Author Archives: Michael Napier

Hoof Beats: Anatomy of a slump

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Remember when the Chargers were 3-2-1? UAH had come off its first road sweep since 2009 after two wins at Lake Superior State, including its first shutout in five years. Those were good times.

Unfortunately, the Chargers have lost six straight games after being swept at home by Bemidji State on Wednesday and Friday. UAH is now 3-8-1 overall and 2-7-1 in the WCHA, and has fallen to last place in the league standings.

So what has changed? For one, the competition has gotten tougher. UAH faced two teams expected to compete for the WCHA title in Michigan Tech and Bowling Green, each having hot goaltending in Jamie Phillips and Chris Nell. Even so, UAH remained competitive against them, losing the four games by a total of five goals.

That competitiveness against Michigan Tech and Bowling Green boded well for the Chargers coming into the Bemidji State series. The Beavers are not a bad team, but they appeared to be right where the Chargers wanted them: At the VBC, struggling to score goals and winning only one game in their last nine.

Brandon Carlson

A bright spot: Brandon Carlson, back among the forward lines, has two goals in the last four games. (Photo by UAH Athletics/Doug Eagan)

What happened instead was UAH continuing its struggles to score, only getting two goals in the series. After scoring 22 goals in the first six games of the season, the Chargers have only scored 10 in the last six. Meanwhile, Bemidji State got timely goals for its first series sweep of the season.

UAH’s top two scorers, Brennan Saulnier and Max McHugh, have been particularly neutralized after strong starts. Saulnier started with six goals and nine points in the first six games (although he was suspended for one game), earning WCHA Player of the Month honors for October, but has only two assists since. McHugh had three goals and eight points in the first six games, but has had just three assists since.

What happened during the Bemidji State series that saw the Chargers play their worst hockey of the season?

“Our fundamental hockey wasn’t very good,” UAH head coach Mike Corbett told Penalty Box Radio on Saturday. “We want to be aggressive, and we weren’t very aggressive. You play tentatively, and so you’re overthinking it a little bit. You’re passing when you should shoot, and shooting when you should pass. That’s where we need to get a little confidence and be able to feel good about ourselves.”

First 6 games Last 6 games
Record 3-2-1 0-6-0
Goals scored 22 (3.67 per game) 10 (1.67 per game)
Goals allowed 17 (2.83 per game) 21 (3.5 per game)
Power play 3-24 (12.5 percent) 4-28 (14.3 percent)
Penalty kill 18-21 (85.7 percent) 20-27 (74.1 percent)
Penalty minutes 64 (10.7 per game) 105 (17.5 per game)

 

How hard will it be to get back into the groove? The next six games/three opponents offer varied levels of difficulty. And while UAH is in last place, it is only four points out of fifth, so the opporunity to climb quickly is there.

This weekend the Chargers are back at the VBC, hosting Northern Michigan. UAH swept the Wildcats last season at home. NMU is 1-3-2 in its last six, just coming off two one-goal losses at Bowling Green. Like the Bemidji State series, this looks like a prime opportunity to get back into the win column if they execute. NMU goaltender Atte Tolvanen has played very well in his freshman season.

Next, UAH goes to Minnesota State, the defending WCHA champion, preseason favorite, and current league leader with a conference record of 7-1-2. The Chargers are 0-6 against the Mavericks since joining the WCHA, and 0-4 in Mankato (scoring only two goals), so this will be the hardest spot to get points.

Finally, the Chargers return home on Dec. 18-19 against NCHC opponent Colorado College, which just got its first win Saturday against Air Force. The struggling Tigers are 1-13-0 this season, scoring only 22 goals in 14 games (and shut out five times). UAH should be favored in that series.

Goaltending grind: With his fourth start of the season on Wednesday, Matt Larose has now played enough minutes to qualify for the WCHA’s goaltending leaderboards. His 2.48 goals against average is seventh in the WCHA, while his .918 save percentage is sixth. He made 20 saves on 23 shots in Wednesday’s 4-1 loss to Bemidji State.

The goaltending rotation has been established with Larose playing the openers of series and Carmine Guerriero playing the second game. Guerriero stopped 22 of 25 shots in Friday’s 4-1 loss, and now has a 2.99 goals against average and .891 save percentage.

This week’s festivites: The Chargers host Northern Michigan on Friday and Saturday. Game time is 7 p.m. both nights.

On Friday, the first 500 fans receive a free set of UAH Hockey trading cards, presented by Spirit Coach. On Saturday, the first 500 fans can bring the noise after receiving a free set of UAH Hockey thunder sticks, presented by SportsMed.

The Blue Line Club lunch will take place Friday at noon at the Varsity Room of Spragins Hall. Northern Michigan coach Walt Kyle and the UAH coaching staff will be there to talk about this week’s series. Bojangles will be catering.

