Where: Oceanside Ice Arena, Tempe, Ariz.
When: Friday, 9:05 p.m.; Saturday, 9:05 p.m. (CDT)
Watch: ASU Live Stream
Team stats: UAH | Arizona State

Charger update: Not much went right last week as UAH (1-5-0) was swept at Cornell by scores of 5-1 and 3-0. It was the third of four straight road trips to start the season. The Chargers finally play at home next week against Alaska Anchorage.

UAH will need to find its offensive against the Sun Devils. After scoring goals eight in two games at Michigan Tech, the Chargers only scored one at Cornell — by Brennan Saulnier with 3:08 left in the first game. UAH only had 11 shots on goal in the second game.

Special teams will also need to step up. The power play sputtered to 0-for-12 against Cornell. Meanwhile, the penalty kill allowed four goals in 13 opportunities.

This will be the last non-conference series of the season. The Chargers have lost 12 straight games outside the WCHA.

Charger leaders:
Tyler Poulsen (Jr., F, 3 goals-2 assists-5 points in 5 games played)
Josh Kestner (Sr., F, 3-2-5 in 6 GP)
Brennan Saulnier (Sr., F, 2-2-4 in 6 GP)
Cam Knight (Jr., D, 0-3-3 in 6 GP)
Jordan Uhelski (Sr., G, 3.82 goals against average, .890 save percentage in 5 starts)

	Tale of the tape (NCAA rank)
1-5-0	Overall record	1-5-2
2.00 (T-55th)	Goals/game	2.25 (T-51st)
4.00 (56th)	Goals allowed/game	3.38 (T-45th)
14.7 (15th)	Pen. minutes/game	12.2 (T-29th)
17.2% (T-33rd)	Power play	8.3 (56th)
73.7 (T-47th)	Penalty kill	78.8% (36th)

About the Sun Devils: Arizona State is 1-5-2 so far in its third season as a NCAA Division I varsity program. ASU remains the only independent in Division I after discussions with the WCHA and the NCHC did not produce an agreement.

The Sun Devils won their season opener at home against Massachusetts, but have since gone winless in their last seven games.

ASU also had trouble scoring at an ECAC opponent last week, losing 3-0 and tying 1-1 at Colgate.

Players to watch:
Jakob Stridsberg (Jr., D, 3-2-5 in 8 GP)
Anthony Croston (Jr., F, 2-3-5 in 8 GP)
Dylan Hollman (Sr., F, 1-4-5 in 8 GP)
Louie Rowe (Jr., F, 1-4-5 in 8 GP)
Joey Daccord (So., G, 2.97 GAA, .918 save pct. in 7 starts, Ottawa Senators prospect)

Series notes: This is the first meeting between UAH and Arizona State. Next season, the Sun Devils visit Huntsville on Oct. 19-20, 2018.

Back in the club era, UAH twice played a team from the state of Arizona. The Chargers defeated Northern Arizona 6-2 in the 1982 national semifinals and Arizona 7-4 in the 1983 national semifinals, both en route to U.S. National Club Championships.

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

Thursday, Nov. 2
Ferris State at Michigan, 6:30 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 3
UAH at Arizona State, 9:05 p.m.
* Alaska Anchorage at Lake Superior State, 6:07 p.m.
* Bowling Green at #20 Michigan Tech, 6:07 p.m.
* #9 Minnesota State at Northern Michigan, 6:07 p.m.
* Bemidji State at Alaska, 10:07 p.m.
Ferris State at Michigan, 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 4
UAH at Arizona State, 9:05 p.m.
* Alaska Anchorage at Lake Superior State, 6:07 p.m.
* Bowling Green at #20 Michigan Tech, 6:07 p.m.
* #9 Minnesota State at Northern Michigan, 6:07 p.m.
* Bemidji State at Alaska, 10:07 p.m.

* WCHA conference game.

Where: Lynah Rink, Ithaca, N.Y.
When: Friday, 6 p.m.; Saturday, 6 p.m. (CDT)
Watch: Ivy League Network

Jordan Uhelski

Charger update: UAH (1-3-0 overall, WCHA 1-1-0) earned a split at Michigan Tech in its first WCHA series of the season last week. After losing 5-4 in game one, the Chargers beat the Huskies for the first time ever by a 4-2 score in the second game.

UAH’s special teams were the story in Houghton. After going 1-for-10 at Notre Dame to start the season, the Charger power play went 4-for-7 at Michigan Tech, boosting its season efficiency to 29.4 percent. The penalty kill, which struggled in the first game, came up big in the victory, keeping MTU off the scoreboard in its eight power plays.

Josh Kestner scored two goals and one assist in the series, giving him five points for the season to lead the team. Kurt Gosselin also had a three-point weekend, helping him get WCHA Defensive Player of the Week along with his six blocked shots. Tyler Poulsen scored his third goal of the season on Friday.

Jordan Uhelski played both games between the pipes and made 74 saves, the most in the NCAA for the week. He lifted his save percentage to .908 on the season to go with his 3.69 goals against average in three starts.

