Category Archives: Catching the Game

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Preview: UAH at Bemidji State

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Where: Sanford Center, Bemidji, Minn.
When: Friday, 7:07 p.m.; Saturday, 7:07 p.m.
Watch: FloHockey.tv (subscription required)

Charger update: UAH (1-13-0 overall, 1-7-0 WCHA) hits the road for the rest of 2018, starting with a two-game WCHA series at rival Bemidji State. This will be the 87th and 88th meetings between the two schools.

UAH was swept at home by 12th-ranked Bowling Green last week. The Chargers lost 6-2 on Saturday, as the Falcons pulled away with two early third-period power play goals. But the numbers in that game were closer than in Sunday’s 2-1 loss, in which UAH’s lone goal was given to them when the Falcons hit the puck into their own net on a delayed penalty.

Freshman Jack Jeffers got credit for the goal, giving him a team-leading four on the season for the freshman. He has five points along with senior Madison Dunn and sophomore Christian Rajic.

Despite the loss on Saturday, goaltender Mark Sinclair still sports a .919 save percentage, good for fifth in the WCHA, to go with a 2.81 goals against average. Jake Theut was good on Sunday, stopping 35 of 37 Bowling Green shots to raise his save percentage to .910.

The Charger penalty kill now sits at 11th in Division I at 85.9 percent.

After this week’s trip to Bemidji, UAH heads to Michigan Tech (Dec. 14-15) and the Catamount Cup in Vermont (Dec. 28-29). The Chargers’ next home series is Jan. 4-5 against Ferris State.

UAH 2018-19 statistics

About the Beavers: Bemidji State (6-6-2 overall, 4-3-1 WCHA) is 1-4-1 in its last six after a 5-1-1 start. The Beavers currently sit sixth in the WCHA standings with 13 points.

Last week, the Beavers went on the road to Michigan Tech and tied a back-and-forth game 3-3, losing the extra point in the 3-on-3 second overtime. BSU lost handily in the second game, 7-2.

Goaltending in Bemidji still appears to be strong after the departure of Michael Bitzer. Henry Johnson has a .921 save percentage and 1.99 goals against average (both third in the WCHA) with a shutout in seven starts. Fellow sophomore Zach Driscoll has a .909 save percentage and 2.33 goals against (fifth in the WCHA) also in seven starts.

The Beavers are scoring 2.36 goals per game, and the goals have been well distributed. Sophomore Aaron Miller and junior Adam Brady each have five goals, with sophomore Charlie Combs and freshmen Owen Sillinger and Nick Cardelli each netting four.

Bemidji State 2018-19 statistics

Series notes:
Overall: Bemidji State leads 50-31-5.
In Bemidji: Bemidji State leads 28-9-2.
Last 10 meetings: Bemidji State leads 7-2-1.
Last season: Dec. 29-30, 2017 at Bemidji; BSU won 3-1 and 4-1. Jan. 26-27, 2018 at Huntsville; UAH won 5-1, BSU won 5-1.

This week in the WCHA: All times are Central. All WCHA home games can be seen on FloHockey.tv.

Friday, December 7
UAH at Bemidji State, 7:07 p.m.
#12 Bowling Green at Ferris State, 6:07 p.m.
#20 Michigan Tech at Northern Michigan, 6:07 p.m.
Alaska Anchorage at #3 Minnesota State, 7:07 p.m.
Lake Superior State at Alaska, 10:07 p.m.

Saturday, December 8
UAH at Bemidji State, 7:07 p.m.
#12 Bowling Green at Ferris State, 6:07 p.m.
Northern Michigan at #20 Michigan Tech, 6:07 p.m.
Alaska Anchorage at #3 Minnesota State, 7:07 p.m.
Lake Superior State at Alaska, 10:07 p.m.

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Preview: #12 Bowling Green at UAH

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Where: Propst Arena at Von Braun Center, Huntsville, Ala.
When: Saturday, 6:07 p.m.; Sunday, 3:07 p.m.
Watch: FloHockey.tv (subscription required)
Promotions: Kids 12 and under can get free general admission tickets, courtesy Huntsville International Airport, at the VBC box office on game days. UAH will be giving away the fourth installment of the 2018-19 trading card set to the first 500 fans on Saturday evening.

Ticket information

Charger update: UAH (1-11-0 overall, 1-5-0 WCHA) returns to the Von Braun Center after a trip to Alaska sandwiched by two off weeks.

The Chargers finally got their first victory of the season in Alaska, beating the Nanooks 3-1 on Nov. 16. Alaska won the next night 2-1 to split the series.

“We’ve had a few moments where we’ve had to come together,” UAH head coach Mike Corbett said. “We’ve had some moments where we have to grab some guys and say some things to them, and they say some things to the staff. It’s small successes we’re looking at right now.”

The Chargers will need to rely on their defense to contain the 12th-ranked Falcons, because the offense has remained mostly dormant, scoring 13 goals in 12 games. Freshman Jack Jeffers leads the squad with three goals, and senior Madison Dunn has the most points with five.

“Our team defense has been good, and our penalty kill has been fantastic, and Mark Sinclair has a .93 save percentage. For a guy who’s 1-7, his numbers are fantastic. We can’t waste that right now.”

Sinclair had 44 saves in the victory over Alaska, which earned him WCHA goaltender of the week honors.

UAH’s penalty kill is ranked sixth in Division I, and is second only to Bowling Green in the WCHA at 87.9 percent. The team defense has improved in conference play at 2.50 goals allowed per game, tied for sixth through six games.

