Author Archives: Michael Napier

Series Preview: vs. Michigan Tech, Nov. 28-29

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UAH hosts Michigan Tech, ranked 6th in the USCHO.com poll and 5th in the USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine poll, in a Thanksgiving weekend series. Puck drop is 7:07 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. The Huskies are the second-highest ranked team to visit Huntsville (St. Cloud State was No. 3 last season).

The first 1,000 fans to Friday’s game receive a free UAH mini hockey stick. The first 500 fans to Saturday’s game receive a set of UAH hockey trading cards. Kids 12 and under are admitted free to all home games. On Saturday, donations and unwrapped toys will be collected to support Toys for Tots.

CATCHING THE GAMES
Times: 7:07 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Tickets: Ticketmaster: Friday | Saturday
Complete ticket information
Promotions: Kids 12 & under get free admission
Fri.: Mini-hockey sticks to first 1,000
Sat.: UAH trading cards to first 500
Online video: WCHA.tv (subscription)
Live stats: UAHChargers.com
Twitter: @weloveuahhockey, @uahhockey, @mtuhky, @TechHockeyGuide
More previews: UAHChargers.com
MichiganTechHuskies.com

All-time series: The Chargers and Huskies met for the first time in Houghton, Mich., last season, with Michigan Tech winning 4-1 and 10-4. This will be the first series in Huntsville. The teams meet again in Houghton on Jan. 30-31.

Chargers recap: UAH (3-9-2 overall, 2-6-0 WCHA) split a tough road series against Ferris State.

On Friday, Chad Brears scored twice, including the game-winning goal, in a 3-2 victory — UAH’s first-ever in Big Rapids, Mich. Alex Carpenter scored the other goal for the Chargers, and Carmine Guerriero stopped 35 of 37 shots. Brears’s first goal came just 1:46 into the game, and the Chargers held on despite being outshot 38-18.

On Saturday, UAH took another early lead thanks to Richard Buri’s goal, and Jeff Vanderlugt tied the game at 2-2 in the second, but UAH could not overcome penalties and three third-period Bulldog goals in a 5-2 loss. Guerriero made 30 saves in his fourth straight start.

Freshman Max McHugh had two assists over the weekend to take the UAH lead in points with seven (3-4-7). He is now tied for fourth in the WCHA in freshman scoring.

McHugh, Vanderlugt, and Frank Misuraca each have three goals. Brears, Jack Prince, Brennan Saulnier, and Brandon Parker each have six points.

Guerriero now sports a 2.43 goals against average (7th in the WCHA) and a .933 save percentage (5th in the WCHA and 12th in Division I).

UAH Tale of the tape
WCHA rank in parentheses		 MTU
3-9-2
2-6-0 WCHA
(T-7th)		 Record 10-2-0
8-2-0 WCHA
(1st)
1.93 (T-9th) Goals/game 3.08 (2nd)
3.07 (8th) Goals allowed/game 1.42 (2nd)
17.3 (2nd) Pen. minutes/game 14.7 (4th)
18.2% (3rd) Power play 22.4% (1st)
84.5% (8th) Penalty kill 93.3% (2nd)

About the Huskies: Michigan Tech (10-2-0 overall, 8-2-0 WCHA) was the No. 1-ranked team going into last week’s marquee series against No. 9 Minnesota State, but the Huskies were dealt their first two losses — both one-goal affairs — by the Mavericks. The Huskies are still atop the WCHA standings with 16 points, two ahead of  Minnesota State and Bowling Green.

Tech has been solid both offensively and defensively, scoring 3.08 goals per game (2nd in the WCHA) and allowing 1.42 goals per game (also 2nd in the WCHA and the nation). The Huskies lead the league in power play efficiency (22.4 percent) and are second in penalty killing (93.3 percent).

The Huskies have a potent line with senior Tanner Kero centering left wing junior Alex Petan and right wing junior Malcolm Gould. Kero leads the Huskies with 14 points, which is tied for the WCHA lead. Kero has four goals and 10 assists on the season. Petan has the most Husky goals with seven, which is tied for second in the conference. Gould is third on the team with 10 points on four goals and six assists.

Between the pipes, junior Jamie Phillips has played every minute for the Huskies this season. The 2012 seventh-round pick by the Winnipeg Jets is second in the WCHA in goals against average (1.42) and save percentage (.950).

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

Around the WCHA: Two other conference series are on tap this Thanksgiving weekend. Seventh-ranked Minnesota State hits the Upper Peninsula again with two at Lake Superior State. No. 19 Northern Michigan, after splitting at Alaska-Anchorage, continues their two-week excursion in Alaska to battle the Nanooks in Fairbanks.

In non-conference action, Ferris State travels to Wisconsin to play the suprisingly still-winless Badgers. Bemidji State, losers of six straight, hosts No. 16 St. Cloud State. The Beavers have not faced a non-ranked opponent yet this season.

Here’s the schedule for league teams this week. All times are Central. Games involving WCHA teams at home can be seen online on WCHA TV.

