Official 2013-14 WCHA New Faces/New Places Season Thread

[BGFalconHawks]

University of Alabama-Huntsville Chargers

2012-2013 record: (3-21-1)


Talking Point:

Back from the brink of extinction the Chargers finally have stability in life joining the WCHA after years of being exiled in Independent Hell. With only 1 win against a Divison 1 opponent last season how will the Chargers fare in their first season off of life support?

Coach: Michael Corbett (1st Season, 0-0-0)


Top Returning Scorers:

Jeff Vanderlugt: 25 Games, 7 Goals, 4 Assists, 11 Points (-16)

Graeme Strukoff: 25 Games, 3 Goals, 6 Assists, 9 Points (-28)

Michael Webley: 25 Games, 4 Goals, 4 Assists, 8 Points (+2)


Between the Pipes:

CJ Groh is the only goaltender with NCAA experience coming into this season but the senior only has 12 career games to his name and is no sure bet to be the #1 with CCHL Best Goaltender Award winner Carmine Guerrierio and 6-5 monster Matt Larose; who posted a 2.36 GAA for Wellington in the OJHL last season, coming in as Freshman.

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[BGFalconHawks]

University of Alaska-Anchorage Seawolves

2012-2013 Record: (4-25-7)


Talking Point:

UAA has gone through a major reshuffle this offseason after firing their head coach and going through a few athletic department scandals. Matt Thomas takes over for the Seawolves and is looking to change UAA’s culture in helping to improve their on ice results.


Coach: Matt Thomas (1st Season, 0-0-0)


Top Returning Scorers:

Blake Tatchell: 36 Games, 9 Goals, 16 Assists, 25 Points (-9)

Jordan Kwas: 29 Games, 9 Goals, 11 Assists, 20 Points (-10)

Scott Allen: 36 Games, 12 Goals, 7 Assists, 19 Points (-7)


Between the Pipes:

Alaska Anchorage will see some familiarity in net this season as both Chris Kamal and Rob Gunderson return to the team and are expected to split time starting in goal. Kamal played in 21 games last season posting a 3.31 GAA and a .888 SV%, while Gunderson saw time in 18 games putting up a 3.89 GAA and a .873 SV%.

 

[BGFalconHawks]

University of Alaska (Fairbanks) Nanooks

2012-2013 Record: (17-16-4)


Talking Point:

Alaska felt like they underperformed in their last season in the CCHA and are coming into the WCHA with a strong overall team with solid goaltending and well rounded forwards. The Nanooks should be one of the favorites to finish near the top of the standings.

Coach: Dallas Ferguson (6th Season, 80-81-28)


Top Returning Scorers:

Cody Kunyk: 37 Games, 11 Goals, 17 Assists, 28 Points (-2)

Colton Beck: 35 Games, 11 Goals, 10 Assists, 21 Points (-7)

Tyler Morley: 37 Games, 10 Goals, 11 Assists, 21 Points (-2)

Between the Pipes:

The Nanooks are returning John Keeney to start in net this season after he posted an impressive 2.33 GAA and .909 SV% as a Freshman in 27 games. Sean Cahill also returns and should serve as the number 2 for the season. Cahill posted a 2.37 GAA and a .882 SV% in the 5 games he saw action in last season.

 

[BGFalconHawks]

Bemidji State University Beavers

2012-2013 Record: (6-22-8)


Talking Point:

Inconsistency is the word to use with BSU over the past 4 seasons as they’ve seen their win totals go from 23 to 8, back up to 17 and drop to 6 this past season. The Beavers are fielding a young team this season but are returning their goaltender Andrew Walsh who will be key in keeping Bemidji in a lot of games this season.


