2011-2012 WCHA Power Rankings & Tiers: Down the Stretch

With just four weekends remaining in the WCHA's regular season, here's another look at the league's Power Rankings.

WCHA Standings:

1. Minnesota - 15-5-0 (19-9-1 Overall), 30 Points
2. Minnesota-Duluth - 12-5-3 (18-6-4 Overall), 27 Points
3. Colorado College - 12-7-1 (15-9-2 Overall), 25 Points
4. Denver - 10-6-4 (15-9-4 Overall), 24 Points
5. North Dakota - 11-9-0 (15-10-2 Overall), 22 Points
5. Nebraska-Omaha - 9-7-4 (12-11-5 Overall), 22 Points
5. Michigan Tech - 10-8-2 (13-13-2 Overall), 22 Points
8. St. Cloud State - 9-10-3 (12-14-4 Overall), 21 Points
9. Bemidji State - 7-10-3 (13-12-3 Overall), 17 Points
10. Wisconsin - 7-13-2 (12-14-2 Overall), 16 Points
11. Minnesota State - 6-15-1 (10-19-1 Overall), 13 Points
12. Alaska-Anchorage - 4-17-1 (7-17-2 Overall), 9 Points

Power Rankings:

1. Minnesota (UP 1)
Last Ranking: #2
Recent Results: Split vs. (3) CC, Sweep in Home-and-Home vs. (9) SCSU
19-9-1 Overall, 15-5-0 WCHA
Next Week: @ (4) Denver

With the Bulldogs spinning their wheels, Minnesota has taken over atop the WCHA Power Rankings. The Gophers are winning on the heels of their stout team defense, which has stiffened of late. Minnesota has averaged 1.67 goals against in its past six contests. However, they're only scoring an average of 2.5 goals per game in those six tilts, so they'll need to start finding some more consistent offense if they are going to be a contender in the postseason.

2. Minnesota-Duluth (DOWN 1)
Last Ranking: #1
Recent Results: Loss & Tie vs. (6) Michigan Tech, Split @ (12) Alaska-Anchorage
18-6-4 Overall, 12-5-3 WCHA
Next Week: vs (5) North Dakota

As mentioned above, UMD has had its share of tough games over the past few weekends. The Bulldogs went up 4-0 in the first period of Friday's game against Michigan Tech, before giving up nine unanswered goals on the weekend (four Friday, five Saturday) to come away with only one point. Then they traveled up to Anchorage and came away with only two points against a down Seawolves team. If UMD is going to win the league now, they'll need to do so with the "cake" of their schedule behind them: red-hot North Dakota comes to town this weekend, followed by an away series at Minnesota State, home versus Colorado College and rounding out the season in St. Cloud.

3. Colorado College (No Change)
Last Ranking: #3
Recent Results: Split vs. (1) Minnesota, Win & Tie vs. (4) Denver
15-9-2 Overall, 12-7-1 WCHA
Next Week: @ (8) Bemidji State

The Tigers survived the last two weekends in the meat grinder fairly well. CC took two valuable points at Mariucci Arena against Minnesota, and then took three of four from last weekend's rivalry series against Denver. Colorado College has all but locked up home ice for the first round of the WCHA playoffs.

4. Denver (UP 1)
Last Ranking: #5
Recent Results: Sweep @ (12) Alaska-Anchorage, Loss & Tie vs. (3) Colorado College
15-9-4 Overall, 10-6-4 WCHA
Next Week: vs. (1) Minnesota

The Pioneers swept the Seawolves in Anchorage before taking one point in a fiercely-contested series with Colorado College. However, the biggest reason the Pioneers are moving up the Power Rankings Board is the return of starting goaltender Sam Brittain. Brittain, last season's starter, suffered a torn ACL last offseason. He returned for the first time in the second Alaska-Anchorage game with a victory before allowing just one goal against Colorado College on Friday. With some stability between the pipes, Denver could be a team to be feared down the stretch.

5. North Dakota (DOWN 1)
Last Ranking: #4
Recent Results: Sweep vs. (11) Wisconsin, Idle
15-10-2 Overall, 11-9-0 WCHA
Next Week: @ (2) Minnesota-Duluth

After suffering a slight bump in the road on their perennial second-half surge (consecutive losses vs. Minnesota, @ St. Cloud), North Dakota has rattled off three wins in a row to jump back into the thick of the home-ice battle in the WCHA. Now tied for fifth in the league with Nebraska-Omaha and Michigan Tech, North Dakota faces a tough road test this weekend as they travel to Duluth.

6. Michigan Tech (UP 2)
Last Ranking: #8
Recent Results: Tie & Win @ (2) Minnesota-Duluth, Split @ (10) Minnesota State
13-13-2 Overall, 10-8-2 WCHA
Next Week: vs. (7) Nebraska-Omaha

Michigan Tech may have saved its season sometime between the first and second periods in Duluth. Down 4-0 after one, the Huskies rattled off the next four goals on Friday and the only five goals on Saturday to skate out of AmsOil Arena with a stunning three points against the Bulldogs. Tech followed it up by splitting on the road in Mankato. The Huskies face another important series this weekend, squaring off with Nebraska-Omaha in a showdown that could go a long way in determining home ice in the first round of the WCHA playoffs.

7. Nebraska-Omaha (DOWN 1)
Last Ranking: #6
Recent Results: Split @ (10) Minnesota State, Tie & Loss vs. (8) Bemidji State
12-11-5 Overall, 9-7-4 WCHA
Next Week: @ (6) Michigan Tech

Omaha moves out of the top half of the Power Rankings with disappointing weekends at Mankato and against Bemidji. The Mavericks have played in three overtime games in their past four, going 1-1-1 in those contests. UNO faces off against Michigan Tech this weekend in a clash between two teams tied for fifth in the conference standings.