About the Big Red: Cornell was 21-9-5 overall in 2016-17, finishing third in the ECAC with a 13-4-5 league record. The Big Red reached the ECAC championship game (losing to Harvard) and the NCAA Northeast Regional semifinals (losing to UMass Lowell).

Cornell is predicted to finish third again in this season’s ECAC preseason media and coaches’ polls behind Harvard and Quinnipiac.

The Big Red, who have six NHL draft picks, return the core of their offense from last season, led by junior co-captain and All-Ivy League selection Mitch Vanderlaan.

The biggest question for Cornell may be its goaltending, which belonged to the graduated Mitch Gillam for the last three seasons. Hayden Stewart is the Big Red’s lone returning netminder, having only two games played last season (.947 save percentage, 1.35 goals against average).

Players to watch:
Mitch Vanderlaan (Jr., F, 15 goals-13 assists-28 points in 2016-17)
Trevor Yates (Sr., F, 12-10-22 in 2016-17)
Anthony Angello (Jr., F, 12-8-20 in 2016-17)
Yanni Kaldis (So., D, 1-13-14 in 2016-17)
Morgan Barron (Fr., F, 6th-round pick by New York Rangers)

Series notes: Cornell leads the all-time series 3-0-1, with two series played in Ithaca in 2001 and 2010. UAH tied Cornell 2-2 in the last meeting on Dec. 4, 2010.

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

Friday, Oct. 27
UAH at Cornell, 6 p.m.
* Alaska at Bowling Green, 6:37 p.m.
* Ferris State at Bemidji State, 7:07 p.m.
* #16 Michigan Tech at #12 Minnesota State, 7:07 p.m.
Lake Superior State at Michigan State, 6:05 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 28
UAH at Cornell, 6 p.m.
* Alaska at Bowling Green, 6:07 p.m.
* Ferris State at Bemidji State, 7:07 p.m.
* #16 Michigan Tech at #12 Minnesota State, 7:07 p.m.
Lake Superior State at Michigan State, 6:05 p.m.

* WCHA conference game.

Where: MacInnes Student Ice Arena, Houghton, Mich.
When: Friday, 6:07 p.m.; Saturday, 6:07 p.m. (CDT)
Watch: WCHA.tv

Tyler Poulsen (Photo by UAH Athletics/Doug Eagan)

Charger update: UAH (0-2-0 overall, WCHA 0-0-0) spent last week off. The Chargers were swept at then-No. 8 Notre Dame two weeks ago to start the season.

Tyler Poulsen scored twice to lead the Chargers in their opening 5-3 loss on Oct. 6. UAH mounted an upset attempt with a 3-2 lead in the second period, but could not hold on. Josh Kestner had a goal and an assist, and Jordan Uhelski stopped 35 of 39 shots.

The Chargers were shut out 4-0 in the second game despite outshooting the Irish 34-31. Mark Sinclair made 27 saves in his first collegiate start in net.

	Tale of the tape (WCHA rank)
0-2-0	Overall record	3-1-1
0-0-0	WCHA record	1-0-1
1.50 (T8th)	Goals/game	3.60 (1st)
4.50 (10th)	Goals allowed/game	2.80 (5th)
10.0 (7th)	Pen. minutes/game	6.8 (10th)
10.0% (8th)	Power play	38.1% (1st)
66.7% (10th)	Penalty kill	75.0% (T6th)

About the Huskies: Michigan Tech (3-1-1 overall, 1-0-1 WCHA) is undefeated in its last four since opening the season with a loss at Wisconsin.  The Huskies beat No. 16 Union 4-3 and No. 6 Minnesota Duluth 4-3 to win the Ice Breaker Tournament, then opened their WCHA schedule with a win and tie (shootout win) at Lake Superior State last week.

MTU has moved up to No. 15 in the USCHO.com poll. The Huskies were picked to finish third in the WCHA in both the coaches’ and media preseason polls.

Sophomore defenseman Mitch Reinke picked up three assists last week against Lake Superior, and Gavin Gould picked up a couple of goals.

Players to watch:
Mark Auk (Sr., D, 2 goals-4 assists-6 points in 2017-18)
Joel L’Esperance (Sr., F, 4-1-5)
Mitch Reinke (So., D, 0-5-5)
Patrick Munson (Jr., G, 2.77 GAA, .907 SV%)

Series notes: UAH has never beaten Michigan Tech in 14 tries (0-12-2). The Chargers finally got a couple of points off the Huskies last season with two ties in the four meetings. In Houghton, UAH lost 7-3 and tied 1-1 (with MTU getting a point in the 3-on-3 overtime). In Huntsville, UAH lost 5-2 and tied 4-4 (with MTU getting a point for winning the shootout). UAH is 0-7-1 in Houghton.