“I like our group, but we’ve got to get them to play together. We believe in them more than they believe in themselves, unfortunately. We have to get them to believe in themselves, and if they do that, we’re going to have a good second half.”

UAH 2018-19 statistics

About the Falcons: Bowling Green (8-3-2 overall, 3-2-1 WCHA) has cooled off after a blistering start.

The Falcons were scoring almost five goals a game through their first eight games, going 6-1-1. In their last five games, they have scored only eight goals, being shut out three times.

Still, Bowling Green is second in the WCHA in scoring offense at 3.62 goals per game.

“Details against Bowling Green are going to be big,” Corbett said. “They have a good offensive team, and our details are going to be important.

“They’re going to be heavy, they’re going to be strong, and we have to be able match that. That intensity is going to be key and our compete level has to be at its best.”

Sophomores Max Johnson and Connor Ford, and junior Lukas Craggs lead the Falcons with six goals apiece. Vegas Golden Knights prospect Brandon Kruse has 12 assists as part of his team-leading 15 points. All-WCHA first teamer Alec Rauhauser leads the defensemen with 10 points.

BG’s defense has also been stout, allowing only 1.69 goals per game. A big reason is junior goaltender Ryan Bednard, a Florida Panthers prospect, who has a 1.72 goals against average and a .925 save percentage with two shutouts in 11 starts.

Bowling Green is also coming off an off week. The Falcons last played on Nov. 21, a 5-4 exhibition win against the Team USA Under-18 team. Their last official action was Nov. 16-17 at home against Lake Superior State, losing 5-0 and winning 5-2.

Bowling Green 2018-19 statistics

Series notes:
Overall: Bowling Green leads 23-5-2.
In Huntsville: Bowling Green leads 10-4-0.
In WCHA games (since 2013-14):  Bowling Green leads 16-3-1.
First meeting: Jan. 21-22, 2000 at Bowling Green. BGSU won 4-3 and 5-1.
Last meeting: Feb. 23-24, 2018 at Huntsville. UAH won 3-2, BGSU won 3-0.

This week in the WCHA: All times are Central. All WCHA home games can be seen on FloHockey.tv.
* Denotes conference game.

Friday, November 30
* #4 Minnesota State at #20 Lake Superior State, 6:07 p.m.
* Bemidji State at Michigan Tech, 6:07 p.m.
* Ferris State at Alaska, 10:07 p.m.

Saturday, December 1
* #12 Bowling Green at UAH, 6:07 p.m.
* #4 Minnesota State at #20 Lake Superior State, 6:07 p.m.
* Bemidji State at Michigan Tech, 6:07 p.m.
* Ferris State at Alaska, 10:07 p.m.

Sunday, December 2
* #12 Bowling Green at UAH, 3:07 p.m.

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Preview: UAH at Alaska

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Where: Carlson Center, Fairbanks, Alaska
When: Friday & Saturday, 10:07 p.m. CST (7:07 p.m. AKST)
Watch: FloHockey.tv (subscription required)

Charger update: UAH (0-10-0 overall, 0-4-0 WCHA) is looking to hit the reset button on a confounding and frustrating start to the season.

“Hopefully the week off gives us a good energy level coming into this weekend,” UAH head coach Mike Corbett said. “We will be rusty from not playing but for us to have success we need our energy levels high.

“The mood has been good. The group is realizing what we have to do to be successful after being humbled the first quarter of the season.”

The Chargers enter the series with Alaska still looking for its first win, having scored only nine goals in ten games. Two weeks ago, UAH hosted Michigan Tech and lost 2-1 and 4-1. The Chargers scored a lone goal in the third period in each game. Brandon Salerno scored his second goal of the season, and Madison Dunn notched his first.

The Chargers are also battling injuries. Senior captain defenseman Kurt Gosselin, who left the first game against Michigan Tech with a broken finger, will be out for a few more weeks. Forwards Connor Wood and Ben Allen are also out, but Corbett says they are hoping they return in two weeks when the Chargers host Bowling Green.

One bright side has been goaltender Mark Sinclair, who continued to show why he’s become the everyday starter. He stopped 63 of 68 shots in the Tech series (38 of 40 in the first game) to gave him a season save percentage of .922, sixth-best in the WCHA.

Another strength for the Chargers has been the penalty kill. UAH has killed 85.1 percent of opponents’ power plays, which is second in the WCHA and 11th nationally.

UAH 2018-19 statistics

About the Nanooks: Alaska (1-7-2 overall, 1-2-1 WCHA) has had its own rough start in Erik Largen’s first season as head coach, although last week the Nanooks had a successful trip to Lake Superior State, taking five of six points in the WCHA series. UAF took two points after scoring in the 3-on-3 overtime following a 3-3 tie on Friday, then got its first victory 4-3 on Saturday.

The Nanooks’ leading scorer this season is freshman Chris Jandric, who has nine points. He scored his two goals, along with two assists, in the series at Lake Superior, earning him WCHA Rookie of the Week honors. His brother Steven, a sophomore, has two goals this season.

Colton Leiter, who had the most goals last season among returning players with nine, leads Alaska in goals so far this season with three.

Junior Anton Martinsson has gotten the bulk of action at goaltender this season, posting a 3.24 goals against average and a .896 save percentage in eight starts.

