2018-19 WCHA Hockey

[Millsy]

WCHA Men's Schedule is released for 2018-19:

http://www.wcha.com/men/pres1718/201805/may9wcm.php

For BSU's non-conference schedule:

Home: one with North Dakota, two with Merrimack
Away: one at North Dakota, two at St. Cloud, two at Air Force

Also of note that came out of Michigan Tech's head coach's radio show this past Monday, Michigan Tech and Bemidji State will play outdoors on Saturday, January 19th. This may or may not coincide with Hockey Day Minnesota as the official day will not be announce until July 1 when the Wild know their NHL schedule. That announcement will also name the High School teams involved and will be during the Bemidji Jaycees Water Carnival. But I feel this is the date the committee is shooting for. In the past though, cities that have hosted Hockey Day Minnesota have left the rink up for a week (or more) to maximize the number of teams that get the chance to play outdoors. Also, the Bemidji State women and Mankato women will play a non-conference game that weekend in Bemidji, with the schedule listing January 18, 19 or 20 as the possible game day.

[laker]

Re: 2018-19 WCHA Hockey

You won the draw as usual, Millsy!

Mavs open play at home with Boston U on Oct. 12th and 13th.

http://msumavericks.com/news/2018/4/...e_release.aspx

[Millsy]

Re: 2018-19 WCHA Hockey

Here is how the WCHA Men's non-conference schedule pans out for the upcoming season.

The WCHA has 63-65 non-conference games this year, 25 home, 32 road, and 6-8 neutral site. I am not including non-conference games between league opponents and exhibitions in this total.

24-25 NCHC Games (0-0-0)
14-16 Big10 Games (0-0-0)
6 Hockey East Games (0-0-0)
7 Atlantic Hockey Games (0-0-0)
4-5 ECAC Games (0-0-0)
4-5 Independent Games (0-0-0)
2-3 Interleague Games (Not counted in league total)
8 Exhibitions (Not counted in league or team total)
TOTAL: 0-0-0

ALABAMA-HUNTSVILLE (0-0-0)
-at Miami (2)
-at Colorado College
-at Denver
-Arizona State (2)
-TD Bank Catamount Cup, Burlington, VT (2)-Vermont

ALASKA (0-0-0)
-at Arizona State (2)
-St. Cloud State (2)
-at Alaska-Anchorage
-Alaska-Anchorage

ALASKA-ANCHORAGE (0-0-0)
-Colorado College (2)
-Alaska
-at Alaska
-at North Dakota (2)

BEMIDJI STATE (0-0-0)
-North Dakota
-at North Dakota
-Merrimack (2)
-at St. Cloud State (2)
-at Air Force (2)

BOWLING GREEN (0-0-0)
-at Mercyhurst
-at Western Michigan
-at Robert Morris
-Robert Morris
-Western Michigan
-at Ohio State
-Ohio State
-at US Under 18 Team (EXH)
-Windsor (EXH)

FERRIS STATE (0-0-0)
-US Under 18 Team (EXH)
-Lethbridge (EXH)
-Western Michigan
-at Western Michigan
-Mercyhurst (2)
-at Michigan State
-Michigan State

LAKE SUPERIOR STATE (0-0-0)
-at Merrimack (2)
-Nipissing (EXH-2)
-Michigan (2)
-at US Under 18 Team (EXH)
-Great Lakes Invitational, Detroit, MI (2)-Michigan Tech, Michigan, Michigan State

MICHIGAN TECH (0-0-0)
-Minnesota-Duluth (2)
-at Wisconsin (2)
-at Clarkson (2)
-Great Lakes Invitational, Detroit, MI (2)- Lake Superior, Michigan, Michigan State

MINNESOTA STATE (0-0-0)
-Mount Royal (EXH)
-Boston University (2)
-at North Dakota (2)
-at Minnesota
-Minnesota
-Desert Hockey Classic (2)- Arizona State, Clarkson, Minnesota-Duluth

NORTHERN MICHIGAN (0-0-0)
-at Michigan State (2)
-at St. Cloud State (2)
-Cornell (2)

[Millsy]

Re: 2018-19 WCHA Hockey

Time for a look at what the Beavers will be like in 2018-19.