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

Friday, Oct. 20
* UAH at #15 Michgan Tech, 6:07 p.m.
* #14 Minnesota State at Bowling Green, 6:37 p.m.
Ferris State at Mercyhurst, 6:05 p.m.
#20 Air Force at Bemidji State, 7:07 p.m.
#6 Wisconsin vs. Northern Michigan at Green Bay, 7:07 p.m.
Lake Superior State at #1 Denver, 8:05 p.m.
Alaska at Alaska Anchorage, 10:07 p.m. (non-conference)

Saturday, Oct. 21
* UAH at #15 Michgan Tech, 6:07 p.m.
* #14 Minnesota State at Bowling Green, 6:07 p.m.
Ferris State at Mercyhurst, 1:35 p.m.
#6 Wisconsin vs. Northern Michigan at Green Bay, 5:07 p.m.
#20 Air Force at Bemidji State, 7:07 p.m.
Lake Superior State at #1 Denver, 8:05 p.m.
Alaska Anchorage at Alaska, 10:07 p.m. (non-conference)

* WCHA conference game.

Where: Compton Family Ice Arena, Notre Dame, Ind.
When: Friday, 6:35 p.m.; Saturday, 6:05 p.m. (CDT)
Watch: NBCSports.com, NBC Sports app, NBC Sports Chicago+

Charger update: UAH begins its 39th hockey season (33rd as varsity) looking to improve its record for a fourth straight year and get back into the WCHA playoffs. This series at Notre Dame will be the first of four road trips to start the season.

Huntsville senior Josh Kestner returns as UAH’s leading scorer from last year (9 goals-13 assists-22 points), and he’s expected to be the go-to guy to spark the Chargers’ offense, especially with Max McHugh (8-11-19) out with an injury for the time being.

Head coach Mike Corbett says the Chargers will be relying on an improved defensive corps, led by Kurt Gosselin (9-9-18), Cam Knight (3-16-19), and Brandon Parker (6-9-15). Jordan Uhelski is expected to be the starter in net (2.78 goals against average, .906 save percentage).

Friday will be UAH’s 1,000th varsity game.

About the Fighting Irish: Notre Dame reached the Frozen Four last spring, falling to eventual national champion Denver. The Irish compiled a 23-12-5 overall record and a 12-6-4 record in its final season in Hockey East, reaching the tournament’s semifinals.

Now Notre Dame is in the Big Ten as an affiliate member for hockey only. The Irish were picked to finish second in their now seven-team league by the Big Ten coaches. Notre Dame is ranked No. 8 in both the USCHO.com and USA Today preseason polls.

Last week, Notre Dame defeated the U.S. NTDP Under-18 team 3-2 in a preseason exhibition.

Players to watch:
Andrew Oglevie (Jr., F, 21 goals-20 assists-41 points in 2016-17)
Jake Evans (Sr., F, 13-29-42 in 2016-17)
Jordan Gross (Sr., D, 10-22-32 in 2016-17)
Dylan St. Cyr (Fr., G, 2.74 GAA, .896 SV% with U.S. NTDP U-18 team in 2016-17)

Series notes: Notre Dame leads 10-6-0 since UAH became a varsity program in 1985. The last meeting was Jan. 10-11, 2014, at Notre Dame, with the Irish winning 7-1 and 5-0. UAH’s last win was 3-2 on Oct. 9, 2009, when Notre Dame was ranked No. 5. The Irish have won eight of the last nine meetings, including the 2007 NCAA Midwest Regional semifinals, 3-2 in double overtime.

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

Friday, Oct. 6
UAH at #8 Notre Dame, 6:35 p.m.
#16 Union vs. Michigan Tech, 4:07 p.m. (Ice Breaker at Duluth, Minn.)
Ferris State at #20 Western Michigan, 6:05 p.m.
Northern Michigan at Lake Superior State, 6:07 p.m.
#7 North Dakota at Alaska Anchorage, 10:07 p.m.
#17 Air Force at Alaska, 10:07 p.m.
USA Under-18 Team at Bowling Green, 6:37 p.m. (exhibition)

Saturday, Oct. 7
UAH at #8 Notre Dame, 6:05 p.m.
#3 Minnesota/#6 Minn Duluth vs. Michigan Tech, 4:07/7:37 p.m. (Ice Breaker at Duluth, Minn.)
#20 Western Michigan at Ferris State, 6:07 p.m.
Lake Superior State at Northern Michigan, 6:07 p.m.
#9 St. Cloud State at #18 Minnesota State, 7:07 p.m.
#7 North Dakota at Alaska Anchorage, 10:07 p.m.
#17 Air Force at Alaska, 10:07 p.m.

In the hunt for a berth in the WCHA playoffs, the Chargers head to Ohio to finish the regular season at Bowling Green.

UAH is in ninth place in the WCHA standings, one point behind Northern Michigan for the final conference playoff spot. They’ll need points against the Falcons and some help.

All-time series: Bowling Green leads the series 19-4-1, including a 9-1-1 mark at home.

Back in November, the Falcons swept the Chargers in Huntsville by scores of 4-1 and 8-3, but the games were closer than the scores indicate. The first game was a one-goal affair until BG scored with less than two minutes to go and then added an empty-netter. UAH had the lead going into the third in the second game and was down only one halfway through the third before the Falcons again added another late goal and empty-netter (plus two garbage goals afterward).

