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

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.

Series Preview: at Northern Michigan, Oct. 31-Nov. 1

The Chargers face Northern Michigan in the second of three straight road trips in Marquette, Mich., on Friday and Saturday.

This is a non-conference series between WCHA foes. It finishes a contract UAH had signed with Northern Michigan before it joined the WCHA. The league series will be in Huntsville on January 16-17.

CATCHING THE GAMES
Times: Fri. 7:07 p.m. | Sat. 7:07 p.m.
Online video: WCHA.tv (subscription)
Online audio: WNMU-FM
Live stats: Friday | Saturday
Twitter: @weloveuahhockey, @uahhockey, @NMUHockey, @Wildcat_Dave (David Danis)
More previews: UAHChargers.com
NMUWildcats.com

Season series: UAH and Northern Michigan have met eight times since 2003. The Wildcats have won seven games with one tie, which occurred in Huntsville in 2004. The Chargers are 0-4 in Marquette. Last season, NMU won all four meetings, shutting out the Chargers twice in Michigan (3-0 and 4-0).

Chargers recap: UAH (0-6-0 overall, 0-4-0 WCHA) was swept by WCHA favorite Minnesota State last week.

The Chargers kept the games close despite the Mavericks dominating on shots on goal, thanks to goaltenders Carmine Guerriero and Matt Larose.

On Friday, Guerriero stopped 54 shots in UAH’s 3-1 loss. Max McHugh cut MSU’s lead to 2-1 with 30 seconds left, but the Mavericks scored an empty-netter to put the game away.

On Saturday, Larose made 37 saves as the Chargers fell 4-1. Josh Kestner got the lone goal for UAH, which tied the game in the second period.

About the Wildcats: Northern Michigan (4-0-0 overall, 2-0-0 WCHA) is one of five remaining teams in NCAA Division I without a loss or tie. The Wildcats opened the season in Green Bay against then-18th-ranked Wisconsin with wins of 2-0 and 4-1. NMU took two at Lake Superior State, 4-2 and 3-0, to open conference play.

Goaltender Mathias Dahlstrom has played every minute this season. The sophomore has allowed only three goals, posting a 0.75 goals against average, a .968 save percentage, and two shutouts.

Junior Darren Nowick has paced the Wildcats on offense so far, leading the team with four goals and tied for the team lead with five points. Sophomore John Siemer also has five points on two goals and three assists. Sophomore Dominik Shine  has three goals.

The Wildcats were picked to finish sixth in the preseason coaches poll and seventh in the media poll.

Around the WCHA: The WCHA has been holding its own in non-conference action, posting a 17-15-3 record, and a 8-5-0 record against ranked opponents.

Big early-season conference series at Bowling Green this weekend, as the nation’s top scorer, Kevin Dufour, and the Falcons (4-1-1) host No. 12 Minnesota State (4-2-0).

In non-conference action, Michigan Tech, another undefeated and untied team currently ranked No. 17 in the USCHO.com poll, hosts No. 15 Michigan.

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, October 31

UAH at Northern Michigan, 6:07 p.m.
* #12 Minnesota State at Bowling Green, 6:07 p.m.
* #16 Alaska at Bemidji State, 7:37 p.m.
* Lake Superior State at Alaska-Anchorage, 10:07 p.m.
#14 Ferris State at Michigan State, 6 p.m.
#15 Michigan at #17 Michigan Tech, 6:07 p.m.

Saturday, November 1

UAH at Northern Michigan, 6:07 p.m.
* #12 Minnesota State at Bowling Green, 6:07 p.m.
* #16 Alaska at Bemidji State, 7:07 p.m.
* Lake Superior State at Alaska-Anchorage, 10:07 p.m.
#14 Ferris State at Michigan State, 6 p.m.
#15 Michigan at #17 Michigan Tech, 6:07 p.m.

Series Preview: at Minnesota State, Oct. 24-25

The Chargers look to regroup after a rough home opening series. It will not be easy visiting a tough Minnesota State program that the Chargers have had little success against in recent years.

