-Marian's Ian Carroll Earns National Academic Honors (6/14/05)
-MSOE Hockey to Host USA Hockey National Under-18 Team (6/1/05)
-Ian Carroll and Brian Soik Earn Academic All-American Honors in District (5/26/05)
-MCHA's Lewis, Hanberg, Peterson, & Ostapina Earn USCHO.com Honors (4/5/05)
-Harris Cup Champ MSOE Back in the National Poll (2/28/05)
-MSOE Claims First-Ever Harris Cup With OT Thriller! (2/26/05)
-MCHA Championship to be Settled This Weekend (2/24/05)
-Crookston's Patrick Knutson Named National Player-of-the-Week (2/22/05)
-Raiders and Golden Eagles Advance in MCHA Semifinals (2/21/05)
-MCHA Tournament Now Down to Final Four (2/14/05)
-Tournament Bracket All Set With Regular Season Complete (2/7/05)
-Final Week of MCHA Regular Season Coming Next (1/31/05)
-MSOE Claims First-Ever MCHA Regular Season Crown (1/29/05)
-Viking Goalie Isaac Receives National Defensive Player-of-the-Week (1/25/05)
-Crookston Hands No. 2 Lawrence Weekend Sweep (1/24/05)
-Lumberjack's Petkov Highlighted in USCHO.com Article (1/20/05)
-Vikings Sweep Marian to Pull Closer to MSOE at Top of MCHA (1/17/05)
-Former Sabre Terry Dunbar Playing Well for Knoxville Ice Bears (1/10/05)
-MCHA Back in Action for 2005 (1/10/05)
-First-Place Raiders Ready to Start New Year (1/6/05)
-MCHA Now Enjoying Holiday Break (12/20/04)
-MSOE Sweeps MCHA Player-of-the-Week Awards (12/13/04)
-Lawrence Vikings Keep MCHA in National Headlines (12/10/04)
-Finlandia's Lewis Selected as USCHO/ITECH National Player-of-the-Week (12/9/04)
-First Thru Fourth Place Separated by Just 6 Points After Weekend (12/6/04)
-Northland's Ryan Becker Breaks School Scoring Mark (12/1/04)
-Sabres Surprise #3 St. Norbert in Busy Non-Conference Slate (11/29/04)
-Marian Now Tied With MSOE at Top of MCHA Standings (11/22/04)
-Lawrence University Off to 2-0 Start in MCHA Play (11/15/04)
-MSOE Begins MCHA Season on Top With 2-0 Start (11/8/04)
-Read the MCHA Season Preview From U.S. College Hockey Online (11/4/04)
-Lawrence Vikings Sweep MCHA Weekly Awards (11/1/04)
-Marian College Tabs Wise as New Head Coach (8/13/04)
-Marian's Chris Brown Accepts Head Position at Hamline University (7/26/04)
-Marian's Ian Carroll Cited for Academic Honor (5/27/04)
-MCHA Unveils New Logo (5/20/04)

 

 

 

 

-June 14, 2005
Marian's Ian Carroll Named Third Team Academic All-American
The 2005 ESPN The Magazine Academic All-American College Division Men's At-Large Teams were named today (June 14) by CoSIDA (College Sports Information Directors of America), and the MCHA was represented by Marian College's Ian Carroll, who was chosen as a member of the Third Team. Being picked for one of the national teams is one of the highest honors a Division III athlete can receive.

Ian played in all 29 games for the Marian hockey team this past winter, notching career-highs with 13 goals and 12 assists on his way to a personal-best 25 point season. The senior Economics/Finance and Marketing major carries a 3.97 GPA and finished his Sabre career as the eleventh-most prolific scorer in school history, recording 70 points on 33 goals and 37 assists in his career. He also finished his career second all-time in game played with 109, just a game shy of the record 110. He has been named to the MCHA All-Academic Team each year he has played at Marian, and was named the school's Economics/Finance Student-of-the-Year this spring. Additionally, Carroll was one of just two hockey players among the 45 student-athletes on the three teams.

The fifteen-member at-large teams are made up of nominees from 350+ NCAA Division III schools that sponsor the 14 sports that do not have an individual Academic All-American team. The Men's At-Large program includes the sports of fencing, golf, gymnastics, hockey, lacrosse, rifle, skiing, tennis, volleyball, water polo and wrestling.

Third Team (Alphabetical Order)
Name                School, Yr, Sport, (Hometown), GPA/Major
Brandon Burke      Emory, Jr, Swimming, (Duluth, Ga.), 3.82/Business Admin.
Ian Carroll              Marian (Wis.), Sr, Ice Hockey, (Peoria, Ill.), 3.97/Econ./Fin. & Marketing
Brad Changstrom  Whitman, Sr, Tennis, (Loveland, Colo.), 3.75/Biochem./Biophys.
Jason Ford             Central (Iowa), Jr, Tennis, (Granite Falls, Minn.), 3.97/Physics
Adam Hanna          Saint John’s, Jr, Ice Hockey, (Owatonna, Minn.), 3.71/Economics
Thomas Hipp         Barry, Jr, Tennis, (Kreenheinstetten, Germ.), 3.95/Sports Mgmt.
Vanja Kalabic         BYU-Hawaii, Sr, Water Polo, (Belgrade, Yugo.), 3.71/Bus. Mgmt.
Jonathan Kleinman Johns Hopkins, Sr, Swimming, (North Oaks, Minn.), 3.67/Neuroscience
Rio Kuteira              Willamette, Sr, Golf, (Arcata, Calif.), 3.91/Physics
David Lutz               Wayne State, Sr, Swimming, (Rochester, Mich.), 3.72/Civil Engineering
Matt Martelli            Sewanee, Sr, Swimming, (Winchester, Ky.), 3.65/Biology
Andrew Miller         Otterbein, So, Golf, (Xenia, Ohio), 3.94/Business Finance
Andy Shelley           Missouri-Rolla, So, Swimming, (Katy, Tex.), 4.00/Mech. Engineering
Kyle Thompson     Rollins, Sr, Swimming, (Orlando, Fla.), 3.90/Mathematics
Ryan Valek              Augsburg, Jr, Wrestling (Belle Plaine, Minn.), 3.78/Accounting
Dustin Winn            SUNY-Oneonta, Sr, Wrestling, (Bainbridge, N.Y.), 3.65/Phys./Engineering

"Being one of just 45 student-athletes on one of the national teams is truly an honor," stated Carroll when told of his selection. "Hockey and school have both been very important to me over the last four years and to receive an award that combines both is a great ending to my four years at Marian."

"Ian is the type of person you only wish the best for," stated Jasen Wise, Carroll's head coach on the hockey team. "He is very deserving of this award and we are proud to say he is a member of our hockey program. I wish I had Ian for another four years, he will be missed and is an excellent example of a person who excels both in the classroom and at the rink."

The College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) selects ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America® teams in 12 programs: football, women’s volleyball, men's soccer, women's soccer, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, baseball, softball, men’s track & field/cross country, women’s track & field/cross country, men’s at-large and women’s at-large.

 

-June 1, 2005
MSOE Hockey to Host USA Hockey National Under-18 Team
-Courtesy of MSOE Sports Information Director Brian Gibboney
CONTACT: 414-277-2412 or gibboney@msoe.edu

Milwaukee -- Coming off their first Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association Championship, Athletic Director Dan Harris announced that the MSOE Raiders hockey program would be part of the USA Hockey National Under -18 team’s tour. The game will be played on Saturday December 17, 2005 at the MSOE Kern Ice Arena with the puck dropping at 7:05pm.

The USA Hockey program sends an Under 18 developmental team across the nation, playing competitive top ranked varsity college programs to prepare players for Olympic play. Many of the players on the team go on and play hockey professionally, both at the national and international level. The MSOE men’s hockey program has been one of a handful of colleges chosen as an opponent for the USA national team while they are touring through Wisconsin.

Dan Harris shares his enthusiasm for the event. “That USA Hockey would want to play against our Raiders is a compliment to Coach Ostapina and his program. This will be a great experience for our team and a great game for all the hockey fans of Milwaukee to enjoy.”

The U-18 team will be playing the University of Wisconsin on December 16, the night before playing the Raiders. MSOE plays at the Kern Center, 1245 N. Broadway, Milwaukee. Ticket availability will be announced at a later date.

 

-May 26, 2005
Two MCHA Players Garner Academic All-American Honors in District
The 2005 ESPN The Magazine Academic All-American All-District V College Division Men's At-Large Team was announced Thursday (May 26) by CoSIDA (College Sports Information Directors of America), and Marian College senior forward Ian Carroll is a member of the First Team for the second consecutive season. Joining Carroll is MSOE sophomore forward Brian Soik, who was named a member of the Second Team.


Carroll (pictured at left) played in all 29 games for the Marian hockey team this past season, notching career-highs with 13 goals and 12 assists on his way to a 25-point season. The senior Economics/Finance and Marketing major carries a 3.97 GPA and finished his Sabre career as the eleventh-most prolific scorer in school history, recording 70 points on 33 goals and 37 assists in his illustrious career. He has also been named to the MCHA All-Academic Team each year he has played at Marian, and was named the school's Economics/Finance Student-of-the-Year earlier this spring. As a member of the First Team, Carroll will move on to the national ballot, which will be named on June 14, 2005.

Soik (pictured at right), a Mechanical Engineering major in school, helped his team to MCHA regular season and tournament titles with a personal-best 26-point campaign, recording 11 goals and 15 assists. He gave his team the Harris Cup with the game-winning goal in overtime of the MCHA Championship game against Minnesota-Crookston. He also joined Carroll on the MCHA All-Academic team this past season.

 

 

 

 

-April 5, 2005
MCHA Players and MSOE's Ostapina Earn National Postseason Honors
USCHO.com's Men's Division III All-USCHO Team has been announced, and three players from the MCHA as well as Raider Head Coach Mark Ostapina have been recognized with end of the year honors.

Finlandia University freshman forward Joe Lewis was named to the West All-Rookie Team. Lewis had a prolific rookie season, finishing first in the MCHA in points with 17G/12A=29. His 17 goals set a new league mark for goals by a freshman, and his 34 points on the season (19G/15A) finished tied for fourth overall in the MCHA. He was named to the MCHA All-Rookie Team as well and was also named USCHO.com National Player-of-the-Week in early December.

-Joe Lewis-	-Blair Hanberg-	-Josh Peterson-	-Mark Ostapina-

Two players received Honorable Mention status on the West All-Rookie Team: MSOE's Blair Hanberg and Lawrence University's Josh Peterson. Hanberg was second on his team and tied for eighth in the league in overall points with a 10G/22A=32 point season. He finished the MCHA season tied for fifth in the scoring race (6G/18A=24 points), with his 18 assists placing second in the league. He was named to the MCHA All-Conference Team as a result. Peterson was also an All-MCGA selection, finishing third among league defenseman on the season with 8G/11A=19 points.

Rounding out the awards was MSOE head coach Mark Ostapina, who was named Honorable Mention for the West Coach-of-the-Year award. Ostapina claimed his first MCHA regular season crown and Harris Cup Championship this year, leading the Raiders to a 20-8-0 campaign - a school record for victories and the most wins by an MCHA team since 1998-99. He was honored as MCHA Co-Coach-of-the-Year.

