St. Cloud State Joins The National

The National 'Just Got Tougher' with the addition of SCSU

St. Cloud State made an historic announcement today formally excepting an invitation to join the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (aka "The National"...formerly the "Super Conference). Some good quotes from today's announcement:

“We are delighted to join the National Collegiate Hockey Conference. We believe that the conference’s strength of play and commitment to college hockey and student athletes is strong and deep and we look forward to an exciting future with The National.” ~President Earl Potter

 "We’re going into one competitive hockey league with some great hockey programs." ~Coach Bob Motzko

"I spent 32 years in the WCHA as a player, assistant coach, head coach and athletic director. When you look at it, there’s a certain tenderness and sadness that what transpired happened. But it is what it is. It happened. You can’t change what happened. As an institution, the trick is to look forward and to see what’s in the best interest of the institution and the community." ~Special Adviser Gino Gasparini 

"...on behalf of the entire association, we want to take this time to wish the Huskies and their men’s hockey program all the best in the future. St. Cloud State has been a valued and productive member of the WCHA."  ~WCHA commissioner Bruce M. McLeod  

"Speaking from our program's perspective, the addition of St. Cloud State and Western Michigan allows us to continue a healthy and competitive rivalry with St. Cloud State, and we look forward to building the same type of rivalry with Western Michigan. The addition of St. Cloud State, with its proximity to the Twin Cities area where we have so many alums, also allows our great fans to continue to experience and enhance a rivalry that is only a short distance away." ~ UND Coach Dave Hakstol

Today is indeed a great and historic day for Husky Hockey. By joining the NCHC the Huskies will be playing in arguably the best hockey conference with the best hockey programs in the country. We can expect the Huskies to prosper for many years to come.

Links:

• ST. CLOUD STATE MEN'S HOCKEY TO JOIN THE NATIONAL
• SCSU to join NCHC
• Husky Hockey backers: NCHC move is a boon
• WCHA 'Disappointed' in St. Cloud's Departure
• SCSU, WMU accept invitations to join NCHC

utvs_live on livestream.com. Broadcast Live Free

St. Cloud State Hockey Welcomed into the 'Premier College Hockey Conference'

The National College Hockey Conference has extended invitations to Western Michigan and St. Cloud State today. Brian Faison, director of athletics at North Dakota and spokesperson for The National's Athletic Directors Committee had this to say about the invitation:

"After a thorough and deliberate evaluation process, the National Collegiate Hockey Conference is delighted to extend invitations to St. Cloud State and Western Michigan to become members of what we believe will be the premier college hockey conference in the United States."

Furthermore, Faison said:

"Both universities fit perfectly with the established goals of our conference membership. Their programs are highly competitive and produce quality student-athletes. Each institution has made significant commitments to the continued success of their hockey programs and they are both located in tradition-rich hockey states. St. Cloud State and Western Michigan, with their passionate fans, will add a great deal to The National and we look forward to welcoming them."

The comments Faison made about St. Cloud State being "highly competitive", producing "quality student athletes", commitment to the "success of their hockey programs" and "passionate fans" are all things I mentioned in my last blog post on why Husky fans should not give up hope on SCSU joining the NCHC.

"It is possible that SCSU could join with the new National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC). St. Cloud State's program is the best remaining team in the CCHA and WCHA (arguably even better than some of the teams that have already joined the NCHC) and the NCHC will be looking to get to that magic 8 team conference."

As excited as I am that the NCHC has realized the strength and dedication of the St. Cloud State hockey program, the reality of the NCHC is that its founding WCHA members (UND, DU, CC, UNO, UMD) should not have left the WCHA in the first place. The WCHA could have, and arguably should have, just added Miami and Western Michigan. There were, and are, problems with the WCHA but the formation of the NCHC was not the appropriate reaction.

St. Cloud State plans on announcing its decision about the invitation to join the NCHC at a media conference scheduled for 1 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 22 in St. Cloud. It is expected that St. Cloud will formally announce its decision to join the NCHC at the conference given that Brian Faison, President Earl Potter, Coach Bob Motzko, and Gino Gasparini will all be in attendance at tomorrow's press conference.

The acceptance of the St. Cloud State hockey program into the NCHC is a great thing for St. Cloud hockey. We will remain a member of the "premier college hockey conference in the United States" as we transition from the WCHA to the NCHC. St. Cloud will benefit by playing with what is likely to become the strongest conference, possible greater TV exposure, and better recruits who want to play in the NCHC. The passionate Husky fan base will be energized to see their team play and compete with the best teams in the nation. The NCHC is a good thing for Husky hockey.

However, the NCHC is not a great thing for the history and tradition of the WCHA. It is disappointing to see such a great thing lose its prominence in collegiate hockey.

Links:

• SCSU asked to join new hockey conference
• New league invites two new members
• NCHC EXTENDS INVITATION TO SCSU
• NCHC extends membership invitations to SCSU, WMU

Go Huskies!!!

Time is Not to Retreat or Back Down, but to Thrive and to Prosper

Among the Elite
St. Cloud State has a GREAT hockey program and IS a GREAT hockey school. You know what has changed about that statement from last April till today....nothing. Granted, the world of collegiate hockey is changing, and changing in a big way. However, that does not mean that St. Cloud State's hockey program is not still among the elite. I know some of our current rivals might disagree that St. Cloud is among the elite. They may believe that the only thing we had going for us was the fact we were apart of the best, most elite conference. Gopher fans are likely to say SCSU players are Gopher rejects playing for St. Cloud only because they wanted to play in MN but could not get into the UofM. (Side note: two of this years top 10 MN Mr. Hockey finalists chose to play for St. Cloud, one chose the UofM). UND fans will say that SCSU took away their logo and nickname. Although, some (within the former administration, not the hockey program) at SCSU had a moral objection to the Fighting Sioux nickname, the NCAA took away your nickname, not us. Regardless of these opinions and regardless of the conference St. Cloud State plays in, we are an elite hockey program and will remain so.

Rich Tradition and History
I once heard that the best predictor of future outcomes is past performance; and St. Cloud has a rich past.

