Bemidji State University:
CHA: 14-3-1, Overall: 23-10-4 (9-7-3 NC)
Key Losses: Tyler Lehrke, F, Sr (9-15-24); Chris McKelvie, F, Sr (8-10-18); Chris Peluso, D, Sr (1-8-9)
Key Returners: Matt Read, F, Sr; Jordan George, F, So; Ian Low, F, Sr; Brad Hunt, D, Jr; Brady Wacker, D, So; Dan Bakala, G, Jr
Key Recruits: Radislov Illo, F; Drew Fischer, F
The Beavers have finally made it to the WCHA. For many of you Beaver fans, this is something that you have been waiting for for a very long time. I’m sorry to tell you, though, that it’s not going to be the cake walk you may think it’s going to be. It’s one thing to be competitive in the CHA, but the WCHA is a whole new ball game. Yes, I understand that you’ve had success against the WCHA in the past, but you have to remember that those were non-conference games. When teams play non-conference games, they typically don’t play all of their top guys. Let us not forget that it’s not always easy to get up for those non-conference games against schools that aren’t going to do much for, like Bemdji typically is (last year was the exception to the rule).
With all that said, I think the Beavers are going to be fairly competitive. They have all of their top scorers back, including a possible Hobey Candidate in Matt Read. Overall, they had the second highest goals per game average of all the WCHA teams, but they also played six games each against teams like Niagra, Robert Morris, and Alabama-Huntsville. I’m not saying it’s easy to score a lot against any team, but come on folks…
They also have one of the better coaches in college hockey, and they play a very rough, in your face style of hockey that should help them win a few games. However, being physical doesn’t always beat talent, and there are a LOT of talented teams in this league. Additionally, the grind of the WCHA will be like nothing they’ve ever seen. I touched on teams not getting up for non-conference games prior. It’s going to be tough for them, now, when their opponents are playing for two points each game instead of nothing.
Predicted finish – 9th
University of Nebraska-Omaha:
CCHA: 13-12-3, Overall: 20-16-6 (7-4-3 NC)
Key Losses: Eddie Del Grosso, D, Sr (7-23-30); Nick Fanto, F, Sr (9-17-26); Jeric Agosto, F, Sr (15-10-25); Jeremie Dupont, G, Sr (7-6-2, 2.73 GAA, .895 SV)
Key Returners: John Kemp, F, Jr; Rich Purslow, F, Sr; Joey Martin, F, Sr; Eric Olimb, D, Sr; Kyle Ensign, D, Jr; John Faulkner, G, Jr (13-10-4, 2.60 GAA, .905 SV)
Key Recruits: Matt White, F; Tony Turgeon, D; Brock Montpetit, F
Well, Dean Blais has made his way back to the WCHA. In my mind, Blais is one of the best coaches in the game. His teams are always competitive and never seem to have an off night. Their biggest problem last year seemed to be lack of scoring. Heck, their leading scorer had a whopping 30 points. Goaltending could also be an issue for the Mavericks this season. It sounds like consistency may be an issue, and you need to be consistent to win in this league.
I need to give UNO the benefit of the doubt here over Bemidji. The Mavs know how play a long, tough season having been in the CCHA. Also, they have the reigning USHL Player of the Year joining the team in Matt White and forward Brock Montpetit who also averaged more than a point per game in the USHL last year. Add that to the 6’4” incoming defenseman Tony Turgeon and you have makings of a decent class.
Bottom line, Blais’ familiarity with the WCHA, and his team’s familiarity with a tough schedule should put them ahead of Bemidji this season. I wouldn’t be surprised to see them finish higher than 8th either. Only time will tell.
Predicted finish – 8th
University of Wisconsin:
WCHA: 17-8-3, Overall: 28-11-4 (11-3-1 NC)
Key Losses: Derek Stepan, F, So (12-42-54); Michael Davies, F, Sr (20-32-52); Brendan Smith, D, Jr (15-37-52); Blake Geoffrion, F, Sr (28-22-50); Ben Street, F, Sr (14-16-30)
Key Returners: Craig Smith, F, So; Jordy Murray, F, Jr; Derek Lee, F, So; Justin Schultz, D, So; Jake Gardiner, D, Jr; Scott Gudmandson, G, Sr
Key Recruits: Jason Clark, F; Frank Simonelli, D; Chase Drake, D; Mark Zengerle, F
Where to start… The Badgers lost more than any team in the WCHA, and probably the country this offseason. Their top four points scorers had more than 50 points EACH, and they’re ALL GONE. That’s 208 points that they lost in just four players. They lost another EIGHT on top of that. In all, they lost nearly 75% of their total scoring from last season’s team.
Others seem to think that the Badgers are going to be fine this year. They certainly have a decent goaltender in Scott Gudmandson, but it’s tough to win if you can’t put the puck in the net, and that’s something that could be a problem.
What else is there to say? Unless they get a lot of guys stepping up, I don’t see them finishing much higher than this.
Predicted finish – 7th