CATCHING THE GAMES
Times: Fri. 7:07 p.m. | Sat. 7:07 p.m.
Online video: WCHA.tv (subscription)
Online audio: KTOE
Live stats: msumavericks.com
Twitter: @weloveuahhockey, @uahhockey, @MavHockey, @puckato (Shane Frederick)
More previews: UAHChargers.com
MSUMavericks.com

Season series: The Chargers and Mavericks have been playing each other since 1988. Minnesota State holds a 23-19-5 advantage in the series, including a 13-6-4 record in Mankato. Last season, the Mavericks won all four meetings by a combined score of 16-2, with the Chargers shut out by 4-0 scores in both games in Mankato. The Chargers haven’t beaten the Mavericks since a 2-0 win in Huntsville on January 4, 2002 — a span of 14 games (0-12-2). The last time UAH won in Mankato was Oct. 16, 1999, 4-0.

Chargers recap: UAH (0-4-0 overall, 0-2-0 WCHA) started its home and WCHA seasons last week and was swept by Bowling Green.

On Friday, the Chargers were shut out, 5-0. Carmine Guerriero made 36 saves. UAH gave up two power play goals and a shorthanded goal.

Matt Larose stopped 44 shots in UAH's 4-1 loss to Bowling Green on Saturday. (Photo by Chris Brightwell)

Matt Larose stopped 44 shots in UAH’s 4-1 loss to Bowling Green on Saturday. (Photo by Chris Brightwell)

On Saturday, Frank Misuraca scored the lone goal in the Chargers’ 4-1 loss. Matt Larose made 44 saves in the effort.

Defensemen have scored four of the six goals for UAH this season — two by Misuraca, and two by Brandon Carlson.

About the Mavericks: Minnesota State (2-2-0 overall, 0-0-0 WCHA), ranked 13th in this weeks USCHO.com poll, begins its conference slate after splitting a home-and-home with Minnesota-Duluth last week. The Mavericks got an overtime goal from Zab Knutson to beat the Bulldogs 5-4 in Duluth on Friday. On Saturday in Mankato, after raising its Broadmoor Trophy banner, Minnesota State lost its home opener to Minnesota-Duluth, 6-2.

The Mavericks open league play as the favorite to win the WCHA title by conference coaches and media. They finished second in the WCHA last season to Ferris State, but defeated Ferris in the WCHA Final Five championship game. Minnesota State lost to UMass Lowell in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

Senior defenseman Zach Palmquist leads the Mavericks in scoring so far this season with four points (two goals, two assists). Seniors Matt Leitner, one of the favorites to be WCHA player of the year, and Jean-Paul LaFontaine, another all-WCHA selection, each have three assists. Freshman Brad McClure leads the team with three goals.

Sophomore Cole Huggins, the WCHA’s goaltending champion last season, has struggled in his first three starts, posting a 4.70 goals against average and a .762 save percentage. Junior Stephon Williams has been solid in two games (one start), with a 2.16 GAA and .917 save percentage.

Around the WCHA: Three conference series are scheduled this week. Defending MacNaughton Cup champion Ferris State opens league play at home against Michigan Tech, and Northern Michigan visits ake Superior State.

Both Alaska schools are now ranked, and both head east for non-conference series. Alaska-Anchorage is at Maine and Alaska is at Western Michigan.

Bemidji State stays in-state for a clash in the Twin Cities with top-ranked Minnesota, while Bowling Green visits Clarkson.

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, October 24

* UAH at #13 Minnesota State, 7:07 p.m.
* Michigan Tech at #8 Ferris State, 6:07 p.m.
* Northern Michigan at Lake Superior State, 6:37 p.m.
Bowling Green at Clarkson, 6 p.m.
#20 Alaska-Anchorage at Maine, 6 p.m.
#16 Alaska at Western Michigan, 6:07 p.m.
Bemidji State at #1 Minnesota, 8 p.m.

Saturday, October 18

* UAH at #13 Minnesota State, 7:07 p.m.
* Michigan Tech at #8 Ferris State, 6:07 p.m.
* Northern Michigan at Lake Superior State, 6:07 p.m.
#20 Alaska-Anchorage at Maine, 6 p.m.
#16 Alaska at Western Michigan, 6:07 p.m.
Bowling Green at Clarkson, 6:30 p.m.
Bemidji State at #1 Minnesota, 7 p.m.

Series Preview: vs. Bowling Green, Oct. 17-18

The Chargers open their 2014-15 home schedule this weekend against Bowling Green in the season’s first WCHA series.