Coach: Tom Serratore (13th Season, 201-186-49)


Top Returning Scorers:

Danny Mattson: 29 Games, 4 Goals, 15 Assists, 19 Points (-9)

Cory Ward: 36 Games, 9 Goals, 6, Assists, 15 Points (-8)

Radoslav Illo: 34 Games, 4 Goals, 10 Assists, 14 Points (-5)


Between the Pipes:

The Beavers return Andrew Walsh who put up solid numbers in his Sophomore season posting a 2.65 GAA and a .916 SV% in 26 games. Walsh will be backed up by Freshman Reid Mimmack who played for the Jamestown Ironmen in the NAHL finishing with a 2.45 GAA and a .914 SV%.

 

[BGFalconHawks]

Bowling Green State University Falcons

2012-2013 Record: (15-21-5)


Talking Point:

Expectations is something the the Falcons haven’t had in a long time. Four years ago the program was dead after officially being dropped by the university before a group of alumni instituted the Bring Back the Glory Campaign raising millions of dollars and saving the program. It’s been a slow process but Head Coach Chris Bergeron is ready to talk expectations and the Falcons and their fans dubbed the “Bleacher Creatures” are finally expecting to win.


Coach: Chris Bergeron (4th Season, 39-73-14)


Top Returning Scorers:

Ryan Carpenter: 41 Games, 18 Goals, 15 Assists, 33 Points (+12)

Dan DeSalvo: 41 Games, 5 Goals, 20 Assists, 25 Points (+4)

Dajon Mingo: 41 Games, 8 Goals, 14 Assists, 22 Points (+10)


Between the Pipes:


The Falcons return all of their top players at Forward and most of their top Defenseman, however for the first time in 4 years they will be without Andrew Hammond in net as he moves on to the Ottawa Senators organization. Tommy Burke should see the majority of action in the net for the Falcons after posting strong numbers as a Freshman with a 2.57 GAA and a .889 SV%. Incoming Freshman Tomas Sholl will also see some time in net after 2 strong NAHL season with the Fresno Monsters.

 

[BGFalconHawks]

Ferris State University Bulldogs

2012-2013 Record: (16-16-5)


Talking Point:

After making it to the NCAA Championship game in the 2011-2012 season the Bulldogs were unable to repeat that success finishing in the middle of the pack in the CCHA last year and lost in the first round of the conference playoffs. The Bulldogs will look to make a statement in the new look WCHA with a younger lineup and one of the best goaltenders in the league C.J. Motte and should be contenders come season’s end.


Coach: Bob Daniels (22nd Season, 350-378-84)


Top Returning Scorers:

Garrett Thompson: 37 Games, 11 Goals, 15 Assists, 26 Points (+8)

Jason Binkley: 37 Games, 2 Goals, 18 Assists, 20 Points (+7)

Cory Kane: 37 Games, 9 Goals, 9 Assists, 18 Points (+1)


Between the Pipes:

The Bulldogs feature one of the top goaltenders in the WCHA in C.J. Motte. Motte put up outstanding numbers playing in 35 of the Bulldogs 37 games and posting a 2.19 GAA and a .927 SV% in his first season as a starter. Motte is a clear cut number one goalie that most teams don’t have and is invaluable to his team.

 

[BGFalconHawks]

Lake Superior State University Lakers

2012-2013 Record: (17-21-1)


Talking Point:

Lake Superior was considered to be one of the shocking disappointments in the CCHA last season. They had a strong experienced group at forward and defense and two solid goaltenders, however they couldn’t make that jump to the next level like expected. The Lakers return both goaltenders and an influx of young talent into their forward group could propel the Lakers to a top half finish in the WCHA this season.


Coach: Jim Roque, (9th Season, 120-146-45)


Top Returning Scorers:

Daniel Radke: 38 Games, 5 Goals, 16 Assists, 21 Points (-3)

Chris Ciotti: 30 Games, 11 Goals, 8 Assists, 19 Points (-3)

Zachary Sternberg: 38 Games, 5 Goals, 14 Assists, 19 Points (-10)


Between the Pipes:

The Lakers return both goalies this season after they split time evenly in the net last season. Kevin Murdock played in 23 games posting a 2.51 GAA and a great .930 SV% while Kevin Kapalka appeared in 21 games putting up respectable numbers with a 2.86 GAA and a .916 SV%. Lake Superior’s goaltending is probably their biggest strength and will keep them near the top of the standings.

