De PERE, Wis. (June 19, 2012) - The Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association continues to grow. And this time, it will change the face of NCAA Division III hockey in the West.

The league has announced today that St. Norbert College and the College of St. Scholastica have both accepted invitations to become members of the league beginning in the 2013-14 campaign.

“This is a great and exciting day for the MCHA,” league commissioner Dr. G. Steven Larson said. “We are very enthusiastic about having the College of St. Scholastica and St. Norbert College as colleagues. The strong academic and hockey tradition they bring will be an outstanding fit for our new members and the MCHA membership.”

WATCH THE FULL PRESS CONFERENCE VIDEO HERE

The MCHA, which will enter its 15th season of play in 2012-13, has steadily grown from a small, six-member conference back in 1998 into 10 teams when the Green Knights and Saints are added to the league slate starting in 2013.

“We are very pleased to have the College of St. Scholastica and St. Norbert College join the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association,” MCHA Presidents Council Chair Dr. Jeffery Docking said. “Their tradition of excellence in academics and athletics will further enhance the quality and reputation of the MCHA as one of the premier conferences in NCAA Division III men’s ice hockey.”

“This is a monumental occasion for the MCHA and its member institutions,” MCHA DASC Chair Rob Barnhill said. “We are all very excited and enthusiastic about the addition of these institutions and full-well realize that the conference title just became more difficult to obtain.  St. Scholastica and St. Norbert are perfect fits for us at this time, and their membership enhances the visibility and viability of our league.”

“This also strengthens and elevates the national reputation of the MCHA in NCAA III men's ice hockey, as demonstrated by St. Norbert's consecutive national championships in 2011 and 2012 along with the national runner-up finish of Adrian College in 2011,” Larson said. “This past season alone, four teams finished in the national rankings with St. Norbert at No. 1, MSOE at No. 8, Adrian at No. 11, and St. Scholastica at No. 19 [receiving votes].  In addition, Lawrence and Marian were ranked during the course of the year.”

St. Norbert has claimed 13 of the past 16 conference regular-season crowns it has competed for, with head coach Tim Coghlin accumulating a 19-year mark of 411-113-45.

“St. Norbert College is excited to be joining a hockey conference with a membership of liberal arts institutions with similar profiles,” St. Norbert Director of Athletics Tim Bald said. “During its history, the MCHA has been very progressive in its leadership and as a result has seen the profile of the conference rise exponentially. We are excited to become a part of that and look forward to the future as a MCHA member.”

St. Scholastica went 15-8-5 last season and was nationally-ranked the majority of the year, rising as high as No. 11. In fact, it has gone an impressive 61-37-14 the past four seasons, finishing fifth in the country at the end of 2009, a campaign that saw CSS rise to as high as No. 2 in the polls in January of 2009.

“The College of St. Scholastica was honored to receive and pleased to accept an invitation to become a member of the MCHA,” CSS Director of Athletics Don Olson said. “St. Scholastica's philosophy and competitive goals align perfectly with the other members of the conference. We look forward to a long and positive relationship with the other nine members of the MCHA.”

The expansion marks the first since the start of the 2009-10 season, when Lake Forest College joined the ranks of the conference.

The pair of teams come to the MCHA from the Northern Collegiate Hockey Association.

Starting in 2013-14, the MCHA will be playing a complete 18-game round-robin schedule with a two-game series vs. each team. Discussions are also underway with the commissioners of both the MIAC and WIAC regarding collaborative scheduling.

“Our student-athletes and fans can look forward to very entertaining and exciting collegiate hockey at high caliber that will encompass four states,” Larson said. “Needless to say, the future of MCHA hockey looks bright as we move ahead.”

The Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association continued its recent trend when the All-American squads were announced at the Frozen Four banquet in Lake Placid, N.Y., Thursday evening. A year ago, the MCHA set an all-time high with three players honored, but topped that this season with four different student-athletes earning All-American status in the 2011-12 campaign.

The league had a record three selections on the first team, led by a pair of players who became the first members of the league to earn All-American honors twice in a career. MSOE's Connor Toomey and Adrian College's Chris Stansik were each named to the first-team. Toomey was a second-team member last season, while Stansik - who missed 2010-11 with injury - was a second-team selection in 2009-10.

The Bulldogs Zach Graham was also named to the first-team, as the MCHA had more than one member on the top squad for the first time. The league was not done there - MSOE's Jordan Keizer was also named to the second-team. The All-American awards are sponsored by CCM HOCKEY and chosen by members of the American Hockey Coaches Association.

----See respective team releases below---

MSOE Hockey's Toomey, Jordan Keizer garner ACHA All American honors

Senior goalie Connor Toomey and junior forward Jordan Keizer have been honored by the American Hockey Coaches Association (AHCA) by being named to the West Region All-American team. Toomey was selected to the First Team while Keizer is a member of the Second Team. Last season, Toomey was a Second Team selection. The awards were announced at the Frozen Four banquet in Lake Placid, N.Y.

Toomey recently finished his MSOE career as the all-time leader in school history for wins (64), goals against average (2.32), save percentage (.913), saves (2480) and shutouts (10). He was named Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association (MCHA) All-Conference this season and was MCHA Player of the Year in 2010-11. Among all Division III players, Toomey is currently eighth in goals against average at 1.98 and tied for fifth with three shutouts.

Keizer also was selected MCHA All-Conference and he leads the country with seven short-handed goals and seven game-winning goals. He stands second in goals (23) and points (45) nationally. Keizer scored the most goals in MCHA play with 16 and was second with 34 points in conference action. He has 101 points during his three seasons at MSOE.

The Raiders won the MCHA Harris Cup for the first time since 2006 by defeating Adrian 4-3 in overtime to clinch MSOE’s first ever appearance in the NCAA tournament. Keizer scored the game-winning goal in that contest. MSOE’s season came to an end when they fell to Gustavus Adolphus 3-1 in the first round of the NCAA Division III Championship earlier this month. The Raiders finished the season ranked No. 6 in the USCHO.com Division III national poll which is the highest ranking in MSOE history. The team was ranked in every poll this season.

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Graham and Stansik Earn AHCA West Region First Team All-American Honors

GLOUCESTER, Mass. - The American Hockey Coaches Association (AHCA) announced the 2011-12 CCM All-American teams on Friday, March 16 at the annual NCAA Division III Final Four banquet. For the first time, two Adrian College hockey players have been named West Region First Team All-Americans.

Senior defenseman Chris Stansik (Livonia, Mich.) completed a four-year career which culminated in his second All-American award. He also was named West Region Second Team All-American during the 2009-10 campaign. Stansik missed the entire 2010-11 season due to injury, but came back with the same determination entering his final season. He picked up his fourth All-Conference honor from the MCHA and leaves Adrian as the all-time leading scorer for a defenseman in MCHA history. He recorded 135 career points in 113 games finishing with 33 goals and 102 assists. This season, Stansik finished tied for second on the team with 31 points and was second on the squad with 26 assists. He ranked fourth in NCAA Division III in points per game by a defenseman and was 13th nationally in assists per game.

Junior forward Zach Graham (Palmerston, Ont.) was named MCHA Player of the Year this season and turned in his best season to date on the ice. Graham ranked second in NCAA Division III in points per game (1.62) and finished the season with a career-best 42 points including 15 goals and 27 assists. Graham ranked eighth nationally in assists per game (1.04) and his four game-winning goals was tied for seventh. Graham has a three-year total of 123 points in 83 games for the Bulldogs. He has 46 goals and 77 assists thus far in his career.

ASHLAND, Wis. - Northland College hockey announced that Colin McIntosh (Winnipeg, MB) has signed a contract with the Laredo Bucks of the Central Hockey League. 

McIntosh joins the team for the remainder of their season while they push to make the playoffs.  McIntosh's first game for the Bucks was on Sunday afternoon and he was able to record his first goal in the first period and added an assist later on in the third to help the Bucks win 4-3. 

McIntosh finished his career ranked second in career goals, sixth in career assists, second in career points, 13th in career power play goals and third in career short -handed goals for Northland College.  He also ranks fifth in single season assists, second in single season points, fifth in single season power play goals and second in single season short-handed goals. 

He holds the Northland College record for most points by a junior and most assists in a game.  He is a two time MCHA All-Academic team member and part of the 2010-11, 2011-12 MCHA All-Conference Team.

-Story courtesy of Northland College Sports Information Department

In the program's first-ever NCAA tournament game, the No. 6 Raiders fell to No. 8 Gustavus Adolphus 3-1 Wednesday night in St. Peter, Minn. The Gusties move on to face St. Norbert in the quarterfinals of the NCAA Division III Championship. MSOE ends the 2011-12 campaign with a record of 22-7-1. The 22 wins are program record for the Raiders. Senior goalie Connor Toomey made 28 saves in his final game as at MSOE. 

Senior forward Todd Krupa (pictured) scored a power play goal at the 6:41 mark of the first period as MSOE took a 1-0 lead. Krupa's goal was assisted by junior defenseman Nathan Brunk and sophomore forward Mike Pao. Less than two minutes later, Ross Ring-Jarvi tied the game at 1.

The game remained tied until the four-minute mark of the second period when Ryan Johnson gave Gustavus the lead for good with a power play tally. Nate Paulsen added an empty-netter with three seconds left in the third period to seal the victory for the Gusties.

The Raiders went 1-6 on the power play while Gustavus was 1-4. Each team logged six shots while playing with an advantage. The Gusties outshot MSOE 31-17 on the night.

-Story courtesy of the MSOE Sports Information Department

The postseason continues for MSOE, playing its first-ever game in the NCAA Tournament Wednesday when the Raiders travel to take on Gustavus Adolphus. The contest will be played at Don Roberts Ice Rink and starts at 7 p.m. It's a battle of Top 10 teams, as MSOE enters play ranked as high as No. 6 in this week's USCHO.com national poll (12th in D3Hockey.com) and the Gusties are 10th in the D3H poll and eighth in the USCHO poll.

The No. 6 ranking for the Raiders is the highest ranking in the history of MSOE hockey. Sunday afternoon, the Raiders defeated No. 10 Adrian Sunday 4-3 in overtime to win the MCHA Harris Cup title and clinch a spot in the NCAA tournament for the first time. Gustavus earned the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference’s automatic berth into the NCAA Tournament by way of a 4-2 victory over St. Olaf in the MIAC Championship game. The Gusties come in with an overall record of 16-6-5, while the Raiders come in with an overall mark of 22-6-1.

MEQUON, Wis. – Concordia University Wisconsin Director of Athletics Dr. Rob Barnhill announced Tuesday afternoon the hiring of Jasen Wise as the new CUW men’s hockey head coach.

“I am very delighted to be the new men’s hockey head coach at CUW,” Wise said. “The University and Athletic Department’s vision is the same as mine, and that is to win conference championships and play in the NCAA Tournament.”

Wise, a 13-year coaching veteran, takes over the program after eight seasons as the head coach at Marian University. Under his guidance, MU reached unprecedented heights advancing to the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association Tournament eight-consecutive seasons, earning the program’s first 20-win season and having the school’s first All-American. His program was included in the USCHO national poll several times.