Alaska 2018-19 statistics

Series notes:
Overall: Alaska leads 22-9-2.
In Fairbanks: Alaska leads 13-5-0.
In WCHA games (since 2013-14):  Alaska leads 10-3-1.
First meeting: Dec. 11-12, 1987 at Fairbanks. Alaska won 10-6 and 5-4.
Last meeting: Jan. 5-6, 2018 at Fairbanks. Alaska won 3-2, UAH won 3-1.

This week in the WCHA: All times are Central. All WCHA home games can be seen on FloHockey.tv.
* Denotes conference game.

Friday, November 16
* UAH at Alaska, 10:07 p.m.
* Alaska Anchorage at Northern Michigan, 6:07 p.m.
* Lake Superior at #10 Bowling Green, 6:37 p.m.
* Ferris State at #3 Minnesota State, 7:07 p.m.
Michigan Tech at Clarkson, 6 p.m.
Bemidji State at #2 St. Cloud State, 7:07 p.m.

Saturday, November 17
* UAH at Alaska, 10:07 p.m.
* Alaska Anchorage at Northern Michigan, 6:07 p.m.
* Lake Superior at #10 Bowling Green, 6:07 p.m.
* Ferris State at #3 Minnesota State, 7:07 p.m.
Michigan Tech at Clarkson, 6 p.m.
Bemidji State at #2 St. Cloud State, 6:07 p.m.

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Preview: Michigan Tech at UAH

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Where: Propst Arena at Von Braun Center, Huntsville, Ala,
When: Friday & Saturday, 7:07 p.m.
Watch: FloHockey.tv (subscription required)
Ticket information

Charger update: UAH (0-8-0 overall, 0-2-0 WCHA) dropped one-goal decisions to Lake Superior State in each of its first two games of the conference schedule.

“We competed very well last weekend, so we’ve got to be able to take the next step,” UAH head coach mike Corbett said. “We got on the doorstep to be able to win a game, and we didn’t finish. That’s the disappointing part.”

The Chargers finally scored multiple goals in the first game, but lost 4-3 last Friday. Tyr Thompson, Brandon Salerno, and Connor James found the back of the net.

Mark Sinclair stopped 31 of 34 shots for his third straight solid game between the pipes. That earned him another start in the second game, giving him consecutive starts for the first time.

Sinclair did well again on Saturday, making 24 saves, but the Chargers fell again 2-1. UAH had its first lead when Jack Jeffers scored early in the second period, but the Lakers scored twice in the third period for the win.

Now comes Michigan Tech to finish off three straight weekends at home with UAH still looking for its first win of the season. The Chargers have scored only seven goals in eight games.

“I’m not too worried about the other team,” Corbett said. “Right now, it’s all about us and making sure we execute under pressure. That’s going to be the biggest thing.

“Confidence and egos and things like that can be a little bit fragile right now for kids, and we’re trying to get them confident. To take a little bit from football, we want to make up for our mistakes with some aggression.”

On Friday night, the first 500 fans will receive the third set of the 2018-19 UAH hockey trading cards, courtesy of Bojangles. Kids 12 and under can get free general admission tickets, courtesy Huntsville International Airport, at the VBC box office on game days.

UAH 2018-19 statistics

About the Huskies: Michigan Tech (1-3-0) will be starting its WCHA slate against the Chargers after two tough non-conference series.

The Huskies opened the year at home against defending national champion and third-ranked Minnesota Duluth, losing 2-1 and 5-2. Last week, they traveled to No. 14 Wisconsin, splitting a pair of games each with the score of 6-2.

“Michigan Tech went to the national tournament last year,” Corbett said. “They split with Wisconsin and gave up some goals.”

Brian Halonen was named the WCHA Rookie of the Week for his performance against Wisconsin, getting two points in each of the two games. The freshman has moved into the team lead for scoring with five points.

While the Huskies are getting production from freshmen in the early going, Tech has some dangerous upperclassmen. Senior Jake Lucchini led the team in scoring (16-23-39) last season, with junior Gavin Gould and senior Jake Jackson (San Jose Sharks prospect) pitching in 14 and 13 goals, respectively.

Goaltending has been a little shaky so far. The Huskies have already used all three goalies in four games. Junior Matt Jurusik and senior Devin Kero each have posted .881 save percentages in two starts, but Kero had some success last season as Patrick Munson’s primary backup with a 2.50 GAA and .910 save percentage.

The Huskies, who won the WCHA tournament and lost in overtime to Notre Dame in the NCAA East Regional semifinals, were picked to finish fourth in both the coaches’ and UAHHockey.com media preseason polls.

Michigan Tech 2018-19 statistics

Series notes:
Overall: Michigan Tech leads 13-1-2.
In Huntsville: MTU leads 5-0-1.
First meeting: Feb. 7-8, 2014 at Houghton, Mich. MTU won 4-1 and 10-4.
Last meeting: Oct. 20-21, 2017 at Houghton, Mich. MTU won 5-4, UAH won 4-2.
Last meeting in Huntsville: Jan. 27-28, 2017. MTU won 5-2, tied 4-4 (MTU won shootout point).

This week in the WCHA: All times are Central. All WCHA home games can be seen on FloHockey.tv. * denotes conference game.

Friday, November 2
* Michigan Tech at UAH, 7:07 p.m.
* Northern Michigan at #9 Bowling Green, 6:07 p.m.
* Bemidji State at Alaska Anchorage, 10:07 p.m.
Ferris State at Michigan State, 6 p.m.
#12 Michigan at Lake Superior State, 6:07 p.m.
#4 Minnesota State at #10 Minnesota, 7 p.m.

