The next stop on the Mike Dorr WCHA Tour will be Minnesota State.
Jacob Cepis decided on Minnesota after also taking a visit to Boston University.
North Dakota picked up commitments from AJHL forward Corbin Knight and Winnipeg Midget forward Brendan O'Donnell.
Showing posts with label minnesota state. Show all posts
Showing posts with label minnesota state. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
New Commits
Marquette Ranger Aaron Pietila committed to Michigan Tech.
Former Roseau Ram Jason Fabian committed to Air Force.
Waterloo Blackhawks forward Eriah Hayes committed to Minnesota State. Uriah's Haze would make a great band name.
Nick Pryor finally ended up deciding on Maine.
Former Roseau Ram Jason Fabian committed to Air Force.
Waterloo Blackhawks forward Eriah Hayes committed to Minnesota State. Uriah's Haze would make a great band name.
Nick Pryor finally ended up deciding on Maine.
Saturday, November 08, 2008
Another Berge Commits to MSU
Josh Berge, the brother of Minnesota State senior Mick Berge, committed to Minnesota State for the 2010-2011 season.
Mick was the first Oklahoman to play Division I hockey. Josh would likely be the third, following Matt Donovan who will start with Denver next year.
Mick was the first Oklahoman to play Division I hockey. Josh would likely be the third, following Matt Donovan who will start with Denver next year.
Saturday, November 01, 2008
How to Fix the Minnesota Hockey Showcase
The first ever Minnesota Hockey Showcase wasn't exactly a success. They only got about 10,500 paying spectators combined between the two games, for a pretty dull atmosphere. But all four coaches, and players from all four teams seemed pretty positive about the event and seemed to enjoy it. I think the general feeling was that even though this one may not have gone very well, there is potential for success in the future.
The future of the event hinges on two factors. First, will Minnesota support the event? Minnesota has least to gain from this, but their support and involvement is critical. For what it's worth, Don Lucia seemed much more positive about the future of this event than he did earlier this week. Second, and most important, is if they can fill the building. Though all coaches liked the event, they all said the final decision would be made by people above them that handle the finances.
So how do they go about filling the building? Here's a few suggestions and ideas I have.
1. Hold the event later in the season. This year's event came too early in the season. Don Lucia said it's not really hockey season for a lot of fans yet, which I think is true. There were a lot of important playoff football games today. The weather was nice. People are out hunting. There were a lot of things keeping people away, and with it being so early in the season, there wasn't a lot at stake in these games to draw people in. If this was later in the season and there were playoff and NCAA tournament positions on the line, I think it might have been a little different.
2. The idea Don Lucia mentioned a couple times, which I like, is making these games part of the season ticket package for all four schools. Minnesota gains a small advantage because they have the most season ticket holders, but it guarantees they sell tickets to about 13,000 people, and then they just need 5,000 more tickets sold for a full house. I'm not sure all those season ticket holders would show up, but you'd get a fair number.
3. Do something about the price of tickets. Making tickets $40 for two games was a mistake. I think there were too many fans that only cared to watch one game and didn't want to pay $40 for just one game.
4. Look into making the event a tournament. There's a million difficulties with this. Tournament games would likely have to be non-conference games, and non-conference games are already a rarity to begin with. But a two-day tournament would add some excitement.
The future of the event hinges on two factors. First, will Minnesota support the event? Minnesota has least to gain from this, but their support and involvement is critical. For what it's worth, Don Lucia seemed much more positive about the future of this event than he did earlier this week. Second, and most important, is if they can fill the building. Though all coaches liked the event, they all said the final decision would be made by people above them that handle the finances.
So how do they go about filling the building? Here's a few suggestions and ideas I have.
1. Hold the event later in the season. This year's event came too early in the season. Don Lucia said it's not really hockey season for a lot of fans yet, which I think is true. There were a lot of important playoff football games today. The weather was nice. People are out hunting. There were a lot of things keeping people away, and with it being so early in the season, there wasn't a lot at stake in these games to draw people in. If this was later in the season and there were playoff and NCAA tournament positions on the line, I think it might have been a little different.
2. The idea Don Lucia mentioned a couple times, which I like, is making these games part of the season ticket package for all four schools. Minnesota gains a small advantage because they have the most season ticket holders, but it guarantees they sell tickets to about 13,000 people, and then they just need 5,000 more tickets sold for a full house. I'm not sure all those season ticket holders would show up, but you'd get a fair number.
3. Do something about the price of tickets. Making tickets $40 for two games was a mistake. I think there were too many fans that only cared to watch one game and didn't want to pay $40 for just one game.
4. Look into making the event a tournament. There's a million difficulties with this. Tournament games would likely have to be non-conference games, and non-conference games are already a rarity to begin with. But a two-day tournament would add some excitement.
Minnesota vs. Minnesota State: Game Thread
1st Period is underway
Good action so far. Except we've got a malfunctioning clock that stopped things for a minute. Minnesota State has a pretty good crowd presence here. It's not a huge home ice advantage, but they've at least got a small one.
End of 1st Period, 0-0 tie
A very even period. Minnesota State's powerplay looked much better than it did last night, even though it didn't translate into a goal. Minnesota had some decent chances too. Jordan Schroeder had the period's best chance, but missed scoring his first goal when he shot the puck wide. Minnesota State had some good opportunities, but nothing that materialized into a good chance.
All eyes are the officiating after last night's game, but overall it was pretty good. They called two hooks behind the play that probably wouldn't have been called last year, which is good, and they didn't make any head-scratchers like last night.
One officiating oddity, though. The referees are serious about not letting teams change after an icing. On one play, MSU shot the puck down the ice slowly and was trying to change. Referee Jon Campion blew the whistle about 10 feet before the puck crossed the end line to keep MSU's players from hoping onto the bench. Apparently the linesmen were surprised too, since they talked with Campion for a couple minutes after that call.
