Category Archives: 2014-15

UAH 4, Air Force 2

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It had been a year since the Chargers had taken a lead into an intermission and won the game — last year’s win over Bemidji.  And yet the Chargers went into the second intermission having taken a strong hold on their game against the United States Air Force Academy at the Cadet Ice Arena in Colorado Springs, Colo, on Friday night.

After the Falcons opened scoring with a fluky goal where sophomore netminder Carmine Guerriero‘s (Montréal, Que.) clearing attempt bounced off a Charger defenseman and onto the stick of junior forward Max Hartner (Greenwood Village, Colo.), UAH knotted the game five minutes later when freshman defenseman Cody Champagne (Brookfield, Conn.) picked up a puck on the left point and fired it past Falcon sophomore netminder Chris Truehl (Stoughton, Wisc.).

The Chargers were strong with puck possession in the second frame, edging the Falcons 10-9 in shots on goal while giving up three power play opportunities to the home squad.  Junior defenseman Frank Misuraca (Clinton Township, Mich.) received an outlet pass from freshman forward Brennan Saulnier (Halifax, Nova Scotia), charging down the right side and ripping a shot from just inside the top of the right circle to push UAH ahead 2-1 with a little over half of the game gone.

The Falcons zoomed out to begin the third, forechecking hard and pressuring the puck deep into the Chargers’ end.  The Chargers met that intensity, but Air Force knotted the game at two when senior forward Cole Gunner (Richfield, Minn.) took a fine feed from senior forward Chad Demers (Grafton, N.D.) along the blue line to the top of the right circle.  Gunner skated into the slot and ripped a puck just under the crossbar and past Guerriero (24 sv, 1-3-1) with 9:51 remaining in regulation.

There was no apparent nervousness on Mike Corbett’s bench, and UAH played with purpose and pressure.  And then …

Freshman forward Josh Kestner‘s (Huntsville) second goal of the season came at just the right time, spurring the Chargers to push even harder while grounding the Falcons and Truehl (2-6-0, 20 sv).  Frank Serratore called his timeout and no doubt looked at his protégé a couple dozen feet to his left.  “Is he really going to beat me the first time he faces me?”

Corbett is now 2-3-0 against Serratores.

Junior forward Jack Prince (London) scored the empty-net goal on what was perhaps an ill-advised clearing of the puck 190 feet down the ice.  But they don’t ask how — they ask how many, and it’s Prince’s first goal of the year.

So let’s look at this.  There are positives here, and not just the first win of the year (although Lord knows that’s awesome).  But here’s what happened:

  • Puck pressure was really strong all game, and even if the Herd didn’t keep possession of the puck at all times and spent most of its time with the puck around the boards, the fact is that UAH was in the offensive ice for far more time than we’ve seen all season.
  • Guerriero and his teammates shrugged off a gaffe that led to a fluke goal.  Let’s be honest: last year’s team might have crumpled under that weight.  Instead, they tightened things back up, played with purpose and confidence, and took the game back to the Falcons.
  • The movement of the puck on the power play was really good, especially at the points.  Champagne’s shot was just the kind of thing that we’ve been seeing from UAH defensemen all year.  In fact, six of UAH’s fourteen goals come from blueliners: Misuraca with three, Brandon Carlson (Huntingon Beach, Calif.) with two, and Champagne’s goal tonight.  With the forwards struggling to score — only Kestner has multiple goals — the goalies need support from somewhere, and they’re getting it from the guys closest to them.
  • Misuraca’s goal came on a nice breakout.  Rather than forcing the rush up ice the way some of his compatriots do, he saw that he had space and took a feed from Saulnier.  Misuraca was looking to pass to the center of the ice after crossing into the offensive zone, but when there weren’t any good lanes available, he took the shot.  That’s the kind of play that we haven’t seen much of from the Chargers for the last two years.  Last year, we would’ve been indecisive and lost our speed advantage while either taking a poor shot or making an ill-advised pass into someone’s feet.
  • Kestner notching his second goal is big.  Two goals in nine games puts him close to double-digit pace; no Charger has potted 10+ goals since Matt Sweazey (Toronto, Ont., 12 goals) in 2008-09.  Kestner scored goals in bunches last year, but the question was there: would statistics in the GOJHL transfer well to NCAA Division I?  It may not be a jump, but his performance so far is a step up.  No pressure, Kesty. (Get a goal at home next weekend, okay?)
  • Guerriero was sharp despite not seeing 40+ shots.  26 shots on goal was the second-fewest that he’s faced in his career, bested only by his first home start in a 1-0 loss to Bemidji State.  The coaching staff really likes to argue that they have two equal goalies, but it’s starting to look like the little guy may be pulling ahead.  His .934 SV% is well ahead of sophomore goaltender Matt Larose (Nanaimo, B.C., .909), and his GAA of 2.57 is a good bit better than his counterpart’s 4.00.  I certainly expect that the rotation will stay in place, and there’s no doubt that Larose is one heck of a goalie.  (In fact, my bet in the long run is that he’ll be the better college goaltender.)
  • Not only did the team get to carry a lead into intermission, but they held it for half a period — and then didn’t back down after going back level.  I can tell you nothing else about the game than that, and you’d be happy.

