded goals at the sold-out "Joe" with McKenzie's coming with 3:18 to go in the third period.
Montoya again made 23 saves to Vicari's 41 stops.
"It was a game obviously that Vicari became a big factor in," Michigan head coach Red Berenson said. "He was the difference. I really liked our team tonight. I thought we battled right to the end. That goal, it wasn't like we gave up a goal. The kid got his second goal of the year."
"It was a typical hard work, grinder goal," said McKenzie. "It felt great. Hopefully, this will turn things around."
"Jim McKenzie is a big strong body," remarked Spartans head coach Rick Comley. "I didn't see how it went in, but that line played well for us tonight. He has been coming on, he was a big scorer in junior and has struggled, so maybe a goal like that will really give him a boost."
Michigan is at Nebraska-Omaha this weekend while MSU (13-11-4, 8-9-3 CCHA) is at Alaska-Fairbanks.
Friday, Drew Miller scored the tying goal with 1.3 seconds left in regulation after his first goal at 17:34 of the third period. Charlie Henderson and Jeff Tambellini gave the Wolverines (20-7-3, 16-3-2 CCHA) a 2-0 lead with first-period goals, both assisted by Andrew Ebbett.
Al Montoya stopped 23 shots for U of M while Dominic Vicari was stellar in making 41 saves.
"We had a shaky first period," said Miller. "But I thought we showed a lot of character in the second and third."
The next night, Jim McKenzie and Michigan captain Eric Nystrom traded goals at the sold-out "Joe" with McKenzie's coming with 3:18 to go in the third period.
Montoya again made 23 saves to Vicari's 41 stops.
"It was a game obviously that Vicari became a big factor in," Michigan head coach Red Berenson said. "He was the difference. I really liked our team tonight. I thought we battled right to the end. That goal, it wasn't like we gave up a goal. The kid got his second goal of the year."
"It was a typical hard work, grinder goal," said McKenzie. "It felt great. Hopefully, this will turn things around."
"Jim McKenzie is a big strong body," remarked Spartans head coach Rick Comley. "I didn't see how it went in, but that line played well for us tonight. He has been coming on, he was a big scorer in junior and has struggled, so maybe a goal like that will really give him a boost."
Michigan is at Nebraska-Omaha this weekend while MSU (13-11-4, 8-9-3 CCHA) is at Alaska-Fairbanks.
Sunday, February 06, 2005
Broncos Split, Bulldogs Grab a Point, Lakers Sunk
Team scoring leader Brent Walton picked up
3 assists in the Broncos, 3-2, win on Saturday night
KALAMAZOO, MICH--- Western Michigan (11-14-1, 6-13-1 CCHA) finally broke out of their slump as they held off the Miami RedHawks, 3-2, in Kalamazoo on Saturday night for the series split.
Daryl Moore and Mike Erickson each had a goal and assist and Brent Walton added a helper on every goal as they Broncos picked up their first win since Jan. 14 against Michigan State.
The win pushes the Broncs into 10th place in the conference standings with just 8 games left in the regular season.
Friday- The Western Michigan Broncos dropped their fourth contest in a row as the Miami RedHawks posted a 5-2 win at the Lawson Arena.
Brian Bicek and Brett Walton scored for the Broncos and Daniel Bellissimo made 28 saves in the losing effort.
Bronco Path…. Western will start a four-game road trip with a pair against third-place Northern Michigan at the Berry Events Center in Marquette this weekend.
SAULT STE. MARIE, MICH--- The Lake Superior State Lakers (7-15-6, 6-9-5 CCHA) wasted a golden opportunity to knock off both second place Ohio State and end their losing streak as they fell in overtime, 3-2, to the Buckeyes in the Sault on Saturday night.
Colin Nicholson and Ren Fauci scored to put LSSU up 2-1 going into the third period.
Dan Knapp scored a 4 on 4 goal early in the third to tie the game and force overtime.
Bryce Anderson ended it for OSU as he beat Laker goalie Jeff Jakaitis just 1:04 into the extra frame.
The loss drops the Lakers record in overtime games this year to 2-2-6.
Friday- The Buckeyes moved to within two points of conference leading Michigan with a 3-1 victory over the sinking Lakers at the Taffy Abel Arena in the series opener.
Rod Pelley led the Buckeyes to sixth win in seven games with a pair of goals.