2nd Period underway
Goal MSU-Goal: Mike Louwerse Assists: Rylan Galiardi, Channing Boe
Minnesota State worked the puck out from behind the Minnesota net, and Mike Louwerse found a rebound which he jammed in for the game's first goal.
Minnesota Goal-Goal: Ryan Stoa Assists: Cade Fairchild 1-1 tie
Minnesota State took two very bad penalties to go down two men, and Minnesota capitalized. Ryan Stoa got the puck on the side of the net and beat Zacharias down low.
They just announced attendance: 10,295. Not the turnout they were hoping for.
Minnesota State Goal-Goal Mike Louwerse Assists: Kurt Davis 2-1 MSU
Minnesota State got a 5x3 of their own and capitalized. Kurt Davis fired a shot from the point and Louwerse one-timed the rebound into the upper part of the net.
Minnesota Goal-Goal: Jordan Schroeder Assists: Cade Fairchild, Jay Barriball 2-2 tie
After a series of MSU powerplay, Minnesota got a man advantage and scored. Schroeder walked in from the left point and beat Zacharias with a nice shot.
Goal Minnesota-Goal: David Fischer Assists: Aaron Ness, Mike Carman 3-2 Minnesota
Minnesota scores their third powerplay goal of the night. Fischer fired a wrist shot through traffic that Zacharias didn't see.
End of 2nd Period. 3-2 Minnesota
The Gophers dominated the last half of that period, and it became all about survival for Minnesota State. They weren't able to maintain their lead or keep the game tied, meaning they'll have to come from behind in the third period again tonight. Minnesota State got into penalty troubles and Minnesota's powerplay is much more effective tonight.
The number of penalties really went up that period as the officials started calling more ticky-tack penalties. There were was only one call each way that I thought was really terrible. There were other soft ones, but calls that probably should have been made. One of the big problems right now is that I think the 2:00 man advantage is a bigger punishment than a lot of these infractions call for.
3rd Period is Underway
Goal Minnesota-Goal:Mike Carman Assists: David Fischer, Ryan Flynn 4-2 Minnesota
After just missing a goal on a 2-on-1, Minnesota got a shot from the point which was tipped and floated over the shoulder of Zacharias.
Minnesota Goal-Goal: Jordan Schroeder Assists: Ryan Stoa, Cade Fairchild 5-2 Minnesota
The Gophers scored their 4th powerplay goal of the game. Schroeder snuck down low and got the puck at the side of the net which he chipped in.
Goal Minnesota State-Goal: Jerad Stewart Assists: James Gaulrapp, Kurt Davis 5-3 Minnesota
Minnesota State has a bounce go their way, and after Kangas made two very nice saves, Jerad Stewart stuffed in the third. There's less than two minutes left, however, so it's likely too little too late.
Minnesota Goal-Goal: Ryan Flynn Assists: Mike Carman 6-3 Minnesota
Flynn scores an empty-netter from the neutral zone to ice the game for Minnesota.
End of Game. Final Score: Minnesota 6 Minnesota State 3
Minnesota dominated this game. Minnesota State took too many penalties and Minnesota's powerplay was lethal tonight. MSU had a chance in the third period, and looked to be building a little momentum, but Minnesota's fourth goal was a backbreaker. Minnesota looked like the far superior, more skilled team tonight. They were able to do more with the puck when they got chances than Minnesota State was.
Good action so far. Except we've got a malfunctioning clock that stopped things for a minute. Minnesota State has a pretty good crowd presence here. It's not a huge home ice advantage, but they've at least got a small one.
End of 1st Period, 0-0 tie
A very even period. Minnesota State's powerplay looked much better than it did last night, even though it didn't translate into a goal. Minnesota had some decent chances too. Jordan Schroeder had the period's best chance, but missed scoring his first goal when he shot the puck wide. Minnesota State had some good opportunities, but nothing that materialized into a good chance.
All eyes are the officiating after last night's game, but overall it was pretty good. They called two hooks behind the play that probably wouldn't have been called last year, which is good, and they didn't make any head-scratchers like last night.
One officiating oddity, though. The referees are serious about not letting teams change after an icing. On one play, MSU shot the puck down the ice slowly and was trying to change. Referee Jon Campion blew the whistle about 10 feet before the puck crossed the end line to keep MSU's players from hoping onto the bench. Apparently the linesmen were surprised too, since they talked with Campion for a couple minutes after that call.
2nd Period underway
Goal MSU-Goal: Mike Louwerse Assists: Rylan Galiardi, Channing Boe
Minnesota State worked the puck out from behind the Minnesota net, and Mike Louwerse found a rebound which he jammed in for the game's first goal.
Minnesota Goal-Goal: Ryan Stoa Assists: Cade Fairchild 1-1 tie
Minnesota State took two very bad penalties to go down two men, and Minnesota capitalized. Ryan Stoa got the puck on the side of the net and beat Zacharias down low.
They just announced attendance: 10,295. Not the turnout they were hoping for.
Minnesota State Goal-Goal Mike Louwerse Assists: Kurt Davis 2-1 MSU
Minnesota State got a 5x3 of their own and capitalized. Kurt Davis fired a shot from the point and Louwerse one-timed the rebound into the upper part of the net.
Minnesota Goal-Goal: Jordan Schroeder Assists: Cade Fairchild, Jay Barriball 2-2 tie
After a series of MSU powerplay, Minnesota got a man advantage and scored. Schroeder walked in from the left point and beat Zacharias with a nice shot.
Goal Minnesota-Goal: David Fischer Assists: Aaron Ness, Mike Carman 3-2 Minnesota
Minnesota scores their third powerplay goal of the night. Fischer fired a wrist shot through traffic that Zacharias didn't see.
End of 2nd Period. 3-2 Minnesota
The Gophers dominated the last half of that period, and it became all about survival for Minnesota State. They weren't able to maintain their lead or keep the game tied, meaning they'll have to come from behind in the third period again tonight. Minnesota State got into penalty troubles and Minnesota's powerplay is much more effective tonight.