East First Team
Forward — Kurtis McLean, Norwich; Gus Katsuras, Hamilton; Joe Ori, Sr., Trinity
Defense — Jon Lounsbury, Southern Maine; Brian Phinney, Middlebury
Goal — Doug Kisielius, Trinity

East Second Team
Forward — Brian Doherty, Curry; Eric Frank, UMass-Dartmouth; Jimmy Sokol, Utica
Defense — Matt English, Geneseo; Patrick Walsh, Colby
Goal — George Papachristopolous, Jr., Bowdoin
Honorable Mention — Sean Castagna (Buffalo State), Beau Kretzman (Amherst), Jason Kuzmanski (Geneseo), Manu Mau'u (Curry), Ryan McCarthy (Potsdam), Andy Rozak (Oswego), Tom Sullivan (Babson) ,Mike Taylor (Potsdam), Matt Zeman (Fredonia)

East All-Rookie Team
Forward — Mike Carmody, New England College; Tony DiNunzio, Oswego; Mickey Gilchrist, Middlebury
Defense — Arthur Fritch, Colby; Mike Gooch, Neumann
Goal — Ryan Scott, Oswego
Honorable Mention — Ross Cherry (Middlebury), Adam Dekker (Utica), Rick Janco (Plattsburgh), Simon Lambert (RIT), Ian MacLean (Brockport), Jason Murfitt (Manhattanville),  TJ Sakaluk (Potsdam), Kyle Schoppel (Amherst),

East Coach of the Year — Gary Heenan (Utica)
Honorable Mention — Bill Beaney (Middlebury), John Dunham (Trinity), Brian Hills (Geneseo)

West First Team
Forward — Spencer Carbury, St. Norbert; Jason Deitsch, St. Norbert; Mike Wiggins, Wisconsin-Superior
Defense — Dale Lupul, Wisconsin-Superior; Ryan Tew, St. Norbert
Goal — Adam Hanna, St. John's

West Second Team
Forward — Mike Brolsma, UW-SP; Garrett Larson, UW-RF; Brandon Wilcox, St. Thomas
Defense — Keith Detlefsen, Gustavus Adolphus; Darryl Smoleroff, St. John's
Goal — Kyle Jones, St. Norbert
Honorable Mention — Scott Bjorkland (St. John's), Anthony Blumer (St. Thomas), Adam Holmgren (St. John's), Mike Kautz (Wisconsin-Stout)

West All-Rookie Team
Forward — Dan Carlson (Augsburg); Pat Eagles (St. John's); Joe Lewis (Finlandia)
Defense — Josiah Matuszewski (Bethel); Nate Meinz (St. John's)
Goal — Kyle Jones (St. Norbert)
Honorable Mention — Blair Hanberg (MSOE), Casey Parenteau (St. John's), Josh Peterson (Lawrence)

West Coach of the Year — Terry Skrypek (St. Thomas)
Honorable Mention — Peter Aus (Bethel), Mark Ostapina (MSOE)

National Player of the Year — Kurtis McLean (Norwich)

 

-February 28, 2005
MSOE Raiders Back in USCHO.com Division III Men's Poll
For the second time this season, the MSOE Raiders are receiving votes in the USCHO.com Division III Men's poll. The first time was back in early February, and the latest came in Monday's poll. The Raiders, who won their first-ever MCHA regular season championship and Harris Cup this season, finished the tournament weekend with a 20-8-0 record on the year. That marks the most overall victories in a season for an MCHA team since Findlay University (OH) went 23-5-0 in the league's inaugural campaign back in 1998-99.

USCHO.com Division III Men's Poll
Minneapolis, Minn./February 28, 2005

Team (1st place)	Record	Points	Last Week
1. St. Norbert (14)	23-2-3	221	1
2. St. John's (1)	22-1-2	206	2
3. Trinity	20-2-2	198	3
4. UW-Superior	19-2-7	176	4
5. Middlebury	18-4-3	150	7
6. Manhattanville	19-3-1	133	5
7. Norwich	18-4-3	132	8
8. Utica	15-4-6	126	10
9. Babson	19-4-3	124	9
10. St. Thomas	15-5-5	79	12
11. Geneseo	18-6-3	71	13
12. Oswego	18-6-3	57	6
13. Bowdoin	16-5-3	45	14
14. UW-River Falls	17-9-2	31	11
15. Plattsburgh	18-11-0	25	NR

Others Receiving Votes: Curry 11, Colby 8, Hobart 3, Milwaukee School of Engineering 1, RIT 1, Bethel 1, Fredonia 1
The USCHO.com Poll is compiled by U.S. College Hockey Online, and consists of 15 voters, including coaches and beat writers from across the country.

-February 26, 2005
Milwaukee School of Engineering is 2005 Harris Cup Champion!
-Game story courtesy of MSOE Sports Information Director Brian Gibboney
CONTACT: 414-277-2412 or gibboney@msoe.edu

MSOE RAIDERS WIN HARRIS CUP AND MCHA CHAMPIONSHIP
Milwaukee, Wis. - The MSOE hockey team went to overtime to come away with a 4-3 victory over the University of Minnesota-Crookston (UMC) Saturday afternoon (Feb. 26) at the Kern Center.

MSOE sophomore Brian Soik scored the decisive goal at the 2:51 mark in the overtime period to give the Raider’s their first MCHA title and the Harris Cup.

Against UMC, the Raiders overcame a 3-2 deficit in the third period on a goal by senior Jake Basten with 9:50 remaining on the clock.

The game was a tight contest with the lead changing hands on three separate occasions. MSOE (16-2 MCHA, 20-8 overall) jumped out early, with Nick Bilpush scoring with 4:15 remaining in the first period.

UMC (9-9 MCHA, 14-16-2 overall) wasted no time tying the game, as Theran Bauer scored for the Golden Eagles with a little over two minutes left in the period.

Not to be outdone, the Raiders bounced back as Soik scored his first goal of the game on a passes from Raider freshmen Lee Swallow and Ross Chawansky with 27 seconds left in the first stanza.

The second period saw UMC respond by tying the game two minutes into the period and taking the lead with 4:22 left in the second frame.

That was the end of the Golden Eagles scoring, as the Raiders took over in the third period with Basten’s game tying goal.

Both Goaltenders were busy on the day, with the tournament Most Valuable Player award going to Raider Matt Burzon. The sophomore Burzon stopped 29 shots on 32 attempts. Goalie Jaden Isakson of UMC (40 saves on 44 shots) also joined Burzon on the All-Tourney team. 

Raider’s sophomore defenseman Chawansky and senior center Jake Basten were also all-tournament selections. The Raider freshman, Chawansky scored the game winning goal Friday night in the 4-3 MSOE victory in game one of the MCHA finals. Basten had 2 goals and one assist in both games of the championship round.

UMC added forward Patrick Knutson and defenseman Mark Tveit to the All Tournament team with Marian forward Andy Allen also making the squad.

The Raiders finish the season 20-8-0, the most wins since joining the MCHA 8 years ago.

 

2004-05 MCHA All-Tournament Team
Forward: Jacob Basten, Junior, MSOE
Forward: Patrick Knutson, Junior, Minnesota-Crookston
Forward: Andy Allen, Senior, Marian College
Defenseman: Ross Chawanski, Freshman, MSOE
Defenseman: Marc Tveit, Senior, Minnesota-Crookston
Goalie: Jaden Isakson, Freshman, Minnesota-Crookston

2004-05 MCHA Tournament Most Valuable Player
Matt Burzon, Goalie, MSOE
  
At left: The 2005 MCHA All-Tournament Team
At right: MCHA Tournament MVP Matt Burzon in action.

Website Note: In addition to the Harris Cup being decided on the ice this evening, the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association also announced their 2004-05 MCHA All-Academic Team, MCHA All-Freshman Team, MCHA All-Conference Team, Coach-of-the-Year, and Player-of-the-Year.

2004-05 MCHA All-Conference Team     -Listed alphabetical by position
Forward: Jeff Affleck, Junior, Northland College
Forward: Andy Allen, Senior, Marian College
Forward: Brock Anundson, Senior, Minnesota-Crookston
Forward: Ryan Blick, Senior, Lawrence University
Forward: Jon Daigle, Senior, Marian College
Forward: Blair Hanberg, Freshman, MSOE
Defense: Matt Bobo, Sophomore, Marian College
Defense: Ken McKay, Senior, Marian College
Defense: Josh Peterson, Freshman, Lawrence University
Defense: Marc Tveit, Senior, Minnesota-Crookston
Goalie: Matt Burzon, Sophomore, MSOE
Goalie: Andrew Isaac, Sophomore, Lawrence University

MCHA Co-Coaches-of-the-Year:
Mark Ostapina, MSOE and Gary Warren, Minnesota-Crookston

MCHA Co-Players-of-the-Year:
Brock Anundson, Minnesota-Crookston and Jon Daigle, Marian College

-Brock Anundson-	-Jon Daigle-

2004-05 MCHA All-Freshman Team     -Listed alphabetical by position
Forward: Joe Lewis, Finlandia University
Forward: Josh Paquette, Finlandia University
Forward: Lee Swallow, MSOE
Defenseman: Nate Timm, Minnesota-Crookston
Defenseman: Ken Walters, MSOE
Goalie: (two due to a tie)
Jaden Isakson, Minnesota-Crookston
Todor Petkov, Northland College

2004-05 MCHA All-Academic Team

Finlandia University - 2 Dan Giachino – Senior Christian Wengi – Senior Lawrence University – 4 # Brad Barton – Senior Andy Link - Junior * Daniel Ljung – Junior * Mason Oakes – Junior Marian College – 9 # Andy Allen – Senior Matthew Bobo – Sophomore # Ian Carroll – Senior # Jon Daigle – Senior Brett Fox – Sophomore Chad Little – Sophomore # Ken McKay – Senior # Pat McKay – Senior # Mark Williams - Senior Note: * = Two-Time All-Academic member # = Three-time All-Academic member

MSOE – 7 # Jacob Basten, Jr. – Senior * Alexander Kislia – Senior Joshua Rudolph – Sophomore Brian Soik – Sophomore # Joseph Swanson – Senior Paul Tychsen – Sophomore David Yolo - Sophomore Minnesota-Crookston – 8 # Brock Anundson – Senior # Theran Bauer – Senior # Shawn Carlson – Senior Kurtis Dukelow – Senior * Nathan Haskins – Junior Teal Plaine – Sophomore * Brett Shelanski – Junior * Dustin Steigauf - Junior Northland College – 7 * Jeff Affleck – Junior Victor Appelqvist – Sophomore Scott Canfield – Sophomore Justin Grant – Sophomore James Junker – Sophomore * Derek Lehrke – Junior * Ryan Potts - Junior

 

-February 24, 2005
Harris Cup Preview on USCHO.com
The MCHA was back in the spotlight on USCHO.com once again, as the MCHA Tournament Finals coming up this weekend were previewed in Ryan Mattingly's weekly column on the west region. The following story is an excerpt from "This Week in West Region D-III", written by Ryan Mattingly, USCHO.com staff writer:
MCHA - CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES
Minnesota-Crookston (14-13-2) @ MSOE (17-9-0)

Minnesota-Crookston Golden Eagles
2004-05 vs. MSOE: 0-3-0
Key stat: Have scored 5 goals or more eight times in past 15 games
Key playoff performers: F Brock Anundson (2-4-6 in playoffs); F Patrick Knutson (hat trick vs. Lawrence in game 2)

The Golden Eagles were 40 seconds away from missing their chance to get the three-peat last week. After losing the first game of their semifinal series with Lawrence, Minnesota-Crookston found themselves down by one late in the third period. But a tying goal by senior forward Kurtis Dukelow and an overtime game winner by Patrick Knutson (who also scored the winning goal in the following mini-game) helped keep the Golden Eagles' chances alive.

Because Minnesota-Crookston is officially a Division II team, they are prohibited from competing in the NCAA Division III tournament. This makes the league championship the pinnacle of the Golden Eagles' season. But at midseason this year, few people saw the Golden Eagles as a threat to once again win the MCHA. Going into the Christmas break, Minnesota-Crookston was a dismal 2-11-1. However, when they came back in 2005, the difference was obvious, said head coach Gary Warren.

"The time off at Christmas helped. We recharged our batteries," Warren said. "I met with our captains and they decided they would revisit the team goals for the year. With guys settling into their roles and with our goaltender feeling more comfortable, we have a better commitment on the defensive side."

The Golden Eagles will need that commitment to defense against the Raiders, who have used an opportunistic power play and stingy defense to put together a fantastic season. The Eagles must look to their battle-tested veterans to play mistake free hockey against one of the most promising clubs in the West.

"They've led our conference in many team categories and individual categories," Warren said of the Raiders. "They're very deep in their lineup; they're the total package."

Milwaukee School of Engineering Raiders
2004-05 vs. Minn.-Crookston: 3-0-0
Key stat: 9 PPG in past five games
Key playoff performers: F Jacob Basten, Jr. (4 goals in past 3 games)

The Raiders have been a great story all season and Mark Ostapina's club would like nothing more than to cap off their first MCHA regular season title with a league championship. They have a variety of weapons and can beat teams in most phases of the game. By all accounts, MSOE is ready to be a championship team.