But I’ll only really be happy with a sweep, and I’m betting that’s true for everyone inside that locker room.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Friday, November 7

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

Saturday, November 1

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

Hoof Beats: Corbett returns to Air Force as visitor

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

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

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

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

Carmine Guerriero

Photo by Chris Brightwell

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

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

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

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

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

Brandon Salerno

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Visit our commitments page for more on recruiting.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Guerriero stars, Salhany scores in UAH’s 1-1 tie at NMU

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A point is a point, even if it technically doesn’t count in the WCHA standings. The Chargers certainly won’t any for granted.

Carmine Guerriero had another stellar night between the pipes, stopping 34 of 35 shots, and Matt Salhany’s shorthanded goal in the second period gave UAH a 1-1 tie with Northern Michigan in Marquette on Friday.

UAH is now 0-6-1 with the draw. It was the first blemish on Northern Michigan’s record, now 4-0-1.

The two-game series, which continues Saturday at 6 p.m. Huntsville time, was scheduled before UAH joined the WCHA, and is thus a non-conference series despite being against a conference foe.

The first period was brisk at about 25 minutes. No goals, no penalties, hardly any stoppage of play.

The second period was not so quick, with two goals (one reviewed) and four penalties.

NMU struck first. The Wildcats crashed the net, and after about 10 seconds of pounding away, Shane Seckel finally snuck the puck past Guerriero at 1:04 of the period. The goal withstood video review.

The Chargers committed three penalties, which lead to the Wildcats piling some shots on goal — 15 for the period — with their power plays.

But UAH held them off each time, and even netted its first shorthanded goal of the season. Brent Fletcher fed Matt Salhany near the Northern Michigan blue line, and Salhany turned on the jets for a breakaway. Salhany beat NMU goaltender Mathias Dahlstrom high to tie the game at 1-1 with 3:09 to go in the second. It was the sophomore’s first goal of the season and sixth of his UAH career.

The Chargers were outshot 11-3 in the third period, but didn’t allow the late third-period game-winning goals that haunted UAH in the opening series at Colorado College.

Guerriero, named the No. 1 star of the game, was spectacular, making big glove and body saves. NMU’s Dominik Shine knows first hand, as he was stymied multiple times in the period. Guerriero’s save on Shine’s toe-drag shot with 20 seconds remaining kept UAH’s hopes alive.

The Chargers got all three shots on goal in overtime, but Dahlstrom held firm, making a save on Cody Champagne in the final minute.

UAH finished with a total of 19 shots on goal to NMU’s 35.

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

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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.

Minnesota State finishes off sweep of Chargers, 4-1

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Charger head coach Mike Corbett has consistently said that UAH’s goaltenders are and have been our most valuable players. They certainly kept the Chargers within sniffing distance of the favorites of the WCHA.

One night after Carmine Guerriero made 54 saves to give UAH a chance, it was Matt Larose who did all he could to help UAH stay close with No. 13 Minnesota State. He made 37 saves in the Chargers’ 4-1 loss on Saturday, and the four goals he allowed were simply the result of the Mavericks’ speed and skill advantage. Larose had to deal with 41 Maverick shots on goal while the Chargers could only muster nine.