Saturday, November 3
* Michigan Tech at UAH, 7:07 p.m.
* Northern Michigan at #9 Bowling Green, 6:07 p.m.
* Bemidji State at Alaska Anchorage, 7:07 p.m.
Michigan State at Ferris State, 6 p.m.
#12 Michigan at Lake Superior State, 6:07 p.m.
#10 Minnesota at #4 Minnesota State, 7 p.m.

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Preview: Lake Superior State at UAH

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Where: Propst Arena at Von Braun Center, Huntsville, Ala,
When: Friday & Saturday, 7:07 p.m.
Watch: FloHockey.tv (subscription required)
Ticket information

Charger update: The early non-conference games are over. Now it’s time for UAH (0-6-0) to step up with the WCHA schedule beginning this week against Lake Superior State at the Von Braun Center.

“This is where you’re gonna get judged,” UAH head coach Mike Corbett said. “This is where points are on the line for us. We’ve gained some confidence, doing some certain things, but we’ve got a lot of work to do.”

The Chargers were swept last week in their first series at home against Arizona State. UAH lost a tight 2-1 affair in game one, but surrendered three goals late in the first period and never recovered in a 5-1 loss in the second game.

“They were a bigger team and they leaned on us and they took it to us physically,” Corbett said. “They scored three goals in 90 seconds at the end of the first period, when it was 0-0. Their guy made a heck of a play on the power play, which nobody’s going to stop, but we’ve got to be able to shut the door in the last 90 seconds of the period, and then come into our locker room 1-0, regroup, and the hopefully be able to go after them the rest of the game.”

UAH’s goals were scored by senior Hans Gorowsky on a breakaway on Friday, and freshman Jack Jeffers on Saturday. But that has only raised the Chargers’ goal total to just three in six games.

“We gotta score,” Corbett said. “You’re not going to win a lot of games unless you score goals, and that’s our biggest thing. But it starts in our defensive zone. More defending less and have the puck on our stick coming out of our zone, getting our transition going. Everybody wants to look at the end result, put the puck over the goal line, put it in the net, that’s simple and easy to look at. We’ve got to work on our process getting there.”

It’s Homecoming week at UAH, with the Homecoming king and queen will be crowned at Saturday night’s game.

On Friday night, the first 500 fans will receive the second set of the 2018-19 UAH hockey trading cards, courtesy of Bojangles. Kids 12 and under can get free general admission tickets, courtesy Huntsville International Airport, at the VBC box office on game days.

UAH 2018-19 statistics

About the Lakers: Lake Superior State (2-0-0) enters the series coming off a bye week. The Lakers opened the season with a road sweep of Merrimack on Oct. 6-7, then beat Nipissing twice at home in an exhibition series the following week.

Senior forward Diego Cuglietta and junior forward Max Humitz each scored twice against Merrimack. Humitz led the Lakers in goals last season with 13, and Cuglietta was tied for second with Humitz with 23 points. Junior Anthony Nellis, who had 12 goals in 2017-18, also scored a goal against MC.

Sophomore goaltender Mareks Mitens shut out the Warriors 1-0 on Oct. 7, earning him WCHA goaltender of the week honors. Both he and senior Nick Kossoff figure to play roles between the pipes as last season, when Kossoff started 21 games (2.99 goals against average, .911 save percentage) and Mitens 15 (3.46, .896).

“We’re very familiar with [Lake Superior State],” Corbett said. “We’ve played them in a lot of close games and a lot of tight games. They’ve won a couple, we’ve won a couple, so the recent history has been pretty even. I think we can go into the weekend confident that way, that we know we can play with them. They’re an older group. They have some juniors and seniors that are talented, that have run their team as young players.”

The Lakers finished in ninth place and out of the WCHA playoffs last season. They are picked to finish eighth in the UAHHockey.com preseason poll and seventh in the coaches’ preseason poll.

Lake Superior State 2018-19 statistics

Series notes:
Overall: LSSU leads 11-7-2.
In Huntsville: LSSU leads 8-2-0.
In WCHA games (since 2013-14): LSSU leads 8-5-1.
First meeting: Jan. 14-15, 2005 at Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. Tied 3-3, UAH won 5-0.
Last meeting: Nov. 17-18, 2017 at Huntsville. LSSU won 3-1, UAH won 5-3.

This week in the WCHA: All times are Central. All WCHA home games can be seen on FloHockey.tv. * denotes conference game.

Friday, October 26
* Lake Superior State at UAH, 7:07 p.m.
* Alaska Anchorage at Ferris State, 6:07 p.m.
* Bemidji State at Northern Michigan, 6;07 p.m.
* Alaska at #7 Minnesota State, 7:07 p.m.
#15 Bowling Green at #4 Ohio State, 6 p.m.
Michigan Tech at #14 Wisconsin, 7 p.m.

Saturday, October 27
* Lake Superior State at UAH, 7:07 p.m.
* Alaska Anchorage at Ferris State, 6:07 p.m.
* Bemidji State at Northern Michigan, 6;07 p.m.
* Alaska at #7 Minnesota State, 7:07 p.m.
#4 Ohio State at #15 Bowling Green, 6:07 p.m.
Michigan Tech at #14 Wisconsin, 7 p.m.

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Preview: Arizona State at UAH

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Where: Propst Arena at Von Braun Center, Huntsville, Ala,
When: Friday & Saturday, 7:07 p.m.
Watch: FloHockey.tv (subscription required)
Ticket information

Charger update: UAH (0-4-0) is ready for its home opener after two rough weekends on the road.