8. Bemidji State (DOWN 1)
Last Ranking: #7
Recent Results: Split vs. (10) Minnesota State, Tie & Win @ (7) Nebraska-Omaha
13-12-3 Overall, 7-10-3 WCHA
Next Week: vs. (3) Colorado College

The Beavers only have 17 points in the WCHA thus far, good for ninth place in the conference and five points out of home ice. However, this Bemidji team is one that I see as "sneaky good" - they can beat good teams. They've posted quality wins this season, and could very well steal some points from Colorado College this weekend.

9. St. Cloud State (No Change)
Last Ranking: #9
Recent Results: Swept in Home-and-Home vs. (1) Minnesota, Sweep @ (11) Wisconsin
12-14-4 Overall, 9-10-3 WCHA
Next Week: Idle

The Huskies need a weekend off. They dressed only ten forwards in Friday's game against Minnesota before losing Travis Novak to a knee injury. In the three games since, Bob Motzko's crew has had only three offensive lines available. Despite that, St. Cloud went into Wisconsin and swept the home Badgers. However, their extreme injury issues keep them below Bemidji in the Power Rankings.

10. Minnesota State (UP 2)
Last Ranking: #12
Recent Results: Split @ (8) Bemidji State, Split vs. (6) Michigan Tech
10-19-1 Overall, 6-15-1 WCHA
Next Week: @ (12) Alaska-Anchorage

I'm going to say this right now: I was wrong about Minnesota State. I ranked them dead last in the conference before the season started, and it is true that the Mavericks have hovered near the bottom of the league table most of the year. However, the Maverick team that began the year 2-12-1 in the conference is a lot different than the team that has now gone 4-3-0 in their last seven league games. This team has a chance to pick up a couple more wins down the stretch, and could very well play the spoiler in their games against Minnesota-Duluth and at North Dakota to end the season.

11. Wisconsin (DOWN 1)
Last Ranking: #10
Recent Results: Swept @ (5) North Dakota, Swept vs. (9) St. Cloud State
12-14-2 Overall, 7-13-2 WCHA
Next Week: Idle

I'm not sure what has been ailing the Wisconsin Badgers this season. They have one of the most dynamic players in all of college hockey in Justin Schultz, yet they still have a hard time doing just about anything on the ice. The team has won one road game all season, and has dropped their last four contests. They get a week off before hosting Denver two weekends from now.

12. Alaska-Anchorage (DOWN 1)
Last Ranking: #11
Recent Results: Swept vs. (4) Denver, Split vs. (2) Minnesota-Duluth
7-17-2 Overall, 4-17-1 WCHA
Next Week: vs. (10) Minnesota State

Alaska-Anchorage has had a rough go of it this season. Their win over Minnesota-Duluth snapped an eight-game losing streak dating back to December 10th. The Seawolves host the Minnesota State Mavericks this weekend.

Team Tiers:

Last Week

Tier 1 - Minnesota-Duluth, Minnesota
Tier 2 - Colorado College
Tier 3 - North Dakota, Denver
Tier 4 - Nebraska-Omaha
Tier 5 - No Teams
Tier 6 - Bemidji State, Michigan Tech, St. Cloud State, Wisconsin
Tier 7 - No Teams
Tier 8 - Alaska-Anchorage, Minnesota State

This Week

Tier 1 - Minnesota, Minnesota-Duluth
Tier 2 - No Teams
Tier 3 - Colorado College, Denver
Tier 4 - North Dakota
Tier 5 - Michigan Tech, Nebraska-Omaha
Tier 6 - Bemidji State, St. Cloud State
Tier 7 - Minnesota State, Wisconsin
Tier 8 - Alaska-Anchorage

2011-2012 WCHA Power Rankings & Tiers: Midseason

As the WCHA's member teams begin their second half of conference play, here's a look at the league's Power Rankings and Tiers.

WCHA Standings:

1. Minnesota - 11-3-0 (15-7-1 Overall), 22 Points
1. Minnesota-Duluth - 10-2-2 (14-3-3 Overall), 22 Points
3. Colorado College - 9-5-0 (12-7-1 Overall), 18 Points
4. Nebraska-Omaha - 7-4-3 (10-8-4 Overall), 17 Points
5. Denver - 6-5-3 (11-8-3 Overall), 15 Points
6. North Dakota - 7-7-0 (11-8-2 Overall), 14 Points
7. Michigan Tech - 6-7-1 (11-9-1 Overall), 13 Points
7. St. Cloud State - 5-6-3 (8-10-4 Overall), 13 Points
9. Bemidji State - 5-7-2 (11-9-2 Overall), 12 Points
10. Wisconsin - 4-8-2 (9-9-2 Overall), 10 Points
11. Alaska-Anchorage - 3-10-1 (6-10-2 Overall), 7 Points
12. Minnesota State - 2-11-1 (6-15-1 Overall), 5 Points

Power Rankings:

1. Minnesota-Duluth (No Change)
Last Ranking: #1
Last Week: Road Sweep @ Western Michigan
14-3-3 Overall, 10-2-2 WCHA
Next Week: @ (6) Nebraska-Omaha

It's hard to believe that the Bulldogs have not lost since being swept in the WCHA's opening weekend against the Gophers. Duluth is hotter than hot, and they may face their toughest challenge the rest of the season long this weekend as they travel to Omaha to face the Mavericks. Unless UMD falls apart, expect them to win the league - their second half schedule is littered with bottom-half WCHA opponents.