Players
St. Cloud, has and does produce top notch hockey players. Whether you look at a player like Bret Hedican (17 year NHL vet, Stanley Cup winner, US Olympic teams, etc...), or current players like Matt Cullen, Ryan Malone, Matt Hendricks, or new players like Andreas Nodl and Oliver Lauridsen, St. Cloud produces not only great players, but great people. (If you have not already, please check out Bret Hedican's charitable organization Always Dream Foundation and Matt Cullen's charitable organization Cully's Kids). The ability to produce hard-working, talented players is the hallmark of elite college hockey programs.

Coaching
St. Cloud State started its journey into Div. I with coaching legend Herb Brooks. Coach Brooks presence at St. Cloud State brought the hockey program instant credibility. Coach Brooks also was instrumental in getting the National Hockey Center. Following Brooks, was Coach Craig Dahl who lead the Huskies for nearly two decades and helped the Huskies get their first WCHA Final Five Championship. After Coach Dahl retired, former SCSU player Bob Motzko took over as head coach. In six years, Coach Motzko has already guided the Huskies to four WCHA Final Five appearances (2006, 2007, 2008 and 2010), and three NCAA Division I tournament appearances in 2007, 2008 and 2010. St. Cloud State coaches are also highly sought after by many hockey programs as seen this year with former assistant coach Eric Rudd being selected as CC's assistant coach (possibly as a precursor to him taking over as head coach when Scott Owns retires) and former goalie coach Mike Ayers being named goalie coach for the U.S. National Team Development Program in Ann Arbor, Mich. Great coaches help create great players.

Facilites
The National Hockey Center is an awesome place for a hockey game. It's atmosphere is among the nations best. St. Cloud State fills it's arena (annually the buildings average attendance has over 100% capacity--again among the nations highest fill capacity). It's concrete walls...not so great. However, at one time the building itself was also among the best. Once touted for being the first arena to have two Olympic sheets of ice under one roof, it was a thing of beauty. Twenty+ years later, it is time for a facelift. The National Hockey Center should have over $30 million worth of improvements over the next two years. Once it does, the NHC will not only have the atmosphere and fan base of one of the best collegiate hockey arenas in the country, but also the look. 

On to the Future
The future is still very much in the air for the Huskies. Right now, all signs point to the Huskies continuing to play in the WCHA. It is possible that SCSU could join with the new National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC). St. Cloud State's program is the best remaining team in the CCHA and WCHA (arguably even better than some of the teams that have already joined the NCHC) and the NCHC will be looking to get to that magic 8 team conference. Past confrontations with former SCSU administrators and hockey powerhouse UND seem to be the popular answer as to why SCSU isn't already in the NCHC. Not sure how true that is, and I am fairly sure UND will want the strongest conference possible (which one would think includes SCSU).  The benefit for SCSU to join the NCHC would be playing with what is likely to become the strongest conference, possible greater TV exposure, and better recruits who want to play in the NCHC. All those things point to more money. However, if SCSU remains in the WCHA (no matter how it is configured), is likely to be the best team and a top contender every year. Which would bring more wins, more conference championships, and more NCAA appearances/championships. This could inevitably also lead to better recruiting. Again, all those things point to more money. Not that money is what I want college hockey to be all about, but given why this whole shift started (greed) we cannot ignore the significance of bringing in lots of money has. 


The point of this post and (all of these pictures and links) is to remind Husky fans everywhere that no matter what happens Husky Hockey will continue. In my humble opinion, not only will it continue, but it will grow stronger. I am not saying that this major shift in collegiate hockey isn't a big deal....because it is. I am not saying SCSU should just sit by and watch what happens...they are not. I am saying that I trust St. Cloud State will be able to thrive and prosper in whatever conference it ends up in and will remain a great team to cheer for and see some great hockey players and games.

GO HUSKIES!

St. Cloud State will say 'No' to "Super League"

Just in...

According to the St. Cloud Times, St. Cloud State University will say 'No' to any offer to joining the new proposed "Super League". SCSU President Earl H. Potter III said today that, "We expected to be in conversations about being in a new league. But as we looked at it ... we intended to say ‘no.’ " Potter also stated, "We intend to stay in the WCHA and a take a leadership role to continue the legacy of the WCHA." Gino Gasparini, SCSU's special athletics adviser, will attend a meeting next week of representatives of the remaining WCHA schools to continue discussions about the conference’s future.
You can read more of the article here: SCSU won't join hockey super league 

Quick Couple Thoughts:

• Good for St. Cloud State trying to save the legacy that is the WCHA.
• SCSU will likely be the undoubted leader of the WCHA and will be poised to help the nations best, most winning conference continue.
• Two years from now, it is very likely the the WCHA will lose its supremacy in college hockey and St. Cloud and the rest of the member schools will have a difficult time (but not impossible) job of keeping it highly competitive.
• With these new, upcoming confrence changes will new rivlaries start to develop over the next 2 years? I could see some new/ stronger rivalries with Mankato and Bemidji developing.
• St. Cloud should have greater opportunities for conference titles and NCAA appearances in the new WCHA.
• I sure hope St. Cloud, Potter, and Gasparini know what they are doing. I think this is a risky move to automatically say "No" to the "Super Conference" (before even being asked into it) but sometimes a risky move is a right one. I could see this being one of the first decisions in this mess to be made in the best interest of hockey instead of just what is best of a single team.

More to come later...

Go Huskies!!!

Super Conference? What has become of the WCHA?

WCHA: Just got abandoned...

The Story

A lot has happened in college hockey in the last couple days and, unfortunately, it has not been in the best interest of hockey. The WCHA as we know it (the best conference in the nation) may soon cease to exist. It has been known for awhile that the University of Minnesota and the University of Wisconsin were leaving the WCHA for the more lucrative Big 10 Conference. Many, if not most, still believed that the WCHA, with its remaining members, would still be one of the best (if not still the best) conference in the nation as long as we stuck together. Apparently, that was not enough for some WCHA member schools. Rumored to be led by WCHA schools University of Denver and University of North Dakota, the formation of a new "Super Conference" has begun. This new "Super Conference" would consist of member schools North Dakota, Denver, Colorado College, Nebraska-Omaha, Minnesota-Duluth, and Miami (Ohio). Additionally, Notre Dame and an eighth team (possibly St. Cloud State or Western Michigan) could be added this summer. This leaves the so-called “leftover schools" (which I find condescending) St. Cloud State, Minnesota State, Bemidji State, Alaska-Anchorage and Michigan Tech in a difficult situation. No matter how this turns out, it is a dark day in college hockey and for the power-house WCHA.