Cam Knight has 16 assists this season. (Photo by UAH Athletics/Doug Eagan)

Charger recap: UAH (9-20-3 overall, 9-14-3 WCHA) was idle last week. Two weeks ago, the Chargers split with Bemidji State to finish out their home schedule, losing 3-2 and winning 5-2. Tyler Poulsen scored twice in the win.

The Chargers have started to play better, going 2-2-1 after a seven-game losing streak that has them fighting to stay in the playoff chase.

Kurt Gosselin, who is tied for the team lead with nine goals, did not suit up against Bemidji. He has missed the last three games due to concussion like symptoms.

Cam Knight has 16 assists on the season, the most by a Charger since Brandon Roshko had 17 in the 2007-08 season. Knight has helpers in his last three games and five of his last seven.

Senior captain Brent Fletcher is set to break the school record for most games played this weekend. He is tied with Joel Bresciani, who played 137 games as a Charger from 1999-2003.

Junior goaltender Jordan Uhelski has a 2.82 goals against average and .904 save percentage. In the finale against Bemidji State, senior Carmine Guerriero replaced Uhelski in the second period and stopped all 23 shots he faced.

	Tale of the tape (WCHA games only)
9-20-3	Overall record	15-17-2
9-14-3-0 (30 pts, 9th)	WCHA record	12-13-1-1 (38 pts, T4th)
2.62 (T6th)	Goals/game	2.69 (5th)
3.31 (10th)	Goals allowed/game	2.50 (T3rd)
14.8 (6th)	Pen. minutes/game	14.9 (5th)
14.6% (5th)	Power play	12.9% (8th)
77.6% (10th)	Penalty kill	85.6% (4st)

About the Falcons: Bowling Green (15-17-2 overall, 12-13-1 WCHA) played a non-conference game at home, beating Mercyhurst 3-0.

The Falcons haven’t played a conference game in three weeks, when they were swept and double shut out by Atte Tolvanen and Northern Michigan (3-0 and 2-0). BG has been shut out in three straight conference games.

Bowling Green is tied with Ferris State for fourth place in the WCHA standings. The Falcons have already clinched a playoff berth, looking to secure home ice in the first round.

Mitchell McClain, Bowling Green’s top scorer, has 16 goals (2nd in the WCHA) and 28 points (6th), but has been kept off the scoresheet in his last six games. He had a hat trick against UAH on Nov. 19.

Tyler Spezia, who scored a goal in each win against the Chargers in November, is second on the Falcons with 22 points. Chris Dufour also had two goals against UAH earlier and has 10 goals on the season.

Junior goaltender Chris Nell has a 2.35 goals against average and .902 save percentage in 26 starts this season.

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

Friday, February 24
* UAH at Bowling Green, 6:07 p.m.
* Michigan Tech at Northern Michigan, 6:07 p.m.
* Ferris State at Lake Superior State, 6:37 p.m.
* Minnesota State at Bemidji State, 7:07 p.m.
* Alaska at Alaska Anchorage, 10:07 p.m.

Saturday, February 25
* UAH at Bowling Green, 6:07 p.m.
* Northern Michigan at Michigan Tech, 6:07 p.m.
* Ferris State at Lake Superior State, 6:07 p.m.
* Minnesota State at Bemidji State, 7:07 p.m.
* Alaska at Alaska Anchorage, 10:07 p.m.

The Chargers look to improve their playoff position all the way in Fairbanks, Alaska, where they’ll face Alaska. Puck drop against the Nanooks is at 10:07 p.m. Central (7:07 Alaska) Friday and Saturday nights.

UAH is in eighth place in the WCHA standings, the last playoff spot. Alaska is in seventh, just three points ahead of the Chargers.

All-time series: UAH is 7-20-2 against Alaska, with a 3-11-0 record in Fairbanks. The Chargers have not been in Fairbanks since December 12-13, 2014, losing twice.

The teams met in Huntsville back in November. In the first game, UAH scored twice in the first 2:24 and mounted a 3-0 lead, but Alaska rallied for a 3-3 tie and the second WCHA point in the 3-on-3 overtime. The Nanooks won the second game 3-1 to take five of six points in the series.

Kurt Gosselin had 3 points in UAH’s 4-4 tie against Michigan Tech last Saturday. (UAH Athletics)

Charger recap: UAH (7-18-3 overall, 7-12-3 WCHA) finally ended its losing streak at seven games with a 4-4 tie Saturday against Michigan Tech, which took the second WCHA point in a 9-round shootout. But the Chargers still haven’t won since Dec. 10. Tech won the first game of the series 5-2 last Friday.

Sophomore defenseman Kurt Gosselin took the team lead in goals on Saturday with his ninth of the season, and he added two assists to give him 18 points on the season. He only trails Josh Kestner, who has 21 points after notching his 13th assist last Friday. Kestner is 10th in the WCHA in points and assists.