“I am excited to announce the addition of Jasen Wise to our coaching staff,” Barnhill said. “I have admired Jasen and the job that he and his staff have done for some time, and was pleased to find that he had interest in taking over our program. Jasen is a proven winner and an excellent recruiter. His experience as a head coach, coupled with his knowledge of the MCHA, will prove invaluable as we look to build our program.”

During his time at MU, Wise directed the Sabres to seven straight winning seasons, including a school-record 20-7-0 season in 2009-10 which included a 15-game winning streak. Wise has coached 21 All-MCHA players, 14 MCHA All-Rookie Team honorees, four MCHA All-Tournament choices and five MU Male Student-Athlete-of-the-Year selections.

In addition, he has coached 44 MCHA All-Academic student-athletes who have achieved a grade point average of 3.30 or higher.

“I am pleased that both President Ferry and Dr. Barnhill are committed to producing a winning men’s hockey program,” Wise said. “The University and Athletic Department have given me the tools to be successful in the recruitment of top level junior hockey players.

This past season, 2011-12, he directed his program to a pair of wins over nationally ranked MSOE and a tie against NCAA Division III defending national champion St. Norbert College. Wise’s team was ranked among the national leaders in several statistical categories, including 14th in power play (23.5 percent), 20th in penalty kill (84.6 percent), 21st in scoring offense (3.58) and 36th in scoring defense (3.08).

“Jasen shares my vision for the direction of the men’s hockey program and I am convinced that he will accomplish our competitive and program goals,” Barnhill said. “We had to make a strategic decision to address the concerns in our program and today we begin the rebuilding process.”

In 2010-11 Wise coached Dakota Dubetz who became MU’s first USCHO All-American after leading the nation in assists (34). Wise also saw 14 of his student-athletes be named MCHA All-Academic, the second-most among conferences institutions.

Wise has compiled a 119-88-14 overall record during his time at MU, including a 101-46-9 (.676) MCHA record. His teams have won three-consecutive MCHA Northern Division titles.

Prior to arriving at MU he spent five seasons as the men's assistant coach at Hamline University. While at HU he was involved in all aspects of the hockey program, including recruiting and practice.

Wise is no stranger to the NCAA Division III hockey landscape, as he was the team captain as a player at the University of St. Thomas (Minn.), helping his squad to a Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference title during his junior year. He began his collegiate playing career at Rochester Institute of Technology, where he was an assistant captain on a squad that made an NCAA Tournament appearance.

Wise earned his Bachelor’s Degree and also earned his Master’s Degree, in athletic administration, from UST, as well, in June 2005.

His hockey background dates back to his youth days where he spent his high school playing career at West Anchorage (Alaska) and International Falls (Minn.) High School, which included playoff and state tournament appearances. From there he spent two seasons in the United State Hockey League, playing for the Dubuque Fighting Saints and the Rochester Mustangs, making a National Tournament appearance in 1990-1991.

Wise and his wife Rachel have a son, Ethan.

-Story courtesy of Concordia University Sports Information Department

MSOE's Jordan Keizer scored at the 5:09 mark of overtime as the No. 10 Raiders beat No. 6 Adrian 4-3 to win the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association Harris Cup and clinch their first berth in the Division III Championship. The tournament begins Wednesday with the first round. For MSOE (22-6-1), it's their first Harris Cup title since the 2005-06. The tournament field was announced Sunday night at 8:30 p.m. at www.ncaa.com.

The Raiders will open the NCAA Tournament Wednesday, March 7, playing Gustavus Adolphus at Don Roberts Ice Rink in St. Peter, Minn.

-Story courtesy of the MSOE Sports Information Department

All-Tournament Team
Forwards
Shelby Gray - Adrian
Kevin Medina - MSOE
Zach Graham - Adrian

Defense
Chris Stansik - Adrian
Carl Lindblad - MSOE

Goaltender
Connor Toomey - MSOE

MVP
Jordan Keizer - MSOE

MSOE’s Kevin Medina scored at the 15:42 mark of overtime to send the Raiders to a thrilling 3-2 victory over Marian University in the second MCHA semifinal Saturday night at Arrington Ice Arena.

The Sabres overcame a 1-0 deficit after the first period, tallying a pair of second-period markers to lead, 2-1. Bryce Wilson tied the game at 1-1 at the 5:53 mark and Dmitry Sentsov put Marian ahead 2-1 at the 16:49 mark of the second.

It stayed that way until Mike Pao found the third period equalizer, netting his seventh goal of the season at the 8:07 mark of the final period.

Both goalies were impressive in the overtime session, making countless impressive saves before Medina’s third goal of the season sent MSOE to the championship game.

Connor Toomey ended the night with 26 saves, making 10 stops in overtime, while the Sabres Josh Baker made 43 stops, including seven in the extra period.

The victory sets up the MCHA Harris Cup Final between #10 MSOE (21-6-1) and #6 Adrian (20-5-1), with the winner going on to represent the conference in the NCAA Tournament.

The puck drops at 2 p.m. EST Sunday, with live video and stats available on the MCHA and Adrian website.

ADRIAN, Mich. - In a pressure-packed situation it was a freshman who played it calm as the men's hockey team defeated Lawrence 2-1 on Saturday afternoon in the MCHA Harris Cup semifinals at Arrington Ice Arena.

Freshman netminder Scott Shackell made one great save after another totaling 35 in the contest including 13 big stops in the final period of action. He improved to 13-2-1 in net and helped the Bulldogs reach the Harris Cup Final for the fifth year in a row.

Adrian (20-5-1) got going midway through the first period and built a 2-0 lead after 20 minutes. Freshman forward Shelby Gray scored his 12th goal of the season on the power play with assists from Josh Cousineau and Zach Graham. Gray's patented hard slapshot handcuffed Lawrence goaltender Peter Emery to stake AC to a 1-0 lead at 12:57.

The Bulldogs tacked on another goal at 15:00 at even strength as Graham found the back of the twine for the 15th time this season from a shot between the circles. Justin Basso and Jordan Watts had the assists for Adrian.

In the second period, Adrian's Josh Ranalli took a five-minute major for charging and Lawrence capitalized to cut the lead in half at 2-1. Brad Scurfield notched his 13th goal of the season with Jameson Raymond and Matt Hughes getting assists on the goal.

The third period was all Lawrence as they outshot the Bulldogs, 13-2, in the period. Shackell made every save as Lawrence was 0-for-1 on the power play in the third. For the game, LU went 1-for-5 while Adrian was 1-for-4 with the man advantage.

Adrian eliminated Lawrence in the semifinals for the third straight season and now is 13-0 all time against the Vikings. Adrian will await the winner of the second semifinal beginning at 6:00 PM which pits #2 seed Marian against #3 seed Milwaukee School of Engineering.

-Story courtesy of the Adrian College Sports Information Department

FOND DU LAC, Wis. (SabreAthletics.com) -- Earlier this week, the Marian University men's hockey team presented a check for $2,500 to Agnesian HealthCare's Imaging Center that will go towards providing mamogram screenings to women who cannot afford them. The proceeds were made from the team's Fifth Annual “Pink Out” contest, held Jan. 28, against Finlandia University at the Blue Line Family Ice Center.

Enormous effort was spent raising money for the cause and all those involved were members of the Marian student body and faculty. Senior forward Chris Thompson and senior student Taylor Hozeska led the way, while Dr. James Gray and his sport and recreation management class had a huge hand in the matter as well.

-Story courtesy of the Marian University Sports Information Department

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-Freshmen and All-Academic Teams were all named, as well as the Player of the Year and Coach of the Year awards.

Adrian College junior forward Zach Graham was named the MCHA Player of the Year after leading the league in scoring with 36 points (12G/24A) to highlight the award ceremony.

Adrian and MSOE each had four players honored with postseason accolades to lead the way.

Chris Stansik became the sixth player all-time to earn all-conference honors all four seasons, joining former Bulldogs Shawn Skelly (2007-11) and Brad Fogal (2007-11), Lawrence’s Josh Peterson (2004-08) and MSOE Raiders Jason Woll (2005-09) and Ryan Moren (1998-2002) on that prestigious list.

AC head coach Ron Fogarty was selected as the MCHA Coach of the Year for the second time in his career after leading his squad to a 17-2-1 league mark this season and winning the league title for the fifth year in a row.

MCHA Player of the Year: Zach Graham (Adrian College)

MCHA Coach of the Year: Ron Fogarty (Adrian College)

2011-12 MCHA All-Conference (Alphabetically by position)
Forward: Josh Cousineau (Adrian College, Sophomore)
Forward: Dakota Dubetz (Marian University, Junior)
Forward: Zach Graham (Adrian College, Junior)

Forward: Matt Hughes (Lawrence University, Senior)
Forward: Jordan Keizer (MSOE, Junior)

Forward: Josh Keizer (MSOE, Freshman)
Forward: Colin McIntosh (Northland College, Senior)

Defense: Nate Brunk (MSOE, Junior)
Defense: Tommy Fitzpatrick (Marian University, Junior)
Defense: Jameson Raymond (Lawrence University, Senior)
Defense: Chris Stansik (Adrian College, Senior)

Goalie: Scott Shackell (Adrian College, Freshman)
Goalie: Connor Toomey (MSOE, Senior)

*Note: Extra spot at forward due to tie in voting

2011-12 MCHA All-Freshmen Team (Alphabetically by position)
Forward: Brian Berger (Marian University)

Forward: Shelby Gray (Adrian College)

Forward: Josh Keizer (MSOE)

Defense: Travis Armstrong (Finlandia University)

Defense: Logan Bauman (MSOE)

Goalie: Scott Shackell (Adrian College)

MCHA Regular Season Champions: Adrian College 

MCHA Southern Division Champions: Adrian College 

MCHA Northern Division Champions: Marian University 

2011-12 MCHA All-Academic Team

Adrian – 3

Shawn Courtney, Junior … Zach Graham, Junior … Zach Wilson, Sophomore

Concordia – 2

Brad Lukasz, Junior … Mike Zirk, Junior

Finlandia – 5

Reece Anderson, Junior … Charles Benik, Senior # … James Brey, Senior # … Nemanja Jankovic, Senior # … Cole Workman, Sophomore

Lake Forest – 7

Thomas Bark, Junior * … Austin Erney, Junior * … Chris Gard, Sophomore … Joel Gard, Senior # … David Milne, Sophomore … David Sharpe, Junior * … Michael Voilette, Sophomore

Lawrence – 6

Kevin Aslett, Junior … Mike Baldino, Junior *… Phil Bushbacher, Junior … Jesse Byam-Katzman, Senior # … Ben DiMarco, Senior # … William Thoren, Sophomore

Marian – 5

Robbie Bailey, Sophomore … Josh Baker, Sophomore … Lane Boswell, Senior # … Andy Kuechler, Junior * … Mike McCurtain, Senior *

MSOE – 5

West Bauman, Sophomore … Spenser Brown, Sophomore … Nathan Brunk, Junior * … Carl Lindblad, Junior * … Devin Schmitt, Sophomore

Northland – 3

Nicholas Hewko, Junior * … Colin Moberly, Junior … Austin Southerland, Junior *

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

Seeds held this past weekend, as both second-seeded divisional teams managed to claim a win in the series. Lawrence University beat Finlandia, 5-1, in the opener Friday before settling for a 2-2 tie Saturday to advance.