The number of penalties really went up that period as the officials started calling more ticky-tack penalties. There were was only one call each way that I thought was really terrible. There were other soft ones, but calls that probably should have been made. One of the big problems right now is that I think the 2:00 man advantage is a bigger punishment than a lot of these infractions call for.
3rd Period is Underway
Goal Minnesota-Goal:Mike Carman Assists: David Fischer, Ryan Flynn 4-2 Minnesota
After just missing a goal on a 2-on-1, Minnesota got a shot from the point which was tipped and floated over the shoulder of Zacharias.
Minnesota Goal-Goal: Jordan Schroeder Assists: Ryan Stoa, Cade Fairchild 5-2 Minnesota
The Gophers scored their 4th powerplay goal of the game. Schroeder snuck down low and got the puck at the side of the net which he chipped in.
Goal Minnesota State-Goal: Jerad Stewart Assists: James Gaulrapp, Kurt Davis 5-3 Minnesota
Minnesota State has a bounce go their way, and after Kangas made two very nice saves, Jerad Stewart stuffed in the third. There's less than two minutes left, however, so it's likely too little too late.
Minnesota Goal-Goal: Ryan Flynn Assists: Mike Carman 6-3 Minnesota
Flynn scores an empty-netter from the neutral zone to ice the game for Minnesota.
End of Game. Final Score: Minnesota 6 Minnesota State 3
Minnesota dominated this game. Minnesota State took too many penalties and Minnesota's powerplay was lethal tonight. MSU had a chance in the third period, and looked to be building a little momentum, but Minnesota's fourth goal was a backbreaker. Minnesota looked like the far superior, more skilled team tonight. They were able to do more with the puck when they got chances than Minnesota State was.
Minnesota State/Minnesota Pre-Game
It's looking like a better crowd for the second game, but still not great. I don't think that many people from the first game stuck around for the second game.
I wasn't sure in the first game, but I can tell now that the host schools brought their own PA announcers, which is a nice touch. Minnesota State has a small, but vocal contingent of about 20 students here which is nice. They greeted the Gophers with a spirited, if not vulgar, cheer.
Minnesota State needs to keep up the momentum they had in the third period of last night's game. If they can put together three periods like that, they've got a good chance. If they play like they did in the second period, Minnesota will probably win.
Minnesota played a pretty solid game last night, but has to solve Mike Zacharias in net.
I wasn't sure in the first game, but I can tell now that the host schools brought their own PA announcers, which is a nice touch. Minnesota State has a small, but vocal contingent of about 20 students here which is nice. They greeted the Gophers with a spirited, if not vulgar, cheer.
Minnesota State needs to keep up the momentum they had in the third period of last night's game. If they can put together three periods like that, they've got a good chance. If they play like they did in the second period, Minnesota will probably win.
Minnesota played a pretty solid game last night, but has to solve Mike Zacharias in net.
SCSU/UMD Post-Game
St. Cloud
The first thing Bob Motzko talked about post-game was how his team seems to be on a yo-yo right now, and tonight was the bottom of that yo-yo.
He said they had a good week of practice, started out playing well, but then they got frustrated and that frustration mounted as the game went on. The word 'implosion' was used a couple times.
He obviously didn't use any names, and there's probably multiple players you can attribute that to, but Garrett Roe seems the most obvious. He's a fiery player, and looks great when things are going well, but you can also see him get very frustrated at times.
For what it's worth, St. Cloud didn't seem to feel like they got totally dominated by a better team tonight. They just felt like they didn't play their best game. Motzko called it "a very vanilla performance".
UMD
The first question to Scott Sandelin was something to the effect of "I guess you've been saving all those goals from the past couple years for this year" to which Sandy replied, "So you're saying we've still got a lot more coming?"
The two biggest things that stuck out to me from the press conferences was that UMD really worked on their penalty kill for this game, specifically shutting down Roe and Lasch. "Taking away time and space" for those two was mentioned a couple times. I think this goes back to my theory about St. Cloud missing Andreas Nodl more than people thought. His presence down low on the right side of the net bought both Lasch and Roe a ton of space this year. Aaron Marvin and Tony Mosey aren't garnering the same respect.
The other thing mentioned by both Sandy and Nick Kemp/Mike Greer was how both Jack and Mike Connolly make the players around them better. That's definitely evident both in person and on the score sheet. You add two great offensive players like that into a lineup and they can make a bad offensive team look pretty good.
Both coaches seemed positive on the experience. They both said their players were excited to play at X, and that they'd like to see the event continue.
The first thing Bob Motzko talked about post-game was how his team seems to be on a yo-yo right now, and tonight was the bottom of that yo-yo.
He said they had a good week of practice, started out playing well, but then they got frustrated and that frustration mounted as the game went on. The word 'implosion' was used a couple times.
He obviously didn't use any names, and there's probably multiple players you can attribute that to, but Garrett Roe seems the most obvious. He's a fiery player, and looks great when things are going well, but you can also see him get very frustrated at times.
For what it's worth, St. Cloud didn't seem to feel like they got totally dominated by a better team tonight. They just felt like they didn't play their best game. Motzko called it "a very vanilla performance".
UMD
The first question to Scott Sandelin was something to the effect of "I guess you've been saving all those goals from the past couple years for this year" to which Sandy replied, "So you're saying we've still got a lot more coming?"
The two biggest things that stuck out to me from the press conferences was that UMD really worked on their penalty kill for this game, specifically shutting down Roe and Lasch. "Taking away time and space" for those two was mentioned a couple times. I think this goes back to my theory about St. Cloud missing Andreas Nodl more than people thought. His presence down low on the right side of the net bought both Lasch and Roe a ton of space this year. Aaron Marvin and Tony Mosey aren't garnering the same respect.