Junior blueliner Ren Fauci scored his first goal of the season for the Lakers, but it wasn’t enough as LSSU’s winless streak reached a season-high seven games.
The Lakers now sit in ninth place in the CCHA with 17 points and will hit the road to Oxford, Ohio next weekend for two against the Miami RedHawks.
BIG RAPIDS, MICH--- The Ferris State Bulldogs (9-17-4, 4-14-4 CCHA) winless streak reached a season-high eight games with a 4-2 loss to the Bowling Green Falcons in Big Rapids on Saturday.
Eric Vesely and Matt Rutkoswki each scored and Derek MacIntyre made 28 saves for FSU who have not won a game in over a month.
Friday- The Bulldogs started the weekend with a 5-5 tie with the Falcons at the Ewigleben Ice Arena on Friday night.
The Bulldogs wasted a huge opportunity to break the slide as they posted a 3-0 lead after one period and still held on to a 5-2 lead after 40 minutes.
Freshman winger Matt Stefanishion led the Dogs with a hat trick, but the Falcons came back with three goals in the third period to grab the valuable conference point.
Just two years after winning the conference, FSU now sits just a point out of last place in the CCHA with 12 points. The ‘Dogs will travel to South Bend, Indiana next weekend for a pair against the last place Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
Beavers Blitz Warriors in Bemidji
Matt Kelly made 73 saves
in two games at Bemidji State
(photo courtesy of Mark Hicks / Westside Photography)
BEMIDJI, MINN--- The Wayne State Warriors dropped below the .500 mark for the first time all season after being swept by the conference leading Bemidji State Beavers at the John S. Glas Fieldhouse over the weekend.
Freshman Matt Climie picked up his second career shutout on Friday night as the Beavers rolled to a 2-0 victory.
The Warriors (12-14-2, 5-7-2 CHA) were outgunned 37-13 in losing their season high fourth game in a row.
Lou Garritan and Andrew Murray scored for the Beavers who have now gone 8-2-1 in their last eleven games.
Matt Kelly started in net for the Warriors and made 35 saves.
Saturday night the pain continued for the Warriors as they dropped a 5-2 decision to the streaking Beavers.
Jason Bloomingburg and John May put the Warriors out to a 2-0 lead by the 5:26 mark of the second period, but the Beavers responded for 5 straight goals en route to the series sweep.
Luke Erickson and Brendan Cook each notched a goal and assist as the Beavers took the season series from the Warriors, 3 games to 1.
Layne Sedevie made 18 saves in net for BSU. Matt Kelly made his third straight start in net for WSU and turned aside 38 of 42 shots.
The pair of wins gives Bemidji State 22 points in the CHA standings, good for a three point lead over second-place Alabama-Huntsville. Wayne State clings to third place with 12 points.
The Warriors will come home for their final six regular season games against CHA foes, beginning with a pair against fourth-place Niagara this weekend at the Compuware Arena in Plymouth.
Nanooks Crack Northern's Berry
First Home Loss in 13 Games for Wildcats
by Brandon Craig
MARQUETTE, Mich - Riding high off of a series split at Michigan last week, the Northern Michigan Wildcats might have relaxed just a little bit over the weekend. The ‘Cats, despite doubling up on visiting Alaska-Fairbanks, 6-3, on Friday, suffered their first home loss in 13 contests, dropping Saturday to the Nanooks, 2-1.
It was the first ever win for UAF in the Berry Events Center. Alaska-Fairbanks is the only other team in the CCHA that plays on an Olympic-size sheet.
NMU head coach Walt Kyle was displeased with the effort by his Wildcats (13-9-5, 11-7-3 CCHA) over the weekend and cited respect as a reason for the split.
“We didn't show them any respect at all," Kyle said Saturday. "It's our own fault."
“We came out asleep," Kyle said. "They controlled play, and scored two first period goals."
UAF’s Scott Vockeroth and Kelly Czuy scored two first period goals for the Nanooks(9-11-3, 8-10-3 CCHA) which would prove to be all the offense they needed.
Jamie Milam scored the only NMU goal early in the third on the power play, but despite offensive pressure by the ‘Cats the Nanooks were able to hold on for the win.
Friday night the Wildcats’ league leading defense could have been dubbed the league’s worst defense.
Despite scoring six markers to double up on the Nanooks, the ‘Cats allowed 3 goals on the night.