MSOE had an even tougher go of it after starting out with a 7-2 win over Lake Forest Saturday. On Sunday, the Foresters claimed a 6-4 victory to even the series, but the Raiders finally advanced to the semifinals with a 1-0 (2OT) victory in the mini-game on a goal by West Bauman.

As the No. 4 overall seed from the regular season standings, Lawrence will take on host and No. 1-seeded Adrian in Saturday's early game, set for 2 p.m. EST. MSOE, the No. 3 seed from the regular season standings, will take on No. 2 Marian University (the Northern Division champion), in the late game, scheduled to start at 6 p.m. EST. It should be some great hockey on display, with the Bulldogs No. 6 in today's USCHO.com national poll and the Raiders 10th and both teams in the D3Hockey poll as well.

Sunday's MCHA Championship is scheduled for a 2 p.m. EST. For the third time in league history, the winner will again represent the MCHA in the NCAA Tournament.

Each game will have live STATS and VIDEO available on Adrian's website and on the MCHA schedule page.

All of the information is set up on their championship webpage:

CLICK HERE FOR ADRIAN'S HARRIS CUP WEBPAGE

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

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

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

The 14th regular season of play in the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association has come to a close and tournament action begins this upcoming weekend. Second-seeded MSOE hosts Lake Forest College in one division, while second-seeded Lawrence University welcomes Finlandia University in the other. Adrian College and Marian University have earned byes as the division champions, with the Bulldogs claiming their fifth consecutive MCHA regular season crown in the process.

Adrian needed a comeback Friday, scoring four goals in the third period to win 7-5 after trailing, 4-2, in the second period. AC then closed out the league title in the final game of the year with a 2-0 shutout of Finlandia Saturday night.

MSOE did what it could to keep pace and keep its title hopes alive, sweeping past Northland College by scores of 3-0 and 4-3. A loss by Lawrence on Friday night opened the door for Marian and the Sabres took advantage by sweeping Concordia to claim the division title with victories of 5-1 and 6-2 over the Falcons. After getting tripped up 5-2 Friday, the Vikings closed out the regular season with a 2-1 win over Lake Forest Saturday.

Adrian's Zach Graham ended up as the MCHA's leading scorer (league games only), tallying 36 points (12G/24A) to come in just ahead of MSOE's Jordan Keizer, who recorded 34 points (16G/18A). Graham also led in assists, while Keizer did end up the leading goal scorer, with brother Josh Keizer second with 13 goals to tie Brian Berger from Marian. Between the pipes, AC's Scott Shackell led the way with a .930 save percentage and .875 winning percentage (10-1-1), with the Raiders' Connor Toomey topping the charts in goals against average at 1.96.

All game dates and times for the first round are available on the MCHA schedule page. The chase for the Harris Cup starts this weekend with the first round of the playoffs Feb. 24-26. 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: Jordan Keizer (MSOE) ... Brendan Sullivan (Lake Forest) ... Randy Willis (Marian)

Players of the Week

-Milwaukee School of Engineering Raiders junior forward Jordan Keizer (Edmonton, Alberta) is the MCHA Player of the Week for his role in MSOE's sweep of Northland College. The business major recorded the game-winning goal each night, including the one in Saturday's 4-3 decision that came in the third period. He ended the series with five points, scoring three goals and adding two more assists.

Other nominees: Phil Bushbacher (Lawrence), Josh Cousineau (Adrian), Randy Willis (Marian)

-Lake Forest College Foresters junior goalie Brendan Sullivan (Fall River, Mass.) is the MCHA Defensive Player of the Week after his performance on Friday helped his team secure a spot in the MCHA postseason. He made 41 saves in Friday's 5-2 win over Lawrence and then had 43 more saves in a tough 2-1 loss on Saturday. he stopped 84 of 88 shots (.955 save %) on the weekend as the Foresters advance to the postseason.

Other nominees: Connor Toomey (MSOE), Scott Shackell (Adrian), Randy Willis (Marian)

-Marian University Sabres goalie Randy Willis (Fond du Lac, Wis.) is the MCHA Freshman of the Week after helping lead his team to a division title. Needing a pair of wins and a little help (which it got), Willis posted a pair of victories in net over Concordia, starting things off with 45 saves on 46 shots (.978 save %) in Friday's 5-1 win. He followed that up with 24 more saves in Saturday's 6-2 victory to post a 1.50 GAA and .958 save percentage for the weekend.

Other nominees: Shelby Gray (Adrian), Jordan Bruce (Lake Forest), Josh Keizer (MSOE)

HANCOCK, Mich. - One for the thumb sounds pretty good for the Adrian College men's hockey team as they captured their fifth straight Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association regular season championship with a 2-0 road win at Finlandia University on Saturday, Feb. 18. This year's team had a huge responsibility to continue the winning tradition and they passed the test with an overall record of 19-5-1 and a 17-2-1 record in the league. For the past five years, Adrian has compiled an outstanding 94-4-2 MCHA regular season record. The Bulldogs will now have a bye as the number one seed in the 2012 Harris Cup playoffs. Adrian will host the Harris Cup Four on March 3-4 at Arrington Ice Arena.

The clinching win came down to textbook defense and just enough offense. After a scoreless first period, Adrian drew first blood at 14:51 of the second period. Freshman Shelby Gray scored his 11th goal of the season at even strength with assists from Josh Cousineau and Justin Basso.

The slim lead stood until the game's final 17 seconds when junior captain Andrew Dovey sealed the win with an empty net goal unassisted for his seventh tally of the year. Adrian outshot Finlandia 34-20 and improved to 11-0 all time against the Lions. Scott Shackell posted his second shutout of the season making 20 saves including nine in the third period. Adrian went 0-for-5 on the power play and held Finlandia to 0-for-6 with just seven shots on goal.

-Press release courtesy of Adrian College Sports Information Department
-Contact: Ryan Thompson (517-265-5161, x 3280)

League note: Marian University wrapped up the Northern Division title and a first-round bye with a victory over Concordia.

There is still plenty to be decided heading into the final week of the regular season for the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association, as not only are division championships still up for grabs, but so too are the fates of whether or not teams will advance to the postseason. After a weekend that featured four sweeps - Adrian College, MSOE, Lawrence University and Marian University all went 2-0 - the stage is set for a thrilling and exciting final week of regular season play in 2011-12.

In the Southern Division, The Bulldogs inched their way towards a fifth consecutive MCHA regular season crown after knocking off Concordia University by scores of 9-2 and 5-1. They improved to 15-2-1 in league play, good for 31 points and a slim 2-point lead over MSOE. The Raiders did what they could, sweeping past Lake Forest by scores of 4-0 and 6-1 to improve to 14-3-1 (29) points and remain right on the heels of the Bulldogs. The Raiders also hold the important tiebreaker of the two teams end up sharing the division crown by virtue of their 2-1-1 record versus AC in the regular season.

The other playoff team in the South can be either the Foresters (6 points at 3-15-0) or the Falcons (6 points at 2-14-2), depending on what happens this week, but Lake Forest does hold the tiebreaker after going 3-1 heads-up against CUW this season.

In the Northern Division, the Vikings held their ground by taking a pair from Finlandia by scores of 5-2 and 4-2 to improve to 10-5-3 and, with 23 points, remain tied with the Sabres for the division lead with identical records. Marian got past Northland, 4-3 and 3-1, but Lawrence holds the tiebreaker after posting a 2-0-2 record in the 2011-12 season series.

The other playoff spot in the North currently belongs to Finlandia, who at 7-11-0 has 14 points and a two-point cushion over the LumberJacks, who are 5-11-2 (12 points). That season series was split 2-2, so it would come down to goal differential in the series if the two teams tie for third in the division.

The upcoming schedule features Adrian at Finlandia, MSOE at Northland, Lawrence taking on Lake Forest and Marian battling Concordia.

Left to right: Josh Cousineau (Adrian) ... Connor Toomey (MSOE) ... Anton Olsson (Lawrence)

Players of the Week

-Adrian College Bulldogs sophomore forward Josh Cousineau (Penetang, ONT) is the MCHA Player of the Week after his five-point weekend (3G/2A) kept AC in line for its fifth-straight regular season title. He started things out with a goal and assist Friday and followed that up with two more goals and an assist Saturday while also finishing +4 for the weekend.
Other nominees: Jameson Raymond (Lawrence), Todd Krupa (MSOE)

--Milwaukee School of Engineering Raiders senior goaltender Connor Toomey (Burlington, MA) claims the MCHA Defensive Player of the Week after another 2-0 weekend kept MSOE's hopes alive for a division crown. He stopped 59 of 60 shots on the weekend (.983 save percentage) and posted a 0.50 GAA. His shutout Friday tied the Raider career record. The honor marks the 12th time in his storied career he has been the Defensive Player of the Week.
Other nominees: Chris Stansik (Adrian), Jameson Raymond (Lawrence)

-Lawrence University Vikings goaltender Anton Olsson (Stromstad, Sweden) is the MCHA Freshman of the Week after his performance kept LU in first place in the division. Making his second career start against a Finlandia team that had won six of seven coming into the series, he made 38 stops for a save percentage of .950 to record his first collegiate victory.
Other nominees: Lukas Ciotti (Adrian)

However, in the Northern Division, a couple of interesting developments continued and at the end of the weekend, Lawrence University pulled into a tie with Marian University at 19 points (8-5-3) after sweeping the Sabres by scores of 4-3 in overtime and then sealing the deal with a 6-2 victory game two. Not to be outdone, Finlandia University leapfrogged Northland College with a sweep of its own, claiming victories of 6-4 and 3-2 in OT to improve to 6-1-0 in its past seven games and move into the final playoff spot for now.

         
Left to right: Sean Burke (Finlandia) ... Peter Emery (Lawrence) ... Scott Shackell (Adrian)

Players of the Week

-Finlandia University Lions sophomore forward Sean Burke (Traverse City, Mich.) earns MCHA Player of the Week honors for his efforts in the Lions sweep of Northland. He started the week with a big-time display in the 6-4 win, scoring a pair of goals – including the game-winner – while adding three assists for a five-point night. Then, on Saturday, he helped Finlandia to another win when he scored the game-winning goal in overtime of the 3-2 decision.

Other nominees: Matt Hughes (Lawrence), West Bauman (MSOE), Zach Graham (Adrian)

-Lawrence University Vikings freshman goaltender Peter Emery (Golena, Calif.) is the MCHA Defensive Player of the Week. Just one week removed from league freshman of the week accolades, he helped lead his team into a tie in the standings by stopping 50 of 53 shots Friday and 25 of 27 Saturday (.938 save percentage) to complete the two-game sweep of the Sabres.