First off, a look at what they lose in terms of scoring (last season, career):

1. Kyle Bauman (F) 38 GP, 9G-21A, 30 Pts (148 GP, 37G-52A-89 Pts)
3. Gerry Fitzgerald (F) 27 GP, 7G-18A-25 Pts (139 GP, 41G-54A-95 Pts)
T6. Zach Whitecloud (So-D) 36 GP, 4G-15A-19 Pts (77 GP, 7G-29A-36 Pts)
9. Jordan Heller (F) 38 GP, 7G-7A-14 Pts (134 GP, 12G-13A-25 Pts)
10. Miles Fitzgerald (F) 29 GP, 7G-5A-12 Pts (114 GP, 23G-23A-46 Pts)
T18. Leo Fitzgerald (F) 23 GP, 2G-2A-4 Pts (126 GP, 13G-30A-43 Pts)
20. Carter Struthers (D) 13 GP, 1G-2A-3 Pts (49 GP, 1G-3A-4 Pts)
-Michael Bitzer (G) 37 GP, 16-13-8, 2.24 GAA, 90.9%, 5 SO (138 GP, 65-54-19, 1.98 GAA, 92.1%, 21 SO)

Now, what the Beavers have coming back next year, pending any transfers out (last season, career):

2. Adam Brady (Jr-F) 38 GP, 8G-18A-26 Pts (38 GP, 8G-18A-26 Pts)
4. Jay Dickman (Sr-F) 37 GP, 15G-8A-23 Pts (94 GP, 24G-15A, 39 Pts)
5. Charlie Combs (So-F) 37 GP, 13G-7A-20 Pts (37 GP, 13G-7A-20 Pts)
T6. Justin Baudry (Sr-D) 37 GP, 9G-10A-19 Pts (108 GP, 12G-25A-37 Pts)
8. Aaron Miller (So-F) 35 GP, 3G-12A-15 Pts (35 GP, 3G-12A-15 Pts)
11. Brendan Harris (So-F) 33 GP, 4G-7A-11 Pts (33 GP, 4G-7A-11 Pts)
12. Dan Billett (Sr-D) 38 GP, 1G-9A-10 Pts (114 GP, 3G-22A-25 Pts)
13. TJ Roo (Sr-F) 31 GP, 4G-5A-9 Pts (81 GP, 6G-7A-13 Pts)
14. Dillon Eichstadt (Sr-D) 36 GP, 2G-5A-7 Pts (98 GP, 3G-15A-18 Pts)
T15. Mike Soucier (Sr-F) 17 GP, 1G-5A-6 Pts (51 GP, 4G-5A-9 Pts)
T15. Ethan Somoza (So-F) 29 GP, 1G-5A- 6 Pts (29 GP, 1G-5A-6 Pts)
17. Hampus Sjodahl (Jr-F) 33 GP, 3G-2A-5 Pts (57 GP, 3G-3A-6 Pts)
19. Tommy Muck (Jr-D) 38 GP, 0G-4A-4 Pts (77 GP, 0G-13A-13 Pts)
21. Ian Janco (Sr-D) 9 GP, 1G-1A-2 Pts (27 GP, 1G-2A-3 Pts)
T22. Dylan McCrory (Jr-F) 7 GP, 1G-0A-1 Pts (16 GP, 3G-0A-3 Pts)
T22. Brad Johnson (So-D) 13 GP, 0G-1A-1 Pts (13 GP, 0G-1A-1 Pts)
T25. Connor Brown-Maloski (So-F) 3 GP, 0G-0A-0 Pts (3 GP, 0G-0A-0 Pts)
T25. Tyler Vold (So-D) 9 GP, 0G-0A-0 Pts (9 GP, 0G-0A-0 Pts)
-Jack Burgart (Jr-G) 2 GP, 0-1-0, 3.49 GAA, 89.6% (2 GP, 0-1-0, 3.49 GAA, 89.6%)
-Henry Johnson (So-G) 1 GP, 0-0-0, 0.00 GAA, 100% (1 GP, 0-0-0, 0.00 GAA, 100%)

And it looks like the Beavers will have 10 recruits coming in:

