LAKE SUPERIOR STATE LAKERS

LAKE SUPERIOR STATE LAKERS /sports/lake-superior-state-lakers LAKE SUPERIOR STATE LAKERS en-US Wed, 05 Mar 2025 18:29:49 GMT Predictions panel: Eight college hockey pundits prognosticate first round of CCHA Mason Cup Playoffs /sports/beavers-hockey/predictions-panel-eight-college-hockey-pundits-prognosticate-first-round-of-ccha-mason-cup-playoffs Trent Singer CENTRAL COLLEGIATE HOCKEY ASSOCIATION,COLLEGE HOCKEY,MENS HOCKEY,HOCKEY,AUGUSTANA VIKINGS,BEMIDJI STATE BEAVERS,BOWLING GREEN FALCONS,FERRIS STATE BULLDOGS,LAKE SUPERIOR STATE LAKERS,MICHIGAN TECH HUSKIES,MINNESOTA STATE MAVERICKS,ST. THOMAS TOMMIES A panel of eight writers, reporters and college hockey enthusiasts from around the conference provide their predictions for the opening round of the CCHA playoffs. <![CDATA[<p>Another year, another playoff run at the CCHA’s top prize, the Mason Cup.</p> <br> <br> <p>Minnesota State enters the Mason Cup Playoffs this weekend as the No. 1 seed after securing 56 league points and a .718 points percentage in CCHA play. The No. 14/16 Mavericks are clearly the team to beat in this tournament, but which team — if any — can challenge them for CCHA supremacy?</p> <br> <br> <p>Eighth-seeded Lake Superior State will get the first shot at it when the Lakers make the trip to Mankato for a best-of-three series in the first round. Meanwhile, second-seeded Augustana will take part in its first-ever Mason Cup Playoffs, hosting No. 7 seed Bemidji State in Sioux Falls, and two teams with momentum will converge in Mendota Heights, Minnesota, when No. 6 seed Ferris State and No. 3 seed St. Thomas meet on the ice. Then, in the No. 4 versus No. 5 matchup, Bowling Green will host Michigan Tech in a rematch of last year’s first-round series.</p> <br> <br> <p>Sioux Falls Live sports reporter Trent Singer has assembled a panel of writers, reporters and college hockey connoisseurs from around the league to provide their prognostications for the first round of action, which begins Friday night and runs through Sunday, if necessary.</p> <br> <br> <p>Here’s a look at the panel of eight contributors:</p> <br> <a href="https://x.com/TBraunTHG">Tim Braun,</a> Michigan Tech graduate, <a href="https://techhockeyguide.com/">Tech Hockey Guide</a>/<a href="https://techhockeyguide.com/podcast/">Chasing MacNaughton Podcast</a> <a href="https://x.com/DavidBrownPXP">David Brown,</a> Augustana TV play-by-play, <a href="https://www.midcosportsplus.com/">Midco Sports</a> <a href="https://x.com/MattDeanGuy">Matt Dean,</a> Minnesota State radio play-by-play, <a href="https://radiomankato.com/ktoe/">KTOE 98.7 FM/1420 AM</a> <a href="https://x.com/jordan_mcalpine">Jordan McAlpine,</a> Hockey reporter, <a href="https://www.collegehockeynews.com/">College Hockey News</a> <a href="https://x.com/JaredRubadoBP">Jared Rubado,</a> Sports editor, <a href="/">Bemidji Pioneer</a> <a href="https://x.com/SchlossmanGF">Brad Schlossman,</a> Hockey reporter, <a href="https://www.grandforksherald.com/">Grand Forks Herald</a> <a href="https://x.com/trentsinger">Trent Singer,</a> Sports reporter, <a href="https://siouxfallslive.com/">Sioux Falls Live</a> <a href="https://x.com/RyanStieg">Ryan Stieg,</a> Hockey reporter, <a href="https://www.thetripledeke.com/">thetripledeke.com</a> <p>With that out of the way, let’s get to it. Here’s how the panel thinks the first round of the Mason Cup Playoffs will play out.</p> <br> <figure> <img src="https://cdn.forumcomm.com/dims4/default/b56fc37/2147483647/resize/800x/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fforum-communications-production-web.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F74%2F6f%2F083a0cde47cfa1ce3880293ab416%2Flssu-msu.png"> </figure> (8) Lake Superior State at (1) Minnesota State <p><b>Braun:</b> Minnesota State showed that its clearly the No. 1 team in this league over the course of the season, with Alex Tracy cementing himself as the best goaltender and Rhett Pitlick's addition paying huge dividends as he led the team in goals and points. Lake State struggled down the stretch, and the Mavericks swept the Lakers just two weeks ago. While I expect it to be a little more challenging than 4-0, 4-1, I'm expecting another sweep.</p> <br> <p><b>Prediction: </b>Minnesota State wins series, 2-0.</p> <br> <br> <p><b>Brown:</b> The Mavericks have lost just once in their last nine contests and are playing as well as anybody in the country right now. The Lakers have some great individual speed and talent, but they've been too inconsistent. Minnesota State took all 4 games against Lake Superior State in the regular season, and I expect them to make it six straight against the Lakers.</p> <br> <p><b>Prediction:</b> Minnesota State wins series, 2-0.</p> <br> <br> <p><b>Dean:</b> Just before winter break, the Mavericks and Lakers played what felt like the biggest series of the season to that point in a battle of first- and second-place teams in Mankato. MSU came away with five crucial points in a pair of one-goal games, including a dramatic overtime victory on Saturday. The Mavs have rolled since, clinching their seventh MacNaughton Cup in the past eight years two weeks ago with a sweep in Sault St. Marie. Lake Superior State has done just the opposite, going 4-13-1 since a 6-2 start in conference play. Injuries have played a huge factor in the Lake State slide. Leading goal-scorer Sasha Teleguine sat out both games against the Mavericks two weeks ago and hasn’t skated the last two weekends, while last year’s CCHA Co-Player of the Year, Connor Milburn, has sat out the past three contests. And that’s just the tip of iceberg in what’s been an injury-riddled season. The Lakers at full strength are the real deal, but this smells of a sweep because even if Milburn and Teleguine play, you have to imagine they are at less than 100%.</p> <br> <p><b>Prediction:</b> Minnesota State wins series, 2-0.</p> <br> <br> <p><b>McAlpine:</b> Minnesota State hit a brief rough patch in January, splitting four straight series. However, MSU finished the season on a 6-0-1 stretch and is 18-4-3 going back to Nov. 1. The Mavericks have been one of the nation’s best defensive teams and have received timely goals, and with Tracy between the pipes, it’d be hard to bet against Luke Strand’s club. MSU swept LSSU just two weeks ago, too, outscoring the Lakers 8-1 in the series.</p> <br> <p><b>Prediction:</b> Minnesota State wins series, 2-0.</p> <br> <br> <p><b>Rubado:</b> There’s only one series I see ending in two games. Minnesota State has too much power to handle this iteration of Lake Superior State, especially if the Lakers are still without Milburn. I'd be surprised if this weekend is any less than a formality for the Mavericks.</p> <br> <p><b>Prediction:</b> Minnesota State wins series, 2-0.</p> <br> <br> <p><b>Schlossman:</b> The good news for the Lakers? Two-thirds of their wins this season have come on the road. The bad news? Minnesota State has lost just two of its last 17 home games.</p> <br> <p><b>Prediction:</b> Minnesota State wins series, 2-0.