Max McHugh has 17 points on eight goals and nine assists. He and fellow junior Brandon Parker, who had three assists against the Huskies last weekend, are expected to play their 100th career games as Chargers in Fairbanks.

Jordan Uhelski made 31 saves in the 4-4 tie on Saturday in his 15th start and 18th game of the season. Matt Larose played last Friday for his first action since October, and he and fellow senior Carmine Guerriero have each played in seven games this season.

	Tale of the tape (WCHA games only)
7-18-3	Overall record	8-15-3
7-12-3-0 (24 pts, 8th)	WCHA record	7-10-3-3 (27 pts, 7th)
2.59 (6th)	Goals/game	2.50 (8th)
3.50 (10th)	Goals allowed/game	3.30 (9th)
15.1 (6th)	Pen. minutes/game	17.9 (2nd)
15.0% (5th)	Power play	15.8% (4th)
77.3% (10th)	Penalty kill	82.9% (8th)

About the Nanooks: Alaska (8-15-3 overall, 7-10-3 WCHA) is just ahead of UAH in the WCHA standings, separated by just three points. The Nanooks were off last week after splitting a series at Bowling Green. They are 2-1-1 in their last four, all on the road.

Senior right wing Marcus Basara has eight goals and 18 points to lead the Nanooks in both categories. He had a goal and an assist in the 3-3 tie in Huntsville.

Sophomore Chad Staley had the game-winning goal against the Chargers in Alaska’s win, and is second with 15 points.  Junior defenseman Zach Frye also has 15 points, with 11 assists — two of them against UAH from earlier this season — to lead the club.

Goaltending duties have been split with sophomore Jesse Jenks (3.35 goals against average, .890 save percentage) and senior David Jones (3.17, .904). Jones has started UAF’s last four games, stopping 138 of 146 shots.

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

Friday, February 3
* UAH at Alaska, 10:07 p.m.
* Northern Michigan at Bowling Green, 6:07 p.m.
* #20 Michigan Tech at Bemidji State, 7:07 p.m.
* Minnesota State at Alaska Anchorage, 10:07 p.m.

Saturday, February 4
* UAH at Alaska, 10:07 p.m.
* Northern Michigan at Bowling Green, 6:07 p.m.
* #20 Michigan Tech at Bemidji State, 7:07 p.m.
* Minnesota State at Alaska Anchorage, 10:07 p.m.

The Chargers try to get back into the win column where they’ve managed to be the most successful — league play on the road. UAH is 6-1-1 in WCHA away contests entering this weekend’s series at Lake Superior State in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.

All-time series: The Lakers took an 8-6-2 lead the series after sweeping the Chargers in Huntsville on Oct. 21-22. UAH is 5-1-2 in Sault Ste. Marie, including a sweep last season by scores of 5-4 (OT) and 5-0.

Charger recap: UAH (7-15-2 overall, 7-9-2 WCHA) was idle last weekend. Back on Jan. 6-7, the Chargers were swept by No. 19 Minnesota State by 3-0 and 3-2 scores. UAH currently sits in a tie with Ferris State for sixth place in the WCHA standings.

Hans Gorowsky has six points in his last eight games. (UAH Athletics)

UAH was outshot 33-18 in the first game and was shut out for the third time this season. The Chargers mounted a two-goal rally — and actually managed to outshoot the Mavericks (31-25) for te first time since joining the WCHA — from another 3-0 deficit in the third period of the second game, with Max McHugh and Hans Gorowsky getting the goals.

McHugh’s goal was his eighth of the season, giving him the team lead. He has a goal in each of the last three series. Gorowsky has two goals and four assists in his last eight games.

Josh Kestner still leads the club with 17 points (6 g, 11 a), but has been held scoreless in his last three games. Defenseman Kurt Gosselin has scored seven goals and 13 points but has been kept off the scoresheet for the last seven games since scoring UAH’s first hat trick since 2008 against Ferris State on Dec. 4.

Jordan Uhelski improved to a 2.63 goals against average and a .909 save percentage following a 30-save performance on Jan. 6. Carmine Guerriero stopped 22 shots against the Maverics on Jan. 7

	Tale of the tape (WCHA games only)
7-15-2	Overall record	9-12-3
7-9-2-0 (23 pts, T6th)	WCHA record	6-9-3-1 (22 pts, 8th)
2.56 (T6th)	Goals/game	2.72 (3rd)
3.28 (9th)	Goals allowed/game	3.06 (7th)
12.2 (9th)	Pen. minutes/game	15.1 (6th)
14.4% (6th)	Power play	11.7% (8th)
77.5% (10th)	Penalty kill	82.8% (7th)

About the Lakers: Lake Superior State (9-12-3 overall, 6-9-3 WCHA) had a couple of ties last week in a home-and-home series with Northern Michigan (splitting six points). The Lakers are 3-11-3 after a 6-1-0 start, and have dropped to eighth in the WCHA standings.

The Lakers are led by junior JT Henke, who leads the squad with 23 points (7 goals, 16 assists) — nine in the last six games. Sophomore Mitch Hults is right behind him with 22 points (6-16).