The Links

Tons of interesting articles and blogs have been written about this new "Super League" and what it means. See some of them below:

• UND will leave WCHA for new league
• Rumors swirl about WCHA
• The Secondary Conference is Official
• WCHA breakup will leave UAA jilted
• ‘Super League’ could mean curtains for the WCHA
• Tsunami Watch: Rise of the Superconference?
• Hockey 'super league' only a rumor, but what about CC? 
• College hockey's shifting will create opportunities
• WCHA breakup imminent?

What it means for St. Cloud State

• St. Cloud could be left with the other five WCHA teams, that leaves them one short of an autobid into NCAA tournament. It is likely that the WCHA would need to find at least one more member. That member could be Notre Dame.
• The CCHA and the WCHA could band together forming a conference that looks like this:

Alaska

Alaska-Anchorage

Bemidji State

Bowling Green

Ferris State

Lake Superior State

Michigan Tech

Minnesota State

Northern Michigan

St. Cloud State

• In the above conference, St. Cloud would be likely the best team.  This means more chances at conference titles and NCAA appearances. (Possibly the one positive thing).
• There is going to be a real economical impact. St. Cloud is in the process of a $30+ million arena renovation. With its major fan support, SCSU has been able to charge between $25-40 per game for conference games last year. Those days would likely be gone...even the best hockey fan is not likely to pay $40 to see Ferris State in these economic times. *Side Note: St. Cloud State Hockey is the only sport to make money for St. Cloud State University. What impact will this have on the University as a whole?
• Part of St. Cloud's recruiting success is based on being in a top league. If St. Cloud does not remain in the top league it may have a hard time recruiting top players (despite the arena renovations, passionate fans, great coaching, etc...)
• If Notre Dame joins the "Super Conference", St. Cloud could join as the 8th member. According to USCHO.com, St. Cloud has higher attendance than "Super Conference" members Minnesota-Duluth, Denver, and Miami. (St. Cloud also has higher attendance than Notre Dame or Western Michigan). Out of ALL "Super League" Teams St. Cloud has the highest capacity percent.
• With St. Cloud's recent hire of Gino Gasparini (of UND fame) as special adviser to our hockey program, you can bet St. Cloud will at least get strong consideration for the new "Super League".

The Conclusion

A lot of fingers could be pointed at "who is to blame" for the collapase of the WCHA (the conference that has the most impressive list of national scale accomplishments of any other sport). You could blame Penn State for starting a hockey program, the Big 10 Conference for taking great hockey programs from their existing conferences, Denver University and University of North Dakota for perusing this new league, the WCHA for poor leadership, or probably a handful of other people. However, at the end of the day, the root of this problem is greed. Greed is what has caused this to happen, and as of yet, I do not think there is a solution. Whatever happens I hope St. Cloud continues, "protecting the interests of St. Cloud State while considering the well-being of college hockey as a whole" and that "St. Cloud State will be a leader in whatever conference it finds itself in after realignment runs its course" (as stated in Rumors swirl about WCHA).

Stay tuned for future developments...

Go Huskies!!!

One Man Brute Squad

Go Blolts and Go Malone!

Dedicated, huge, dependable, intense, courageous, warrior, horse, physical, one of our best players, power forward, and my personal favorite: One man brute squad.

What do all these terms have in common? They have all been used recently to describe the play of former St. Cloud State Husky Ryan Malone.

Ryan Malone and the Tampa Bay Lightning are in the Eastern Conference Playoffs hoping to advance to the Stanley Cup Finals. The play of Ryan Malone is one of the major contributing factors to the Lightnings on going success. Malone has had limited playing time this year due to injury, allowing him only to play in 54 regular season games. Head coach Guy Boucher, "suggested it was no coincidence that Tampa Bay was 32-22 in games Malone played and 14-14 when he was out of the lineup in the regular season." With all of this success, there have been some great articles written about Ryan Malone over the last month or so.

The article, "Lightning Sparked from the Cloud", published by the NHLPA, discusses Malone's development from St. Cloud State to the Tampa Bay Lightning both as a player and as a person. The article goes on to discuss how Malone would be able to come up big in clutch moments, his intensity on the ice, and someone who worked his tail off while playing for the St. Cloud State Huskies. Even more importantly, the article talks about Malone's character off the ice as someone who donates to charitable causes and a friend to everyone he meets. The article also has some great quotes from St. Cloud State long-time Hockey Equipment Manager Jeremiah Minkel. 
P.S. Love the title of the article...incorporating both the Tampa Bay Lighting and St. Cloud State Huskies.

Published in the St. Petersburg Times, the article, "Ryan Malone shakes off bumps, bruises as Tampa Bay Lightning prepares to battle Boston Bruins in East final" also has some flattering things to say about Ryan Malone. This article discusses the tough style of play Malone brings to Tampa Bay. Some great quotes include:

"Malone is the one-man brute squad: the guy who stands his ground near the crease and waits for pucks and punches."

"'I don't know if the guy knows what pain is, to be honest with you,' said coach Guy Boucher. 'He's very courageous going to the net and blocking shots, being first on the puck and getting hit hard to make the play happen. That's his trademark. That's who he is. And certainly a lot of our players take a lot from that.'" 

"Before the year started, I heard all kinds of things about how this guy is a warrior. And through the big games this year, I saw it. And in the playoffs he's just been incredible." 

"'He's been a horse his whole career,' Stamkos said. 'And that's the kind of guy you need.'" 

Finally, from NHL.com, the article, "Malone paying the price for Lightning",  goes into detail about Malone's role and willingness to get physical with the imposing Boston captain Zdeno Chara. The Bruins lost their physical edge in Game 4 of the series allowing the Lightning to score five unanswered goals. Malone played a big part on the game-winning goal as he intercepted a pass through the middle of the ice by Lucic and then carried it toward the Boston net along the right wing. He then sent the puck toward the cage and it ended up on Gagne’s stick to put Tampa Bay up 4-3.


All this attention and accolades are well deserved and I hope to see more of them when the Lightning beat Boston and head to the Stanley Cup Finals. Wouldn't it be great to get another St. Cloud State Husky alumni on the Cup?


Go Bolts and Go Ryan Malone!