WCHA Standings Record Pts.
Minnesota State 7-1-2 16
Michigan Tech 8-4-0 16
Bowling Green 6-2-2 14
Ferris State 5-5-2 12
Northern Michigan 3-4-3 9
Bemidji State 3-5-2 8
Alaska-Anchorage 3-4-1 7
Lake Superior State 2-3-3 7
Alaska 2-6-2 6
UAH 2-7-1 5

WCHA roundup: Bowling Green extended its home unbeaten streak to 11 games after two one-goal victories against Northern Michigan. The Falcons are ranked 14th in this week’s USCHO.com poll. … Minnesota State stayed in a tie for first place in the WCHA after sweeping Alaska Anchorage. Teddy Blueger had a five-point night on Saturday, all coming in the first period (a goal and four assists). … Michigan Tech kept pace with MSU with a sweep of Alaska in Fairbanks. The Huskies are tied for 17th in the USCHO.com poll. … Lake Superior State ended a five-game home losing streak Saturday to earn a split with Ferris State.

Wednesday, Nov. 25
Bemidji State 4 at UAH 1

Friday, Nov. 27
Bemidji State 4 at UAH 1
Northern Michigan 1 at #15 Bowling Green 2
Ferris State 1 at Lake Superior State 0
Alaska Anchorage 0 at Minnesota State 2
#19 Michigan Tech 4 at Alaska 1

Saturday, Nov. 28
Northern Michigan 3 at #15 Bowling Green 4, OT
Ferris State 2 at Lake Superior State 3
Alaska Anchorage 2 at Minnesota State 6
#19 Michigan Tech 3 at Alaska 1

Cold offense leads to Chargers’ sixth straight loss

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UAH could not break out of its slump on Saturday, falling 4-1 to Bemidji State at the Von Braun Center for its sixth straight loss.

The Chargers (3-8-1 overall, 2-7-1 WCHA) could only muster a second-period goal by Chad Brears as they stayed tied with Lake Superior State at the bottom of the WCHA standings. Bemidji State (4-6-3 overall, 3-5-2 WCHA) earned its first series sweep of the season after winning 4-1 on Wednesday.

Cory Ward scored the game’s first goal for the Beavers at 16:06 of the first.

Brears notched his fourth goal of the season at 7:04 of the second to tie the game at 1-1, assisted by Max McHugh and Brennan Saulnier, but the Beavers took the lead again just 15 seconds later on a goal by Graeme McCormack.

BSU extended its lead just 1:32 after that, as Justin Baudry scored his first collegiate goal. The Beavers scored an empty-netter by Charlie O’Connor with 56 seconds left in the third for the final score.

UAH managed only 17 shots on Bemidji goaltender Reid Mimmack, who made 16 saves. The Beavers had 26 shots on net, with 22 stopped by Charger goaltender Carmine Guerriero.

The Chargers are back in action next Friday and Saturday, Dec. 4 and 5, against Northern Michigan. Puck drop is 7:07 p.m. both nights.

Chargers fall to Bemidji State, 4-1

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Bemidji State scored three third-period goals, including two in the final minute to put the game away, to defeat UAH 4-1 on Wednesday in Huntsville.

Brandon Carlson scored his third goal of the season just 1:36 into the contest to give UAH (3-7-1 overall, 2-6-1 WCHA) the early lead, but the Chargers could not find any more offense as they lost their fifth straight game.

John Parker tied the game up at 1-1 at 7:20 of the second. Gerry Fitzgerald notched his eighth goal of the season with 7:05 remaining in the third to put Bemidji State (3-6-3 overall, 2-5-2 WCHA) up for the first time.

Graeme McCormack scored an empty netter with 43 seconds to go to seal the win for the Beavers. Nate Arentz followed with a goal with eight seconds left.

Bemidji State outshot UAH 24-20. UAH goaltender Matt Larose made 20 saves on 23 shots. Bemidji State goaltender Reid Mimmack made 19 saves.

Game two of the series is Friday night at 7:07 p.m. at the Von Braun Center.

Series Preview: vs. Bemidji State, Nov. 25 & 27

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CATCHING THE GAMES
Wednesday Nov. 25, 2015 – 7:07 p.m.
First 500 fans get free UAH Hockey trading cards
Friday, Nov. 27, 2015 – 7:07 p.m.
First 500 fans get free turkey stress balls
Kids 12-under get free gen. admission to both games
Team statistics: UAH | Bemidji State

The Chargers look to snap their losing streak against rival Bemidji State in a rare Wednesday-Friday series around the Thanksgiving holiday.

On Wednesday night at 7, the first 500 fans will receive a free set of UAH hockey trading cards, courtesy of Wells Fargo. On Friday night at 7, the first 500 fans will receive a free UAH hockey turkey stress ball, courtesy of SportsMed. All kids 12 and under get free general admission, courtesy of Huntsville International Airport.

Fans are encouraged to donate toys and clothes at both games of the series as part of the University Place Elementary holiday drive. Interested donors will be able to drop their item off in the VBC lobby.

Matchup history: The UAH-Bemidji State rivalry goes back to 1994, during the programs’ Division II days. The Chargers and Beavers have met 76 times, the most of any UAH opponent. Bemidji State leads the series 43-29-4, buffered with a 30-4-3 mark over the last 37 games since 2006. UAH still holds a 19-15-3 advantage in Huntsville, but Bemidji State is 11-2-3 in the last 16 meetings at the VBC.