</p> <br> <br> <p><b>Singer:</b> Going into Mankato and coming away with a series win presents a difficult challenge for any team but even more so for a Lakers squad that has gone 4-11-1 since the start of the new year, dropping from fourth to eighth in the standings. Meanwhile, the Mavs are 6-1-1 in their last eight games, and they boast the No. 1 scoring defense in the country, allowing just 1.5 goals per game. I like MSU’s firepower and brick wall between the pipes in a first-round sweep of LSSU.</p> <br> <p><b>Prediction:</b> Minnesota State wins series, 2-1.</p> <br> <br> <p><b>Stieg:</b> The Lakers have a solid lineup, but the Mavericks have the league's top scorer and its best goaltender. I think Mankato just has too many weapons.</p> <br> <p><b>Prediction:</b> Minnesota State wins series, 2-0.</p> <br> <figure> <img src="https://cdn.forumcomm.com/dims4/default/866c86b/2147483647/resize/800x/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fforum-communications-production-web.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fc2%2F1c%2Fbe4d3d04412a91419b76c14cda18%2Fbsu-au.png"> </figure> (7) Bemidji State at (2) Augustana <p><b>Braun:</b> Augustana was idle last weekend after a difficult final series against Alaska. Bemidji State had a disappointing season, to say the least, and Augustana was probably the biggest surprise of the season. No one really knew how the points percentage would work out, but Augustana found a way to earn the No. 2 seed. And with Josh Kotai in net, the Vikings have a great chance to win every night. I think the depth scoring from Augustana will put them over the top.</p> <br> <p><b>Prediction: </b>Augustana wins series, 2-1.</p> <br> <br> <p><b>Brown:</b> Bemidji State is one of the hardest teams to figure out. They could very easily make another run to the championship if all the pieces come together. Meanwhile, Augustana is the No. 2 seed, but the Vikings have won just one of their last six games. This was the toughest series to call, but in the end, I think Kotai will be ready for his playoff moment. And a hungry Vikings team comes through on Sunday night.</p> <br> <p><b>Prediction:</b> Augustana wins series, 2-1.</p> <br> <br> <p><b>Dean:</b> Last year’s MacNaughton Cup champion, Bemidji State, has slipped down to seventh a year after losing three all-conference players, but the Beavers enter this series hot, unbeaten in five straight until dropping Saturday’s finale in Mankato. Augustana is well built from the back with a Mike Richter semifinalist in the form of Kotai and a strong D-core but is coming off an uninspiring series two weekends ago when it was swept by Alaska Fairbanks, the No. 37 team in the country by the Pairwise. Bemidji State is a tough matchup in a series that has the potential to go three games with a grinding, hard-nosed style. I also have some questions about Augustana’s recent form, as well as their ability to make adjustments when facing a CCHA opponent for a second weekend after playing just half of a league schedule. This feels like a series where chances are at a premium, and there will be at least a couple of games decided by one goal. But that’s how the Beavers like it. If Mattias Sholl plays like he did Friday night in Mankato, Bemidji has all the pieces for an upset. <b>Prediction:</b> Bemidji State wins series, 2-1.</p> <br> <br> <p><b>McAlpine:</b> Augustana didn’t exactly finish the regular season strong, going 1-4-1 down the stretch, and the Vikings allowed a season-high five goals in their regular-season finale — a 5-3 loss to Alaska. At the same time, the Beavers have shown an ability to be a thorn in their opponent’s side, as made evident by their shootout win Friday in Mankato. BSU went 4-1-1 over its final six games, too, and will make it a hard-fought series. However, Kotai will steal the show, and with home ice on their side, the Vikings will pull it out.</p> <br> <p><b>Prediction:</b> Augustana wins series, 2-1.</p> <br> <br> <p><b>Rubado:</b> The most intriguing first-round series is Bemidji State heading to Augustana. You have one of the most experienced CCHA playoff teams in BSU taking on the group with the least experience. In each of the two series head-to-head, the two teams split. I have this going three games with the Beavers' experience paying off in the end.</p> <br> <p><b>Prediction: </b>Bemidji State wins series, 2-1.</p> <br> <br> <p><b>Schlossman:</b> There was plenty of offense when these teams played in November. Don't expect that to be the case this time.</p> <br> <p><b>Prediction:</b> Augustana wins series, 2-1.</p> <br> <br> <p><b>Singer:</b> I think a week of rest going into the playoffs is going to do wonders for the Vikings in this series. There have been nagging injuries among several key players, including defenseman Uula Ruikka, and a week to heal up before the start of the postseason should be a massive benefit. But Bemidji won’t make it easy, having won four of its last six heading into the playoffs. I love the goaltending battle in this matchup between Sholl and Kotai, and the crowd at Midco Arena should be amped up with a familiar Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference foe in the building. AU prevails in a Sunday tilt to advance to the semis.</p> <br> <p><b>Prediction:</b> Augustana wins series, 2-1.</p> <br> <br> <p><b>Stieg:</b> This one's a tough call. Augie has more talent and has had a better year, but the Beavers tend to do well in the playoffs. I think they could make a run.</p> <br> <p><b>Prediction:</b> Bemidji State wins series, 2-1.</p> <br> <figure> <img src="https://cdn.forumcomm.com/dims4/default/f4ce4a5/2147483647/resize/800x/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fforum-communications-production-web.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fed%2F5a%2F39c6a6dc442c8f7e47556d849ab6%2Ffsu-ust.png"> </figure> (6) Ferris State at (3) St. Thomas <p><b>Braun:</b> St. Thomas struggled for a decent stretch of the season but finished strong, winning six of eight to clinch home ice and the No. 3 seed in the last game of the regular season. Ferris State has been on a roll since coach Bob Daniels announced his retirement after the end of the season. This might be influenced a little too much by my gut, but I think the players won't let this be the last weekend in Daniels’ coaching career. The Bulldogs pull off the series win on Sunday in Mendota Heights.</p> <br> <p><b>Prediction: </b>Ferris State wins series, 2-1.</p> <br> <br> <p><b>Brown:</b> This may be the swan song series for Daniels, and his team has played pretty well the last few weeks. But St. Thomas has become a completely different team in the second half of the season, going 12-3-1 since the start of the new year and winning five in a row heading into the playoffs. I think the Bulldogs are scrappy enough to make this a series, but the Tommies will be a bit too much.</p> <br> <p><b>Prediction:</b> St. Thomas wins series, 2-1.</p> <br> <br> <p><b>Dean:</b> The Tommies enter the playoffs with the momentum of five straight wins, including a sweep in a pair of one-goal games last weekend to secure home ice for themselves and force Tech on the road. Senior Liam Malmquist (13-23-36) and junior Lucas Wahlin (16-19-35) might be the best offensive duo in the league that doesn’t reside in Mankato, and the UST power play has been running at a 31% clip since an 0-for-19 start to the season, the third-best success-rate in the country during that stretch dating back to mid-November. St. Thomas has struggled to consistently put together a full 60 minutes on a nightly basis, but the Tommies have plenty of firepower to break down Ferris State’s porous defense.