Sophomore goaltender Mark Sinclair had a stand-out performance Friday at Colorado College, stopping 46 of 47 shots in a 1-0 loss.

The Chargers will be celebrating the 40th season of intercollegiate hockey at UAH.

On Friday night, schedule magnets will be given to the first 500 fans. On Saturday night, the first sets of UAH hockey trading cards will be given away. Kids 12 and under can get free general admission tickets, courtesy Huntsville International Airport, at the VBC box office on game days.

UAH 2018-19 statistics

About the Sun Devils: Arizona State (2-2-0) opened the season with four games at home. The Sun Devils swept their first-ever Division I series at home against Alaska with a pair of shutouts, then last week played tough against top-ranked Ohio State, losing 3-2 and 3-0.

This is the fourth season Arizona State has fielded a Division I team. Last season, the independent program had an overall record of 8-21-5, including a two-game split with the Chargers in Tempe last season.

Players to watch:
Johnny Walker (F, So., 4 goals-1 assist-5 points in 4 games played)
Brinson Pasichnuk (D, Jr., 2-1-3 in 4 GP)
Demetrious Koumontzis (F, Fr., 1-1-2 in 4 GP, Calgary Flames prospect)
Joey Daccord (G, Jr., 1.27 GAA, .952 SV%, in 4 GP, Ottawa Senators prospect)
Arizona State 2018-19 statistics

Series notes:
Overall: Tied 1-1-0.
At Huntsville: This will be the first meeting at the VBC.
Past meeting: Nov. 3-4, 2017 in Tempe, Ariz. Arizona State won 3-2, UAH won 3-1.

This week in the WCHA: All times are Central. All WCHA home games can be seen on FloHockey.tv.

Friday, October 19
Arizona State at UAH, 7:07 p.m.
Mercyhurst at Ferris State, 6:07 p.m.
Northern Michigan at St. Cloud State, 7:07 p.m.
Minnesota State at North Dakota, 7:37 p.m.
Alaska at Denver, 8:07 p.m.

Saturday, October 20
Arizona State at UAH, 7:07 p.m.
Northern Michigan at St. Cloud State, 4:07 p.m.
Mercyhurst at Ferris State, 6:07 p.m.
Minnesota State at North Dakota, 7:07 p.m.
Alaska at Denver, 8:07 p.m.

Tuesday, October 23
Western Michigan at Bowling Green, 6:37 p.m.

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Preview: UAH at Colorado College, #10 Denver

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UAH at Colorado College
Where: Broadmoor World Arena, Colorado Springs, Colo.
When: Friday, 8:30 p.m. CDT
Watch: NCHC.tv (subscription required*)

UAH at #10 Denver
Where: Magness Arena, Denver, Colo.
When: Saturday, 8:07 p.m. CDT
Watch: NCHC.tv (subscription required*)

The Chargers would probably like a do-over after a rough first weekend for the Chargers (0-2-0), who lost at Miami (Ohio) by scores of 5-1 Saturday and 4-0 Sunday. They’ll take what they’ve learned out west this week with single games at NCHC foes Colorado College and Denver.

UAH struggled to mount an offense against Miami. The RedHawks outshot the Chargers a combined 83-29 for the series, including a 45-11 advantage on Sunday. UAH only had five power plays for the weekend.

The Chargers’ lone goal came on their first shot on goal on Saturday, by Austin Beaulieu.

Kurt Gosselin had an assist on Saturday, but got a game misconduct penalty for contact to the head of a Miami player in the second player. The WCHA suspended Gosselin for Sunday’s game, but he’ll be back in the lineup Friday.

Mark Sinclair had a career-high 33 saves in net on Saturday. Jake Theut made 41 saves in goal on Sunday, his first start for UAH after transferring from Northeastern.

UAH 2018-19 statistics

About the Tigers: Colorado College (1-1-0) split its season-opening series at Alaska Anchorage last week, rolling over the Seawolves 10-2 on Saturday but falling 4-3 on Sunday.

Senior Westin Michaud was named the NCHC Offensive Player of the Week after scoring twice and getting two assists in the Tigers’ win over UAA.

Colorado College, which finished seventh in the NCHC last season and was 15-17-5 overall, is predicted to finish sixth in the league’s media preseason poll.

Players to watch (with 2017-18 statistics):
Nick Halloran (F, Jr., 19 goals-26 assists-45 points, All-American)
Mason Bergh (F, Sr., 18-22-40)
Trey Bradley (F, Sr., 7-24-31)
Alex Leclerc (G, Sr., 3.21 goals against average, .907 save percentage, 4 shutouts)

Series notes:
Overall: Colorado College leads 8-1-0.
At Colorado Springs: Colorado College leads 7-0-0.
First meeting: Oct. 7, 2006 in Colorado Springs. Colorado College won 8-1.
Last meeting: Dec. 18-19, 2015 in Huntsville. Colorado College won 5-2, UAH won 2-1.

About the Pioneers: Denver will be opening its season Friday at Air Force before entertaining the Chargers at Magness Arena. The Pioneers won a preseason exhibition game against Alberta 6-4 on Saturday.

The Pioneers finished 23-10-8 overall last season and second place in the NCHC. DU won the NCHC tournament and reached the NCAA tournament Midwest Regional final in 2018, one year after winning the national championship.

The NCHC preseason media poll has Denver placing fifth this season, the drop coming from losing their top three scorers (who all signed NHL deals) and All-American goaltender Tanner Jaillet. Also, head coach Jim Montgomery left to coach the Dallas Stars. Still, the Pioneers will be a formidable challenge with six NHL prospects.