Brandon Parker

Brandon Parker scored a more conventional goal Saturday at Bowling Green. (Photo by UAH Athletics/Doug Eagan)

Charger recap: UAH (3-6-1 overall, 2-5-1 WCHA) was swept at Bowling Green over the weekend, extending its losing streak to four games and falling to eighth place in the WCHA. Both were one-goal affairs, with the Falcons winning 3-2 in overtime on Friday and 4-3 on Saturday.

On Friday, Chad Brears and Jetlan Houcher scored third-period goals, each tying the game for the Chargers. However, UAH lost in overtime as Brandon Hawkins scored with 2:08 remaining. All five goals in the game were on the power play.

Saturday’s game was more physical, with more cross-checking, boarding, and hitting from behind penalties called. Brandon Carlson scored to tie the game at 1-1 in the first, and Brandon Parker and Brent Fletcher scored in the final two minutes to keep UAH in it, but it was not enough.

Brennan Saulnier is still the Chargers’ leading scorer this season with six goals and 10 points, but has only registered one assist in his last four games. Max McHugh also has 10 points after getting his sixth and seventh assists in the Bowling Green series. Brears, who was a late scratch from Saturday’s game, and Cody Marooney each have three goals.

UAH split goaltending duties for the third straight series at Bowling Green. Matt Larose had 36 saves in Friday’s loss, and has a .929 save percentage and 2.30 goals against average in three starts. Carmine Guerriero had 24 saves on Saturday, and has a .893 save percentage and 2.98 goals against in seven starts.

The special teams went in opposite directions last weekend. The Chargers scored three power play goals against Bowling Green — the most of any series this season. However, penalty-killing was only 5-for-10.

UAH Tale of the tape
(WCHA rank)		 Bemidji State
3-6-1
2-5-1 WCHA
(8th)		 Record 2-6-3
1-5-2 WCHA (10th)
3.00 (2nd) Goals/game 2.36 (8th)
3.00 (8th) Goals allowed/game 2.82 (6th)
15.7 (2nd) Pen. minutes/game 10.3 (8th)
14.9% (8th) Power play 26.4% (1st)
76.7% (9th) Penalty kill 87.5% (1st)

About the Beavers: Bemidji State (2-6-3 overall, 1-5-2 WCHA) has had a slow start to the season, currently sitting in last place in the WCHA. Last weekend, the lost and tied at home to Lake Superior State.

Goal-scoring has been tough to come by for the Beavers, who are eighth in the WCHA with 2.36 goals per game. It hasn’t been for a lack of shots — BSU had 83 shots on goal against the Lakers, but had only three goals to show for it.

Sophomore Gerry Fitzgerald is BSU’s top scorer with seven goals and 10 points. Their second-leading scorer is a defenseman, senior Greame McCormack, with four goals — all on the power play — and nine points. Brendan Harms, an all-WCHA third-team selection last season, is 2-6–8.

Michael Bitzer, the league’s all-rookie goaltender last season, has an .882 save percentage and 2.78 goals against average in nine starts of his sophomore year.

One aspect the Beavers have been strong on this season has been special teams. Bemidji State is tops in the WCHA in both power play (26.4 percent, 5th in Division I) and penalty kill (87.5 percent). The power play has been the majority of their offense: 14 of the their 26 goals this season have come with a man advantage.

Wednesday fact: This will be only UAH’s fifth game to fall on a Wednesday, and the first one at home. The last time UAH played on Wednesday was at Merrimack in 2011, which also was the day before Thanksgiving. UAH is 1-3 all-time on Wednesdays.

This week in the WCHA:

All times Central. Games featuring WCHA teams at home can be seen on WCHA.tv.

Wednesday, Nov.  25
Bemidji State at UAH, 7:07 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 27
Bemidji State at UAH, 7:07 p.m.
Northern Michigan at #15 Bowling Green, 6:07 p.m.
Ferris State at Lake Superior State, 6:37 p.m.
Alaska Anchorage at Minnesota State, 7:07 p.m.
#19 Michigan Tech at Alaska, 10:07 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 28
Northern Michigan at #15 Bowling Green, 6:07 p.m.
Ferris State at Lake Superior State, 6:07 p.m.
Alaska Anchorage at Minnesota State, 7:07 p.m.
#19 Michigan Tech at Alaska, 10:07 p.m.

Chargers suffer rough 4-3 loss at Bowling Green

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A flurry of hits, then a flurry of goals. But the result is the same: The Chargers lost to Bowling Green.

The 15th-ranked Falcons finished a two-game sweep of UAH with a 4-3 win in Ohio on Saturday night. UAH has lost eight straight and 15 of 16 to BGSU.

BOX SCORE

This despite outshooting the Falcons 36-28. But UAH could not capitalize where Bowling Green could in a jagged game which saw several boarding, cross-checking, and hitting from behind penalties.

Brandon Carlson, Brandon Parker, and Brent Fletcher scored the goals for the Chargers (3-6-1 overall, 2-5-1 WCHA), who have lost four straight games heading into their holiday series with rival Bemidji State.

Bowling Green (7-3-3 overall, 4-2-2 WCHA) extended its home unbeaten streak to nine games.