 

[BGFalconHawks]

Michigan Tech University Huskies

2012-2013 Record: (13-20-4)


Talking Point:

Michigan Tech took the college hockey world by surprise by winning the Great Lakes Invitational last year and continued to take a step forward after spending years in the basement of the WCHA. With a very young and very talented team it could be a big season for the Huskies. One of the most historic and successful programs in the country they are continuing to improve and bring Tech back to prominence.


Coach: Mel Pearson, (3rd Season, 29-39-8)


Top Returning Scorers:

Alex Petan: 37 Games, 15 Goals, 19 Assists, 34 Points (+3)

David Johnstone: 32 Games, 10 Goals, 19 Assists, 29 Points (+7)

Blake Pietila: 35 Games, 14 Goals, 10 Assists, 24 Points (-7)


Between the Pipes:

Goaltending was shaky last season for the Huskies with Freshman Pheonix Copley carrying the load playing in 24 games with a 3.22 GAA and a .900 SV%. Now a Sophomore Copley will be joined by fellow Sophomore Jamie Phillips in net this season who put up decent stats in limited action as a Freshman playing in only 9 games with 2.40 GAA and a .907 SV%

 

[BGFalconHawks]

Minnesota State University-Mankato Mavericks

2012-2013 Record: 24-14-3


Talking Point:

Mankato was a huge surprise under first year coach Mike Hastings in the WCHA last year earning an NCAA Tournament berth after years of mid pack finishes. Mankato also features one of the best goalies in the league in New York Islanders Draft Pick Stephon Williams who put up spectacular numbers as a Freshman. If Williams and the rest of the Mavericks can put up similar numbers this season they should be the early favorites in the new look WCHA.


Coach: Mike Hastings (2nd Season, 24-14-3)


Top Returning Scorers:

Matt Leitner: 41 Games, 17 Goals, 30 Assists, 47 Points (Even)

Jean-Paul Lafontaine: 41 Games, 9 Goals, 26 Assists, 35 Points (-3)

Zach Lehrke: 41 Games 8 Goals, 17 Assists, 25 Points (Even)


Between the Pipes:

Stephon Williams put up monster numbers as a Freshman, in his 35 games played he posted a 2.00 GAA and a .924 SV%. Williams should rightfully see most of the time in net this season with Freshman Cole Huggins likely seeing some time in relief.

 

[BGFalconHawks]

Northern Michigan University Wildcats

2012-2013 Record: (15-19-4)



Talking Point:


Northern Michigan has had a lot to think about after another early exit in the CCHA Tournament this past season and the team as a whole has remained relatively consistent over the past few years with very little fluctuation in their on ice performances.. The Wildcats ice one of the most experienced group of skaters in the conference but will be hurt somewhat by inexperience in the net. The main question is whether NMU continues to stay quiet in the middle of the pack or make a jump to the top on the new conference.


Head Coach: Walt Kyle (12th Season, 208-146-49)


Top Returning Scorers:

Reed Seckel: 35 Games, 13 Goals, 12 Assists, 25 Points (+5)

Erik Higby: 35 Games, 9 Goals, 12 Assists, 21 Points (+2)

Stephan Vigier: 38 Games, 7 Goals, 14 Assists, 21 Points (-2)


Between the Pipes:

The Wildcats goaltending situation is the big unknown coming into this season. Sophomore Michael Doan is the only goalie on the roster with NCAA experience playing in 5 games with a 2.91 GAA and a .926 SV% in his limited playing time last season. He is joined by Sophomore Aaron Beutenmiller, redshirt Freshman Mathias Dahlstrom, and true Freshman Derek Dun on the roster fighting it out for time in the net.