</p> <br> <p><b>Prediction:</b> St. Thomas wins series, 2-0.</p> <br> <br> <p><b>McAlpine:</b> No CCHA team is hotter than St. Thomas. The Tommies have won five straight and seven of their last 10, which includes a four-point weekend against Minnesota State. They swept Ferris State in January, too, erupting for 13 goals in the series, and Wahlin has been on a tear. The junior captain owns a five-game goal streak and has nine points (6-3-9) in that stretch. After being decimated by injuries at this time last year, the Tommies carry plenty of momentum into the postseason.</p> <br> <p><b>Prediction:</b> St. Thomas wins series, 2-0.</p> <br> <br> <p><b>Rubado:</b> Tom Serratore said it on Feb. 1 — no team should want to play Ferris State right now. However, I think it should also be said for the Tommies. The second-half emergence of Jake Sibell has been a difference-maker for one of college hockey's hottest programs. I think the Bulldogs sneak one out before UST buys one more weekend at Saint Thomas Ice Arena.</p> <br> <p><b>Prediction:</b> St. Thomas wins series, 2-1.</p> <br> <br> <p><b>Schlossman:</b> Sibell hasn't lost a game since November. He's not losing two on the same weekend.</p> <br> <p><b>Prediction:</b> St. Thomas wins series, 2-0.</p> <br> <br> <p><b>Singer:</b> Both teams are playing well heading into the playoffs, but the Tommies have been arguably the most consistent team in the conference since the start of the new year. Apparently, Sibell can’t lose right now, and when UST’s forward group is clicking, the Tommies can hang out with anyone in the country. FSU has played well down the stretch, and I think the Bulldogs are going to keep it close in both games. But St. Thomas has proven its ability to eke out close wins during its recent surge. I like the Tommies in a sweep.</p> <br> <p><b>Prediction:</b> St. Thomas wins series, 2-0.</p> <br> <br> <p><b>Stieg:</b> The Bulldogs are underrated, but the Tommies are hot right now — and healthy. I think UST's potent offense pushes it to the next round.</p> <br> <p><b>Prediction:</b> St. Thomas wins series, 2-0.</p> <br> <figure> <img src="https://cdn.forumcomm.com/dims4/default/52ddd1f/2147483647/resize/800x/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fforum-communications-production-web.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fc5%2F25%2F02eec7824f7fae20c984f9fe7d8c%2Fmtu-bgsu.png"> </figure> (5) Michigan Tech at (4) Bowling Green <p><b>Braun:</b> Bowling Green and Michigan Tech were fighting for third or better going into 2025, but the Falcons were able to get a couple more results down the stretch than the Huskies. In doing so, they’ll get to host this year's first round series. Last year, it was in Houghton. Michigan Tech has been better on the road than at home — save for last weekend — but I think they've got one more surprise in them. They’ll find a way to push this series to Sunday and get the second win.</p> <br> <p><b>Prediction: </b>Michigan Tech wins series, 2-1.</p> <br> <br> <p><b>Brown:</b> This one's really intriguing because they only played one series in the regular season back in November, so Bowling Green hasn't seen MTU's Ryan Manzella in net yet. And on the other side, Christian Stoever is just getting back into form after a short absence. If we're being honest, neither team is playing all that great down the stretch. I think the Falcons’ offense, though, is just a bit more in sync right now.</p> <br> <p><b>Prediction:</b> Bowling Green wins series, 2-1.</p> <br> <br> <p><b>Dean:</b> Michigan Tech entered last weekend sitting in a home-ice position before being handed a sweep on thin margins in Mendota Heights. The Huskies will be plenty motivated as they take the long haul down to Ohio for the first round. Bowling Green has the edge in goaltending with senior Stoever really coming on for the Falcons in the second half, but I prefer Michigan Tech’s depth of skaters in this series. The Huskies are one of the better possession teams in the league, and Bowling Green has struggled to consistently convert chances this season. The Falcons are sixth in the country in shots on goal (34.1 per game) but rank in the bottom 20 in goals per game (2.5). Michigan Tech should do well in limiting BG’s shot volume to take this series, but I think goaltending steals a game for the Falcons.</p> <br> <p><b>Prediction:</b> Michigan Tech wins series, 2-1.</p> <br> <br> <p><b>McAlpine:</b> The Falcons and Huskies finished the season with nearly identical records in CCHA play, with MTU at 12-11-3 and BG at 12-10-4. It’s an interesting matchup as both teams struggled down the stretch, too. MTU has lost three straight and went 1-6-1 after Feb. 1, while BG went 2-4-0 over its final six. There was also an exhibition loss to the NTDP in that stretch. The two teams haven’t met since late November, and the reality is the Nos. 4/5 matchup is always a toss-up. However, the Huskies are the reigning CCHA champs. They have plenty of playoff experience, and they’ve been a good road team this season, going 7-9-0 away from Houghton.</p> <br> <p><b>Prediction:</b> Michigan Tech wins series, 2-1.</p> <br> <br> <p><b>Rubado:</b> These are two contrasting teams. Bowling Green’s strength is in its forward depth and in goal. Michigan Tech has the edge on the blue line and in postseason experience. But when looking at this matchup, I see one area where the scales tip in MTU’s favor. With one of the CCHA’s best power plays taking on one of the league’s most penalized teams, the Huskies take this series in three games. <b>Prediction:</b> Michigan Tech wins series, 2-1.</p> <br> <br> <p><b>Schlossman:</b> It hasn't been an easy stretch for either Michigan Tech or Bowling Green. Playing at home helps the Falcons.</p> <br> <p><b>Prediction:</b> Bowling Green wins series, 2-1.</p> <br> <br> <p><b>Singer:</b> The postseason offers both of these teams an opportunity to reset and recalibrate after running into rough patches to close out the regular season. Stoever gives the Falcons an advantage in goal, but I don’t know if it’s enough to put BGSU over the top. The Huskies have three of the league’s top point-getters in Stiven Sardarian (34), Max Koskipirtti (27) and Isaac Gordon (26), and with Chase Pietila leading the blue line, they are a tough team to beat when their systems are operating smoothly. I expect a back-and-forth series, but in the end, MTU’s playoff experience allows it to pull off a mild first-round upset on Sunday in Ohio.</p> <br> <p><b>Prediction:</b> Michigan Tech wins series, 2-1.</p> <br> <br> <p><b>Stieg:</b> This will be a close one. BG has played better than expected this year, but the Huskies tend to get hot during the playoffs. It's a coin flip, and I'm going with the Falcons.</p> <br> <p><b>Prediction:</b> Bowling Green wins series, 2-1.