Other nominees: Ryan Gieseler (Adrian), Michael Thompson (MSOE), Mike Wuthrich (Finlandia)

-Adrian College Bulldogs goaltender Scott Shackell (Kanata, ONT) is the MCHA Freshman of the Week after posting a pair of victories over Lake Forest. He made 26 saves in Friday’s 4-1 win and then stopped 37 of 40 in Saturday’s 5-3 comeback victory. He now leads the MCHA in goals against average (2.09), save percentage (.934) and winning percentage (.850, 8-1-1).

Other nominees: Cole Gibson (MSOE), Peter Nesper (Finlandia), Gustav Lindgren (Lawrence)

The MSOE Raiders took to the road and the imposing task of playing a pair of games against Adrian College at Arrington Ice Arena this past weekend and played impressively, recording a 3-3 tie Friday before adding a 6-1 victory to their record on Saturday in front of sellout crowds each game.

The 1-0-1 weekend takes MSOE to 10-3-1 in league play and 21 points, just two points behind the Bulldogs, who are 11-2-1 (23 points) and in search of their fifth-consecutive MCHA regular season title.

Marian University is also still alive, and stand in at 8-3-3 (19 points) after a split with Finlandia University with six games remaining for each team in the 2011-12 regular season.

A pair of teams recorded weekend sweeps to round out league action, with Lawrence University topping Northland College, 3-0 and 3-2, to strengthen its hold on second place in the division. Lastly, Lake Forest came up with its best results of the season, sweeping Concordia by scores of 6-2 and 5-1 to also remain alive for a chance at a postseason berth.

         
-Left to right: Jordan Keizer (MSOE) ... Brendan Sullivan (Lake Forest) ... Peter Emery (Lawrence)

Players of the Week
-Milwaukee School of Engineering Raiders junior forward Jordan Keizer (Edmonton, Alberta) is the MCHA Player of the Week for his role in MSOE's unbeaten weekend at Adrian. On Friday, his goal gave his team a 2-1 lead and then his assist came on a goal that made it 3-2 before the Bulldogs would tie the contest with just 15 seconds left in regulation. On Saturday, the business major got things started by scoring the Raiders first goal of the game and also assisted the game-winner. He tallied five points (3G/2A) and was +4 on the weekend.

Other nominees: Luke Swardenski (Lake Forest)

-Lake Forest College Foresters junior goaltender Brendan Sullivan (Fall River, Mass.) is the MCHA Defensive Player of the Week after going 2-0 against Concordia. He was seeing his first action of the season and stopped 27 of 29 shots in Friday's 6-2 win before adding 18 more saves to complete the sweep. He posted a .938 save percentage in the series.

Other nominees: Connor Toomey (MSOE), Mike Wuthrich (Finlandia)

-Lawrence University Vikings goaltender Peter Emery (Goleta, Calif.) is the MCHA Freshman of the Week after a pair of impressive victories between the pipes against Northland. Friday night he made 29 saves in posting the shutout, holding the 'Jacks to an 0-for-7 showing on the power play. Then, Saturday, he made 29 more saves - including two important ones in the last two minutes. He helped hold NC to a 1-for-15 showing on the power play in the series and stopped 58 of 60 shots for a .967 save percentage.

Other nominees: Josh Keizer (MSOE), Luke Swardenski (Lake Forest), Gustav Lindgern (Lawrence)

FOND DU LAC, Wis. (SabreAthletics.com) – The Marian University men's hockey team will hold its Fifth Annual “Pink Out” game when it plays host to Finlandia University this Saturday, January 28, at 4 p.m. All proceeds for the event will be donated to Agnesian HealthCare's Imaging Center in order to provide mammogram screenings for women who cannot afford it.

This will be the second year of a long-term commitment between the Marian University men's hockey team and Agnesian HealthCare. The Sabres raised a total of $2,145 from the event last season and they have high hopes of eclipsing that this weekend.

Enormous effort is being spent to raise money for this great cause. Marian is raising funds in the form of t-shirt sales, donations from businesses, concessions, ticket sales and promotions, such as “Chuck-a-Puck,” which will take place during one of the intermissions at Saturday's game.

All tickets sold to the Finlandia game are $5 and can be purchased at the gate the day of the game. All revenue will be donated for this great cause. Children 11 years old and under will also be invited out onto the ice to skate with the players following the conclusion of Saturday's contest. Both teams will also compete Friday night at 8 p.m. to kick off the two-game series.

-Press release courtesy of Marian University Sports Information Department
-Contact: Lucas Pattarozzi (920-923-8155)

The Division III Commissioners Association honored Dr. G. Steven Larson, Commissioner of the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association and the Northern Athletics Conference, last week at the NCAA Convention in Indianapolis with the Distinguished Service Award "In recognition of outstanding leadership and service to the DIIICA."

Larson has served in the following capacities in the DIIICA: Executive Committee, 2006-2008; Vice President, 2009-10; President, 2010-11; Past President, 2011-Present; NCAA Convention & Planning Committee 2006-2008; Sportsmanship & Ethical Conduct Committee 2006-Present; Sportsmanship & Ethical Conduct Committee Chair 2008-Present.

In addition he has served as the President, VP, Past President, and Executive Committee on the National Association of Division III Athletic Administrators and as chair of the NCAA III National Men's Basketball Committee.

"Being recognized by one's colleagues whom I admire greatly is humbling and greatly appreciated," Larson said. "Serving for the DIIICA is much more of an honor than it is work. This is an outstanding group of people who care deeply about Division III and our student-athletes."

The much-anticipated battle between both top teams in each MCHA division wrapped up yesterday, and it was Adrian College that came out of the matchup against Marian University with a hard-earned sweep. The Bulldogs posted victories of 4-1 Sunday and 4-2 Monday to improve to 11-1-0 in league play (22 points) to give themselves some breathing room over the Sabres - now 7-2-3 (17 points) - and MSOE in search of another regular season league title.

The Raiders did what they could, taking a pair of close contests over Lawrence University by scores of 3-2 and 4-2 to improve to 9-3-0 (18 points) in MCHA action. MSOE will have its chance this upcoming weekend, headed to Michigan for a series against the Bulldogs as well.

Northland College continued its recent hot streak, extending its unbeaten streak to four games (3-0-1) with a 6-2 win and 3-3 tie against Concordia. Finlandia also ran its winning streak to three games in a row with a sweep of Lake Forest, posting victories of 4-3 and 5-4.

         
Left to right: Josh Cousineau (Adrian) ... Chris Stansik (Adrian) ... Justin Scott (Finlandia)

Players of the Week

-Adrian College Bulldogs sophomore forward Josh Cousineau (Penatang, ONT) is the MCHA Player of the Week. In the biggest matchup in the league this past weekend, he was involved with five of the eight goals his team scored in the two wins over Marian. Cousineau started his week with a goal and two assists Friday and then followed that up with a goal and assist in game two for a five point (2G/3A) weekend.
Other nominees: Mike Lennon (Northland), Bradley Tierney (MSOE)

-Adrian College Bulldogs senior defenseman Chris Stansik (Livonia, Mich.) earns the MCHA Defensive Player of the Week honors not only for his strong effort on the ice against Marian, but also for what he has now reached for his career as well. He scored a goal Sunday to notch career point #100, becoming the first MCHA defenseman to top that mark. He went on to add a pair of assists Monday, which also moved him past the MCHA career record for assists by a defenseman. The weekend total moved him to 102 points (24G/78A), good for seventh place all-time.

Other nominees: Cody Hasbargen (Northland), Connor Toomey (MSOE), Peter Nesper (Finlandia)

-Finlandia University Lions forward Justin Scott (Detroit, Mich.) is the MCHA Freshman of the Week. He helped his team to a weekend sweep of Lake Forest with a goal and assist in Friday's 4-3 win and then added the game-winner on Saturday in another one-goal decision.

Other nominees: Shelby Gray (Adrian), Ian Perrier (Northland), Jason McAloon (Lake Forest)

The MCHA was back for a full slate of games this past weekend, highlighted by three teams able to complete two-game sweeps. The visit to Concordia University by the Stanley Cup was also a success, as over 1,000 fans waited to get a picture over the course of the 10-hour visit by the historic trophy.

The Stanley Cup actually arrived Friday evening and members of the CUW and Finlandia University men’s hockey teams had their picture opportunity after the Falcons defeated the Lions, 7-6, in a high-scoring thriller.

“In one sense, this was a fundraiser for the hockey program thanks to Tony and his connections,” said Athletic Director Rob Barnhill in a release from the CUW Sports Information Office. “But it turned out to be much more than that. Our staff met excited and appreciative people who traveled here from Illinois, Michigan and Minnesota just to touch the Stanley Cup. It was a great day for CUW, the Ozaukee Ice Center and everybody who loves hockey.”

“Just about everyone had a name or team to search for on the Cup,” smiled Assistant Athletic Director Rick Riehl. “It was exciting to see Coach (Tony) Hrkac's name on the Cup.” Hrkac won the Cup with the Dallas Stars during his playing career. “The stories that people had tying themselves to Cup history were amazing. One lady in attendance, originally from Montreal, had a great uncle who played on three Stanley Cup winning teams.”

On the ice, Adrian College pulled out a couple of nailbiters over Lawrence University, posting a pair of 3-2 victories at home. Chris Stansik recorded four assists to inch closer to a career mark, tying former Bulldog Quinn Waller for most career assists (76) by a defenseman. The victories allowed AC to move into first place in the division.

Marian University was impressive, earning a sweep over a Top 15 team in MSOE (rv/#12), taking thrilling victories of 4-2 and 4-3 to remain the only unbeaten team in league play.

Northland College continues to perform well too, sweeping Lake Forest by scores of 6-3 and 4-2 on the weekend.

In the other series, Concordia was unable to complete the sweep after the win Friday, falling to Finlandia, 5-4, Saturday.

         
-Left to Right: Colin McIntosh (Northland) ... Mitch Kriz (Marian) ... Alex Heinonen (Finlandia)

Players of the Week

-Northland College Lumberjacks senior forward Colin McIntosh (Winnipeg, MB) wins a tight race for MCHA Player of the Week after posting seven-point weekend. The clincher in his team’s sweep was the performance in Saturday’s 6-3 win. He recorded a goal and five assists in the contest, tying the school record for points in a game and breaking the NC mark for assists in a single contest.

Other nominees: Griffen Hodges (Finlandia), Kraig Wright (Northland), Mitch Kriz (Marian)

-Marian University junior defenseman Mitch Kriz (Berwyn, Ill.) earns the nod for MCHA Defensive Player of the Week for his role in the sweep of nationally-ranked MSOE. He got things started Friday by assisting the game-tying and game-winning goals before adding another helper on a late empty-netter. He also played a crucial role Saturday, scoring the first goal while assisting on the game-winning short-handed strike that came with just 1:12 remaining in regulation. He ended the weekend with five points (G/4A) and was +2, having a hand in five of the Sabres eight goals in the series.