CATCHING THE GAMES
Times: Fri. 7:07 p.m. | Sat. 7:07 p.m.
Tickets: Ticketmaster: Friday | Saturday
Complete ticket information
Promotions: Kids 12 & under get free admission
Fri.: Alumni Night, trading cards
Sat.: Schedule posters & magnets
Details
Online video: WCHA.tv (subscription)
Live stats: uahchargers.com
Twitter: @weloveuahhockey, @uahhockey, @BGFalconHockey, @BGSUHockeySite

Season series: This will be the 15th and 16th meetings between the Chargers and the Falcons. Bowling Green leads the all-time series 10-3-1, including a 4-2 mark at the Von Braun Center. The Falcons have won eight of the last nine in the series. Last season, the Falcons took three of four meetings in WCHA play, winning 7-0 and 4-1 in Huntsville. UAH split in Bowling Green, losing the first game 3-0 and winning 4-3 in overtime.

Home openers: The Chargers have lost their last five regular-season home openers, the last victory coming in 2008 with a 4-2 win over Bemidji State. UAH has a 6-8-1 home opener record in its modern Division I era, and 15-12-2 in its varsity history.

Chargers recap: UAH (0-2) rallied from multi-goal deficits in both games at  Colorado College, but still came away with a pair of one-goal losses last week to open the 2014-15 season.

On Friday, Brent Fletcher and Jeff Vanderlugt scored second-period goals in a 3-2 loss. Carmine Guerriero made 37 saves.

On Saturday, Brandon Carlson scored twice and Frank Misuraca added another, again all in the second period, as the Chargers lost 4-3. Matt Larose made 41 saves.

About the Falcons: Bowling Green (1-1) split a home-and-home series with Ohio state rival Miami last weekend to start the regular season. Each team won on its home ice by a 3-2 score.

Sophomore Kevin Dufour has led the scoring charge early for the Falcons with three goals, scoring twice on Friday against Miami and adding another goal on Sunday. Nolan Valleau, a freshman defenseman, assisted on two of those, and has four assists this season. Thomas Sholl stopped 22 of 24 shots to get the win on Friday, and Tommy Burke made 26 saves in the loss on Sunday. Mark Friedman, the highly-touted freshman defenseman, has a goal and five blocked shots.

The Falcons were picked to finish fourth in the WCHA preseason coaches poll and third in the media poll. Last season, BG tied with Alaska for third with 30 points in the WCHA standings.

Around the WCHA: UAH and Bowling Green are playing the only WCHA series this weekend, while most of the league continues non-conference action.

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, October 17

* Bowling Green at UAH, 7:07 p.m.
#4 Ferris State at St. Lawrence, 6 p.m.
Lake Superior State at Notre Dame, 6:35 p.m.
#18 Wisconsin vs. Northern Michigan at Green Bay, 7:07 p.m.
#12 Minnesota State at #20 Minnesota-Duluth, 7:07 p.m.
Penn State vs. Alaska-Anchorage, 8:07 p.m. (Alaska Goal Rush)
Air Force at #19 Alaska, 11:07 p.m.  (Alaska Goal Rush)

Saturday, October 18

* Bowling Green at UAH, 7:07 p.m.
Lake Superior State at Notre Dame, 5:05 p.m.
#4 Ferris State at St. Lawrence, 6 p.m.
#20 Minnesota-Duluth at #12 Minnesota State, 7:07 p.m.
#18 Wisconsin vs. Northern Michigan at Green Bay, 7:07 p.m.
Air Force vs. Alaska-Anchorage, 7:07 p.m. (Alaska Goal Rush)
Penn State at #19 Alaska, 10:07 p.m. (Alaska Goal Rush)

Series Preview: at Colorado College, Oct. 10-11

Welcome to the 30th varsity season of UAH Chargers hockey, the 36th season overall and the second season in the WCHA! The Blue and White open the 2014-15 campaign in Colorado Springs on Friday and Saturday against Colorado College of the National Collegiate Hockey Conference.

CATCHING THE GAMES
Times (CDT): Fri. 8:35 p.m. | Sat. 8:05 p.m.
Online video: NCHC.tv (subscription):
Friday | Saturday
Online audio: KRDO
Live stats: cctigers.com
Twitter: @weloveuahhockey, @uahhockey, @CCHockey_1

Season series: This will be the sixth and seventh meetings between the Chargers and the Tigers. Colorado College has won all five previous meetings, all in Colorado Springs. The last series came in the 2010-11 season, when the Tigers won 7-0 and 4-1.