Each team had its share of offensive zone time in the first period, but no goals to show for it. The Chargers had a 12-8 shots on goal advantage for the period thanks to two power plays.

UAH lost the services of its leading scorer, Brennan Saulnier, for late in the first and early in the second because of a 10-minute misconduct penalty, earned after slapping the puck in frustration after the whistle on an offsides call.

Speaking of frustration, the hitting level started to rise in the second period. Richard Buri was penalized for boarding Bowling Green leading scorer Kevin Dufour. Then Dufour was cross-checked by Cam Knight, and the Falcons took advantage of that power play as Matt Pohlkamp beat UAH goaltender Carmine Guerriero on a rising shot at 10:04 for a 1-0 BG lead.

Then it was the Chargers’ turn on the power play after Fletcher was creamed into the boards by Jakob Reichert. It didn’t take long for UAH to level the game as Carlson deflected a Max McHugh shot, trickling the puck past BG goalie Chris Nell at 11:32. It was Carlson’s second goal of the year, assisted by McHugh and Jetlan Houcher.

The minor penalties did not deter the hitting, and Bowling Green’s Mark Cooper finally was the first to be served a major as he crunched Parker from behind in the corner of the UAH zone. Cooper was also given a game misconduct with 5:28 left in the second.

On the ensuing major power play, the Chargers were able to pass the puck well, but Nell, who led the WCHA with a 1.28 goals against average coming into the game, was able to weather the storm with some big saves and covers. The second period ended with the Chargers holding a 29-17 shots on goal advantage, but with the teams tied at 1-1.

Bowling Green took control of the game in the third period with the first even-strength goal by either side in the series. Pohlkamp netted is second goal of the game on a nice centering pass from Pierre-Luc Mercier to give the Falcons a 2-1 lead at 3:26.

At 7:26 of the third, UAH’s Madison Dunn received a major checking-from-behind penalty and a game misconduct, which had to be called after Cooper’s penalties in the second period. The Falcons made them pay, with Brent Tate scoring to make it 3-1 at 8:41.

The Chargers weathered the rest of the major penalty — and another penalty for too many men on the ice. By then, UAH had yet to register a shot on goal, while Bowling Green had 10.

UAH then got its chances to stay in the game. However, the Chargers could not capitalize on a Tate roughing penalty (that occurred during a scuffle between UAH’s Buri and BG’s Pohlkamp) with 6:56 to go and Mitch McLain’s intereference penalty with 4:45 to go.

A total of 15 penalties were called in the game, eight on the Chargers for 27 minutes, and seven on the Falcons for 33 mnutes.

But then came the barrage in the final two minutes. Carlson’s second goal of the year came from the left circle with 1:24 remaining to cut the Falcons’ lead to 3-2. He was assisted by Matt Salhany.

UAH pulled Guerriero, who finished with 24 saves, for the extra attacker in the final minute, but Pierre-Luc Mercier won the draw and later took the puck to the house for an empty netter and a 4-2 Falcon lead with 26 seconds left.

UAH was still not done. Fletcher found the net after a scramble in front to make it 4-3 Bowling Green with 10.2 seconds left.

A desperation shot by UAH from its own zone in the final seconds turned into an icing call, and Bowling Green was able to secure the win.

UAH hosts Bemidji State at the Von Braun Center on Wednesday and Friday. Puck drop is 7:07 both nights.

Notes: The Chargers had two scratches. Jack Prince, who has hurt in Friday’s game, was substituted with Tyler Poulsen at right wing, which moved Cody Marooney to left. Chad Brears was a late scratch, replaced with Hans Gorowsky.

Falcons overpower UAH in overtime, 3-2

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Special teams give UAH a chance, but special teams gave this game away.

Brandon Hawkins’ goal with 2:08 left in overtime lifted 15th-ranked Bowling Green (6-3-3 overall, 3-2-2 WCHA) to a 3-2 victory over the Chargers (3-5-1 overall, 2-4-1 WCHA) on Friday night.

BOX SCORE

All five goals in the game were power play goals, but none more costly than the third PPG allowed by UAH after Josh Kestner was called for boarding in the extra session.

The Chargers did hang tough with the Falcons, who have typically dominated the series having won 13 of the last 14 meetings. Bowling Green is now 8-1-1 all-time against the Chargers at BGSU Ice Arena.

Bowling Green outshot the Chargers 28-18.

Most of the first period saw a lot of back and forth, with not many scoring chances.

Both teams ranked at the bottom of the WCHA in power play efficiency coming in, but with the offensive potential of the Falcons, Charger penalties would tempt fate.

So it happened on UAH’s second penalty — a cross-checking call by Brandon Parker — that Bowling Green would break through with the first goal. Kevin Dufour was on the spot with the rebound putback past UAH goaltender Matt Larose gave the Falcons a 1-0 lead at 10:04. It was Dufour’s seventh goal of the season.

No goals in the second period, but both teams had few more chances, as well as a few more hits.

Bowling Green had a great chance short handed as Sean Walker had a breakaway, but Larose made a huge glove save to keep it a one-goal game.