Still, their semifinal matchup with Marian should be a wakeup call for the Raiders. The first game went MSOE's way, as the Raiders capitalized on two of five power play chances and held their own penalties to a minimum despite Marian getting a man-advantage goal of their own in the third period. The second game, however, was quite a different contest. The Sabres looked rejuvenated and although the Raiders outshot Marian 44-26 on the night, they couldn't convert on the power play and allowed goals late in the first period and early in the second to deaden any momentum they had at the time. Fortunately for MSOE, the Sabres were spent by the time the mini-game began, allowing the Raiders to make short work of them and win 3-0.

The Raiders, it could be argued, had more than enough talent to get the sweep. Any team can have an off game, but it only takes one off game to lose confidence — and possibly a championship. Luckily for MSOE, they have a solid core of forwards and can get good goaltending from either one of their netminders. Their special teams units must continue to deliver; if they are able to capitalize on mistakes, it's tough to beat this team.

Nevertheless, many of the Golden Eagles have been to the big game before and that experience could make the difference. In fact, the Raiders have been stopped short of a title shot by Minnesota-Crookston for the past three years. Above all, MSOE has to stick to what got them to this point. If they are able to set the tempo early, they should be successful.

Outlook: The Raiders have to have the edge in winning this series. However, out of all the playoff matchups this weekend — regardless of league — this is the one with the most potential for an upset. Even though MSOE's play has been consistently great this season, Minnesota-Crookston's second-half run still has some steam. Take MSOE to win the championship, but don't be surprised if this series goes to a mini-game to decide the winner.

 

-February 22, 2005
Minnesota-Crookston's Patrick Knutson Named National Player of the Week
Minnesota-Crookston Golden Eagles junior forward Patrick Knutson (East Grand Forks, MN) was named the United States College Hockey Online/ITECH (USCHO.com) Division III Offensive Player-of-the-Week for the week of February 22, 2005. Knutson, who earned MCHA Player-of-the-Week honors twice during the 2004-05 regular season, played a prominent role in helping the Eagles stay on course in their quest for their third straight MCHA Tournament Championship and Harris Cup.

The following comes from the uscho.com Player-of-the Week webpage:
After dropping Friday's quarterfinal game to Lawrence, 3-2, Minnesota-Crookston needed both a win and a mini-game win to advance to the MCHA finals. Forward Patrick Knutson would prove to be the hero. The Junior from East Grand Forks, Minn., scored a Hat Trick on Saturday against Lawrence including the winning goal just 22 seconds into overtime. Knutson then scored the lone goal in overtime of the mini-game to advance coach Gary Warren's Golden Eagles to this weekend's Harris Cup.

This is the sixth time that a player from the MCHA has earned national Player-of-the-Week honors from USCHO since the league's inception, and marks the third time this season. Knutson joins Lawrence University's Andrew Isaac and Finlandia University's Joe Lewis as winners in 2004-05. Isaac was chosen Defensive Player-of-the-Week in mid-January, while Lewis was picked as Offensive Player-of-the-Week back in early December.

 

-February 21, 2005
It’s MSOE Hosting Minnesota-Crookston for the Harris Cup
The MCHA Tournament semifinals are in the books and the championship opponents are set. The top-seeded MSOE Raiders advanced to host the finals with a 3-0 win in their mini-game match-up with no. 5 Marian College – played after a 4-0 Marian win forced the min-game Saturday night. No. 3 Minnesota-Crookston also advanced against no. 2 Lawrence, coming back from a loss on Friday with an overtime win on Saturday and then a 1-0 overtime victory in the mini-game to earn the right to play in their sixth straight MCHA Tournament Finals.

The Raiders rode the strength of two goals from Jacob Basten and 27 saves from Matt Burzon for a 3-1 win on Friday. After the Sabres evened the series with a 4-0 blanking, the Raiders turned the momentum quickly, getting goals from Nick Bilpush, Joe Swanson, and an empty-netter from Jason Martin to win 3-0 in the mini-game. Burzon stopped all 11 Sabre shots on goal in the deciding frame.

In the Golden Eagles/Lawrence match-up, Andrew Isaac made 31 saves to stake the Vikings to a 3-2 win on Friday. But the Eagles would not go away, getting the tying goal on Saturday with just 40 seconds remaining, and then getting the winner in overtime. Patrick Knutson was the hero, recording the hat trick in the regular game – including the winner just 22 seconds into the overtime session. He didn’t stop there, sending Crookston to the MCHA Championship with the overtime winner in the mini-game as well.

The MCHA Tournament Finals will be hosted by MSOE at the Kern Center in downtown Milwaukee this upcoming weekend (February 25-26). The Raiders will be looking for their first-ever Harris Cup, while the Golden Eagles will be in search of their third straight, and fourth overall. Also announced at the MCHA Finals will be the league's post-season awards - including All-Conference, All-Freshman, and All-Academic Teams.

 

 

 

 

-February 14, 2005
First Round MCHA Tournament Comes to a Close
The first round of the MCHA Tournament produced one upset and gave the league a chance to show off their new tournament format as well. Third-seeded Minnesota-Crookston advanced to a showdown with no. 2 Lawrence with a two-game sweep of Northland. Meanwhile, #5 Marian had to overcome an overtime loss to Finlandia on Friday by winning 4-2 Saturday. They then followed up that win with a 3-0 victory in the league’s first-ever use of the mini-game, earning the right to advance to take on MSOE. The Sabres line of Jon Daigle, Andy Allen, and Bryan Gallagher accounted for 12 points (5G/7A) in the two-game series. Gallagher went on to score 2 of the Sabres 3 goals in the mini-game as well. Daigle added to his record-breaking career, setting a new Marian College career record for assists when he recorded career helper no. 78 on Friday, breaking the mark of 77 held by former Sabre Dan Odegard (1999-2003).  In the Crookston/Northland match-up, Brock Anundson, Nate Haskins, and Jaden Isakson all played pivotal roles in their team’s efforts. Anundson had 2 goals and an assist in Saturday’s win, and assisted on the game-winner in Sunday’s 1-0 affair. Haskins had 3 assists in game one and another in the clincher. Isakson went 2-0-0, posting a .913 save percentage on Saturday and coming up with 19 saves in the shut-out the day after. The Eagles remain as hot as any team, now 11-1-1 in their last 13 games. MCHA Tournament Semifinals get underway this upcoming weekend.

 

 

-February 7, 2005
MCHA Regular Season Comes to a Close
The final weekend of regular season play produced quite a few highlights. Top-seeded MSOE finished the regular schedule with a sweep of Northland, finishing at 14-2-0 in MCHA contests. That marks their best-ever win-loss mark in league play for the Raiders, and makes them just the fourth-ever league team to win as many as 14 games since the MCHA’s inception. Second-seeded Lawrence split with Finlandia, while Crookston moved up to the #3 seed with a weekend sweep of Marian College. The Golden Eagles improve to 9-1-1 in their last 11 games and will host #6 Northland College in next week’s first round action. Speaking of the tournament, play will get under way on Friday night, with the Sabres traveling to Finlandia, as the Lions are the fourth seed in the event. Those teams will play again on Saturday, as will Crookston and Northland. The Lumberjacks and Golden Eagles will finish up their weekend series on Sunday. All playoff series will be two games with a possible mini-game in this year’s format.

On an individual note, Marian College senior Jon Daigle recorded an assist in Friday night’s game against Crookston, giving him a new league record of 58 for his career.  He added a goal on Saturday, giving him 94 points (36G/58A) in his MCHA career. That places him second in league history behind former Sabre Dan Odegard's (1999-2003) 99 points (42G/57A). Also making some history was Lawrence’s Ryan Blick, who recorded career point no. 100 with a goal on Saturday. He becomes the first-ever Vikings player in program history to crack the 100-point barrier in a career.

With the regular season in the books, it’s time to take a quick look at the final leaders from around the league: Finlandia can boast the top two scorers in the league, as Joe Lewis edged out Josh Paquette for the scoring crown. Lewis finished with 29 points (17G/12A), with the 17 goals leading the league and breaking the MCHA record for most goals in a season by a freshman (16). Paquette was just a point behind with 28 (7G/21A), with his 21 assists a league-high - just off the MCHA record of 22 in a season. His 21 helpers does break the league mark for assists in a season by a freshman. Marian’s Jon Daigle tied a league season record with 4 short-handed goals (and a new career record of 6), while Crookston’s Brock Anundson was tops with 4 game-winning goals. Defensively, MSOE’s Matt Burzon was first with his 2.26 GAA, .922 save percentage, and .818 winning percentage (going 9-2-0 this year). Speaking of the Raiders, they topped the loop in scoring offense at 5.00 goals a game, and were best on defense as well, posting a team GAA of 2.44 for the season. Other records set by MCHA goalies this season include saves in a game and season by Northland College's Todor Petkov. He made 71 saves against MSOE this past Saturday, breaking the mark of 65 he set earlier this season. He also topped the season save mark, finishing with 559, eclipsing the old standard of 536 set by Lawrence's Grant Henderson in the 1999-2000 campaign. Finlandia University goalie Joe Junttila set two new  records. His 16 games played tops the old mark of 15, while his 896:08 minutes played tops the 875:17 that Crookston's Erik Kraska logged in 2002-2003.
And lastly, MSOE is getting some attention nationwide, as they received votes in the USCHO.com Division III Men's Poll released Monday.

              
   James Shipley          Matt Burzon             Joe Dovalina                  Matt Hann

Players of the Week:
-Milwaukee School of Engineering Raiders junior forward James Shipley (Oak Park, IL) earns the MCHA Player-of-the-Week award, recording an impressive league-best 8-point weekend (2G/6A). The architectural engineering major had 2 goals and 2 assists in the Raider win on Friday, and then added 4 assists in Saturday’s victory.
Other Nominees: Ryan Blick (Lawrence), Patrick Knutson (Crookston), Joe Lewis (Finlandia), Brock Anundson (Crookston)

-Milwaukee School of Engineering Raiders sophomore goaltenders Matt Burzon (Danby, VT) and Joe Dovalina (Evergreen Park, IL) share the MCHA Defensive Player-of-the-Week award. The two netminders each won their start this weekend, with Dovalina adding a .916 save percentage while limiting Northland to a 1-for-7 showing on the power play. The financial management major finished the MCHA season with a perfect 5-0-0 record and 2.60 GAA. Burzon wins the award for the second time this season with a .947 save percentage on the week, while limiting the Lumberjacks to an 0-for-10 effort on the power play. The construction management major topped the conference with a 9-2-0 record, .922 save percentage, and 2.26 GAA for the year – with both helping MSOE to a league-best 2.43 GAA as a team.
Other Nominees: Gharrity McNett (Lawrence), Joe Junttila (Finlandia), Jaden Isakson (Crookston)

-Minnesota-Crookston Golden Eagles freshman forward Matt Hann (Crookston, MN) wins his third straight MCHA Freshman-of-the-Week honor. He helped the Golden Eagles secure home ice for the upcoming tournament, scoring the tying goal and then the overtime winner on Friday. He added two more goals (one short-handed/one power play) in Saturday’s win, giving him 10 goals in his last 9 games.
Other Nominees: Josh Peterson (Lawrence), Josh Paquette (Finlandia), Jared Moormeier (MSOE)

 

 

 

 

-January 31, 2005
MSOE Claims First-Ever MCHA Regular Season Title
The MSOE Raiders won their first-ever MCHA regular season title on Saturday, defeating Lawrence by a final score of 4-3 to earn the crown. The win also gave the Raiders victory number 14 on the season, establishing a new school mark. The old mark of 13 games was established in the 1999-2000 campaign. In other league action, Crookston moved to 7-1-1 in the second half of the season with a sweep of Finlandia, while Marian took two on the road from Northland, with Friday’s victory coming in overtime. A little MCHA history was made in that match-up, as Marian College senior Jon Daigle recorded a 6-point weekend (3G/3A) to join some elite company. His 3 assists now give him 57 career helpers in MCHA games, tying the league record 57 assists by former Sabre Dan Odegard (1999-2003). The 2004-05 MCHA playoffs are also beginning to get situated, as MSOE and Lawrence have already guaranteed themselves a first-round bye as the #1 and #2 seeds. With one weekend of league games left, spots 3 thru 5 have yet to be decided. Another race will prove interesting, as Finlandia’s Joe Lewis and Daigle currently lead the MCHA in scoring with 24 points each. It’s anyone’s race, however, as first thru sixth in the points race are separated by just four, as MSOE’s Blair Hanberg is currently in that sixth place position with 20 points.