Players to watch (with 2017-18 statistics):
Ian Mitchell (D, So., 2 goals-28 assists-30 points, Chicago Black Hawks prospect)
Jarid Lukosevicius (F, Sr., 21-13-34)
Colin Staub (F. Sr., 7-15-22)

Series notes:
Overall: Denver leads 5-1-0.
At Denver: Denver leads 5-1-0.
First meeting: Jan. 26 & 28, 2001 in Denver. Denver won 4-0 and 3-0.
Last meeting: Jan. 6-7, 2012 in Denver. UAH won 3-2, Denver won 5-2.

This week in the WCHA: All times are Central. All WCHA home games can be seen on FloHockey.tv.

Friday, October 12
UAH at Colorado College, 8:30 p.m.
Northern Michigan at Michigan State, 6 p.m.
#20 Bowling Green at Robert Morris, 6:05 p.m.
#18 Western Michigan at Ferris State, 6:07 p.m.
#3 Minnesota Duluth at #19 Michigan Tech, 6:37 p.m.
#13 North Dakota at Bemidji State, 7:07 p.m.
#8 Boston University at #11 Minnesota State, 7:07 p.m.
#5 St. Cloud State at Alaska, 10:07 p.m.
Nipissing at Lake Superior State (exhibition), 6:07 p.m.

Saturday, October 13
UAH at #10 Denver, 8:07 p.m.
Ferris State at #18 Western Michigan, 6:05 p.m.
#3 Minnesota Duluth at #19 Michigan Tech, 6:07 p.m.
Northern Michigan at Michigan State, 6:30 p.m.
#8 Boston University at #11 Minnesota State, 7:07 p.m.
Bemidji State at #13 North Dakota, 7:07 p.m.
#5 St. Cloud State at Alaska, 10:07 p.m.
Nipissing at Lake Superior State (exhibition), 6:07 p.m.

Sunday, October 14
Robert Morris at #20 Bowling Green, 4:07 p.m.

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Preview: UAH at Miami

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Where:  Cady Arena, Goggin Ice Center, Oxford, Ohio
When: Saturday, 6:05 p.m. CDT; Sunday, 2 p.m. CDT
Watch: NCHC.tv (subscription required*)

* If you are considering ordering NCHC.tv, consider getting the conference monthly pass. That will include UAH’s games at Colorado College and Denver next weekend.

Charger update: UAH begins its 40th season of hockey with a two-game series at its closest Division I opponent, Miami. It is the Chargers’ 34th season as a varsity program, 20th in the modern Division I era, and sixth in the WCHA.

Last season, UAH had its most wins in eight years, finishing 12-18-13. The Chargers had their best season in the WCHA so far, going 10-16-2 to finish in seventh place. They lost in the WCHA quarterfinals to Northern Michigan in three games, earning their first WCHA playoff win in Game 2.

The Chargers will be trying to win their season opener for only the second time in nine years. The first time was two years ago, when UAH went to Ferris State and swept the Bulldogs in a WCHA series.

UAH will be rolling with senior leadership and an experienced group of defensemen this season, while the offense and goaltending try to step up. Read more in our season preview.

Players to watch (with 2017-18 statistics):
Kurt Gosselin (D, Sr., 5-11-16)
Christian Rajic (F, So., 9-6-15)
Madison Dunn (F, Sr., 5-10-15)
Hans Gorowsky (F, Sr., 5-7-12)
Cam Knight (D, Sr., 0-11-11)
Mark Sinclair (G, So., 3.67 GAA, .876 SV% in 7 GP)
Jake Theut (G, Sr., transfer from Northeastern)

About the RedHawks: Miami had an overall record of 12-20-5 last season. The Redhawks finished last in the eight-team NCHC at 6-14-4, losing in the NCHC quarterfinals in three games to top seed St. Cloud State.

According to the NCHC media preseason poll, Miami is not expected to move up in the standings.

There is one familiar face on the Redhawks’ roster: Jordan Uhelski, who played 32 games at goaltender for UAH last season, transferred to Miami as a graduate. Uhelski was second in UAH’s Division I era (fifth all-time) in goals against average (2.94) and fourth in the D-I era (sixth all-time) in save percentage (.906).

Players to watch (with 2017-18 statistics):
Gordie Green (F, Jr., 15 goals-18 assists-33 points)
Josh Melnick (F, Sr., 10-19-29)
Grant Hutton (D, Sr., 13-14-27)
Ryan Larkin (G, Jr., 3.12 GAA, .886 SV% in 36 GP)

Series notes

Overall: Miami leads 8-1-0.
At Miami: Miami leads 6-0-0.
Streak: Miami has won the last eight meetings.
First meeting: Oct. 26-27, 1988 in Huntsville. UAH won 5-3, Miami won 7-5.
Last meeting: Feb. 10-11, 2012 in Oxford. Miami won 3-1 and 4-1.

This week in the WCHA: All times are Central. All WCHA home games can be seen on FloHockey.tv.