UAH fell to 0-6-0 overall and 0-4-0 in the WCHA. The Mavericks are now 4-2-0 and 2-0-0 after the two-game sweep.

The Mavericks were firing early again, and Larose was able to make the stops until Minnesota State broke through at 13:52 of the first. Chase Grant in the slot deflected a Jordan Nelson drive from the right wing, and the puck cleared Matt Larose’s pad for a 1-0 Maverick lead.

UAH had only one shot on goal in the first: A drive by Cody Marooney, gloved by MSU goalie Stephon Williams, who played in Friday’s game. Williams made eight saves in the game.

The Chargers finally started to take some shots in the second, and tied the game up as Josh Kestner deflected a Brandon Parker drive at 9:07. It was the Huntsville native’s first collegiate goal. Brennan Saulnier also got a stick on the puck to pick up the primary assist.

However, it wasn’t long until Minnesota State regained the lead. Cody Marooney got a cross-checking penalty just 12 seconds after Kestner’s goal. Bryce Gervais found himself all alone in front of Larose, made Larose commit to his right, and slipped the puck to the left for a 2-1 Maverick lead at 11:01.

Still, it was another close game going into the third. But Minnesota State asserted its dominance again with two goals that Larose couldn’t have done much more to prevent.

At 5:07, C.J. Franklin made a nice left side to right side pass to Teddy Blueger, who drive in on Larose and tucked the puck behind him for a 3-1 Minnesota State lead.

UAH finally got a power play at 10:06 of the third. The Chargers immediately give up a shorthanded breakaway to Gervais, who beat Larose again to make it 4-1 Mavericks.

The Chargers head up to Marquette, Mich., next week to face Northern Michigan in a non-conference series (finishing a contract signed before UAH became a member of the WCHA).

Guerriero makes another 54 saves in UAH’s 3-1 loss at Minnesota State

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BOX SCORE

When you watch UAH play Minnesota State, you can see the gap between the programs. The Mavericks are simply faster and more skillful, worthy of being favorites to win the WCHA this season.

Once again, Carmine Guerriero made that gap not seem so big. Unfortunately, it still wasn’t enough to get UAH a point.

The sophomore goaltender from Montreal put up another 54 saves at Verizon Wireless Arena on Friday, keeping UAH (0-5-0 overall, 0-3-0 WCHA) in the game as long as he could in a 3-1 loss to 13th-ranked Minnesota State (3-2-0, 1-0-0).

Last February in Mankato, Minnesota State put up 65 shots against the Chargers. Guerriero stopped 61 in the 4-0 loss, setting a UAH modern Division I record for saves in a game. That’s 115 saves in two career starts in Mankato.

The Chargers needed every stop to have a chance at an upset.

From the outset, like that game in February, the Mavericks fired and shot and blasted and whatever synonym you want. They had 18 shots on goal in the first, 19 in the second, and 20 in the third.

Yet after two periods, it was scoreless.

The best chance for the Chargers up to that point came in the second period, where Regan Soquila’s shot from the left circle was stopped by Maverick goalie Stephon Williams, then Matt Salhany was denied by Williams on the rebound.

But UAH could not get the puck possession needed to mount any sustained offensive pressure against the tough Mavericks, as it has been in recent years. The Chargers only had 18 shots on goal in the game to the Mavericks’ 57.

Late in the second, Guerriero made two critical saves to keep the game scoreless. The first came on a 2-on-1: Guerriero made a sliding pad save from right to left on Brad McClure. Then Guerriero gloved a bullet from Jordan Nelson, shooting from the left circle, with 30 seconds left.

In the third period, the Mavericks finally got their rewards.

MSU went up 1-0 on a goal by Jean-Paul Lafontaine, set up by Matt Leitner, only 51 seconds into the period. Then 2:40 later, a power play goal on a rebound to Bryce Gervais made it 2-0 Minnesota State.

The Chargers had a chance with six minutes left with a two-man advantage following roughing and high-sticking penalties to Minnesota State, but the Maverick defense clamped down and kept UAH scoreless at that point.

UAH finally got on the board with 30 seconds left in the contest with the extra attacker. Max McHugh notched his first collegiate goal in front of the Maverick net, assisted by Matt Salhany and Brandon Carlson.