Friday, November 28

* #6 Michigan Tech at UAH, 7:07 p.m.
* #7 Minnesota State at Lake Superior State, 6:37 p.m.
* #19 Northern Michigan at Alaska, 10:07 p.m.
Ferris State at Wisconsin, 7 p.m.
#16 St. Cloud State at Bemidji State, 7:37 p.m.

Saturday, November 29

* #6 Michigan Tech at UAH, 7:07 p.m.
* #7 Minnesota State at Lake Superior State, 6:07 p.m.
* #19 Northern Michigan at Alaska, 10:07 p.m.
#16 St. Cloud State at Bemidji State, 7:07 p.m.
Ferris State at Wisconsin, 8 p.m.

Hoof Beats: Special improvement

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Brears

Chad Brears has four power play points (1-3-4) to lead UAH thus far this season. (Photo credit: UAH Sports Information)

The Chargers are 3-3-2 in their last eight games, which in itself is enough to surpass all of last season’s win and non-loss totals. The improvement in record is also showing in the stats, particularly on special teams.

While a 1.93 goals per game offense isn’t great (50th of 59 Division I teams), it’s still better than last season’s dead-last 1.08. The defense has also improved, going from 4.37 goals per game last season (also dead last) to 3.07 so far this year (44th in D-I).

What’s remarkable is the improvement on special teams. Last season, UAH was also 59th of 59 in both power play (8.8 percent) and penalty kill (70.5 percent). This season, UAH is 24th in power play (18.2 percent) and 29th in penalty kill (84.5 percent).

According to collegehockeystats.net, the Chargers are second in the nation in combined special teams (the sum of power play goals scored and penalties killed divided by the total power play opportunities for and against).

The penalty kill in particular has been noticeable during the last eight games, as the Chargers have killed 88.2 percent of penalties — and it would have been even higher save for the three third-period power-play goals Air Force scored to force a tie on November 8. The game accounts for half of the power play goals UAH has allowed in the past four weeks.

UAH has gotten a lot of penalty killing practice, however. The Chargers are sixth in the country in penalty minutes at 17.2 penalties-in-minutes per game. In the last four games, opponents have had 32 power play opportunities, an average of eight per game. Fortunately, opponents have scored on only three of those chances.

Huskies come to town hungry: Michigan Tech, this weekend’s opponent at the Von Braun Center, was the No. 1-ranked team with a perfect 10-0 record going into last week’s clash at home against No. 9 Minnesota State in a key WCHA clash. The series didn’t disappoint in terms of drama, but Tech was on a short end of a couple of one-goal losses (2-1 and 3-2), dropping the Huskies to No. 6 in the USCHO.com poll and No. 5 in the USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine poll released Monday.

Still, Michigan Tech will be the second-highest ranked team to visit Huntsville. Last season, St. Cloud State swept both games from UAH as the third-ranked team in Division I.

UAH is 2-29-2 all-time against teams ranked in the top 10 in the USCHO.com poll. The last victory came on Oct. 9, 2009, when the Chargers stunned No. 5 Notre Dame in South Bend, 3-2.

The Huskies are still in first place in the WCHA with an 8-2 record and 16 points, two more than Minnesota State (7-1) and Bowling Green (7-1).

This week’s promotions: The first 1,000 fans attending Friday’s game against Michigan Tech will receive a free UAH mini hockey stick courtesy of Maynard’s. On Saturday, the first 500 fans get a set of UAH hockey trading cards, courtesy of Wells Fargo. Puck drop for both nights is 7:07 p.m.

For all home games this season, all kids 12 and under get free admission courtesy of Huntsville International Airport.

Toys for Tots: Please consider bringing an unwrapped toy or a donation for Toys for Tots at Saturday’s game:

Blue Line Club luncheon: Before every home series, come meet and greet with the coaches at the Blue Line Club luncheon. This Friday at noon at the Varisty Room, Michigan Tech head coach Mel Pearson and UAH head coach Mike Corbett will speak.

Terranova’s is catering. Tickets are $8 at the door, and free for Blue Line Club members.

Series Preview: at Ferris State, Nov. 21-22

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The Chargers head to Big Rapids, Mich., this Friday and Saturday to face the Ferris State Bulldogs.

CATCHING THE GAMES
Times: 6:07 p.m. CT Friday and Saturday
Online video: WCHA.tv (subscription)
Online audio: WDEE-FM
Live stats: Click here
Twitter: @weloveuahhockey, @uahhockey, @FerrisHockey
More previews: UAHChargers.com
FerrisStateBulldogs.com

All-time series: Ferris State leads the series 9-2, including a 6-0 record in Big Rapids dating back to UAH’s first-ever varsity game in 1985. Last season, the two teams met for their WCHA series in Huntsville, where the Bulldogs won 5-0 and 3-2. The last time the Chargers were at Ferris State was in February of 2011, won by the Buldogs 5-2 and 5-1.

Chargers recap: UAH (2-8-2 overall, 1-5-0 WCHA) snapped a 31-game home winless streak against Division I opponents on Saturday and earned a split against Lake Superior State. The Chargers are 2-2-2 in their last six games.