                
-Patrick Knutson-       -Andy Allen-        -Matthew Bobo-       -Matt Hann-

Players of the Week:
-For the first time in the 2004-05 season, there is a tie for MCHA Player-of-the-Week. Minnesota-Crookston Golden Eagles junior forward Patrick Knutson (East Grand Forks, MN) and Marian College senior forward Andy Allen (Virginia, MN) both played significant roles in each of their team sweeps of opponents this past weekend. Knutson earns his second Player-of-the-Week nod of this season based on a 7-point (2G/5A) weekend. He started the weekend off with 3 assists and the game-winning goal on Saturday, and then followed that with a goal and 2 assists on Sunday in the Golden Eagles 4-3 last-second win. One of Knutson’s assists came on that game-winner. For Allen, this marks his first-ever MCHA Player-of-the-Week award. The administration of justice major recorded 3 goals and one assist on the weekend, scoring both of the game-winning goals in the Sabres weekend sweep of Northland. Battling the flu all weekend, Allen scored the winner in overtime on Friday, with Saturday’s goal then giving him three straight games where he registered the winning tally.
Other Nominees: Jon Daigle (Marian), Mason Oakes (Lawrence), Joe Swanson (MSOE), Mike Parks (Finlandia)

Marian College Sabres sophomore defenseman Matthew Bobo (Mattawan, MI) is the MCHA Defensive Player-of-the-Week. The administration of justice major finished the weekend with 2 goals and 1 assist, highlighted by scoring 2 power play goals in the Sabres win on Saturday. He also helped the Marian defense limit Northland to just one power play goal all weekend. He is currently the leading overall scorer among MCHA defensemen with 18 points (7G/11A) and tied for first in MCHA play with 13 (7G/6A).
Other Nominees: Gharrity McNett (Lawrence), Joe Dovalina (MSOE), Joe Junttila (Finlandia), Mark Tveit (Crookston)

-Minnesota-Crookston Golden Eagles freshman forward Matt Hann (Crookston, MN) wins the MCHA Freshman-of-the-Week honor for the second straight week. He recorded 2 goals on Saturday and 1 on Sunday, giving him 6 goals in his last 7 games.
Other Nominees: Lee Swallow (MSOE), Josh Paquette (Finlandia), Nate Timm (Crookston)

 

 

 

 

-January 29, 2005
Milwaukee School of Engineering is 2004-05 MCHA Regular Season Champ
-Courtesy of MSOE Sports Information Director Brian Gibboney
CONTACT: 414-277-2412 or gibboney@msoe.edu

MSOE SKATERS EARN FIRST MCHA TITLE
Milwaukee - The MSOE hockey team rebounded from Friday's loss by winning the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association title with a 4-3 victory over Lawrence University Saturday afternoon at the Kern Center.

MSOE senior Joe Swanson (Superior, Wis.) scored the decisive goal with 6:23 left in the third period. The conference title is the team's first in the Raiders' eight years with the MCHA. MSOE was third in the conference last season and took second in 2001-02.

Against Lawrence, the Raiders overcame a 2-1 deficit in the second period with three of the game's next four goals.

Senior Jake Basten (DePere, Wis.) scored the game's first goal in the opening period on a power play with 1:11 remaining on the clock. The Vikings responded with a goal with 35 seconds left in the first period. Then they added a goal just 2:40 into the second frame.

It was not until there was 6:19 remaining in the second period when the Raider senior Jason Martin (Toronto) and freshman Ken Walters (Amery, Wis.) scored a goal apiece in a span of less than a minute to take a 3-2 lead.

Lawrence (8-5 MCHA, 9-11-2 overall) tied the game up again when Ryan Blick scored with 7:34 left in the third period. But MSOE's Swanson notched a goal 1:11 later off assists from freshman Lee Swallow (Stanwood, Mich.) and sophomore Brian Soik (Stevens Point, Wis.).

MSOE (11-3 MCHA, 14-8 overall) was heavily on the attack all night, piling up 50 shots to the Vikings' 21. The Raiders had 24 shots in the second period alone. MSOE sophomore goalie Joe Dovalina (Evergreen Park, Ill.) made 18 saves.

MSOE will conclude the regular season when the team hosts conference rival Northland on Friday (7:05 p.m.) and Saturday (2:05 p.m.), with both games at the Kern Center.

 

-January 25, 2005
Lawrence's Andrew Isaac Earns National Player of the Week Honors
Lawrence University sophomore goalie Andrew Isaac (Mississauga, ONT) was named the United States College Hockey Online/ITECH (USCHO.com) Division III Defensive Player-of-the-Week for the week of January 18, 2005. Isaac, who was also named MCHA Player-of-the-Week for his efforts, received the accolades after being nominated and receiving votes from the staff of the nationally-known website, which is known to hockey fans nation-wide as the "Definitive College Hockey Resource".

The economics major made 77 saves on 79 Sabre shots on the weekend (.975 save %), giving him a perfect 3-0-0 week (he also defeated Northland earlier that week). He blanked the Sabres 2-0 on January 14th, just the second time in the last 35 games that the Sabres were held scoreless. For the week, he posted a 1.67 GAA and a .960 save percentage.
See the USCHO.com release HERE.

This is the fifth time that a player from the MCHA has earned national Player-of-the-Week honors from USCHO since the league's inception, and marks the second time this season. Isaac joins Finlandia's Joe Lewis in 2004-05, who was picked as Offensive Player-of-the-Week back in early December.

 

-January 24, 2005
Crookston Stays Red-Hot; MCHA Race Staying Interesting
The Minnesota-Crookston Golden Eagles continued their unbeaten streak, as they remain without a loss (5-0-1) since the New Year with a weekend sweep of second-place Lawrence University. In other action, MSOE and Marian split a home-and-home series, with the road team winning both nights. Finlandia kept pace as well, sweeping Northland College. There will be a lot at stake this upcoming weekend, as #1 MSOE squares off against #2 Lawrence, Finlandia will try and cool off Crookston, and Marian travels to Northland.

        
   -Mike Parks-           -Joe Junttila-          -Matt Hann-

Players of the Week:
-Finlandia University Lions freshman forward Mike Parks (Marquette, MI) earns the MCHA Player-of-the-Week award, helping his team to a weekend sweep with a league-high 7 points (2G/5A). He had two assists and the game-winning goal on Friday against the Lumberjacks and then added 4 more points (1G/3A) in Saturday’s thrilling come-from-behind win, where the Lions scored twice in the final :48 to take the game. Parks had an assist on the tying goal in that game and currently leads the MCHA with 15 assists in league action. He is also tied for third in scoring at 18 points (3G/15A).
Other Nominees: Lee Swallow (MSOE), Joe Welgos (Finlandia), Brock Anundson (Crookston)

-Finlandia University Lions sophomore goalie Joe Junttila (Calumaet, MI) becomes the school’s first-ever MCHA Defensive Player-of-the-Week, going a perfect 2-0 on the weekend in making 45 saves and posting a .900 save percentage. In addition to the undefeated weekend, he also helped limit the Lumberjacks to an 0-for-9 showing on the power-play.
Other Nominees: Shawn Carlson (Crookston), Josh Paquette (Finlandia)

-Minnesota-Crookston Golden Eagles freshman forward Matt Hann (Crookston, MN) wins the MCHA Freshman-of-the-Week honor, doing his part to help his squad stay perfect since the calendar turned 2005. He recorded two goals in Friday’s big win over Lawrence, including the game-winner. On Saturday, he helped complete the sweep with two assists for a four point weekend.
Other Nominees: Lee Swallow (MSOE), Joe Lewis (Finlandia)

 

 

-January 20, 2005
Northland College Goalie Todor Petkov Gets Notice from USCHO.com
The MCHA was back in the spotlight on USCHO.com once again, as Northland College goalie Todor Petkov was highlighted in Ryan Mattingly's weekly column on the west region. The following story is an excerpt from "This Week in West Region D-III", written by Ryan Mattingly, USCHO.com staff writer:
A Tale of Two Goalies
As mentioned above, St. Norbert has benefited from the play of freshman goalie Kyle Jones, who currently boasts a record of 8-0-0 with a goals-against average of 1.93. While there are plenty of freshmen contributing throughout Division III, it's a bit more rare to have a solid freshman contributor in the net. Of course, when you're on a high-performing team like St. Norbert, a college rookie may not necessarily be counted on to stand as the team's sole foundation.

The case is a bit different with Northland's Todor Petkov. Usually at this time of the year, there's not much to say about players from three-win teams; by late January's playoff push it is the contenders that grab the headlines, and rightfully so. What's interesting about Petkov is that over the summer, he was vying for the spot that Jones now occupies at St. Norbert. Who knows? Petkov — had his timing been different — could have been the surprise underclassman for the Green Knights.

But that's not what happened. Instead, we get the opportunity to look at two talented young goalies nearing the completion of their debut seasons and earning the confidence of their coaches in the process. Looking even closer, we see the specific burdens and pressures of backstopping a proven winner with championship expectations versus the equally heavy weight of being the cornerstone of a team searching for a level of success still out of reach.

Kyle Jones
Kyle Jones doesn't need (or want) to be a flashy stopper making an acrobatic diving save. He'll tell you himself that he'd rather be a steady presence behind his defensemen in the mold of the goalies of old.

"My dad taught me everything and he's pretty old school," said Jones of his playing style. "I think I'm more like the old school goalies than anything."

At the outset of his first season at St. Norbert, Jones was held in great regard by the coaching staff but not really expected to get much playing time as one of three goaltenders. Eventually Jones would get his shot. And right away, he learned some subtle differences in the college game versus the hockey he played previously in Canada.

"The guys are faster and smarter; that's been the biggest [adjustment] so far," said Jones.

Instead of being intimidated, Jones took the reins and played a steady positional game to complement his defensive counterparts and the Green Knight offensive attack. That ability to play with such self control has been Jones' biggest asset, according to Coghlin.

"He's just a very calm guy with a calm demeanor," Coghlin said. "He's not a kid who makes a lot of spectacular saves. He's just in the right places at the right time, a lot of the time."

Jones also began to understand the pressures of staying on top as the Green Knights look to get back to the title game and bring home a different result.

"We know how good we are, [but] our division is one of the toughest in the country," said Jones. "[Upperclassmen] keep us humble. We try not to get too high or too low."

At goalie, where confidence is everything, Jones seems to have it in spades. However, Jones is quick to point out that it was Coghlin's trust in him that made a huge difference.

"That helps my confidence big time. Coming in I had nothing to lose and everything to prove," Jones said. "Having three goaltenders, I didn't expect to play much. But it's been a great experience so far."

Todor Petkov
Northland coach Dan Huntley will be the first to admit that he was more than a little forward when recruiting Petkov in the summer of 2004. Petkov had expressed interest in playing for Coghlin at St. Norbert, and Huntley knew that selling the young man on a Northland program that had registered only 17 total wins in its last four seasons would require a Godfather-esque offer that he couldn't refuse.

"I told Todor, 'I've seen how you play, and you're going to be the starter from day one,'" said Huntley. "Going in, he knew this was going to be his spot to keep."

It was done. As St. Norbert chose to go with Jones, Petkov was preparing to be the foundation of a bottom-dwelling Northland team that has struggled to recruit talent. Moreover, a sudden turnaround wasn't in the cards for quite some time for the Lumberjacks. But Petkov reveled in being able to play a great deal as a freshman.

"[Coach Huntley] told me all I had to do was come in shape and I should play most of the games," said Petkov.

Little did Petkov know, "most of the games" meant "all of the games." Up to this point, Petkov has already set numerous records, most of which sprung out of necessity because of the sheer volume of shots Petkov faces. These include an MCHA record for minutes played (1,061) and a league record for most saves in a game (67 in an 8-1 defeat against Superior).

Yes, some of these records are dubious honors. Nonetheless, Petkov is happy to be seen as the fulcrum of Northland's future — whatever it brings. And Huntley is happy to have him.

"He's doing all kinds of great things for our program," Huntley said. "In [many] aspects, he's setting the stage for us to get better."

Huntley also recognizes the toll that frequent losses can take on any player, but especially a goalie.

"It hurts when you don't win," said Huntley. "You want these kids to be successful. You have to find other ways to measure success. Being the little guy in the MCHA, we're trying to get a little more respect for our team."