The other thing mentioned by both Sandy and Nick Kemp/Mike Greer was how both Jack and Mike Connolly make the players around them better. That's definitely evident both in person and on the score sheet. You add two great offensive players like that into a lineup and they can make a bad offensive team look pretty good.
Both coaches seemed positive on the experience. They both said their players were excited to play at X, and that they'd like to see the event continue.
Zacharias Update
Word on Minnesota State goalie Mike Zacharias is that it took six stitches to close the wound to his head that he received in overtime of last night's game against Minnesota.
He will be the starter in net tonight.
He will be the starter in net tonight.
Minnesota/Minnesota State Line Charts
Minnesota State
Kael Mouillierat-Trevor Bruess-Mick Berge
James Gaulrapp-Zach Harrison-Jerad Stewart
Geoff Irwin-Andrew Sackrison-Jason Wiley
Tyler Thompson-Rylan Galiardi-Mike Louwerse
Kurt Davis-Brian Kilburg
Cameron Cooper-Channing Boe
Blake Friesen-Ben Youds
Mike Zacharias
Dan Tormey
Austin Lee
Youds and Louwerse return to the lineup after sitting out last night for unneccessary penalties in a previous game. Justin Jokinen and Nick Canzanello are out in their place.
Minnesota
Ryan Stoa-Jordan Schroeder-Jay Barriball
Tony Lucia-Mike Carman-Ryan Flynn
Mike Hoeffel-Patrick White-Nico Sacchetti
Jake Hansen-Taylor Matson-Justin Bostom
Cade Fairchild-David Fischer
Aaron Ness-R.J. Anderson
Kevin Wehrs-Sam Lofquist
Alex Kangas
Kent Patterson
Hansen and Sacchetti return to the lineup after sitting out last night disciplinary reasons, taking the place of fellow freshmen Mike Dorr and Joey Miller.
Kael Mouillierat-Trevor Bruess-Mick Berge
James Gaulrapp-Zach Harrison-Jerad Stewart
Geoff Irwin-Andrew Sackrison-Jason Wiley
Tyler Thompson-Rylan Galiardi-Mike Louwerse
Kurt Davis-Brian Kilburg
Cameron Cooper-Channing Boe
Blake Friesen-Ben Youds
Mike Zacharias
Dan Tormey
Austin Lee
Youds and Louwerse return to the lineup after sitting out last night for unneccessary penalties in a previous game. Justin Jokinen and Nick Canzanello are out in their place.
Minnesota
Ryan Stoa-Jordan Schroeder-Jay Barriball
Tony Lucia-Mike Carman-Ryan Flynn
Mike Hoeffel-Patrick White-Nico Sacchetti
Jake Hansen-Taylor Matson-Justin Bostom
Cade Fairchild-David Fischer
Aaron Ness-R.J. Anderson
Kevin Wehrs-Sam Lofquist
Alex Kangas
Kent Patterson
Hansen and Sacchetti return to the lineup after sitting out last night disciplinary reasons, taking the place of fellow freshmen Mike Dorr and Joey Miller.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Journey of a Maverick
Zach Harrison has become kind of a big deal over the past week and a half. His stick is going to the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto. He got his own post on Deadspin, complete with trying-to-hard-and-failing-to-be-funny comments. He no doubt had a bevy of co-eds at his disposal, lined up all the way down that gigantic hill in Mankato.
Harrison is a microcosm of this year's Maverick team. Perhaps no more so than the other 6 junior forwards on Minnesota State's team. Seven forwards, all of whom are regulars in the lineup, tend to have a fairly impact on the team at-large. But for the sake of familiarity, we'll focus on Harrison.
Zach Harrison was a good player at Shattuck-St. Mary's Prep School, but far from a superstar. In his senior year, he put up decent numbers, but was outshined by other players. Tyler Ruegsegger led the team in scoring, with Brian Volpei next, followed by Harrison. His junior year, he was the lowest scoring forward on the Shattuck Prep team(though that was arguably the best Shattuck team, ever). Usually a player in his position would head off to play junior hockey somewhere before jumping into the WCHA. But Minnesota State had had a tough summer. Thirteen different players from their 05-06 roster would not be on the roster the following year, be it because of graduation, signing a pro contract, academic troubles, or other troubles. They needed players
Harrison committed to the Mavericks that April, and joined the team straight out of high school. By comparison, Eli Zuck committed to Minnesota State nearly two years to the date after Harrison did, and was a candidate to join the Mavericks for this season, but because this year's team wasn't as hard hit by defections, he's currently playing for the Tri-City Storm of the USHL. So Harrison, along with 7 other freshman, got a lot of ice time that first year.
That season was far from a disaster. It probably could have been a lot worse, all things considered. But it wasn't that great either. Harrison had talent--his best attribute has always been his ability to skate like the wind--but also very raw. He had no shot to speak, and lacked some of the strength needed to really push around. The Mavericks finished 13-19-6, 7th in the WCHA. Personally, Harrison had 3 goals and 9 assists on the year, in 36 games. Nine of those 12 points came in season's final 20 games.
That summer was contentious for Minnesota State hockey and it's fans. Head coach Troy Jutting had just finished off four consecutive losing seasons, and his contract was up for renewal. The Mavericks weren't great the previous year, but who could expect them to be with such a young roster? Ultimately, athletic director Kevin Buisman saw the promise in that young team, and gave Jutting a two-year extension to prove he could win with the young group of players he had assembled.
The next season was another step forward for both Harrison, and the team as a whole. After being picked for another dismal finish in the league, MSU surprised everyone by going 19-16-4, and finishing fourth in the WCHA. Harrison's offensive numbers improved to 6 goals and 13 assists. But Harrison, and his team ended up one goal short of what they needed. The Mavericks lost an epic three-game playoff series to Minnesota on their home ice, with all three games going to overtime. The next weekend, a bizarre set of circumstances and some poorly applied mathematics eliminated Minnesota State from the NCAA tournament and ended their season.