Season openers: The Chargers have lost the last four straight season openers, the last victory coming in 2009 at then fifth-ranked Notre Dame (3-2). UAH is 4-10-1 in season openers during the modern Division I era, which started in 1999, and 11-16-2 as a varsity program.

Chargers recap: UAH finished the 2013-14 season being swept at home against Northern Michigan. The Chargers went 2-35-1 last season.

About the Tigers: Colorado College has a rich history with two national championships and 20 NCAA Tournament appearances, but the Tigers have had a rough time last season. Their 7-24-6 campaign in 2013-14 was the worst in 21 years, and it led to the resignation of Scott Owens, who had helmed Colorado College for 15 seasons. In his place is Mike Haviland in his first Division I coaching job.

It’s not expected that Haviland will turn the Tigers around right away. Colorado College, which placed seventh in the NCHC last season while finishing 56th out of 59 Division I clubs in offense, was picked to finish last by both league coaches and the media.

The Tigers’ top returning scorer is a defenseman, sophomore and Carolina Hurricanes prospect Jaccob Slavin (5-20-25). Alex Roos, also a sophomore, scored 10 goals in his rookie campaign. Sophomore forward Sam Rothstein finished with six goals and 20 points in 2013-14. Chase Perry (freshman) will be called upon between the pipes.

Last week, the Tigers played to a 4-4 exhibition regulation tie against McGill University of Montreal (which won in a shootout).

Around the WCHA: Seven teams from the WCHA are in action in the first full week of college hockey action. Last week, Michigan Tech opened conference play with a pair of wins at Lake Superior State, and No. 9 Ferris State held off No. 8 Michigan 4-3 in a big win in Big Rapids.

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, October 10

UAH at Colorado College, 8:30 p.m.
#11 Miami at Bowling Green, 6 p.m.
Lake Superior State at Robert Morris, 6 p.m.
Bemidji State at #2 North Dakota, 7:30 p.m.
#13 Minnesota State at Nebraska-Omaha, 7:30 p.m.
#10 Wisconsin vs. Alaska, 8 p.m. (Kendall Hockey Classic)
Maine at Alaska-Anchorage, 11 p.m. (Kendall Hockey Classic)
Wilfred Laurier at #9 Ferris State, 6 p.m. (exhibition)

Saturday, October 11

UAH at Colorado College, 8 p.m.
Lake Superior State at Robert Morris, 6 p.m.
#2 North Dakota at Bemidji State, 7 p.m.
#13 Minnesota State at Nebraska-Omaha, 7 p.m.
Maine vs. Alaska, 7 p.m. (Kendall Hockey Classic)
#10 Wisconsin at Alaska-Anchorage, 10 p.m. (Kendall Hockey Classic)

Sunday, October 12

Bowling Green at #11 Miami, 4 p.m.

Catching the Game: vs. Northern Michigan, March 7-8

What can we say? To catch the games, we implore you to come to the games.

It’s the last weekend of the season. The boys are playing better, and they can sure use the support to help them wrap up 2013-14 on a high note. There are many great events surrounding this series, and general admission tickets are still free (thanks to Huntsville International Airport), so what else do you need?

To recap, here are the promotions for the games, which start at 7:07 p.m. both nights.

  • FRIDAY: The first 500 fans receive a set of UAH hockey trading cards. Before the game, there will be a tailgate with free food and entertainment across from Propst Arena from 5:30-6:45. UAH students who ride the chartered buses from campus to Propst Arena will be entered into a drawing for a cash prize.
  • SATURDAY: The first 500 fans receive a free mini Saturn V rocket courtesy of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. Before the game, the four Charger seniors will be honored. Huntsville International Airport will be giving away a $500 airline voucher.