For now, Petkov will have to deal with some losses and a ton of shots against him, but he appears to be as positive as he is fundamentally sound. The numbers may not show it, but Petkov is a savvy, fiery goaltender in the mold of his heroes Patrick Roy and Jean-Sebastien Giguere — a player Petkov worked with at goalie camps while the future Conn Smythe winner was beginning his career in the Hartford Whalers organization.

Still, Huntley hopes those losses may engender even more confidence in Petkov.

"It pushes a kid to be better," Huntley said. "We're depending on him to make big saves every game."

"It does add pressure in every way," said Petkov of the expectations placed on him. "My performance is the key. Even when we're losing and I can come up with a big save, [the team] plays with more confidence. I'm just happy with playing a lot right now. I guess that's pretty good for a freshman."

 

-January 17, 2005
Lawrence Tightens Race for First Place With First-Ever Sweep of Marian
The weekend featured three league match-ups, and all three resulted in sweeps - two of them by the visiting team. MSOE kept their first-place standing intact with a sweep of Northland to move to an impressive 9-1-0, but Lawrence moved to just two standings points behind the Raiders with their first-ever sweep of Marian College. In the other match-up, Minnesota-Crookston stayed red-hot and swept past Finlandia. The Golden Eagles moved to 3-0-1 in 2005 with the victories. The Lawrence sweep of Marian gives them 22 standings points compared to MSOE’s 24. With a Lawrence/MSOE match-up on the schedule for two weeks from now (Jan. 28-29), this battle will go down to the wire. Viking forward Ryan Blick added to his record-breaking season, as he eclipsed the school scoring record with his 90th point. The former record of 89 was held by Tom Conti, who had his career assist record broken earlier this season by Blick as well.

        
  -Andrew Isaac-      -Jaden Isakson-       -Blair Hanberg-

Players of the Week:
-Lawrence University Vikings sophomore goalie Andrew Isaac (Mississauga, ONT) is the MCHA Player-of-the-Week, helped along by his play in the Vikings sweep of Marian College. The economics major made 77 saves on 79 Sabre shots on the weekend (.975 save %), giving him a perfect 3-0-0 week (he also defeated Northland earlier this week). He blanked the Sabres 2-0 on Friday, just the second time in the last 35 games that the Sabres were held scoreless. For the week, he posted a 1.67 GAA and a .960 save percentage.
Other Nominees: Brock Anundson (Crookston), Joe Swanson (MSOE)

-Minnesota-Crookston Golden Eagles freshman goalie Jaden Isakson (Bismarck, ND) makes it two in a row, as he wins the MCHA Defensive Player-of-the-Week honors in back-to-back weeks. He went a perfect 2-0 on the weekend, posting a 1.96 GAA and a .933 save percentage in two victories over Finlandia.
Other Nominees: Ross Chawansky (MSOE), Gharrity McNett (Lawrence)

-Milwaukee School of Engineering Raiders freshman forward Blair Hanberg (Edmonds, WA) earns his third MCHA Freshman-of-the-Week award of the season, and second straight. The business major had three points on the weekend in helping the Raiders to a sweep of Northland. He added two more assists to his MCHA-leading total of 13 in conference action this season. His play all over the ice on the weekend saw him finish at +4.
Other Nominees: Nate Timm (Crookston), Josh Peterson (Lawrence)

 

 

 

 

-January 10, 2005
Former MCHA Player-of-the-Year Terry Dunbar Making a Name for Himself
Former MCHA Player-of-the-Year Terry Dunbar was recently highlighted in a story that ran in the Knoxville News Sentinel. The three-time All-MCHA member and 2003-04 Player-of-the-Year has made quite an impression since sharing the starting role in goal for the Knoxville Ice Bears. In 11 games this season, Dunbar has produced a league-leading 2.28 goals-against-average, a .932 save percentage, and an impressive 9-2-0 overall record. He has helped lead his team to a Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) best 20-9-0 record. Dunbar (pictured at left) was a four-year starter for Marian College (1999-2003). He registered a win-loss mark in MCHA play of 37-8-2 (.809 win percentage), winning two MCHA Tournament MVP's and helping the Sabres to two regular season and tournament championships in his four-year career.

No added pressure for Ice Bears goalies
Ronayne, Dunbar to have regular appearances in net
By NICK GATES, Knoxville News Sentinel

The Knoxville Ice Bears have lost their No. 1 goalie, as well as their backup, but there is no reason to panic. Jaime Ronayne and rookie Terry Dunbar haven't gone anywhere.

Knoxville coach Jim Bermingham merely announced plans to alternate the Southern Professional Hockey League team's goalies the second half of the season and avoid any kind of a controversy.

"That's nice to hear," Dunbar said. "It's definitely (a step up). To play well is going to give me an opportunity to get a little more game time."

The Ice Bears should benefit in the long run.

"It's idealistic that we have this situation," Dunbar said. "If you're not playing back-to-back nights, you're not going to get worn down. You have two fresh goalies and we're going to be at our best each time we get in the net."

There is no controversy because there is not an ounce of jealousy between the 29-year-old Ronayne, who started the season expecting to play the bulk of the games, and Dunbar, 25.

"Right now, we're both playing well and the team is playing well," Ronayne said. "That takes a lot of pressure off not only me, but the team."

Ronayne said teams with unreliable backups feel they need to elevate their game - offensively and defensively - to have a chance to win.

"They feel they must really, really pick it up," Ronayne said. "With Dunnie and I, every night they know the goaltending is going to be there. Both of us have been pretty consistent."

Dunbar has a league-leading 2.28 goals-against average and .932 saves percentage. He won nine in a row before losing 4-2 at Macon on Friday to drop his record to 9-2.

That pressure pales in comparison to the heat the 6-foot-2 Dunbar faced in training camp. He battled several others to become Ronayne's backup.

"I expect to go out and win every game I play," Dunbar said. "It doesn't matter if there is a streak going."

Ronayne ranks fourth with a 3.28 GAA and has nudged his saves percentage to .902. Only three goalies have more wins (10) than Ronayne.

"To be honest, I've never been as consistent as this season," Ronayne said. "I don't really feel I've struggled except the first home weekend when we won games 6-3, 6-2."

Early in the season, Dunbar's left hand needed work. He was very vulnerable to shots over his glove.

"I was probably easy (to beat) everywhere," he said with a laugh. "Coming from college, there is definitely an adjustment period and I don't think Bermie could have handled (the situation) any better."

Facing teammates in practice has been beneficial to both goaltenders. Kevin Swider, K.J. Voorhees and David Bagley are the league's top three scorers.

"We have plenty of talented players here," Dunbar said.

According to Ronayne, two goalies are better than one.

"If for some reason I'm not winning, whether I'm struggling or not showing up, it's good to know the other guy can pick up the slack."

The partnership might have failed if the Bloomfield Hills, Mich., native wasn't a team player.

"I've always been like that," Ronayne said. "I'd like to be the guy winning all the games. But If I'm not, I don't ever wish 'I hope they light him up tonight.' He's a young kid, works hard and has a great attitude. When he's in goal, I want him to get a shutout."

Dunbar knows what it feels like to be in the opposite situation.

"I've played in situations where the other guy is rooting for you to get scored on," he said. "It's not an ideal situation. With Jamie, everyone is pulling for each other and that's why we're in first place. Everyone is rooting for each other."

Ronayne relishes the opportunity to tutor Dunbar, from Duluth, Minn.

"We talk quite a bit," he said. "I'm trying to teach him some of the things I've picked up over the years. It's a pretty mental game dealing with adversity."

Said Dunbar: "Jaime's been great helping me out with a few things and giving me some pointers."

Dunbar hasn't had a bad night. Nevertheless, Ronayne was there for him when he gave up a pair of second-period goals to Winston-Salem only 80 seconds apart.

"He has to deal with ups and downs within the game," Ronayne said. "I don't know whether the goals were his fault or not, but I told him, 'It's good to see you handled that well and that you didn't get upset.'

"He's mentally tough and that's the most impressive thing I've noticed about him."

 

-January 10, 2005
MCHA Back on the Ice After Holiday/Semester Break
All but one league team returned to action this week, as play resumed with non-conference match-ups. League-leading MSOE split a pair of games with St. Mary’s, Minnesota-Crookston recorded a win and a tie over St. Scholastica, while Marian was swept by #9 UW-River Falls, Lawrence by St. Olaf, and Finlandia by Bethel. Conference action will on the agenda for the upcoming weekend, as all six teams will take part in league doubleheaders.

          
-Patrick Knutson-     -Jaden Isakson-       -Blair Hanberg-

Players of the Week:
-Minnesota-Crookston Golden Eagles junior forward Patrick Knutson (East Grand Forks, MN) wins the first MCHA Player-of-the-Week award for the 2005 portion of the schedule. This is the first time Knutson has ever been named Player-of-the-Week (he was named MCHA Rookie-of-the-Week twice in the 2002-03 campaign). He helped lead the Golden Eagles to an undefeated week, as he had a league-high 5 points (4G/1A) for the past seven days. He had 2 goals and 1 assist in the win on Saturday, and recorded both goals in his team’s 2-2 OT tie on Sunday.
Other Nominees: Mike Burkhart (Lawrence), Jake Basten (MSOE)

-Minnesota-Crookston Golden Eagles freshman goalie Jaden Isakson (Bismarck, ND) makes it two winners for the Golden Eagles, as he wins the MCHA Defensive Player-of-the-Week honors. He went 1-0-1 on the weekend, finishing with a .932 save percentage while giving up just 1 goal in 12 power play opportunities for his opponents.
Other Nominees: Joe Dovalina (MSOE), Andrew Isaac (Lawrence)

-Milwaukee School of Engineering Raiders freshman forward Blair Hanberg (Edmonds, WA) earns his second MCHA Freshman-of-the-Week award of the season. The business major recorded the game-winner in MSOE’s 4-1 victory on Friday night, and then scored the lone goal in the Raiders tough 2-1 loss on Saturday. He is now second overall among league players with 20 points (6G/14A).
Other Nominees: Jayden Isakson (Crookston)

 

 

 

 

-January 6, 2005
USCHO.com Article Highlights MSOE
The MCHA was back in the spotlight again this week, as Mark Ostapina and his first-place MSOE Raiders were one of the topics of discussion on USCHO.com in Ryan Mattingly's weekly column on the west region. The following story is an excerpt from "This Week in West Region D-III", written by Ryan Mattingly, USCHO.com staff writer:
Raiders looking to finish on top
While they may not be ready to stand on equal footing with either St. John's or UW-Superior just yet, Mark Ostapina's Raiders of MSOE (7-1-0, 9-5-0 overall) have established themselves as the team to beat in the MCHA.

After defeating then-conference No. 1 Lawrence during their home-and-home series last month, the Raiders became the clear leader of the pack, and they haven't looked back as they enter 2005 on a five-game win streak.

Ostapina couldn't have foreseen the success of his team at the start of the season—nor did he want to.

"I don't like projecting...especially when we're skating eight sophomores and freshmen," said Ostapina. "We have a simple motto, and that's the saying 'Take one thing at a time.' It's cliche ... but I felt it was the proper attitude to begin the year."

Last season, the team was anything but spectacular offensively and gave up far too many chances at the other end. With a young team returning to the ice, Ostapina had to wonder if his group would be able to put together a solid, multi-faceted game plan night in and night out.

"Last year we were fluctuating at the 3 to 3.3 goals against [mark], which makes you an average team," said Ostapina.

Fortunately, the younger players have been pitching in for the Raiders, with freshman and sophomore contributors dotting MSOE's scoring leaders. Freshmen Blair Hanberg and Lee Swallow are Nos. 1 and 3 in scoring, respectively, and have anchored a Raider offense that is currently averaging nearly five goals a game while surrendering just over two goals per game. Their addition has helped the team to gel, according to Ostapina.

"Without question the team aspect has been very important, and [Hanberg and Swallow] have been integral to the game," Ostapina said.

Swallow came to MSOE after having played against some of the best young talent in Ontario as part of the St. Michael's program in Toronto, and has delivered early with four power play goals. Hanberg has energized his linemates, drawing praise from Ostapina for his inspired play: "Hanberg's been there every shift...he's put some fire in our offense."

Even if they do eventually take the MCHA title, there will be doubts as to the team's ability to put up such numbers outside of its own conference. The Raiders have been outscored 22-8 in four games against NCHA and MIAC competition, including giving up seven goals in its games against UW-River Falls and UW-Stout. Nevertheless, an ironic bright spot for MSOE was the 5-4 loss to St. John's on November 28—the last game they played before embarking on their current winning streak.