On Friday, Carmine Guerriero stopped 33 of 34 shots, but the Chargers could not find the net as Lake Superior State won 1-0.

On Saturday, Guerriero started back-to-back games for the first time at UAH, and the Chargers responded offensively in a 5-2 victory. Jeff Vanderlugt had three points on the night, and was one of five different scorers (Cody Marooney, Richard Buri, Max McHugh, Vanderlugt, Jack Prince). It was the Chargers largest offensive output against a Division I opponent since 2010. UAH killed all 10 Laker power plays.

The Chargers now have five players with five points to lead the team: Max McHugh, Brandon Carlson, Jack Prince, Matt Salhany, and Brandon Parker. McHugh and Frank Misuraca each have three goals. UAH has 20 points from freshmen this season — a third of the team’s total.

Guerriero now sports a 2.27 goals against average (6th in the WCHA) and a .938 save percentage (4th in the WCHA).

UAH Tale of the tape
WCHA rank in parentheses		 FSU
2-8-2
1-5-0 WCHA		 Record 6-5-0
3-3-0 WCHA
1.83 (9th) Goals/game 2.27 (7th)
3.00 (6th) Goals allowed/game 1.64 (3rd)
15.7 (2nd) Pen. minutes/game 14.4 (4th)
18.4% (4th) Power play 8.2% (9th)
83.6% (7th) Penalty kill 90.5% (4th)

About the Bulldogs: Ferris State (6-5-0 overall, 3-3-0 WCHA) finally exploded offensively in a sweep at home against Alaska-Anchorage. After scoring just 11 goals in their first 10 games this season, the Bulldogs put a 10-spot on the Seawolves last Thursday, then shut out UAA 4-0. FSU has won four of six.

The Bulldogs have been relying heavily on their senior all-star goalie, C.J. Motte. A top-10 Hobey Baker finalist last season, Motte has posted a 1.58 goals against average and a .948 save percentage so far in 2014-15.

Offensively, FSU is led by junior Matt Robertson, who has nine points (four goals, five assists). Sophomore Gerald Mayhew — who was the WCHA’s Offensive Player of the Week for his five-point weekend against Alaska-Anchorage — also has four goals, and sophomore Chad McDonald has five. Senior defenseman Jason Binkley has five assists.

Around the WCHA: It’s a marquee matchup in Houghton, as Michigan Tech — the new No. 1 team in Division I — hosts Minnesota State. The Huskies are the only unbeaten and untied team in the nation at 10-0-0 after a sweep at Bemidji State last week. Tech is 8-0-0 in WCHA play, while the ninth-ranked Mavericks are tied with Bowling Green with a 5-1-0 conference record.

This is the first weekend with all 10 teams in conference action. Elsewhere, Bowling Green hosts Bemidji State, Alaska is at Lake Superior State, and Northern Michigan is in Anchorage.

Here’s the schedule for league teams this week. All times are Central. Games involving WCHA teams at home can be seen online on WCHA TV.

Friday, November21

* UAH at Ferris State, 6:07 p.m.
* Bemidji State at #18 Bowling Green, 6:07 p.m.
* Alaska at Lake Superior State, 6:07 p.m.
* #9 Minnesota State at #1 Michigan Tech, 6:07 p.m.
* #17 Northern Michigan at Alaska-Anchorage, 10:07 p.m.

Saturday, November 15

* UAH at Ferris State, 6:07 p.m.
* Bemidji State at #18 Bowling Green, 6:07 p.m.
* Alaska at Lake Superior State, 6:07 p.m.
* #9 Minnesota State at #1 Michigan Tech, 6:07 p.m.
* #17 Northern Michigan at Alaska-Anchorage, 10:07 p.m.

What if Bama went varsity?

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Alabama HockeyOn Tuesday, Arizona State surprised the college hockey world by announcing it was elevating its club hockey team to become the 60th program in NCAA Division I.

ASU will take over as D-I’s southernmost program from UAH by about a degree of latitude, although if you capitalize the S, UAH will hands down be the most Southern. There is a chance they may be joining us in the WCHA by 2017, although I would think the NCHC is more likely for the Sun Devils.

Naturally, not long after the press conference wrapped up in Tempe, speculation abounded on which will be the #nexthockeyschool in Division I. It includes the usual suspects: Navy, Rhode Island, Buffalo, Illinois.

Also, Alabama.

The Frozen Tide club team has been in existence since the 2005-06 season. The Tide is coached by former Charger Mike Quenneville, who played for UAH from 1987-89 during its first foray in Division I. Alabama plays in ACHA Division III and is a member of the South Eastern Collegiate Hockey Conference (SECHC), which is comprised of club teams from eight Southeastern Conference schools. The Tide won the 2012 SECHC championship at the Huntsville Ice Complex, and was runner up to Arkansas in 2013 and 2014. Alabama is 12-1 so far this season.

The Tide has seen growing support, with good crowds at their home in the Pelham Civic Complex (especially during the Iron Cup matchups with Auburn).