-Bradley Belise, F-Nanaimo Clippers (BCHL) 55 GP, 8G-16A-24 Pts., 28 PIM
***BCHL Playoffs 6 GP, 0G-0A-0 Pts., 0 PIM (Complete)
-Ross Armour, F-Trail Smoke Eaters (BCHL) 51 GP, 21G-41A-62 Pts., 58 PIM
***World Junior A Challenge 5 GP, 4G-2A-6 Pts., 2 PIM (Champions)
***BCHL Playoffs 16 GP, 3G-11A-14 Pts., 14 PIM (Complete)
-Owen Sillinger, F-Penticton Vees (BCHL) 56 GP, 33G-34A-67 Pts., 36 PIM
***BCHL Playoffs 11 GP, 5G-3A-8 Pts., 2 PIM (Complete)
-Tyler Jubenvill, D-Ceder Rapids Roughriders (USHL) 58 GP, 5G-14A-19 Pts., 51 PIM, -4 (Complete)
-Nicholas Cardelli, F-Fargo Force (USHL) 16 GP, 2G-6A-8 Pts., 14 PIM, +7 (traded to Ceder Rapids)
***Ceder Rapids RoughRiders (USHL) 7 GP, 2G-1A-3 Pts., 0 PIM, -3 (traded to Youngstown)
***Youngstown Phantoms (USHL) 26 GP, 3G-10A, 13 Pts., 21 PIM, +7
***USHL Playoffs 3 GP, 0G-3A-3 Pts., 4 PIM, +3
-Zach Driscoll, G-Omaha Lancers (USHL) 38 GP, 23W-9L-1OTL, 1.90 GAA, 93.4 Save%, 8 Shutouts
***USHL Playoffs 3 GP, 0W-3L-0OTL, 2.29 GAA, 92.9 Save%, 0 Shutouts (Complete)
-Darby Gula, D-Steinbach Pistons (MJHL) 56 GP, 14G-47A-61 Pts., 30 PIM
***MJHL Playoffs 16 GP, 1G-8A-9 Pts., 0 PIM
***Anavet Cup 2 GP, 0G-1A-1 Pts., 0 PIM
-Alex Adams, F-Minot Minotauros (NAHL) 50 GP, 13G-20A-33 Pts., 32 PIM, +3
***NAHL Playoffs 7 GP, 4G-2A-6 Pts., 6 PIM, +3
-Tyler Kirkup, F-Virden Oil Capitals (MJHL) 60 GP, 40G-35A-75 Pts., 105 PIM
***MJHL Playoffs 13 GP, 1G-3A-4 Pts., 25 PIM (Complete)
-Ethan Nother, F, Victoria Grizzlies (BCHL) 58 GP, 26G-33A-59 Pts., 18 PIM
***BCHL Playoffs 12 GP, 5G-5A-10 Pts., 4 PIM (Complete)

It appears that the Beavers will have an experienced D-Corp coming back. It will be interesting to see if the freshmen turning sophomores will be able to step up and fill in some of the scoring lost. The biggest hole to fill will be the one in net. Fans of the Beavers have been spoiled over the last four year with Michael Bitzer in net. The two returning goalies have played a total of three games, only one of them as a starter. Zach Driscoll is coming in from the USHL and will have three years of eligibility left after playing the 2016-17 season with St. Cloud State.

[Millsy]

Re: 2018-19 WCHA Hockey

You won the draw as usual, Millsy!

Mavs open play at home with Boston U on Oct. 12th and 13th.

http://msumavericks.com/news/2018/4/...e_release.aspx

Been waiting all day for 1:00 to roll around!

[Millsy]

Re: 2018-19 WCHA Hockey

Congrats to former Beaver Brad Hunt and the Vegas Golden Knights on winning the Western Conference and advancing to the Stanley Cup!

Former Beaver Zach Whitecloud is also a Golden Knight, but was signed out of college by Vegas after the playoff roster deadline.