Other nominees: Jameson Raymond (Lawrence), Chris Stansik (Adrian), Ian Perrier (Northland)

-Finlandia University Lions forward Alex Heinonen (Hancock, Mich.) is the MCHA Freshman of the Week. He opened the weekend with a goal and assist in Friday’s 7-6 setback, but topped that with his first career hat trick – including the game-winner – in Saturday’s 5-4 victory over Concordia.

Other nominees: Shelby Gray (Adrian)

Concordia University men's hockey head coach Tony Hrkac has announced that the historic Stanley Cup will make a stop at the Ozaukee Ice Center on January 13th for the series between the Falcons and Finlandia University's men's hockey teams.

The storied Cup has been awarded annually to the National Hockey League (NHL) champion after the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Finals since 1926.

Unlike the trophies awarded by the other three major professional sports leagues of North America, a new Stanley Cup is not made each year; winning team members have an opportunity to spend a day with the original trophy through the course of the summer until it is returned to the Hall of Fame in Toronto. 

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The MCHA had five teams in action last week, with MSOE earning a 3-2 victory over St. John's in overtime before suffering a 2-1 setback against Bethel. Both the Raiders (receiving votes in D3hockey.com/#11 in USCHO.com) and Adrian (#12/#7) continue to represent the league in the national polls. This week sees just three games on the schedule, with MSOE taking on Hamline and Northland welcoming Concordia (MN) for a two-game series.

Left to right: Jordan Keizer (MSOE) ... Connor Toomey (MSOE) ... Patrick Coyne (Lawrence)

Players of the Week

-Milwaukee School of Engineering Raiders junior forward Jordan Keizer (Edmonton Alberta) is the MCHA Player of the Week. The business major was outstanding killing penalties for MSOE, plus he scored an unassisted shorthanded goal while down two men to give the Raiders a 2-1 lead against St. John's. He also had an assist in Saturday’s game and was + 2 on the weekend.

-Milwaukee School of Engineering Raiders senior goalie Connor Toomey (Burlington, MA) claims the MCHA Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts in a 1-1-0 week. The construction management major made 24 saves in the 3-2 OT victory and also had 21 stops in a tough 2-1 loss to Bethel for a 2.50 GAA for the week. The award marks the 12th time in his storied career he has been the Defensive Player of the Week.

-Lawrence University Vikings freshman forward Patrick Coyne (Murrysville, PA) is the MCHA Freshman of the Week. Playing just one game last week, he had a hand in each score of the 5-3 loss to Gustavus Adolphus. He assisted LU's first two goals and scored the third in addition to leading the team with 12 hits and finishing +3.

The grand opening of the new ice rink at the Ozaukee Ice Center in Cedarburg will take place on Friday, December 9th from 5:30 to 7 p.m. followed by a home hockey game for the Concordia University Wisconsin (CUW) men’s team. The facility, located on Pioneer Road, is now larger and full of updates to better accommodate CUW hockey players and staff that will use the facility during the season.

“The new rink opens up better ice time for practices,” said CUW Athletic Director, Dr. Rob Barnhill. “We will be able to schedule practices in the afternoon for both the men’s and women’s teams, rather than have the men practice in the middle of the day and the woman practice in the morning or at night.”

Updates include a new, expanded private locker room, for both men and women, a private athletic training room, and office space for coaches and staff. There are also new scoreboards at each end of the ice and plenty of outside parking for fans during games.

As part of the grand opening, the men’s CUW hockey team will host Gustavus Adolphus at 8 p.m. on December 9. There is free admission to the game for all CUW students, faculty, and staff.

Founded in 1881, Concordia University Wisconsin's main campus is located on 200 acres of beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline at 12800 N. Lake Shore Drive, Mequon. The university and its 10 educational centers and classroom locations are home to 7,618 undergraduate and graduate, traditional, as well as non-traditional students from 46 states and 28 foreign countries. The University offers 60 undergraduate majors, 14 master's degree programs, and doctoral degrees in Physical Therapy, Pharmacy, and Nursing Practice. The University also offers a variety of adult learning opportunities.

-Press release courtesy of Concordia University Public Relations Department

With the final league games of the 2011 portion of the schedule complete, a look at the two Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association division races show a tight battle at the top.

After completing a pair of sweeps this past weekend, Adrian College (7-1-0) and MSOE (7-1-0) kept pace with each other and are currently tied with 14 points each to lead the Southern Division. Both teams remain in both national polls, with the Bulldogs at No. 11 (D3hockey.com) and No. 9 (USCHO.com) after taking a pair from Concordia University (9-4 & 5-3) and the Raiders coming in at No. 13 (D3hockey) and No. 11 (USCHO) after beating Lake Forest, 9-3 and 4-3.

In the Northern Division, Marian University stands in at 5-0-3 after a 1-0-1 weekend, edging Lawrence University (4-1-3) by two points at 13-11. Both teams missed opportunities to add to their totals this weekend, with the Sabres beating and tying Northland (8-4 & 5-5) and the Vikings splitting with Finlandia University (6-2 loss/5-1 win). League play will resume January 13, 2012, with non-conference games on the slate until then.

Left to right: Zach Graham (Adrian) ... Logan Bauman (MSOE) ... Brian Berger (Marian)

Players of the Week:

-Adrian College Bulldogs junior forward Zach Graham (Palmerston, Ontario) is the MCHA Player of the Week after playing a solid role in AC's weekend sweep of the Falcons. He registered two goals and two assists in the win on Friday and then followed that up with two more assists in Saturday's win to sweep for six points (2G/4A) overall. His 18 points (6G/12A) ranks 12th in the nation.

Other nominees: Matt Hughes (Lawrence), Brian Berger (Marian), Bradley Tierney (MSOE)

-Milwaukee School of Engineering Raiders freshman defenseman Logan Bauman (Kutztown, PA) is the MCHA Defensive Player of the Week after his team swept a weekend series against Lake Forest. He added five more assists in the series to help him maintain his national points lead (13 points) for all NCAA D-III defensemen. He was also +4 on the weekend and was a key member of the penalty kill units that held off a pair of five-minute penalties in the third period of the second game to complete the sweep.

Other nominees: Mitch Kriz (Marian)

-Marian University Sabres freshman forward Brian Berger (Hartland, Wis.) is the MCHA Freshman of the Week for the second-straight time. He started the weekend with a goal, two assists and a +3 rating in the 8-4 victory. He followed that up with two more goals, an assist and a +2 rating to finish the pair of contests with three goals, three assists and a +/- rating of +5.

Other nominees: Erik Soderlund (Lawrence), Lukas Ciotti (Adrian), Logan Bauman (MSOE)

Following 14 games of non-conference action over the Thanksgiving holiday, the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association returns to league play this week. It was a tough slate for the league last week, taking on several nationally-ranked teams. Marian University provided a bright spot, taking a two-goal lead on defending NCAA champion St. Norbert College before settling for a 5-5 tie against the #7 team in the country.

The upcoming weekend marks the final set of league series before the calendar turns to 2012. In addition to Marian heading to Northland College, Lawrence University plays at Finlandia University, Adrian College plays at Concordia and MSOE and Lake Forest College battle in a home-and-home series.

Left to right: Colin McIntosh (Northland) ... Connor Toomey (MSOE) ... Brian Berger (Marian)

Players of the Week 

-Northland College Lumberjacks senior forward Colin McIntosh (Winnipeg, Manitoba) is the MCHA Player of the Week for his offensive output in his team's victory over Bethel. He tallied four goals and one assist in the 8-4 victory, hitting for a natural hat trick - in a span of less than three minutes in the second period - in the process.
Other nominees: Cole Gibson (MSOE), Chris Thompson (Marian)

-Milwaukee School of Engineering Raiders senior goalie Connor Toomey (Burlington, MA) claims the MCHA Defensive Player of the Week for his work betwene the pipes against St. Mary's. Following a tough 2-1 overtime loss in game one, the construction management major responded with a 20-save shutout. It was the eighth of his career to tie Matt Burzon for the most by an MSOE goaltender and also marks the 11th time in his storied career he has been the Defensive Player of the Week.
Other nominees: Tanner Burton (Marian), Shane Buckley (Northland)

-Marian University Sabres freshman forward Brian Berger (Hartland, Wis.) is the MCHA Freshman of the Week. Berger continued his strong play with a goal each game, including a power-play tally against #7 St. Norbert Saturday. He finished the weekend with an even +/- rating despite his team allowing eight goals in the two contests.

Other nominees: Zeke Yslas (Northland), Cole Gibson (MSOE)

FOND DU LAC, Wis. (SabreAthletics.com) – A superb brand of hockey will be on display this weekend when the MCHA/NCHA Showcase hosted by Marian University takes full effect this Friday and Saturday, November 25-26, at Blueline Family Ice Center in Fond du Lac.

The showcase will feature Marian University and Lawrence University of the MCHA, as well as College of St. Scholastica and reigning national champions St. Norbert College of the NCHA, bringing to together the highest quality of Division III hockey to one arena.

Already this season, three of the four teams competing have been either ranked in the top-15 or received ranking votes via USCHO.com or D3hockey.com. Currently, St. Norbert is the only ranked team, coming in at No. 7 in both polls this week. Marian comes in No. 21 according to USCHO.com with 10 ranking votes and No. 17 in D3hockey.com's poll with 14 ranking votes.

Lawrence and St. Norbert College will begin the festivities with a 3:30 p.m. start on Friday, Nov. 25. The Vikings enter the weekend with a 3-0-3 overall ledger after playing Marian to back-to-back 2-2 draws last weekend. Meanwhile, the Green Knights come in 5-2-2 overall after beating UW-Eau Claire twice. SNC boasts an impressive track record against the MCHA, carrying an unbeaten streak of 55 games heading into this weekend. The Green Knights are 54-0-1 all-time versus the MCHA.

The night cap will see Marian and St. Scholastica do battle at 7 p.m. as the Sabres sport a 5-1-2 record against the Saints, who come in 3-2-1 overall. The Sabres have been on the cusp of the USCHO.com and D3hockey.com top-15 rankings after garnering ranking votes throughout the year. Marian is unbeaten in 20 of its last 21 home games at Blueline Family Ice Center.

Saturday's matinee will pin Lawrence and St. Scholastica at 3:30 p.m. before the featured game of the weekend takes place at 7 p.m. between Marian and St. Norbert. The Sabres handed the Green Knights their lone tie against MCHA opponents back in 2004.

Live video links of both Sabre contests can be located at sabreathletics.com or by clicking here.

-Press release courtesy of Marian University Sports Information Department
-Contact: Luke Pattarozzi, SID, 920-923-8155

Both Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association division races remain tight after last week's games, with Adrian College sweeping past Lake Forest College (7-0 & 4-0) to improve to 5-1-0 in league play and into a tie with MSOE with an identical record and 10 points. In the other division, Marian University and Lawrence University played a home-and-home series with the top spot on the line but ended up in the same position after a pair of identical 2-2 overtime ties.