 

[BGFalconHawks]

Totally Unofficial Meaningless Preseason Power Rankings:

1. Minnesota State-Mankato
2. Michigan Tech
3. Bowling Green
4. Ferris State
5. Alaska-Fairbanks
6. Lake Superior State
7. Northern Michigan
8. Bemidji State
9. Alaska-Anchorage
10. Alabama-Huntsville

 

[BGFalconHawks]

Preseason Media Awards

Official WCHA Preseason Media Poll:

1. Minnesota State-Mankato (22) 244
2. Ferris State (2) 218
3. Alaska 168
4. Bowling Green 149
5. Michigan Tech 144
6. Northern Michigan 137
7. Lake Superior State 117
8. Bemidji State (1) 108
9. Alaska Anchorage 54
10. Alabama-Huntsville 36

Media Preseason Player Of The Year

Matt Leitner, F, Minnesota State

Others receiving votes: Garrett Thompson, F, Ferris State; Stephon Williams, G, Minnesota State

Media Preseason Rookie Of The Year

Zach Stepan, F, Minnesota State

Others receiving votes: Tomas Sholl, G, Bowling Green; Brendan Harms, F, Bemidji State; Mathias Dahlstrom, G, Northern Michigan; Cliff Watson, D, Michigan Tech

Media Preseason All-WCHA Team

Forwards

Matt Leitner, Minnesota State; Alex Petan, Michigan Tech; Ryan Carpenter, Bowling Green

Others receiving votes: Cody Kunyk, Alaska; Reed Seckel, Northern Michigan; Stephan Vigier, Northern Michigan

Defensemen

Jason Binkley, Ferris State; Zach Palmquist, D, Minnesota State

Others receiving votes: Matt Prapavessis, Bemidji State; Ralfs Freibergs, Bowling Green; Colton Parayko, Alaska; CJ Ludwig, Northern Michigan

Goaltender

Stephon Williams, Minnesota State

Others receiving votes: CJ Motte, Ferris State; Andrew Walsh, Bemidji State.

 

[BGFalconHawks]

Preseason Coaches Awards

Official WCHA Preseason Coaches Poll:

1. Minnesota State-Mankato (9) 81
2. Ferris State 65
3. Michigan Tech (1) 64
4. Bowling Green 58
5. Alaska 54
6. Northern Michigan 40
7. Bemidji State 35
8. Lake Superior State 25
9. Alaska Anchorage 18
10. Alabama-Huntsville 10

Preseason WCHA Player of the Year

Matt Leitner, Jr., F, Minnesota State (5 votes); Alex Petan, So., F, Michigan Tech (2); Ryan Carpenter, Jr., F, Bowling Green (1); Cody Kunyk, Sr., F, Alaska (1); Blake Tatchell, So., F, Alaska Anchorage (1).

Preseason WCHA Rookie of the Year

Zach Stepan, F, Minnesota State (8); Brent Baltus, F, Michigan Tech (1); Shane Sooth, F, Northern Michigan (1).

Preseason All-WCHA Team

Forwards: Matt Leitner, Jr., Minnesota State; Ryan Carpenter, Jr., Bowling Green; Alex Petan, So., Michigan Tech.

Defensemen: Zach Palmquist, Jr., Minnesota State; Jason Binkley, Jr., Ferris State.

Goaltender: Stephon Williams, So., Minnesota State.

Others receiving votes:
Forwards: Blake Tatchell, So., Alaska Anchorage; Matt Bailey, Sr., Alaska Anchorage; Cody Kunyk, Sr., Alaska; Garrett Thompson, Sr., Ferris State.

Defensemen: Colton Parayko, So., Alaska; Matt Prapavessis, Jr., Bemidji State; Mike Sullivan, Jr., Bowling Green; Ralfs Freibergs, So., Bowling Green; Scott Czarnowczan, Sr., Ferris State; Kevin Czuczman, Jr., Lake Superior State; C.J. Ludwig, Sr., Northern Michigan.