The Johnnies had built a 4-1 lead early in the third period, but the Raiders used a flurry of goals in the final frame to even the score before St. John's got a late goal to seal the deal. Although missing out on a chance to unseat a nationally-ranked MIAC team was a disappointment, Ostapina and his team felt encouraged by putting a scare into the Johnnies after a week of pre-holiday exams.

"There are no moral victories, but we know that [St. John's is] one of the top ranked teams in the country," Ostapina said. "At a school of our academic magnitude, it's hard to keep focus during the week. The bottom line is it was kind of a flukey goal that beat us ... we definitely did a good job of frustrating them in the third."

Ostapina sees the team's league success as a "crawl-before-you-walk" approach to gaining respect in the West as a whole. He believes the Raiders have a bright future not only in its own league, but that perhaps they can eventually learn to compete on a regular basis with more established teams in the rest of the West.

"When you have talent, you can accelerate that process," said Ostapina, now in his fourth season with the Raiders. "In our situation, we as a coaching staff want to accelerate our learning curve."

 

-December 20, 2004
MCHA Wraps Up Play Before Holiday Break
The MCHA finished up their 2004 portion of the schedule this week, with MSOE defeating Finlandia 3-2 and Minnesota-Crookston falling in a pair of games to undefeated (11-0-0) #6 St. John’s. That concludes the scheduled games before the holiday break, as the next contest will be played January 2, 2005. A quick look at the statistical leaders in conference play at the halfway point: Finlandia’s Joe Lewis and Marian’s Jon Daigle are tied at the top of the point leaders with 16 each. Lewis (10-6=16) is also tops with 10 goals, while Daigle (8-8=16) now has 52 career MCHA assists and stands just five away from Dan Odegard’s (Marian College/1999-2003) career mark of 57 helpers in league action. Blair Hanberg of MSOE is first with 11 assists, and also leads the league in power play points with 8 (2G/6A). His teammate Matt Burzon is also having a solid season between the pipes, as Burzon leads all league goalies with his 2.14 GAA, .922 save percentage, and .833 winning percentage (5-1-0 record). Marian tops the league with their 5.12 goals-per-game average, while the Raiders are first in defense at 2.12 GAA. Happy Holidays and see you in 2005…

    
    -Brian Soik-          -Lee Swallow-

Players of the Week:
-Milwaukee School of Engineering Raiders sophomore forward Brian Soik (Stevens Point, WI) earns the Raiders second straight MCHA Player-of-the-Week award this year. He tallied a short-handed goal against Finlandia and assisted on the game-winner to help the Raiders to a 9-5-0 overall mark at the break, which is just one win away from their season total of ten victories a year ago.

-Milwaukee School of Engineering Raiders freshman forward Lee Swallow (Stanwod, MI) gives the Raiders their second straight sweep of the MCHA weekly awards, being named the MCHA Freshman-of-the-Week. Swallow had a hand in all three of the Raider goals in a 3-2 victory over Finlandia, assisting on the first two scores before netting the eventual game-winning goal.
NOTE: There was no MCHA Defensive Player-of-the-Week this week.
 

 

 

 

-December 13, 2004
MSOE Ahead of the Pack as MCHA Schedule Hits Midway Point
The MSOE Raiders won the mid-season showdown for first place in the MCHA, as they swept the Lawrence Vikings on the weekend, winning 7-1 and 2-1. Both teams entered play at 5-1-0 in MCHA games, with the Raiders now holding a comfortable lead at the halfway point of the league slate with their 7-1-0 ledger. The Raiders, Finlandia, and Minnesota-Crookston have games on the schedule this upcoming week, while the rest of the league members are enjoying the holiday break and will hit the ice again in 2005.

        
   -Jason Martin-           -David Yolo-        -Blair Hanberg-

Players of the Week:
-Milwaukee School of Engineering Raiders senior forward Jason Martin (Toronto, ONT) earns the Raiders first MCHA Player-of-the-Week award for the 2004-05 season. The business major was key, scoring the game-winning goals in both of MSOE’s victories over Lawrence in the battle for first place in the league.
Other Nominees: Joe Searl (Lawrence)

-Milwaukee School of Engineering Raiders sophomore defenseman David Yolo (Hartland, WI) earns the MCHA Defensive Player-of-the-Week award, giving a Raider player the award for the second straight week. The construction management major was +5 on the weekend and was a defensive force in helping limit the Vikings to a 1.00 GAA and to just a 1-for-14 showing on the power play.
Other Nominees: Daniel Ljung (Lawrence)

-Milwaukee School of Engineering Raiders freshman forward Blair Hanberg (Edmonds, WA) makes it a Raider sweep, as he receives the MCHA Freshman-of-the-Week award. The business major recorded 4 points (1G/3A) on the weekend, helping keep MSOE in first place.

 

 

 

-December 10, 2004
Lawrence Vikings Highlighted in National USCHO.com Article
The MCHA was highlighted nationally once again this week, as Dave Ruhly and his Lawrence University squad were the topic of discussion on USCHO.com in Ryan Mattingly's weekly column on the west region. The following story is an excerpt from "This Week in West Region D-III", written by Ryan Mattingly, USCHO.com staff writer:
Vikings raiding first place
Tom Conti’s scoring records are falling at Lawrence.  Last weekend, Viking forward Mike Burkhart (7 goals this season) scored his 41st career goal to surpass Conti (Lawrence ’02), and Ryan Blick notched his 51st career assist to pass the former Viking great.

“It was quite cool,” Blick (1-8-9) said of the broken records. “We knew we were close, but not how close.[Not knowing] took the pressure off.”

Lawrence coach David Ruhly believes that both players—but especially Blick—deserved the accolades for their achievements.

“Last year, [Blick] was out almost all season. It’s been great to have his leadership on the ice this year,” Ruhly said of his assistant captain.

Currently, Lawrence shares the MCHA lead with the Milwaukee School of Engineering with matching league records of 5-1-0. The two teams will meet up December 11 and 12 for the first time this season. This will be a big test, because while they’re not a storied program, Lawrence hockey is worth talking about this year—If for no other reason than to marvel at their persistence.

After struggling through one, four and eight-win seasons, Lawrence looked like the next breakthrough team in the MCHA with a 12-15-0 season in 2002-03. The team then took a step back last year, netting only four wins.

“Last year we had three guys that left right away. That took its toll on the team,” Ruhly said.

Instead of instructing the team to simply try and stay with opposing teams rather than beat them, Ruhly used a mental approach to get the team back on the right track.

"We’ve talked about [positivity] non-stop ... and putting [the players] in the right mindset,” said Ruhly, now in his fifth year as head coach. “We wanted to bring intensity and focus to every shift.”

“We definitely have had some obstacles to overcome,” Blick said. “The seniors we have are experienced, and we look forward to our [MCHA] schedule.”

That optimistic outlook is bolstered by recruiting steals like freshman blueliner Josh Peterson (2-8-10), who is fourth on the team in total scoring and who has impressed the Lawrence coaching staff with his mature play in all three zones.

“It’s really great to have [Peterson] here,” said Ruhly. “He’s made an excellent contribution to the defense.”

Peterson’s quiet humility belies a true gamer who wants the puck in every key situation. “I like to use my skating to get past guys,” said Peterson. “The more I handle the puck and spread things out, the better.”

Lawrence will need contributions from both young and old if it wants to continue its winning ways. Although the MCHA isn’t as prominent a league as the NCHA or the SUNYAC, its style of play is one that can give nightmares to even the most elite of teams.

“I’m sure we’re classified as a sub-par league, but we’re a fast-paced league,” said Blick. Teams like Lawrence in the MCHA have been concentrating on getting numerous power play chances against larger teams whose aggressiveness often leads to penalties. “We’re not the biggest conference, but we make up for it with speed,” Blick said. “And especially with the [increase in penalties] this year, those power plays make a huge difference.”

Ruhly agrees, noting that the MCHA gets better — and gets better recruits — with every year.

“All in all, our league is making improvements,” Ruhly said. “It’s real college hockey. Kids want a shot and want to play, and [they] have the opportunity to play in this league right away. That’s something that a lot of the other conferences don’t have.”

-December 9, 2004
Finlandia's Joe Lewis Earns National Player of the Week Honors
Finlandia University freshman forward Joe Lewis (Marquette, MI) was named the United States College Hockey Online/ITECH (USCHO.com) Division III Offensive Player-of-the-Week for his performances against defending MCHA regular season champion Marian College this past weekend. Lewis, who was also named MCHA Player-of-the-Week for his efforts, received the accolades after being nominated and receiving votes from the staff of the nationally-known website, which is known to hockey fans nation-wide as the "Definitive College Hockey Resource".

Lewis came up with huge goals all weekend against Marian, as he recorded the game-tying goal with just 17 seconds left on Friday night before netting the game-winner in overtime with 37 seconds remaining. Then, on Saturday, he helped complete Finlandia’s comeback with the game-tying goal late in the third. He ended the weekend with 7 points (4G/3A), and is currently tied for second in the MCHA in goals (7) and points (12).
See the USCHO.com release HERE.

This is just the fifth time that a player from the MCHA has earned national Player-of-the-Week honors from USCHO since the league's inception. Lewis joins Minnesota-Crookston's Erik Kraska (week of 3/3/04) and Mike Dickson (12/1/99), MSOE's Adam Blomfield (2/14/03), and Lawrence University's Danny Schroder (11/5/02) on the prestigious list. Interestingly enough, each of the last four winners have had the Marian Sabres as their opponents in the week they were selected with the honor.

 

-December 6, 2004
MCHA Race Heats Up With Big Conference Weekend of Play
The MCHA schedule was an interesting one for the weekend, as each series counted double (4 points for a win/2 for a tie) for standings points due to the unbalanced schedule this year. After all was said and done, the conference race tightened up and added some contenders, as Lawrence swept Northland, MSOE swept Minnesota-Crookston, and Finlandia earned a come-from-behind victory and tie against Marian to make it a four team race. MSOE holds a slim 2 point lead, but first thru fourth place in the standings are separated by just 6 points. Some history was made in the Lawrence/Northland series, as the Vikings had two school records get broken. Mike Burkhart scored goal number 41 of his career to break the school mark of 40 held by Tom Conti, while teammate Ryan Blick picked up career assist number 50, eclipsing Conti’s school mark of 49 in the process.

        
     -Joe Lewis-        -Matt Burzon-     -Bryan Gallagher-

Players of the Week:
-Finlandia University Lions freshman forward Joe Lewis (Marquette, MI) becomes the first Finlandia player to ever be named MCHA Player-of-the-Week. The Lions forward came up with huge goals all weekend against Marian, as he recorded the game-tying goal with just 17 seconds left on Friday night before netting the game-winner in overtime with 37 seconds remaining. Then, on Saturday, he helped complete Finlandia’s comeback with the game-tying goal late in the third. He ended the weekend with 7 points (4G/3A), and is currently tied for second in the MCHA in goals (7) and points (12).
Other Nominees: Jon Daigle (Marian), Mike Burkhart (Lawrence), Ryan Blick (Lawrence), Bryan Gallagher (Marian), Matt Burzon (MSOE)

-Milwaukee School of Engineering Raiders sophomore goaltender Matt Burzon (Danby, VT) earns the MCHA Defensive Player-of-the-Week award, going a perfect 2-0 on the weekend versus defending MCHA Tournament Champ Minnesota-Crookston. He made 57 saves on a .966 save percentage and had a 1.00 GAA. The construction management major made 20 saves in recording his second shutout of the season on Saturday, and held the Golden Eagles to an 0-for-17 showing on the power play over the 2 games.
Other Nominees: Mark Williams (Marian), Jay Schofield (Lawrence), Jaden Isakson (Minnesota-Crookston)

-Marian College Sabres freshman forward Bryan Gallagher (Chugiak, AK) wins the Sabres first MCHA Freshman-of-the-Week award this season, topping an impressive list of contenders. Gallagher led the league with 5 goals on the week, adding 3 assists to finish the weekend with 8 points.  He did everything he could to help the Sabres earn the 7-7 OT tie on Saturday, as he recorded his first career hat trick while adding two assists in the contest. He is now second in the MCHA in points (12) and assists (7), and tied for first in freshman scoring (12).
Other Nominees: Josh Peterson (Lawrence), Ryan Lettau (MSOE), Jaden Isakson (Minnesota-Crookston), Josh Paquette (Finlandia)

 

 

-December 1, 2004
Becker Breaks Lumberjack Hockey All-Time Scoring Mark
On Sunday (November 28, 2004) Assistant Captain and senior left wing Ryan Becker (Lucky Lake, Saskatchewan) became the all-time leading scorer for the Northland College Lumberjacks hockey team. He did it in a 5-3 Lumberjack win, by assisting on a second period power play goal, scoring a power play goal and then getting the game winning goal unassisted at the 5:37 mark of the third period versus Hamline University, in front of the home crowd. The career scoring mark of 81 points was held by Jeff Frey (1998-2002), who totaled 107 games, 23 goals and 58 assists in his four years of play.