2. Minnesota (No Change)
Last Ranking: #2
Last Week: Loss (Saturday) vs. Notre Dame
15-7-1 Overall, 11-3-0 WCHA
Next Week: @ (4) North Dakota

Minnesota spun its wheels over the holiday break, splitting in their own holiday tournament before falling to a good Notre Dame team in the Hall of Fame game. They face a fierce contest this weekend when they travel up to Grand Forks to take on the team formerly known as the Sioux. North Dakota has been hot, and this season could be a springboard for either team heading into the second half. If I had to guess right now, I would say the Gophers will finish second in the league, but I could see Minnesota ending up anywhere from first to fourth.

3. Colorado College (No Change)
Last Ranking: #3
Last Week: Home Loss & Tie vs. Cornell
12-7-1 Overall, 9-5-0 WCHA
Next Week: vs. (9) St. Cloud

Colorado College is back up to third place in the league, and they should remain up near the top of the league table for the remainder of the year. CC is a solid team, and if they can ever figure out their defense and goaltending they could compete for a top two position in the league.

4. North Dakota (UP 1)
Last Ranking: #5
Last Week: Home Win (Sat) vs. Clarkson
11-8-2 Overall, 7-7-0 WCHA
Next Week: vs. (2) Minnesota

North Dakota continues its usual late-season surge (and meteoric rise up the WCHA power rankings) as it enters the second half of the season. UND dug itself out of a 1-5-0 hole and has won eight of their last eleven games since being swept in Minneapolis by the Gophers. They face that same Gopher team at home next weekend, and could be looking for revenge.

5. Denver (DOWN 1)
Last Ranking: #4
Last Week: Home Split vs. Alabama-Huntsville
11-8-3 Overall, 6-5-3 WCHA
Next Week: vs. (7) Bemidji State

Denver is a mystery of a team so far this year. The Pioneers possess tremendous offensive potential, with players like the Shore brothers and Jason Zucker. However, they've had goalie woes and have lost some head-scratching games (last weekend's loss to Alabama-Huntsville included). Denver is still waiting for their great goalie Sam Brittain to come back from ACL surgery - he's scheduled to be back at the end of January - and they should get a boost then.

6. Nebraska-Omaha (No Change)
Last Ranking: #6
Last Week: Idle
10-8-4 Overall, 7-4-3 WCHA
Next Week: vs. (1) Minnesota-Duluth

Nebraska-Omaha should hold onto a home ice spot throughout the remainder of the year, as the team is solid and plays hard every night. They face a challenge this weekend, though, as the UMD Bulldogs come to town riding an undefeated streak that is two-plus months long.

7. Bemidji State (UP 3)
Last Ranking: #10
Last Week: Idle
11-9-2 Overall, 5-7-2 WCHA
Next Week: @ (5) Denver

I think there's a pretty substantial drop-off between the #6 and #7 teams in the WCHA, but there's no reason why Bemidji State shouldn't be considered one of the better second division teams in the league. They're well coached and have quietly beaten some good teams this season. They travel to Denver this weekend - two or more points and the Beavers could be making a run at a home ice spot in the WCHA playoffs.

8. Michigan Tech (DOWN 1)
Last Ranking: #7
Last Week: Idle
9-11-1 Overall, 6-7-1 WCHA
Next Week: vs (11) Alaska-Anchorage

Michigan Tech's tremendous start has been nearly forgotten at this point in the season, as the team is mired in the middle of the WCHA pack and now sports a record under .500 overall and in the league. They host Alaska-Anchorage this weekend with a chance to right the ship.

9. St. Cloud State (No Change)
Last Ranking: #9
Last Week: Idle
8-10-4 Overall, 5-6-3 WCHA
Next Week: @ (3) Colorado College

St. Cloud had a snakebit first half, with injuries and defections plaguing the team. However, some good news is on the horizon - goaltender Mike Lee may come back this season. The Huskies take on the Colorado College Tigers in Colorado Springs this weekend.

10. Wisconsin (DOWN 2)
Last Ranking: #8
Last Week: Home Sweep vs. RIT
9-9-2 Overall, 4-8-2 WCHA
Next Week: @ (12) Minnesota State

The Badgers are still winless on the road, but they have a good chance to change that this weekend against the Mavericks of Minnesota State. Wisconsin is currently tenth in the league.

11. Alaska-Anchorage (No Change)
Last Ranking: #11
Last Week: Idle
6-10-2 Overall, 3-10-1 WCHA
Next Week: @ (8) Michigan Tech

Alaska-Anchorage continues to struggle this season, and will travel to Houghton to take on the Huskies this weekend.

12. Minnesota State - Mankato (No Change)
Last Ranking: #12
Last Week: Road Split @ St. Lawrence
6-15-1 Overall, 2-11-1 WCHA
Next Week: vs. (10) Wisconsin

The Mavericks are stuck in a rut at the bottom of the WCHA pack, but should be a better team once they get healthy. Mankato takes on Wisconsin at home this weekend, and anything more than one point would be a decent result.

Team Tiers:

Last Week

Tier 1 - Minnesota-Duluth, Minnesota
Tier 2 - Colorado College, Denver
Tier 3 - North Dakota, Nebraska-Omaha
Tier 4 - No Teams
Tier 5 - Michigan Tech, Wisconsin
Tier 6 - St. Cloud State
Tier 7 - Bemidji State
Tier 8 - Alaska-Anchorage, Minnesota State

This Week

Tier 1 - Minnesota-Duluth, Minnesota
Tier 2 - Colorado College
Tier 3 - North Dakota, Denver
Tier 4 - Nebraska-Omaha
Tier 5 - No Teams
Tier 6 - Bemidji State, Michigan Tech, St. Cloud State, Wisconsin
Tier 7 - No Teams
Tier 8 - Alaska-Anchorage, Minnesota State