</p> <br>]]> Wed, 05 Mar 2025 18:29:49 GMT Trent Singer /sports/beavers-hockey/predictions-panel-eight-college-hockey-pundits-prognosticate-first-round-of-ccha-mason-cup-playoffs The Reporter's Corner podcast: Don Lucia, CCHA commissioner /sports/beavers-hockey/the-reporters-corner-podcast-don-lucia-ccha-commissioner Trent Singer CENTRAL COLLEGIATE HOCKEY ASSOCIATION,MENS HOCKEY,COLLEGE HOCKEY,AUGUSTANA VIKINGS,BEMIDJI STATE BEAVERS,BOWLING GREEN FALCONS,FERRIS STATE BULLDOGS,LAKE SUPERIOR STATE LAKERS,MICHIGAN TECH HUSKIES,MINNESOTA STATE MAVERICKS,NORTHERN MICHIGAN WILDCATS,ST. THOMAS TOMMIES Trent Singer and Jared Rubado sit down with the legend himself, CCHA commissioner Don Lucia, to talk about his illustrious career and the state of the conference as a whole. <![CDATA[<p>This week's episode of The Reporter's Corner features CCHA commissioner Don Lucia, whose coaching career includes nearly two decades as the bench boss at the University of Minnesota. One of eight coaches to win 700 or more games in his career, Lucia talked about his early playing days in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, shared stories of his time coaching the Gophers in the WCHA and delved into some of the more recent happenings across the landscape of western college hockey.</p> <br> <figure> <img src="https://cdn.forumcomm.com/dims4/default/521b345/2147483647/resize/800x/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fforum-communications-production-web.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fc2%2Fff%2Febda5087472fb6d44e876ba00382%2F030624-s-bp-bsumhky3-macnaughton-cup-16.jpg"> </figure> <p>The Reporter's Corner is a weekly podcast from Sioux Falls Live sports reporter Trent Singer and Bemidji Pioneer sports editor Jared Rubado on the CCHA's podcast network, featuring players and coaches from around the league.</p> <br> https://open.spotify.com/episode/4Zq6CHvvSkPlGCtLhwtpkD?si=3f340e8220e04c3e <p>Subscribe to the CCHA Show for future episodes of the Reporter's Corner. Other links to the episode can be found below:</p> <br> <a href="https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/0ad62e5d-190d-4b22-ba9b-e2e15293a487/episodes/0bae0562-c72a-483f-adfd-041bdf6c16f4/the-ccha-show-reporter's-corner-don-lucia" target="_blank">Amazon</a> <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reporters-corner-don-lucia/id1646997858?i=1000681465756" target="_blank">Apple</a> Previous Episodes Episode 1: <a href="https://www.siouxfallslive.com/sports/college/the-reporters-corner-podcast-carter-randklev-bemidji-state">Carter Randklev, Bemidji State forward</a> Episode 2: <a href="https://www.siouxfallslive.com/sports/college/the-reporters-corner-podcast-taylor-nelson-augustana">Taylor Nelson, Augustana assistant coach</a> Episode 3: <a href="https://www.siouxfallslive.com/sports/college/the-reporters-corner-podcast-dave-shyiak-northern-michigan">Dave Shyiak, Northern Michigan head coach</a> Episode 4: <a href="https://www.siouxfallslive.com/sports/college/the-reporters-corner-podcast-grant-hindman-lake-superior-state">Grant Hindman, Lake Superior State defenseman</a> Episode 5: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/0BqvisnMxlpUBG0Jp1oE2r?si=422de7d938c149df" target="_blank">Travis Shoudy, Ferris State defenseman</a> Episode 6: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/5hwXw51qp4YQVzSAMWxylU" target="_blank">Chase Pietila, Michigan Tech defenseman</a> Episode 7: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/40eSCnk8SQ4hxG8Q19BZu9?si=JU9WNQ_ITumBVQU9W438KQ" target="_blank">Dalton Norris, Bowling Green defenseman</a> Episode 8: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/74vUdK43KfVLFjTAb6HNuB?si=5b402c8025834c64" target="_blank">Jake Sibell & Aaron Trotter, St. Thomas goaltenders</a> Episode 9: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/4iMIRELK24gfDY7v1Ci8ou?si=ff8a3b58b6bf4f16" target="_blank">Bob Daniels, Ferris State head coach</a> Episode 10: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/7bgrQOLJjcIzPPp1BCMTif?si=2eee30523db34a5b" target="_blank">Josh Groll, Minnesota State forward</a> Episode 11: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/7ou8OhLedlGlvD3DWUOhAE?si=0a7411d7c5d14cc9" target="_blank">Connor Milburn, Lake Superior State forward</a>]]> Fri, 10 Jan 2025 17:15:25 GMT Trent Singer /sports/beavers-hockey/the-reporters-corner-podcast-don-lucia-ccha-commissioner Sasha Teleguine nets hat trick, Rorke Applebee makes 33 saves to push Lakers past Beavers /sports/beavers-hockey/sasha-teleguine-nets-hat-trick-rorke-applebee-makes-33-saves-to-push-lakers-past-beavers Jared Rubado BEMIDJI,BEMIDJI STATE BEAVERS,MENS HOCKEY,COLLEGE HOCKEY,LAKE SUPERIOR STATE LAKERS,CENTRAL COLLEGIATE HOCKEY ASSOCIATION Lake Superior State freshman Rorke Applebee stopped 33 shots to prevent the Bemidji State men’s hockey team from staging a third-period comeback on Saturday. <![CDATA[<p>SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. – A hot goalie can make all the difference.</p> <br> <br> <p>Lake Superior State freshman Rorke Applebee stopped 33 shots to prevent the Bemidji State men’s hockey team from staging a third-period comeback on Saturday.</p> <br> <br> <p>If Applebee’s efforts weren’t enough, Sasha Teleguine’s hat trick was. Teleguine scored three times in the Lakers’ 4-3 win over the Beavers.</p> <br> <br> <p>Eric Martin opened the scoring less than four minutes into the first period by finishing a one-time pass from Isa Parekh.</p> <br> <br> <p>Teleguine, however, tied the game four minutes later on a short-handed 2-on-1 rush with John Herrington. Teleguine later scored on the power play before the first intermission.</p> <br> <br> <p>Luke Levandowski made it 3-1 in the second period before Kirklan Irey scored his team-leading seventh goal of the season for BSU with 9:54 left in the third period.</p> <br> <br> <p>Teleguine completed the hat trick 35 seconds later.</p> <br> <br> <p>Bemidji State, who had been 0 for 6 on the power play over the weekend, finally got one on the man advantage when Jutting shelved a shot by Applebee. Both Irey and Parekh assisted the third goal.</p> <br> <br> <p>Applebee made several key saves down the stretch to clinch a one-goal win for Lake Superior State (7-7-1, 6-2-0 CCHA). Mattias Sholl stopped 23 shots for the Beavers (8-7-2, 5-4-1 CCHA).</p> <br> <br> <p>BSU’s six-game unbeaten streak was snapped on Saturday in the loss.</p> <br> <br> <p><b>Lake Superior State 4, Bemidji State 3</b></p> <br> <br> <p>BSU 1 0 2 – 3</p> <br> <br> <p>LSSU 2 1 1 – 4</p> <br> <br> <p>First period – BSU GOAL: Martin (Parekh) 3:46; LSSU GOAL: Teleguine (Herrington, Bushy) SHG, 8:04; LSSU GOAL: Teleguine (Milburn, Schweitzer) PPG, 18:24.</p> <br> <br> <p>Second period – LSSU GOAL: Levandowski (Bakos, Brown) 4:35.</p> <br> <br> <p>Third period – BSU GOAL: Irey (Jutting) 10:06; LSSU GOAL: Teleguine (Venegoni, Herrington) 10:41; BSU GOAL: Jutting (Irey, Parekh) PPG, 14:46.</p> <br> <br> <p>Saves – Sholl (BSU) 23; Applebee (LSSU) 33.