So what would happen if Alabama decides to make the jump to NCAA Division I?

Let’s be clear that there is no known discussion — or even rumor — of Alabama making that jump. For UA to even consider it, they would need to figure out answers to the three issues that come up for every prospective school that wants to join college hockey’s big time:

  • Money. Penn State got a $102 million donation from Buffalo Sabres owner Terry Pegula to start up their team, their women’s hockey team, and build an on-campus arena. Arizona State raised $32 million in private donations. Where would the start-up funds come from? Is the school willing to budget $1-$1.5 million per year to support the program?
  • Place to play: The Tide could conceivably continue to play in Pelham, which is over 50 miles from the Tuscaloosa campus, as a start, but  I suspect they would need a true Division I facility in Tuscaloosa. Would they build an on-campus rink? Renovate Coleman Coliseum and add an ice sheet? Who would pay for that?
  • Appease Title IX: Penn State added women’s hockey to go along with the men’s team. Arizona State may add women’s hockey, or two other women’s athletic programs to stay in compliance. What would Alabama need to add, and how much would that cost?

One of the reasons this thought experiment is even possible is UAH. If the UAH hockey program had folded, it is hard to fathom Alabama adding an expensive sport like hockey when the closest Division I opponent is in Ohio (Miami, 550 miles). 150 miles to Huntsville? That’s much easier. Even with Huntsville, the Tide would have the same issue UAH has to deal with — lots of travel.

Could Alabama spur other SEC schools to add hockey, as some suggest may happen in the Pac-12 with Arizona State? That would involve similar investments at a number of schools, and you simply can’t count on that.

But suppose everything somehow aligns and Alabama announces that the Frozen Tide is joining NCAA Division I. What would this mean for UAH?

Obviously, as alluded to before, it means an in-state rival for the Chargers. Whether they’re in the same conference or not, it’s hard to imagine that the Chargers and the Tide would not meet four times a year because of the proximity alone. And it’s hard to imagine that it would not be a true rivalry, with loud, boisterous crowds for both. (I would think we’d get the Auburn faithful who despise everything crimson.) That would be fun.

Many UAH fans may resent the Tide because they represent the UA system, where a certain former chancellor did the Charger hockey program no favors. Now the Tide would get in on our turf? Heck no.

Then there would be the recruiting battles. Which school would capitalize more on the South’s growing hockey talent? While UAH head coach Mike Corbett maintains that we will still recruit everywhere, there’s no denying that keeping the best players from the South in the region would be a boon. Now add a team in Tuscaloosa, looking to take some of that talent. I’m not sure I can get behind that.

In the end, however, I can’t imagine Alabama hockey going varsity. Even for a big money school like Alabama, so much investment would be required just to start it up, and there’s no guarantee the return would be worth it.

UAH was able to make a niche for itself 30 years ago, turning a popular and successful club team into a Division II power and then back to Division I. We had the support and the facility to do it, but college hockey has changed so much since those days. We’ve been fortunate, and despite all we’ve been through, we’re still fortunate that we are able to build a Division I program today.

All I can say to those who think Alabama should be the next hockey school is: You can dream, and you can wish, but it’s harder than it looks. Much harder.

Series Preview: vs. Lake Superior State, Nov. 14-15

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The Chargers are back home, resuming WCHA play and hosting Lake Superior State on Friday and Saturday.

It’s Military Appreciation Weekend, and all veterans and active personnel get free admission to both games. On Saturday, the first 500 fans will receive free camo rally towels. For all home games this season, kids 12 and under get in free courtesy of Huntsville International Airport.

CATCHING THE GAMES
Times: 7:05 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Tickets: Ticketmaster: Friday | Saturday
Complete ticket information
Promotions: Veterans, active military, and
kids 12 & under get free admission
Fri.: Trading cards
Sat.: Camo rally towels
Details
Online video: WCHA.tv (subscription)
Live stats: UAHChargers.com
Twitter: @weloveuahhockey, @uahhockey, @LakeStateHockey
More previews: UAHChargers.com
LSSULakers.com

All-time series: The Chargers and Lakers have met eight times since 2005, with Lake Superior holding a 5-2-1 advantage in the series.

The Lakers have won all four meetings at the Von Braun Center, including two one-goal games (2-1 and 3-2) last season.

Chargers recap: UAH (1-7-2 overall, 0-4-0 WCHA) had its best weekend in quite a while at Air Force.

On Friday, Jost Kestner’s goal with 1:53 left in regulation was the game-winner in UAH’s 4-2 victory. Cody Champagne, Frank Misuraca, and Jack Prince (with the empty-net clincher) also scored, and Carmine Guerriero stopped 24 of 26 shots in net as the Chargers recorded their first win of the season.

On Saturday, UAH took a 3-0 lead in the second period with Max McHugh and Craig Pierce (twice) scoring in a span of 5:08. However, three power play goals in the third by the Falcons forced a 3-3 tie. Matt Larose made 36 saves.

