When you’re 1-19, you don’t expect many good-looking statistics. But if there’s one statistic for UAH this season that has been particularly woeful, it’s been penalty killing. Coming into last weekend’s series at Wisconsin, UAH had the worst penalty killing percentage in the nation at 62.9 percent.
So it was fabulous to see the Chargers go into a tough place like the Kohl Center and kill all 10 Badger power plays. And just like in KRACH, UAH isn’t last anymore (sorry Robert Morris).
The last time UAH held an opponent scoreless on the power play in a two-game series was against Bemidji State at the VBC back in October, but the Beavers only had four power play opportunities.
Coaches’ luncheon: Another home series means another pre-game coaches’ luncheon at the Varsity Room in Spragins Hall on Friday. Bowling Green coach Chris Bergeron will be the guest to talk about his Falcons and the weekend’s games.
The luncheon starts at noon and will be catered by Five Guys Burgers & Fries. Tickets are $8 at the door, and Blue Line Club members get in free.
Bergeron speaks: Bergeron talked about the Chargers in his weekly press conference. Regarding the last time the teams met last month at Bowling Green, he was very complimentary of UAH’s defense, especially the blocked shots.
Injury update: Matt Larose started Friday’s game at Wisconsin, stopping 23 of the Badgers’ 25-shot barrage, but he didn’t return after the first period because of a laceration on his hip that required 10 stitches. He dressed in Saturday’s game but didn’t play as Carmine Guerriero minded the net the rest of the series.
Jeff Vanderlugt will remain out for this weekend against Bowling Green.
Around the WCHA: Most of the league stayed quiet during the holidays. Outside of UAH’s visit to Wisconsin, Michigan Tech and Bowling Green participated in holiday tournaments.
At the Great Lakes Invitational — held outside at Comerica Park in Detroit — Michigan Tech tied Michigan State 2-2 in the semifinals, advancing to the championship in a shootout. On Saturday, the Huskies fell in the final to Western Michigan, 1-0 in overtime.
At the Three Rivers Classic in Pittsburgh, Bowling Green had a rough time against No. 7 Boston College, losing 5-0 on Friday. The Falcons held off a late Robert Morris charge to win the third-place game 3-2 on Saturday.
Heading into the new year, Ferris State is ranked No. 2 in the USCHO.com poll. Lake Superior is 18th, while Minnesota State received votes (Vermont essentially replaced the Mavericks at No. 20 after winning the Catamount Cup).
This week, eight teams resume WCHA play, while Alaska-Anchorage visits Wisconsin and Ferris State plays in the Mariucci Classic (where they may face host Minnesota on Saturday in a No. 1-vs.-No. 2 matchup).
| WCHA Standings | Conference | Overall | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | W | L | T | Pts | W | L | T | |
| Ferris State | 12 | 10 | 0 | 2 | 22 | 14 | 2 | 3 |
| Minnesota State | 12 | 9 | 3 | 0 | 18 | 11 | 7 | 0 |
| Bowling Green | 14 | 6 | 6 | 2 | 14 | 9 | 9 | 4 |
| Bemidji State | 14 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 14 | 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Lake Superior State | 12 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 12 | 10 | 7 | 1 |
| Michigan Tech | 12 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 12 | 6 | 10 | 6 |
| Alaska-Anchorage | 14 | 5 | 7 | 2 | 12 | 8 | 8 | 2 |
| Northern Michigan | 10 | 4 | 5 | 1 | 9 | 6 | 10 | 2 |
| Alaska | 12 | 4 | 7 | 1 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 3 |
| Alabama-Huntsville | 12 | 1 | 11 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 19 | 0 |
THIS WEEK IN THE WCHA
All times Central.
* WCHA game.
Friday, January 3
* Bowling Green at UAH, 7:07 p.m.
* Michigan Tech at Lake Superior, 6:37 p.m.
* Northern Michigan at Bemidji State, 7:37 p.m.
* Minnesota State at Alaska, 10:07 p.m.
Ferris State vs. Rensselaer, 4:00 p.m. (Mariucci Classic, Minneapolis)
Alaska-Anchorage at Wisconsin, 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, January 4
* Bowling Green at UAH, 7:07 p.m.
* Michigan Tech at Lake Superior, 6:07 p.m.
* Northern Michigan at Bemidji State, 7:07 p.m.
* Minnesota State at Alaska, 10:07 p.m.
Ferris State vs. Colgate or Minnesota, 4:00 or 7:00 p.m. (Mariucci Classic, Minneapolis)
Alaska-Anchorage at Wisconsin, 7:00 p.m.