For the Chargers, there was a three-minute span where they rolled lines twice while keeping the puck on the Falcon end. UAH could not find the net as Falcon goaltender Chris Nell was able to save five shots.

UAH would make its move in early in the third period, when on a two-man advantage, Chad Brears tied the game at 1-1 at the 1:34 mark. His third goal of the season was assisted by Max McHugh and Kurt Gosselin.

Bowling Green retook the lead after a Cody Champagne cross-checking penalty, one of three cross checks called against the Chargers. Brett D’Andrea’s blast beat Larose with 13:08 left.

Keeping the power play trend, UAH tied it up after Dajon Mingo was sent to the box for kneeing. Jetland Houcher, all alone in the right circle, rifled the puck past Nell to tie the match at 2-2 with 10:34 to go. Kestner and Madison Dunn got the assists.

Larose kept the game tied with big saves throughout the rest of regulation, and Nell was also up to the task after stopping Houcher on a 2-on-1 break.

In overtime, UAH never got a shot on net. Bowling Green had three chances during the delayed boarding call, followed by Hawkins’s goal to give the Falcons the win.

Larose finished with 25 saves as he started the Friday night game for the second consecutive series. Chris Nell made 16 saves.

Game two of the series is at 6:07 p.m. Central Time.

 

Series Preview: at Bowling Green, Nov. 20-21

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CATCHING THE GAMES
Friday, Nov. 20, 2015 – 6:07 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 21, 2015 – 6:07 p.m.
Team statistics: UAH | Bowling Green

After an off week, the Chargers are back in WCHA action with a trip to their nearest conference foe, Bowling Green. Puck drop Friday and Saturday nights in Ohio are at 6:07 p.m. Central Time.

Matchup history: Bowling Green has a commanding 14-3-1 record over UAH since their first meeting in 2000, and has won 12 of the last 13 meetings. The Falcons are 7-1-1 against the Chargers on their home ice. Since both clubs joined the WCHA in 2013, Bowling Green is 7-1-0. Last season, the Falcons won both games in Huntsville and both games in Bowling Green.

Carmine Guerriero made 28 saves against Michigan Tech on Nov. 7. (Photo by UAH Athletics/Doug Eagan)

Carmine Guerriero made 28 saves against Michigan Tech on Nov. 7. (Photo by UAH Athletics/Doug Eagan)

Charger recap: UAH (3-4-1 overall, 2-3-1 WCHA) was off last week. Two weeks ago, the Chargers were swept at home by Michigan Tech by scores of 4-2 and 2-1. UAH currently is seventh in the WCHA standings.

In the first game, Josh Kestner scored just 1:21 in to give UAH a 1-0 lead, but the Huskies responded with three straight goals. Brandon Parker scored from his own zone, but that would be as close as the Chargers got. UAH goaltender Matt Larose made 36 saves.

In the second game, Michigan Tech scored both goals in the first period. Cam Knight got his first collegiate goal in the third period for UAH’s only score. Carmine Guerriero had his best outing of the season in net, stopping 28 of 30 shots.

Brennan Saulnier got an assist in the series, giving him 10 points on the season. His 0.86 goals per game average (six goals in seven games played) leads the WCHA and is third-best in NCAA Division I. Max McHugh is secon on the team with eight points, and he and Cody Marooney each have three goals.

UAH has the eighth-highest penalty minute per game average at 14.2.

UAH Tale of the tape
(WCHA rank)		 Bowling Green
3-4-1
2-3-1 WCHA
(7th)		 Record 5-3-3
2-2-2 WCHA (6th)
3.12 (2nd) Goals/game 2.18 (8th)
2.88 (6th) Goals allowed/game 1.91 (1st)
14.2 (3rd) Pen. minutes/game 8.5 (9th)
11.1% (9th) Power play 10.3% (10th)
84.8% (2nd) Penalty kill 82.5% (5th)

About the Falcons: Bowling Green (5-3-3 overall, 2-2-2 WCHA) comes into the series ranked 15th in the latest USCHO.com poll. They stand in sixth place in the WCHA standings, one point ahead of the Chargers.

Last week, the Falcons split a pair at Michigan Tech in the battle between the WCHA’s two ranked teams. Bowling Green was shut out 2-0 on Friday before winning 3-2 on Saturday.

Bowling Green’s top scorer is Kevin Dufour, a junior who has six goals — tied with Saulnier and four others for the league lead — and eight points. Senior Mark Cooper has five goals this season, three of which are game-winners, including the one over Michigan Tech on Saturday.

Sophomore goaltender Chris Nell has been stellar this season. In eight games (seven starts), he has a 1.20 goals against average and a .958 save percentage, both tops in the WCHA and third in the nation. Nell has been a big reason the Falcons are ninth nationally in goals allowed per game.

This week in the WCHA:

All times Central. Games featuring WCHA teams at home can be seen on WCHA.tv.