</p> <br>]]> Sun, 08 Dec 2024 01:51:04 GMT Jared Rubado /sports/beavers-hockey/sasha-teleguine-nets-hat-trick-rorke-applebee-makes-33-saves-to-push-lakers-past-beavers Beavers hang on to pick up streak-extending triumph against Lakers /sports/beavers-hockey/beavers-hang-on-to-pick-up-streak-extending-triumph-against-lakers Jared Rubado BEMIDJI,BEMIDJI STATE BEAVERS,MENS HOCKEY,COLLEGE HOCKEY,LAKE SUPERIOR STATE LAKERS,CENTRAL COLLEGIATE HOCKEY ASSOCIATION The Bemidji State men’s hockey team entered its road series against Lake Superior State having lost three straight in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. But the Beavers took it upon themselves to end that streak while extending another. <![CDATA[<p>SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. – Wins are hard to come by at Taffy Abel Arena.</p> <br> <br> <p>The Bemidji State men’s hockey team entered its road series against Lake Superior State having lost three straight in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. But the Beavers took it upon themselves to end that streak while extending another.</p> <br> <br> <p>BSU erased an early deficit to beat the Lakers 4-2 on Friday night, pushing its unbeaten run to six games.</p> <br> <br> <p>After Sasha Teleguine put LSSU ahead 1-0 with a power-play goal in the first period, Austin Jouppi tied the game with his first goal this season, with assists from Patrik Satosaari and Donte Lawson.</p> <br> <br> <p>Jake McLean gave Bemidji State its first lead in the second period before Kirklan Irey made it 3-1 with a short-handed goal on a 2-on-1 rush with Jackson Jutting. Tory Lund, Will Magnuson and Lawson each had helpers in the second period.</p> <br> <br> <p>Lake Superior State, though, scored again on the power play to cut the deficit to one before the intermission.</p> <br> <br> <p>The Beavers opened the third period with a Grade-A chance to add to its lead. Nate Schweitzer took a major penalty and a game misconduct at the end of the second period for contact to the head. Evan Bushy also took an interference penalty before time expired, giving BSU two full minutes of 5-on-3 play and an extra three minutes 5-on-4 in the third.</p> <br> <br> <p>The Lakers, however, killed off both penalties, then they killed off a third midway through the final frame to preserve the 3-2 score.</p> <br> <br> <p>Satosaari wasn’t about to let the Lakers (7-7-1, 5-2-0 CCHA) spoil the party. He scored his first of the season with two and a half minutes left to ice Bemidji State’s (8-6-2, 5-3-1 CCHA) eighth win this season.</p> <br> <br> <p>Mattias Sholl stopped 22 shots in goal for BSU. Rorke Applebee made 31 saves for LSSU. Bemidji State finished 0 for 5 on the power play and 2 for 4 on the penalty kill.</p> <br> <br> <br> <p><b>Bemidji State 4, Lake Superior State 2</b></p> <br> <br> <p>BSU 1 2 1 – 4</p> <br> <br> <p>LSSU 1 1 0 – 2</p> <br> <br> <p>First period – LSSU GOAL: Teleguine (Bakos, Schweitzer) PPG, 4:48; BSU GOAL: Jouppi (Satosaari, Lawson) 13:50.</p> <br> <br> <p>Second period – BSU GOAL: McLean (Lund, Lawson) 10:32; BSU GOAL: Irey (Jutting, Lawson) SHG, 11:18; LSSU GOAL: Druskinis (Schweitzer, Milburn) PPG, 12:34.</p> <br> <br> <p>Third period – BSU GOAL: Satosaari (Vaisanen, Irey) 17:27.</p> <br> <br> <p>Saves – Sholl (BSU) 22; Applebee (LSSU) 31.</p> <br>]]> Sat, 07 Dec 2024 05:09:16 GMT Jared Rubado /sports/beavers-hockey/beavers-hang-on-to-pick-up-streak-extending-triumph-against-lakers The Reporter's Corner podcast: Grant Hindman, Lake Superior State /sports/beavers-hockey/the-reporters-corner-podcast-grant-hindman-lake-superior-state Trent Singer CENTRAL COLLEGIATE HOCKEY ASSOCIATION,MENS HOCKEY,COLLEGE HOCKEY,AUGUSTANA VIKINGS,LAKE SUPERIOR STATE LAKERS,BEMIDJI STATE BEAVERS Trent Singer and Jared Rubado sit down with Lake Superior State captain Grant Hindman to talk about the early days of his playing career and his time with the Lakers. <![CDATA[<p>This week's episode of The Reporter's Corner features Lake Superior State defenseman and captain Grant Hindman, who talked about how he got into hockey growing up in the suburbs of Detroit and how he made his way to the Lakers' program. Hindman also discussed scoring his lone goal at the college level and what being named a captain means to him.</p> <br> <figure> <img src="https://cdn.forumcomm.com/dims4/default/23b66c9/2147483647/resize/800x/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fforum-communications-production-web.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F85%2Fc1%2F64c375434295b2b2a7ebcaa4995f%2Fhindman-bw8a9109.JPG"> </figure> <p>The Reporter's Corner is a weekly podcast from Sioux Falls Live sports reporter Trent Singer and Bemidji Pioneer sports editor Jared Rubado on the CCHA's podcast network, featuring players and coaches from around the league.</p> <br> https://open.spotify.com/episode/454rwnKcDGTKokAqMIerdq?si=13ca35fb2b6d42a4 <p>Subscribe to the CCHA Show for future episodes of the Reporter's Corner. Other links to the episode can be found below:</p> <br> <a href="https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/0ad62e5d-190d-4b22-ba9b-e2e15293a487/episodes/1955ebcc-ea87-4a69-bb86-e33b122ef44f/the-ccha-show-reporter's-corner-grant-hindman" target="_blank">Amazon</a> <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reporters-corner-grant-hindman/id1646997858?i=1000674327879" target="_blank">Apple</a>]]> Thu, 24 Oct 2024 19:00:55 GMT Trent Singer /sports/beavers-hockey/the-reporters-corner-podcast-grant-hindman-lake-superior-state CCHA agrees to new 3-year media rights deal with Midco Sports Plus /mens-college/ccha/ccha-agrees-to-new-three-year-media-rights-deal-with-midco-sports-plus Trent Singer CENTRAL COLLEGIATE HOCKEY ASSOCIATION,COLLEGE HOCKEY,TRL NEWSLETTER,BEMIDJI STATE BEAVERS,BOWLING GREEN FALCONS,FERRIS STATE BULLDOGS,LAKE SUPERIOR STATE LAKERS,MICHIGAN TECH HUSKIES,MINNESOTA STATE MAVERICKS,NORTHERN MICHIGAN WILDCATS,ST. THOMAS TOMMIES,AUGUSTANA VIKINGS The league's regular season and playoffs will be streamed exclusively on Midco Sports Plus through a direct-to-consumer branded digital network known as CCHA TV. <![CDATA[<p>DEEPHAVEN, Minn. — Fans within the CCHA have a new streaming service to use in 2024-25.</p> <br> <br> <br> <br> <p>The CCHA announced Thursday that it has completed a three-year media rights deal with Midco Sports Plus, which is set to begin with the 2024-25 season.</p> <br> <br> <br> <br> <p>The regular season and Mason Cup Playoffs will be streamed exclusively on Midco Sports Plus through a direct-to-consumer branded digital network known as CCHA TV.</p> <br> <br> <br> <br> <p>"The CCHA is excited to partner with Midco Sports to be our exclusive streaming partner, beginning in the 2024-25 season,” CCHA Commissioner Don Lucia said in a statement. “Midco Sports Plus has proven to be a highly successful sports streaming service, and the CCHA looks forward to growing our brand together with Midco.”</p> <br> <br> https://x.com/CCHAHockey/status/1786028231230988467 <p>The CCHA, which consists of nine member schools, will offer a one-stop shop for all of the league’s digital content through CCHA TV. Fans can expect more than 180 live events to be streamed on CCHA TV on the Midco Sports Plus app each season.</p> <br> <br> <br> <br> <p>CCHA TV will be available for fans to purchase this September, and it will feature new monthly and annual subscription options.