It was the first weekend since Dec. 2012, a sweep of Division III Finlandia, where the UAH did not lose, and the first since the 2010 CHA Tournament against Division I opponents. It was also the first 3-point weekend on the road since the Chargers tied and beat Robert Morris on Dec. 4-5, 2009.

Friday night will be senior captain Doug Reid’s 100th game with the Chargers. He has two goals and 12 assists in his UAH career.

UAH Tale of the tape
WCHA rank in parentheses		 LSSU
1-7-2
0-4-0 WCHA		 Record 1-9-0
1-5-0 WCHA
1.70 (8th) Goals/game 1.60 (9th)
3.30 (8th) Goals allowed/game 3.80 (10th)
15.0 (3rd) Pen. minutes/game 8.2 (10th)
12.5% (7th) Power play 7.0% (9th)
80.8% (9th) Penalty kill 82.4% (8th)

About the Lakers: Lake Superior State (1-9-0 overall, 1-5-0 Atlantic Hockey) is coming off an idle week. The Lakers’ last action came two weeks ago at Alaska-Anchorage, where a 3-2 overtime victory forced a series split and snapped a nine-game losing streak to start the season. LSSU is looking to rebuild under first-year coach Damon Whitten.

Like the Chargers, Lake Superior State has had problems scoring goals consistently, netting only 16 in 10 games (UAH has 17). Junior forward Bryce Schmitt leads the Lakers in goals and points so far with three and five, respectively. Senior Stephen Perfetto and junior Austin McKay each have two.

Defensively, the Lakers are last in the WCHA in goals allowed (3.80 per game). They have had to rely on two freshmen goaltenders: Gordon Defiel (eight starts, 3.41 goals against average, .908 save percentage), and Kevin Aldridge (two starts, 3.90 GAA, .845 save pct.).

Around the WCHA: Two other league series are on tap for the weekend. No. 5 Michigan Tech puts its perfect record on the line at Bemidji State, and Ferris State hosts Alaska-Anchorage in a Thursday-Friday series.

In non-conference action, Bowling Green has a home-and-home with in-state rival Ohio State. Friday night’s game is at Bowling Green and Saturday’s game is in Columbus.

Here’s the schedule for league teams this week. All times are Central. Games involving WCHA teams at home can be seen online on WCHA TV.

Thursday, November 13

* Alaska-Anchorage at Ferris State, 6:07 p.m.

Friday, November 14

* Lake Superior State at UAH, 7:07 p.m.
* Alaska-Anchorage at Ferris State, 6:07 p.m.
* #5 Michigan Tech at Bemidji State, 7:37 p.m.
Ohio State at #19 Bowling Green, 7:07 p.m.

Saturday, November 15

* Lake Superior State at UAH, 7:07 p.m.
* #5 Michigan Tech at Bemidji State, 7:07 p.m.
#19 Bowling Green at Ohio State, 6 p.m.

Idle: Alaska, #9 Minnesota State, #18 Northern Michigan

Hoof Beats: LSSU series could have playoff implications

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This weekend at the Von Braun Center, the Chargers will be battling for a playoff spot.

UAH (1-7-2 overall, 0-4-0 WCHA) hosts Lake Superior State (1-9-0 overall, 1-5-0 WCHA) on Friday and Saturday (7 p.m. both nights). The Chargers were picked to finish 10th again in the league, while Lake Superior State, which is in rebuilding mode after finishing 9th last season, is expected to finish 9th again.

Only the top eight in the WCHA make the playoffs — that was, until Alaska was hit with a posteason ban this season as punishment for NCAA rules violations last week. Instead, the 9th-place team will qualify (unless it’s Alaska).

Of course, it’s still early, but whoever is more successful this weekend could have the upper hand in making the WCHA tournament, especially if it comes down to tiebreakers. The Chargers and Lakers meet again in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., on February 13 and 14.

For UAH, making the postseason would be big. Our underclassmen would get valuable playoff experience for the future. Our seniors would get the playoff experience they may not have expected when they signed on at UAH, which would be a nice sendoff for their college careers.

While the opportunity for the Chargers to make the WCHA playoffs is nice, it’s unfortunate that it comes at the expense of the Alaska Nanooks. UAH alum Lance West is an assistant coach on that club, and it’s unfair that the current players are being punished for compliance and administrative errors committed years ago.

The Nanooks have struggled as of late, losing five in a row after starting the season with five straight wins. Like the Chargers, they are 0-4 in WCHA play this season.

This week’s promotions: This is Military Appreciation Weekend at the VBC, sponsored by Wells Fargo and Torch Technologies. All veterans and active military personnel get free admission to both games. On Saturday, the first 500 fans will receive free camo rally towels.

Kids ages 12 and under get free admission to all home games this season, courtesy of Huntsville International Airport.

Blue Line Club luncheon: Before every home series, come meet and greet with the coaches at the Blue Line Club luncheon. This Friday at noon at the Varisty Room, Lake Superior State head coach Damon Whitten and UAH head coach Mike Corbett will speak.

LawLers Barbecue is catering. Tickets are $8 at the door, and free for Blue Line Club members.