2011-2012 WCHA Power Rankings & Tiers: Week 8

Another interesting week in the WCHA... here are this week's WCHA Power Rankings and Tiers:

WCHA Results, Week 8:

Alaska-Anchorage - Win, Tie @ Minnesota State
Bemidji State - Idle
Colorado College - Loss, Loss @ North Dakota
Denver - Win vs. Princeton, Loss vs. Miami
Michigan Tech - Loss, Win @ St. Lawrence
Minnesota - Loss, Tie @ Michigan State
Minnesota-Duluth - Idle
Minnesota State - Loss, Tie vs. Alaska-Anchorage
Nebraska Omaha - Win, Tie vs. St. Cloud State
North Dakota - Win, Win vs. Colorado College
St. Cloud State - Loss, Tie @ Nebraska Omaha
Wisconsin - Win, Win vs. Mercyhurst

WCHA Standings:

1. Minnesota - 8-2-0 (11-4-1 Overall), 16 Points
2. Minnesota-Duluth - 7-2-1 (9-3-2 Overall), 15 Points
2. Nebraska-Omaha - 6-3-3 (7-6-3 Overall), 15 Points
4. Denver - 4-2-3 (6-4-3 Overall), 11 Points
4. Michigan Tech - 5-4-1 (8-5-1 Overall), 11 Points
6. Colorado College - 5-4-0 (7-4-0 Overall), 10 Points
6. St. Cloud State - 4-4-2 (6-7-3 Overall), 10 Points
8. Wisconsin - 4-7-1 (7-8-1 Overall), 9 Points
9. North Dakota - 4-6-0 (6-7-1 Overall), 8 Points
10. Bemidji State - 3-6-1 (5-8-1 Overall), 7 Points
11. Alaska-Anchorage - 2-7-1 (5-7-2 Overall), 5 Points
11. Minnesota State - 2-7-1 (3-10-1 Overall), 5 Points

Power Rankings:

1. Colorado College (No Change)
Last Ranking: #1
Last Week: Swept on the Road @ (7) North Dakota
7-4-0 Overall, 5-4-0 WCHA
Next Week: vs. (4) Denver (Friday), idle Saturday

Another chink in the armor of this CC squad, as they get swept on the road against an unimpressive (thus far) North Dakota team. Winning on the road is always tough, especially in Grand Forks, but the Tigers need to shore up their defense if they want to be in the national title discussion. CC gave up 11 goals on the weekend. Still, though, the Tigers remain atop the rankings due to nearly every other top WCHA team struggling.

2. Minnesota (No Change)
Last Ranking: #2
Last Week: Road Loss & Tie @ Michigan State
11-4-1 Overall, 8-2-0 WCHA
Next Week: vs. (12) Minnesota State

Minnesota has now lost three Friday road games in a row, and a tie on Saturday produced the team's first no-win weekend of the season. Gopher goalie Kent Patterson looked surprisingly mortal in the weekend series, giving up several "soft" goals - unusual for a player of his caliber. Patterson and the Gophers look to rebound this weekend against the last place team in the WCHA, the Minnesota State Mavericks.

3. Minnesota-Duluth (No Change)
Last Ranking: #3
Last Week: Idle
9-3-2 Overall, 7-2-1 WCHA
Next Week: @ (6) Michigan Tech

Duluth begins a stretch of eight straight road games this weekend when they head to Houghton to face the Michigan Tech Huskies. UMD could solidify their spot as an elite team in the WCHA and across the country with three or four points on the road against the surprisingly tough Huskies.

4. Denver University (No Change)
Last Ranking: #4
Last Week: Home Win & Loss vs. Providence (Fri) and Miami (Sat)
6-5-3 Overall, 4-2-3 WCHA
Next Week: @ (1) Colorado College (Friday), Idle Saturday

Denver won the opening game of their tournament Friday against Providence College before falling to Miami in the championship game. The Pioneers sorely miss their starting goaltender Sam Brittain, who is out until after the Christmas break with a torn ACL.

5. Nebraska-Omaha (No Change)
Last Ranking: #5
Last Week: Home Win & Tie @ (8) St. Cloud State
7-6-3 Overall, 6-3-3 WCHA
Next Week: Non-conference @ Alabama-Huntsville

UNO took three points at home from St. Cloud State last weekend and have moved up into a tie for second place in the league. They head south to face Alabama-Huntsville in a non-conference series this weekend.

6. Michigan Tech (UP 1)
Last Ranking: #7
Last Week: Road Split @ St. Lawrence
8-5-1 Overall, 5-4-1 WCHA
Next Week: vs. (3) Minnesota-Duluth

Somebody has to win that last home ice spot in the league, and if I had to guess right now I'd say that it would be Michigan Tech. The Huskies face a stiff test this weekend when the Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs come to town.

7. North Dakota (UP 2)
Last Ranking: #9
Last Week: Home Sweep vs. (1) Colorado College
6-7-1 Overall, 4-6-0 WCHA
Next Week: @ (10) Alaska-Anchorage

Don't look now, but this could be the start of another patented North Dakota surge. The offensively-challenged Sioux erupted for 11 goals against Colorado College in a home sweep last weekend. The Sioux have to make the long, tough road trip out to Alaska-Anchorage next weekend, though. Another pair of wins and North Dakota is right back in the picture.

8. St. Cloud State (DOWN 2)
Last Ranking: #6
Last Week: Road Loss & Tie vs. (5) Nebraska-Omaha
6-7-3 Overall, 4-4-2 WCHA
Next Week: vs. (11) Bemidji State

Last week I mentioned that St. Cloud's series against Nebraska-Omaha could be a statement series for them. It was not. St. Cloud escaped Nebraska with just one point on the weekend, and although they still have as good a chance as any of the teams ranked 6-9 in this power ranking of jumping into the last home-ice spot in the league, they've moved all the way down to 8th in the rankings.