Friday, Nov. 20
UAH at #15 Bowling Green, 6:07 p.m.
Alaska at Ferris State, 6:07 p.m.
Minnesota State at Northern Michigan, 6:07 p.m.
Lake Superior State at Bemidji State, 7:37 p.m.
Penn State at Alaska Anchorage, 10:07 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 21
UAH at #15 Bowling Green, 6:07 p.m.
Alaska at Ferris State, 6:07 p.m.
Minnesota State at Northern Michigan, 6:07 p.m.
Lake Superior State at Bemidji State, 7:07 p.m.
#19 Michigan Tech at Michigan State, 6:05 p.m.
Penn State at Alaska Anchorage, 10:07 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 22
#19 Michigan Tech at Michigan State, 3:05 p.m.

Series Preview: vs. Michigan Tech, Nov. 6-7

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CATCHING THE GAMES
Friday, Nov. 6, 2015 – 7:07 p.m.
First 500 fans get free UAH Hockey trading cards
Saturday, Nov. 7, 2015 – 7:07 p.m.
First 500 fans get free UAH hockey pucks
Kids 12-under get free gen. admission to both games
Team statistics: UAH | Michigan Tech

The Chargers are off to their best start since 2004, but they can take a big step foward this weekend at the Von Braun Center this weekend. Their opponent, Michigan Tech, who eliminated UAH in the WCHA quarterfinals last March, is expected to make another run toward the WCHA championship.

On Friday night at 7, the first 500 fans will receive a free set of UAH hockey trading cards, courtesy of Wells Fargo. On Saturday night at 7, the first 500 fans will receive a free UAH hockey puck, courtesy of SportsMed. All kids 12 and under get free general admission, courtesy of Huntsville International Airport.

Matchup history: UAH has never beaten Michigan Tech in eight games since joining the WCHA in 2013.

Last season, the Huskies were 6-0 against the Chargers, sweeping all four regular-season matchups in Huntsville and Houghton and the WCHA quarterfinal series in Houghton.

In that playoff series, the Huskies won Game 1 in triple overtime 1-0 (when Carmine Guerriero had 76 saves) and Game 2 3-0. UAH lost 4-2 and 5-2 last November in the only games in the series played at the VBC.

Brennan Saulnier

Brennan Saulnier was named WCHA Player of the Month for October.

Charger recap: UAH (3-2-1 overall, 2-1-1 WCHA) had its first road sweep since 2009 with two wins at Lake Superior State last weekend.

On Friday, Brennan Saulnier scored two goals in the first 4:36 as UAH took a 2-1 lead. The Lakers scored three unanswered goals to take a 4-2 lead after two periods, but freshman Kurt Gosselin, playing his first UAH game after having mono, scored two third-period goals in the third to tie the game at 4-4. In overtime, Cody Marooney scored 1:07 in to give the Chargers a 5-4 victory.

On Saturday, it was all Chargers despite being outshot 31-19. Marooney, Brandon Carlson, Chad Brears, Adam Wilcox, and Tyler Poulsen netted goals as UAH cruised 5-0 for the sweep. Matt Larose stopped all 31 shots for UAH’s first shutout since Cam Talbot blanked Robert Morris on March 12, 2010.

Marooney’s two game-winning goals earned him WCHA Player of the Week honors, and Gosselin won WCHA Rookie of the Week.

Saulnier was named WCHA Player of the Month for his strong start despite missing Saturday’s game. He leads UAH with six goals and nine points in five games. His 1.20 goals per game is tops in the nation, and his 1.80 points per game is sixth.

Max McHugh is second on the team with eight points (three goals, five assists). Marooney also has three goals on the season. Brears has five assists among his seven points.

Goaltender Carmine Guerriero looks to regain his form from last season, currently only having an .885 save percentage in five starts.

UAH Tale of the tape
(WCHA rank)		 Michigan Tech
3-2-1
2-1-1 WCHA
(T-3rd)		 Record 3-3-0
3-3-0 WCHA (2nd)
3.67 (1st) Goals/game 3.00 (3nd)
2.83 (7th) Goals allowed/game 2.67 (T-4th)
10.7 (7th) Pen. minutes/game 11.2 (5th)
12.5% (T-7th) Power play 31.6% (1st)
85.7% (2nd) Penalty kill 83.3% (T-4th)

About the Huskies: Michigan Tech (3-3-0 overall, 3-3-0 WCHA), which reached the WCHA championship game and earned an NCAA tournament berth last season, has played nothing but conference games to start, and saw a lot of Ferris State at that. The Huskies have split all three series: at Ferris State, a home-and-home with Northern Michigan, and at home against Ferris State.

WCHA Player of the Year and Hobey Baker finalist Tanner Kero may be gone, but the Huskies still have plenty of power to make a title run.

Senior all-conference goaltender Jamie Phillips has played every minute for the Huskies this season, posting a 2.64 goals against average and .917 save percentage.

Senior forward Malcolm Gould and junior forward Tyler Heinonen, who scored the winning goal in triple overtime against the Chargers in the playoffs, each have three goals to start the campaign. Another all-WCHA senior forward, Alex Petan, is 2-2–4, but did not play due to injury on Saturday against Ferris State and is questionable for this weekend. Freshman Brett Boeing and sophomore defenseman Mark Auk each have four assists.

Staying out the box would be wise for the Chargers, as Tech’s power play has been very effective so far at 31.6 percent, sixth-highest in Division I.