Saturday, Oct. 6
UAH at Miami, 6:05 p.m.
USA Under-18 Team at Ferris State (exhibition), 4:07 p.m.
Lake Superior State at Merrimack, 6 p.m.
Bowling Green at Mercyhurst, 6:05 p.m.
Lakehead at Bemidji State (exhibition), 6:07 p.m.
Mount Royal at #10 Minnesota State (exhibition), 7:07 p.m.
Alaska at Arizona State, 9:05 p.m.
Colorado College at Alaska Anchorage, 10:05 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 7
UAH at Miami, 2 p.m.
Lethbridge at Ferris State (exhibition), 2:07 p.m.
Lake Superior State at Merrimack, 3 p.m.
Alaska at Arizona State, 5 p.m.
Colorado College at Alaska Anchorage, 7:07 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 9
Bowling Green at #19 Western Michigan, 6:05 p.m.

Preview: UAH at #19 Northern Michigan, WCHA quarterfinals

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Where: Berry Events Center, Marquette, Mich.
When: Game 1, Friday, 6:07 p.m. CST; Game 2, Saturday, 6:07 p.m. CST; Game 3 (if necessary), Sunday, 6:07 p.m. CST.
Watch: WCHA.tv
Listen: RRNSports.com (NMU)
Team stats: UAH | Northern Michigan

Josh Kestner

Josh Kestner closes in on Bowling Green State goalie with the puck. (Photo by Todd Thompson/RiverCat Photography)

Charger update: UAH (11-21-2 overall, 10-16-2 WCHA) secured a spot in the WCHA playoffs with a 3-2 win over Bowling Green last Friday at the Von Braun Center. Austin Beaulieu’s goal with 1:18 remaining in regulation was the game-winner.

The Chargers lost 3-0 in the regular-season finale, and finished seventh in the WCHA standings.

Josh Kestner scored his 21st goal of the season, tied for most in the WCHA, in the third period on Friday, with Tyler Poulsen earning his team-leading 15th assist. Captain Max McHugh tallied his second goal, giving him four points in eight games since his return from injury.

Jordan Uhelski continues to make big saves for the Chargers. He stopped 30 shots on Friday and 28 on Saturday against Bowling Green. His .915 save percentage in conference play is fourth in the WCHA.

The Chargers return to the WCHA playoffs for the first time since 2015, when they were also a seventh seed. UAH was swept in two games, one in triple overtime, without scoring that season.

However, UAH went 2-2 against Northern Michigan during the regular season, which gives the Chargers some confidence going into this best-of-3 quarterfinal series in Marquette.

Players to watch:
Josh Kestner (Sr., F, 21 goals-7 assists-28 points in 34 games played)
Tyler Poulsen (Jr., F, 9-15-24 in 32 GP)
Christian Rajic (Fr., F, 9-6-15 in 34 GP)
Kurt Gosselin (Jr., D, 5-10-15 in 34 GP)
Brennan Saulnier (Sr., F, 8-7-15 in 28 GP)
Jordan Uhelski (Sr., G, 2.92 goals against average, .911 save percentage in 29 starts)

About the Wildcats: Northern Michigan (21-12-3 overall, 19-7-2 WCHA) finished second in the WCHA, much higher than their predicted seventh place in the preseason polls. The Wildcats have been strong in the second half, winning 10 of their last 12 games.

Last weekend, NMU split a home-and-home series with arch rival Michigan Tech, winning 2-1 at home and losing 3-2 on the road.

NMU boasts three dangerous goal scorers that will need to be contained for the Chargers to advance. Robbie Payne (20 goals), Troy Loggins (17 goals), Darien Craighead (17 goals) combined for five goals and 11 points in the four games against UAH this season.

And that doesn’t include the Wildcats’ leading scorer, Adam Rockwood, who has 30 assists (fourth in Division I) and 38 points this season. Rockwood had a goal and four assists against the Chargers.

The Wildcats will have all-WCHA goaltender Atte Tolvanen between the pipes. He did not dress against UAH in the series in Marquette, but has started every game since returning from injury on Dec. 15. Tolvanen allowed six goals on 29 shots in the two games in Huntsville.

Players to watch:
Adam Rockwood (Jr., F, 8-30-38 in 36 GP)
Robbie Payne (Sr., F, 20-9-29 in 36 GP)
Troy Loggins (Jr.,, F, 17-20-37 in 36 GP)
Darien Craighead (So., F, 17-14-31 in 35 GP)
Philip Beaulieu (So., D, 9-22-31 in 36 GP)
Atte Tolvanen (Jr., G, 2.41 GAA, .905 SV%, 2 shutouts in 28 starts)

UAH Tale of the tape
(per game averages)		 Northern Michigan
11-21-2 Overall record 21-12-3
10-16-2 WCHA record 19-7-2
2.46 (7th) Goals/game 3.04 (3rd)
3.07 (T-7th) Goals allowed/game 2.29 (4th)
15.2 (4th) Penalty minutes 13.1 (9th)
16.9% (6th) Power play 21.6% (2nd)
80.1% (7th) Penalty kill 83.2% (4th)
WCHA rank in parentheses, conference games only

 

Series notes: Northern Michigan leads the all-time series 13-6-3, including an 8-3-1 mark in Marquette. UAH has won four of the last six meetings overall, and three of the last four at NMU. This season, both series in Huntsville and Marquette were splits.

This week in the WCHA: All times are Central. All WCHA playoff games can be seen on WCHA.tv.

Friday, March 2 (Game 1)
UAH at #19 Northern Michigan, 6:07 p.m.
Ferris State at #17 Bowling Green, 7:07 p.m.
Michigan Tech at Bemidji State, 7:07 p.m.
Alaska at #3 Minnesota State, 7:07 p.m.