If you can’t make the games, here’s how you can follow the action:

TEAM COMPARISON
UAH_logo_100 2013-14 Stats ND_logo_75
WCHA rank in parentheses
2-33-1 Overall record 13-19-2
2-23-1 (10th) Conference record 11-14-1 (9th)
1.06 (10th) Goals per game 2.56 (8th)
4.36 (10th) Goals allowed per game 2.85 (T-7th)
12.2 (9th) Penalty minutes per game 15.1 (5th)
8.0% (10th) Power play 19.1% (2nd)
69.4% (10th) Penalty kill 76.9% (9th)
Matt Salhany (5-7-12)
Jack Prince (6-5-11)
Chad Brears (6-4-10)
Steve Koshey (1-8-9)
Alex Allan (4-3-7)
Leading scorers Stephan Vigier (15-13-28)
Mitch Jones (3-18-21)
Reed Seckel (10-10-20)
Ryan Daugherty (5-12-17)
Erik Higby (11-6-17)
Carmine Guerriero
(18 GS, 3.90 GAA, .905 SV%)
Matt Larose
(18 GS, 4.76 GAA, .887 SV%)
Goaltending Mathias Dahlstrom
(31 GS, 2.64 GAA, .910 SV%)

 

Northern Michigan comes into the series one point out of the eighth and final WCHA playoff spot. The Wildcats need points (and perhaps some help) to continue their season. Click here for more.

The Chargers and Wildcats last met on Nov. 22-23 in Marquette, Michigan, with NMU winning both games, 3-0 and 4-0. Goaltender Mathias Dahlstrom got credit for both shutouts, with a total of 33 saves for both games. Dahlstrom is eighth in the WCHA in goals against average and fifth in save percentage.

NMU leading scorer Stephan Vigier is ninth in the WCHA in points. He had three assists against the Chargers in the second game in Marquette.

Northern Michigan leads the all-time series 5-0-1.

Catching the Game: at Alaska, Jan. 31-Feb. 1

UAH is in the 49th state for the second time this season. The Chargers are in Fairbanks for a two-game set for the first time since 1992, and for the first time as WCHA members.

It also means another edition of “Late Night with the Chargers.” Both games Friday and Saturday start at 10:07 p.m. Central time, and here’s how you can follow the action:

TEAM COMPARISON
UAH Chargers 2013-14 Stats Alaska Nanooks
WCHA rank in parentheses
1-24-1 Overall record 10-12-4
1-14-1 (10th) Conference record 7-11-2 (T-7th)
0.96 (10th) Goals per game 2.88 (4th)
4.35 (10th) Goals allowed per game 3.00 (8th)
13.3 (7th) Penalty minutes per game 15.3 (3rd)
6.8% (10th) Power play 15.8% (8th)
69.9% (10th) Penalty kill 83.5% (5th)
Matt Salhany (4-6-10)
Frank Misuraca (1-5-6)
Steve Koshey (1-5-6)
Chad Brears (4-1-5)
Brandon Clowes (1-4-5)
Leading scorers Cody Kunyk (13-13-26)
Tyler Morley (12-11-23)
Colton Beck (7-14-21)
Marcus Basara (10-7-17)
Colton Parayko (3-13-16)
Carmine Guerriero
(13 GS, 3.70 GAA, .902 SV%)
Matt Larose
(13 GS, 4.91 GAA, .878 SV%)
Goaltending Davis Jones
(10 GS, 3.06 GAA, .900 SV%)
John Keeney
(10 GS, 2.95 GAA, .873 SV%)
Sean Cahill
(6 GS, 2.65 GAA, .895 SV%)

 

After being off last week, the Chargers begin the first of three straight weekends on the road. Next week, UAH heads to Houghton for the first time to play Michigan Tech. The next home series is Feb. 21-22 against Lake Superior State.

Last week, Alaska split a pair with Bemidji State at home in the Carlson Center. The Nanooks shut out the Beavers 3-0 before being shut out themselves 4-0. Sean Cahill was in net for both games.

The Nanooks find themselves in a dogfight as we head toward the home stretch of the WCHA season. Alaska is tied with Lake Superior State and Michigan Tech for seventh place with 16 points. The top eight teams make the WCHA playoffs.

Cody Kunyk leads the Nanooks in scoring with 26 points on the season, which is third in the WCHA. His 13 goals is tied for 2nd. Kunyk has 115 points in his UAF career, which is 19th on their all-time career scoring list.

Tyler Morley is tied for fifth in the WCHA with 12 goals and tied for ninth in the league with 23 points.