Diego Cuglietta, who had three goals in the series against UAH in Huntsville, has 10 goals on the season. But the hottest Laker is freshman Max Humitz, who has scored five goals in the last five games, rocketing him to the team lead and tie for the WCHA lead with 11.

Star goaltender Gordon Defiel has a 2.52 goals against average and a .915 save percentage. He stopped 60 of 62 shots against Northern Michigan last week.

On Thursday, Laker sophomore defenseman Owen Headrick left the team to join the Erie Otters of the OHL. Headrick had 15 points, tied for fourth on the team, in 24 games this season.

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

Friday, January 20
UAH at Lake Superior State, 6:37 p.m.
Alaska at Bowling Green, 6:07 p.m.
#20 Minnesota State at Michigan Tech, 6:07 p.m.
Alaska Anchorage at Northern Michigan, 6:07 p.m.
Ferris State at #18 Bemidji State, 7:07 p.m.

Saturday, January 21
UAH at Lake Superior State, 6:07 p.m.
Alaska at Bowling Green, 6:07 p.m.
#20 Minnesota State at Michigan Tech, 6:07 p.m.
Alaska Anchorage at Northern Michigan, 6:07 p.m.
Ferris State at #18 Bemidji State, 7:07 p.m.

The Chargers, tied for fourth in the WCHA standings, hosts the team they are tied with, No. 19 Minnesota State, to kick off the run to the WCHA playoffs.

All-time series: Minnesota State leads the all-time series 27-19-7. UAH is 13-10-3 against the Mavericks in Huntsville — including a pair of ties at the VBC last season. However, UAH has not beaten MSU in the last 20 meetings going back to 2002.

Charger recap: UAH (7-13-2 overall, 7-7-2 WCHA) lost two games in overtime at the Mariucci Classic in Minnesota last week. The Chargers lost 2-1 against Massachusetts, and gave up a two-goal, third-period lead in a 3-2 lost to Mercyhurst.

Cam Knight (Photo by UAH Athletics)

UAH outshot its opponents 73-44 in the tournament. Jordan Uhelski made 17 saves against UMass, and Carmine Guerriero had 22 against Mercyhurst. Uhelski now sports a .907 save percentage and 2.67 goals against average.

Max McHugh scored the goal against UMass, his seventh of the season tying him for the team lead with defenseman Kurt Gosselin. McHugh now has 15 points on the season.

Brandon Parker notched his sixth goal (fifth in seven games) as UAH defensemen led the WCHA in scoring in December with 2.50 points per game. Last month, Parker had five points (4g-1a), Cam Knight five (1g-4a), and Gosselin three (3g-0a).

Josh Kestner leads the Chargers with 17 points, adding his 11th assist against Massachusetts. He is tied for 6th in the WCHA in total points.

	Tale of the tape (WCHA games only)
7-13-2	Overall record	11-7-2
7-7-2-0 (23 pts, T4th)	WCHA record	7-5-2-0 (23 pts, T4th)
2.75 (T5th)	Goals/game	3.07 (2nd)
3.31 (8th)	Goals allowed/game	2.43 (4th)
11.4 (9th)	Pen. minutes/game	14.1 (7th)
16.0% (6th)	Power play	17.2% (5th)
79.7% (9th)	Penalty kill	84.7% (5th)

About the Mavericks: Minnesota State (11-7-2 overall, 7-5-2 WCHA) has not played since Dec. 16-17, when the Mavericks split a non-conference road series at Princeton. After starting 5-0, the Mavericks have not put together back-to-back wins. They are ranked 19th in the latest USCHO.com poll.

Freshman sensation Marc Michaelis of Mannheim, Germany is the WCHA’s overall scoring leader with 26 points on 10 goals and 16 assists. He has 12 points in his last six games, which earned him WCHA and national rookie of the month honors.

Michaelis is the left wing on the Mavericks’ top line with juniors Brad McClure and C.J. Franklin (Winnipeg Jets prospect), who have 18 points (8 goals, 10 assists) and 17 points (7 goals, 10 assists), respectively.

Goaltending has been split by senior Cole Huggins (.899 save percentage, 2.41 goals against average) and sophomore Jason Pawloski (.909, 2.49). Huggins, who has two WCHA goaltending titles, has started four of the last five games for the Mavs.

Nashville Predators prospect Zach Stepan has two assists in 15 games this season.

Shane Frederick, Mankato Free Press: Mavericks will need seniors over season’s second half

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

Thursday, January 5
* #17 Bemidji State at Bowling Green, 6:07 p.m.

Friday, January 6
* #19 Minnesota State at UAH, 7:07 p.m.
* Lake Superior State at Northern Michigan, 6:07 p.m.
* #17 Bemidji State at Bowling Green, 7:37 p.m.
* Ferris State at Alaska Anchorage, 10:07 p.m.
Michigan Tech at #12 Notre Dame, 6:05 p.m.