</p> <br> <br> <br> <br> <p>“The CCHA is a highly regarded league with top tier players and devout fans,” Midco’s Vice President of Business Development Sports Mark Powell said. “We’re thrilled to partner with the CCHA to stream high-energy, high-quality CCHA games that fans and alumni can watch on Midco Sports Plus.”</p> <br> <br> <br> <br> <p>The CCHA will release its upcoming schedule for the 2024-25 season on Tuesday, May 7. CCHA TV powered by Midco Sports Plus is available to stream on mobile/tablet apps (iOS and Android), connected TV device apps (AppleTV, FireTV and Roku) and a web-based browser interface.</p> <br> <br> https://x.com/MidcoSports/status/1786028031317786626 <p>Previously, the conference was engaged in a multi-year contract with FloSports to produce live and on-demand content on its streaming platform. That deal began with the 2021-22 season and ran for three years, concluding with the most recent 2023-24 campaign.</p> <br> <br> <br> <br> <p>In October, Midco Sports and Augustana announced a multi-year agreement to produce and broadcast Augustana hockey home games.</p> <br> <br> <br> <br> <p>As it stands, member schools handle the production of their respective hockey broadcasts.</p> <br> <br> <br> <br> <p>In late March, Midco laid off a number of its on-camera personalities, including Brian Shawn, Jody Norstedt, David Brown and Jason Andera.</p> <br> <br> <br> <br> <p>In a statement on March 27 from Paige Pearson Meyer, vice president of corporate communications at Midco, the company said it planned on enhancing streamed content on Midco Sports Plus in addition to university partnership content on its linear channels, Midco Sports and Midco Sports Two.</p> <br> <br> <br> <br> <p>“At that time, high school sports and some original programming will no longer be produced by Midco Sports or broadcast on our linear channels,” the statement read. “Because of this, we unfortunately had to make the difficult decision to reduce the number of full-time team members on the Midco Sports team.”</p> <br> <br> <br> <br> <p>The employees who were let go could still be used in a freelance capacity, according to Pearson Meyer.</p> <br> <br>]]> Thu, 02 May 2024 17:48:12 GMT Trent Singer /mens-college/ccha/ccha-agrees-to-new-three-year-media-rights-deal-with-midco-sports-plus 'On a mission,' Beavers advance to Mason Cup title in semifinal triumph over Lakers /sports/beavers-hockey/on-a-mission-beavers-advance-to-mason-cup-title-in-semifinal-triumph-over-lakers Jared Rubado BEMIDJI,COLLEGE HOCKEY,BEMIDJI STATE BEAVERS,MENS HOCKEY,LAKE SUPERIOR STATE LAKERS The Bemidji State men's hockey team kept rolling through the Mason Cup semifinal with a win over Lake Superior State. <![CDATA[<p>BEMIDJI – As Damon Whitten walked off the Lake Superior State bench and onto the ice on Friday night, he was greeted by Tom Serratore.</p> <br> <br> <p>Whitten, the Lakers' 10-year head coach, shared an extended moment with the Beavers’ 23-year head coach following Bemidji State’s 4-1 win in the Mason Cup playoff semifinal at the Sanford Center.</p> <br> <br> <p>“Tom’s been around,” Whitten said. “He and (Ferris State head coach) Bob Daniels have a ton of respect, not only in our league but nationally. I have a lot of respect for Tom. &mldr; He’s always been a coach that helps and wants to help you develop.</p> <br> <br> <p>“He was complimentary of our team. Obviously, I shared that (sentiment) back with him. &mldr; He thought we played hard. They’re just on a mission right now.”</p> <br> <figure> <img src="https://cdn.forumcomm.com/dims4/default/f9653d4/2147483647/resize/800x/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fforum-communications-production-web.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fde%2Fb8%2F73e8f129421dad6e60222b368e31%2F032024-s-bp-bsumhky-eric-pohlkamp.jpg"> </figure> <p>Whitten couldn’t have said it any better.</p> <br> <br> <p>The Beavers’ mission has taken them to the Mason Cup championship game at 7:07 p.m. next Friday against Michigan Tech at the Sanford Center. BSU (20-15-2) is unbeaten in its last 11 games, the longest Division I streak in program history.</p> <br> <br> <p>“We did the little things right tonight,” Kirklan Irey said. “We played a 200-foot game, for the most part. That helps a lot. We want to push that way into next weekend.”</p> <br> <br> <p>Eric Pohlkamp continued his hot streak with his fourth playoff goal in three games. Jere Vaisanen won an offensive-zone faceoff back to Pohlkamp, who picked the top-left corner behind LSSU (17-20-1) goaltender Ethan Langenegger 1:48 into the contest.</p> <br> <br> <p>“That was a nice faceoff goal,” Serratore said. “Jere winning that faceoff clean, and Pohly getting it through – and the guy was right on top of him. So, for Pohly to get that through and find the net, it was a nice 1-0 lead right there. You want to establish your identity and establish things early.”</p> <br> <figure> <img src="https://cdn.forumcomm.com/dims4/default/c15c42a/2147483647/resize/800x/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fforum-communications-production-web.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F80%2F62%2F20317f1849cca781623d694ec4b7%2F032024-s-bp-bsumhky-adam-flammang-copy.jpg"> </figure> <p>The Beavers doubled their lead midway through the second period on a greasy fourth-line goal. Mitch Wolfe tried feeding a seeing-eye pass through the slot to Rhys Chiddenton. The puck never got to Chiddenton, but it bounced around among the bodies in front of the net before Jake McLean swatted at it on his backhand.</p> <br> <br> <p>“(The puck) hit Donte (Lawson’s) leg or stick, and it bounced right to me,” McLean said. “I was coming in full speed. I was like, ‘If I get a strong whack on this, it’s got a chance.’ It was good to see that one go in.”</p> <br> <br> <p>Irey extended BSU’s lead again 58 seconds later. He caught a pass from Eric Martin at the top of the faceoff circles. Fending off an LSSU defender, he pulled the puck to his forehand and banked a shot off the left post.</p> <br> <br> <p>“It started with Lleyton (Roed) making a strong play on our own blue line back in our zone,” Irey said. “Marty had a nice kick, and you just have to protect the puck in those situations.</p> <br> <br> <p>“(Martin) saucered it to me. &mldr; I think I saw a lot of ice, so you have to take advantage of that. It was kind of a chip shot. It kind of slipped through him. I was a little surprised it went in.”</p> <br> <figure> <img src="https://cdn.forumcomm.com/dims4/default/1c5647b/2147483647/resize/800x/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fforum-communications-production-web.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fd7%2F5f%2F7f9fb9c348488b65f333098042ed%2F032024-s-bp-bsumhky-celebration.jpg"> </figure> <p>LSSU got one back four minutes later. Luke Levandowski fed a behind-the-back, no-look pass to Branden Piku, who beat Mattias Sholl through the five-hole.</p> <br> <br> <p>It was a goal that woke up Lake Superior State, which came close to pulling within one goal of the tie in the final eight minutes of the middle frame.