Catching the Game: vs. Alaska-Anchorage, Jan. 17-18

The Alaska-Anchorage Seawolves visit the Von Braun Center for a two-game WCHA series Friday and Saturday. Puck drop is 7:07 p.m. both nights. Come join the Chargers and honor America’s veterans on Military Appreciation Weekend.

Tickets are available through Ticketmaster and the VBC box office. This week’s promotions are:

  • Veterans get free admission to both games.
  • Kids 12 and under get free admission for all remaining home games this season.
  • Friday night, the first 500 fans receive a set of UAH hockey trading cards.
  • Saturday night, the first 500 kids 12 and under receive a camo junior UAH jersey.

If you can’t make the game, there are many ways to follow the action:

TEAM COMPARISON
UAH_logo_100 2013-14 Stats ND_logo_75
WCHA rank in parentheses
1-23-0 Overall record 11-9-2
1-13-0 (10th) Conference record 7-7-2 (5th)
0.96 (10th) Goals per game 2.59 (7th)
4.50 (10th) Goals allowed per game 2.68 (6th)
13.5 (6th) Penalty minutes per game 13.1 (8th)
7.4% (10th) Power play 19.8% (4th)
67.3% (10th) Penalty kill 80.4% (9th)
Matt Salhany (3-5-8)
Frank Misuraca (1-5-6)
Chad Brears (4-1-5)
Steve Koshey (1-4-5)
Alex Allan (3-1-4)
Jack Prince (3-1-4)
Leading scorers Matt Bailey (11-9-20)
Scott Allen (11-7-18)
Jordan Kwas (6-12-18)
Blake Thatchell (8-19-17)
Brett Cameron (6-6-12)
Carmine Guerriero
(12 GS, 3.67 GAA, .902 SV%)
Matt Larose
(12 GS, 5.30 GAA, .874 SV%)
Goaltending Rob Gunderson
(12 GS, 2.53 GAA, .897 SV%)
Chris Kamal
(6 GS, 2.10 GAA, .922 SV%)

 

This series marks the Seawolves’ first visit to Huntsville since November 6-7, 1992. The series with Alaska-Anchorage has been dominated by the Seawolves, who have won 17 of 19 meetings. The Chargers’ two victories have both come in Huntsville.

The Seawolves have won four of five, including a sweep of Minnesota State in Anchorage last weekend. UAA, which only had four wins all last season, is now 11-9-2 overall and 7-7-2 in the WCHA, up to fifth in the league standings.

UAH and UAA met in Anchorage back in November, with the Seawolves sweeping the series 3-1 and 6-1. In the first game, Alex Allan’s goal with two minutes left in regulation cut UAA’s lead to 2-1, but the Seawolves responded with a goal 30 seconds later to seal it. In the second game, Chad Brears got the Chargers on the board first, but Anchorage scored six unanswered goals, including four in the third period. Brett Cameron, Scott Allen, and Matt Bailey each had two goals in the series. Allen will be out for this series with an upper-body injury.

After this weekend, the Chargers have three straight road trips: Alaska (Fairbanks, Jan. 31-Feb. 1), Michigan Tech (Feb. 7-8), and Minnesota State (Feb. 14-15). The next home series is Feb. 21 and 22 against Lake Superior State.

 

Catching the Game: at Notre Dame, Jan. 10-11

The Chargers make their second visit to South Bend this season for a national TV appearance. Here’s how you can follow the action:

TEAM COMPARISON
UAH_logo_100 2013-14 Stats ND_logo_75
NCAA rank in parentheses
1-21-0 Overall record 10-8-1
1-13-0 WCHA Conference record 3-5-1 Hockey East
1.00 (59th) Goals per game 3.00 (22nd)
4.36 (57th) Goals allowed per game 2.21 (11th)
13.8 (19th) Penalty minutes per game 13.4 (23rd)
7.7% (59th) Power play 19.5% (29th)
67.6% (59th) Penalty kill 86.0% (10th)
Matt Salhany (2-5-7)
Frank Misuraca (1-5-6)
Chad Brears (4-1-5)
Steve Koshey (1-4-5)
Alex Allan (3-1-4)
Jack Prince (3-1-4)
Leading scorers T.J. Tynan (4-13-17)
Mario Lucia (10-4-14)
Sam Herr (8-6-14)
Bryan Rust (4-10-14)
Vince Hinostroza (3-11-14)
Carmine Guerriero
(11 GS, 3.55 GAA, .903 SV%)
Matt Larose
(11 GS, 5.13 GAA, .879 SV%)
Goaltending Steven Summerhays
(17 GS, 2.01 GAA, .926 SV%)
Chad Katunar
(2 GS, 3.81 GAA, .829 SV%)

 

UAH visited Notre Dame over Thanksgiving weekend for the Shillelagh Tournament. Notre Dame beat the Chargers in the semifinals, 5-2. UAH lost to Western Michigan in the consolation game, 1-0.