Saturday, January 7
* #19 Minnesota State at UAH, 7:07 p.m.
* Lake Superior State at Northern Michigan, 6:07 p.m.
* Ferris State at Alaska Anchorage, 10:07 p.m.
Michigan Tech at #12 Notre Dame, 6:05 p.m.

The Chargers return from their holiday break with their last non-conference games of the season at the Mariucci Classic in Minneapolis, hosted by the University of Minnesota.

UAH will play Massachusetts in the first game on Friday at 4 p.m. The second game between Mercyhurst and Minnesota is at 7 p.m. The losers play in the third-place game Saturday at 4, with the championship game at 7.

This is UAH’s third appearance in the tournament. In 2006, the Chargers finished in third place, losing to Minnesota and beating Massachusetts, and in 2012, UAH finished fourth after losing to then-No. 1 Boston College and Air Force.

Charger recap: UAH (7-11-2 overall, 7-7-2 WCHA) earned its third road sweep of the season on Dec. 9-10, taking 4-1 and 3-1 decisions at Northern Michigan. The Chargers have tied a program record with four straight road victories.

Brandon Parker had a goal in each game, plus an assist, as he earned the WCHA Defensive Player of Week award. Parker has scored in four of his last five games.

Josh Kestner also had two goals and an assist in the series, moving up to 16 points on the season to lead the team and tie him for 8th in the WCHA.

The Chargers are 5-1-1 in Jordan Uhelski’s last seven starts. (Photo by UAH Athletics)

Goaltender Jordan Uhelski posted another two solid starts, allowing just the goal in each game and making 47 saves. The junior’s save percentage went up to .908 and his goals against average went down to 2.73. His 2.28 GAA and .917 save percentage in WCHA games are both fourth-best in the league.

The Chargers are tied for fourth place in the WCHA standings with Minnesota State with 23 points. They have already matched their most WCHA wins in a season with seven.

About the Minutemen: Massachusetts (4-12-2 overall, 2-7-1 Hockey East) has lost five games in a row, currently sitting in eighth place in Hockey East. The Minutemen’s last action was two weeks ago against Arizona State, which swept UMass by two 4-1 scores. UMass did get a 5-4 win over then-No. 12 Notre Dame on Dec. 12 before its current losing streak.

UMass relies on a number of underclassmen — 15 of its 40 goals this season have come from freshmen. Sophomore Austin Pleavy leads the squad with five goals and 12 points, while another sophomore (Kurt Keats) and two freshmen (Griff Jeszka and Jonny Lazarus) each have four goals. Senior captain Steve Iacobellis also has four goals, with three coming in the last six games. Freshman Ryan Wischow has been the Minutemen’s primary goaltender, starting 14 of the team’s 18 games (.904 SV%, 2.82 GAA).

In 2006, the Chargers beat Massachusetts 5-2 in the third-place game of the Mariucci Classic, which is the only time UAH and UMass have previously met. That game was on Dec. 30, 2006, ten years to the day of Friday’s matchup.

About the Lakers: Mercyhurst (7-9-1 overall, 7-6-1 Atlantic Hockey), which plays host Minnesota in the semifinals, comes into the tournament on a 3-1-1 stretch in its last five games. The Lakers took three of four points in a home-and-home with Robert Morris two weekends ago, moving into fourth place in Atlantic Hockey.

Junior left wing Jonathan Charbonneau has been the force for the Lakers, scoring 10 goals on the season in 16 games. His centerman, sophomore Derek Barach, has 16 assists for a total of 19 points to lead the club. Defenseman Lester Lancaster has also been dishing out assists with 12. Goaltending duties have been split between junior Brandon Wildung (.896 SV%, 3.64 GAA) and freshman Colin DeAugustine (.921, 2.73).

UAH is 4-6-3 all-time against Mercyhurst, including a 1-4-2 record in the modern Division I era (3-2-1 when both clubs were in Division II). The Lakers have won the last four meetings, having swept series in 2010 and 2011.

About the Golden Gophers: Minnesota (9-5-2 overall, 3-1-0 Big Ten) is ranked No. 11 in the last USCHO.com poll. The Gophers have taken the early lead in the Big Ten and have won four of their last five, including a victory at then-No. 4 Boston College and a split with No. 10 Ohio State.

Sophomore Tyler Sheehy leads the Gophers with 11 goals and 12 assists for 23 points. A pair of seniors, Justin Kloos and Vinni Lettieri, have each chipped in seven goals. Minnesota has 12 NHL prospects, including Nashville Predator draftees Rem Pitlick (3rd round, 2016) and Tommy Novack (2nd round, 2015). Eric Schierhorn is the primary goaltender (.882 SV%, 2.93 GAA in 16 starts).

UAH is 0-4-0 against Minnesota, all games in Minneapolis. The last matchup was in the 2006 Mariucci Classic, with the Gophers winning 3-1 in the opening game.

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

Wednesday, Dec. 28
Northern Michigan vs. Cornell, 3 p.m. (Florida College Classic, Estero, Fla.)