9. Wisconsin (DOWN 1)
Last Ranking: #8
Last Week: Sweep vs. Mercyhurst
7-8-1 Overall, 4-7-1 WCHA
Next Week: Idle

I don't really have much of a reason to move Wisconsin down to #9 this week, other than the fact that there are just a lot of teams that appear to be very similar in the WCHA and somebody's got to be ninth. The Badgers have this weekend off before hosting a very important series against Minnesota-Duluth.

10. Alaska-Anchorage (No Change)
Last Ranking: #10
Last Week: Road Win & Tie vs. (12) Minnesota State
5-7-2 Overall, 2-7-1 WCHA
Next Week: vs. (7) North Dakota

Anchorage moved up to tie Minnesota State for 11th place in the league with a three point weekend against them last weekend. They will look to continue moving up the table with a home series against the surging Sioux in this weekend's slate of games.

11. Bemidji State (No Change)
Last Ranking: #11
Last Week: Idle
5-8-1 Overall, 3-6-1 WCHA
Next Week: vs. @ (8) St. Cloud State

Bemidji battles in-state rival St. Cloud this weekend after getting the previous weekend off.

12. Minnesota State - Mankato (No Change)
Last Ranking: #12
Last Week: Home Loss & Tie vs. (10) Alaska-Anchorage
3-10-1 Overall, 2-7-1 WCHA
Next Week: @ (2) Minnesota

The Mavericks fell into a tie for last place last weekend when they only took one point from Alaska-Anchorage. Could the Mavericks steal a point or two from the slumping Gophers this weekend?

Team Tiers:

Last Week

Tier 1 - Colorado College, Minnesota, Minnesota-Duluth
Tier 2 - Denver
Tier 3 - Nebraska-Omaha
Tier 4 - No Teams
Tier 5 - St. Cloud State, Michigan Tech
Tier 6 - Wisconsin, North Dakota
Tier 7 - Alaska-Anchorage, Bemidji State
Tier 8 - Minnesota State

This Week

Tier 1 - Colorado College, Minnesota, Minnesota-Duluth
Tier 2 - Denver, Nebraska-Omaha
Tier 3 - No Teams
Tier 4 - Michigan Tech, North Dakota
Tier 5 - St. Cloud State, Wisconsin
Tier 6 - No Teams
Tier 7 - Alaska-Anchorage, Bemidji State
Tier 8 - Minnesota State

2011-2012 WCHA Power Rankings & Tiers: Week 7

Here are this week's WCHA Power Rankings and Tiers:

WCHA Results, Week 7:

Alaska-Anchorage - Win, Loss vs. Michigan Tech
Bemidji State - Loss, Win vs. North Dakota
Colorado College - Win, Win vs. Wisconsin
Denver - Win, Tie vs. Nebraska-Omaha
Michigan Tech - Loss, Win @ Alaska-Anchorage
Minnesota - Loss, Win in Home-and-Home vs. St. Cloud State
Minnesota-Duluth - Win, Win vs. Minnesota State
Minnesota State - Loss, Loss @ Minnesota-Duluth
Nebraska Omaha - Loss, Tie @ Denver
North Dakota - Win, Loss @ Bemidji State
St. Cloud State - Win, Loss in Home-and-Home vs. Minnesota
Wisconsin - Loss, Loss @ Colorado College

WCHA Standings:

1. Minnesota - 8-2-0 (11-3-0 Overall), 16 Points
2. Minnesota-Duluth - 7-2-1 (9-3-2 Overall), 15 Points
3. Nebraska-Omaha - 5-3-2 (6-6-2 Overall), 12 Points
4. Denver - 4-2-3 (5-3-3 Overall), 11 Points
4. Michigan Tech - 5-4-1 (7-4-1 Overall), 11 Points
6. Colorado College - 5-2-0 (7-2-0 Overall), 10 Points
7. St. Cloud State - 4-3-1 (6-6-2 Overall), 9 Points
7. Wisconsin - 4-7-1 (5-8-1 Overall), 9 Points
9. Bemidji State - 3-6-1 (5-8-1 Overall), 7 Points
10. Minnesota State - 2-6-0 (3-9-0 Overall), 4 Points
10. North Dakota - 2-6-0 (4-7-1 Overall), 4 Points
12. Alaska-Anchorage - 1-7-0 (4-7-1 Overall), 2 Points

Power Rankings:

1. Colorado College (UP 1)
Last Ranking: #2
Last Week: Home Sweep vs. (8) Wisconsin
7-2-0 Overall, 5-2-0 WCHA
Next Week: @ (9) North Dakota

CC is back on top of the rankings after a Minnesota loss and an impressive home sweep versus Wisconsin. The Tigers limited the Badgers to just three goals in their two wins, and if they can combine staunch defending with their impressive offense they will be the team to beat in the league this season.

2. Minnesota (DOWN 1)
Last Ranking: #1
Last Week: Home-and-Home Split vs. (6) St. Cloud State
11-3-0 Overall, 8-2-0 WCHA
Next Week: Non-conference series @ Michigan State

The Gophers lost on the road on Friday for the second week in a row before coming home and dominating the Huskies to the tune of a 5-0 shutout. This Minnesota team has all the talent in the world, but needs to show a hunger and desire for sixty minutes of every game. Their best player, senior goaltender Kent Patterson, has already set a team record for shutouts in a single season. Minnesota travels to East Lansing to take on the 7-5-0 Michigan State Spartans over Thanksgiving weekend.