The most enduring, and painful image of that Minnesota series--and ironically, the picture Deadspin chose for their feature of Harrison--is Harrison earning a breakaway and coming in alone on Minnesota goalie Alex Kangas in the second period of the decisive Game 3 of that series. Harrison made an outstanding fake to his backhand, before pulling the puck back to his forehand. For a split second, there was nothing but daylight and white mesh. But just as soon as the hole had opened, it was closed, as Alex Kangas' left leg came out of nowhere to jam Harrison as he tried to stuff the puck into the net. And just like that, it was over. A season's worth of amazing work gone, thanks to a weekend of sensational goaltending.
Which brings us to this year. Harrison and his cronies are now juniors. Upperclassmen. The Mavericks have an experienced, battle-tested team. This is their year to prove themselves. To prove last year wasn't a fluke. To prove they belong in the NCAA tournament. To prove they belong among college hockey's elite.
So far, that's what they've done. The group that got swept at home by Bemidji State as freshmen, and eked out two ugly victories at BSU last year, dominated Bemidji at home to start the season. After going 0-7-1 against North Dakota in their first two seasons, they got their first win against the Sioux two weeks ago. This weekend, they'll go toe-to-toe with what looks like one of the country's best teams.
And then there's Harrison and his beauty of a hat trick. Three straight goals that not only proved how good he is, but also just how far he's come. The first is a pure goal-scorer's goal. He brings the puck down his off-wing, cuts to the middle of the ice and snipes a shot over the goalies glove from the top of the circles. A freshman Zach Harrison would not have scored that goal from half the range. On the second, he uses that great speed to put himself in scoring position, but then has the skill to finish off the play. He gets the goalie stretched out, then makes sure to get the puck up in the air to avoid the pad of the North Dakota goalie. I'm not really sure what the third one means. It's hard to draw much from a spinning backhanded golf shot, but I guess when you're on a losing team, like he was as a freshman, you don't get too many opportunities at empty nets.
There has to be something that draws people, myself very much included, to college sports over professional sports. The pros, afterall, are athletically superior--bigger, stronger, faster, etc. For some people it's a sense of connection to their school. But I also think it goes beyond that, and I think that reason is here. There's something inspiring and uplifting about watching a group of kids come from nothing and develop themselves into something, through a lot of hard work and sacrifice. It makes them easy to cheer for, and makes it really fun to see them succeed.
Harrison is a microcosm of this year's Maverick team. Perhaps no more so than the other 6 junior forwards on Minnesota State's team. Seven forwards, all of whom are regulars in the lineup, tend to have a fairly impact on the team at-large. But for the sake of familiarity, we'll focus on Harrison.
Zach Harrison was a good player at Shattuck-St. Mary's Prep School, but far from a superstar. In his senior year, he put up decent numbers, but was outshined by other players. Tyler Ruegsegger led the team in scoring, with Brian Volpei next, followed by Harrison. His junior year, he was the lowest scoring forward on the Shattuck Prep team(though that was arguably the best Shattuck team, ever). Usually a player in his position would head off to play junior hockey somewhere before jumping into the WCHA. But Minnesota State had had a tough summer. Thirteen different players from their 05-06 roster would not be on the roster the following year, be it because of graduation, signing a pro contract, academic troubles, or other troubles. They needed players
Harrison committed to the Mavericks that April, and joined the team straight out of high school. By comparison, Eli Zuck committed to Minnesota State nearly two years to the date after Harrison did, and was a candidate to join the Mavericks for this season, but because this year's team wasn't as hard hit by defections, he's currently playing for the Tri-City Storm of the USHL. So Harrison, along with 7 other freshman, got a lot of ice time that first year.
That season was far from a disaster. It probably could have been a lot worse, all things considered. But it wasn't that great either. Harrison had talent--his best attribute has always been his ability to skate like the wind--but also very raw. He had no shot to speak, and lacked some of the strength needed to really push around. The Mavericks finished 13-19-6, 7th in the WCHA. Personally, Harrison had 3 goals and 9 assists on the year, in 36 games. Nine of those 12 points came in season's final 20 games.
That summer was contentious for Minnesota State hockey and it's fans. Head coach Troy Jutting had just finished off four consecutive losing seasons, and his contract was up for renewal. The Mavericks weren't great the previous year, but who could expect them to be with such a young roster? Ultimately, athletic director Kevin Buisman saw the promise in that young team, and gave Jutting a two-year extension to prove he could win with the young group of players he had assembled.
The next season was another step forward for both Harrison, and the team as a whole. After being picked for another dismal finish in the league, MSU surprised everyone by going 19-16-4, and finishing fourth in the WCHA. Harrison's offensive numbers improved to 6 goals and 13 assists. But Harrison, and his team ended up one goal short of what they needed. The Mavericks lost an epic three-game playoff series to Minnesota on their home ice, with all three games going to overtime. The next weekend, a bizarre set of circumstances and some poorly applied mathematics eliminated Minnesota State from the NCAA tournament and ended their season.
The most enduring, and painful image of that Minnesota series--and ironically, the picture Deadspin chose for their feature of Harrison--is Harrison earning a breakaway and coming in alone on Minnesota goalie Alex Kangas in the second period of the decisive Game 3 of that series. Harrison made an outstanding fake to his backhand, before pulling the puck back to his forehand. For a split second, there was nothing but daylight and white mesh. But just as soon as the hole had opened, it was closed, as Alex Kangas' left leg came out of nowhere to jam Harrison as he tried to stuff the puck into the net. And just like that, it was over. A season's worth of amazing work gone, thanks to a weekend of sensational goaltending.
Which brings us to this year. Harrison and his cronies are now juniors. Upperclassmen. The Mavericks have an experienced, battle-tested team. This is their year to prove themselves. To prove last year wasn't a fluke. To prove they belong in the NCAA tournament. To prove they belong among college hockey's elite.