Saturday, March 3 (Game 2)
UAH at #19 Northern Michigan, 6:07 p.m.
Ferris State at #17 Bowling Green, 6:07 p.m.
Michigan Tech at Bemidji State, 7:07 p.m.
Alaska at #3 Minnesota State, 7:07 p.m.

Sunday, March 4 (Game 3 if necessary)
UAH at #19 Northern Michigan, 6:07 p.m.
Michigan Tech at Bemidji State, 5:07 p.m.
Ferris State at #17 Bowling Green, 6:07 p.m.
Alaska at #3 Minnesota State, 7:07 p.m.

Preview: UAH vs. #15 Bowling Green

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Where: Propst Arena, Von Braun Center, Huntsville, Ala.
When: Friday, 6:07 p.m.; Saturday, 3:07 p.m.
Watch: WCHA.tv
Team stats: UAH | Bowling Green

Kurt Gosselin

Kurt Gosselin, who can throw a solid hip check, now has 16 career goals at UAH. (Photo by Todd Thompson/RiverCat Photography)

Charger update: UAH (10-20-2 overall, 9-15-2 WCHA) was off last week, but despite that and being swept by Minnesota State two weeks ago, the Chargers remain in sixth place in the WCHA standings (albeit now tied with Alaska).

In this final week of the regular season against Bowling Green, the Chargers need at least two points (or otherwise get help elsewhere) to qualify for the WCHA playoffs.

Against Minnesota State, which was ranked fifth in the USCHO poll at the time, UAH nearly pulled off an upset in the first game. Kurt Gosselin and Christian Rajic scored two quick goals early in the second period to take a 2-1 lead, but MSU rallied with a goal with 2:10 left in regulation and another 27 seconds into overtime to win. The Mavericks rolled 6-1 in the second game.

Josh Kestner had an assist in the first game to raise his point total to 27 for the season. He’s tied for the WCHA lead with Minnesota State’s C.J. Seuss with 18 goals in conference play and 20 goals overall.

Kestner will be one of eight players who will be finishing their UAH careers this season. They will be honored before Sunday’s home finale.

Brennan Saulnier can return to action after being suspended for four games.

Players to watch:
Josh Kestner (Sr., F, 20 goals-7 assists-27 points in 32 games played)
Tyler Poulsen (Jr., F, 9-14-23 in 30 GP)
Christian Rajic (Fr., F, 9-6-15 in 32 GP)
Kurt Gosselin (Jr., D, 5-10-15 in 32 GP)
Jordan Uhelski (Sr., G, 2.95 goals against average, .910 save percentage in 27 starts)

About the Falcons: Bowling Green (19-9-6 overall, 16-5-5 WCHA) comes to Huntsville winners of seven of its last eight games, including a sweep at Alaska Anchorage last week. The Falcons, sitting in third place in the WCHA standings three points behind Northern Michigan, have clinched home ice in the WCHA quarterfinals.

Three of the top six scorers for the Falcons are freshmen. Max Johnson has scored a goal in six of the last nine games. Brandon Kruse had two assists in the series against UAH at BG back in December.

Alec Rauhauser is second in the nation among defensemen in points per game with 0.97.

Mitchell McLain has 14 points in his last 13 games.

Players to watch:
Alec Rauhauser (So., D, 7-26-33 in 34 GP)
Mitchell McLain (Sr., F, 14-11-25 in 34 GP)
Brandon Kruse (Fr., F, 6-23-29 in 34 GP)
Max Johnson (Fr., F, 10-15-25 in 34 GP)
Adam Smith (Jr., D, 1-3-4 in 34 GP, Nashville Predators prospect)
Ryan Bednard (So., G, 2.32 GAA, .910 SV%, 1 SHO in 20 starts, Florida Panthers prospect)

UAH Tale of the tape
(per game averages)		 Bowling Green
10-20-2 Overall record 19-9-6
9-15-2 WCHA record 16-5-5
2.54 (7th) Goals/game 3.15 (2nd)
3.12 (7th) Goals allowed/game 2.31 (T-3rd)
15.7 (3rd) Penalty minutes 17.0 (2nd)
16.4% (6th) Power play 19.5% (4th)
81.2% (7th) Penalty kill 84.3% (4th)
WCHA rank in parentheses, conference games only

 

Series notes: Bowling Green leads the all-time series 22-2-4, and is 9-3-0 in Huntsville. The Falcons are 6-0-1 in the last seven meetings, with the last UAH win being a 7-5 decision on March 4, 2016. Back on Dec. 9 in Ohio, UAH tied Bowling Green 3-3 (UAH earning the extra WCHA point in the shootout) and lost 3-1.

Promotions: On Friday, the first 500 fans get a free UAH Hockey trading card set courtesy of Colonial Printing.

Free general admission for kids 12 and under is available to all home games, courtesy of Huntsville International Airport.

This week in the WCHA: All times are Central. Games featuring WCHA teams at home can be seen on WCHA.tv.

Friday, Feb. 23
#15 Bowling Green at UAH, 6:07 p.m.
Lake Superior State at Ferris State, 6:07 p.m.
Michigan Tech at #16 Northern Michigan, 6:07 p.m.
Bemidji State at #4 Minnesota State, 7:07 p.m.
Alaska Anchorage at Alaska, 10:07 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 24
#15 Bowling Green at UAH, 3:07 p.m.
Lake Superior State at Ferris State, 6:07 p.m.
#16 Northern Michigan at Michigan Tech, 6:07 p.m.
Bemidji State at #4 Minnesota State, 7:07 p.m.
Alaska Anchorage at Alaska, 10:07 p.m.