Husky Hockey Contributions to HBO's 24/7

Other than the currently ongoing NHL Stanly Cup Playoffs, the biggest ticket item for the NHL is the Winter Classic. This year the Winter Classic was held in Pittsburgh featuring the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Washington Capitals. Perhaps the biggest thing about this years Winter Classic game was not even the game itself; but, a 4-part series that HBO produced chronicling the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Washington Capitals leading up to the 2011 NHL Winter Classic. The episodes gave viewers a close-up, behind-the-scenes look into the lives of these hockey players and into the NHL locker rooms. Husky Hockey fans will most fondly recall the episodes that included some fights from SCSU alum Matt Hendricks and SCSU alum Andrew Gordon's first NHL goal (on Martin Brodeur nonetheless). However, there was a third SCSU alum that needs to be recognized for his work in this groundbreaking series and that is Mike Oliver who served not as on "on-air" talent, but as one of HBO's producers. Below are a couple of video interviews between Husky alums Matt Hendricks, Mike Oliver, and Mike Doyle.

SCSU alum Matt Hendricks during HBO 24/7 interview

SCSU alum Andrew Gordon scoring his 1st NHL goal during HBO 24/7

Congratulations to each of these Husky alums in making HBO's Pens-Caps 24/7 series such a huge success and for making St. Cloud State proud!

St. Cloud Adds Another

St. Cloud State has added another 2011 Mr. Hockey Finalist when Jonathan Brodzinski decided to commit to SCSU. Brodzinski played his high school hockey at Blaine where he lead the team with 60 points (31 goals, 29 assists) in 30 games helping the Bengals reach the Minnesota Class 2A state tournament for the sixth straight year. After the state tournament, Brodzinski joined the Fargo Force of the USHL and scored five points (2 goals, 3 assists) in 10 games. The Fargo Force has many St. Cloud State ties including Husky recruit Nick Oliver, goaltender Mike Lee, and new assistant coach Steve Johnson. 

Jonathan Brodzinski and Husky recruit Garrett Hendrickson were two of the top 10 finalist for the 2011 Mr. Hockey Award given annually to Minnesota’s top high school player.

You can read more about this at:

• Force's Brodzinski commits to St. Cloud State
• Brodzinski settles on St. Cloud

I am very excited that St. Cloud continues to bring in some of the top prospects. It shows that the program continues to head in the right direction.

Go Huskies!

And then there was one...

Go Huskies...Urrr...I guess for now Go Bulldogs

After UND's surprise loss to the University of Michigan, the WCHA has one lone survivor in the Frozen Four National Championship game...the University of Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs. Despite the Bulldogs ending the St. Cloud State Huskies season this year, I implore all Husky fans to cheer on our WCHA colleague and hope for a UMD win on Saturday night. It is time to bring the National Championship back where it belongs (in the WCHA) and really who wants to see the WCHA get embarrassed on the national stage like last year (thanks Wisconsin).  Despite every part of me disliking the Fighting Sioux (naturally) I was really hoping for an all WCHA championship game and am disappointed that they will not be there. Irregardless, both UMD and UND have had spectacular seasons and have represented our conference well. Below are some links for your reading enjoyment:

• Frozen Four Semifinal Thoughts
• No Joke
• FROZEN FOUR: Emptyhanded
• Can Duluth win their first NC?
• Bulldogs hold off Irish for shot at NCAA college hockey national title
• UMD’s Jack Connolly comes up big
• Season over, time to move forward. Putting it all into perspective...
• Jack Connolly goal helps Minnesota-Duluth edge Notre Dame
• Hunwick stops 40 as Michigan upsets North Dakota

Husky Hockey Stuff: (after all...that is what you are really here for)

• After some concerns about who would step into being Mike Lee's back up for next year, we are provided with some answers. Ryan Faragher of the North American Hockey League's Bismark Bobcats will be coming to St. Cloud State. During the 2010-2011 season he recorded a  2.44 GAA, and a .918 save percent. During the 2009-2010 season he recorded a 2.17 GAA, and a .921 save percentage. That should be good enough to back up Mike Lee in the WCHA. Who knows...maybe he could even challenge Lee for the starting job? (I kinda doubt it though)
• Here is a good look at some future Huskies: "A look at some future Huskies"
• Eric Rud, a former assistant coach at St. Cloud State, looks to be one of the finalist for the head coaching position at Michigan Tech. Rud has done an outstanding job as the head coach of the Green Bay Gamblers (USHL).
• Some updates on the National Hockey Center. I am hoping the first phase of construction happens soon!  "SCSU National Hockey Center renovations anticipate changes"

More off season stuff to come in the future. Some ideas include:

• An open letter to Coach Bob Motzko
• An open letter to John "Gino" Gasparini
• A further look into prospects
• More information on the construction/ addition to the National Hockey Center
• Any other ideas? Let me know in the comments

Go Huskies!

Former Husky Matt Cullen Joins Minnesota's Elite

Former Husky Matt Cullen Joins Minnesota's Elite

Former St. Cloud State Husky Hockey standout, Matt Cullen joined an elite group of Minnesotan's during Thursday's Minnesota Wild vs. Edmonton Oilers game. Matt Cullen joined only 7 other Minnesota players to have reached 500 career points in the NHL. The list of Minnesota players with over 500 career points include:

• Phil Housley (1,232) 
• Neal Broten (923)
• Dave Christian (773)
• Reed Larson (685)
• Jamie Langenbrunner (637)
• Aaron Broten (515)
• Joel Otto (508)
• Matt Cullen (500)

You can see the highlight of his beautiful assist tipped in by Antti Miettinen:



Way to make the Huskies proud Matt!

GO HUSKIES!!!

What's Next?...Goalie Edition

One of the first things Coach Motzko and company need to secure during this off-season is sign a quality back-up goaltender for Mike Lee. Dan Dunn was not spectacular this year, but he did great things for us last year ('09-'10) and by all accounts was a fine back-up behind sophomore Mike Lee this year ('10-'11). Mike Lee really started to find his stride during the second half and put up some pretty nice numbers (.922 save percentage and 2.41 GAA in 19 games) and is likely to be our number one net-minder for the 2011-2012 season. That doesn't mean that SCSU can rely on him for all things in all situations. Goalies like Lee need strong competition and will likely have better performance if another goalie might be able to challenge him for his job. As it currently stands, SCSU has commitments from seven forwards, five defensemen, and ZERO goalies. So what does the talent pool look like? I choose to take a peek at the available USHL goalies as that is the league I am most familiar with and the league from which SCSU picked up SCSU greats like Bobby Goepfert ('01-'02 USHL Goalie of the Year) and Mike Lee ('08-'09 USHL Goalie of the Year).