3. Minnesota-Duluth (No Change)
Last Ranking: #3
Last Week: Home Sweep vs. (12) Minnesota State
9-3-2 Overall, 7-2-1 WCHA
Next Week: Idle

The Bulldogs easily dispatched of the Mavericks at home last weekend, and now stand only a single point behind Minnesota. Minnesota-Duluth is idle next weekend, and the break will do them good - they've played 10 of their first 14 games at home, but the Bulldogs' next eight games come on the road.

4. Denver University (No Change)
Last Ranking: #4
Last Week: Home Win & Tie vs. (5) Nebraska-Omaha
5-3-3 Overall, 4-2-3 WCHA
Next Week: Non-conference vs. Providence (Fri) and Miami (Sat)

The Pioneers took three out of four points from a good Nebraska-Omaha team at home last weekend. It looks like Denver has gotten themselves back on track, now in fourth place in the league and moving up. They face Providence College from Hockey East and Miami (OH) from the CCHA in an important non-conference matchup this weekend.

5. Nebraska-Omaha (No Change)
Last Ranking: #5
Last Week: Road Loss & Tie @ (4) Denver
6-6-2 Overall, 5-3-2 WCHA
Next Week: vs. (6) St. Cloud State

UNO lost and tied at Denver last weekend, and although they only took one point they're still in third place overall in the league. Their goaltending situation is still up in the air, as last season's WCHA third team goalie John Faulkner gave up seven goals on Friday and has had a tough year thus far. If the Mavericks can find a good goalie they might be able to maintain their position in the top four of the league.

6. St. Cloud State (UP 2)
Last Ranking: #8
Last Week: Home-and-Home Split vs. (2) Minnesota
6-6-2 Overall, 4-3-1 WCHA
Next Week: @ (5) Nebraska-Omaha

St. Cloud moves into the last home-ice spot in the WCHA power rankings. It's a testament to the uneasy nature of the middle of the league that there have been three teams in the last three weeks occupying the sixth spot in the raknings (North Dakota, Wisconsin and St. Cloud State). The Huskies travel to Omaha to battle the Mavericks in what could be a statement series for them - three points or more and St. Cloud is staunchly in the home-ice conversation.

7. Michigan Tech (UP 2)
Last Ranking: #9
Last Week: Road Split @ (10) Alaska-Anchorage
7-4-1 Overall, 5-4-1 WCHA
Next Week: Non-conference @ St. Lawrence

Michigan Tech split on the road with an underrated Alaska-Anchorage team last weekend, and will go on the road to St. Lawrence this weekend. The Huskies are undergoing something of a renaissance, as they've already won more games (7) and WCHA games (5) than they won all of last season (4 and 2, respectively). This late into the season Michigan Tech is still tied for fourth in the league... they've got to start getting some love from the pollsters and from me in this power ranking.

8. Wisconsin (DOWN 2)
Last Ranking: #6
Last Week: Swept on the Road @ (1) Colorado College
5-8-1 Overall, 4-7-1 WCHA
Next Week: Non-conference vs. Mercyhurst

Wisconsin was swept in Colorado Springs last weekend, but should look to rebound at home against Mercyhurst. The Badgers are an enigma, with their defensive style working for them at times but biting them at others. One positive sign is that they may have found a starting goaltender - Joel Rumpel played well against Minnesota and played the Friday game against the Tigers.

9. North Dakota (DOWN 2)
Last Ranking: #7
Last Week: Road Split @ (11) Bemidji State
4-7-1 Overall, 2-6-0 WCHA
Next Week: vs. (1) Colorado College

North Dakota moves down to number nine in this week's power rankings. The Sioux are reeling, and it doesn't get any easier as the number one Colorado College Tigers travel to Grand Forks next weekend. Star freshman Rocco Grimaldi is out another 6-8 weeks, and as the Sioux are thin in the scoring department anyways this could be a blow to their chances in the league.

10. Alaska-Anchorage (No Change)
Last Ranking: #10
Last Week: Home Split vs. (7) Michigan Tech
4-7-1 Overall, 1-7-0 WCHA
Next Week: @ (12) Minnesota State

The Seawolves finally won their first league game last weekend, and they travel to Mankato to take on the Mavericks this weekend. This could be an opportunity for Anchorage to grab a few points on the road in the league.

11. Bemidji State (No Change)
Last Ranking: #11
Last Week: Home Split vs (9) North Dakota
5-8-1 Overall, 3-6-1 WCHA
Next Week: vs. Idle

The Beavers split with the rival Sioux last weekend, and currently sit in ninth place overall in the WCHA. Bemidji gets a week off this weekend before traveling to St. Cloud to take on the Huskies next weekend.

12. Minnesota State - Mankato (No Change)
Last Ranking: #12
Last Week: Swept on the Road @ (3) Minnesota-Duluth
3-9-0 Overall, 2-6-0 WCHA
Next Week: vs. (10) Alaska-Anchorage

Mankato was swept in Duluth by the hot Bulldogs, and they could look to gain a few league points this weekend at home against Alaska-Anchorage.