So far, that's what they've done. The group that got swept at home by Bemidji State as freshmen, and eked out two ugly victories at BSU last year, dominated Bemidji at home to start the season. After going 0-7-1 against North Dakota in their first two seasons, they got their first win against the Sioux two weeks ago. This weekend, they'll go toe-to-toe with what looks like one of the country's best teams.
And then there's Harrison and his beauty of a hat trick. Three straight goals that not only proved how good he is, but also just how far he's come. The first is a pure goal-scorer's goal. He brings the puck down his off-wing, cuts to the middle of the ice and snipes a shot over the goalies glove from the top of the circles. A freshman Zach Harrison would not have scored that goal from half the range. On the second, he uses that great speed to put himself in scoring position, but then has the skill to finish off the play. He gets the goalie stretched out, then makes sure to get the puck up in the air to avoid the pad of the North Dakota goalie. I'm not really sure what the third one means. It's hard to draw much from a spinning backhanded golf shot, but I guess when you're on a losing team, like he was as a freshman, you don't get too many opportunities at empty nets.
There has to be something that draws people, myself very much included, to college sports over professional sports. The pros, afterall, are athletically superior--bigger, stronger, faster, etc. For some people it's a sense of connection to their school. But I also think it goes beyond that, and I think that reason is here. There's something inspiring and uplifting about watching a group of kids come from nothing and develop themselves into something, through a lot of hard work and sacrifice. It makes them easy to cheer for, and makes it really fun to see them succeed.
Programming Note
So I was given a media credential to this weekend's first ever WCHA Minnesota College Hockey Showcase.
Consequently, I'll likely be figuratively saying, "Screw you, until you also provide me with free pretzels and soft drinks" to the other teams in college hockey, while focusing a little more on the four Minnesota schools.
It also means that there will actually be quality content--or at least the best you can hope for from here--over the weekend. According to the XCel staff, I will have wireless internet access from the press box, so I should have informative updates throughout the day from the X.
Consequently, I'll likely be figuratively saying, "Screw you, until you also provide me with free pretzels and soft drinks" to the other teams in college hockey, while focusing a little more on the four Minnesota schools.
It also means that there will actually be quality content--or at least the best you can hope for from here--over the weekend. According to the XCel staff, I will have wireless internet access from the press box, so I should have informative updates throughout the day from the X.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Harrison to the Hall
Minnesota State junior forward Zach Harrison's stick is headed to the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, to honor his natural shorthanded hat trick in last Friday night's 5-1 victory over North Dakota.
Harrison's stick will be part of the HHOF's "Year-in-Review" display and in the Hall's "University" display.
Harrison's stick will be part of the HHOF's "Year-in-Review" display and in the Hall's "University" display.
Monday, October 06, 2008
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
NHL Draft Prospect: Justin Jokinen
Player: Justin Jokinen
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 165 lbs.
Shoots: Right
CSB Mid-term: 60th
CSB Final Ranking: 54th
Justin Jokinen first began attracting serious attention during his junior year of high school, when he played on the wing alongside of Tyler Johnson, who now plays for Colorado College. Though Johnson suffered some injuries his senior year, Jokinen still had a very successful season, racking up 51 points.
Jokinen was still relatively unknown heading into his senior year. But he drew the attention of scouts during the fall's Midwest Elite League for his combination of size, skating, and passing ability. His numbers while playing for Team North were average; 5 goals and 13 assists, but Jokinen played exceptionally well at the end-of-season National Invitational Tournament in front of dozens of scouts. Jokinen was the leading scorer on his championship winning team, outscoring a number of other potential NHL draft picks.
Jokinen had a good senior season with Cloquet-Esko-Carleton, though probably not as dominant as one would expect for a player rated as highly as he is. The absence of Tyler Johnson as a linemate seemed to hurt his productivity. Rather than playing on the wing, his natural position, Jokinen played center, and he had to become his team's primary goal-scoring threat, rather than his more natural role of a playmaker. Not surprisingly, his numbers went down from 51 points as a junior to 39 as senior. Cloquet head coach Dave Esse told NHL.com, "There weren't many skilled players around him this season and, to be honest, he would have probably had about 70 points if there were. His season still ended as a success, however. He helped Cloquet pull off a pair of upsets to reach the state high school tournament, and he was one of ten finalists for Minnesota's Mr. Hockey Award.
After the high school season was over, Jokinen made a commitment to play hockey at Minnesota State. During the high school season, he passed on offers from Alaska and Mercyhurst in hopes of finding a spot in the WCHA. He was also pursued by St. Cloud, Minnesota-Duluth, and Alaska-Anchorage, but eventually settled on the Mavericks because they offered him the opportunity to play for them next season, as opposed to playing a year of junior hockey in the USHL.
Jokinen is likely to draw comparisons to the most famous C-E-C alum, Jamie Langenbrunner. It's not a bad comparison, though Langenbrunner is more of a power forward-type, while Jokinen is more flashy. Aside from Langenbrunner, Jokinen might also be compared to Minnesota State great David Backes. Both are big guys that pass the puck extremely well. Though again, Backes has become more of a checker at the NHL-level, whereas Jokinen's skating is much better.
Jokinen's best asset is that he's well over six feet tall and has the skating ability and hands of someone much smaller. He is able to both set up plays and finish them off. Plus, he has the potential to become even more of a force once he adds some strength.
Strength is one of the biggest areas where Jokinen needs to improve. NHL Central Scouting lists him at 165 lbs. With his frame, he could stand to gain 25-30 pounds of muscle. Some have also questioned Jokinen's intensity and toughness after seeing some of his high school games this past season, but both of those problems should be corrected playing for Minnesota State.
At the NHL level, Jokinen projects to be a second or third line winger that can play a physical role and also consistently chip in points.