Goaltender: Kevin Kapalka, Sr., Lake Superior State.

 

[BGFalconHawks]

NHL Draft Picks:

Radoslav Illo, Bemidji State, (ANA, 5th, 136, 2009)
Blake Pietila, Michigan Tech (NJ, 5th, 129, 2011)
Zach Stepan, Minnesota State (NSH, 4th, 112, 2012)
Dane Birks, Michigan Tech, (PIT, 6th, 164, 2013)
Teddy Blueger, Minnesota State (PIT, 2nd, 52, 2012)
Cliff Watson, Michigan Tech (SJ, 6th, 168, 2012)
Max Gaede, Minnesota State (3rd, 88, 2010)
Colton Parayko, Alaska (STL, 3rd 86, 2012)
Jamie Phillips, Michigan Tech (WPG, 7th, 190, 2012)

 

[BGFalconHawks]

The new season gets under way this weekend with Ferris State going on the road to take on Colgate while others start the exhibition schedule.

Fri 10/4

British Columbia at Alaska Anchorage

Sat 10/5

Ferris State at Colgate

Laurentian at Michigan Tech
USA U18 at Northern Michigan
Wilfrid Laurier at Bowling Green
Lethbridge at Minnesota State
British Columbia at Alaska (Fairbanks)

Sun 10/6

Ferris State at Colgate

Laurentian at Northern Michigan
USA U18 at Lake Superior

 

[bester vaive]

BGFalconHawks, thanks for all the information! While most of my attention has been on the start of the NHL, I am looking forward to college hockey season. With all the conference changes, it will be fun to see how the year shakes out. I hope you''re able to keep us updated on the new WCHA!

 

[BGFalconHawks]

BGFalconHawks, thanks for all the information! While most of my attention has been on the start of the NHL, I am looking forward to college hockey season. With all the conference changes, it will be fun to see how the year shakes out. I hope you''re able to keep us updated on the new WCHA!

I'm going to try my best I was a student worker for BGSU Hockey's Media Relations for 4 years so I like doing this sort of stuff. I probably won't be able to watch or go to many of the games but I'll do my best to stay current.

 

[BGFalconHawks]

Weekend Wrap Up

Finals:

Fri 10/4

British Columbia 1 at Alaska Anchorage 2

Sat 10/5

Ferris State 7 at Colgate 4

Laurentian 2 at Michigan Tech 3
USA U18 1 at Northern Michigan 3
Wilfrid Laurier 1 at Bowling Green 7
British Columbia 1 at Alaska (Fairbanks) 8

Sun 10/6

Ferris State 0 at Colgate 1

Lethbridge 1 at Minnesota State 7
Laurentian 2 at Northern Michigan 3
USA U18 3 at Lake Superior 2

 

[BGFalconHawks]

Weekend Work Up November 11

***October 11

Some news out of BG before we get into the games, Co-Captain and team leading scorer Ryan Carpenter required surgery on his hand after the exhibition game and will be out indefinitely. Also Forward Dajon Mingo did not make the road trip to Union due to team suspension but will be back next weekend. Also Brent Tate will miss the game due to injury as well.

10-11

Non-Conference

Robert Morris (0-0-0, 0-0-0 AH) @ Lake Superior (0-0-0, 0-0-0 WC)
Alabama-Huntsville (0-0-0, 0-0-0 WC) @ Northeastern (0-0-0, 0-0-0 HE)
11 Minnesota State (0-0-0, 0-0-0 WC) @ 14 Providence (0-0-0, 0-0-0 HE)
Bemidji State (0-0-0, 0-0-0 WC) @ 9 St. Cloud State (0-0-0, 0-0-0 NT)
Bowling Green (0-0-0, 0-0-0 WC) @ 16 Union (0-0-0, 0-0-0 EC)
Michigan Tech (0-0-0, 0-0-0 WC) @ Minnesota-Duluth (0-0-0, 0-0-0 NT)
Northern Michigan (0-0-0, 0-0-0 WC) @ 3 Wisconsin (0-0-0, 0-0-0 B10)

Kendall Hockey Classic (Anchorage, Alaska)

10 Quinnipiac (0-0-0, 0-0-0 EC) @ Alaska Anchorage (0-0-0, 0-0-0 WC)
Air Force (0-0-0, 0-0-0 AH) @ Alaska (0-0-0, 0-0-0 WC)

 

[Dakota Sioux]

Well done. I am going to miss the WCHA being I am a UND Fighting Sioux fan. It just won't be the same.