[laker]

Re: 2018-19 WCHA Hockey

MSU's Hastings moves up from assistant to head coach of US juniors team

http://www.mankatofreepress.com/spor..._medium=social

[laker]

Re: 2018-19 WCHA Hockey

Possibility of Illinois adding hockey. Article says that they would have to also add women's hockey for Title IX. At least we know what conference they would be in.

https://www.uscho.com/2018/06/08/ill...e-end-of-2018/

[laker]

Re: 2018-19 WCHA Hockey

LIU- Brooklyn to start women's hockey in 2019-20. Maybe Lindenwood would join the WCHA if the Blackbirds join the CHA?

https://www.theicegarden.com/2018/6/...m-in-2019-2020

[Millsy]

Re: 2018-19 WCHA Hockey

LIU- Brooklyn to start women's hockey in 2019-20. Maybe Lindenwood would join the WCHA if the Blackbirds join the CHA?

https://www.theicegarden.com/2018/6/...m-in-2019-2020

I saw that. I threw out over on USCHO that it would make more sense, although not geographically, for Penn State to join the women's WCHA and join their Big10 Sisters of Minnesota, Wisconsin and Ohio State. But could the league afford the travel?

It also came out today that the Illinois Athletic Director wants a green light on a Men's Hockey Program by the end of 2018. That would give the Big10 eight teams on the men's side. If they eventually fielded a women's team, that would be five Big10 teams, one short from "having" to form a women's Big10 League according to Big10 bylaws. Would another Big10 school make the jump? That could really hurt the WCHA leaving only Bemidji, Mankato, Duluth and St. Cloud. Would probably even be the death of women's hockey at those schools.

https://www.uscho.com/2018/06/08/ill...e-end-of-2018/

*** EDIT: I can't remember if the Big10 bylaws are six teams or half of the schools in the conference..... ***

[laker]

Re: 2018-19 WCHA Hockey

I saw that. I threw out over on USCHO that it would make more sense, although not geographically, for Penn State to join the women's WCHA and join their Big10 Sisters of Minnesota, Wisconsin and Ohio State. But could the league afford the travel?

It also came out today that the Illinois Athletic Director wants a green light on a Men's Hockey Program by the end of 2018. That would give the Big10 eight teams on the men's side. If they eventually fielded a women's team, that would be five Big10 teams, one short from "having" to form a women's Big10 League according to Big10 bylaws. Would another Big10 school make the jump? That could really hurt the WCHA leaving only Bemidji, Mankato, Duluth and St. Cloud. Would probably even be the death of women's hockey at those schools.

https://www.uscho.com/2018/06/08/ill...e-end-of-2018/

Women's hockey continues to be a huge money loser. I'm guessing with the limited number of women's teams that the BIG wouldn't be allowed to kick out the WCHA teams. Just a guess. Michigan, Michigan State and Notre Dame don't have women's teams.

[Millsy]

Re: 2018-19 WCHA Hockey

Looks like Arizona State has their arena plans in place and their egos approaching NCHC status (ie, AD saying they are being coveted....)

https://www.collegehockeynews.com/ne...argets-Nov.php

[laker]

Re: 2018-19 WCHA Hockey

Standardized OT for both men and women. 5 minute OT- if no winner, it ends in a tie.

https://www.uscho.com/2018/06/14/nca...-18-19-season/

[Millsy]

Re: 2018-19 WCHA Hockey

Standardized OT for both men and women. 5 minute OT- if no winner, it ends in a tie.

https://www.uscho.com/2018/06/14/nca...-18-19-season/

I hate this...... Why should any other league care how other leagues award their points? I don't have a problem with the 5 on 5 OT for five minutes and then calling it a tie, but if the league wants to go to 3 on 3 and/or a shootout for an extra point, let them. UGH!

Also, it appears the transfer rule will get a little more "lax". No longer will a student-athlete have to get permission for their school to explore other options. A student-athlete can now declare that they are exploring, get put on a list by the NCAA, and other schools can contact them. It looks like they will still have to sit out a year for transferring, but they will be eligible for a scholarship at the new school whether their original school gives them permission or not.

[Millsy]

Re: 2018-19 WCHA Hockey

The NHL releases their complete schedule today at 4:00 today. We should get a better idea as to which date in January (12, 19 or 26) that Hockey Day Minnesota in Bemidji is on. The BSU Women play Mankato in a single non-conference game on the weekend of the 19th (on the schedule as the 18th, 19th or 20th) and the BSU Men play Michigan Tech in a home series on the 18th and 19th with it announced the the 19th will be outdoors. The official announcement is July 1 in Bemidji.