With Guerriero still pulled for the extra attacker, Matt Leitner won the center-ice faceoff, sent it to Zach Palmquist, who fired it from neutral ice into the empty net for the final 3-1 score.

The Chargers are now winless in their last 15 games against the Mavericks — the last win coming in 2002. The last time UAH won in Mankato was in 1999.

Game two of the series is Saturday night at 7:07 p.m.

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

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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.

Chargers’ offensive woes continue in 4-1 loss to Bowling Green

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Back to the drawing board, as they say.

UAH lost 4-1 to Bowling Green on Saturday, swept by a combined score of 9-1 in the two-game home opening series with the Falcons.

After a couple of one-goal games at Colorado College, the Chargers (0-4-0 overall, 0-2-0 WCHA) had a much rougher time against a stronger conference opponent. UAH was outshot 47-21 on Saturday, and Bowling Green (3-1-0, 2-0-0) took advantage of eight power plays, scoring twice.

Still, UAH coach Mike Corbett said the Chargers played better on Saturday, at least in 5-on-5 situations. But the Chargers took 15 penalties, which led to eight Falcon power plays, with two converted into goals.

“They got 17 of the 47 shots on the power play and we’ve got to be more disciplined,” Corbett said. “That was our biggest thing this morning is just to be more disciplined in what we’re doing. We put ourselves behind the 8-ball penalty-wise.

“You figure all four of their goals, two on the power play and two turnovers. It’s pretty simple right there. Our turnovers were minimized compared to yesterday, but in big-time D-I hockey, you turn the puck over, the other team is going to score.”

The Chargers kept it close at the start, finally going into a first intermission without trailing. Bowling Green peppered UAH goalie Matt Larose with 15 shots, though, but he was able to stop them all.

UAH’s best scoring chance came with about eight minutes left in the first, as a Matt Salhany breakaway was denied by Falcon goaltender Tomas Sholl.

Bowling Green had a power play goal with 1:34 left in the frame as Ben Murphy fired on a wide open net. However, video replay showed why it was wide open: Dan Salvo’s right leg strayed into the crease and tripped Larose. The goal was overturned, leaving the game scoreless after one.

It didn’t take long, however, for UAH to fall behind again. Brandon Hawkins squeaked the puck between the pipe and Larose on the power play at 2:29 of the second for a 1-0 Bowling Green lead.

At 8:13, Jakob Reichert made it 2-0 on a forehand-backhand deke on Larose. Mitch McLain got the assist.

Then Kevin Dufort scored his fifth goal of the season at 14:51, poking it past Larose after a shot from Pierre-Luc Mercier. The goal came on the power play following a questionable clipping call on Brent Fletcher, who had upended Ben Murphy in front of the penalty boxes.

The Chargers were desperate for a goal to keep it close going into the third, and they got it from Frank Misuraca. His goal from the slot with 1:56 left in the second, on a nice pass from Brent Fletcher, cut Bowling Green’s lead to 3-1. It was Misuraca’s second goal of the season and sixth of his career.

UAH could not muster a rally in the third, partly because of penalties that led to eight power plays for the Falcons. The Chargers had 15 penalties for 41 minutes, while Bowling Green had 11 for 22. Another was Bowling Green sophomore goalie Tomas Sholl, who made the saves when necessary – 20 in all.

The final nail in the coffin came from Dufour, whose second goal of the game came with 6:38 to go.

Larose had a total of 43 saves in the loss.

The Chargers are now winless in their last 19 regular season home games, and their last 30 against Division I opponents.

UAH visits Minnesota State next week, the first of three road series. The Chargers return home on Nov. 14-15 against Lake Superior State. Corbett remains confident in his club.

“I like our team. Our team’s got to get better on the defensive zone and we’ve got to eliminate the turnovers. To me, that’s the biggest thing. If we don’t turn the puck over, I like to think we have more offensive end zone time.

“We just got to continue to get better in every facet of our game. Now got our freshman who got four games under their belt. Richard Buri gets his first game tonight and he was very solid. Is it one thing? No. It’s every aspect of our game. And that’s going to be a recurring theme. Our guys have to understand, even our older guys, they remember how hard it is in this league, how hard it is to be a Division I player, and that’s what we talk about. There aren’t any nights off, there aren’t any shifts off. We’ve seen what happens when we take a shift off.”