In 85 games for the Lumberjacks to date, Ryan has scored 28 goals and added 54 assists. Last season, Ryan set a school record for assists in a season with 23 and hopes to break the all-time assist mark of 58 any game now. The individual season assist record (22) was previously held by Dave Guidi (1998-99) and Jeff Frey (1999-00) and the career assist mark of 58 is also currently held by Jeff Frey.

“I am very proud of Ryan and this accomplishment. He was recruited four years ago to become part of the foundation that this program needed. Ryan has not disappointed. Any player who can average a point a game at the collegiate level has had a very successful career. He is only one of ten freshmen that made it to their senior year in a Lumberjacks uniform. I am very happy to have had Ryan as part of this program for four years. He has been through a lot of transition, but he has remained committed to me and this program. I look forward to seeing Ryan continue to break more records before his senior season in complete,” stated Head Coach, Dan Huntley.

Ryan is currently fourth on the Lumberjacks career goal scoring list and also has the distinction of being #1 on the career penalty and penalty minute list. Ryan came to Northland in the fall of 2001 after finishing his junior hockey career in Dauphin, MB with the Kings of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League. In 2001, Ryan was a MJHL All-Star and led the Kings in scoring with 63 games, 31 goals, and 42 assists. He is a business major and will graduate in December of 2005.
-Story Courtesy of Northland College Sports Information

 

-November 29, 2004
Holiday Weekend Features Plenty of Non-Conference Action
The MCHA played a very busy schedule over the holiday, getting in 15 games against non-conference foes, highlighted by Marian College earning a 3-3 overtime tie with #3 St. Norbert College, just missing a victory when the Green Knights scored in the final seconds. In another game against a Top 10 opponent, MSOE had #7 St. John’s tied late in the game before the Johnnies escaped with the 5-4 win. The league returns to conference action this upcoming weekend with some very important showdowns, as each series will count double (4 points for a win/2 for a tie) for standings points due to the unbalanced schedule this year.

         
         
  Brock Anundson     Brett Shalanski          Ken Walters

Players of the Week:
-Minnesota-Crookston Golden Eagles senior forward Brock Anundson (Baudette, MN) earns the Golden Eagles first award of the year by being named MCHA Player-of-the-Week. The sports recreation management major had one of the highest individual scoring outputs in the league this week with 5 points (4G/1A), including a league-high 4 goals. He scored at least one goal in every game of a 1-1-1 week, registering both goals in Crookston’s 2-2 OT tie with Augsburg (MN). Anundson wins a close decision with three other players, including Northland College's Ryan Becker who broke the Lumberjack career scoring mark of 82 points this week with 2 goals and an assist.
Other Nominees: Jeff Affleck (Northland), Ryan Becker (Northland), Blair Hanberg (MSOE)

-Minnesota-Crookston Golden Eagles sophomore goalie Brett Shelanski (Bloomington, MN) makes it two winners for the Golden Eagles, as he is chosen the MCHA Defensive Player-of-the-Week. Brett went 1-1-0 on the week with 62 saves on a .900 save percentage.
Other Nominees: Kyle Grabowski (Marian)

-Milwaukee School of Engineering Raiders freshman defenseman Ken Walters (Amery, WI) earns the MCHA Freshman-of-the-Week award. The business major scored 3 goals from his defenseman position, including 2 against UW-Stout.
Other Nominees: Bryan Gallagher (Marian), Jayden Isakson (Minnesota-Crookston)

 

 

 

-November 22, 2004
Marian Earns First Place Tie After Sweep; Finlandia Splits With Lawrence
The Finlandia University Lions are proving that they will be tough competition in their first season in the MCHA, as they earned a split with Lawrence University, a team that came in undefeated in league action. Elsewhere, Marian swept Minnesota-Crookston to forge a tie with MSOE at the top of the standings with eight points, while #8 St. John’s proved too much for Northland College. Finlandia has now earned splits in both of their MCHA match-ups, first with MSOE and now with the Vikings. In the Sabres/Golden Eagles match-up, Marian senior Jon Daigle recorded career point number 100 with a third period goal on Saturday.

         
          
 -Mason Oakes-       -Kyle Grabowski-       -Mike Parks-

Players of the Week:
-Lawrence University Vikings junior forward Mason Oakes (Madison, WI) is the MCHA Player-of-the-Week. The biology major had a 4 point (2G/2A) weekend in Lawrence’s split with Finlandia. With that effort, Oakes is now first in the MCHA in points, second in goals, first in power play points, and first in power play goals. He helped his team to their third MCHA win of the season, a number that already matches the Vikings victory total in league play from a year ago.
Other Nominees: Chad Little (Marian)

-Marian College Sabres sophomore goalie Kyle Grabowski (Oakdale, MN) wins the battle for MCHA Defensive Player-of-the-Week. The biology major went a perfect 2-0 on the weekend, putting up some impressive statistics on the way. He had a 1.50 GAA, a save percentage of .958, and allowed just one power play goal in 17 Crookston chances against him as the Sabres moved into a first place tie with MSOE.
Other Nominees: Gharrity McNett (Lawrence), Joe Junttila (Finlandia)

-Finlandia University Lions freshman forward Mike Parks (Marquette, MI) becomes the school’s first all-time award-winner, as he is the MCHA Freshman-of-the-Week. Parks had a 4 point (1G/3A) weekend in helping the Lions to a league split. The highlight for Parks was a goal and 2 assists in the Lions’ 5-2 win on Saturday, including the assist on the game-winner.
Other Nominees: Austin Montgomery (Lawrence)

 

-November 15, 2004
Lawrence Impressive in Opening Series, Marian Gets First Victories
The MCHA season started well for Lawrence University, as they swept two-time defending MCHA Tournament Champ Minnesota-Crookston on the road, winning 6-2 and 3-1 to get off to an undefeated 2-0 start. Marian College got back to .500 in league play, sweeping Northland College to move to 2-2-0 in the standings. In the other weekend match-up, league newcomer Finlandia earned a split with league-leader MSOE, knocking off the Raiders 7-5 on Friday before MSOE came back with a shut-out to earn the split on Saturday.

Players of the Week:
-Marian College senior forward Ian Carroll (Peoria, IL) wins a highly-contested battle for MCHA Player-of-the-Week. The economics/finance and marketing major had a 5 point (4G/1A) weekend, and registered both game-winning goals for the Sabres in their two wins over Northland. The topper for Carroll was his first career hat trick on Saturday, as his 3 goals in that game give him 6 on the season, tied with MSOE’s Jason Martin for first in overall stats in the league.
Other Nominees: Jamie Leffler (Finlandia), Patrick Knutson (Crookston), Jason Martin (MSOE), Pete Mossberg (Lawrence)

-Lawrence University Vikings junior goalie Daniel Ljung (Avesta, Sweden) gets the nod for MCHA Defensive Player-of-the-Week. The German major made 40 saves on 41 shots in his team’s 3-1 victory over MN-Crookston on Saturday night. His only goal-against came on the power play, (where he held his opponents to a 1-for-8 showing), while his .975 save percentage helped lead the way as Lawrence knocked off the defending MCHA Tournament champs.
Other Nominees: Joe Juntilla (Finlandia), Brano Kruger (MSOE), Kyle Grabowski (Marian)

-MSOE freshman forward Blair Hanberg (Edmonds, WA) and Northland College Lumberjacks freshman goalie Todor Petkov (Montreal, Quebec) earn a share of the MCHA Freshman-of-the-Week award. Hanberg had a 4-point weekend (4A) in his team’s split with Finlandia, playing well in all 3 zones. Meanwhile, Petkov earned a share for his 114 saves on the weekend. After a school and MCHA record 65 saves on Friday night (breaking the record of 62 by MSOE’s Sam Carrico in 2001-2002), he added 49 more on Saturday to finish the weekend with a save percentage of .912 after facing 125 shots in two games.
Other Nominees: Josh Peterson (Lawrence)

 

-November 8, 2004
MSOE Alone on Top After First Week of MCHA Play
The MCHA opened conference play this week and the MSOE Raiders got things started with a bang, sweeping defending MCHA regular season champion Marian College in two weekend games. Northland and UM-Crookston split the other league series this week, while Lawrence and Finlandia will play their first MCHA games on the schedule this upcoming weekend.

Players of the Week:
-Northland College Lumberjacks junior right wing Jeff Affleck (Souris, MB) becomes the first Lumberjack to earn MCHA Player-of-the-Week honors this season. The business major scored the game-winning goal in overtime against Crookston on Saturday, giving him his first career hat trick in the process. The 'Jacks captain had a power play, short-handed, and even strength goal for the trio in the contest. He also added an assist on Friday.
Other Nominees: Jacob Basten (MSOE), Brock Anundson (Crookston), Mike Burkhart (Lawrence), Jon Daigle (Marian)

-Northland College Lumberjacks freshman goalie Todor Petkov (Montreal, Quebec) earns MCHA Defensive Player-of-the-Week honors by helping his team to a weekend split against Crookston with his play in goal. He averaged over 38 saves-per-game on a .906 save percentage. Seven of the 12 goals he gave up in three games came in special teams situations.
Other Nominees: Luke Hasbargen (MSOE), Mark Tveit (Crookston)

-Northland College Lumberjacks freshman forward Steve O'Hern (St. Paul, MN) gives the 'Jacks a sweep of the MCHA weekly awards by being chosen MCHA Freshman-of-the-Week. The education major has a three-game scoring streak to start his career, scoring two goals (one short-handed) and two assists in his three games on the week.
Other Nominees: Ken Walters (MSOE), Carl Bresser (Marian)

 

-November 4, 2004
Something Old, Something New
MCHA Play Begins With Old Powers And A New Addition
-Following story courtesy of uscho.com
by Ryan Mattingly/Staff Writer

Lots of attention was paid to the Midwest this past Tuesday as George W. Bush and John Kerry battled for coveted electoral votes.

If only that much attention could be focused on Division III's forgotten Midwestern league, the MCHA. Despite the lack of a true breakout team that could contend for top D-III honors, the MCHA has a few compelling storylines as conference play begins.

A Wise Choice for Marian

Let's start with the Marian Sabres, who had their 14-2-0 league record diminished in the MCHA title game by Minnesota-Crookston for the second straight year. If that wasn't unsettling enough, head coach Chris Brown decided to leave the Sabres for Hamline, and was promptly replaced by Jasen Wise—from Hamline.

Wise has a tough task ahead of him in trying to get the Sabres (0-2-0 in 2004-05) back on top in the league. Star goaltender Terry Dunbar—the MCHA's Player of the Year and playoff MVP in 2003-04—departed after graduation as perhaps one of the very best goalies the MCHA has ever seen. Also gone are forwards Mark Ewing (4 GWG) and Brad Hawkins (20 pts.), two offensive catalysts whose contributions will be missed.

Even though expectations will be just as high this year after coming up just short the previous two seasons, Wise will be able to depend on seven seasoned upperclassmen, including Jon Daigle, who led the team in points last year (10-16-26). Veterans at the forward position will be counted on to score consistently as the team adjusts to new, untested starting netminders in sophomore Kyle Grabowski and junior Matt Bour.

Look for Marian to use speed and scoring to make up for unproven goaltending. But if the Sabres' defense holds up and the platoon of goaltenders can manage consistent play, Marian could very well turn their habit of finishing second into an MCHA title.

Marian begins its league play against Milwaukee School of Engineering with home and home games on Friday and Saturday.

Golden Eagles, Savvy Veterans

Yes, hopes are high at Minnesota-Crookston. The Golden Eagles have two straight MCHA Championships in their pocket and 17 returning players will try to continue the streak. Head coach Gary Warren has quite an arsenal in his top lines. All-MCHA forward Brock Anundson, who led the Golden Eagles in scoring (16-15-31) last year is back, and is expected to provide steady leadership along with Patrick Knutson. Standout sophomore forward Chris Knapp hopes to build on his 10-goal effort last season, and defenseman/captain Marc Tveit anchors a solid defensive unit, whose top four blueliners can check with the biggest and baddest or run the power play from the back.

Alas, like their rivals at Marian, Minnesota-Crookston's goaltending is a work in progress. Sophomore Brett Shelanski started the season by giving up five goals against the Milwaukee School of Engineering—a game that did not count in the MCHA standings, but was a match that the Golden Eagles certainly were expected to win. Only time and experience will tell if Shelanski can help backstop Minnesota-Crookston to a third consecutive league title.

The Golden Eagles go on the road this weekend to face Northland.

Engineering a Comeback

The Raiders of the Milwaukee School of Engineering were a frustrating bunch last season. They had balanced scoring, young players who contributed immediately and who were able to bounce back after a 1-7-0 start to eventually advance to the MCHA semifinal. However, it was all the games in between that was the big problem.

Coach Mark Ostapina saw his team's goal scoring dwindle almost to nothing early in the first third of the season (including a four-game losing streak in which the Raiders were outscored 22-1). Then, the team rallied and began racking up goals by the half-dozen, only to go on another goal-starved losing streak. But by mid-season, Ostapina's players were scoring again ... then the wheels fell off and the Raiders lost five straight.

This kind of inconsistency won't cut it this year, as the Raiders (1-2-0) are looking to climb up the ranks and close the divide that exists in the standings once you read past Marian and Minnesota-Crookston. The good news is, Ostapina seems to have the young guns to pull it off. Last season's scoring leader Brian Soik is once again contributing. But this year, the sophomore has company in freshman forward Lee Swallow, who has been hot with three goals in his first three collegiate games.

Sophomore goalie Matt Burzon has been a steadying force as well after the team's 7-0 season opening loss to Wisconsin-River Falls with fellow sophomore Joe Dovalina in the nets for the Raiders. Burzon started the next two games and has forged a respectable 3.06 GAA. If the Raiders keep this up, they may be able to avoid the win-loss roller coaster that almost derailed their 2003-2004 campaign.

The Raiders have a home and home series with Marian coming up this weekend, beginning in Milwaukee on Friday.

Nowhere to go but up: Northland and Lawrence

The two MCHA cellar dwellers of 2003-04 have a lot of catching up to do. Between them, the Northland Lumberjacks and the Lawrence Vikings won five regular season games last season in the MCHA, and had seven combined wins overall. While this may not be the year they make significant progress up the food chain in the Midwest, the teams are content with gradual progress.

Dan Huntley's fourth year at the Northland helm will be a crucial one. There is no shortage of hard workers on his team but a lack of consistency and focus in their own zone crippled the Lumberjacks often last season. Of Northland's 21 losses, 14 were games in which the opposition scored six goals or more. And in four of those routs, opposing teams scored 10 or more goals on Northland.

But the Lumberjack faithful see hop on the horizon in freshman goalie Todor Petkov, who caught the eyes of scouts and coaches alike while earning MVP honors with Streetsville of the Ontario Provincial Junior A league last year. With Petkov on board, Northland has the potential to build from the nets out.

As for Dave Ruhly's squad at Lawrence, everything said about Northland applies: the defense needs to cut down on scoring chances, and the offense needs regular production from its forwards. This is a team on the small side, so they absolutely must use speed to their advantage. It wouldn't help to string a win streak together so that their confidence can be rebuilt.

Lawrence (0-0-2 overall) goes head-to-head with the Toronto Rattlers touring team in an exhibition tilt on Sunday. Northland (0-1-0 overall) gets the Rattlers on Monday.

The new kid—Finlandia

Finlandia begins its first season in the MCHA after going 3-4-0 against non-conference competition as a D-III independent last year. Though it's always a tough call to estimate how a new team will do, consider this: Finlandia played four non-conference games against Northland and won three of them. It then opened the 2004-05 season against Northland—and promptly won again by a score of 4-1.

The Lions, led by coach Joe Burcar, could surprise some in the MCHA. With only four upperclassmen on its roster, Finlandia is a work in progress, but hopes are high that the Lions can make an immediate impact this year.

Finlandia (1-0-0) plays exhibition matches against MSU-Bottineau on Friday night and Saturday afternoon.

 

-November 1, 2004
MCHA Opens 2004-2005 Campaign
The Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association opened their seventh season of play this week with four of the six league teams playing non-conference contests. The remaining two teams will begin their new seasons early this week. MSOE played two Top-15 teams, while Marian and Lawrence played a game each against UW-Stout and St. Scholastica (MN). The Vikings earned two ties, but were just minutes away from starting the new campaign at 2-0, as late goals by their opponents in each game forced the eventual ties.

Players of the Week:
-Lawrence University Vikings junior forward Pete Mossberg (Salt Lake City, UT) is the first MCHA Player-of-the-Week for the 2004-2005 season. The economics major had a 5-point weekend, helping his team to two ties with a goal and 3 assists against St. Scholastica and an assist versus UW-Stout.
Other Nominees: Lee Swallow (MSOE)

-Lawrence University Vikings sophomore goalie Andrew Isaac (Mississauga, ONT) gets honored as MCHA Defensive Player-of-the-Week. The economics major recorded a staggering 58 saves (.951 save%) in a 3-3 OT tie with UW-Stout.
Other Nominees: Matt Burzon (MSOE)

-Lawrence University Vikings freshman defenseman Josh Peterson (Duluth, MN) is the MCHA Freshman-of-the-Week to give the Vikings a sweep of the season's first weekly honors. Josh had a goal and 3 assists on the weekend, and was +5 in the Vikings two games.
Other Nominees: Bryan Gallagher (Marian), Ken Walters (MSOE)

 

-August 13, 2004
Jasen Wise Named Sabres New Hockey Coach
Marian College Athletic Director Doug Hammonds announced Friday (August 13) the hiring of Jasen Wise as head hockey coach at Marian College. Wise will be in charge of all aspects of the Sabres program, looking to extend the success of the Marian hockey program which has claimed two MCHA regular season titles and two league tournament championships in the past four seasons while sporting a winning percentage of .847 versus league opponents during that span.

Wise comes to Marian with an extensive hockey background dating back to his youth. He spent his high school career at West Anchorage (Alaska) and International Falls (Minn.) High School, which included playoff and State Tournament appearances. From there he spent two seasons in the USHL, playing for the Dubuque Fighting Saints and the Rochester Mustangs, making a National Tournament appearance in 1990-1991.

Jasen is no stranger to NCAA Division III hockey either, as he was the team captain as a player at the University of St. Thomas (Minn.), helping his squad to a MIAC league title during his junior year. That came after two seasons at Rochester Institute of Technology, where he was an assistant captain on a squad that made an NCAA Tournament appearance. He earned his undergraduate degree at St. Thomas, and is set to obtain his Masters degree in Athletic Administration from St. Thomas as well later this year.

“We are proud to have Jasen Wise as our new men’s hockey and golf coach,” stated Hammonds. “Having gone through the process of interviewing, we are pleased at the potential and dedication that Jasen will provide us in the hockey and golf programs.”

Wise comes to the Sabres from Hamline University, a member of the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) where he spent the past five seasons as the Piper’s assistant coach. While at Hamline, Wise assisted in all aspects of the hockey program, from recruiting to practice.

“As long as we work hard and have fun, the wins and losses will take care of themselves,” stated the new coach. “Coach [Chris] Brown left the Marian hockey program in great shape and I see no reason why we shouldn’t compete for another MCHA title.”

Jasen is engaged to be married to fiancé Rachel Aleshire, and now calls Fond du Lac home. He began his duties at the school on August 13, 2004.

 

-July 26, 2004
Marian College Head Coach Chris Brown Moves to Hamline
-Following story courtesy of uscho.com

Chris Brown to Coach Hamline
Succeeds Cullen after Four Years at Marian
by Chris Lerch/Senior Writer

Chris Brown has been named head hockey coach at Hamline University. He succeeds Pat Cullen, who stepped down in June after four seasons.

Brown moves from Marian College, where he compiled a record of 65-36-7 in four seasons. The Sabres were MCHA champions in 2001 and 2002 and captured the league's regular season titles in 2002 and 2004.

Brown, who was named MCHA Coach of the Year in 2002 and 2004, has been a member of the NCAA Division III Hockey Committee for the past three seasons.

"I'm looking forward to coaching in the MIAC," Brown said. "It's a league with a lot of tradition, with great rivalries and great coaches."

"We are excited to add Chris to the Hamline athletics family," said Hamline Athletic Director Dan O'Brien. "He brings a proven track record of success on the ice, in the classroom and in his recruiting. I am confident that he will achieve the same type of success here at Hamline."

Brown graduated in 1994 from Wisconsin-River Falls, where he captained the Falcons' national championship team his senior year. He was an assistant coach at Augsburg and Alaska-Anchorage before accepting the head coaching position at Marian in 2000.

Cullen was 35-83-7 at Hamline, including a 7-7-2 conference record in 2002-2003, the team's best finish in 16 years. Hamline was just 1-15 in the MIAC and 3-22 overall last season.

"I'm looking forward to the challenge," said Brown. "It was a challenge when I started at Marian, and I'm looking forward to another one.

"Hamline is ready to take the next step forward."

 

 

 

-May 27, 2004
Marian College's Ian Carroll Earns All-District Academic All-American Honor
The 2004 Academic All-American All-District V College Division Men's At-Large Team was named today (May 27) by CoSIDA (College Sports Information Directors of America), and Marian College hockey player Ian Carroll (Peoria, IL) is a member of the First Team (District V includes: Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Manitoba, and Ontario). Eighty (80) individuals (10 from each of 8 regions) will be on the national ballot, of which 30 (three 10-member teams) will be selected as national Academic All-Americans. The At-Large team consists of student-athletes in 14 sports that do not have an individual team, including crew, gymnastics, skiing, volleyball, fencing, hockey, swimming, water polo, field hockey, lacrosse, tennis, wrestling, golf, and rifle. As stated before, the 10-member first team will advance to the national ballot. That team will be released June 15, 2004.

Ian played in all 27 games for the Marian hockey team this past season, scoring 14 points on 7 goals and 7 assists. He continues to climb the ladder on the Sabres all-time scoring list, as the junior economics/finance major currently sits at #20 with 45 points (21G/24A) in his career. With the 3.96 GPA that Carroll carries in the classroom, academic awards are no stranger to him, as he has also been named to the MCHA All-Academic Team each year he has played at Marian. He becomes the first-ever Sabre hockey player to be named to an all-district academic first team, and just the fourth student-athlete all-time.

CoSIDA Academic All-District V College Division Men's At-Large First Team
Luke Benoit, Golf - Gustavus Adolphus (MN) (3.60 GPA, Finance)
Ian Carroll, Hockey - Marian College (3.96 GPA, Economics/Finance)
Tut Fuller, Tennis - St. Thomas (MN) University (3.99 GPA, Biology)
Juston Hegner, Tennis - Elmhurst College (IL) (4.00 GPA, Mathematics)
Neil Johnson, Golf - Gustavus Adolphus (MN) (3.55 GPA, Finance)
Lewis Kellin, Hockey - UW-Stout (3.92 GPA, Business Administration)
Dave Linn, Swimming - St. Thomas (MN) University (4.00 GPA, Biology)
Rob Novak, Hockey - UW-River Falls (3.92 GPA, Elementary Education)
Chris Rook, Hockey - Lake Forest (IL) College (3.89 GPA, Business)
Matthew Schoenherr, Wrestling - MSOE (3.83 GPA, Architectural Eng.)

 

-May 20, 2004
Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association Unveils New Logo
The MCHA announced the unveiling of their new league logo on Thursday (May 20). The logo replaces the old version, which had been in place since the league was formed over six years ago.

"We are very excited about unveiling a new logo for the league," stated MCHA President Steve Wammer. "We feel that the new logo and colors will help strengthen the identity of the MCHA at the NCAA level."

The new logo features the MCHA letters in red text with a navy blue shadow and a hockey goalie off to the left of the letters. The official logo also has "Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association" spelled out in blue text below. It was designed in conjunction with the MCHA coaches and Marian College desktop publisher Angie Mies.

All six league members will begin using the logo today. It has also been added to the league website.