Team Tiers:

Last Week

Tier 1 - Minnesota, Colorado College
Tier 2 - Minnesota-Duluth, Denver
Tier 3 - No Teams
Tier 4 - Nebraska-Omaha
Tier 5 - Wisconsin, North Dakota, St. Cloud State
Tier 6 - Michigan Tech
Tier 7 - Alaska-Anchorage, Bemidji State
Tier 8 - Minnesota State

This Week

Tier 1 - Colorado College, Minnesota, Minnesota-Duluth
Tier 2 - Denver
Tier 3 - Nebraska-Omaha
Tier 4 - No Teams
Tier 5 - St. Cloud State, Michigan Tech
Tier 6 - Wisconsin, North Dakota
Tier 7 - Alaska-Anchorage, Bemidji State
Tier 8 - Minnesota State

2011-2012 WCHA Power Rankings & Tiers: Week 6

Another week, another set of power rankings in the WCHA - INCLUDING a few big moves in the top six. Read more to find out:

WCHA Results, Week 6:

Alaska-Anchorage - Loss, Loss @ Minnesota-Duluth
Bemidji State - Tie, Loss vs. Nebraska-Omaha
Colorado College - Idle, Loss @ Denver
Denver - Idle, Win vs. Colorado College
Michigan Tech - Idle
Minnesota - Loss, Win @ Wisconsin
Minnesota-Duluth - Win, Win vs. Alaska-Anchorage
Minnesota State - Win, Loss vs. St. Cloud State
Nebraska Omaha - Tie, Win vs. Bemidji State
North Dakota - Idle
St. Cloud State - Loss, Win @ Minnesota State
Wisconsin - Win, Loss vs. Minnesota

WCHA Standings:

1. Minnesota - 7-1-0 (10-2-0 Overall), 14 Points
2. Minnesota-Duluth - 5-2-1 (7-3-2 Overall), 11 Points
2. Nebraska-Omaha - 5-2-1 (6-5-1 Overall), 11 Points
4. Michigan Tech - 4-3-1 (6-3-1 Overall), 9 Points
4. Wisconsin - 4-5-1 (5-6-1 Overall), 9 Points
6. Denver - 3-2-2 (4-3-2 Overall), 8 Points
7. St. Cloud State - 3-2-1 (5-5-2 Overall), 7 Points
8. Colorado College - 3-2-0 (5-2-0 Overall), 6 Points
9. Bemidji State - 2-5-1 (4-7-1 Overall), 5 Points
10. Minnesota State - 2-4-0 (3-7-0 Overall), 4 Points
11. North Dakota - 1-5-0 (3-6-1 Overall), 2 Points
12. Alaska-Anchorage - 0-6-0 (3-6-1 Overall), 0 Points

Power Rankings:

1. Minnesota (UP 1)
Last Ranking: #2
Last Week: Road Split vs. (6) Wisconsin
10-2-0 Overall, 7-1-0 WCHA
Next Week: Home-and-Home series vs. (8) St. Cloud State

Minnesota lost on Friday at Wisconsin and showed that they're a young team that can fall prey to inconsistent effort sometimes. Then Saturday they showed why they're the number one team in the nation, throttling Wisconsin all game long in a 4-1 victory. Minnesota's move has more to do with CC's apparent inconsistency in goal than anything, but the Gophers are putting together quite a run thus far in the WCHA.

2. Colorado College (DOWN 1)
Last Ranking: #1
Last Week: Road Loss vs. (4) Denver
5-2-0 Overall, 3-2-0 WCHA
Next Week: vs. (6) Wisconsin

I struggled with moving CC down to number two in the rankings - I've thought all year long that they were the team to beat in the WCHA. However, surprisingly inconsistent goaltending from Joe Howe has me questioning whether the Tigers have what it takes to make a deep postseason run. Nobody questions their firepower, but it's defense and goaltending that win championships.

3. Minnesota-Duluth (UP 1)
Last Ranking: #4
Last Week: Home Sweep vs. (10) Alaska-Anchorage
7-3-2 Overall, 5-2-1 WCHA
Next Week: vs. (12) Minnesota State

Duluth had another good weekend at home, sweeping the cellar-dwelling Seawolves. I was down on this team at the beginning of the year but their play thus far has made me a believer. Their only blemishes thus far are a loss to a good Notre Dame team at the beginning of the season and a home sweep at the hands of the Gophers. The Bulldogs are quickly showing that they belong in the conversation of best teams in the WCHA. Minnesota-Duluth has a good chance to keep the momentum rolling next weekend as they host the Minnesota State Mavericks.

4. Denver University (DOWN 1)
Last Ranking: #3
Last Week: Home Win on Saturday vs. (2) Colorado College
4-3-2 Overall, 3-2-2 WCHA
Next Week: vs. (5) Nebraska-Omaha

Denver moves down mostly on the surprising play of the Duluth Bulldogs. They are still a solid team and a near-lock for home-ice in the first round of the WCHA playoffs. A big win against arch-rival Colorado College was their only action this last weekend, but the Pioneers face a stiff challenge against number five ranked Nebraska-Omaha this Friday and Saturday.

5. Nebraska-Omaha (No Change)
Last Ranking: #5
Last Week: Home Tie & Win vs. (11) Bemidji State
6-5-1 Overall, 5-2-1 WCHA
Next Week: @ (4) Denver

The Mavericks took three points at home against a team that handed them six losses last season, the Bemidji State Beavers. Their goaltending situation is a mess, but their forward group is one of the best in the league.

6. Wisconsin (UP 1)
Last Ranking: #7
Last Week: Home Split vs. (1) Minnesota
5-6-1 Overall, 4-5-1 WCHA
Next Week: @ (2) Colorado College

Wisconsin moves up into the top six in the power rankings on the back of a home split versus number one Minnesota. If the Badgers can stay there will likely depend on the result of their series this upcoming weekend at Colorado College. If Wisconsin can steal a game out in Colorado Springs, it may signal that they're for real. Keep an eye on the goalie situation in Madison - Joel Rumpel played back-to-back games for the first time in his career against the Gophers and had two pretty solid games. It will be interesting to see how he holds up against the high-flying Tigers.

7. North Dakota (DOWN 1)
Last Ranking: #6
Last Week: Idle
3-6-1 Overall, 1-5-0 WCHA
Next Week: @ (11) Bemidji State

North Dakota moves out of the top six in this week's edition of the power rankings. I still think that they're a better team than Wisconsin, but the Sioux have an awfully tough hill to climb to get back to relevance in the WCHA. Going on the road to face Bemidji State isn't a cakewalk, either - a nice rivalry has developed between the two teams, and Bemidji always plays hard against the Sioux.