Recruiting news: The Chargers picked up a commitment on Sunday, as defenseman Kurt Gosselin announced he will play for UAH. The Brighton, Michigan, native currently plays for the Alberni Valley Bulldogs of the British Columbia Hockey League, where he has four goals and 11 assists in 13 games this season.

Last week, Huntsville native and UAH commit Ted Rotenberger was traded from the Topeka RoadRunners to the Springfield Jr. Blues. Rotenberger is already getting more playing time, playing in all three games for Springfield this past weekend.

Stat packs: Numerical notes about the Chargers:

  • Out of the 17 goals the Chargers have scored this season, 13 have come in the second period. UAH has scored one goal in the first period (Friday’s game at Air Force), and three in the third (two of which were also from Friday’s game at Air Force).
  • Out of the 33 goals the Chargers have allowed, 16 have come in the third period.
  • With a win and tie at Air Force, the Chargers had a “3-point weekend” on the road for the first time since a trip to Robert Morris on Dec. 2009.
  • The seven goals scored over the weekend at Air Force were the most against Division I opponents since Nov. 26-27, 2010 (a 5-1 loss to Bowling Green and a 6-1 win over Connecticut at the RPI Holiday Classic).
  • UAH is now unbeaten against Air Force in its last four games at Colorado Springs (3-0-1). The Chargers’36 varsity wins against Air Force are the most against any opponent.
  • Carmine Guerriero’s .934 save percentage now ranks fifth in the WCHA. While there’s still plenty of season left, Guerriero is on pace to break Derek Puppa’s UAH all-time single-season record, which is .932 set in the 1995-96 season.

 

Saulnier named WCHA Rookie of the Week

Brennan Saulnier

Courtesy UAH Sports Information

Brennan Saulnier was named the WCHA’s Rookie of the Week on Monday after helping the Chargers notch a win and a tie at Air Force over the weekend.

Saulnier had two assists in UAH’s 4-2 win on Friday. His first came on Cody Champagne’s late first-period goal that tied the game at 1, and the second was on Josh Kestner’s game-winning goal with 1:53 left in the contest.

The Halifax, Nova Scotia freshman has played in all 10 games for the Chargers, scoring a goal and three assists.

Minnesota State’s Teddy Blueger was named WCHA Offensive Player of the Week (UAH’s Craig Pierce was nominated for this two-goal performance on Saturday). Bowling Green goalie Tommy Burke was named WCHA Defensive Player of the Week (UAH’s Carmine Guerriero was nominated for stopping 24 of 26 shots in Friday’s win).

UAH hosts Lake Superior State in WCHA action Friday and Saturday at the Von Braun Center. Puck drop is 7:07 p.m. both nights.

Series Preview: at Air Force, Nov. 7-8

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The Chargers finish up three straight weeks on the road with a non-conference trip to Colorado Springs to take on a familiar foe in more ways than one — Air Force.

UAH head coach Mike Corbett spent nine seasons as an assistant coach and one as an associate head coach at Air Force before taking the Huntsville job in 2013.

CATCHING THE GAMES
Times: 8:05 p.m. CT Friday and Saturday
Online video: AtlanticHockey.tv (subscription)
Online audio: AM 1300 Colorado Springs
Live stats: Friday | Saturday
Twitter: @weloveuahhockey, @uahhockey, @AF_HKY
More previews: UAHChargers.com
GoAirForceFalcons.com

All-time series: Since UAH became a varsity program in 1985, the Chargers have played Air Force 56 times, trailing only Bemidji State (74 games) and Niagara (57) as UAH’s most common opponent. The Chargers hold a 35-18-3 lead in the series, plus a 3-1 record while UAH was still a club program. Twenty-nine of the meetings came while both teams were members of College Hockey America (1999-2006), with UAH having a 21-7-1 record.

As varsity, UAH is 16-12-1 in Colorado Springs, winning the last two meetings by 4-2 scores on October 16-17, 2009. The Chargers lost to the Falcons 6-1 on Dec. 30, 2012, at the Mariucci Classic in Minneapolis. Between those meetings, UAH tied and lost in a two-game series in Huntsville in 2011.

Chargers recap: UAH (0-7-1 overall, 0-4-0 WCHA) notched a tie and a loss in a non-conference series at Northern Michigan last week. The series finished up a contract UAH and NMU had before they both were WCHA members.

On Friday, Matt Salhany’s shorthanded breakaway goal in the second period was the equalizer in UAH’s 1-1 draw. Carmine Guerriero stopped 34 of 35 shots as the Chargers ended the Wildcats’ 4-game win streak and their own 6-game losing streak to start the season.

On Saturday, Northern Michigan blew away the Chargers in the third period in a 4-1 win. Brennan Saulnier had the only goal for the Chargers, who were outshot 20-1 in the final frame. Matt Larose made 37 saves.

About the Falcons: Air Force (2-5-0 overall, 2-2-0 Atlantic Hockey) played one game last week, a tough 3-2 overtime loss at North Dakota in the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame game. North Dakota tied the game at 2-2 with 29 seconds remaining in regulation, and won it with 6.4 seconds left in overtime.