This week in the WCHA:

All times Central. Games featuring WCHA teams at home can be seen on WCHA.tv.

Friday, Nov. 6
Michigan Tech at UAH, 7:07 p.m.
Minnesota State at Ferris State, 6:07 p.m.
Lake Superior State at #14 Bowling Green, 6:37 p.m.
Northern Michigan at Alaska, 10:07 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 24
Michigan Tech at UAH, 7:07 p.m.
Minnesota State at Ferris State, 6:07 p.m.
Lake Superior State at #14 Bowling Green, 6:o7 p.m.
Northern Michigan at Alaska, 10:07 p.m.

Hoof Beats: Offense boosting UAH’s solid start

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Cody Marooney

Cody Marooney was named WCHA Offensive Player of the Week. (Photo by UAH Athletics/Doug Eagan)

UAH head coach Mike Corbett said before the season that he thought the Chargers would be able to “score a few more goals.” That certainly has been the case in the early going in 2015-16, and a big reason UAH is off to its best six-game start since 2004 with a 3-2-1 overall record.

The Chargers have averaged 3.67 goals scored per game through six games this season, good for 15th in NCAA Division I. Considering UAH averaged 1.08 and 1.63 goals per game the last two seasons, the increased offensive production is profound, even if it’s only been six games and the Chargers have yet to face the WCHA’s favorites. They’ll get their first chance this weekend at the Von Braun Center against Michigan Tech.

In the 2013-14 and 2014-15 seasons, UAH scored four or more goals in a game a total of four times. The Chargers already have three games of five goals scored this season.

Brennan Saulnier currently is No. 1 in NCAA Division I in goals per game at 1.20 (six goals in five games). Saulnier missed Saturday’s game due to a one-game suspension by the WCHA for contact to the head late in Friday’s 5-4 overtime win at Lake Superior State. He’ll be back in the lineup on Friday against Michigan Tech at the VBC.

Saulnier is ranked 13th in NCAA Division I in points per game at 1.8 (nine points in five games), leading UAH’s prolific top scoring line from the left wing. Center Max McHugh is 26th (1.33) and right wing Chad Brears is 42nd (1.17).

Cody Marooney is tied for third in the nation in game-winning goals with two, both coming this weekend. He scored the overtime winner on Friday and the first goal of a 5-0 shutout win on Saturday at Lake Superior.

If there’s one part of the offense that has yet to consistently click, it’s the power play. UAH is 3-of-24 with the man advantage, a .125 percentage that ranks 42nd in the country. The Chargers were a combined 1-of-8 on the power play at Lake Superior State.

Players of the week: For the second time, UAH players earned two of the three WCHA player of the week honors on Monday.

Cody Marooney won the Offensive Player of the Week award for his aforementioned two game-winning goals at Lake Superior. He also had an assist in Friday’s game. Marooney did the same thing last season when he had two game-winning goals against Alaska-Anchorage.

Kurt Gosselin was named Rookie of the Week after a four-point weekend in his first two collegiate games. He had two goals on Friday and two assists on Saturday.

This week’s promotion: The Chargers host Michigan Tech, which eliminted UAH in the WCHA playoffs last season and is expected to content for the league title, this weekend. Puck drop is 7:07 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

On Friday, the first 500 fans receive the third set of UAH Hockey trading cards, courtesy of Wells Fargo.

On Saturday, the first 500 fans receive a free UAH Hockey puck, courtesy of SportsMed.

All kids 12 and under get free general admission, courtesy of Huntsville International Airpor

Blue Line Club lunch: Another home series means another Blue Line Club luncheon this Friday at noon in the Varsity Room at Spragins Hall on the UAH campus.

Bojangles will be catering, and the special guest speaker will be Michigan Tech head coach Mel Pearson. UAH head coach Mike Corbett will also speak to the group about this weekend’s series.

Tickets are $8, but free to Blue Line Club members.

WCHA Standings Record Pts.
Minnesota State 4-0-0 8
Michigan Tech 3-3-0 6
UAH 2-1-1 5
Alaska-Anchorage 2-1-1 5
Northern Michigan 2-1-1 5
Ferris State 2-2-0 4
Bowling Green 1-1-0 2
Bemidji State 0-3-1 1
Alaska 0-2-0 0
Lake Superior State 0-2-0 0

WCHA roundup: Michigan Tech comes to Huntsville this weekend after splitting a home series with Ferris State. The Huskies dropped out of this week’s USCHO.com poll. … Minnesota State moved to 4-0 in conference play after sweeping Alaska in Mankato. The Mavericks started the season 0-4. … Alaska’s Tyler Morley was also served a one-game suspension Saturday for a hit to the head on a Minnesota State player. … Alaska-Anchorage split with No. 12 Bowling Green in Anchorage. Bowling Green dropped to No. 14 in the USCHO.com poll. … Bemidji State and Northern Michigan skated to a scoreless tie Friday (by the way, UAH has never been involved in one of those), but NMU won Saturday to take three points in the series.

