During the season, since there's no way I'd have time to preview every game, what I hope to do is provide a look at a couple games and a couple players that I'll be keeping my eye on over the weekend. This should be a weekly feature every Friday.
Games to Watch:
Bemidji State at Minnesota-Duluth(Fri. and Sat.)
People aren't really sure what to expect from the Bulldogs this season. Will they be the disappointing team from last season, or will the cast of new freshmen turn them into a very good team. They face a tough test against a Bemidji team that has proven they can compete against anyone in the WCHA. Now the Beavers have to prove that they can start beating WCHA teams.
Maine at #4 Colorado College (Sat.)
After getting a warm-up game on Friday night against Union, Colorado College faces a tough non-conference test against one of the best programs in Hockey East. Maine is always tough to beat, but Brett Sterling and Marty Sertich have to be excited about the prospect of facing a freshmen goaltender in net.
#6 North Dakota vs. #9 Michigan State (Sun.)
North Dakota fans are hoping nothing has changed from last season, while Michigan State fans are hoping that everything has changed. It's only the first weekend of the season, but this game could have huge PWR implications down the road if one or both teams end up on the NCAA tournament bubble. Also, Michigan State will go on the road to Cornell and then face Michigan after this game, so it's important that the Spartans win here and don't dig themselves into too big of a hole.
Players to Watch:
Colton Fretter, Michigan State
How will Fretter react to the loss of linemate Jim Slater? Will he continue scoring at the same pace or will he drop-off the way Mike Lalonde did last season when he was moved off of Slater's line?
Robbie Earl-Joe Pavelski-Adam Burish, Wisconsin
Coach Mike Eaves announced this week that his top three forwards would be sharing the top line this weekend. They have the potential to be the best line in the country this season.
Billy Sauer, Michigan
Sauer will get his real test in goal this weekend as Michigan plays Quinnipiac. Michigan fans will have high expectations for the young goalie.
North Dakota's Freshmen Defenseman
Zach Jones, Brian Lee, Taylor Chorney, and Joe Finley will get a rough introduction into college hockey at the Lefty McFadden Tournament this weekend. On Saturday, they'll have to contend with Miami's dangerous first line of Matt Christie, Marty Guerin, and Nathan Davis, and then have to find a way to stop Michigan State the following evening. If they hold up well under fire this weekend, North Dakota could very well have one of the best teams in the WCHA.
Justin Abdelkader-Tim Crowder-Tim Kennedy, Michigan State
It looks as though coach Rick Comley has decided his three talented freshmen forwards on the same line together. Even though they'll only be playing their first college games, if they play up to their potential, they could provide the Spartans with the scoring depth they need to return to prominence.
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