Available USHL Goalies (w/ decent stats):

• OMA- John Keeney- GAA= 2.27, SV%= .917
• OMA- Todd Mathews-  GAA=2.29, SV%=.916
• TRI- Scott Diebold- GAA=2.50, SV%=.920
• LIN- Kevin Murdock- GAA=2.88, SV%=.909
• DUB- Jackson Teichroeb- GAA=2.63, SV%=.901

If I did my fact-checking correctly, these are the top 5 USHL goalies (depending on which stats you are looking at) that do not currently have a college commitment. What do you think of these potential goalies? Should SCSU reach out to any of them for next season? What other goalies need to be considered from the USHL or other leagues?

Of the decisions that the St. Cloud State hockey program needs to make this summer, this is one of the decisions that I am most anxious about. I guess only time will tell.

Go Huskies!

NCAA and Frozen Four thoughts

At the beginning of the season I had every expectation that St. Cloud State would make it to the NCAA's and I had a good feeling that this "could be the year" that the Huskies made their Frozen Four debut. However, we all know that this season did not turn out as planned. Despite the unceremonious conclusion to the Huskies hockey season, there is still a reason to finish off watching the rest of the NCAA tournament and the Frozen Four. Our WCHA conference once again displayed its dominance over collegiate hockey by sending UMD, CC, UNO, DU, and UND to the NCAA tournament. This becomes even more significant considering all of the noise being made about UofM and UW leaving for the the Big 10 Conference. Based on this year (which has been arguably a little fluky...look at the under-performance of SCSU and the over-performance of UAA) one may come to the conclusion that the WCHA does not need the UofM or UW to remain as the top conference in collegiate hockey. Programs like UMD, CC, UNO, DU, UND, SCSU, and even BSU, MSU, and UAA still make for a heck of a competitive conference (sorry MTU...maybe next year you will be considered as "competitive"). All this aside, I want to say congratulations to the WCHA conference teams that went to the NCAA tournament. 

Of the 5 WCHA teams that made it to the NCAA tournament 2 have made it to the Frozen Four. UND made their way into the Frozen Four with dominating victories over RPI and Denver. I got to watch part of the UND vs. DU game and thought that the Fighting Sioux looked near unstoppable. UMD made their way into the Frozen Four with victories over Union and Yale. Congratulations UND and UMD! The other two teams joining UND and UMD in this years Frozen Four is Notre Dame and Michigan. Even though UMD knocked out the Huskies in the WCHA 1st round playoffs and UND is a major Husky hockey rival (and I would never cheer for either of these two teams during the regular season) I encourage all Husky fans to support the WCHA and its remaining members in the Frozen Four. Though you may not like it, these teams are still our colleagues and we should support any WCHA teams winning the national championship. Be sure to be following bloggers Goon's World and Running with the Dogs for the latest news and updates about our WCHA teams in the Frozen Four.

University of North Dakota and University of Minnesota-Duluth I wish you the best of luck at the Frozen Four!

*Just a little video reminder about the hope and dream that was the 2010-2011 hockey season:

Sulking Over...Back at Last

Mike Lee- CIC Player of the Year!

The 2010-2011 Husky Hockey season is over. Some may say it came way too soon, others would say (based on how the team as performed this year) it could not come soon enough. It is true that this year has been a struggle for Husky fans everywhere. The first half of the season was dismal at its best. However, the Huskies stepped up their game after Christmas rising to the point of having the second best "post-Christmas" record in the WCHA. Only league leading (and eventual MacNaughton and Broadmoor Cup winners) North Dakota was higher, grabbing two more points than St. Cloud. All of this second-half success for the Huskies only made their eventual defeat in the first round of the WCHA playoffs hurt so much more. The Huskies, and in particular Mike Lee, put on an outstanding performance during the final game that saw UMD win in a triple OT. Sophomore goalie Mike Lee made an incredible 60 save performance for SCSU.  His save total is the most by a Husky goalie since Bobby Goepfert had 67 saves in another triple OT WCHA playoff game against UMD in 2007. Despite this terrible loss, I also felt quite proud of Husky fans. While following the St. Cloud State Live Blog for this last game I found that there were fans watching the Live Blog from:

• Minnesota (Roseau, Warroad, St. Cloud, Minneapolis, Woodbury to name a few)
• Colorado
• Washington, D.C.
• Oregon
• California
• Tennessee
• Thiland
• Sweeden

And these were only the Husky fans that were following the game from this specific blog who commented where they were from. This list does not include those who were on this blog but didn't say where they were from, those who may have been watching the game on the Internet, or following the game through KVSC radio, or those following the game through anther site (like USCHO, WCHA, CHN, etc...). Needless to say I am proud of Husky fans supporting our team nation and worldwide. 

To read more about the end of the season please check out these two fantastic links:

• R.I.P. Husky Hockey 2010-11
• SCSU men's hockey year-ender: Defeated, not disheartened

Husky Hockey News

• Former Husky Joe Motzko has received a 1-yr contract extension with ERC Ingolstadt of the DEL.
• Defenseman Oliver Lauridsen has chosen not to return to St. Cloud State next year in signing an entry-level contract with the Philadelphia Flyers. This means that he will not have the chance to play with SCSU recruit and brother Markus Lauridsen. You can read more about his reaction here.
• After only a couple games Lauridsen is already done for the year with the Flyer AHL affiliate Adirondack Phantoms with a dislocated shoulder. Check out this hit and ensuing fit that took place AFTER Lauridsen had dislocated his shoulder:

• Former Husky Tony Mosey is also done with his team the ECHL FL Everblades. However, Mosey is gone not because of an injury, but because the team released him.
• Former Husky Captain Aaron Marvin has been signed amateur tryout contract with the Calgary Flames.
• Goalie Mike Lee was selected by the Center Ice Club as Player of the Year. In the second half, Lee had a .922 save percentage and 2.41 GAA in 19 games.
• Check out Husky alum Andreas Nodl's recent goal against the Washington Capitals:

More to come later...

Go Huskies!!!