Coach Kyle gave credit to the Nanooks for their effort, but was critical of his defensive corps ability to support senior netminder Tuomas Tarkki.
“Alaska took it to us pretty good early," NMU coach Walt Kyle said. "I think they played with a lot of intensity and a lot of focus. I think they carried the play. ... We came back and responded on the power play, which I thought was pretty important."
“I didn't think it was one of Tuomas' strongest games (Friday)," NMU coach Walt Kyle said. "I think Tuomas will tell you that, too. I think he's very, very consistent. I think there were a couple of those goals he'd like to have back. He made a lot of quality saves, which he will do.
"We didn't play well in front of him. Alaska played, I thought, very well."
With the CCHA race taking weird twists down the stretch, the Wildcats find themselves in a new precarious position. With Nebraska Omaha sweeping their weekend series, the Mavericks are now tied with the ‘Cats for third and Bowling Green is not far behind.
Northern is back next weekend hosting the Western Michigan Broncos at the Berry.
by Brandon Craig
MARQUETTE, Mich - Riding high off of a series split at Michigan last week, the Northern Michigan Wildcats might have relaxed just a little bit over the weekend. The ‘Cats, despite doubling up on visiting Alaska-Fairbanks, 6-3, on Friday, suffered their first home loss in 13 contests, dropping Saturday to the Nanooks, 2-1.
It was the first ever win for UAF in the Berry Events Center. Alaska-Fairbanks is the only other team in the CCHA that plays on an Olympic-size sheet.
NMU head coach Walt Kyle was displeased with the effort by his Wildcats (13-9-5, 11-7-3 CCHA) over the weekend and cited respect as a reason for the split.
“We didn't show them any respect at all," Kyle said Saturday. "It's our own fault."
“We came out asleep," Kyle said. "They controlled play, and scored two first period goals."
UAF’s Scott Vockeroth and Kelly Czuy scored two first period goals for the Nanooks(9-11-3, 8-10-3 CCHA) which would prove to be all the offense they needed.
Jamie Milam scored the only NMU goal early in the third on the power play, but despite offensive pressure by the ‘Cats the Nanooks were able to hold on for the win.
Friday night the Wildcats’ league leading defense could have been dubbed the league’s worst defense.
Despite scoring six markers to double up on the Nanooks, the ‘Cats allowed 3 goals on the night.
Coach Kyle gave credit to the Nanooks for their effort, but was critical of his defensive corps ability to support senior netminder Tuomas Tarkki.
“Alaska took it to us pretty good early," NMU coach Walt Kyle said. "I think they played with a lot of intensity and a lot of focus. I think they carried the play. ... We came back and responded on the power play, which I thought was pretty important."
“I didn't think it was one of Tuomas' strongest games (Friday)," NMU coach Walt Kyle said. "I think Tuomas will tell you that, too. I think he's very, very consistent. I think there were a couple of those goals he'd like to have back. He made a lot of quality saves, which he will do.
"We didn't play well in front of him. Alaska played, I thought, very well."
With the CCHA race taking weird twists down the stretch, the Wildcats find themselves in a new precarious position. With Nebraska Omaha sweeping their weekend series, the Mavericks are now tied with the ‘Cats for third and Bowling Green is not far behind.
Northern is back next weekend hosting the Western Michigan Broncos at the Berry.
Tech Sweeps UMD, 4 in a Row on the Road
Special teams and goaltending made the difference this weekend as Michigan Tech swept the Bulldogs with a pair of 3-2 wins. It took an extra 3 minutes for MTU to get the win on Friday, and on Saturday, it was done in regulation. Tech carries the momentum of this sweep into a winter carnival weekend series against Mankato State. Tech improved there 8th ranked power play by going 3 for 7 on the weekend, while there penalty killing proved to be too much for UMD who was 0-10.
Friday Tech started the scoring with two goals in the first, one from Mike Batovanja and the other from John Hartman, both were the players first goal of the season. UMD answered and the period ended 2-1. Colin Murphy and Taggart Desmet got the assists on the Batonvanja goal and John Scott and Jimmy Kerr assisted on the Hartman goal.
The second saw both teams with chances, UMD with the better of the two but neither team could get it past the goalie. The best chance for the Huskies came when Chris Conner fed a nice pass across ice to Desmet, but it jumped over his stick.