Thursday, Dec. 29
Michigan vs. Michigan Tech, 2:30 p.m. (Great Lakes Invitational, Detroit)
Colorado College/Merrimack vs. Northern Michigan, 3 or 6:30 p.m. (Florida College Classic, Estero, Fla.)
Ferris State vs. Robert Morris, 6:30 p.m. (Three Rivers Classic, Pittsburgh)

Friday, Dec. 30
UAH vs. Massachusetts, 4 p.m. (Mariucci Classic, Minneapolis)
#15 Bemidji State at Alaska Anchorage, 4:37 p.m.
#16 Western Michigan/Michigan State vs. Michigan Tech, 2:30 or 6 p.m. (Great Lakes Invitational, Detroit)
#6 Boston College/#14 Quinnipiac vs. Ferris State, 3:30 or 6:30 p.m. (Three Rivers Classic, Pittsburgh)
RIT at Bowling Green, 4:07 p.m. (Toledo, Ohio)
Lake Superior State at #20 Omaha, 7:07 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 31
UAH vs. Mercyhurst/#11 Minnesota, 4 or 7 p.m. (Mariucci Classic, Minneapolis)
#15 Bemidji State at Alaska Anchorage, 4:37 p.m.
Alaska at #12 Notre Dame, 3:05 p.m.
Lake Superior State at #20 Omaga, 4:07 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 1
Alaska at #12 Notre Dame, 1:05 p.m.

UAH started the season with a sweep at Ferris State. The Chargers hope more success against the Bulldogs this weekend in Huntsville will provide a boost toward a playoff run.

The series starts Saturday at 7 p.m., with the first 500 fans getting UAH Christmas cards. Sunday’s game is a 3 p.m. start. Kids 12 and under get free general admission.

Supplies For Gatlinburg will be in the lobby at the VBC this weekend collecting items to take up to those affected by the devastating fires this week. Also, all proceeds from Chuck-a-Puck this weekend will be donated to the relief efforts for those affected by the tornadoes in Alabama on Tuesday night.

All-time series: UAH won a pair of one-goal games in Big Rapids on Oct. 1-2, but Ferris State leads the overall series 13-5-1. The Bulldogs are 5-1 against UAH in Huntsville.

Charger recap: UAH (4-10-2 overall, 4-6-2 WCHA) was swept two weeks ago by Bowling Green, keeping the Chargers winless at home this season. UAH had third-period leads in both games but lost 4-1 and 8-3.

Kurt Gosselin had a goal and an assist in the series, extending his point-scoring streak to six games. He now has 10 points on the season on four goals and six assists.

Josh Kestner leads the squad with 12 points, tied for ninth in the WCHA, after a goal and an assist in the last game. Max McHugh still leads the team with five goals, but has been kept off the scoresheet in four straight.

	Tale of the tape (WCHA games only)
4-10-2	Overall record	5-9-1
4-6-2-0 (T5th)	WCHA record	4-5-1-1 (T5th)
2.58 (7th)	Goals/game	3.00 (T3rd)
3.75 (10th)	Goals allowed/game	3.10 (6th)
11.8 (9th)	Pen. minutes/game	12.6 (6th)
17.5% (5th)	Power play	16.1% (6th)
77.2% (9th)	Penalty kill	83.9% (6th)

Goaltender Carmine Guerriero started both games in the Bowling Green series, with mixed results. He stopped 29 of 32 shots in game one, but allowed seven goals in game two.

The Chargers are tied for fifth place in the WCHA standings with Ferris State with 14 points.

About the Bulldogs: Ferris State (5-9-1 overall, 4-5-1 WCHA), after being swept at home by the Chargers, wound up with an eight-game winless streak to start the season. Since then, the Bulldogs have won five of seven, including wins over league contenders Bowling Green and Minnesota State. FSU was also off last week after sweeping Lake Superior State at home.

Senior Gerald Mayhew tops the WCHA in goals with nine in just 11 games, including scoring goals in his last five games. He had two goals against the Chargers on Oct. 2.

Craig Pelfrey’s 15 points (three goals, 12 assists) leads the Bulldogs and is third in the WCHA. Mitch Maloney and Corey Mackin have six and five goals, respectively. Pelfrey and Maloney each had three-point weekends against UAH earlier this season.

Freshman goaltender Justin Kapelmaster has had the hot hand for FSU. In six games (five starts), he has a 1.85 goals against average, a .943 save percentage, and one shutout. He made 73 saves in the Bulldogs’ sweep of Lake Superior, earning him WCHA Rookie of the Week honors.

Sophomore Darren Smith, who was in net against UAH back in October, has a 3.67 goals against average and .881 save percentage in 10 starts.

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

Friday, December 2
* #13 Bemidji State at Michigan Tech, 6:07 p.m.
* Bowling Green at Lake Superior State, 6:37 p.m.
* Alaska at #15 Minnesota State, 7:07 p.m.
* Northern Michigan at Alaska Anchorage, 10:07 p.m.

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

Sunday, December 4
* Ferris State at UAH, 3:07 p.m.