Friday, Oct. 30
UAH 5 at Lake Superior State 4, OT
Ferris State 4 at #18 Michigan Tech 5, OT
Bemidji State 0 at Northern Michigan 0, OT
Alaska 2 at Minnesota State 5

Saturday, Oct. 31
UAH 5 at Lake Superior State 0
#12 Bowling Green 2 at Alaska Anchorage 4
Ferris State 3 at #18 Michigan Tech 2
Bemidji State 1 at Northern Michigan 3
Alaska 1 at Minnesota State 2

Sunday, Nov. 1
#12 Bowling Green at Alaska Anchorage, 5:07 p.m.

Series Preview: vs. Alaska Anchorage, Oct. 23-24

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CATCHING THE GAMES
Friday, Oct. 23, 2015 – 7:07 p.m.
First 500 fans get free UAH Hockey trading cards
Saturday, Oct. 24, 2015 – 7:07 p.m.
First 500 kids get free UAH ’96 replica jerseys
Kids 12-under get free gen. admission to both games
Team statistics: UAH | Alaska Anchorage

The Chargers begin WCHA play in a special Homecoming weekend. UAH hosts Alaska Anchorage on Friday and Saturday nights starting at 7 p.m.

On Friday, the first 500 fans receive the season’s first set of UAH hockey trading cards, sponsored by Wells Fargo.

On Saturday, the 1995-96 UAH Chargers will be honored for the 20th anniversary of their NCAA Division II national championship season. The first 500 kids 12 and under receive a free UAH 1996 replica jersey courtesy of Maynard’s and Total Package Hockey.

All season, kids 12 and under get free general admission courtesy of Huntsville International Airport.

All-time series: Alaska Anchorage leds the all-time series 18-4-1. UAA is 5-4-1 all-time in Huntsville, but UAH is 2-1-1 over the last four meetings at the VBC, including a sweep of the Seawolves by scores of 3-2 and 2-1 last season.

Hans Gorowsky makes it 5-2 UAH in the Chargers' win vs. UConn (Photo by UAH Athletics)

Hans Gorowsky makes it 5-2 UAH in the Chargers’ win vs. UConn (Photo by UAH Athletics)

Charger recap: UAH (1-1-0) defeated Alabama’s club team 11-1 on Saturday in exhibition play, with Cody Marooney and Brent Fletcher each netting two goals to pace nine Charger scorers.

Two weeks ago, UAH split the season-opening series at home against Connecticut. In the first game, the Chargers got two first-period goals from Brennan Saulnier and Max McHugh, but that would be it in a sloppy 5-2 defeat.

UAH played much better in the second game and earned a 5-2 win of its own. Saulnier scored twice and assisted on two other goals, giving him five points on the weekend and earning him WCHA Offensive Player of the Week honors. McHugh had the game-winning goal, and Hans Gorowsky scored his first UAH goal on a shorthanded breakaway to seal the deal. Carmine Guerriero made up for a shaky opener by saving 29 of 31 UConn shots on net.

It was the first time UAH got a win in its opening series since 2010.

About the Seawolves: Alaska Anchorage (3-1-o) split its two games at its home tournament two weeks ago, defeating Arizona State 3-2 in overtime and losing to St. Cloud State 6-2. Last week, the Seawolves won both games at the Alaska Goal Rush in Fairbanks, beating Rensselaer 4-3 and American International 6-2.

Despite its strong start, UAA has to guard against a drop similar to last season, when the Seawolves started 3-0-1 after the Alaska tournaments but only won five games the rest of the season. UAA finished 8-22-4 overall and 5-21-2 in the WCHA, which put the Seawolves in last place and out of the WCHA playoffs. The Seawolves are not expected to make the playoffs this year according to the preseason polls, picked to finish ninth in the coaches poll and 10th in the media poll.

That’s not to say Anchorage doesn’t have some weapons. Senior forward Blake Thatchell, last year’s leading scorer, is off to a good start with two goals and three assists through four games. Sophomore Tad Kozun, who had six goals in his rookie season, already has three, as does freshman defenseman Wyatt Ege, who was named the WCHA Rookie of the Week on Monday.

Between the pipes, Olivier Mantha made 29 starts as a freshman last season and posted solid numbers. Through three starts this season, Mantha has a 3.29 goals against average and .881 save percentage.

Around the WCHA: Including Chargers-Seawolves, there are three conference series this week, with two non-conference series against Big Ten programs. Alaska and 12th-ranked Bowling Green are off this weekend.

All times Central. Games featuring WCHA teams at home can be seen on WCHA.tv.

Thursday, Oct. 22
Lake Superior State at Michigan State, 6:05 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 23
* Alaska Anchorage at UAH, 7:07 p.m.
* #16 Michigan Tech at Northern Michigan, 6:07 p.m.
* Minnesota State at Bemidji State, 7:37 p.m.
Lake Superior State at Michigan State, 6:05 p.m.
Wisconsin at Ferris State, 6:07 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 24
* Alaska Anchorage at UAH, 7:07 p.m.
* #16 Michigan Tech at Northern Michigan, 6:07 p.m.
* Minnesota State at Bemidji State, 7:07 p.m.
Wisconsin at Ferris State, 6:07 p.m.