Through seven games, senior Cole Gunner leads the Falcons with eight points on two goals and six assists. Three other players have six points so far: seniors Chad Demers (3-3-6) and Scott Holm (3-3-6), and sophomore defenseman  Johnny Hrabovsky (0-6-6). Sophomore A.J. Reid also has three goals.

Sophomore goaltender Chris Truehl has started all seven games, compiling a 3.26 goals against average and an .885 save percentage.

The Falcons were picked to finish third in the Atlantic Hockey preseason poll.

Around the WCHA: UAH is the only WCHA team playing non-conference action this week. While Lake Superior State is idle, there are four interesting league matchups.

Michigan Tech, now in the top 10 in the latest USCHO.com poll, defends its perfect record at home against the Seawolves of Alaska-Anchorage. Ferris State looks to kickstart its offense at Northern Michigan in a battle of ranked teams. Bemidji State looks to keep its offense kicking against in-state rival Minnesota State. Alaska, in its first action after learning it will be ineligible for this year’s postseason, hosts Bowling Green.

Here’s the schedule for league teams this week. All times are Central. Games involving WCHA teams at home can be seen online on WCHA TV.

Friday, November 7

UAH at Air Force, 8:05 p.m.
* #16 Ferris State at #20 Northern Michigan, 6:07 p.m.
* Alaska-Anchorage at #9 Michigan Tech, 6:37 p.m.
* Bemidji State at #13 Minnesota State, 7:07 p.m.
* Bowling Green at Alaska, 10:07 p.m.

Saturday, November 1

UAH at Northern Michigan, 8:05 p.m.
* #16 Ferris State at #20 Northern Michigan, 6:07 p.m.
* Alaska-Anchorage at #9 Michigan Tech, 6:07 p.m.
* Bemidji State at #13 Minnesota State, 7:07 p.m.
* Bowling Green at Alaska, 10:07 p.m.

Hoof Beats: Corbett returns to Air Force as visitor

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Here are some news and notes regarding the Chargers and the WCHA ahead of UAH’s two-game series at Air Force on Friday and Saturday.

Fans in Colorado Springs this weekend will see a familiar face, as UAH head coach Mike Corbett returns to Air Force. Corbett was an assistant coach for the Falcons for 10 seasons before taking over the Charger program last year. Corbett was also the associate head coach in 2012-13.

Corbett helped lead the Falcons to five Atlantic Hockey Association tournament titles, two AHA regular-season titles and five NCAA Tournament appearances.

“It’s going to be different,” Air Force senior defenseman Dan Weissenhofer told the Colorado Springs Gazette. “I expect he will have some things to say to get under our skins a bit. We’ll have to give it right back.”

Carmine Guerriero

Photo by Chris Brightwell

Guerriero among league leaders: Carmine Guerriero is now fourth in the WCHA in save percentage through the first month of the season. In four starts, he has made 161 saves (an average of 40.25 per game) on 172 shots (43 per game), which is a .936 save percentage.

Guerriero trails Mathias Dahlstrom of Northern Michigan (.964), Jamie Phillips of Michigan Tech (.952), and C.J. Motte of Ferris State (.943). Matt Larose is 10th at .909.

Talbot update: New York Rangers and former Charger goaltender Cam Talbot saw action on Monday for the first time in three weeks, getting the start at Madison Square Garden against the St. Louis Blues. Talbot stopped 31 of 34 shots as the Rangers lost to St. Louis 4-3 in a shootout.

This season, Talbot has played 148 minutes over three games with two starts, posting a 2.84 goals against average and an .899 save percentage. With the Rangers playing in a stretch of 15 games in 29 days during November, Talbot is likely to see more ice time to spell top goaltender Henrik Lundqvist.

Future Chargers: Here’s how some of the players who have committed to the Chargers are doing in junior hockey so far this season. Analysis comes from one of our regular posters in the UAH thread of the USCHO.com forums, who wished not to be named. He follows junior hockey much more closely than either Geof or me, and we appreciate him allowing us to share this on UAHHockey.com.

Brandon Salerno

UAH commit Brandon Salerno has been is scoring machine with Pickering of the OJHL this season.

Brandon Salerno (Pickering (OJHL), 13 GP, 11-13-24): “Absolutely tearing it up. Appears to have regained his confidence after a dismal year with Waterloo.”

Austin Beaulieu (Wichita Falls (NAHL), 12 GP, 8-5-13): “Having a great year thus far. Should come in and have an immediate impact. Great speed and vision carrying over from his TPH days.”

Cam Knight (Wichita Falls (NAHL), 12 GP, 3-9-12): “Also having an awesome year. His size and skating should have him pushing for top 4 minutes. Great to see a defenseman with these kind of numbers in the NA.”

Connor Wood (Rio Grande Valley (NAHL), 12 GP, 0-3-3): “Either dropped or traded from Amarillo. Not a good sign. He’s a feisty, competitive kid so hopefully that’ll start to show on the scoresheet. May need an extra year of juniors.”