In the loss to the Irish, Jeff Vanderlugt scored both goals for UAH, cutting into an early 3-0 deficit. Unfortunately, Vanderlugt has not seen action since due to injury and is still inactive. Matt Larose made 39 saves in net.

T.J. Tynan, Notre Dame’s leading scorer, and Robbie Russo each had a goal and and two assists in the Irish win, only one of two victories in their last six games. Last Saturday, Notre Dame lost to Boston College at Frozen Fenway at Fenway Park in Boston, their first game in nearly a month. Despite the struggles, Notre Dame is ranked 15th in the USCHO.com and USA Today/U.S. Hockey Magazine polls.

UAH leads the all-time series 8-6 (during the Chargers’ varsity era starting with 1985-86 season), but UAH is 3-6 in South Bend.

The Chargers return to Huntsville next week for Military Appreciation Weekend against Alaska-Anchorage. Puck drop is 7:07 p.m. on January 17 and 18.

 

Catching the Game: vs. Bowling Green, Jan. 3-4

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The Chargers’ renovated locker room at the VBC was unveiled on Thursday.
Photos by UAH Sports Information. More photos here

Happy New Year! The Chargers start the second half of the season back at the Von Braun Center, hosting the Bowling Green Falcons in WCHA play. Puck drop is 7:07 p.m. both Friday and Saturday nights.

Tickets are available through Ticketmaster and the VBC box office. This week’s promotions are:

  • Kids 12 and under get free admission for all remaining home games this season.
  • Friday night, the first 500 fans receive a set of UAH hockey trading cards.
  • Saturday night, the first 1,000 fans receive a mini hockey stick.

If you can’t make the game, there are many ways to follow the action:

TEAM COMPARISON
UAH_logo_100 2013-14 Stats
WCHA rank in parentheses
1-19-0 Overall record 9-9-4
1-11-0 (10th) WCHA record 6-6-2 (T-3rd)
1.05 (10th) Goals per game 2.91 (3rd)
4.25 (10th) Goals allowed per game 2.73 (6th)
14.5 (6th) Penalty minutes per game 15.4 (5th)
8.1% (10th) Power play 18.3% (5th)
66.7% (10th) Penalty kill 83.3% (6th)
Matt Salhany (2-5-7)
Frank Misuraca (1-5-6)
Chad Brears (4-1-5)
Alex Allan (3-1-4)
Jack Prince (3-1-4)
Leading scorers Bryce Williamson (9-9-18)
Dan DeSalvo (4-12-16)
Mark Cooper (8-6-14)
Brent Tate (7-6-13)
Ben Murphy (8-2-10)
Carmine Guerriero
(10 GS, 3.51 GAA, .907 SV%)
Matt Larose
(10 GS, 4.93 GAA, .883 SV%)
Goaltending Tommy Burke
(12 GS, 2.59 GAA, .909 SV%)
Tomas Sholl
(10 GS, 2.58 GAA, .899 SV%)

 

The last time these teams met was a wonderful time. But enough about that, because the Falcons are itching to get rid the taste of that overtime loss just four weeks ago in Bowling Green.

Last week, the Falcons finished third in the Three Rivers Classic in Pittsburgh. BG lost to No. 7 Boston College 5-0 in the semifinals before beating host Robert Morris 3-2 in the consolation game. The Falcons’ last WCHA series was at Michigan Tech three weeks ago, earning a 3-2 win and a 4-4 tie. With 14 points, Bowling Green is tied with Bemidji State for third place in the WCHA.

The Chargers have lost four straight since the win, losing 4-1 twice at home to Minnesota state, and losing 5-0 and 3-2 at No. 14 Wisconsin.

The all-time series is 8-3-1 in favor of Bowling Green. The Falcons are 3-2 in Huntsville.

More previews: