-Lawrence's Mike Szkodzinski Named Director of Athletics (7/10/09)
-Nick Jennette Latest MCHA Alum to Ink Professional Contract (5/15/09)
-The Day Has Arrived: NCAA Awards MCHA the AQ for 2010 Postseason (4/14/09)
-MSOE's Woll Inks Playoff Contract With Cyclones (4/10/09)
-Three Adrian College Players Earn All-USCHO Honors; Skelly Tabbed First Team (4/9/09)
-MCHA Players Rank High on Final NCAA National Statistics Report (3/25/09)
-CUW's Hrkac Signed by Minnesota Wild Organization (3/13/09)
-Adrian's Adam Krug Second Player Signed by Cincinnati in Past Week (3/12/09)
-MSOE's Jason Woll Inks Professional Contract With Cincinnati Cyclones (3/6/09)
-Adrian College Claims Back-to-Back Harris Cup Championships With Impressive Win (3/1/09)
-MCHA Announces Postseason Honors; Adrian's Skelly Named Player of the Year (2/27/09)
-Weekend Championship Information Now Available On-Line (2/24/09)
-Lawrence's Nick Jennette Breaks NCAA Record for Consecutive Games Played (2/21/09)
-Marian's Copeland Named a Finalist for Hockey Humanitarian Award (2/20/09)
-MCHA Tournament Gets Underway This Weekend (2/16/09)
-Northland's Daniel McIntosh Named one of SI's "Faces in the Crowd" (2/12/09)
-MCHA Heads Into Final Week of Regular Season Play (2/9/09)
-Bulldogs Claim Back-to-Back Regular Season League Championships (2/2/09)
-Adrian Breaks League Win Streak Standard (1/26/09)
-Northland's McIntosh Breaks NCAA Mark for Saves in a Game (1/23/09)
-Lawrence, Adrian, MSOE and Marian All Add Pair of Victories (1/19/09)
-Adrian College Set to Play USDL U-18 Squad (1/16/09)
-Lawrence Jumps Into Northern Division Lead With Sweep of Finlandia (1/12/09)
-No. 8 Adrian Extends Winning Streak to 10 Games (1/5/09)
-Adrian, Finlandia, Marian, Lawrence All Post League Sweeps (12/8/08)
-MSOE Highlights Thanksgiving Week Action (12/1/08)
-Adrian, Lawrence, Finlandia All Sweep Weekend League Series (11/24/08)
-Marian University and Adrian College Move to 4-0 in League Standings (11/17/08)
-Adrian College Moves Up to No. 9 in Nation After Weekend Sweep (11/10/08)
-Marian Earns League Sweep; Adrian's Nearly Year-Long Unbeaten Streak Snapped (11/3/08)
-Regular Season Underway for Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association (10/27/08)
-Marian Hockey Team to Hold "Pink Out" Game to Fight Breast Cancer (10/23/08)
-MCHA Regular Season Play Gets Underway This Thursday (10/21/08)
-Adrian College Picked as Preseason Favorite for 2008-09 Season (10/10/08)
-Golden Eagles Honor Former Player And Coach With Jersey Retirement (9/30/08)
-Four More Former MCHA Skaters Ink Professional Contracts (8/21/08)
-MCHA Sets Times and Dates for Officials Tryouts (7/14/08)
-Marian's Carl Bresser Signs With ECHL'S Gwinnett Gladiators (6/26/08)
-Adrian College Hockey Team Honored by State of Michigan (4/15/08)
-Josh Peterson of Lawrence University is Latest MCHA Player to Sign Professionally (3/16/08)

 

 

 

 

-July 10, 2009
Szkodzinski Named Lawrence Director of Athletics
Release courtesy of the Lawrence University Sports Information Department 
Contact: Joe Vanden Acker, Sports Information Director, 920-832-6878

APPLETON, Wis. -- Lawrence University head hockey coach Mike Szkodzinski has been named the Acting Director of Athletics, Provost Dave Burrows announced Friday.

Szkodzinski, who has been Lawrence's head hockey coach since June 2006, takes over for head softball coach Kim Tatro and head football coach Chris Howard, who shared the duties of Acting Director of Athletics during the 2008-09 academic year.

"Mike is a person of high energy and spirit, with strong organizational skills," Burrows said. "He will work closely with the other members of the Department of Athletics to strengthen our athletic programs."

Szkodzinski believes Lawrence possesses a strong group of coaches and wants to work with them in an effort to develop each team.

"I am looking forward to working with the fine staff of coaches we have at Lawrence," Szkodzinski said. "Our goal as a department is to utilize the individual talents of each coach in order to improve our programs across the board. The hope is to continue to build on the momentum started by not only Kim and Chris, but Bob Beeman as well."

The community, both on and off the campus, also plays a vital role in the success of Lawrence athletics, Szkodzinski said.

"Lawrence has historically received strong support from our campus community and from fans throughout the Fox Valley," Szkodzinski said. "They have filled the Banta Bowl, packed Alexander Gymnasium and the Appleton Family Ice Center, and come out to cheer on every team here at Lawrence. The backing of local fans and our alumni around the world make coaching and playing at Lawrence an extraordinary experience."

Szkodzinski has turned around the fortunes of the Lawrence hockey program in his three seasons at the helm. The Vikings posted a school-record 16-11-1 mark in 2008-09 and won the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association Northern Division title. Lawrence finished second in the MCHA regular-season standings. In three seasons, Szkodzinski has a 39-39-6 record with the Vikings, including a 32-25-3 mark in MCHA play.

A 2000 graduate of St. Norbert College, Szkodzinski has a bachelor's degree in business administration. He earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of Findlay, where he served as an assistant coach for two seasons. Szkodzinski was an assistant coach at St. Norbert for two seasons before coming to Lawrence.

 

 

 

 

-May 15, 2009
Lawrence's Jennette Signs with Hunstville Havoc
Release courtesy of the Lawrence University Sports Information Department 
Contact: Joe Vanden Acker, Sports Information Director, 920-832-6878

APPLETON, Wis. -- Lawrence University hockey standout Nick Jennette has signed a contract to play for the Huntsville Havoc of the Southern Professional Hockey League. 

Jennette (Grand Rapids, Mich./East Grand Rapids) becomes the second Lawrence player in as many years to sign a pro contract. Josh Peterson signed with the Flint Generals of the International Hockey League in April 2008. 

"I am extremely excited to get down there and get after it," Jennette said. "Hopefully I can work hard enough to earn a spot on the team." 

Jennette was an All-Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association selection this past season. He scored 14 goals and added 14 assists for 28 points in 28 games. 

"Nick has worked very hard over the past three seasons," Lawrence head coach Mike Szkodzinski said. "He has grown in all aspects on and off the ice. His competitive drive and other intangibles are going to be tough to replace for our program but will be a great addition to the Havoc. We have no doubt that Nick will be a great representative of the Lawrence hockey program at the professional level." 

Jennette broke or tied a number of Lawrence records this season and broke one NCAA mark. Jennette, a six-time MCHA Player of the Week and academic all-conference selection, set the NCAA record with 111 consecutive games played. Jennette finished his career with school-record totals of 103 points and 48 goals. He also holds the school record of 19 career power-play goals and the season record of 18 goals. 

"I'm very grateful for everything that coach Szkodzinski and my team has done for me. There is no way I could have done this on my own," Jennette said. "I'm very fortunate to have this opportunity to try and get into the lineup, but I know I have a long road ahead of me."

 

 

 

 

-April 14, 2009
NCAA Grants Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association Automatic Qualifier for 2010
After 11 seasons of existence, the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association finally has what it has wanted for years – the winner of the Harris Cup will now officially advance to the NCAA Tournament field and compete for the national championship.

The NCAA notified MCHA Commissioner Terry Brand Tuesday that what the league has been long-hoping for is now official. The NCAA has indeed granted the MCHA an AQ for the winner of the league tournament starting next season, with Brand receiving the official notice in the mail today.

“This is a huge day for the MCHA,” Brand said. “We are finally on an even playing field with all the other NCAA Division III teams that are members of conferences with AQ's. We are now in control of our own destiny.”

The MCHA has never had an at-large team qualify for the NCAA Tournament field in its existence, despite the much-publicized runs by Adrian College each of the past two seasons (going 53-4-1 in that time) and another recent attempt by MSOE in 2006 when it went 21-5-1.

“This completes a multi-year effort to achieve this,” Brand said. “It now allows us to move forward with other plans for the future and do the things we can to get more than one team in the NCAA tournament. Our coaches are elated with the fact that they can tell a recruit he is guaranteed a chance to compete in the NCAA Championship.”

Quotes from other coaches and athletic directors in the MCHA:

“The news of the MCHA receiving an automatic bid into future NCAA championships is great for all the student-athletes and coaches who work so hard to make the MCHA a top-notch league. The national tournament is a special honor to reach for and now our league members can realize a dream.”
-Michael Duffy
Athletic Director, Adrian College

“This is a tremendous opportunity for our student athletes to be guaranteed an opportunity to showcase their talents, sportsmanship, and institutional pride in the national tournament.”
-Rob Barnhill
Director of Athletics, Concordia University

“I am sure Lawrence is in agreement with the rest of the conference in thinking this is a great opportunity to further the positive growth of our conference.”
-Chris Howard
Athletic Director, Lawrence University

“As the new member of the league in 2009-10, the timing of the bid is terrific for Lake Forest . We are really excited about our MCHA participation and the league's bright future.”
-Jackie Slaats
Athletic Director, Lake Forest College

“I’m pleased with the NCAA Championship committee’s approval of the MCHA’s automatic qualifier waiver.  It was clear that they saw the waiver as a positive step in the growth of D-III hockey and the MCHA. As D-III adds AQ’s (MASSCAC) I look forward to the possible expansion of the D-III tournament.”
-Mark Ostapina
Head Coach, MSOE

“This is great news for all MCHA student-athletes, as a conference team will have an opportunity to challenge for the 2010 NCAA Championship.”
-Ron Fogarty
Head Coach, Adrian College

 “This is not only a tremendous moment for the MCHA, but also for Division III college hockey in the West Region. We feel very fortunate to be a member in a conference that is making so many positive strides.”
-Mike Szkodzinski
Head Coach, Lawrence University

 

 

 

 

-April 10, 2009
MSOE's Jason Woll Signs Playoff Contract With Cyclones
Release courtesy of the MSOE Sports Information Department

Milwaukee, Wis. - Former Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) senior defenseman Jason Woll (Portland, OR.) signed a playoff contract with the 2008 Kelly Cup champion Cincinnati Cyclones. The Cyclones are the ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Nashville Predators and Montreal Canadians.

Woll, 24, signed a contract on March 5, 2009 for the regular season with the Cyclones after the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association (MCHA) playoffs.  He played in ten regular season games were he tallied three assists and finished the season plus 7.

In the playoffs, Woll has performed in three games, he has two assist and is currently plus 5 for the Cyclones.

"Jason is enjoying himself in Cincinnati and is excited about the challenges of being a pro player,” said head hockey coach Mark Ostapina.  “MSOE is proud that the Cyclones see in Jason a player who can help them in the defense of the Kelly Cup.”

 

 

-April 9, 2009
MCHA Players Land on All-USCHO.com Teams
Three players from the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association landed spots on the All-USCHO.com teams when they were announced last week. Adrian College's Shawn Skelly, Adam Krug and Mike Leone all earned various honors.

Skelly, the MCHA Player of the Year, earned a spot on the West First Team, while Krug was selected for Honorable Mention honors. Leone was tabbed for West Rookie Team Honorable Mention accolades.

A year ago, Krug - the MCHA Player of the Year that season - was a West Second team selection and Skelly was an Honorable Mention choice.

         
         
Left to Right: Shawn Skelly, Adam Krug, Mike Leone

Release from USCHO.com below

MINNEAPOLIS (April 3) — Amherst senior defenseman Jeff Landers has been selected the USCHO.com National Player of the Year. The Hanover, Mass. native tallied nine goals and 33 assists this season to lead all Division III defensemen. He led the Lord Jeffs to a school-best 22-5-1 record and the NESCAC regular season and playoff titles.

USCHO.com has also named Neumann coach Dominick Dawes National Coach of the Year. In his debut season, Dawes’ Knights won their first ever Division III National Championship.

The winners and all-star teams are selected by the USCHO.com staff. A complete list follows:

East First Team

Goal : Keith Longo, Sr., Hobart
Defense : Jeff Landers, Sr., Amherst
Defense : Nick Rolls, Sr., Plattsburgh
Forward : Jeff Hazelwood, Sr., Curry
Forward : Nikita Kashirsky, Sr., Norwich
Forward: Jamie McKenna, Sr., Middlebury

East Second Team

Goal: Cole Anderson, So., Amherst
Defense: Andy Brennan, Sr., Hobart
Defense: Karl Linden, So., Elmira
Forward : Dylan Clarke, So., Plattsburgh
Forward: Jason Hill, Sr., Buffalo State
Forward : Chris Trafford, Sr., Manhattanville

Honorable Mention: Justin Fox (Salem State), Matt Ward (Neumann), Joey Wilson (Plattsburgh),

East Rookie Team

Goal: Ross MacKinnon, Neumann
Defense : Jeremy Gates, Neumann
Defense: Wayne Sands, Mass-Boston
Forward: Tim Coffman, Utica
Forward: Martin Drolet, Middlebury
Forward: Skylur Jameson, Wentworth

Honorable Mention: Ryan Barlock (Curry), Emmond Bell (Norwich), Alan Dionne (Wentworth), Marlon Gardner (Neumann), Jacob Rinn (Nichols), Erik Selleck (Oswego),

West First Team

Goal: Chad Beiswenger, Sr., UW-Superior
Defense: Chris Berenguer, So., Hamline
Defense: Nick Tabisz, So., St. Norbert
Forward: Derek Hanson, Jr., UW-Stout
Forward: David Martinson, Jr., Gustavus Adolphus
Forward: Shawn Skelly, So., Adrian

West Second Team

Goal: Steve Bounds, Sr., St. Scholastica
Defense: Adam Davis, Sr., St. Thomas
Defense: Jack Wolgemuth, Sr., UW-Stout
Forward: Braden Desmet, Jr., UW-Superior
Forward: AJ Gale, Jr., St. Norbert
Forward: AJ Tucker, Sr., St. Scholastica

Honorable Mention:Joel Gaulrapp (UW-Stout), Chris Johnson (Augsburg), Rob Johnson (St. Thomas),Adam Krug (Adrian), Dylan Mueller (St. Olaf)

West Rookie Team

Goal: Beau Christian, Hamline
Defense : Trevor Doden, Augsburg
Defense: Matt Morin, UW-Stout
Forward : Nick Guran, Augsburg
Forward : Jon Madden, UW-Stevens Point
Forward : Ross Ring-Jarvi,Gustavus Adolphus

Honorable Mention: Brian Arrigoni (Hamline), Chris Fiala (Bethel), Kent Detlefsen (UW-Superior), Mike Leone (Adrian), Carl Wood (St. Thomas)

D-III Player of the Year: Jeff Landers, Amherst

D-III Coach of the Year: Dominick Dawes, Neumann

 

 

 

 

-March 25, 2009
MCHA Well-Represented Among Final NCAA Statistical Leaders
With the end of the regular season in the books with the Neumann Knights winning the national championship, one look at the final national statistics sees the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association well-represented among the individual and team leaders.

Individually, for the second-straight season, the Adrian College trio of Shawn Skelly, Eric Miller and Adam Krug are once again the top three point-producers in the country. Skelly finished as the nation's leader with 65 points, coming on 30 goals and 35 assists. Miller (18G/34A) and Krug (22G/30A) were both tied for second with 52 points. A year ago, the trio finished Krug-Skelly-Miller at the top of the list. In addition, Skelly finished first in total goals with 30 and with his 1.07 goals-per-game average. He also dominated the power play goal tally, taking first with 20, with second-place coming in at a distant 12.

Defensively, two MCHA goalies left an impression as well, with Adrian's Brad Fogal and Lawrence's Evan Johnson topping the charts. Fogal led the nation with 25 wins and his .948 winning percentage (25-1-1), while also placing third in goals-against-average at 1.66. In fact, the only two that finished ahead of him were a pair of goalies from Amherst that split time in net all year. 

Johnson topped the nation in shutouts, blanking opponents on seven different occasions over the course of the 2008-09 campaign.

              
             
Left to right: Shawn Skelly ... Eric Miller ... Adam Krug ... Evan Johnson

As a team, the Bulldogs may have missed out on an at-large invitation to the NCAA Tournament, but did record an impressive 10-1 victory over eventual-national champ Neumann this season en route to a 27-1-1 record, the highest winning percentage (.948) in the land and the only team over 90% on the season. The Bulldogs, winners of a league-record 35-consecutive MCHA games, led the nation in scoring offense (6.52) for the second-straight year, finishing well ahead up second place (4.96), and also in scoring margin (4.83, second was Plattsburgh's 2.89). They also posted a 1.69 GAA as a team, which ranked second. Lastly, the Bulldogs led the country in power play at 35.9% (second was Neumann's 27.7%) and will carry a winning streak of 26 games into next season. 

 

 

 

-March 13, 2009
Hrkac Gets a WILD Phone Call
Release courtesy of the Concordia University Sports Information Department 

Tony Hrkac, perhaps Concordia’s best known head coach, enjoyed an18-year professional hockey career including stints with the Anaheim Mighty Ducks, Atlanta Thrashers, Chicago Black Hawks, Dallas Stars, Edmonton Oilers, New York Islanders, Quebec Nordiques, San Jose Sharks, and St. Louis Blues.  His playing career spanned from 1987 to 2005… and now it may be starting over!

“I was a little surprised when I got the call from The Wild (Minnesota) organization, but in truth it was not the first time I’ve heard from them since coming to Concordia.”  

Hrkac, who is 42, stays in great shape. He scrimmaged at the Wisconsin Badger hockey camp last summer and a Wild assistant coach (who was also working the clinic) was obviously impressed with the Falcon men's hockey mentor. 

The most recent call from the Wild organization came Wednesday and the timing was right this time since the CUW Falcon hockey season is over. “Concordia has graciously allowed me a short leave of absence so I can lace up the skates,” laughed Hrkac. 

Tony will report to the Houston Aeros AHL franchise over the weekend and start skating next Monday.  “I will have a week to practice before my first game action.”

Hrkac, who won the Hobey Baker Award as hockey’s best collegiate player while leading North Dakota to a National Championship in 1987, also owns a Stanley Cup Ring (Dallas Stars 1999) and has his jersey hanging from the Milwaukee Admiral rafters as one of that team’s all-time greats. 

“I have no grand illusions,” says Hrkac, who helped the Admirals win the Calder Cup in his most recent pro stint.  “My long-term professional commitment is to Concordia Falcon hockey.  I will still make recruiting calls during my free time.  It’s just that this is an opportunity most guys don’t get.  If I can help the Minnesota Wild organization for a couple of months, then I will be satisfied.”

Detroit’s Chris Chelios is the NHL’s oldest active player at age 46 and Claude LeMieux (43) was recently added to the San Jose Sharks roster at age 43 after a 5 year hiatus- so the precedent has been set.  “Let’s see what happens!” smiled Hrkac.

 

 

-March 12, 2009
Cincinnati Cyclones Add Second-Straight MCHA Alum in Adam Krug
Release courtesy of the Adrian College Sports Information Department and www.cycloneshockey.com

CINCINNATI, Ohio - The 2008 Kelly Cup champion Cincinnati Cyclones announced Thursday that they have signed forward Adam Krug to a contract.

Krug, 25, signed with the Cyclones at the conclusion of the 2008-09 season for Adrian College. The Bulldogs missed out on an NCAA Division III postseason berth despite posting a 27-1-1 record. Adrian College won its final 26 games of the season to capture the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association's regular season and tournament titles. Adam was the third-leading scorer in NCAA Division III hockey (netting the most by any senior player) with 22 goals and 30 assists for 52 points in 28 games.

The five-foot-eleven, 170 pounder from Livonia, Mich. began his college career at Wayne State (2004-05) and played two seasons with the Warriors, collecting 18 goals and 24 assists for 42 points in 67 games. After Wayne State discontinued Division I hockey, Krug transferred to Adrian and was a two-time All-MCHA selection and a two-time All-Academic choice. During 2007-08, Adam was the MCHA Player of the Year after turning in a 30 goal, 47 assist, 77 point effort in 29 contests. He was also selected as a West Region All-American.

Krug has practiced with the team this week and is expected in the lineup for this weekend's (March 13 and 15) games at Johnstown and Trenton.

 

 

 

 

-March 6, 2009
MSOE's Woll Signed by 2008 Kelly Cup Champion Cincinnati Cyclones 
Release courtesy of www.cycloneshockey.com

CINCINNATI, Ohio – The 2008 Kelly Cup champion Cincinnati Cyclones announced today that they have signed defenseman Jason Woll to a contract. The Cyclones are the ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Montreal Canadiens and Nashville Predators.

Woll, 24, is launching his professional career after finishing up his collegiate career at Milwaukee School of Engineering. At MSOE, Jason played in 108 games and netted 14 goals to go with 63 assists for 77 points and 319 penalty minutes. A three-time Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association All-Academic selection, he was also selected to the MCHA All-Tournament team in 2006-07. Woll also twice in his career earned MCHA ‘Defensive Player of the Week’ honors. In addition, he was a four-time member of the league’s All-Conference team at seasons end—only the third player in MCHA history to achieve this.

The six-foot-two, 210 pounder from Portland, OR played 29 games this season for MSOE and collected a pair of goals, dished off 21 assists for 23 points and had 45 penalty minutes. He was selected to the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association’s All-Tournament team, having helped the Raiders advance to the Harris Cup’s championship game. There, MSOE was defeated in the championship game by Adrian College .

Woll practiced with the team this morning and are expected in the lineup for this weekend’s (March 6-7) games at Reading. Both games will be aired on MAX-FM (97.7 and 99.5) beginning each night at 6:45pm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

-March 1, 2009
Adrian College Repeats as MCHA Tournament Champions, Runs Record to Amazing 27-1-1
Game story courtesy of the Adrian College Sports Information Department 

ADRIAN, Mich. - The Bulldog men's hockey team made easy work of MSOE on Sunday afternoon, 7-1, and in the process hoisted the Harris Cup as the MCHA postseason tournament winner for the second year in a row. Adrian (27-1-1) entered the tournament a heavy favorite and did not disappoint in front of the home fans at Arrington Ice Arena.

The first eight minutes were played evenly as both teams did not take too many chances and were feeling each other out on the big stage. Adrian broke into the scoring column at the 12:00 mark of the first period as Adam Krug scored his 22nd goal of the season with assists from Quinn Waller and Eric Miller. That goal really seemed to open the floodgates for the Bulldogs who scored three more goals over the next 4:28 to end the period up 4-0.

Brad Houston's 16th goal of the season at 13:09 on a nice pass from Joel Workman made it 2-0. Mike Dahlinger was left alone in front of the net and buried a wrist shot in the top left corner of the net at 14:33 at even strength to make it 3-0. Dahlinger's 15th goal was assisted by Mike Leone and Reed Renaud. Waller added a power play goal on a 5-on-3 situation at 17:28 for his third goal of the year with assists from Miller and Krug.

Adrian made it 5-0 at the 10:37 mark of the second period as Houston went top shelf for his second goal of the game with an assist from Kyle Watson. MSOE cut the lead to 5-1 as Matt Leitzan scored his first goal of the season off a rebound at 11:33. Adrian added two more in the final period as Waller had his first multi-goal game of the year with another power play tally at 1:20 with an assist from Shawn Skelly. Sam Kuzyk ended the scoring at 5:57 of the third for his 11th goal of the year with assists from Dahlinger and Leone.

Adrian had five recipients on the MCHA All-Tournament Team including Krug, Waller, Houston, Miller and Brad FOgal. Miller was named the tournament MVP for his fine efforts. Fogal made 22 saves as MSOE actually outshot Adrian, 28-25. MSOE was 0-of-5 on the power play while Adrian was 2-of-5. The MCHA conference does not have an automatic bid into the Division III Tournament, so Adrian will have to wait until next Sunday, March 8 to learn if they earned an at-large bid in the tournament.

**********************************************************************************

All Tournament Team
Goalie - Brad Fogal, Adrian
Defense - Jason Woll, MSOE
Defense - Quinn Waller, Adrian
Forward - Michael Soik, MSOE
Forward - Adam Krug, Adrian
Forward - Brad Houston, Adrian
MVP - Eric Miller, Adrian

 

 

 

 

-February 27, 2009
Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association Announces End-of-Season Awards
The Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association announced all if its league awards at a banquet held in conjunction with the MCHA Tournament Friday night in Adrian , Mich. The league's All-Conference, All-Freshman and All-Academic Teams were all named, as well as the Player of the Year and Coach of the Year awards.

Adrian College was well-represented, with Shawn Skelly earning MCHA Player of the Year honors and him and five of his teammates on the all-conference squad for the second-straight season. Bulldog head coach Ron Fogarty was selected as the MCHA Coach of the Year.

MSOE defenseman Jason Woll became just the third player to earn all-conference honors all four seasons, joining former Lawrence Viking Josh Peterson (2004-08) and MSOE Raider Ryan Moren (1998-2002) on that prestigious list.

2008-09 MCHA All-Conference (Alphabetically by position)
Forward: Sam Aide, Concordia, Senior
Forward: Nick Jennette, Lawrence, Senior
Forward: Adam Krug, Adrian, Senior
Forward: Eric Miller, Adrian, Sophomore
Forward: Shawn Skelly, Adrian, Sophomore
Forward: Stephen Smiddy, MSOE, Junior
Defense: Quinn McIntosh, Finlandia, Junior
Defense: Chris Stansik, Adrian, Sophomore
Defense: Quinn Waller, Adrian, Sophomore
Defense: Jason Woll, MSOE, Senior
Goalie: Brad Fogal, Adrian, Sophomore
Goalie: Evan Johnson, Lawrence, Sophomore  

MCHA All-Freshman Team
F: Brock King, MSOE
F: Adam Freeman, Marian
F: James Neitsch, Finlandia
D: Jameson Raymond, Lawrence
D: Ryno Linder, MSOE
G: Connor Toomey, MSOE  

Player of the Year: Shawn Skelly, Adrian  

Coach of the Year: Ron Fogarty, Adrian  

2008-09 MCHA All-Academic Team

Adrian - 16
Eric Bailen, Sophomore … Jeremy Cross, Sophomore … Mike Fiorillo, Sophomore … Zach Galia, Sophomore … Bobby Hineman, Sophomore … Robert Hodnicki, Junior * … Bradley Houston, Sophomore … Jeremy Klaver, Sophomore … Adam Krug, Senior * … Sam Kuzyk, Sophomore … Eric Roman, Junior … Mike Towns, Sophomore … Quinn Waller, Sophomore … Kyle Watson, Sophomore … Joel Workman, Sophomore … Chris Stansik, Sophomore

Note: Breaks the record of 12 members set by Minnesota-Crookston in 2003-04, Finlandia in 2006-07 and Marian in 2007-08.

Concordia - 12
Sam Aide, Senior … Joshua Farnam, Sophomore … Alec Kautzman, Junior * … Cory Kopas, Sophomore … Erik Kroll, Sophomore … Dustin LeClaire, Sophomore … Justus Neumann, Junior … Nicholas Prange, Junior * … Jonathan Smith, Junior … Joel Stevenson, Sophomore … Christopher Thiess, Junior * … Michael Wyenn, Junior

Finlandia – 12
Jim Brey, Sophomore … Ryan Donovan, Sophomore … CJ Fisher, Senior … Dan Grille, Sophomore … Matt Krueger, Senior * … Marc Marcotte, Senior # … Quinn McIntosh, Junior … Blake Miller, Senior # … Eric Schultz, Junior … Bryan Solander, Junior * … Brandon VanAcker, Junior * … Matt Wylie, Sophomore

Lawrence – 5
Jesse Jacobs, Senior * … Matthew Jacobs, Sophomore … Aaron LaFave, Senior # … Jon Sacks, Junior * … Billy Siers, Junior

Marian - 14
Nick Cinquegrani, Junior * … Todd Collins, Sophomore … Greg Copeland, Senior # … Jason Ford, Junior * … Zach Gaynor, Sophomore … Bill Griffore, Senior # … Nick Henkemeyer, Junior * … Ryan Hitchcock, Junior * … Jason Jadczak, Senior # … Matt Lyon, Sophomore … Josh McAndrew, Senior # … Kyle Rasmussen, Senior * … Jeff Wills, Senior # … Randy Wills, Sophomore

MSOE - 4
Aaron Humphries, Sophomore … Michael Johnson, Junior … Michael Soik, Sophomore … Jason Woll, Senior #

Minnesota , Crookston - 7
Martin Husicka, Sophomore … Fred Kooser, Junior * … Matt Marchel, Junior * … Jacob Osland, Senior * … Ben Sullivan, Sophomore … Brent Swanson , Junior * … Nick Sylvester, Sophomore

Northland - 6
Brandon Gassi, Junior … Ryan Pageau, Sophomore … Daniel McIntosh, Sophomore … Shaun Newman, Sophomore … Matt Tanneberg, Junior * … Brian Zwawa, Junior

Note: * = Two-Time All-Academic member ... # = Three-time All-Academic member

 

 

 

 

 

-February 24, 2009
MCHA Harris Cup Four All Set
The Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association started its tournament play last week and the seeds held form, as the top four teams all advanced to the Harris Cup Four at Arrington Ice Arena this weekend.

Three of the four series were sweeps: 
No. 1 Adrian defeated No. 8 Northland, 10-1 and 8-2
No. 2 Lawrence defeated No. 7 Concordia, 4-0 and 5-3
No. 4 Marian got by No. 5 Finlandia, 5-3 and 4-3

In the other series, No. 6 Minnesota, Crookston came out firing against No. 3 MSOE, winning Friday, 4-1. The Raiders needed a late goal Saturday to grab a 2-1 win that evened the series and then went on to win the mini-game, 2-1, to advance.

********************************************************************

The MCHA Tournament Semifinals and Finals conclude this weekend at the Arrington Ice Arena in Adrian, Michigan.

For game schedule and time information, click HERE.

2009 MCHA Harris Cup Four
Saturday and Sunday -- Feb. 28-Mar. 1
Arrington Ice Arena -- Adrian, Mich.

Tournament Ticket Information
Reserved Seats - $10
General Admission (Standing Room Only) - $8
Seniors/Students (Must have college I.D.) - $4

There will also be tournament passes available:
3 Game Reserved - $25
3 Game General Admission (Standing Room Only) - $20
3 Game Seniors/Students (Must have college I.D.) - $10

Note: Ice Arena will be cleared after first semifinal game on Saturday.

For all ticket information, please contact Kate Hamilton (517-265-5161 Ext. 5011) at Arrington Ice Arena.

The MCHA All-Conference Team, All-Freshman Team, Player of the Year, Coach of the Year and All-Academic Teams will also be announced at the awards banquet Friday.

Schedule of events:
Friday, February 27
MCHA End of Season Banquet

Saturday, February 28
#1 Adrian vs. #4 Marian at 3 p.m. EST
#2 Lawrence vs. #3 MSOE at 7 p.m. EST

Sunday, March 1
MCHA Harris Cup Championship at 3 p.m. EST  

Note: The Adrian College Sports Information Department will have Gametracker live stats available for each game.
Also, Live Video Streaming will be available for all three games at video.fasthockey.com

 

 

 

 

-February 21, 2009
Lawrence's Jennette Has Record-Breaking Night Against Concordia
Nick Jennette scored two goals, tied one school record, topped the 100-point plateau and broke an NCAA record as the Lawrence University hockey team beat Concordia University of Wisconsin 5-3 Saturday to sweep a Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association quarterfinal playoff series.

Jennette, a senior forward, scored two goals to tie the school's career record of 48 goals held by Mike Burkhart. Jennette, who had three points, also became only the second player in school history with 100 points and now has 102. Ryan Blick holds the school record at 103. 

Jennette has not missed a game in his four seasons at Lawrence. Friday night he tied the NCAA Division III record of 109-consecutive games played set by Garrett Strot of Bethel (Minn.) between 1984 and '87. Jennette broke the mark with very memorable No. 110 Saturday.

Jennette got his 100th point in the first period when he assisted on Marc Howe's goal at 13:00 that put Lawrence up 1-0. Jennette made it 2-0 when he scored off an assist from Howe just 18 seconds into the second period.

Jennette then sealed the win and tied the record for career goals with an empty-net goal with just two seconds left.

Note: Information from the LU Sports Information Department was used in this release.

 

 

 

-February 20, 2009
Marian's Greg Copeland a Finalist for Hockey Humanitarian Award
From the Marian University Sports Information Department

Marian University announces that Greg Copeland (Lloydminister, AB) has been selected as a finalist for one of hockey's most important awards. The senior defenseman has been selected as a finalist for the Hockey Humanitarian Award, sponsored by The Bank of New York Mellon. 

Copeland was one of twenty-one nominees up for the award throughout the country.

10 Finalists For 2009 Award
Ryan Adler, Senior, Hobart College
Andrew Brolsma, Senior, Castleton State College
Greg Copeland, Senior, Marian University
Ethan Cox, Junior, Colgate University
Missy Elumba, Senior, Northeastern University
Eric Greene, Senior, SUNY Plattsburgh
Crysti Howsers, Senior, Yale University
Jerad Kaufmann, Senior, University of Nebraska at Omaha
Jeff Lerg, Senior, Michigan State University
Dagney Willey, Senior, University of Minnesota

Official Release HERE.

The Foundation wants to acknowledge not only the accomplishments of the student-athlete on-the-ice, but also the accomplishments of personal character, scholarship, and the giving of oneself off the ice to the larger community. The Humanitarian Award is meant to be seen as a true measure of a person's worth, not just as an athlete, but as someone who embodies those values that merit recognition.

Each year their Foundation board solicits nominations from every college varsity hockey program in the country - male and female in Divisions I-III. With the responses they receive they are treated to reading the biographies of the latest group of distinguished nominees, men and women who compete with both intensity and civility, respecting the rules of the game on and off the ice, young adults who understand that giving back to one’s community is not so much an obligation as it is a privilege and an opportunity to enrich both their own lives and those to whom they reach out. They read not just of Rhodes Scholar candidates, team captains, campus leaders and volunteers helping our youth, the handicapped, the homeless, and the disadvantaged. They also have reaffirmed each year that there are, throughout this and other college sports, young people whose upbringing, whose coaches, and whose athletic programs deserve notice for reasons that ultimately are far more important than mere personal statistics or won-lost records might indicate.

Indeed, the candidates this annual award honors are not just a group of terrific athletes, they represent future leaders in education, business, and our communities, people who may well become our children’s teachers, employers, and neighbors. It has always been the belief of the Foundation that there needs to be room in our lives for both games and responsibility and that the men and women recognized by the Humanitarian Award are really the kind of individuals our kids should be looking up to. In the end, they claim, it is not about how many times you touch the puck, but often you touch a life.

On-the-ice this season, Copeland has started as a defender in twenty-two of the team's twenty-three contests. He has recorded 7 points (2G/5A), while being a leader on defense. He has also accumulated 38 career points.

In the classroom, Copeland is majoring in both Information Technology and Business Administration/Economics and Finance. He sports a 3.47 cumulative GPA and has made the Dean's List three times. He has also been named to the MCHA All-Academic Team twice as a Sabre.

Copeland is also a tireless volunteer worker for both the Marian and Fond du Lac community. During his freshman year he quickly joined multiple organizations to start giving back to the community which he was going to call home for the next four years. He joined the Student Senate as the freshman representative and joined the Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC) as the hockey representative. Over the course of the year he helped raise over $1,000 in donations towards the house build for the Fond du Lac Habitat for Humanity project. He also got the SAAC involved with the local elementary schools to start a reading program for children. He helped set up and create the Marian University Cans Across the Conference donation site. Greg was a key member in setting up the annual clean-up for Earth Day.  He also volunteered his time at the local ice arena, refereeing the youth hockey tournaments and helping as a coach from time-to-time for the youth programs. Finally, he volunteered his time in a support role for the annual Sabre Walk/Run and Big-Band Concert. 

During his sophomore year he signed on as a Resident Advisor for the duplexes on the Marian University campus and took over the President position for the SAAC. He continued to be involved with the endeavors from his freshman year. Add to this, the set-up and running of an informational night on the dangers and affects of alcohol abuse. Greg also helped with the set-up of the annual on-campus Sexual Awareness week, Alcohol awareness Week, and Halloween Night for the kids with the help of the Phi Sigs fraternity. He continued to create awareness in the community for the Hockey and Baseball programs on campus as he started the creation of game flyers to promote both sports. Once again he participated in youth hockey programs as a volunteer referee and a helper coach. 

As a junior at Marian, Greg continued to stay involved as the President of SAAC. He joined the Student Senate briefly as an interim Parliamentarian. Greg began working on campus in the Information Technology department and with the Institutional Research division as a website creator. He continued to be involved in Reading Day, Make a Difference Day, Habitat for Humanity, Cans Across the Conference, and Earth Day. His new project was helping set-up and run the first annual Kid’s Night on Marian University’s campus, which brought the kids of the community on campus to play fun activities like floor hockey, kickball, and watch a movie. All donations received were donated back to Habitat for Humanity and their new build in the community. Greg volunteered his time in creating awareness for the 1^st annual Marian Hockey “Pink Out” raising money to fight breast cancer. All the donations from the game went to breast cancer research.  

In his final year at Marian, Greg has continued as the president of the SAAC at Marian.  He is still volunteering his time as a youth hockey coach and is part of the reading group for the elementary kids at the local schools.  He went a step further in promoting the Men’s Hockey “Pink Out” game this year, as he and his fellow captain walked the streets of Fond du Lac passing out flyers to store owners and hand delivering the message door-to-door.  He now has an internship at Hometown Bank and was part of the annual Make a Difference Day which teamed up with Habitat for Humanity this year.  Greg will be a main volunteer in Earth day, and the 2^nd annual Kid’s Night at Marian.

Finalists were announced on the Hockey Humanitarian Award Foundation website (www.hockeyhumanitarian.org), and later, the Award's 14th recipient will be named in a ceremony on Friday, April 10 at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC in conjuction with the 2009 NCAA Frozen Four.

 

 

 

 

 

 

-February 16, 2009
MCHA Regular Season Comes to a Close
The 11^th season of play in the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association has come to a close and tournament play begins this upcoming weekend. The tournament seedings have now been set based on what happened over the course of the weekend on the ice.

Adrian College (20-0-0), which had already secured its second-straight MCHA regular season crown and the No. 1 seed in the event, will play host to eighth-seeded Northland College (1-18-1). The Bulldogs completed just the second-ever undefeated regular season in MCHA history with two wins over Concordia on the weekend, joining Marian (which went 16-0-0 in 2001-02) in the record book.

Lawrence University (14-5-1), already the holder of the No. 2 seed as the Northern Division winner, did end up claiming the overall second spot as well after a split with Finlandia University . The Vikings claimed a 2-1 victory Saturday to set a record for most wins in a season in program history. They will host Concordia (4-16-0), which finished as the No. 7 seed.

MSOE stayed hot and took care of business against Marian University , winning both games of a home-and-home series last weekend to move past the Sabres in the standings. The Raiders (12-7-1) are the No. 3 seed and will host Minnesota , Crookston (5-15-0), which moved up to the No. 6 spot with a weekend sweep of Northland.

The Sabres (11-8-1) held on to the last spot for home ice despite the losses, and will host Finlandia (10-8-2) in the No. 4 vs. No. 5 match-up in the tournament.

As far as the record book goes, Adrian’s Shawn Skelly and Brad Fogal left quite an impression this season, as Skelly broke league marks for goals, assists and points as a sophomore as well as the mark for most power play goals in a season. Fogal set a record with 19 wins (he is now 33-0-0 in two years), as well as 1,078:30 minutes. The team’s 1.25 GAA broke the old mark and so did it’s power play (34.8).

(Old standard in parentheses)
Points by a sophomore: 47, Skelly (36, Lee Swallow, MSOE, 2005-06)
Goals by a sophomore: 23, Skelly (18, Ryan Sullivan, Finlandia, 2006-07)
Assists by a sophomore: 24, Skelly (23, Lee Swallow, MSOE, 2005-06)
Power play goals: 16, Skelly (10, Sullivan in 2006-07 and 2007-08)
Note: Skelly leads the nation with 19 power play goals … second has 10

Games by a goalie: 19, Fogal (Tie: 19, Bo Storozuk, Northland College, 2006-2007)
Wins: 19, Fogal (14, Fogal)
Best W-L %: 1.000, Fogal (19-0-0)
Most minutes: 1078:30, Fogal (1053:17, Bo Storozuk, Northland College, 2006-2007)

All game dates and times are available on the MCHA schedule page. The chase for the Harris Cup starts this weekend with the first round of the playoffs Feb. 20-21. The opening round is a two-game series with possible mini-game. The winners will advance to the MCHA Harris Cup Four, hosted by Adrian College at the Arrington Ice Arena.

         
Left to Right: Nick Jennette (Lawrence) ... Conner Toomey (MSOE) ... Bryan Dalbec (Crookston)

Players of the Week
-Lawrence University Vikings senior forward Nick Jennette (Grand Rapids, Mich.) is the MCHA Player of the Week for his role in his team’s play securing the second overall record in the league standings. The biology major scored an unassisted goal in Friday’s game and then followed that up with the game-winning goal and an assist in Saturday’s finale. He finished weekend +2 with three points while playing against Finlandia’s top scoring line.
Other Nominees: Fred Kooser (Crookston), Chris Stansik (Adrian), Connor Toomey (MSOE)

-Milwaukee School of Engineering Raiders freshman goalie Conner Toomey (Burlington, Mass.) is this week’s MCHA Defensive Player of the Week. Just when the Raiders needed it the most, the business major stepped up with two victories, posting a 1.50 GAA while recording back-to-back 46-save performances.
Other Nominees: Jim Ryan (Lawrence), Chris Stansik (Adrian)

-University of Minnesota, Crookston Golden Eagles freshman goalie Bryan Dalbec (Superior, Wis.) earns MCHA Freshman of the Week accolades for his play in his team’s weekend sweep of Northland. He stopped 32 of 33 shots, had a .970 save percentage, held the Lumberjacks to a 1-for-13 showing on the power play and posted a shutout on Saturday.
Other Nominees: Kyle Smith (MSOE), Chris Thompson (Marian), Matt Hughes (Lawrence)

 

 

 

 

-February 12, 2009
Daniel McIntosh of Northland College Appears in This Week's Sports Illustrated 
The Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association has received some national recognition courtesy of Northland goalie Daniel McIntosh, who broke a 36-year old NCAA record when he made 95 saves against Adrian College Jan. 23. He is among the six finalists to appear in the "Faces In the Crowd" feature in Sports Illustrated that hit the newsstands this week.

McIntosh, who was named the MCHA Defensive Player of the Week after making 134 saves in two games (.937 save percentage) against the then-No. 8 team in the country, broke the previous record of 77, held by John Herud of Nichols College against Maine back in 1973. It is also a new mark for most saves at any NCAA level.

It can be viewed online at:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/scorecard/faces/2009/02/16/

 

 

 

-February 9, 2009
Lawrence Wraps Up Division Race, Adrian Stays Perfect
With just one weekend of play left in the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association regular season, the division titles have been wrapped up but plenty of drama remains for the rest of the seedings for the postseason.

Lawrence University claimed the Northern Division title, improving to 13-4-1 (27 points) with two wins over Northland College. The Vikings won 3-0 Friday and then added a 4-0 win Saturday.

Adrian College, which moved back to No. 8 in the USCHO.com National Poll today, kept the possibility of a perfect conference record alive by dropping MSOE to move to 18-0 with just the two games left. The Bulldogs defeated the Raiders 5-0 Friday and 7-1 in the finale. They look to become the second MCHA team to go unbeaten in regular season play, joining the Marian College squad of 2001-02 that went 16-0-0.

Finlandia turned in an impressive weekend, scoring 13 goals in two victories over Minnesota, Crookston. The Lions came out and posted a 7-1 win Friday before sweeping with a 6-1 win Saturday. In the other series, Marian and Concordia split a home-and-home series, with the Falcons upsetting the Sabres, 4-3 in overtime, Friday at home.

Adrian holds the No. 1 seed for the upcoming MCHA Tournament and Lawrence the No. 2 at this point. The showdown for No.’s 3-4-5 will be an entertaining one, as Marian (23 points), MSOE (21 points) and Finlandia (20) will all be battling down to the wire. The Sabres and Raiders play each other this weekend, while the Lions head south to play Lawrence. Adrian visits Concordia with visions of 20-0 awaiting them at the end of the weekend.

         
Left to Right: Brandon VanAcker (Finlandia) ... Brad Fogal (Adrian) ... Charlie Benik (Finlandia)

Players of the Week
-Finlandia University Lions junior forward Brandon VanAcker (Lincoln Park, Mich.) is this week’s MCHA Player of the Week. His play sparked the Lions to back-to-back wins, posting two assists in Friday’s win and four more points (2 PP G/2A) on Saturday to complete the weekend sweep. He was +3 on the weekend and helped the power play unit go 5-for-15 in the two games.

-Adrian College Bulldogs sophomore goalie Brad Fogal (Sharon, ONT) is the MCHA Defensive Player of the Week for a league-best fourth time this season. He nearly posted back-to-back shutouts in victories over MSOE. He made 17 stops in the 5-0 win and stopped 19 of 20 shots Saturday to move to 17-0-0 on the year in league play.

-Finlandia University Lions freshman forward Charlie Benik (Andover, Minn.) gives his team two award-winners after earning MCHA Freshman of the Week honors. He scored the first hat trick of his career Friday and added an assist. He followed that up with another assist in Saturday’s victory and finished the weekend +3 on the ice.

 

 

 

 

-February 2, 2009
Adrian Claims Second-Straight MCHA Regular Season Title
With a sweep at home of Marian University, Adrian College claimed its second-consecutive Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association regular season crown in extending its win streak in league games to 31. After a tight 3-1 victory on Friday, the Bulldogs made it official with a convincing 10-1 win Saturday in front of another sellout crowd to extend their win streak on the season to 18-straight overall.

Yet Adrian, now 19-1-1 on the year, slipped a spot in the USCHO.com National Poll released today, dropping from No. 8 to No. 9 after the undefeated weekend.

Lawrence University stays hot, winning two more games to solidify its lead in the Northern Division and also moved into second place overall. The Vikings have gone 8-2-1 in their past 11 games and moved to 11-4-1 in league play with 2-0 and 5-4 victories over Minnesota, Crookston over the weekend.

MSOE closed the gap between itself and Marian in the standings with a sweep of Concordia to get to 10-5-1 in the league standings. The Raiders posted victories of 7-1 on the road and 6-4 at home against the Falcons.

In the other series, Finlandia earned three points against Northland, winning 4-0 Friday before posting a 2-2 tie Saturday evening.

On the schedule this upcoming weekend: Adrian will look to extend its winning streaks at home against MSOE and Lawrence looks to wrap up the North when it hosts Northland.

         
Left to Right: Shawn Skelly (Adrian) ... Brad Fogal (Adrian) ... Jameson Raymond (Lawrence)

Player of the Week
-Adrian College Bulldogs sophomore forward Shawn Skelly (Wolverine Lake, Mich.) is the MCHA Player of the Week for the fourth time this season. The leading scorer in the nation put his stamp on AC’s victories, starting things off with two goals – including the game-winner - in the 3-1 win Friday. He topped that with a hat trick Saturday to clinch the title. His point total of 41 (20G/21A) earns him a couple of more records – the 41 points (old record was 36) and 20 goals (was 18) are new MCHA records for sophomores. His 13 power play goals (was 10) is also a new standard.
Other Nominees: Michael Johnson (MSOE), Nigel Smith (Minnesota, Crookston)

-Adrian College Bulldogs sophomore goalie Brad Fogal (Sharon, ONT) gives AC two awards this week as he is the MCHA Defensive Player of the Week for the third time this season. He posted his 14th and 15th wins in league play to break his own record for wins in a season (he was a perfect 14-0-0 a year ago). He was instrumental in the penalty kill, being perfect on the weekend (an impressive 0-for-16) and now has league-leading totals of a 1.19 GAA and .946 save percentage.
Other Nominees: Michael Johnson (MSOE), Matt Marchel (Minnesota, Crookston), Jameson Raymond (Lawrence)

- Lawrence University freshman defenseman Jameson Raymond (Flint, Mich.) adds MCHA Freshman of the Week honors to his resume after being named for the defensive honor earlier this season. The history major scored both game-winners this weekend for his team. He finished the weekend +3 and was a top penalty-kill player for Lawrence. The two wins move LU into second overall.
Other Nominees: Brock King (MSOE), Bryan Dalbec (Minnesota, Crookston), Mike Leone (Adrian)

 

 

 

 

 

-January 26, 2009
Adrian College Breaks Record for Consecutive Wins in League Play
With a weekend sweep of Northland College, No. 8 Adrian adds another entry to the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association record book. The Bulldogs have now won 29-consecutive regular season league games, breaking the mark of 27 held by Marian University (then College) from 2000-2003. AC won its games, 4-0 and 5-0, to move to 17-1-1 overall on the year and to a perfect 14-0-0 in league play.

The team also played the U.S. National Under-18 Team Tuesday, winning an exciting game, 5-4 on a third period goal by Adam Krug, after falling behind 3-1 early. The game was played in front of a packed house of 735 at Arrington Ice Arena. They remain, once again, at No. 8 in the national USCHO.com poll.

Not to be lost in the shuffle is the NCAA record that Northland’s Daniel McIntosh established Friday, when he shattered the record for saves in a game when he stopped and eye-opening 95 shots to break the former mark of 77. The old league mark, 71 set by Northland’s Todor Petkov in February of 2005, fell as well.

In addition to the AC/NC series, Marian and Lawrence battled through a hard-fought home-and-home slate, with the Sabres earning a 2-0 win in Appleton Friday before the two teams settled for a 1-1 tie in Fond du Lac. The Vikings also played Bethel Monday, falling 4-1.

In the other league series, MSOE traveled to Finlandia and came back with three points, earning a 3-3 tie Saturday before taking a 5-0 win in the finale Sunday afternoon. The Raiders made it a 2-0-1 week by downing Concordia, 6-3, Tuesday as well.

Four league series dot the schedule this upcoming weekend, with Adrian hosting Marian in what is the No. 1 vs. No. 2 seeds in the Southern Division.

         
Left to Right: Michael Soik (MSOE) ... Daniel McIntosh (Northland) ... Mike Leone (Adrian)

Players of the Week
-Milwaukee School of Engineering sophomore forward Michael Soik (Stevens Point, Wis.) makes a quick impression in his return from injury in being named the MCHA Player of the Week. The mechanical engineering major was an impact player on the ice for MSOE this week, tallying two game-winning goals among his five points (3G/2A) in three games (team went 2-0-1) while recording a +3 total.
Other Nominees: Daniel McIntosh (Northland)

-Northland College sophomore goalie Daniel McIntosh (Calgary, Alberta) may be the first player to earn MCHA Defensive Player of the Week after going 0-2, but it was hard to argue with his record-breaking performance. He made 95 saves Friday and then 39 more on Saturday, giving him a .937 save percentage on the weekend against the No. 8 team in the country.
Other Nominees: Chris Keller (MSOE), Jason Jadczak (Marian)

-Adrian College freshman forward Mike Leone (Dearborn, Mich.) is the MCHA Freshman of the Week after recording a goal and an assist in each game on the weekend - including the game winning goal on Friday. He was +4 for the weekend while scoring four points (2G/2A) and is tied for third in the country in scoring (34 points on 11G/23A) after netting 15 points (6G/9A) in just seven games after transferring to Adrian.
Other Nominees: Ryno Linder (MSOE)

 

 

 

 

-January 23, 2009
McIntosh Breaks NCAA Record for Saves in a Game
It may look like just a 4-0 loss on the scoreboard, but the game between No. 8 Adrian College and Northland College Friday night will be one for the record books.

Sophomore Goalie Dan McIntosh (Calgary, AB) was able to break a thirty-six year old NCAA record for Division III hockey by saving 95 shots in the game. The previous record of 77 was held by John Herud of Nichols College against Maine back in 1973. Going into tonight's game, McIntosh was in the conference lead for saves on the season with 564 saves.


The list for most saves in an MCHA game:

Game:    95-Daniel McIntosh, Northland College vs. Adrian, 01/23/09
              71-Todor Petkov, Northland College vs. MSOE, 02/05/05
              70-Justus Neumann, Concordia University vs. Adrian College, 1/12/08 
              65-Todor Petkov, Northland College vs. Marian, 11/12/04
              63-Alexander Koeppen, Concordia University vs. Lawrence University, 1/19/08
              62-Dustin Le Claire, Concordia University vs. Marian College, 12/8/07

 

 

 

 

-January 19, 2009
No. 8 Adrian, Lawrence Extend Division Leads With Sweeps
The No. 8 Adrian Bulldogs and the Lawrence Vikings both increased their division leads in the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association play, with Adrian moving to 12-0-0 with a sweep of Minnesota, Crookston and Lawrence improving to 9-3-0 after recording a pair of W’s over Concordia.

The Bulldogs, who once again remained at No. 8 in this week’s USCHO.com National Poll, dropped wins of 13-1 and 11-1 on the Golden Eagles, while the Vikings stopped the Falcons, 5-3 and 6-3.

AC is now 15-1-1 on the year, has won 14-straight overall this season and also improved its winning streak in conference games (dating back to last season) to an impressive 27 contests to tie the league record first set by Marian (then College) covering the 2000-01 to the 2002-03 campaigns.

Marian University helped LU’s cause in the standings, as the Sabres played host to Finlandia and also recorded a weekend sweep, topping the Lions 3-2 in overtime Friday before taking a 6-4 win Saturday.

In the final series, MSOE topped Northland twice, winning 4-2 Friday before a 10-0 blowout Saturday.

In addition to more conference play this upcoming weekend, Lawrence took on Bethel today and Adrian welcomes the U-18 US Nationals team on Tuesday.

         
Left to Right: Shawn Skelly (Adrian) ... Bobby Hineman (Adrian) ... Justin Cormier (Marian)

Players of the Week
-Adrian College Bulldogs sophomore forward Shawn Skelly (Wolverine Lake, Mich.) is this week’s MCHA Player of the Week for the scoring outburst he had in his team’s weekend sweep. He wins his third award of the season as his 5 goal/4 assist/9 point weekend was a league high and gives him 45 points overall (20G/25A) to lead the nation in scoring by 10 points over second place. He had two goals - including the game-winner – and three assists in Fridays 13-1 win. Then he followed that up with two goals, including a power play goal (tying the record for most power play goals in a season with 10), along with two more assists. In addition to his nine points, he was also +7 on the ice for the weekend.
Other Nominees: Justin Cormier (Marian), Matt Buha (MSOE)

-Adrian College Bulldogs sophomore defenseman Bobby Hineman (Odessa, Ontario) gives his squad a pair of winners as he is the MCHA Defensive Player of the Week. He had three assists and was +2 in Friday’s win before adding two more assists in Saturday’s win. He helped hold the Golden Eagles without a power play goal in 10 chances and was +4 on the weekend.
Other Nominees: Connor Toomey (MSOE)

-Marian University freshman forward Justin Cormier (Calgary, Alberta) is this week’s MCHA Freshman of the Week. He had a big weekend in the Sabres’ sweep of Finlandia, assisting or scoring each game-winner. He started the weekend off by assisting on the game-tying goal and game-winning tally OT.  He finished Friday night’s game with two assists and a +2 rating. He followed that performance with the game-winning goal Saturday and also scoring the empty-netter to seal the victory and sweep of Finlandia.  He was again +2 and had weekend totals of two goals and two assists for four points. More importantly, it was the first Marian sweep of Finlandia since the Lions joined the MCHA in 2004-2005.
Other Nominees: Brock King (MSOE), Mike Leone (Adrian)

 

 

 

 

-January 16, 2009
Adrian College Set to Play USDL U-18 Squad
The Adrian College Men’s Varsity team will take on the U.S.D.L. U-18 team here at Arrington Arena on Tuesday, January 20 at 7 p.m.  The U.S.D.L. U-18 team trains out of Ann Arbor and is comprised of what are considered to be the best hockey players in the entire USA that are 18 years old and under.  Currently there are 16 players on their team that are on the midterm rankings for the 2009 NHL Entry Draft in June.  The roster also features a few players that will be 1^st Round Draft picks and many others that will be drafted.  Adrian College played them in Ann Arbor last year and beat them in overtime 6-5.  This should be a very exciting game!  Tickets are $10/seat  and available for purchase by calling Kate Hamilton at 517-265-5161 ext. 5011.  Standing room is free for all Adrian College Staff members by showing their ID at the door.

 

 

 

-January 12, 2009
Lawrence Moves Into Top Spot in Northern Division, Adrian Sweeps Again
The league standings continue to get more interesting, as Lawrence University made the long road trip to Finlandia and came out of it with a two-game sweep of the Lions. The Vikings opened the weekend with a 3-1 win on Friday and then topped that with a 3-2 win in overtime Saturday – scoring the winning goal with 0.7 seconds remaining on the clock. With the pair of victories, LU moves into first place in the Northern Division standings at 7-3-0, while FU falls to 6-4-0.

Adrian continues to pile up wins, taking a pair of games from Concordia to extend its winning streak to 12 games on the year in posting back-to-back shutouts (9-0 and 7-0) of the Falcons. The Bulldogs improve to 10-0-0 in league play with the sweep and remains at No. 8 in this week’s USCHO.com National Poll released this afternoon. In the national statistics, Shawn Skelly (36 points on 16g/20a), Adam Krug (28 on 12g/16a) and Eric Miller (28 on 13g/15a) remain the top three total point-producers in the nation.

Not to be outdone, Minnesota, Crookston also swept a league series, taking wins of 4-2 and 9-2 over Northland College. In the other series, Marian University and MSOE split a home-and-home date, with the Raiders winning, 4-3, Wednesday in Fond du Lac and the Sabres pulling out the 3-2 win at the Kern Center Friday.

More conference action dots the schedule this coming weekend with all eight teams squaring off Friday and Saturday. Northland also gets things underway with a non-conference tilt against No. 4 St. Scholastica Tuesday.

Players of the Week

         
Left to Right: Josh DeSmit (Lawrence) ... Jameson Raymond (Lawrence) ... Nigel Smith (Minnesota, Crookston)

-Lawrence University Vikings sophomore forward Josh DeSmit (New Hope, Minn.) wins MCHA Player of the Week honors for his heroics in LU’s sweep of Finlandia. The studio art major started things out Friday with an assist on the game-tying goal and a +2 rating on the ice. He topped that Saturday by scoring the game-tying goal late in the third period before adding the winner in overtime with just 0.7 seconds left on the clock while again finishing +2.
Other Nominees: Mike Towns (Adrian), Stephen Smiddy (MSOE), Fred Kooser (Crookston)

-Lawrence University Vikings freshman defenseman Jameson Raymond (Flint, Mich.) gives his team two award winners this week as the MCHA Defensive Player of the Week. The history major scored the game-tying goal in Friday’s win and then added two assist Saturday – including one on the game-winner in overtime. He helped hold the Lions to a 1-for-13 showing on the power play and finished the weekend +5 on the ice.
Other Nominees: Jason Woll (MSOE), Matt Marchel (Crookston), Jeremy Cross (Adrian)

-University of Minnesota, Crookston Golden Eagles freshman forward Nigel Smith (White Rock, British Columbia) scored two goals and added an assist for three points on the weekend to claim MCHA Freshman of the Week honors. In Friday’s 4-2 victory, Smith scored a goal. He added a goal and an assist in Saturday’s 9-3 victory to give his team the sweep and recorded 10 shots on goal.
Other Nominees: Brock King (MSOE), Mike Leone (Adrian), Jameson Raymond (Lawrence)

 

 

 

 

 

-January 5, 2009
Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association Returns to the Ice in 2009
The MCHA returned to action after the holidays, with five teams playing non-conference contests. The #9 Adrian Bulldogs extended their winning streak to 10 games, taking to the road to knock off St. John’s in a game they led 4-0 en route to a 5-2 victory.

As a result, the Bulldogs have moved up a spot to No. 8 in this week's USCHO.com national poll.

MSOE played a home-and-home with defending national champion St. Norbert, falling 3-0 on the road and 7-2 at home. Minnesota, Crookston played two tough opponents, falling to two teams receiving votes in the national poll in UW-Stevens Points and UW-Eau Claire. Northland fell, 6-2, at the hands of #7 St. Scholastica and Concordia tied and lost in its home-and-home set against Lake Forest College, earning a 2-2 draw on the road Saturday night. Lastly, Finlandia was supposed to play a two-game series against Salve Regina, only to see those games get cancelled.

Conference play rules the upcoming weekend, as Adrian hosts Concordia, Finlandia hosts Lawrence and Crookston welcomes Northland on the weekend. Marian and MSOE will also play a pair, scheduled for Wednesday in Fond du Lac and Friday in downtown Milwaukee.

         
Left to Right: Kyle Watson (Adrian) ... Brad Fogal (Adrian) ... Ben Plocar (MSOE)

Players of the Week
-Adrian College Bulldogs sophomore forward Kyle Watson (Stittsville, Ontario) wins his first MCHA Player of the Week award for his work in AC’s road victory over St. John’s. He opened the scoring in the first period to get things rolling and also assisted on a shorthanded goal in the third period that put the game away.

-Adrian College Bulldogs sophomore goalie Brad Fogal (Sharon, ONT) is honored as the MCHA Defensive Player of the Week for the second time this season. He held St. John’s scoreless well into the third period while making 23 saves. The victory was his 11^th of the season and 31^st of his career. His .885 winning percentage (11-1-1) this season is ranked sixth nationally and only one goalie has more wins than his 11 in NCAA D-III hockey so far this season.

-Milwaukee School of Engineering Raiders freshman defenseman Ben Plocar (Elkhart Lake, Wis.) is this week’s MCHA Freshman of the Week. The business major played well against defending champ St. Norbert over the weekend while also tallying his first career goal Saturday.

 

 

 

-December 8, 2008
Weekend Sweeps Highlight MCHA Play
All four league series resulted in sweeps, as No. 8 Adrian, Finlandia, Marian and Lawrence all earned a pair of victories and four points over the weekend.

The Bulldogs made the trip to the Kern Center, with MSOE hanging tough but AC earning two hard-fought, one-goal victories by scores of 2-1 Friday and 6-5 Saturday. Finlandia kept its grip on the lead in the Northern Division, taking a pair from Minnesota , Crookston by scores of 5-2 Friday and 6-2 Saturday. Marian took a home-and-home series from Concordia, topping the Falcons 5-1 Friday and 6-2 Saturday. Lastly, the Vikings made the long trip to Northland and brought back a pair of wins, topping the Lumberjacks, 5-0 and 7-1.

MSOE also earned a 4-0 victory over CUW midweek.

Adrian remained No. 8 in today’s USCHO.com national poll. Schedule-wise, just a pair of league games this week with Crookston at Concordia. Besides that, just two other games will be played before the calendar turns to 2009, as Finlandia hosts No. 2 UW-Superior Dec. 13 and then welcomes Salve Regina Dec. 31.

The next player of the week awards will be given out Jan. 5, 2009.

         
Left to Right: Adam Krug (Adrian) ... Quinn McIntosh (Finlandia) ... Ben DiMarco (Lawrence)

Players of the Week
-Adrian College Bulldogs senior forward Adam Krug (Livonia, Mich.) is the MCHA Player of the Week. Krug assisted the game winning goal during Friday's 2-1 victory and then had a hand in half of his team’s goals in Saturday’s 6-5 win by recording two goals and another assists.
Other Nominees: Stephan Smiddy (MSOE), Justin Cormier (Marian), Jimmy Brey (Finlandia)

-Finlandia University Lions junior defenseman Quinn McIntosh (Lucky Lake, Saskatchewan) is this week’s MCHA Defensive Player of the Week. He helped the Lions to two wins with his play, assisting on two goals in each game on the weekend. He also helped limit the Golden Eagles’ power plat and finished +5 on the weekend.
Other Nominees: Jameson Raymond (Lawrence), Quinn Waller (Adrian), Ryan Hitchcock (Marian)

-Lawrence University Vikings freshman forward Ben DiMarco (Galvestan, Tex.) earns his second MCHA Freshman of the Week honor for his play against Northland this past weekend. He scored two goals in each game, highlighted by being credited for the game-winner each contest. The economics major netted his pair of goals in just a 14-second span Friday.
Other Nominees: Justin Cormier (Marian), Connor Toomey (MSOE), Jimmy Brey (Finlandia)

 

 

 

 

-December 1, 2008
MSOE's Near-Upset Highlights Light Week on the Ice
The Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association had just a light schedule over the Thanksgiving weekend, but one of the games was one to remember when the MSOE Raiders took No. 2 UW-Superior to overtime and earned a point with a 3-3 tie on the road. The Raiders led, 3-2, in the third period, only to see Superior tie the game at the 14:44 mark of the final period. Conner Toomey made 39 saves to earn the draw.

“This is a big step for the program in regards showing that we can play with anyone,” MSOE head coach Mark Ostapina said in a release from MSOE’s website. “To get a tie in their barn shows that we had the opportunity to win. We played well enough to win. The whole team played well … Toomey played extremely well.”

The decision marked the 10^th time in the past five years that an MCHA team earned a win or tie against a team ranked in the USCHO.com National Poll, and came against the highest-ranked opponent (Superior was No. 2) on the list:

MSOE tied #2 UW-Superior, 3-3, 11/29/08
Marian tied #12 UW-River Falls, 4-4, 10/24/08
Adrian beat #7 Neumann, 7-6, 10/28/07
Marian tied #4 UW-River Falls, 4-4, 1/4/07
Finlandia beat #4 UW-Superior, 5-3, 12/16/06
Finlandia beat #12 MSOE, 6-5, 2/18/06
MSOE beat #11 Babson, 3-2, 11/26/05
Marian tied #3 St. Norbert, 3-3, 11/26/04
Marian beat #5 UW-River Falls, 4-2, 1/9/04
Crookston tied #9 St. John’s, 3-3, 12/13/03

The league returns to conference play this weekend, with Finlandia at Crookston, Lawrence at Northland, Concordia at Marian, and Adrian – which remained at No. 8 in this week’s poll – at MSOE.

         
Left to Right: Conner Toomey (MSOE) ... Jason Woll (MSOE) ... Adam Freeman (Marian)

Players of the Week:
-Milwaukee School of Engineering Raiders freshman goalie Conner Toomey (Burlington, Mass.) is the MCHA Player of the Week. The business major had an outstanding game against Superior , stopping 39 of 42 shots in nearly pulling the upset over the No. 2 team in the country. The three goals he did allow came against a team averaging over 5.5 goals a game coming into the contest.

-Milwaukee School of Engineering Raiders senior defenseman Jason Woll (Portland, Ore.) gives MSOE two honorees this week as the MCHA Defensive Player of the Week. He played a pivotal role in the game against Superior in penalty kill, power-play and 5-on-5 situations. The business major finished even for the game.

-Marian University Sabres freshman forward Adam Freeman (Wauwatosa, Wis.) makes it back-to-back (and three on the season) MCHA Freshman of the Week honors. Adam had a hand in three of Marian’s four goals in a 5-4 overtime loss to UW-River Falls. He scored once and assisted two others, finishing with three points and a +1 rating in a game where his team allowed five goals.

 

 

 

 

-November 24, 2008
Adrian College Up Two Spots to No. 8 in National Poll
Adrian College swept the weekend series pitting two previously-unbeaten league teams, topping Marian University by scores of 4-2 and 5-2 to improve to 6-0 in league play and extend its win streak in MCHA play to 21-consecutive games. As a result, the Bulldogs, now 8-1-1, have moved up a pair of spots in the USCHO.com national poll released today, and now sit at No. 8 – tied for the highest-ever spot for an MCHA team (a feat first accomplished by AC a year ago).

Finlandia kept its grip on the lead in the Northern Division, taking a pair from Northland by scores of 5-2 and 3-0 to move to 4-2 in league play. Lawrence University made it a sweep-filled weekend, taking pair of games from Minnesota, Crookston. The Vikings won by scores of 5-0 and 8-0 to get back to .500 in league play at 3-3.

MSOE was off this week, while Concordia fell twice to #14 Hamline. The Thanksgiving schedule is a bit light this week, with teams getting in some nonconference action over the holiday. Highlights include several games against ranked teams, with MSOE squaring off against #2 UW-Superior Saturday and Lawrence playing defending national champ and third-ranked St. Norbert as well on Saturday.

             
Left to Right: Shawn Skelly (Adrian) ... Nick Jennette (Lawrence) ... Evan Johnson (Lawrence) ... Adam Freeman (Marian)

Players of the Week
-Adrian College Bulldogs sophomore forward Shawn Skelly (Wolverine Lake, Mich.) and Lawrence University Vikings senior forward Nick Jennette (Grand Rapids, Mich.) become the first pair of players to share MCHA Player of the Week honors this season. In a battle of the top-two teams from the preseason poll, Skelly paced his Adrian squad to a sweep with a five point weekend to earn his second POW honor of the year. He started things with a goal and two assists in Friday’s 4-2 win and then had two more goals the next day in a 5-2 victory. He currently leads the nation in points and is just one point away from 100 for his career (overall) in just 39 games. Jennette played a vital role in his team’s pair of wins, netting a league-best seven points (3G/4A) on the weekend. The biology major had a power-play goal and an assist Friday and then topped that with two goals and three assists – all coming on goals by Marc Howe – Saturday.
Other Nominees: Keith Johnstone (Finlandia)

-Lawrence University Vikings sophomore goalkeeper Evan Johnson (Suwanee, GA ) gives LU two of the weekly honors, as he is the MCHA Defensive Player of the Week. The economics major posted back-to-back shutouts over Crookston, setting a new Viking record with three shutouts in a season and tying the school’s career mark with his fourth.
Other Nominees: Brad Fogal (Adrian)

-Marian University Sabres freshman forward Adam Freeman (Wauwatosa, Wis.) earns his second MCHA Freshman of the Week award of the season: Freeman was a major factor for Marian by having a hand in three of his team’s four goals on the weekend. On Friday, he scored the first goal, assisted on the second goal and was also +2. Saturday, he scored the team’s second goal on the power play.
Other Nominees: Mike Wuthrich (Finlandia), Matt Hughes (Lawrence)

 

 

 

 

-November 17, 2008
Bulldogs Sweep MCHA Battle of Unbeatens
No. 9 Adrian College made the early-season statement in a series that matched two teams that had started the year 2-0 in league play coming in, taking a pair of home games this weekend from Finlandia University. The team posted wins of 6-2 and 5-2 over the Lions to improve to 4-0.

Marian University kept pace with the Bulldogs as well, sweeping Minnesota, Crookston on the road to be the other team besides Adrian to start 4-0 in league play this season. The Sabres won, 2-1, Friday and then 5-1 Saturday.

In the other league series, both ended in splits. Lawrence took MSOE to overtime Friday before falling and then won a 1-0 contest Saturday on a goal with less than 10 seconds remaining in regulation.

Northland and Concordia each recorded their first conference wins of the season by splitting a pair up in Ashland, Wis.

         
Left to Right: Kyle Smythe (Northland) ... Jason Jadczak (Marian) ... Ben DiMarco (Lawrence)

Players of the Week
- Northland College Lumberjacks freshman forward Kyle Smythe (Round Lake, Ill.) becomes the first player from his school to earn MCHA Player of the Week honors this season. Smythe scored his first and second collegiate goals Friday – his first was the game winner – and also had an assist in the 5-2 win over Concordia. Then on Saturday, he continued his scoring punch with another goal and assist. His weekend totals were five points (3G/2A) and a +4 rating.
Other Nominees: Stephen Smiddy (MSOE), Chris Stansik (Adrian), Jason Jadczak (Marian)

-Marian University Sabres senior goaltender Jason Jadczak (Des Plaines, Ill.) earns the nod for MCHA Defensive Player of the Week honors for his work between the pipes against Minnesota, Crookston. The netminder stopped 20 of 21 shots for a save percentage of .952 in Friday’s 2-1 win. He followed that up with a more impressive performance Saturday, stopping 32 of 33 shots for a save percentage of .970 in a 5-1 victory. For the weekend, Jadczak stopped 52 of 54 shots (.963) and earned both victories. He was also the key to holding the Golden Eagles power play to a 1-for-15 showing on the weekend. It is the second time this season he has won this award.
Other Nominees: Evan Johnson (Lawrence), Jiri Zeman (Northland), Chris Stansik (Adrian), Jeremy Klaver (Adrian ), Conner Toomey (MSOE)

-Lawrence University Vikings freshman forward Ben DiMarco (Galvestan, Tex.) is the MCHA Freshman of the Week. The economics major had an assist in Friday’s tough, 2-1, overtime loss and then gave his team a thrilling 1-0 victory over MSOE Saturday when he scored the lone goal on a breakaway with just eight seconds remaining in regulation.
Other Nominees: Sean Streicher (Marian), Kyle Smythe (Northland)

 

 

 

-November 10, 2008
Adrian and Finlandia Join Marian With 2-0 League Starts
Adrian College and Finlandia University both swept weekend league match-ups, giving the MCHA three teams at 2-0 in the early-season standings (joining Marian University). The Bulldogs got past Lawrence by scores of 5-0 and 9-1, while the Lions knocked off Concordia, winning 5-1 and 6-2. The wins helped the Bulldogs rise a spot in the national poll, as they are now up from No. 10 to No. 9 with their 4-1-1 mark so far this year.

In the other league meeting from the past weekend, MSOE made the trip to play Minnesota-Crookston and came away with a split, winning 3-2 Saturday after the Golden Eagles had opened the weekend with a 3-1 victory Friday. The Sabres were also in action, tying a Bethel squad receiving votes in the national poll Friday before being unable to close out an early 2-0 lead Saturday in a 3-2 loss.

All eight teams will entertain league games this upcoming weekend, highlighted by a meeting between last year’s division champions when Finlandia heads to play at Adrian .

Lastly, the MCHA correspondent for USCHO.com – Matthew Webb – has his season preview for the league now available. Click HERE for the link and insight into the new season just underway.

         
Left to Right: Eric Miller (Adrian) ... Brad Fogal (Adrian) ... Jacob Schira (Minnesota, Crookston)

Players of the Week
-Adrian College Bulldogs sophomore forward Eric Miller (Erlanger, Kent.) doesn’t take long to be the first two-time MCHA Player of the Week this season, as he played a large role in the Bulldogs making the long trip to Lawrence and getting the sweep. He started things with a goal and an assist in Friday’s 5-0 win and then topped that with a hat trick in Saturday’s 9-1 decision. He is currently tied for first in the nation with his eight goals.
Other Nominees: Matt Krueger (Finlandia), Tony Huberty ( Minnesota , Crookston), Brook King (MSOE)

-Adrian College Bulldogs sophomore goalie Brad Fogal (Sharon, ONT) played brilliantly in net over the weekend en route to earning MCHA Defensive Player of the Week honors. On Friday, he recorded 27 saves in a shutout win. Then, on Saturday, despite allowing the one goal, made a save on a penalty shot and had 31 more stops, giving him a save percentage of .983 (58 of 59) for the two games.
Other Nominees: Ryan Donovan (Finlandia), Brent Swanson ( Minnesota , Crookston), Michael Johnson (MSOE)

-University of Minnesota, Crookston Golden Eagles freshman goalie Jacob Schira (Bloomfield Hills, Mich.) earns MCHA Freshman of the Week honors just seven days removed from being tabbed for defensive honors. He stopped 33 of 34 shots in Friday’s 3-1 victory, limiting MSOE to an 0-for-6 showing on the power play.
Other Nominees: James Neitsch (Finlandia), Connor Toomey (MSOE)

 

 

 

 

-November 3, 2008
Marian University Jumps Out With Sweep in First League Series
Marian University and Northland College played the first MCHA league series of the season and the Sabres jumped out to an early lead with a two-game sweep. The team scored three unanswered goals after falling behind in Friday’s 3-1 win and followed that up with a convincing 11-1 victory over the Lumberjacks on Saturday.

No. 10 Adrian dropped a game for the first time in nearly a full year Saturday, falling 4-2 to a Neumann team that is receiving votes in the national poll. The Bulldogs regrouped quickly, coming back Sunday with a 10-1 pasting to earn the split. The loss ended what was a 22-game unbeaten streak (21-0-1), as the team last lost to Marian back on Nov. 30 of 2007.

In other action, the University of Minnesota , Crookston opened its season, twice falling victim to a strong Bethel team that is receiving votes in the poll. The Golden Eagles dropped a tight 2-1 decision Friday and fell, 4-2, Saturday. Earlier in the week, Finlandia dropped its season opener to No. 13 UW-Superior and Lawrence fell in its opener to No. 1 St. Norbert.

         
Left to Right: Shawn Skelly (Adrian College) ... Jacob Schira (Minnesota, Crookston) ... Adam Freeman (Marian University)

Players of the Week
-Adrian College Bulldogs sophomore forward Shawn Skelly (Wolverine Lake, Mich.) earns his first MCHA Player of the Week award after helping lead his team to a convincing 10-1 victory over Nuemann Sunday. The high-scoring forward had a hand in half of his team’s goals, recording a hat trick and two assists. He currently is tied for the national lead in goals and is second in points.
Other Nominees: James Goodfellow (Marian), Nigel Smith (Minnesota, Crookston)

-University of Minnesota, Crookston Golden Eagles freshman goalie Jacob Schira (Bloomfield Hills, Mich.) earns MCHA Defensive Player of the Week honors for his work between the pipes in his collegiate debut. He recorded a .923 save percentage against Bethel, stopping 24 of 26 shots in a tough 2-1 loss in the team’s season opener.
Other Nominees: Jeff Wills (Marian), Quinn Waller (Adrian)

-Marian University Sabres freshman forward Adam Freeman (Wauwatosa, Wis.) earns his first-ever MCHA Freshman of the Week honor for his play in the Sabres’ league-opening series against Northland. On Friday night, Adam had a hand in two scores of a 3-1 win, assisting on the first and scoring the second. Then, on Saturday, he had power-play goal followed by one more goal and an assist. For the weekend, Adam had three goals and two assists and a +2 plus/minus rating.
Other Nominees: Riley Hughes (Adrian), Derek Ricke (Minnesota, Crookston)

 

 

 

 

 

-October 27, 2008
Adrian College Comeback Helps Team Earn Undefeated Weekend
The 10^th-ranked Adrian College hockey team opened its season with a long road trip, but made the return to campus without a loss in extending its current unbeaten streak to 22 games (21-0-1). The Bulldogs accomplished it by earning a 6-6 tie in the season opener Friday before posting a 6-4 win Saturday over a Potsdam team that was receiving votes in the national poll.

Friday was a roller-coaster ride for AC, as they took a 2-0 lead early in the second period before surrendering six unanswered goals to fall behind 6-2 entering the third. The team was resilient in the final period, scoring four times, netting the eventual tying goal at the 19:50 mark of regulation to earn the tie.

Elsewhere, Marian University held its own against two ranked opponents, tying #12 River Falls Friday before dropping a 3-2 decision at #11 Stout Saturday. The Sabres led Friday’s game, 4-3, before a late Falcon goal sent the game to overtime.

MSOE split its home-and-home series with Lake Forest, with the home team winning a one-goal decision each night.

Concordia and Northland also opened play. The Falcons gave #11 UW-Stout a scare, taking a 2-0 lead into the second before the Blue Devils tallied the final four goals of the game. New CUW goalkeeper Eric Everson made 63 saves in his first appearance – tied for the fourth-most in MCHA history and eight away from the MCHA record of 71. Lastly, the Lumberjacks dropped decisions to #13 UW-Superior and to UW-Stevens Point.

         
Left to Right: Eric Miller (Adrian) ... Jason Jadczak (Marian) ... Lane Boswell (Marian)

Players of the Week
-Adrian College Bulldogs sophomore forward Eric Miller (Erlanger, Kent.) earns the first MCHA Player of the Week award this season. He played a key role in his team’s 1-0-1 start, beginning with three assists in Friday’s 6-6 tie. He recorded helpers on two of the four goals in the big third-period comeback. Then, on Saturday, Miller had two goals – including the game-winner.

-Marian College Sabres senior goaltender Jason Jadczak (Des Plaines, Ill.) faced nationally-ranked competition in both games on the weekend and ended with a tie and one-goal loss despite making 76 saves on 83 shots against River Falls and Stout. His .916 save percentage came against teams ranked No. 11 and No. 12 in the country and earns him the MCHA Defensive Player of the Week award.

-Marian College Sabres freshman forward Lane Boswell (Calgary, Alberta) made a nice impression in his first two games, earning MCHA Freshman of the Week honors. His first collegiate goal tied Marian with River Falls in the third period Friday, while his second came the next night in a tough 3-2 loss. He ended the weekend +2 with two goals.

 

 

 

 

-October 23, 2008
Marian Hockey Team to Hold "Pink Out" Game to Fight Breast Cancer
From the Marian University Sports Information Department:

What: Marian Hockey is fighting breast cancer by having a “PINK OUT”.  We want every person at the game to wear a pink t-shirt to create a “PINK OUT” at the game.  This will help us create awareness and raise money to support cancer research.  

Where: Blue Line Family Ice Center 

When: Friday October 31, 2008 Game starts at 7 PM vs. Northland College 

Why: Fight Breast Cancer 

How: We are selling pink t-shirts in advance of the game starting Thursday Oct. 23.  The pink shirt will be your ticket into the game.  We will also have shirts for sale at the game.  Pink t-shirts purchased in advance cost $15.  Purchased at the door $20.  To purchase your pink t-shirt visit JR’s Sports Bar and Grill on Main Street, visit Festival Foods on Johnson Avenue, Ma and Pa’s miracle mile or contact Coach Jasen Wise at jtwise@marianuniversity.edu. Other locations may be added very soon. 

 

 

 

-October 21, 2008
Let the Games Begin!...Puck Drops Wednesday Night on 2008-09 Season
With the hockey regular season beginning this week, players and coaches alike are eager to start playing for real. The Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association will begin its 11th season of play this Thursday when Northland College hits the road to open the slate against No. 13 UW-Superior.

Then, on the weekend, four other league schools get action underway, with preseason favorite Adrian College heading to play a Potsdam team that is receiving votes in the poll for games Friday and Saturday. Marian University will open with a stiff test, playing at No. 12 River Falls Friday and then No. 11 UW-Stout Saturday. Concordia University begins its season season by hosting #11 Stout Friday. MSOE will also be in action, playing Lake Forest in a home-and-home series. Northland plays again Saturday, heading to a UW-Stevens Point team that is also receiving votes in the poll. 

Also, the USCHO.com preseason poll was released yesterday and the MCHA has it's first-ever Top 15 preseason selection, as Adrian has come in at No. 10 and also received one of the 20 first-place votes. And, for the second-straight season, the league has two schools in the poll, as MSOE was also receiving votes.

From the Adrian Sports Information Department:

The second season of men's hockey will start with a great deal of anticipation and it will also start with the Bulldogs ranked 10th in Division III according to USCHO.com's preseason poll. Adrian College received one first-place vote among the 20 first-place votes that are given out across the country. The Bulldogs finished last season with a 26-3 record and were 11th in the final poll of the year in March.

Adrian College received 134 poll points and are just two points behind Manhattanville in ninth and four points behind Hobart in eighth. Defending champion St. Norbert sits atop the poll with 14 first-place votes and 293 poll points. They are followed in the top five by Plattsburgh (282), Elmira (245), Norwich (197) and St. Thomas (167). Plattsburgh received the remaining five first-place votes.

Adrian College will open up their 2008-09 season this Friday at SUNY-Potsdam with faceoff scheduled for 7:00 p.m. The Bulldogs' home opener is set for Saturday, Nov. 1 versus Neumann at 7:00 p.m. 

-The following are season previews for each MCHA team compiled by the SID offices.

Adrian College
After a record-breaking, out-of-this-world debut season in 2007-08, one might think that Adrian College men’s ice hockey could just reflect on all of their accomplishments. Not so fast! This year’s group knows that there is no doubt some unfinished business when it comes to 2008-09.

“We really are motivated going into our second year,” says head coach Ron Fogarty. “By not making the NCAA Nationals we feel like we still have doubters. Our guys are going to be more revved up than ever. Last year we did not really know what we were getting ourselves into and what our opponents would be like. Our guys are going to practice a motto this year which simply states ‘Adapting through Learning and Perfection through Experience’. We feel like we have adapted to the level of play and now we must perfect our skills after gaining experience.”

After compiling a 26-3 record in year one as a Division III program the team can not become complacent according to coach Fogarty.

“We set an NCAA record for most wins by a first-year program last year,” stated Fogarty. “We feel like we can be even better this year. Our guys have really worked hard on their strength training and conditioning will not be any concern going through a long season. I give a lot of credit to Matt Nicholson for developing a strength program which will greatly benefit our team.”

The team knows that this year a huge bulls-eye will be on their back and being prepared each and every night will be the difference between playing for a national title and watching from the stands.

“We must be focused every minute because it might only take one or two losses for us to be left out of the party again,” explained Fogarty. “The NCAA has not granted the MCHA with an automatic bid so we must build a resume and once again hope that the national committee gives us a chance.”

Offense
The scoring machine was well oiled last season as the Bulldogs led all of Division III in scoring offense at 7.59 goals per game. The good news about having a second-year team is that the retention of top players means having quality point-producers for a couple of years.

The forward line of senior Adam Krug ( Livonia , Mich. ), sophomore Eric Miller ( Erlanger , Ky. ) and sophomore Shawn Skelly ( Wolverine Lake , Mich. ) was far-and-away the best scoring trio in Division III. Krug was named West Region Second Team All-American and it was a no-brainer as he led the nation with 2.66 points per game (77 total points). Miller was right on Krug’s heels all year finishing with 69 points and led the nation in goals per game with 1.43 (40 total goals). Skelly ranked second in the nation in points per game with 2.55 (74 total points) and also was tops in Division III with seven game-winning goals.

“What else needs to be said about the caliber of play from Krug, Miller and Skelly,” says Fogarty. “I believe that one of these guys is capable of scoring 50 goals, but sharing the puck means just as much as putting it in the net and that’s what makes them special as teammates.”

One key element of a balanced hockey team is also having people who can mix it up and be physical and that job falls on the broad shoulders of sophomore Drew Satterley (Kentwood, Mich.), sophomore Mike Towns (Surrey, B.C.) and sophomore Kyle Watson (Stittsville, Ont.). Satterley played in 28 games and finished the season with 13 points and a plus/minus rating of +11. He also recorded 40 penalty minutes and took 44 shots. Towns and Watson will serve as alternate captains proving how much their leadership is valued on the team. Towns finished the season with 14 points and 61 penalty minutes. He also had a +6 plus/minus rating and played in 27 games. Watson tallied 11 points including seven goals a year ago. He led the team with 87 penalty minutes and ended the year with a +9 rating.

The scoring depth continues with the projected line of sophomore Brad Houston (Chatham, Ont.), sophomore Sam Kuzyk ( Winnipeg , Man. ) and newcomer junior Kyle Frieday ( Burlington , Ont.). Houston ranked fifth on the team last year with 44 points including 21 goals. He had a +30 rating and had three power-play goals and three game-winning goals. Kuzyk played in 26 games and totaled 29 points and a +21 rating. He also seven power-play goals and two hat tricks on the year. Frieday spent last season as a member of the Robert Morris University Colonials at the Division I level and played 16 games. He finished the season with six points, 25 shots and 25 penalty minutes.

The fourth line on the ice is somewhat undecided heading into the season. There are several players who will be fighting hard for ice time in the weeks leading up to the season opener at Potsdam on October 24. Sophomore Mike Fiorillo ( Edmonton , Alb.) could be one of the most improved players for the Bulldogs. He has added strength during the offseason and should improve upon his 16 points from last year. He tallied six goals on 60 shots and had a +20 rating.

Sophomore Mike Dahlinger (Windsor, Ont.) is a scrappy guy who finished eighth on the team in points with 24 as a freshman. Dahlinger served 53 minutes in the box and had a +22 rating. Sophomore Eric Bailen ( Fredonia , N.Y. ) was just one point behind Dahlinger with 23 on the season. Bailen ranked sixth on the team with 12 goals and had two power-play goals and two game winners. Also filling out the forwards are sophomore Mark Gertsakis (Pickering, Ont.) and sophomore Joel Workman (Mooretown, Ont.). Gertsakis played in 11 games a year ago and had five points. Workman played in 20 games and had 14 points.

Defense
The defense was equal to the task when compared to the offensive numbers in 2007-08. The Bulldogs allowed 65 goals in 29 games (2.24 per game) and led the nation in scoring margin at a 5.34 goal differential per contest. The penalty killing units were just as productive finishing fourth in Division III at a 87.5 percent clip. Adrian ’s scoring defense ranked eighth in the country.

Sophomore Quinn Waller (Windsor, Ont.) will wear the captain’s sweater this season and earned First Team All-MCHA honors a year ago. He finished fourth on the team with 46 points and set a conference record by defenseman with 31 assists in league games. Waller ranked third in Division III in assists per game (1.34) and was an astounding +43 in plus/minus rating.

Joining Waller on the first pairing is sophomore Chris Stansik ( Livonia , Mich. ) who finished with 34 points and 11 goals last year. Stansik had five power-play goals from the point and had a +43 rating. He was also selected to the MCHA All-Freshman Team.

The second wave of defensemen will be sophomore Bobby Hineman ( Odessa , Ont.) and sophomore Jeremy Klaver (Strathroy, Ont.). Hineman played in 28 games as a freshman and registered 20 points including five goals. Hineman had a +35 rating and served 24 minutes in the sin bin. Klaver is one of three alternate captains on the squad and his leadership will be crucial to the team’s success in 2008-09. Klaver totaled 22 points and seven goals and had a +31 rating as a freshman. He scored five of his seven goals on the man advantage and also had an overtime game-winner during the season.

The third line of defense has three players who are fighting for two spots in the regular rotation. Junior Rob Hodnicki ( Allen Park , Mich. ) played in 23 games as a sophomore and had seven points. He had a +25 rating and served 12 penalty minutes. Sophomore Eric Roman ( Southfield , Mich. ) joins Adrian College after playing previously for Wayne State University . Roman played in 22 games and had 20 penalty minutes for the Warriors. Freshman Riley Hughes ( Calgary , Alb.) is a physical force at 6-2, 212 and comes to Adrian from the Estevan Bruins of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL). Hughes tallied 17 points in 36 games and also served 59 penalty minutes.

Goaltending
One of the main reasons that any defense puts up great numbers is that they have a stone wall between the pipes and the Bulldogs bring back all three goalminders who gained experience last season.

Sophomore Brad Fogal (Pickering, Ont.) saw action in 22 games a year ago and made 20 starts in net. He was named First Team All-MCHA and also was selected to the MCHA All-Tournament Team after playing very well in the MCHA Final Four held in Milwaukee . Fogal tied a conference record by going 14-0 in league games for a 1.000 winning percentage and also set a league mark with his 14 wins. He yielded just 1.82 goals per contest overall and had a save percentage of .928. He recorded five shutouts and also had the best winning percentage (.952) in Division III.

Sophomore Bryan Scott (Pickering, Ont.) played in 12 games and started the other nine games for the Bulldogs in 2007-08. Scott allowed 3.24 goals per game and had a .849 save percentage. He picked up six wins in net and posted one shutout.

Sophomore Jeremy Cross ( Bowling Green , Ohio ) played in three games and logged 24:33 on the ice a year ago. Cross made seven saves and did not allow a goal.

Concordia University
Coming off a 2-25-0 inaugural season, the young Falcons hope to improve significantly. A total of 19 members of last year’s original freshman cast return along with nine freshman recruits and four additional transfers. 

“We improved to a point as the 2007-08 season went along,” opined Coach Tony Hrkac.  “There is no substitute for strength and experience. At times the game was just too fast and too physical for us.  Hopefully an off-season in the weight room and a season under our belts helped enough so that we can be more competitive.”  

The top CUW returnees include senior center Sam Aide, sophomore forward Jonathon Smith, plus defensemen Jari Sanders and Steve Panas. New goaltender Eric Everson, a UM-Crookston transfer, should help solidify the Falcon defense.

Last year Concordia was outscored by a huge 200-57 margin. Aide led CUW offensively with 9 goals and 9 assists. Teammate Smith added 6 goals and 7 assists while 3 other Falcon skaters found the net on 5 separate occasions. Goaltending was an adventure for Concordia, with Alexander Koeppen (5.82) having the lowest goals against average of the three goalies rotated by Hrkac.

“We have to get better defensively no matter who we put in goal. Our guys got manhandled. We were boys trying to compete with men.”

 

Finlandia University
The 2008-09 Finlandia men’s hockey team will have a new look this season due to the loss of 11 seniors and three upperclassmen. The Lions have been very fortunate the last couple of years of only losing seven players in that time. The past few seasons have given them an MCHA Championship, All-Conference players and for three years they led the league with the most players on the All-Academic Team.

Looking at this season, Finlandia will have 14 new players to compliment 12 returning players. This season will be a great challenge for the program. The conference and non-conference schedule is one of the toughest schedules they have had and it will be very important for them to compete at a very high level every night. This year, FU will be looking at veteran forwards Corey Blake ( Marquette , Mich. ), Keith Johnstone ( Marquette , Mich. ), and Brandon VanAcker ( Lincoln Park , Mich. ) to work with transfer student Eric Schultz ( Strasbourg , Saskatchewan ), freshmen Charlie Benik ( Andover , Minn. ), Jimmy Brey ( Hancock , Mich. ) and the entire forward lineup to make an impact.

The Finlandia defense and goaltending have good talent and depth with Tiger Marcotte (L’Anse, Mich. ), Chris Hendrickson ( Hancock , Mich. ), Blake Miller ( Hancock , Mich. ), and transfer Quinn McIntosh (Lucy Lake Saskatchewan) leading the way on defense.  Ryan Donovan ( Pinckney , Mich. ) returns between the pipes after a solid freshman season, with support from Mike Wuthrich ( Houghton , Mich. ) and Jason Barden ( Scarborough , Maine ).

“We look forward to the challenges and opportunities of the 2008-09 season,” states eighth-year year head coach Joe Burcar.

 

Lawrence University
The Lawrence University hockey team enters the 2008-09 season with the expectation of taking another step up in the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association.

The Vikings finished fifth in the MCHA a season ago, just one point out of fourth place. Lawrence , which has posted back-to-back double-digit victory seasons, returns 17 players from last season and has 13 newcomers.

Leading the group of returning players and the forwards is junior Marc Howe, an All-MCHA selection last season. Howe led the team with 33 points on 17 goals and 16 assists. 

Howe is joined up front by senior captain Nick Jennette, who tied the school season record with 18 goals last season on his way to 31 points.

Led by Howe and Jennette, Lawrence returns 11 of its top 13 scorers from a season ago. The Vikings averaged 3.37 goals per game last season, and the 91 goals scored is the third-best season total in school history. Lawrence scored a record-tying 40 power-play goals and a record seven short-handed goals in 2007-08. Jennette had a team-best eight power-play goals, and Howe scored a team-high three short-handers.

The Vikings have a group of talented underclassmen at foward, led by sophomores Josh DeSmit and Matt Jacobs. DeSmit had 10 goals and 29 points, and his 19 assists last season leads all returning players. Jacobs had nine goals and 13 assists last season for 22 points.

Also returning are junior forwards Masa Takahashi (8-4-12), Billy Siers (4-7-11), and Jon Sacks (1-0-1), and senior Jesse Jacobs. Sophomores Scott Minarcik (2-3-5), Jacob Esch (1-3-4), and Joe Affinati round out the group of forwards.

A large group of freshman forwards, Jonathan Bellotti, Ben DiMarco, Matt Fetter, Sam Johnson, and Matt Hughes, give the Vikings great depth on offense.

The defense starts with returning goaltenders Evan Johnson and Jim Ryan. Johnson, a sophomore, posted a 5-11-3 record with a 3.80 goals against average and .877 save percentage during his rookie season. Ryan, a senior, went 5-3-0 with a 3.73 GAA and .880 save percentage in his first season at Lawrence . 

Freshman Brady Kain will battle the two returning goaltenders for playing time.

Lawrence ’s defense allowed 3.88 goals per game last season while the goaltenders combined for an .876 save percentage. The 106 goals scored by the opposition is the second-lowest total in school history.

A small group of returning defenseman must mesh with a huge group of incoming players to bolster Lawrence ’s back line.

The defensemen are paced by junior Mike Ackley, who had three goals and 14 assists for 17 points a season ago. 

The Vikings also have three solid returning defensemen in senior Aaron LaFave (4-4-8) and sophomores Corey Garrett (1-10-11) and Pat Brenner (2-4-6). 

Sophomore Jonathon Sheridan joins freshmen defensemen Jesse Byam-Katzman, Jim Crowley, Jameson Raymond, Chris Sims, Colin Smith, and Reijo Wahlin.

Marian University
The Sabres enter the 2008-2009 season hoping to build off last year’s success and with 13 returning upperclassmen; Head Coach Jasen Wise believes this year’s squad can do just that. The Sabres finished last season 17-10-1 overall and finished second in the MCHA with a 14-5-1 record. In the process, Coach Wise picked up MCHA Coach-of-the-Year honors, while leading the Sabres to their best record since the 2003-2004 season.

Coach Wise noted two things that he believes will help the Sabres be successful this season. First he noted that he believes this year’s team has the right combination of speed, skill, and physical play, which should help the Sabres compete at a higher level. He also noted that for the first time since he’s been at Marian, he will have an upperclassmen-dominated team at his disposal. Wise is hoping that his seven seniors and six juniors will provide leadership on-and-off the ice. He noted that these players have given a lot of hard work and dedication training for the upcoming season and he hopes their hard work will be rewarded with a successful season.

One of the Sabres team goals for the season is improving team goals-against. Coach Wise noted he believes this can be achieved, seeing as how the Sabres have a senior goaltender to go along with three senior defensemen. He is looking for these four to provide leadership and experience, which should help cut down on goals-against.

When asked about the schedule, Wise noted that he likes the fact that it is very challenging. “As we have done in the past, we are playing a tough non-conference schedule. We are on the road quite a bit as well, so it will be a true challenge for us,” noted Wise. The Sabres are indeed on the road quite a bit for their non-conference schedule as all five contests are away from the Blueline Family Ice Center in Fond du Lac .

Wise likes the fact that a lot of the non-MCHA contests were scheduled at the beginning of the season, as it allows the Sabres to concentrate on the MCHA games the second half of the season.

Wise noted that he sees Adrian as being the team to beat again in the MCHA, as they are picked as the preseason favorite. He believes MSOE and Lawrence University have made improvements and will be solid as well. He hopes the Sabres can give Adrian a fight for the Harris Cup, as his Sabres are picked to finish second in the MCHA.

Positional Breakdown

Forwards: The Sabres return ten forwards from a year ago, including four of their top five scorers. Coach Wise noted that senior co-captain James Goodfellow (Naperville, IL) will be out to start the season, so the Sabres will need to have some younger players step up in his absence. Goodfellow was second on the team in scoring a year ago with 33 points (11G/22A). He also added two game-winners.

Wise is hoping guys like sophomores Todd Collins (Whitby, ON) and Brendan Hull (Calgary, AB), as well as freshman Justin Cormier (Calgary, AB) can step up and provide some scoring. Collins, an All-MCHA Freshmen team selection, was third on the team in scoring a year ago with 10 goals and 16 assists. Hull added 23 points (12G/11A) a year ago, while scoring four game-winners.

The Sabres also return seniors Josh McAndrew (Atikokan, ON) and Bill Griffore Jr. (Milford, MI), juniors Nick Cinquegrani (Rolling Meadows, IL), Jason Ford (Milford ,MI), Ryan Hitchcock (Butte, MT), and Mitch Bye (Burlington, ON), and sophomore Randy Wills (Flint, MI). Cinquegrani recorded 12 goals and 12 assists a year ago. Ford will serve as an Assistant Captain this season.

The Sabres also welcome five new forwards, other than Cormier, to the squad this season in Ryan Compeau (Oakland, MN), Bobby Roseland (Sartel, MN), Lane Boswell (Calgary, AB), Adam Freeman (Wauwatosa, WI), and Chris Thompson (St. Paul, MN).

Defensemen: As already mentioned, the Sabres return three senior defensemen in co-captain Jeff Wills (Flint, MI), Greg Copeland (Lloydminister, AB), and Kyle Rasmussen (Altoona, WI). Wise stated that the team will rely heavily on them to play consistent every shift and to lead by example with a commitment to the defensive zone.

A year ago, Wills chipped in with 18 points (8G/10A).

Other returning defensemen for the Sabres are junior Nick Henkemeyer (Prior Lake, MN) and sophomore Zack Fray (Cambridge, ON). Henkemeyer recorded 16 points (2G/14A) a year ago.

Sean Streicher (Malrton , NJ), Ryan McGaughy (Gurnee, IL), and Zach Gaynor (Beaverton , OR) are three newcomers for the Sabres who will look to contribute on the defensive end.

Goaltending: Marian returns two goaltenders and has added a new one. Senior Jason Jadczak ( Des Plaines , IL ) and junior Cullen Caldwell ( Calgary , AB ) return, while Matthew Lyon ( Palm Harbor , FL ) is new to the group.

Jadczak is the Sabres top returning goalie as he was an All-MCHA selection a year ago. Jadczak posted an 11-4-0 record a year ago as he stopped 434 shots and posted a .916 save percentage. He also recorded a 2.54 goals-against-average.

Caldwell , a very solid backup goalie, was an All-MCHA selection his freshman season. A year ago he sported a 3-3-1 record.

 

MSOE
MSOE men’s hockey has a major challenge in front of them for the 2008-2009 season: return to the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association forefront and win the Harris Cup. This will not be an easy task as the Raiders will have to battle through the highly regarded MCHA and defeat last year’s champion, Adrian College.  The Bulldogs came into the MCHA last season and won the Harris Cup in their first year of varsity competition.

Head Coach Mark Ostapina, in his eighth year at the helm for the Raiders, has his work cut out for him as his team graduated six players from last year’s team, including two career 100+ point scorers in Raider history in forwards Lee Swallow and Blair Hanberg. Swallow is the MSOE career assist leader with 102 assists in his prestigious four-year career.

Ostapina returns Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association All Freshman selection Michael Soik and All-MCHA defensemen Jason Woll to return to the first line for the Raiders. Soik led the team in goals scored (20), second in total points (35) and third on the team in assists (15). Michael is an excellent hockey player with a pro release,” said Ostapina. “We look forward for him to improve on his 20 goals (from last year).”

Woll, a four-year starting defenseman, has been the stalwart on defense since his first year. He was sixth on the team in scoring (17) and assists (17).  Ostapina states, “Woll is in his second year as captain, is a player we look to dominate with his presence on and off the ice.”

Offensively for the Raiders, they return veteran Simon Labrosse-Gelinas and Stephen Smiddy to fill roles left by Hanberg and Swallow. Gelinas, a 6’1” senior, forward was second the team in assists (16) and tied for fourth on the team with 21 points. Smiddy, a 5’10” junior forward, collected 24 points for third place on the team and had 13 goals and 11 assists, ranking him second and sixth respectively.

The Raiders add 12 new faces in the MSOE program, strengthening the team.  Michael Johnson, a junior transfer from the Air Force Academy is one of the most touted and joins Woll as a key defenseman for the Raiders. “Johnson brings and outstanding hockey background to MSOE,” said Ostapina. “He is a three-zone player whom we look for great play and leadership (from).”

Key freshman include defenseman and Ben Plocar and Forward Brock King, both coming from quality junior programs.  King played with Lordminster of the Alberta Junior Hockey League, while Plocar played for Travers City of the North American Hockey league.

In the starting goalie position, 11-game winner sophomore Chris Keller returns as the goalie to beat in the Raider camp. He will have some stiff competition from sophomore Robert Kreuser and freshman Conner Toomey.

The Raiders have another tough schedule ahead of them. Home and home contests with Lake Forest and St. Norbert, along with an away match against UW Superior round out their non- conference schedule. Returning conference champion Adrian looks to be the team to beat in conference play with Marian, Lawrence and Finlandia competing for MCHA supremacy along with MSOE.

 

Minnesota-Crookston
The University of Minnesota , Crookston Men’s Hockey team has strong reasons for optimism as they look to enter the 2008-2009 campaign. Several new faces dot the Golden Eagle roster.

U of M, Crookston finished the 2007-2008 season with an overall record of 6-21-0 and Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association (MCHA) record of 5-15-0 which was good for sixth place. The Golden Eagles battled hard in their playoff series at Marian College but fell in two tough games by scores of 3-2 and 3-1 respectively.

Veteran U of M, Crookston mentor Gary Warren returns for his eighth season behind the Golden Eagle bench. He will have to replace six seniors who finished as three of the top four point getters. Matt Hann (Fwd, Crookston , Minn. ) scored 12 goals and added nine assists for 21 points. Teal Plaine (Fwd, Hallock , Minn. ) scored five goals and added 15 assists for 20 points. Ryan Tucker (Fwd, Crookston , Minn. ) scored ten goals and added six assists for 16 points.

“We look forward to working with a positive component of returning upperclassmen,” says Coach Warren. “A number of these individuals have worked hard in the off-season and anticipate a rewarding year. We have added to our depth in a number of positions and we anticipate exciting contributions from our newcomers.”

U of M, Crookston does return a number of players who saw major playing time last season. Matt Marchel (Jr, Def, Grand Forks , N.D. ) scored three goals (two on the power play) and added eight assists for 11 points. John Lombardi (Jr, Fwd, Apple Valley , Minn. ) scored six goals (three on the power play) and added two assists for eight points. Martin Husicka (So, Fwd, Vsetin , Czech Republic ) scored two goals (one power play) and added six assists for eight points in only 15 games. Collin Perry (Jr, Fwd, Grand Forks , N.D. ) scored two goals (both power play) and added four assists for six points. Fred Kooser (Jr, Fwd, Omaha , Neb. ) scored one goal and added three assists for four points. There is a battle between newcomers at the goaltending position.

The Golden Eagles open the 2008-2009 season with six straight home games. U of M, Crookston will host a non-conference series with Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) foe Bethel University on Friday, October 31 and Saturday, November 1 at the Crookston Civic Arena. The puck drops at 7:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. respectively. They will open the MCHA season the next weekend at home against the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE). The puck will drop at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, November 7 and 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 8.

For more information, visit the Golden Eagle Athletics website at www.goldeneaglesports.com.

The University of Minnesota , Crookston is a NCAA Division II Institution and a member of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). Golden Eagle Hockey is a member of the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association (MCHA). The Golden Eagle Equestrian team is a member of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA).

 

Northland College
            Northland College Hockey will begin its 11th season of NCAA Division III hockey and its 10th season competing in the MCHA conference.  The Jacks will look to build on previous seasons and are hopeful for a strong season.  “We are looking to take steps forward year after year and are hopeful that this year will be an exciting one.”  Fabiilli said.

Looking to help transition the hockey program will be a key group of returners along with some added talent in all positions. 

            Returning for the Jacks will be Sophomore Captain Chad Moore and Junior Assistant Captain Matt Tanneberg, “we are looking at both Chad and Matt to take on the leadership role for the hockey program this year, and I am very confident in both or their capabilities” Fabiilli said.  Also returning will be the leading scorer of last years team Sophomore Nick Matson and Sophomore goalie Dan McIntosh who played the most for the Jacks in net. 

            On forward the Jacks return players Chad Moore, Jeff Diehl, Jake Carlson, Josh Spiegel, Nick Matson and Pat Sierocinski.  The Jacks also return Matt Tanneberg, Brian Zwawa, Jiri Zeman, Tim Werner, Joe Belanger, Aaron Johnson and Shaun Newman on the blue line. Also returning will be Sophomore goalie Dan McIntosh  “All of our returners have one to two years of experience which will help our program take steps forward.  We are still relatively young and have room to grow and mature, we look to our returners to build on their accomplishments from last year and continue to improve daily.  “Fabiilli said”

            Joining the Jacks for their first season will be 15 new faces in forwards Matt McKinlay, Cody Roy, Ryan Pageau, Spencer Irving, Craig Turner, Bryan Kim, Josh Lopez, Brandon Gassi, Kyle Smythe, Steve Marino, Matthias Oertel and Erik Bachynsky.  On the blue line the Jacks welcome Mike Gugin and in net the Jacks bring in Kyle Finch and BJ Leach.  “ We have a pretty big class coming in to help the program move forward and look to these young guys to contribute and develop over the years”  Fabiilli said

            Five games against top NCAA teams and 12 home contests highlight the 2008-09 Northland hockey schedule. “I am very excited about our schedule for this season, we will be playing some tremendous competition in and out of conference,” Fabiilli said.

           Northland will open up the season playing two non conference games on the road against the University of Wisconsin-Superior on Oct. 23 and the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point on Oct.25 in non-conference matchups. 

           The Jacks will then open MCHA Hockey play the following weekend against Marian University before hosting The University of Wisconsin-Stout on Nov. 4.
This season the Jacks will meet St. Scholastica twice with the first game in Duluth on Jan. 3 and the other being a home contest on Jan.13. 

           In total, the Jacks will play 25 regular-season games, including 20 against MCHA foes. Northland will play Finlandia, Lawrence and Minnesota-Crookston four times, two games at home and two on the road.  The Jacks will host Adrian and Concordia for two games, while traveling to play MSOE and Marian in a two-game set.

           MCHA playoffs will begin on Feb.20 where the lowest seeds will travel to the higher seeds for a quarterfinal matchup.  This will be a best of two games with a mini game if necessary at campus sites. The four remaining teams will be reseeded and will square off in the semifinals at Adrian , MI on February 27 and in the finals the following night.

 

 

 

 

-October 10, 2008
Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association Releases Preseason Poll
Adrian College has been selected as the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association’s No. 1 hockey team, according to the league’s 2008-09 preseason coaches poll.

The Bulldogs received 49 points, garnering all possible first-place votes from the leagues eight head coaches (coaches could not vote for their own team). Adrian had arguably the greatest season ever for a first-year NCAA program last season, going 26-3-0 in winning MCHA regular season and Harris Cup titles.

The Bulldogs spent most of the campaign in the national polls and found themselves No. 9 in the final poll of the year. Not only did they lose no seniors from last year’s squad, but they are set to return the top three point-producers at the NCAA D-III level last year in Adam Krug (77 points on 30G/47A), Shawn Skelly (74 points on 30G/44A) and Eric Miller (69 points on 29A and an NCAA-best 40G).

Adrian also had the nation’s highest-scoring offense at 7.59 goals per game (second was 4.88 gpg) and carries a 20-game winning streak into the new campaign.

Marian University received the other first place vote and finished second with 40 points. The Sabres went 17-10-1 a season ago, finishing second in the MCHA with a 14-5-1 record.

The next three spots were a tight race, as MSOE (15-13-0 in 2007-08) was third with 35 points, Lawrence University (10-14-3) fourth with 32 points and Finlandia University (18-9-2) fifth with 29 points.

Minnesota-Crookston (6-21-0) and Concordia (2-25-0) were up next, tied for sixth with 15 points apiece. Northland (4-23-0) was eighth with nine points.

The MCHA enters its 11^th season this fall, getting regular season play underway October 23 when Northland opens the season at UW-Superior.

MCHA Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Adrian (7 first-place votes) … 49 points
2. Marian University (1 first-place vote) … 40
3. MSOE … 35
4. Lawrence University … 32
5. Finlandia University … 29
T6. Minnesota-Crookston … 15
T6. Concordia University … 15
8. Northland College … 9

 

 

 

-September 30, 2008
Golden Eagle Hockey Retires Bob Clauson's #22 Jersey
-Release courtesy of University of Minnesota, Crookston Sports Information Department
Contact: Chris Vito, Assistant Sports Information Director
Phone: 218-281-8445   Fax: 218-281-8430 E-mail:  vito@umn.edu

(Crookston, Minn.)- In keeping with University of Minnesota, Crookston Hockey tradition, the number 22 jersey of Bob Clauson was retired Saturday afternoon at halftime of the Golden Eagles’ football game with Minnesota State University Moorhead and will never be worn again. This is custom with all U of M, Crookston Hockey alumni who are inducted into the school’s athletic hall of fame as Clauson was Friday evening.

Bob Clauson, ex. ’82, played hockey for the U of M, Crookston Trojans in 1981-82. He was one of the team captains for the 1982 Minnesota State Junior College Conference championship hockey team under Coach Jim Clauson and Assistant Coach Chuck Habstritt. During that year, Clauson had 39 goals and 11assists in 18 games with an average of 2.8 points per game. He set a new single-game record with six goals beating out a record formerly held by his brother, Jim. Named to the All-Region XIII team as a freshman and sophomore, Clauson also was named to the National Junior College Athletic Association All-American team. Ten years later as an assistant coach, Clauson helped lead the U of M, Crookston to the first of two back-to-back national championships.

“We are honored to retire the number 22 jersey of Bob Clauson,” says U of M, Crookston Head Hockey Coach Gary Warren. “He played an integral role in the success of hockey at the University of Minnesota, Crookston as not only a player, but also an assistant coach.”

For more information, visit the Golden Eagle Athletics Web site at http://www.goldeneaglesports.com/.

The University of Minnesota, Crookston is a NCAA Division II Institution and a member of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). Golden Eagle Hockey is a member of the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association (MCHA). The Golden Eagle Equestrian team is a member of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA).

 

 

 

-August 21, 2008
MCHA Alumni Continue to Join Professional Ranks
Four players from the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association have been signed to professional contracts recently. Travis Van Dyn Hoven of Marian University and Travis Hanson, Josh Paquette and Ryan Sullivan of Finlandia University have all joined the ranks of the pro hockey world.

         

Van Dyn Hoven signed a contract with the Wheeling Nailers of the ECHL Premier “AA” Hockey League this past weekend.

“I am very excited to continue my hockey career,” Van Dyn Hoven said. “Going into my senior year, I wasn't sure if I wanted to continue playing, but once the season ended I realized I wasn't ready to give it up. I'm thankful for the opportunity and I look forward to the challenge. I’ve enjoyed my time at Marian University and I would like to thank the coaching staff for preparing me to play at the next level.” 

Van Dyn Hoven played in 42 games in his Marian career, recording 20 points (10G/10A). In 2008, the senior recorded five goals and five assists. Two of his goals were power play goals and he also added a game-winner. 

“I am extremely happy for Travis,” Sabre head coach Jasen Wise said. “His hard work and determination are great examples for younger players. It shows you can play at the next level if you make a commitment to the game of hockey. The Nailers are getting a great team player and a person who will lay it on the line every night. The Marian Hockey program wishes Travis luck and success. We will be watching.” 

Hanson was re-signed by the Cincinnati Cyclones, an East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) team affiliated with the NHL’s Nashville Predators and Montreal Canadiens. He was originally signed after the MCHA tournament last season and helped lead the Cyclones to a league championship when they defeated Las Vegas . He was a team captain at FU for two years, recording 58 points (25G/33A) in 103 career games.

“Travis has worked very hard to create this opportunity,” Finlandia head coach Joe Burcar said. “The Cyclones were looking for a big, strong player to win battles on the wall, they called him in last spring and he made an immediate impact in helping win the ECHL Championship.”

Paquette has been signed by the New Mexico Scorpions, a team in the Central Hockey League (CHL). He rewrote the MCHA record book, setting new career marks with 47 goals, 83 assists and 130 points. Overall in his career, he tallied 152 points (51G/101A) in 105 games. He was named to the all-conference team on two occasions and to the all-newcomer team as a freshman, leading the Lions to a Harris Cup Championship as a junior and to a second-straight title game appearance a year ago.

“Josh is a very gifted player with his ability to score in any given situation,” Burcar said. “He has been able to score at every level he has played and will make the transition as a professional player very smoothly.”

Sullivan will join Paquette on the roster of the Scorpions. The Lions Team MVP a year ago, he was also an all-conference performer on the ice, recording 88 points (50G/38A) in 82 career games. The Scorpions will officially be back on the ice October 6^th for the start of training camp.

“Ryan is ready for the next level, he is very complete in his game,” Burcar said. “We have used Ryan in every situation and he has excelled. The bigger the game, the better Ryan is...”

All three Finlandia players were also regulars on the MCHA All-Academic Team.

“We will miss all three of these players; they have brought so much to Finlandia Hockey.  We wish them great success!”

 

 

-July 14, 2008
Date and Times set for MCHA Officials Tryout Camp
The Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association will be holding tryouts for Officials in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, from September 19-21, 2008.  

Tryouts will include classroom instruction, on-ice instruction and game situation evaluation.

General Information:  The Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association is an NCAA Division III West Region Hockey Conference.  Member Schools include Adrian College (MI), Concordia University (WI), Finlandia University , Lawrence University , Marian College , Milwaukee School of Engineering, Northland College and the University of Minnesota – Crookston.  Each season, teams compete for the Harris Cup as well as a National Championship.

Requirements:  To be considered for this position, applicants must be at least 22 years of age, have officiating experience commensurate with working upper levels of hockey and be able to work in a team atmosphere.  Successful candidates will also have the ability to communicate effectively with officials, coaches, players and supervisors.  Candidates must display sound officiating techniques.  

Application:  Officials interested in this opportunity should forward their officiating resume, including three references, to Jim Olson, Supervisor of Officials, before August 15, 2008.  Invitations to the Tryout Camp will be sent to candidates before September 1, 2008.

Any questions regarding this opportunity should be forwarded to:

Jim Olson
Supervisor of Officials
mcharefs@att.net
(414) 305-5738

 

 

 

-June 26, 2008
Marian's Bresser Adds to List of MCHA Alumni Signing Professionally
Carl Bresser of Marian University is the latest player from the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association to continue his career as a professional, signing a contract with the Gwinnett Gladiators of the ECHL Premier “AA” Hockey League earlier this month.

Bresser, who was named to the MCHA All-Conference Team this past season, played in 109 games in his Marian career, recording 102 points (57 goals/45 assists) to place sixth on the Sabres’ all-time scoring list. His 12 career shorthanded tallies are also a school record.

“I am very excited for this opportunity,” Bresser said. “It's been a goal of mine to play pro hockey and now I'm getting that chance. I've enjoyed my time at Marian and I feel working with Coach Wise has helped prepare me for the next level.”

His 40 career goals in league play rank tied for ninth all-time and his 18 goals this past year were just off the record of 20 by a senior. He established new league records for shorthanded goals in a season (five in 2007-08) and career (eight), while leading all of NCAA Division III with six shorthanded goals in 2007-08. His 76 career points in MCHA play (40 goals/36 assists) rank 15^th in league annals.

“This is an exciting time for Carl, his family and Marian Hockey,” head coach Jasen Wise said. “Carl has put in the time necessary to play at the next level and I believe he has the ability. He made the most of his college career and is now leaving Marian with the skills necessary to succeed both on and off the ice. I look forward to following his pro career and wish him luck and success.”

Bresser joins Terry Dunbar (at Marian from 2000-04), Dan Odegard (1999-2003) and Jamie Davidson (2000-03) as former Sabres who signed and played in the professional ranks.

 

 

 

 

-April 15, 2008
Adrian College Honored at State Capital in Lansing, Mich.
The Adrian College men's ice hockey team have received many awards and honors this season but perhaps none were bigger than today's latest acknowledgement by the state of Michigan. The state of Michigan presented head coach Ron Fogarty and the team a formal proclamation honoring the team in the state senate chamber this morning. Senator Cameron Brown representing the 16th district, including Lenawee County, spoke about the achievements of the first-year program and went on to say that the team has made the area proud both on and off the ice.

"This is an unbelievable experience," said Fogarty. "I could not have imagined this back in October when our season began. I've been told by several people this morning that this type of thing does not happen very often and especially in the Division III ranks."

Coach Fogarty and team captain Adam Krug addressed the senate upon receiving the certificate from senator Brown. Both spoke of the pride they had in receiving such a prestigious honor.

"Growing up in Livonia this is a big deal for me," said Krug. "It has been a very successful year for the team and I'm glad we get to step on the ice next year together and finish our goals."

Joining Fogarty and Krug on the floor were assistant coach Matt Nicholson and alternate team captains Jeremy Klaver, Mike Towns and Quinn Waller.

 

 

-April 16, 2008
Lawrence's Peterson Signs With IHL's Flint Generals
-Release courtesy of Lawrence University Sports Information Department
Contact: Joe Vanden Acker, Sports Information Director, 920-832-6878

APPLETON, Wis. -- Josh Peterson is taking his game up a level.

The standout Lawrence University senior defenseman signed a contract with the Flint Generals of the International Hockey League on Tuesday.

 "I’ve been thinking about doing this since the end of the season," said Peterson, the first Lawrence player to play professionally. "I wasn’t ready to be done, and I wanted to play at the next level."

Lawrence head coach Mike Szkodzinski was helping Peterson fulfill his dream of playing in the pro ranks when he saw what might be an opportunity with the Generals.

"I had noticed that they had a couple of d-men injured toward the end of the year," Szkodzinski said. "I gave coach (Peter) South a call last Friday night and spoke with him on Saturday."

Things moved quickly from there, as Flint completed its regular season this past weekend. Flint finished third in the regular season standings of the IHL, which Szkodzinski compared to baseball at the AA level.

A native of Duluth, Minn., Peterson said he got a call from Szkodzinski on Monday morning and was told the Generals were interested.

"I was sitting in class around noon and got a phone call," Peterson said. "It happened really fast, and I’ve been running ever since."

Peterson arrived in Flint on Monday night and signed his contract and took part in his first practice on Tuesday. The Generals open the IHL playoffs Friday when they travel to the Port Huron Icehawks.

Peterson said he’s not sure if he will get a chance to play on Friday, but he is one of only six defensemen on the Generals’ playoff roster.

"I’m just going to be ready for any opportunity that comes up," Peterson said.

Peterson is only the second player in Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association history to be named all-conference four times. He scored six goals and had 20 assists for 26 points this past season. Peterson finished fifth on Lawrence’s career list with 77 points and is first among defenseman. He ranks second with 56 career assists and 14th with 21 goals.

"Our season has been over for a while so I have to get my legs back under me," Peterson said. "I know I have a lot to improve upon, but I feel like I can play at this level."

Peterson earned the maximum three selections to the academic all-conference and is completing his biology major. He will continue his schoolwork while participating in the playoffs.

"We are very proud of Josh’s latest accomplishment. His passion for the game and desire to reach the next level while maintaining exemplary academic success has set a great example for the current and future Vikings," Szkodzinski said.

"Josh has earned an opportunity that so many young players dream of while growing up. We are certain that he will represent himself and the Lawrence hockey program very well while in Flint."