Jokinen was listed at 54th in the Final CSB rankings, which projects to a 4th or 5th round draft pick. Opinions will vary wildly among NHL teams on Jokinen. In the end, I think Jokinen will end up getting picked somewhere in the late 3rd or early fourth round.
Quotable
NHL Central Scouting's Jack Barzee said: "When Justin kicks that intensity up he has that snap and finesse that allows him to make big plays. He can come down on the defenseman, use him as a screen and snap the puck off to surprise the goalie. He’s one of those guys that has the uncanny ability to put the puck in the net -- I think he can be a goal scorer at any level - he just needs to get stronger.”
Cloquet head coach Dave Esse said: "He is just a kid that has worked at it. Justin has really grown and is just unbelievably dedicated. He’s one of the top skill kids that I’ve ever coached and I’ve coached for the last 18 years in high school here."
Further Reading
Carlton senior Justin Jokinen's play has teams calling
CEC standout Justin Jokinen to play hockey at Mankato State
"More Jokinen" from the Duluth News-Tribune blog
NHL.com Draft Dandies
Hockey's Future 2008 Draft Prospects: Justin Jokinen
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 165 lbs.
Shoots: Right
CSB Mid-term: 60th
CSB Final Ranking: 54th
Justin Jokinen first began attracting serious attention during his junior year of high school, when he played on the wing alongside of Tyler Johnson, who now plays for Colorado College. Though Johnson suffered some injuries his senior year, Jokinen still had a very successful season, racking up 51 points.
Jokinen was still relatively unknown heading into his senior year. But he drew the attention of scouts during the fall's Midwest Elite League for his combination of size, skating, and passing ability. His numbers while playing for Team North were average; 5 goals and 13 assists, but Jokinen played exceptionally well at the end-of-season National Invitational Tournament in front of dozens of scouts. Jokinen was the leading scorer on his championship winning team, outscoring a number of other potential NHL draft picks.
Jokinen had a good senior season with Cloquet-Esko-Carleton, though probably not as dominant as one would expect for a player rated as highly as he is. The absence of Tyler Johnson as a linemate seemed to hurt his productivity. Rather than playing on the wing, his natural position, Jokinen played center, and he had to become his team's primary goal-scoring threat, rather than his more natural role of a playmaker. Not surprisingly, his numbers went down from 51 points as a junior to 39 as senior. Cloquet head coach Dave Esse told NHL.com, "There weren't many skilled players around him this season and, to be honest, he would have probably had about 70 points if there were. His season still ended as a success, however. He helped Cloquet pull off a pair of upsets to reach the state high school tournament, and he was one of ten finalists for Minnesota's Mr. Hockey Award.
After the high school season was over, Jokinen made a commitment to play hockey at Minnesota State. During the high school season, he passed on offers from Alaska and Mercyhurst in hopes of finding a spot in the WCHA. He was also pursued by St. Cloud, Minnesota-Duluth, and Alaska-Anchorage, but eventually settled on the Mavericks because they offered him the opportunity to play for them next season, as opposed to playing a year of junior hockey in the USHL.
Jokinen is likely to draw comparisons to the most famous C-E-C alum, Jamie Langenbrunner. It's not a bad comparison, though Langenbrunner is more of a power forward-type, while Jokinen is more flashy. Aside from Langenbrunner, Jokinen might also be compared to Minnesota State great David Backes. Both are big guys that pass the puck extremely well. Though again, Backes has become more of a checker at the NHL-level, whereas Jokinen's skating is much better.
Jokinen's best asset is that he's well over six feet tall and has the skating ability and hands of someone much smaller. He is able to both set up plays and finish them off. Plus, he has the potential to become even more of a force once he adds some strength.
Strength is one of the biggest areas where Jokinen needs to improve. NHL Central Scouting lists him at 165 lbs. With his frame, he could stand to gain 25-30 pounds of muscle. Some have also questioned Jokinen's intensity and toughness after seeing some of his high school games this past season, but both of those problems should be corrected playing for Minnesota State.
At the NHL level, Jokinen projects to be a second or third line winger that can play a physical role and also consistently chip in points.
Jokinen was listed at 54th in the Final CSB rankings, which projects to a 4th or 5th round draft pick. Opinions will vary wildly among NHL teams on Jokinen. In the end, I think Jokinen will end up getting picked somewhere in the late 3rd or early fourth round.
Quotable
NHL Central Scouting's Jack Barzee said: "When Justin kicks that intensity up he has that snap and finesse that allows him to make big plays. He can come down on the defenseman, use him as a screen and snap the puck off to surprise the goalie. He’s one of those guys that has the uncanny ability to put the puck in the net -- I think he can be a goal scorer at any level - he just needs to get stronger.”
Cloquet head coach Dave Esse said: "He is just a kid that has worked at it. Justin has really grown and is just unbelievably dedicated. He’s one of the top skill kids that I’ve ever coached and I’ve coached for the last 18 years in high school here."
Further Reading
Carlton senior Justin Jokinen's play has teams calling
CEC standout Justin Jokinen to play hockey at Mankato State
"More Jokinen" from the Duluth News-Tribune blog
NHL.com Draft Dandies
Hockey's Future 2008 Draft Prospects: Justin Jokinen
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Youngster Commits to Maine
Rothesay Netherwood Prep forward Darcy Ashley has committed to Maine for the 2011 season. He is the second '93 born player to commit to a college.
Ashley starred at Rothesay Netherwood with another Maine recruit, '92-born defenseman Kevin Gagne this year.
Elsewhere, Chris Heisenberg lists Shattuck-St. Mary's senior forward Eli Zuck as committing to Minnesota State for either next year or 2009. Zuck, an Anchorage-native, scored 54 points in 54 games for the Shattuck team which recently won the US Tier I Midget Major title.
Ashley starred at Rothesay Netherwood with another Maine recruit, '92-born defenseman Kevin Gagne this year.