</p> <br> <br> <p>“Honestly, we just needed to get out of that period up 3-1,” Serratore said. “It was a nail-biter, and it got dicey at times right there. (LSSU) just got behind us. We have to make sure that when they’re flying guys like they do, we have to back off a little bit. I thought we had a better third period.”</p> <br> <br> <p>The Lakers’ best chance to get back in the game came midway through the third. Holding a 3-1 lead, Sholl showed why he’s the CCHA Goaltender of the Year.</p> <br> <br> <p>After a flurry of BSU chances, LSSU found itself on a 2-on-1 rush. Connor Millburn dished a pass to Jared Westcott, who was met with Sholl sliding to his right to make the save.</p> <br> <br> <p>“We can trust him in all situations,” Irey said of Sholl. “We know he’s going to come up huge for us every time. There are moments where we have to be a little stronger in our own zone, but he does so well for us.”</p> <br> <br> <p>Langenegger did his part to keep LSSU within striking distance, making 34 saves in what might be his final collegiate game.</p> <br> <br> <p>“Lang made two or three – or more – just huge, timely saves, as did Sholl,” Whitten said. “We knew it’d be a goalie battle. (Langenegger) played his heart out. As a senior, you expect that from him. Lang left it out there. He made some huge saves, and he gave us a chance to kick around and make it a one-goal game. We just fell short.”</p> <br> <figure> <img src="https://cdn.forumcomm.com/dims4/default/9912343/2147483647/resize/800x/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fforum-communications-production-web.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F26%2Fac%2F9415cef349dd915d8f096c7983f9%2F032024-s-bp-bsumhky-mattias-sholl.jpg"> </figure> <p>Vaisanen added an empty-net goal with 10 seconds left, ensuring Bemidji State extended its winning streak to nine games. The Beavers are tied with No. 1 Boston College for the longest winning streak in the nation. It’s also the longest Division I winning streak in program history.</p> <br> <br> <p>“Everyone has played against teams that are tough to play against,” McLean said. “It sucks, and you want to be that team for everybody else."</p> <br> <br> <p>BSU is 16-1-1 in games where it scores first.</p> <br> <br> <p>“When one (goal) goes in for us, we get that confidence," McLean said. "We get our rhythm going one line after the next line after the next line. It keeps going and going and going. When we play like that, we can be a really dangerous team. I don’t think a lot of teams in the country can skate with us when we play like that.”</p> <br> <figure> <img src="https://cdn.forumcomm.com/dims4/default/73218b9/2147483647/resize/800x/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fforum-communications-production-web.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F48%2F1f%2Fbb8a49224934904cf17774da1eb3%2F032024-s-bp-bsumhky-rhys-chiddenton.jpg"> </figure> <p><b>No. 20 Bemidji State 4, Lake Superior State 1</b></p> <br> <br> <p>LSSU 0 1 0 – 1</p> <br> <br> <p>BSU 1 2 1 – 4</p> <br> <br> <p>First period – BSU GOAL: Pohlkamp (Vaisanen) 1:48.</p> <br> <br> <p>Second period – BSU GOAL: McLean (Lawson, Wolfe) 7:32; BSU GOAL: Irey (Martin, Follmer) 8:30; LSSU GOAL: Piku (Levandowski, Westcott) 12:37.</p> <br> <br> <p>Third period – BSU GOAL: Vaisanen (Jones, Flammang) EN, 19:50.</p> <br> <br> <p>Saves – Sholl (BSU) 34; Langenegger (LSSU) 13.</p> <br> <figure> <img src="https://cdn.forumcomm.com/dims4/default/342d48e/2147483647/resize/800x/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fforum-communications-production-web.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F42%2F83%2F21f3be38407ea77e08001b7274c8%2F032024-s-bp-bsumhky-kyle-looft.jpg"> </figure> <figure> <img src="https://cdn.forumcomm.com/dims4/default/dfae64f/2147483647/resize/800x/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fforum-communications-production-web.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F3a%2F27%2F3749d6614d4aaa5b04eca63bdf76%2F032024-s-bp-bsumhky-kasper-magnussen.jpg"> </figure> <figure> <img src="https://cdn.forumcomm.com/dims4/default/bf89867/2147483647/resize/800x/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fforum-communications-production-web.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F69%2F20%2F3b86b2be481a87c32182b3314cee%2F032024-s-bp-bsumhky-carter-jones.jpg"> </figure>]]> Sun, 17 Mar 2024 05:25:44 GMT Jared Rubado /sports/beavers-hockey/on-a-mission-beavers-advance-to-mason-cup-title-in-semifinal-triumph-over-lakers Parity in CCHA reigns supreme in race for MacNaughton Cup /sports/beavers-hockey/parity-in-ccha-reigns-supreme-in-race-for-macnaughton-cup Trent Singer CENTRAL COLLEGIATE HOCKEY ASSOCIATION,COLLEGE HOCKEY,BEMIDJI STATE BEAVERS,BOWLING GREEN FALCONS,FERRIS STATE BULLDOGS,LAKE SUPERIOR STATE LAKERS,MICHIGAN TECH HUSKIES,MINNESOTA STATE MAVERICKS,NORTHERN MICHIGAN WILDCATS,ST. THOMAS TOMMIES St. Thomas currently leads the conference standings with 18 points, while only six points separate the top six teams in the league <![CDATA[<p>As the college hockey season approaches the midway point, the CCHA standings remain a jumbled mess.</p> <br> <br> <p>St. Thomas currently leads the way with 18 points in the conference standings, with only six points (or one weekend sweep in regulation) separating the top six teams in the league.</p> <br> <br> <p>Behind the Tommies, Michigan Tech is in second place with 16 points, while Minnesota State is in third place with 14 points. Bemidji State has 13 points, followed by Northern Michigan and Lake Superior State with 12 points apiece. Even the two teams at the bottom, Bowling Green and Ferris State, are in the thick of contention with nine and eight league points, respectively.</p> <br> <br> <div class="raw-html"> <script src="https://e.infogram.com/js/dist/embed.js?RaB"></script> </div> <br> <p>The race for the 2023-24 MacNaughton Cup is an absolute slog, but it certainly comes as no surprise to Bemidji State coach Tom Serratore, who’s been saying it all along.</p> <br> <br> <p>“I’ve been saying it every weekend. I said it the opening weekend. The one thing we all knew as coaches going into the season, we knew it was going to beat us,” Serratore said about the league’s parity. “The one thing we don’t know is who’s going to be one, two, three, four, five, six, seven or eight. None of us know that. That’s what you want a league to be. In reality, you want a league to be tight, anybody's game.</p> <br> <br> <p>“Everybody’s got something different. &mldr; At the end of the day, it’s all about winning hockey games and how we’re going to win those hockey games.”</p> <br> <figure> <img src="https://cdn.forumcomm.com/dims4/default/a323868/2147483647/resize/800x/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fforum-communications-production-web.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fe3%2F16%2Ffe5ef4e04ace9ae5068b540caa6c%2Fbemidji-state-vs-michigan-tech-11-11-23-48.jpg"> </figure> <p>The only team in the league with a winning record is UST (8-7-1, 6-4 CCHA), which has had its fair share of ups and downs in league play.</p> <br> <br> <p>The Tommies are one of two teams in the conference with 10 CCHA games played, while the other six have each played eight league games. UST is 3-1 at home against conference opponents but is 3-3 on the road.