The Underdog with the Upperhand- Playoff Time

Let's hope St. Cloud continues its winning ways

The WCHA Playoffs begin tonight when the St. Cloud State Huskies will be visiting the the University of Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs at the new AMSOIL Arena. Despite the UMD Bulldogs ending the season in the #4 position in the WCHA and the Huskies claiming the #9 position, the Huskies have a better "post-Christmas" record and took 3 of 4 points from UMD back in February (including an 8-2 smack down). What does this all mean? Most likely nothing. It is a brand new season and both teams will be fighting tooth-and-nail to make it to the Final Five. However, here is what the experts are saying:

Predictions:

St. Cloud Times

"No. 9 St. Cloud State at No. 4 Minnesota-Duluth — The Huskies are 10-5-3 in the second half, while the Bulldogs are 8-6-3. Minnesota-Duluth moved into the AMSOIL Arena, but it has yet to become a dominant place for the Bulldogs. Minnesota-Duluth is 3-4-2 at AMSOIL, which includes a 7-2 loss and 3-3 tie with the Huskies. The Bulldogs are not the most physical team in the WCHA, which plays into the Huskies’ favor. Prediction: St. Cloud State in three."

USCHO.com

"Theresa: This is a tricky, tricky series in my mind. Earlier in the year, the pick would be a no brainer. Now, however? The Bulldogs have been stumbling a bit down the stretch while the Huskies are one of the hottest teams in college hockey. That being said, UMD gets the edge for overall consistency while SCSU has been, as I said earlier this season, consistently inconsistent. Who do I go for? Short playoff formats favor the streaky: I’m going with SCSU (probably in three)."

Goal Gophers

Chris: "The year Tech beat CC in the playoffs, I happened to be at a first-round series between UMD and St. Cloud State and I told then-Huskies beat writer Mike Killeen that if Tech pulled off the upset, I would walk across the National Hockey Center ice stark naked. I had no intention of actually doing it, because everyone knows I’m all talk and no action, but oddly enough in the past few years I have been on that campus when no one was around and thought about actually sneaking into the building and doing it, just in case when the Great Scorer comes to mark against my name, he marks not whether I won or lost but how I played the game. I didn’t, natch, because I’d screw it up somehow and get arrested or something, and that’s all I need, more bad publicity. Back to hockey. The St. Clouds beat the UMDs bad a couple of weeks ago, so you can throw out the record book, as the kids say.  I’ll go with the ... Bulldogs take the series at home, losing 3-2, winning 4-2 and then taking a five-overtime thriller 6-5 on Sunday evening"

Roman: "Seems it has been a couple years since I've seen St. Cloud State. The Gophers split with SCSU in late October. Know much more about UMD. They can score. This Mike Connolly have five goals -- in one game -- against the U of M. Jack Connolly and Justin Fontaine find the net a lot, too. But the Amsoil Arena has not proved to be much of a home team edge this season. 'Dogs should try to move this series to the DECC. ... Being a contrarian Huskies win 4-2, 3-5, 2-1 overtime."

Goon's World

"In early February the Huskies invaded Amsoil Arena and beat the Bulldogs 8-2 and tied in the rematch 3-3. SCSU is 5-2-2 in their last 9 games with loses to UND and DU, not too shabby. The Bulldogs are 2-4-2 in their last 8 games with wins over UNO and MSUM. This series has upset written all over it. SCSU is playing its best hockey of the year and are looking like the team that was picked to finish in the top 3 to start the year. The Bulldogs seem to be sliding into the playoffs. UMD needs to get back on track if they want to secure a bid to the NCAA tournament, which would include winning their first round playoff series. The Huskies still have hopes of making the NCAA tournament, but they need to win this series and do some damage in St. Paul to get in. Looking at the stats UMD has not last a league game when they were ahead after the 1st period, same goes for their 2nd period. The Huskies need to get a lead or be tied after the 1st and 2nd if they want to win, according to the stats. This could be the most interesting series this weekend, in my opinion.
SCSU in 3"

WCHA Blog

"The Huskies are coming off a well-played weekend at Denver where they split with the Pioneers. Prior to that they swept Wisconsin at St. Cloud in embarrassing fashion if you're a Badger fan. The Huskies are playing well right now, but started out the month horribly. They're 4-4-2 since the start of February.
Duluth is coming off a split with Omaha last weekend, and dropped three of four points at CC the prior week. Duluth is 3-4-3 in February and is not playing well right now.
For me, this is the match-up I wanted most. The Gophers don't lose at home in the playoffs, and we had no luck vs. CC earlier this season. Surprisingly, the Huskies lead the overall series against UMD 54-36-7, and are on a 4-0-2 run against the Dogs since Jan. '09. Things change though. Statistically, the teams look fairly even. The Dogs have three high scoring forwards, but the Huskies are putting some goals up now, too. Special teams will probably be the key in this one, and the Huskies special teams are playing well right now. I wouldn't be surprised to see Duluth take this in three, but I'm really impressed with this St. Cloud team right now.
Huskies advance to the Final Five in three games.
Huskies win Friday 3-1
Bulldogs win Saturday 4-2
Huskies win Sunday 3-2"

College Hockey News

"The matchup: After struggling early on, St. Cloud State has seemed to find itself down the stretch. The Huskies have lost just twice over its last eight games — a pair of 3-2 losses to the top two teams in the WCHA. Included in that run is a series at Amsoil Arena against the Bulldogs, where SCSU took three of four points, including an 8-2 win Feb. 11. That series started a downward spiral for UMD, which has won just two of its last eight. The Bulldogs are at their best when their penalty kill is working. In their last five wins, they have shut out teams with the man advantage. In their last five losses, opponents have scores nine power play goals.
Our take: With the above statistic in mind, the Huskies have scored a power-play goal in each of their last three games. The Bulldogs are a pretty good team 5-on-5, so if SCSU is going to pull the upset, they will need to find a way to take advantage of the UMD penalty kill. St. Cloud went 4-of-10 on the power play in February — the teams' only meeting of the season.
Pick: HUSKIES IN THREE"

It looks like all (well almost all) the experts are picking St. Cloud State (as the "underdog") to come out with the wins and advance to the Final Five. Should be a very exciting and closely matched game though. I am also picking St. Cloud State to win in 3 games.