Elsewhere, Chris Heisenberg lists Shattuck-St. Mary's senior forward Eli Zuck as committing to Minnesota State for either next year or 2009. Zuck, an Anchorage-native, scored 54 points in 54 games for the Shattuck team which recently won the US Tier I Midget Major title.
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Jokinen to MSU
Cloquet senior forward Justin Jokinen committed to Minnesota State.
Jokinen was one of three finalists for this year's Mr. Hockey that hadn't committed to a college yet. Jokinen and Zach Lehrke have now both committed to Minnesota State since the season ended, leaving only Rosemount's JT Brown as an uncommitted finalist.
Jokinen was one of three finalists for this year's Mr. Hockey that hadn't committed to a college yet. Jokinen and Zach Lehrke have now both committed to Minnesota State since the season ended, leaving only Rosemount's JT Brown as an uncommitted finalist.
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Two Tylers Commit
Andy Baggot of the Wisconsin State Journal reported today that New Prague HS senior-to-be Tyler Lapic committed to Wisconsin.
Also, Minnesota State picked up a commitment from Centennial senior-to-be Tyler Pitlick, according to Chris Heisenberg.
Also, Minnesota State picked up a commitment from Centennial senior-to-be Tyler Pitlick, according to Chris Heisenberg.
Minnesota Arenas Funded
Today was a pretty big day for most of the college hockey programs in the state of Minnesota. Governor Tim Pawlenty agreed to the state's bonding bill, albeit after line-item vetoing a little over $200 million.
The good news is that many of the projects important to college hockey fans in the state were not affected by the vetoes.
Perhaps the most critical project to be funded was the Bemidji Regional Events Center, which will be the new home of Bemidji State's hockey team. If they can fill that new arena somewhat consistently, I think it's very likely that they'll become a member of the WCHA some day. Without the new arena, BSU probably would have had to drop their program.
Minnesota-Duluth will also finally get their new arena. The city of Duluth voted to raise the sales tax in the city to help fund the arena, only to have the state's funding fail to come through. They'll finally get that funding, and what should be a beautiful new arena. Kevin Pates of the Duluth-News Tribune has more.
St. Cloud State also got a little over $6 million for renovations to the National Hockey Center. St. Cloud's politicians deserve a lot of credit for this, since this seemed like one of the less essential projects on there, and easiest to cut. You can't blame St. Cloud for trying though, and good for them for getting the money.
Crookston, Minnesota will also be getting a new arena which will be used by the local college, high school, and youth program.
One casualty to the line-item veto was $975,000 for planning for a new women's hockey rink/practice facility for Minnesota State Mankato. It's certainly a disappointing development for the one Division I program in the state of Minnesota that didn't receive state money to build their arena, and doesn't receive state money to cover operating costs in the buildings they play in.
Pawlenty also vetoed $1.4 million for the National Sports Center in Blaine, home of the Schwan Super Rink.
Overall, it was a great day for hockey in Minnesota, and most specifically, a great day for the people of Bemidji and Duluth. Once we get into the offseason, I'll take a little closer look at some of these impressive projects.
The good news is that many of the projects important to college hockey fans in the state were not affected by the vetoes.
Perhaps the most critical project to be funded was the Bemidji Regional Events Center, which will be the new home of Bemidji State's hockey team. If they can fill that new arena somewhat consistently, I think it's very likely that they'll become a member of the WCHA some day. Without the new arena, BSU probably would have had to drop their program.
Minnesota-Duluth will also finally get their new arena. The city of Duluth voted to raise the sales tax in the city to help fund the arena, only to have the state's funding fail to come through. They'll finally get that funding, and what should be a beautiful new arena. Kevin Pates of the Duluth-News Tribune has more.
St. Cloud State also got a little over $6 million for renovations to the National Hockey Center. St. Cloud's politicians deserve a lot of credit for this, since this seemed like one of the less essential projects on there, and easiest to cut. You can't blame St. Cloud for trying though, and good for them for getting the money.
Crookston, Minnesota will also be getting a new arena which will be used by the local college, high school, and youth program.
One casualty to the line-item veto was $975,000 for planning for a new women's hockey rink/practice facility for Minnesota State Mankato. It's certainly a disappointing development for the one Division I program in the state of Minnesota that didn't receive state money to build their arena, and doesn't receive state money to cover operating costs in the buildings they play in.
Pawlenty also vetoed $1.4 million for the National Sports Center in Blaine, home of the Schwan Super Rink.
Overall, it was a great day for hockey in Minnesota, and most specifically, a great day for the people of Bemidji and Duluth. Once we get into the offseason, I'll take a little closer look at some of these impressive projects.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Kalinski Signs
Minnesota State junior forward Jon Kalinski will be signing with the Philadelphia Flyers, who drafted him late in the draft last summer.
His offensive numbers dipped a bit this past season from his breakout sophomore season. He went from 17 goals and 10 assists as a sophomore to just 8 goals and 10 assists as a junior. But Kalinski was arguably a better overall player this season, as one of the WCHA's best penalty killers and face-off men.
His offensive numbers dipped a bit this past season from his breakout sophomore season. He went from 17 goals and 10 assists as a sophomore to just 8 goals and 10 assists as a junior. But Kalinski was arguably a better overall player this season, as one of the WCHA's best penalty killers and face-off men.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Cue The Whining
The four Minnesotan WCHA teams will meet up at the XCel Energy Center next year for a pair of games on November 1st. Minnesota-Duluth will play a home game against St. Cloud in the afternoon, while Minnesota State will play a game against Minnesota in the evening.
Tickets will be sold as a two-game pass, so it's likely that UMD and MSU will both receive the revenue from a sellout, though I don't know that you'll see a full crowd for either game.
Tickets will be sold as a two-game pass, so it's likely that UMD and MSU will both receive the revenue from a sellout, though I don't know that you'll see a full crowd for either game.
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