</p> <br> <br> <p>Whether on the road or at home, Tommies coach Rico Blasi says each conference game has been a challenge to pick up points in the standings.</p> <br> <br> <p>“Everybody’s got one or two lines that are really good, and the goaltending, I think, in our league is fantastic, to be honest with you,” Blasi said. “From top to bottom, everybody has one or two goaltenders that are just lights out every week, but we knew it was going to be a competitive league. That’s why I think some of the coaches when asked on media day what they thought about the poll, they all kind of chuckled because if you guys can predict who’s going to finish first to last, that’s pretty good because we can’t.</p> <br> <br> <p>“You’ve got to grind it out. You’ve got to focus on daily improvement and one game at a time. I know it’s cliché, but if you don’t do that in our league, you’re going to find yourself behind the eight ball.”</p> <br> <p>In 17 league series thus far, there have been eight sweeps. However, over the last three weekends, there’s been a bit of a lull. Since Nov. 17 in CCHA action, there have been just two sweeps, both of which came on the road and one of which included a shootout victory.</p> <br> <br> <p>The first four sweeps in conference play were home sweeps, while the last four have been claimed by the road team. Only three of the sweeps have been fully decided in regulation, garnering the maximum six points in the standings.</p> <br> <br> <p>“If you can grind away and find a way to get points on the weekend, you’re going to find yourself in a good spot come February and early March,” Blasi said. “I think that’s the goal for everybody in our league is to just continue to grind away and find a way.</p> <br> <br> <p>“I’m exhausted on Sundays. I don’t know how the other coaches feel, but it is such a grind to play in our league. Just from making adjustments to making sure that our guys are ready to go and play at a high level, I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels that way.”</p> <br> <figure> <img src="https://cdn.forumcomm.com/dims4/default/e396357/2147483647/resize/800x/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fforum-communications-production-web.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F9c%2F9d%2F98da0f3841479c909d14333182ed%2Frst06639.jpg"> </figure> <p>MTU (7-7-3, 5-3), the favorite by the media and coaches in the league’s preseason polls, is performing exceptionally well on the road in conference play.</p> <br> <br> <p>Against CCHA opponents, the Huskies are 3-1 on the road and are averaging a league-best two points in the standings per conference game. They have earned three or more points in each of their four league series.</p> <br> <br> <p>Still, the margins are razor thin. Six of MTU’s eight league games have been decided by one goal, while the other two were decided by two goals. In fact, the Huskies haven’t won by more than a goal since their first CCHA game of the season, a 4-2 victory over Bemidji State on Nov. 10.</p> <br> <br> <p>“You have to be prepared every single night. You can’t be sleeping,” Michigan Tech assistant coach Tyler Shelast said. “You have to have a detailed game plan. You have to be ready to compete.</p> <br> <br> <p>“You have to be ready to match the energy of every team because every team you play in this conference, you know they’re going to compete.”</p> <br> <figure> <img src="https://cdn.forumcomm.com/dims4/default/863521b/2147483647/resize/800x/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fforum-communications-production-web.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fd1%2F66%2Fbe3f63dc4976a708a7053176ae85%2Fmsu-mhock-vs-mt-25.jpg"> </figure> <p>Much was made of the high turnover MSU faced heading into 2023-24. The reigning Mason Cup champions lost their nine top point-getters from a season ago, while first-year coach Luke Strand took over the program in the offseason.</p> <br> <br> <p>Ahead of the season, the coaching staff and personnel changes positioned the Mavericks in the middle of the media and coaches’ preseason polls, but once again, here they are near the top of the league standings.</p> <br> <br> <p>MSU (6-6-2, 4-3-1) won its first three league games this season before dropping its next three. Then, last weekend, the Mavs grabbed five crucial points in the standings with a shootout win and a regulation win at Lake Superior State.</p> <br> <br> <p>In terms of learning the lay of the land in the CCHA, it’s been a wild year for Strand, who believes the teams in the league with the most experience have proven to be the most consistent.</p> <br> <br> <p>“A lot of the rosters have really good balance of old and young, and then there’s a lot of goalies in the league that have come out and made some big stops in big moments for teams,” Strand said. “If your special teams are doing the job, it’s probably going to end up being the separating factor in a lot of ways.”</p> <br> <p>Now in his sixth year at the college level, Mavericks forward Sam Morton has seen plenty throughout his four years in the CCHA. While Morton would love nothing more than to see MSU emerge with the top seed in the Mason Cup Playoffs, he’s enjoying the league’s parity for the competitive environment it has created.</p> <br> <br> <p>“Every point is really important on the weekend, and I think the fact that it’s a tight league right now, it’s great,” Morton said. “It’s competitive. It’s fun, and games, to a certain extent, feel like playoff games.”</p> <br> <br> <p>Northern Michigan coach Grant Potulny believes the ability to put together a winning streak is the key to finding separation in the standings.</p> <br> <br> <p>“Everybody’s in it, and now it’s going to be who can find their groove and who can continue to bag points every weekend,” Potulny said. “You can’t have weekends where you’re getting one or none points. You’ve got to be trying to get four or more every weekend to try and solidify that home ice. I just think there’s a lot of teams that are very similar.”</p> <br> <figure> <img src="https://cdn.forumcomm.com/dims4/default/bb2bd52/2147483647/resize/800x/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fforum-communications-production-web.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fb4%2Fed%2F2ec619d9459eaa792228abbb2e26%2F401567882-10105170474614621-5388554281399837128-n-1.jpeg"> </figure> <p>Earlier this week, Serratore caught up with a former BSU player who’s now playing professionally in Europe. Having bounced around to several different pro leagues since his college days, the former player told Serratore that scoring at the college level was undoubtedly the hardest.</p> <br> <br> <p>For Serratore, it’s an anecdote that translates to how competitive the CCHA has become in 2023-24.</p> <br> <br> <p>“That’s him five years after playing for the Beavers reflecting back about how difficult it was,” Serratore said. “It’s hard winning back-to-back games. It’s hard, period, especially when there’s a fine line between the two teams.”</p>]]> Thu, 07 Dec 2023 12:00:00 GMT Trent Singer /sports/beavers-hockey/parity-in-ccha-reigns-supreme-in-race-for-macnaughton-cup