Final total:

St. Cloud Advances= 7
Duluth Advances= 1

Lines:
Hanowski- Roe- Eddy
Festler- Marvin- Novak
Reid- LeBlanc- Dowd
MacMillian- Christian- Oslund


Lauridsen- Jensen
Gravel- Johnson
Zabkowicz- Barta


Lee

Other Links:

• "SCSU hopes to be cut above UM-D"- Discusses the upcoming games against UMD. 
• "A key 2nd-half return for SCSU"- Talks about the importance of getting David Eddy into the lineup. Also mentions that ADD may be behind some of his early academic struggles at SCSU.
• "WCHA men's hockey 1st-round playoff pairings; team records before and after Christmas"- Looks at team records before and after Christmas. The Huskies were ranked #11 before Christmas and ranked #2 for best record after Christmas. Only league-leading UND had a better record after Christmas.

A video to make you smile:

GO HUSKIES!!!!

Calm before the storm

Defensive Player of the Week Mike Lee waits to take on the Bulldogs

Right now it feels like the calm before the storm as the Huskies wait and prepare to burst into Duluth this weekend for what will prove to be an awesome series and smashing defeat of the Bulldogs. Until then, here are a couple links for your reading pleasure:

• The WCHA has announced its yearly awards. The "big ones" going to: 
• Matt Frattin (UND) as Player of the Year
• Chay Genoway (UND) as Outstanding Student-Athlete of the Year
• Justin Schultz (UW) as WCHA Defensive Player of the Year
• Jason Zucker (DU) as WCHA Rookie of the Year
• Aaron Dell (UND) as WCHA Goaltending Champion
• Dean Blais (UNO) as WCHA Coach of the Year.  
• Representing the St. Cloud State Huskies, Drew LeBlanc was on the WCHA Third Team. Personally, I believe Garrett Roe should have also made the Third Team and Nick Jensen should have definitely made it to the All-Rookie Team. But, I am admittedly more than a little biased. 
• It is being reported that this weekends match-up between the Huskies and the Bulldogs will not be aired locally in St. Cloud. I have heard that it may be available on the B2 Network/ America One Live pay-per view online video streaming service. Currently, however, there is no sign of the games being broadcast there either. Sorry Husky fans.
• Also, take a look at Mick Hatten's latest blog. You can see that since Christmas, the Huskies have the second highest record. Only the league leading Fighting Sioux have done better since Christmas than the Huskies (however, the Huskies have played with a tougher schedule). I won't necessarily call it the "turn around of the century" yet, but a couple more wins this weekend and at the Final Five, and I think we have ourselves a very interesting story.
• Hatten has also reported that right wing freshman Nic Dowd has been practicing with the team and is expected to return to the line-up this weekend in Duluth. Dowd suffered an upper body injury in the first period of the second game against Wisconsin and did not play last weekend at Denver. 

Go Huskies!!!

Info on SCSU vs. UMD playoff games and more

Go Huskies!

Here is some quick information on the UMD vs. SCSU WCHA Playoff games this weekend:

• Ticket Info
• More Ticket Information- SCSU Ticket Office
• Center Ice Club Road Trip

Radisson Hotel Duluth Harborview - Group Rate $84 + tax 

Standard Double Room (includes complimentary continental breakfast) 

Please call the hotel directly at 218-727-8981 and ask for the "Center Ice Club" rate 

Check-in Time: 3:00 PM 

Cut off Deadline: 3/10 

• KVSC will be covering the games this weekend.
• Since Christmas, SCSU has won 10 games, tied 3 games, and loss 5 games. They have played teams like Miami, UNO, UMD, UND, UW, DU in that time span.
• Only slightly worse, UMD has won 9 games, tied 3 games, and loss 6 games. They have played teams like UW, UofM, SCSU, and UNO.
• St. Cloud has won 1 more game than UMD since Christmas, but has done so with a more difficult schedule. 
• In the only match up of the year, St. Cloud beat UMD 8-2 and then tied UMD 3-3.

Other Stuff:

• The Coach Bob Motzko show is now available on the CIC webpage. In the show you will hear about St. Cloud's last games at Denver, the hiring of Gino Gasparini, and about the upcoming WCHA playoffs in Duluth. Coach Motzko pointed out the many people in Duluth may be in the Twin Cities for the HS tournament so there should be plenty of room for Husky supporters to come to the new AMSOIL Arena. Make sure to be there!
• The Center Ice Club player of the week is Ben Hanowski. Hanowski had two goals this weekend against Denver.
• Goalie Mike Lee is the WCHA defensive player of the week. Good Job!
• Former Husky Mark Parrish will be back playing in the NHL with the Buffalo Sabres.

Go Huskies!

Last Regular Series Recap

Captain Aaron Marvin celebrates his GWG Friday night at Denver

The Huskies concluded the regular season with an away game split with the University of Denver. The Huskies and Pioneers battled out two very close games. Friday night the Huskies beat Denver 3-2. Senior defender Brett Barta scored the first goal during the first period giving the Huskies the early lead 1-0. Not much later, Denver tied the game up at 1-1. However, before the 1st period would end, the Huskies took the lead to 2-1 with a goal from sophomore Ben Hanowski. The second period would go by scoreless; however, DU would tie things up 2-2 early in the third. Senior captain Aaron Marvin tallied the game winning goal with less than 2 minutes left in the third to give the Huskies the 3-2 victory. You can read more about the game here:

• Marvin GWG Lifts SCSU to 3-2 Victory
• Marvin's goal delivers the win, 3-2
• DU falls to 4-5 with loss to St. Cloud State

On Saturday, we would see another hard fought game. Denver scored the lone first period goal. The Huskies came out stronger in the second and freshman defender Kevin Gravel scored a late period goal to make it 1-1. The goal was Gravel's first of the year. Denver then fought back with and even-strength and short-handed goal to make the score 3-1 with less than 7 minutes left to play. Sophomore Ben Hanowski scored his second goal of the weekend with under 3 minutes to play to make it 3-2. The Huskies were unable to get the late game tying goal. For a team that struggled early this season to get pucks to the net, the Huskies outshot the Pioneers 35-33. Despite the loss, the hard-fought effort by the Huskies was probably good preparation for the conference finals. You can read more at:

• Huskies Fall 3-2 at Denver
• Pioneers tip Huskies, 3-2
• DU plants No. 2 seed for WCHA playoffs

WCHA Playoffs:

The Huskies will be playing the University of Minnesota-Duluth for the 1st round of the WCHA playoffs. The Huskies have played UMD twice this year, both times at the new AMSOIL Arena. The Huskies dominated the Bulldogs on Friday, February 11th to the tune of an 8-2 victory. On Saturday, the Huskies and Bulldogs skated to a 3-3 tie. The Huskies have played well in new arenas this season going 3-0-1 at the new UMD and BSU arenas. However, now that it is playoff time that really does not matter. The Huskies will have to just play their best because any loss at this point (almost) means the end of the season. To view the whole WCHA playoff lineup click here. I will bring you more on this playoff series later this week.