In the third fans were treated to a fast paced game, UMD with the majority of chances. UMD tied it up in the second half of the period and had the momentum. Tech took a bench minor late in the third but was able to kill it and take the game into overtime.
In overtime, UMD domintated the first minute, but it was the play of Conner to give Tech the win. While playing 4 on 4, Conner brought the puck in and tried to feed a pass to Lars Helminen but missed, Conner got the puck back, found Murphy who gave it back to Conner for the easy put in. Cam Ellsworth ended the night with 49 saves of 51 shots.
After the game Coach Jamie Russell said "Cam (Ellsworth) was outstanding, getting out shot 51 to 20 and getting the win, unbelievable."
Saturday night saw similar action and a similar result. Tech took a two goal lead in the first, just like Friday, but this time they both came on the power play, and both by Brandon Schwartz (assisting were Lars Helminen and Colin Murphy, and Helminen and Nick Anderson). The first was in the 3rd minute of the game, and the other came in the second half. Tech was 2 for 2 on the power play in the period.
UMD got a goal in the second from Tim Stapleton, but MTU had an answer when Nick Anderson put home a rebound of a Tyler Shelast shot, Shelast had the only assist on the play.
The only scoring in the third came from UMD when Marco Peluso scored in the 12th minute. MTU changed there lines around and played the last 8 minutes defensively. It all worked out as MTU withstood all the offensive pressure of UMD and came away with a 3-2 win. With the win, Tech moved up and out of the cellar to 9th place in the WCHA.
It was another weekend of outstanding goaltending by Cam Ellsworth. He was the 1st star both nights and the MTU player of the game. He face 93 shots, stopping 89 on the weekend.
MTU will come home for a special event, Winter Carnival. The Huskies will host Mankato State and will look to continue the winning ways from the weekend. Stay tuned to the web site this week as I am hoping to have an interview with the player of the weekend, Cam Ellsworth this week.
Friday Tech started the scoring with two goals in the first, one from Mike Batovanja and the other from John Hartman, both were the players first goal of the season. UMD answered and the period ended 2-1. Colin Murphy and Taggart Desmet got the assists on the Batonvanja goal and John Scott and Jimmy Kerr assisted on the Hartman goal.
The second saw both teams with chances, UMD with the better of the two but neither team could get it past the goalie. The best chance for the Huskies came when Chris Conner fed a nice pass across ice to Desmet, but it jumped over his stick.
In the third fans were treated to a fast paced game, UMD with the majority of chances. UMD tied it up in the second half of the period and had the momentum. Tech took a bench minor late in the third but was able to kill it and take the game into overtime.
In overtime, UMD domintated the first minute, but it was the play of Conner to give Tech the win. While playing 4 on 4, Conner brought the puck in and tried to feed a pass to Lars Helminen but missed, Conner got the puck back, found Murphy who gave it back to Conner for the easy put in. Cam Ellsworth ended the night with 49 saves of 51 shots.
After the game Coach Jamie Russell said "Cam (Ellsworth) was outstanding, getting out shot 51 to 20 and getting the win, unbelievable."
Saturday night saw similar action and a similar result. Tech took a two goal lead in the first, just like Friday, but this time they both came on the power play, and both by Brandon Schwartz (assisting were Lars Helminen and Colin Murphy, and Helminen and Nick Anderson). The first was in the 3rd minute of the game, and the other came in the second half. Tech was 2 for 2 on the power play in the period.
UMD got a goal in the second from Tim Stapleton, but MTU had an answer when Nick Anderson put home a rebound of a Tyler Shelast shot, Shelast had the only assist on the play.
The only scoring in the third came from UMD when Marco Peluso scored in the 12th minute. MTU changed there lines around and played the last 8 minutes defensively. It all worked out as MTU withstood all the offensive pressure of UMD and came away with a 3-2 win. With the win, Tech moved up and out of the cellar to 9th place in the WCHA.
It was another weekend of outstanding goaltending by Cam Ellsworth. He was the 1st star both nights and the MTU player of the game. He face 93 shots, stopping 89 on the weekend.
MTU will come home for a special event, Winter Carnival. The Huskies will host Mankato State and will look to continue the winning ways from the weekend. Stay tuned to the web site this week as I am hoping to have an interview with the player of the weekend, Cam Ellsworth this week.
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