Roberts Smits (Janesville (NAHL), 8 GP, 2-2-4): “Also dropped or traded from Amarillo. Starting to pull it together. Janesville has a bit more firepower up front so I’m betting those numbers will go up. He continues to improve and he may be on the move back to Bloomington (USHL) where he began the year.”

Joey Marooney (Sioux Falls (USHL), 8 GP, 1-1-2): “Playing in easily the most competitive league in the U.S., not bad numbers considering the jump from Minnesota high school hockey. Hope he can start lighting the lamp a bit more. May be the next Max McHugh. Promising prospect regardless.”

Ivan Bondarenko (Wenatchee (NAHL), 7 GP, 2-0-2): “Seems to have trouble cracking the lineup. He’s one of the youngest players in the league and will definitely be in juniors for another year before he comes to school, so there’s really no cause for concern. Could be a big time prospect for us this time next year.”

Teddy Rotenberger (Topeka (NAHL), 6 GP, 0-1-1): “Seems to be having a tough time cracking the lineup, which is troubling. I know he’s drawn rave reviews for his character so I doubt this will be too much of a drawback for him. But he needs to play and produce if he’s going to really contribute once he gets to UAH. An extra year of juniors may be best for him. Time will tell.”

Also, Alpharetta, Ga., forward Adam Wilcox of the Fairbanks Ice Dogs of the NAHL recently committed to UAH:

“Was a serious prospect a few years back, he was on Dubuque’s (USHL) affiliate list and played there a few games when Vinny Saponari (NTDP alum and Atlanta native) and Johnny Gaudreau (Hobey Baker winner and current Calgary Flame) were there. He’s got good size and can skate. I haven’t seen him play in years, but the numbers are slightly lacking. May be a Brent Fletcher, diamond-in-the-rough-type.”

Visit our commitments page for more on recruiting.

Alaska hit with NCAA sanctions: The University of Alaska-Fairbanks received its NCAA punishment Wednesday for a series of infractions involving ineligible players from nine sports, including hockey.

The Nanooks will lose one scholarship for each of the next three years, and are banned from NCAA postseason play this season. Alaska vacates all victories from the 2007-08 to the 2011-12 seasons. They are also ineligible for the WCHA playoffs, which will now include the 9th place team (unless its Alaska).

NMU dominates third to pull away from Chargers, 4-1

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For the first two periods, it seemed UAH was determined to build on Friday’s 1-1 tie at Northern Michigan and steal more points — even if it wasn’t a conference series against another WCHA team.

The Wildcats quashed that feeling emphatically in the third period, scoring twice and outshooting the Chargers 20-1, to turn a one-goal game into a 4-1 win over UAH on Saturday in Marquette, Mich.

UAH fell to 0-7-1 on the season, while Northern Michigan remained undefeated at 5-0-1. It was the fifth straight game where the Chargers scored one and only one goal.

In an interesting twist, the Chargers came out with the bulk of offensive chances in the first period. UAH made NMU goaltender Mathias Dahlstrom, who faced only 19 shots all game on Friday, stop 14 shots on goal while only allowing eight.

UAH could not get the lead, though, and the Wildcats ended up with the first score of the contest like they did on Friday: crashing the net. Reed Seckel’s initial shot hit Matt Larose’s left pad, and Seckel put in the rebound for a 1-0 Northern Michigan lead at 8:05.

NMU made it 2-0 at 2:59 of the second period, as Brock Maschmeyer’s shot from the right circle beat Larose. Even though the Chargers were exceeding their shot on goal total from yesterday halfway through this game, they found themselves in another hole.

The game started to turn with 5:40 left of the second. During a Northern Michigan power play, Matt Salhany, who scored UAH’s lone goal in Friday’s game, stole the puck and took it down ice. He lost the puck after crossing into the NMU zone, where he was hit in the head by NMU’s John Siemer. Salhany was slow to get up, but did make his way to the Charger bench and would continue to play.

Siemer received a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct for the hit. On the ensuing major power play, Brennan Saulnier, all alone in the right circle, beat Dahlstrom high to cut NMU’s lead to 2-1 with 3:51 left in the second. Saulnier’s first goal at UAH was assisted by Josh Kestner and Brandon Carlson.

The power play was cut short after UAH committed a too many men on the ice penalty. It would remain a one-goal game heading into the final frame.

But the final frame was all Wildcats. They fired away at Larose, notching the first 15 shots on goal en route to 20 for the period. UAH simply could not mount much of an offensive threat.

Meanwhile, NMU built their lead. Maschmeyer scored his second goal of the game at 5:18 on another rebound, and Gerard Hanson made it the final 4-1 score on a tally four minutes later.

The Wildcats finished the game with a 41-23 shots advantage. Larose made 37 saves in another busy night for UAH goaltending. Dahlstrom had 22 saves for NMU.

The Chargers go on the road for the third straight series next weekend when they visit Air Force on Friday and Saturday. UAH returns home Nov. 14 and 15 to face Lake Superior State.