 

[BGFalconHawks]

10-11

Non-Conference

Robert Morris 1 @ Lake Superior 3
Alabama-Huntsville 1 @ Northeastern 9
11 Minnesota State 1 @ 14 Providence 5
Bemidji State 2 @ 9 St. Cloud State 3
Bowling Green 3 @ 16 Union 3
Michigan Tech 1 @ Minnesota-Duluth 2
Northern Michigan 2 @ 3 Wisconsin 5

Kendall Hockey Classic (Anchorage, Alaska)

10 Quinnipiac 1 @ Alaska-Anchorage 3
Air Force 1 @ Alaska 6

 

[BGFalconHawks]

Sunday OCT 12

10-12

Non-Conference

Robert Morris (0-1-0, 0-0-0 AH) @ Lake Superior (1-0-0, 0-0-0 WC)
Alabama-Huntsville (0-1-0, 0-0-0 WC) @ Northeastern (1-0-0, 0-0-0 HE)
11 Minnesota State (0-1-0, 0-0-0 WC) @ 14 Providence (1-0-0, 0-0-0 HE)
Bemidji State (0-1-0, 0-0-0 WC) @ 9 St. Cloud State (1-0-0, 0-0-0 NT)
Bowling Green (0-0-1, 0-0-0 WC) @ 16 Union (0-0-1, 0-0-0 EC)
Michigan Tech (0-1-0, 0-0-0 WC) @ Minnesota-Duluth (1-0-0, 0-0-0 NT)
Northern Michigan (0-1-0, 0-0-0 WC) @ 3 Wisconsin (1-0-0, 0-0-0 B10)

Kendall Hockey Classic (Anchorage, Alaska)

10 Quinnipiac (0-1-0, 0-0-0 EC) @ Alaska (1-0-0, 0-0-0 WC)
Alaska-Anchorage (1-0-0, 0-0-0 WC) @ Air Force (0-1-0, 0-0-0 AH)

 

[BGFalconHawks]

Saturday Wrap Up

10-12

Non-Conference

Robert Morris 1 @ Lake Superior 3
Alabama-Huntsville 2 @ Northeastern 3
11 Minnesota State 0 @ 14 Providence 3
Bemidji State 2 @ 9 St. Cloud State 2
Bowling Green 2 @ 16 Union 5
Michigan Tech 1 @ Minnesota-Duluth 1
Northern Michigan 1 @ 3 Wisconsin 2

Kendall Hockey Classic (Anchorage, Alaska)

10 Quinnipiac 4 @ Alaska 1
Alaska-Anchorage 4 @ Air Force 2

WCHA Teams went for a combined

5-10-3 on the weekend

 

[BGFalconHawks]

Tuesday Night Delights

Ohio State (0-2-0, 0-0-0 B10) at Bowling Green (0-1-1, 0-0-0 WC)

Ohio State is coming off a weekend of getting beat pretty convincingly by Miami last weekend, while BGSU is coming off a Tie and a loss versus Union.

Ferris State (1-1-0, 0-0-0 WC) at Mercyhurst (0-2-0, 0-0-0 AH)

Ferris State split with Colgate while Mercyhurst lost to Minnesota and Clarkson in the Icebreaker tournament.

 

[BGFalconHawks]

Tuesday Finals

Ohio State 3 at Bowling Green 4

Mercyhurst 2 at Ferris State 3