In the only other action in the MCHA, Northland College earned a weekend sweep, topping Finlandia University by scores of 5-2 and 3-2.

The Thanksgiving holiday has typically been a slow one on the schedule for the league, but not so this season as both Adrian and Marian will be hosting tournaments and overall, seven of eight league teams will be taking part in nonconference action. The Bulldogs welcome UW-Eau Claire, Buffalo State and St. Thomas, while the Sabres host Lawrence, St. Norbert and the College of St. Scholastica in the MCHA/NCHA showcase.

The MCHA welcomes a new national poll to the mix, as D3Hockey.com came out with its inaugural poll today. Adrian comes in at No. 6, MSOE at No. 10 and Marian is also receiving votes.

         
Players of the Week: Shelby Gray (Adrian) ... Ian Perrier (Northland) ... Peter Emery (Lawrence)

Players of the Week

-Adrian College Bulldogs freshman forward Shelby Gray (Inermay, Sask.) is the MCHA Player of the Week for his hand in AC's sweep of Lake Forest. He started the weekend with a pair of assists in Friday's victory before adding two goals - including the game winner - and an assist Saturday for a 5-point (2G/3A) weekend.

Other nominees: Colin McIntosh (Finlandia), Griffen Hodges (Finlandia)

-Northland College Lumberjacks freshman goalie Ian Perrier (Whitehorse, Yukon) is the MCHA Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts in sending NC to a weekend sweep of Finlandia. He earned his first two collegiate victories with 62 saves in two games, recording a save percentage of .939 and a 2.00 GAA. He also helped hold the Lions to an 0-for-7 showing on the power play.

Other nominees: James Hamby (Adrian), Clancy MacNeil (Finlandia), Peter Emery (Lawrence)

-Lawrence University Vikings freshman goalie Peter Emery (Goleta, CA) is the MCHA Freshman of the Week after helping his team go unbeaten against Marian this past weekend. He made 32 saves Friday and 40 more Saturday - including several key stops in both overtimes - for a .947 save percentage on the week. The defense also held the Sabres to just one power play goal in the series.

Other nominees: Alex Heinonen (Finlandia), Ian Perrier (Northland), Scott Shackell (Adrian)

Marian University and Lawrence University both earned a pair of league sweeps this past weekend to give the MCHA even more national attention, as both the Sabres and Vikings are receiving votes in today’s poll as well.

Marian took care of Finlandia, winning 5-3 and 4-2 to improve to 4-0 in MCHA play, 5-1 overall and remain a point ahead of the Vikings in the division. Lawrence posted victories of 5-3 and 6-2 over Northland and is now 3-0-1 in conference action and overall as well.

In the fourth league series played this past weekend, Concordia University earned its first victory of the season, splitting with Lake Forest College. The Foresters won Friday, 6-3, but the Falcons responded with a 5-2 win on Saturday at the Bradley Center.

         
Left to right: Russell Johnson (Concordia) ... Connor Toomey (MSOE) ... Gustav Lindgren (Lawrence)

Players of the Week

-Concordia University Falcons sophomore forward Russell Johnson (Monticello, Minn.) is the MCHA Player of the Week for his role in getting CUW its first victory of the season. The PE/health major recorded just the second hat trick in program history, scoring once in the first period and twice in the third against Lake Forest. He had the game-winner and also added an assist to his night on the ice.

-Milwaukee School of Engineering Raiders senior goalie Connor Toomey (Burlington, MA) earns the MCHA Defensive Player of the Week award for helping the Raiders to their first-ever victory over Adrian College (had been 0-18-1). Not only did he post 49 saves (.942 save % in two games) and a 1.50 GAA, but his win Friday was career victory No. 47 to top the all-time MSOE career list.

-Other nominees: Jameson Raymond (Lawrence), Mitch Kriz (Marian), Michael Schenfeld (MSOE)

-Lawrence University Vikings freshman forward Gustav Lindgren (Stockholm, Sweden) is the MCHA Freshman of the Week for his offensive output in the sweep of Northland. On Friday, he scored his first career goal and added an assist. Then, on Saturday, he collected four assists in the 6-2 victory to give him a two-game tally of six points (1G/5A) and a rating of +4.

Other nominees: Jason McAloon (Lake Forest), Cole Gibson (MSOE), Brian Berger (Marian)

MEQUON, Wis. – Tickets are still available for the Concordia University Wisconsin men’s and women’s hockey games on November 12, as the Falcons take the ice at the Bradley Center in Milwaukee.

The CUW women will be facing off against Finlandia University at 12 p.m., before the men get set to take on Lake Forest College at 2:45 p.m.

The doubleheader sets the stage for the American Hockey League game between the Milwaukee Admirals and rival Chicago Wolves at 7 p.m.

Tickets are priced at $12 and are on sale inside the CUW athletic office.  They are good for all three games.

For any questions, please contact Athletic Administrative Assistant Dottie Larson at (262) 243-4385.

It seemed to take longer this season than in previous years, but all eight teams in the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association have officially started the 2011-12 campaign after play this past weekend. Following the third week of action, three teams jump to the front with undefeated league records - MSOE at a perfect 4-0 and Marian and Adrian, both at 2-0.

The Raiders swept past Finlandia, 8-1 and 3-2, while the Bulldogs took a pair from Northland with scores of 13-3 and 8-2. The Sabres had a much tougher go of it, winning a pair of tight contests against Lake Forest, 3-0 and 3-1. In the AC/NC series, senior Chris Stansik - who missed last season with an injury - made a splash with a goal and assist which tied him with former teammate Quinn Waller for the most points by a defenseman in MCHA history (87). In the remaining league series, Lawrence opened with a 4-2 win and then settled for a 2-2 draw against Concordia the next night.

Left to right: Dakota Dubetz (Marian) ... Josh Baker (Marian) ... Kevin Balas (Adrian)

Players of the Week

-Marian University Sabres junior forward Dakota Dubetz (Chestermore, Alberta) is the MCHA Player of the Week for his near-single-handed offensive production in Marian's sweep of Lake Forest. On Friday, Dubetz scored a pair of goals and assisted the other in a 3-0 win. Then, on Saturday, he tallied a power-play goal to even the game at 1-1 after the Sabres fell behind and then went on to assist the game-winner. For the weekend, he had a hand in five of the six goals and was +3.

Other nominees: Zach Graham (Adrian), Brad Tierney (MSOE)

-Marian University Sabres sophomore goalkeeper Josh Baker (Canton, Mich.) gives his team a pair of weekly award winners as the MCHA Defensive Player of the Week. He started off the weekend with his first career shutout, stopping 19 shots. On Saturday, he allowed just one goal, but did record 27 more saves with his team killing all 13 Forester power plays in the series. He posted a 0.50 GAA and .979 save percentage for the week.

Other nominees: Connor Toomey (MSOE), Chris Stansik (Adrian)

-Adrian CollegeBulldogs freshman forward Kevin Balas (Warkworth, Ont.) is the MCHA Freshman of the Week for his scoring prowess in the series sweep against Northland. Not only did he score his first collegiate goal Friday, but tallied a hat trick and an assist to end with four points. The next night, he added an assist to go +4 on the weekend with five (3G/2A) points.

Other nominees: Peter Emery (Lawrence), Cole Gibson (MSOE), Brian Berger (Marian)

The 2011-12 regular season is underway and, two weekends of play into it, the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association has seen its share of highlights already. Two of the main storylines involve MSOE and Adrian College. The Raiders jumped out to a quick 2-0 start in league play, while the No. 4 Bulldogs overcame a 4-1 second-period deficit in knocking off No. 12 Geneseo in overtime last weekend.

And it started on opening night, with Marian University recording a thrilling 5-4 victory over Stevens Point. In addition to the Raiders sweeping Concordia by scores of 7-3 and 6-1, the Bulldogs also posted an impressive victory over the USA Under-18 squad.

More teams join the action this weekend, with Lawrence University, Lake Forest College and Northland College all getting their seasons underway.

Left to Right: Andrew Dovey (Adrian) ... Logan Bauman (MSOE) ... Josh Keizer (MSOE)

 Players of the Week

-Adrian College Bulldogs junior forward Andrew Dovey (Burlington, ONT) earns the first MCHA Player of the Week honors for the 2011-12 campaign. He scored Adrian's first goal of the game against #12 Geneseo and then saved his best for last - netting his second of the contest as the winner in overtime.

Other nominees: Jordan Keizer (MSOE), Dakota Dubetz (Marian)

-Milwaukee School of Engineering Raiders freshman defenseman Logan Bauman (Kutztown, PA) is the first MCHA Defensive Player of the Week for this season. He helped pace MSOE to the sweep with a goal and four assists, placing the nursing major as the top-scoring defenseman in the nation with only two games under his belt.

-Milwaukee School of Engineering Raiders freshman Josh Keizer (Edmonton, Alberta) gives MSOE a pair of weekly winners as the MCHA Freshman of the Week. The electrical enginnering major netted three goals in his first collegiate action, including a pair on the power play.

ADRIAN, Mich. – The Adrian College men's hockey team defeated the USA Under 18 Development Team, 6-4, on Friday night at Arrington Ice Arena in what was become a very good exhibition series with hockey brightest stars based out of Ann Arbor.

Adrian took the action to the U.S. squad and built a 3-0 lead into the second period. Team USA fought back with a pair of goals in the second period to trail 3-2 after 40 minutes.

Adrian increased their lead to 5-2 early in the third period with back-to-back goals just 20 seconds apart. USA stormed back again with two goals at even strength to cut the deficit to 5-4 with 6:32 left. The Bulldogs got an insurance goal with 4:06 remaining which sealed their third win in four tries against the U.S. Under 18 squad.

Shelby Gray scored a pair of goals and had the first and sixth goals of the game. He also added an assist on Adrian's third goal of the game. Zach Graham scored AC's second goal of the night and assisted on the first and sixth goals.

Josh Cousineau scored on a 5-on-3 power play for the Bulldogs early in the second period for AC's third goal. Kevin Balas and Zach Wilson also scored for the Bulldogs. Scott Shackell made 17 saves in net playing the first 29:47. James Hamby made 19 saves to finish out the game. USA went just 1-for-9 on the power play while Adrian was 1-of-4.

-Press release courtesy of Adrian College Sports Information Department
-Contact: Ryan Thompson (517-265-5161, x 3280)

The USCHO.com preseason poll was released October 10, and for the fourth-straight season, the MCHA has at least one Top 15 preseason selection. Adrian has come in at No. 4 in the poll after an NCAA runner-up appearance a year ago, while MSOE comes in at No. 14 to give the league two teams in the preseason poll for the first time. Marian was also listed among teams receiving votes in the inaugural poll.

The Falcons and Sabres hit the ice tonight, with CUW headed to the University of Wisconsin-Stout and Marian hosting the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. The Bulldogs get started Saturday, immediately challenging themselves with No. 12 Geneseo.