Check out (most of) this season's home goals:





Go Huskies!

St. Cloud State vs. Denver. Go Huskies!

SCSU and DU will fight it out this weekend in the last regular season match-up

This weekend will be the last regular season games of the 2010-2011 season. The Huskies will be playing against the University of Denver. Despite being the number two team in the conference right now the Denver have gone an unimpressive 2-2 in the last four games against UNO and MTU (yes I said MTU). There is a lot riding on this weekends games. If DU sweeps SCSU and MTU sweeps UND (highly unlikely) DU could possibly be co-champions of the MacNaughton Cup for regular-season champions. Conversely, with a sweep at Denver and the right circumstances (Colorado College and Wisconsin split, or, if either of those two sweep, then Minnesota lose twice at Bemidji) St. Cloud could get one of the final home-ice playoff spots. So this is a big game for both clubs.

Predictions:

USCHO.com

Theresa: "Another time two teams meet for the first time all season! SCSU has been fairly inconsistent all season (and highly frustrating for Husky fans), but has played arguably some of their best hockey in the last few weeks. The Pioneers, on the other hand, may quite possibly be falling apart — splits in their last four weekends. Plus, it’s never good when your coach still says there are things to really work on this late in the season. Is it possible Denver peaked too early (again)? All shall be revealed soon enough, of course. As for this weekend, I think a split is probably the most likely result, given both teams right now. SCSU Friday, DU Saturday."

 Tyler: "Denver is up and down just like it was at the end of the regular season last year and SCSU has caught the Pioneers at the right time. The Huskies are playing their best hockey since the holidays, scoring like they should be and have proven they’re able to skate with any team in any arena. SCSU desperately needed a leader when one of its assistant captains was dismissed/left the team and Drew LeBlanc has been that guy. The junior has 18 points in the 14 games since the New Year. Split."

Goal Gophers

Roman: "Pios were only 4-4 in Feb., maybe they are saving their strength for the playoffs. Spilt with Michigan Tech (really) and UNO past two weekend. DU has wins over 10 WCHA opponents, SCSU could become 11. DU has split with SCSU on its last four visits to the Mile High City. The Huskies are coming off a dominating sweep of Wisconsin. Garrett Roe is one of SCSU's hottest players with five goals and six assists last month... Split"

Goon's World

"Last weekend the Huskies swept the UW Badgers in St. Cloud and the Pioneers split with the UNO Mavericks in Omaha.

The Huskies have been mushing their way up standings in 2011. Unfortunately their horrible first half has them sunk into a bottom half finish. They Huskies are heating up at the right time of the year and are not a team people want to see in the first round of the playoffs. The Pioneers have stumbled a bit, but are back home at Magness Arena where they are an impressive 13-3-2 overall this season. The Huskies are 5-6-1 this season away from the National Hockey Center. (They are going to update/renovate the NHC using $31M to do so, I can’t wait to see a new upgraded NHC.) The Pioneers are just about a shoe-in for the NCAA tourney, and the Huskies still have a chance too. DU has talent and is at home, so I don’t think they’ll get swept, but do they have the instinct to finish off teams? SPLIT"

WCHA Blog

"The Huskies are one of the hottest teams in the league right now, but Denver is a pretty good team, too. Home-ice advantage and senior night will probably play into this, but the Huskies are fighting for that final home-ice spot in the playoffs, so desperation by the Huskies could come into play here. I think the Huskies will give a great effort, but things just won't line up for them.
Split. Huskies win Friday 3-2, Denver wins Saturday 4-2"

Looks like all the "cool kids" are picking a split for this weekend. As I did last weekend (which turned out GREAT) I am going to pick a St. Cloud State Sweep. The Huskies are hungry and looking to play. 

Lines: (from SC Times)

Hanowski- Roe- Eddy
Thorson- Marvin- Novak
Festler- LeBlanc- Reid
MacMillian- Christian- Oslund

Lauridsen- Jensen
Gravel- Johnson
Zabkowicz- Barta

Lee

*Nic Dowd will likely miss his first game of the season. He should be able to return no later than the first round of WCHA playoffs.

WCHA Playoffs

Speaking of the first round of the WCHA playoffs, both the WCHA Blog and Goal Gophers have prognosticated that St. Cloud will be playing at the University of Minnesota for the first round. Although, this will bring a great rivalry and be particularily entertaining, much like the Huskies the Gophers have been playing well as of late. Also, the Huskies have never won a WCHA playoff game at Mariucci.


Other Important Links:

• Continuing to dominate the weekly awards, Garrett Roe has also been named as the first star of the week last week by USCHO.com
• Also, the St. Cloud Times wrote a nice piece on senior Garrett Roe titled,"Roe plays the only way he knows".
• WCHA.com has a good article about the Huskies visiting Denver this weekend titled, "Resurgent Huskies challenge Denver".
• Here is some more information on the 2011-2012 Husky Schedule.

From The Other Side:
*Here are some posts from the popular DU blog, "Lets Go DU"

• Here you can see DU fans recognizing the national (actually international) celebrity status and notoriety of the National Hockey Center in the popular TempurPedic ad.
• Apparently DU has troubles with fan support so Coach Gwozdecky has ordered more. Not sure why a team that is ranked number 2 in the WCHA would have problems with fan support?
• The Charlie Sheen craziness has hit Denver.
• Finally, a "code red" has been issued at Magness Arena. The video was so well done that I had to include it on my blog. Good job to whoever did this video!

Well there you have it folks. It is sure to be a fun and exciting weekend as the regular season comes to its conclusion. I look forward to sharing the good details of the Huskies success against Denver and our top 6 finish in the league with you on Monday.

GO HUSKIES!!!!!!