Season previews for each team below are courtesy of the school’s Sports Information Offices:

Adrian

The Bulldog men's hockey team will be looking to take one more final step in 2011-12. A year ago, Adrian College was just one win away from the NCAA Division III National Championship as they fell 4-3 in the championship game to St. Norbert College in an All-West Region final in Minneapolis. This year, the team will have several questions entering the season. The biggest question is how do you replace a senior class that went 102-12-2 over a four-year period and rewrote all sorts of record books in the process.

"I know you can't replace our senior class and the foundation that was laid," said fifth-year head coach Ron Fogarty. "This year's team has a big advantage over the guys four years ago in that our program is now established as a winner. We have a talented group of players coming back and those guys will be able to transition the newcomers. I've been asked about this year's team and honestly we will not know what we have until game one. I feel like the talent is still good and the rest will come with game experience."

The Bulldogs certainly realize that teams will be gunning for them with the idea that they are vulnerable after losing seven of the top 10 scorers from a year ago. But keep in mind that the cupboard is far from being bare. Junior Zach Graham (Palmerston, Ont.) was a dependable player and scorer in 2010-11. Graham was one of eight guys to play in all 30 games and ranked third on the team with 36 points. He scored 15 goals and added 21 assists while sporting one of the top shooting percentages (.214). Graham had eight power-play goals and three game-winning goals. In addition, he recorded a goal and assist in the NCAA Tournament run.

Senior Jordan Watts (Oakville, Ont.) made a significant impact in his first year with the team in 2010-11. Watts ranked sixth on the team in scoring with 23 points contributing 11 goals and 12 assists in 27 games. Watts recorded a hat trick in his first game with the Bulldogs against Marian University and also had a two-goal night at Buffalo State.

Sophomore Josh Cousineau (Penetang, Ont.) played in 22 games as a freshman and responded with 17 points including six goals and 11 helpers. Cousineau missed the final two games of the season due to injury which really hurt Adrian's depth in the NCAA Tournament. Cousineau will be looked upon as a guy who will greatly increase his production in 2011-12 as Adrian searches for point-makers.

Newly appointed captain junior Andrew Dovey (Burlington, Ont.) will also be asked to increase his offensive numbers. Dovey scored nine goals and chipped in five assists for the Bulldogs and had a +13 rating with three game-winning goals. He scored a goal in the NCAA semifinal against Oswego State and had an assist in the NCAA championship game against St. Norbert.

Do not look for Adrian to change its style of play as they work in newcomers into the lineup. On paper the newest recruiting class is smaller in stature, but quickness and speed is what fans can expect.

"We will not lose our physical presence with guys finishing their checks and competing," said Fogarty. "Our intent was to recruit a faster team and if people are looking for the biggest difference from the past four years it might be that aspect."

One addition to the lineup on defense is a familiar face in senior Chris Stansik (Livonia, Mich.), who missed last year due to injury. Stansik is a proven player whose return bolsters the team's defensive intensity. Stansik has played in 85 career games and recorded 28 goals and 76 assists for a total of 104 points. He is an amazing +122 in his career and also has 12 power play goals. He can set the MCHA record for career points by a defenseman with a solid season surpassing last year's record setter Quinn Waller.

"Having Chris back is huge for us," said Fogarty. "He is a team captain who leads by example and getting a healthy All-American player back on the blue line means more added depth to the defense. His knowledge of the game and situations makes him a real leader on the ice."

The Bulldogs will open the season in quest of their fifth straight MCHA regular season title on Saturday, October 22 at SUNY-Geneseo. The team's home opener will also be their MCHA opener on Friday, November 4 against Northland.

Concordia

Twenty veterans and a “significant” Concordia-Wisconsin recruiting class will begin practice at the Ozaukee Ice Center on October 15.

For a video preview, click HERE.

Coach Tony Hrkac looks forward to the return of a pair of key performers;  Brad Lukacz (E. Grand Forks, MN) ) and Jake Furey (Cedarburg, Wis.) .  Injuries caused both to miss the 2010-11 seasons.

Junior forwards Graylyn Douglas and Greg Douglas (Dallas, TX) led CUW scoring last season.  Both return, along with Shay Klitzke (So. Annandale, MN) and Russell Johnson (Jr. Monticello, MN) to provide depth to the Falcon attack.

Defensively CUW returns first liners Mike Lezotte (So. Oxford, MI. , Brandon Bayer (So. Milwaukee, Wis.), and Mike Mulally (Jr. Apple Valley, MN).  “Several newcomers will help shore up the Concordia back end,” according to Hrkac.

Last season’s starting goalie Everett Devlin (Sr. Miles City, MT) and backup Billy Sias (Jr. Bloomington, MN) will compete with several newcomers for net time.

“We will know more after we get a chance to see everyone on the ice,” said Hrkac.

Finlandia

This year’s Lion Hockey Team consists of 15 freshmen, seven sophomores, four juniors, and five seniors.  The Lions will be young at all positions and will rely on their freshmen to be major contributors.  They return senior Captain Nemanja Jankovic who will be looked upon to lead a young team.

2010-11 Overall Record: 3-21-0

2010-11 MCHA Record: 3-17-0

Key Losses: Goaltender Ryan Donovan, Defensemen Matt Wiley

Players to Watch: Forwards Nemenja Jankovic, Collin Saint-Onge, Cam Goude, Griffen Hodges, Defensemen Kevin Smith

Impact Rookies: Goalie Cedrick Lafrance, Defensmen Travis Armstrong, Forward Mikael Hamann

Lake Forest

-N/A

Lawrence

-N/A

Marian

The chill is in the air and that means only one thing, hockey season is upon us. The Marian University men's hockey team is anxious to get its season started after last year's disappointing second place finish in the MCHA tournament.

The Sabres return 16 letterwinners from last season's squad that finished 19-8 overall and 15-5 in the MCHA. Although players and coaches alike feel last season was an underachievement, it's undeniable that momentum has been building off the team's success following a 20-7 campaign in 2009-10 and a near match of that record last season.

Much of that success was in large part credited to the skill and leadership of Brendan Hull and Nathan Brummitt, who combined to score 69 points for the royal blue and black last season. Both will be huge voids due to graduation, but several key players return for the Sabres in 2011-12.

Marian Head Coach Jasen Wise returns his top player from a year ago in captain Dakota Dubetz, who earned numerous honors, including All-MCHA, All-USCHO third team, and Reebok All-American team honors, after leading all of NCAA Division III in assists per game and finishing third in scoring.

Other top returners include junior defenseman and assistant captain, Tommy Fitzpatrick, who was fourth on the team in points in 2010-11 with 29 (5 G, 24 A), and sophomore goaltender Josh Baker, who made the MCHA All-Rookie team a season ago.

Players to watch for will be senior center and fellow assistant captain, Mike McCurtain, who transferred over from UW-Eau Claire two seasons ago, as well as senior winger Lane Boswell and junior forward Brendan Roberts.

Potential breakout performers will be sophomores Matt Berger and Robbie Bailey, who combined to register seven goals and 13 assists last season. Freshmen Bryce Wilson, Thomas Nosella, Aaron Leonard, Josh Martin, Kevin Darcy, Brian Berger and Randy Willis will be looked upon to make an impact as well.

The 2011-12 schedule poses several challenges for the Sabres this season as the chance to face several ranked or near-ranked competition is a likely possibility, beginning with UW-Stevens Point and UW-Stout in the first two games of the regular season.

The Pointers, whom the Sabres have not met since 2009, will invade the Blueline Family Ice Center in the season opener, Oct. 21, a place where Marian went 11-1 last season. The Stout Blue Devils will host Marian Saturday, Oct. 22, in a matchup where both squads have garnered seven ranking votes in the season's first USCHO.com poll.

Two MCHA teams find themselves ranked in the first USCHO.com poll in Adrian and MSOE. The Sabres answered MSOE's two victories in the regular season by upsetting the Raiders in the semifinal of the MCHA playoffs convincingly, 9-2. The next day, Adrian ended Marian's season by defeating them in the championship game. The Sabres will host fourth-ranked Adrian twice, Jan. 22-23, following a home-and-home slate with No. 14 MSOE, Jan. 13-14.

Marian will also see the nation's top program come to town in St. Norbert for the annual MCHA/NCHA Showcase in Fond du Lac. The Sabres will play host to SNC as well as College of St. Scholastica in the showcase event.

The 2012 MCHA tournament is scheduled to take place Feb. 24-March 3. Marian last won the tournament back in 2002 when it steam-rolled through conference play with a perfect 16-0 record.

The 2011-12 season begins tomorrow, Oct. 21, at Blueline Family Ice Center when the Sabres and Pointers go head-to-head. Puck drops at 7 p.m.

MSOE

MSOE has high expectations for the 2011-12 season as they set their eyes on getting back to the top of the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association and working toward a berth in the NCAA Championship tournament. The Raiders were 21-6-1 and recorded a 16-3-1 record in the MCHA last season. MSOE spent almost the entire year ranked in the USCHO.com Division III national poll.

The heart of the Raiders is senior goaltender Connor Toomey. Last season, Toomey was named MCHA Player of the Year in addition to being selected to the Division III Old Time Hockey Men’s All-American West Second Team. He already owns a number of MSOE goalie records and will likely add more to his name this season.

“His numbers basically say it all but to know the man, he’s a very special individual,” said head coach Mark Ostapina. “I’m very proud of what he’s done. He’s worked very hard for everything he’s accomplished. Without question, he’s our anchor.”

Another player who has put his name among the country’s best is junior forward Jordan Keizer who scored 23 goals to rank third in the nation last year.

“The ability that he showed last year was extraordinary,” Ostapina said. “The guy has a knack of putting the puck in the net and playing very big games.”

Once again playing along with Keizer will be junior forward Bradley Tierney who led MSOE with 19 assists. Senior Todd Krupa was right behind Keizer with 18 goals as he has increased his goal total each season as a Raider.

“We’re optimistic right now but the fact of the matter is you still got to play the games, “ Ostapina said. “We understand that it’s all about hard work and putting our nose to the grindstone.”

The blue line will be made up of senior Ryno Linder, juniors Nathan Brunk, Carl Lindblad and Ryan Peterson, sophomores Michael Thompson, Devin Schmitt and Michael Schenfeld as well as freshman Logan Bauman. Thompson was named to the MCHA All-Freshman Team and recorded 20 points last year.

Depth will be important for MSOE this season and battles in practice will be fierce for playing time. Other forwards include senior Kyle Smith, juniors Sean McGaughy, Mike Pao, Sean-Michael Tisdall and sophomores West Bauman, Austin Grosvenor, Ben Lauder, Kevin Medina and Steven Shaffroth. Those players give the Raiders plenty of experience to attack the opposing team’s net. Shaffroth had 21 points last season while Pao recorded 20 and Bauman logged 19.

“We feel from our top guy to last guy, the battles are going to be very close,” Ostapina said. “We’re going to be very comfortable with whoever gets into the lineup.”

Freshman forwards making their presence felt as well. West and Logan Bauman aren’t the only brothers on the team as freshman Josh Keizer (brother to Jordan) joins the squad this season. Freshmen Chris Fink, Cole Gibson and Kevin LoGiudice are also ready to make an impact on the ice.

There is also depth behind Toomey in sophomore goalie Spenser Brown and freshman goalie Mat Laberge.

The non-conference schedule includes St. Mary’s, Saint John’s, Bethel and Hamline to prepare the Raiders for the rest of their conference slate and hopefully beyond.

“We just feel they’re going to challenge us for 60 minutes and we’ve got to come with our ‘A’ game to get the ‘W’,” Ostapina said. “That bodes well for when it all comes down to playing for the MCHA Championship and then the Harris Cup.”

The MCHA continues to reach new heights each year with talent and competiveness. MSOE’s schedule starts with conference foe Concordia-Wisconsin Friday, Oct. 28.

“The any given night principle applies simply because I think there’s a lot more parity in our league as our league has grown,” Ostapina said. “More people want to come and play in the MCHA which is what I’m extremely proud of; being here so long as part of this league and help build it. It’s special.”

Northland

-N/A

The Bulldogs received 46 points, garnering four possible first-place votes from the leagues eight head coaches (coaches could not vote for their own team).

They are now 102-12-2 overall after four seasons in the league and have claimed the past four MCHA regular season and Harris Cup titles.

A year ago, the Bulldogs again spent most of the campaign in the top 10 of the national poll, eventually going on a postseason run that culminated in an NCAA championship game appearance and runner-up status after a tough 4-3 loss to St. Norbert.

MSOE received three first-place votes and finished second with 42 points. The Raiders went 21-6-1 a season ago, ending the campaign at No. 14 in the final national poll. Marian University made it a three-team race, earning the final first-place vote and 41 points in the poll. The Sabres went 19-8-0 last year, winning the MCHA Northern Division title and receiving votes in the final national poll of the season.

Lawrence University (14-13-1) was fourth with 31 points, with a group of three teams grouped tightly behind the Vikings.

Northland College (9-16-2) and Finlandia University (3-21-0) tied for fifth place with 19 points, with Lake Forest College (5-21-1) right behind at 18. Concordia (2-22-1) was eighth with eight points.

The MCHA enters its 14^th season this fall, getting regular season play underway October 21. That evening, Concordia hits the road to play the University of Wisconsin-Stout and Marian hosts the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

The USCHO.com preseason poll was also released this week and has Adrian at No. 4 – the highest-ever preseason ranking for an MCHA team – and MSOE at No. 14. Marian is again receiving votes as well.

MCHA Preseason Coaches Poll
Adrian: 46 points (4 first-place votes)
MSOE: 42 (3 first-place votes)
Marian: 41 (1 first-place vote)
Lawrence: 31
Northland: 19
Finlandia: 19
Lake Forest: 18
Concordia: 8

The Adrian College men's hockey team tasted what the top stage was like in 2010-11 with an appearance in the NCAA Division III National Championship game. The bitter taste left in the mouth of the Bulldogs will serve as motivation during the 2011-12 season. Also serving as a kick in the pants is the fact that there are many doubters outside the program, who believe Adrian doesn't have the firepower to return to the NCAA Tournament with the graduation of 17 players from that national runner-up club.

What all of this means will start to take shape very soon and the beginning of another season is upon us as witnessed by the annual unveiling of the USCHO Division III Preseason Poll. The Bulldogs will begin 2011-12 with their highest ranking to date to begin a season. Adrian received 216 poll points and are fourth in the nation at the outset. Fifth-year head coach Ron Fogarty must replace seven of the team's top 10 point getters from a year ago. This is uncharted territory for Fogarty, who has had the luxury of a four-year class that has been with him since day one of the program. All that initial class did was go 102-12-2 in four years from scratch and capture four consecutive MCHA regular season and Harris Cup titles. In addition, the Bulldogs have made back-to-back trips to the NCAA Tournament.

The one nemesis for the black and gold has been St. Norbert College. The Green Knights are currently number one in the preseason after defeating the Bulldogs, 4-3, in the title game at Ridder Arena in Minneapolis. St. Norbert also bounced Adrian from the 2010 postseason with ironically a 4-3 win in Green Bay in the opening round game. Following St. Norbert in the poll is Oswego State and then Norwich. The top four teams in the preseason poll were also the four teams that advanced to the Division III Frozen Four in Minneapolis last March. Adrian defeated Oswego State in one national semifinal, 5-3, and St. Norbert dispensed of Norwich, 3-2, setting up the all-West Region finale.

Adrian will open the season officially on Saturday, Oct. 22 when they travel to #12 Geneseo State in New York for a 4:00 PM puck drop. The team will then skate with the US Under 18 Development Team on Friday, Oct. 28 at 7:00 PM at Arrington Ice Arena in Adrian. The MCHA schedule begins on Friday, Nov. 4 at 7:00 PM from Arrington as Northland College visits for a two-game series.

-Press release courtesy of Adrian College Sports Information Department
-Contact: Ryan Thompson (517-265-5161, x 3280)

ASHLAND, Wis. - Northland College hockey announced that former assistant captain Shaun Newman (Hillmond, SK) has signed a professional contract in Rahee Finland of the Suomi Sarja Division.

Newman competed in a total of 104 games for Northland College recording 37 points (8g, 29a) and had 191 penalty minutes. 

Newman, who was a three-time MCHA All-Academic Team member is currently ranked fifth in goals, second in assists, fourth in points, third in penalty minutes and fourth in power play goals among Northland College defenseman. 

He also holds the record for most assists and most points in a game by a Northland College defenseman.  He graduated with a degree in History and is the second member of the 2010-11 team to sign professionally in Finland.

-Press release information courtesy of Northland College Sports Information Department

The Quad City Mallards of the "AA" Central Hockey League today announced they have signed defenseman Quinn Waller, formerly of the Adrian College Bulldogs. Waller is the fourth MCHA player to sign with a professional team this summer.

Waller collected 20 assists in 30 games while helping propel Adrian College to the NCAA Division III national title game as a senior last season. The Windsor, Ontario, native produced better than a point per game over four years as a Bulldog. Waller scored 15 goals and totaled 123 points in 116 career collegiate games while helping Adrian to four straight Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association championships and NCAA Tournament berths each of the last two years. Waller was either a captain or assistant captain each of his four years at Adrian. He was named to both the MCHA All-Conference and All-Academic teams three times. 

The 5' 11", 185-pound Waller arrived at Adrian after capping off a five-year tour of the junior ranks that saw him play for the Ontario Provincial League's Collingwood Blues, Couchiching Terriers and Vaughan Vipers and the Northern Ontario's League's North Bay Skyhawks before helping the Aurora Tigers- for whom he served as captain- to the 2007 OPJHL title and the Canadian national junior A championship.

"Getting a player who has captained the last two programs he's played for- one of which he led to a championship- speaks volumes about the type of character we are getting," said Mallards head coach and general manager David Bell.  "Quinn is a puck moving D-man who is very responsible in his own end."

Waller will see at least one familiar face when he arrives in the Quad Cities- the Mallards announced the signing of Waller's Adrian teammate Brad Fogal last month.

-Press release courtesy of Adrian College Sports Information Department
-Contact: Ryan Thompson (517-265-5161, x 3280)

Brad Fogal, a senior this past season for the Adrian College Bulldogs, was signed to a contract by the Quad City Mallards of the Central Hockey League earlier this month.

Fogal, 25, recently finished a standout four-year career at Adrian College as the Division III record holder for most career wins. As a senior, the Sharon, Ontario, native went 25-4-1 with a 2.23 goals against average and a .923 save percentage in 30 games while helping Adrian to a fourth straight Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association title, a second consecutive NCAA Frozen Four appearance and a berth in the Division III national title game.

"Brad's record over the past five seasons at school and in juniors has shown that he has been a winner every year and I hope this trend will continue with the Mallards," said Mallards head coach and general manager David Bell. "Everyone I have spoken with regarding Brad raves about his competitiveness and his team-first attitude."

Over his four seasons at Adrian, the 5' 10", 170-pound Fogal posted a 2.04 goals against average, a .922 save percentage and 15 shutouts while going 93-11-2 in 106 games. Fogal eclipsed the career victory record previously held by former Mallard netminder Kyle Jones.

Fogal's accomplishments drew national recognition when he was featured in the pages of Sports Illustrated in the April 4 edition of "Faces in the Crowd".

The career win mark is just one of a host of milestones reached by Fogal, who was a four-time MCHA All-Conference selection. Fogal finished his collegiate career with the second best save percentage in Division III history (.934) and the MCHA records for wins (70) and minutes (4,138) in conference play.

Before heading to Adrian, Fogal spent three seasons in the Ontario Provincial Junior Hockey League, where he tended goal for the Huntsville Otters, Newmarket Hurricanes and Pickering Panthers.

-Press release courtesy of Adrian College Sports Information Department
-Contact: Ryan Thompson (517-265-5161, x 3280)

(Fond du Lac, WI) - Brendan Hull, a 2011 Marian University graduate, has signed a tryout contract with the Cincinnati Cyclones of the ECHL.

Hull, a Calgary native, finished this past season with 43 points (22G/21A). He finished his stellar four-year career sixth on the Marian all-time scoring list with 111 points (59G/52A).

"I am excited for this opportunity to play pro hockey," Hull said about continuing his playing career. "I love the game and I want to continue playing as long as I can."

Marian head coach Jasen Wise was also excited to see Brendan continue his career. "This is a great opportunity for Brendan," Wise said. "He has worked extremely hard during his time at Marian with the hopes of playing after college. Now he has that opportunity and he's earned it. I'm very proud of him and the entire Marian hockey community wishes him success."

-Press release courtesy of Marian University Sports Information Department
-Contact: Mike Schoenborn (920-923-8155) 

APPLETON, Wis. -- Former Lawrence University hockey star Jon Sheridan has signed with the Knoxville Ice Bears.

Sheridan, a defenseman from Midland, Mich., has signed a tryout agreement with the Southern Professional Hockey League team. It marks the fourth consecutive year a Lawrence player has signed to play professional hockey.

“Jonathon is the perfect example of what we believe a Lawrence hockey player should be,” Lawrence coach Mike Szkodzinski said. “His work ethic and determination have earned him a special opportunity to compete at the professional level.  We will be pulling for him.”

Sheridan, a native of Midland, Mich., who starred at Dow High School and with Traverse City of the NAHL, was the Vikings’ captain and led the team to the 2009 Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association Northern Division championship. A pre-medicine major and Academic All-Midwest Conference pick, Sheridan led Lawrence to more wins during his three seasons than in any other three-year stretch in school history.

During this past season, Sheridan led the Vikings to the semifinals of the MCHA Harris Cup and was named to the all-tournament team.

Sheridan joins Josh Peterson (Flint Generals), Nick Jennette (Huntsville Havoc) and Billy Siers (Elmira Jackals) as Lawrence players to have played professionally in recent seasons.

-Press release courtesy of Lawrence University Sports Information Department
-Contact: Joe Vanden Acker (920-832-6878)