8. St. Cloud State (No Change)
Last Ranking: #8
Last Week: Road Split @ (12) Minnesota State
5-5-2 Overall, 3-2-1 WCHA
Next Week: Home-and-Home vs. (1) Minnesota

St. Cloud is an interesting team - just when you think they're about ready to take the next step, they go down to Mankato and lose to the hard-luck Mavericks. A road split is not the end of the world, but there are still questions surrounding this Huskies team. Goalkeeper Mike Lee is out for the season with a lower-body injury, so we'll see how backup Ryan Faragher fares between the pipes. The injury imp has hit St. Cloud hard already with senior forward Drew LeBlanc out for the season with a broken leg - how St. Cloud responds will be interesting against number one Minnesota this upcoming weekend.

9. Michigan Tech (No Change)
Last Ranking: #9
Last Week: Idle
6-3-1 Overall, 4-3-1 WCHA
Next Week: @ (10) Alaska-Anchorage

The Huskies from Houghton travel to Alaska-Anchorage to take on the Seawolves in this weekend's action. The trip is always tough, and as good as Tech has been thus far this year I expect Alaska-Anchorage to take at least two points.

10. Alaska-Anchorage (No Change)
Last Ranking: #10
Last Week: Swept on the Road @ Minnesota Duluth
3-6-1 Overall, 0-6-0 WCHA
Next Week: vs. (9) Michigan Tech

A tough start in the league for the Seawolves this year, as they drop to 0-6-0 in their first six league games. However, that figure really could read 2-6-0 since the Seawolves have (technically) non-conference wins against Nebraska-Omaha and St. Cloud State in beginning-of-the-season tournaments. I think this Anchorage team is better than their record, but they need to start scoring some goals in-conference - thus far, the Seawolves have scored just four goals in six WCHA games played.

11. Bemidji State (No Change)
Last Ranking: #11
Last Week: Tie, Loss vs. (5) Nebraska-Omaha
4-7-1 Overall, 2-5-1 WCHA
Next Week: vs. (7) North Dakota

Bemidji has a big series this upcoming weekend versus the rival Fighting Sioux. North Dakota is down this season, but they're a better team than their record. I'd say a weekend split is probably to be expected, with anything more for either side as gravy.

12. Minnesota State - Mankato (No Change)
Last Ranking: #12
Last Week: Split vs. (8) St. Cloud State
3-7-0 Overall, 2-4-0 WCHA
Next Week: @ (3) Minnesota-Duluth

Another WCHA victory against St. Cloud has the Mavericks staunchly out of the cellar in the league table. In the power rankings, they still have a lot of work to do to move past any teams, but they have shown that they're not in as big of trouble as I originally predicted.

Team Tiers:

Last Week

Tier 1 - Colorado College, Minnesota
Tier 2 - Denver
Tier 3 - Minnesota-Duluth
Tier 4 - Nebraska-Omaha
Tier 5 - North Dakota, Wisconsin, St. Cloud State
Tier 6 - Michigan Tech, Alaska-Anchorage
Tier 7 - Bemidji State
Tier 8 - Minnesota State

This Week

Tier 1 - Minnesota, Colorado College
Tier 2 - Minnesota-Duluth, Denver
Tier 3 - No Teams
Tier 4 - Nebraska-Omaha
Tier 5 - Wisconsin, North Dakota, St. Cloud State
Tier 6 - Michigan Tech
Tier 7 - Alaska-Anchorage, Bemidji State
Tier 8 - Minnesota State

2011-2012 WCHA Power Rankings & Tiers: Week 5

Things are starting to settle in the WCHA after five weeks of hockey action. Let's see who's up and who's down:

WCHA Results, Week 5:

Alaska-Anchorage - Idle
Bemidji State - Win, Loss @ Lake Superior State
Colorado College - Loss, Win @ Nebraska-Omaha
Denver - Tie, Loss vs. Minnesota-Duluth
Michigan Tech - Win, Loss vs. Minnesota State
Minnesota - Win, Win vs. North Dakota
Minnesota-Duluth - Tie, Win @ Denver
Minnesota State - Loss, Win @ Michigan Tech
Nebraska Omaha - Win, Loss vs. Colorado College
North Dakota - Loss, Loss @ Minnesota
St. Cloud State - Win, Tie vs. Wisconsin
Wisconsin - Loss, Tie @ St. Cloud State

Power Rankings:

1. Colorado College (No Change)
Last Ranking: #1
Last Week: Road Split vs. (5) Nebraska-Omaha
5-1-0 Overall, 3-1-0 WCHA
Next Week: No Game Friday, @ (3) Denver Saturday

Yes, I am aware that Minnesota jumped up to number one in the polls this week. Yes, I am aware that the Gophers are at the top of the WCHA standings. However, this ranking is a barometer of where I think teams will end up at the end of the season not just in the league but on the national scene, and I still think Colorado College is the team to beat in the WCHA.

2. Minnesota (No Change)
Last Ranking: #2
Last Week: Home Sweep vs. (6) North Dakota
9-1-0 Overall, 6-0-0 WCHA
Next Week: @ Wisconsin

The Gophers continued their perfect start to the WCHA season with a sweep of the hated North Dakota Fighting Sioux. Minnesota is still number two in the power rankings, but they're breathing down Colorado College's neck. The early returns make me a believer in this team - but an injury to a key player such as Kent Patterson, Nick Bjugstad, Kyle Rau or Nate Schmidt could really hamper the Gophers' chances at postseason glory.

3. Denver University (No Change)
Last Ranking: #3
Last Week: Home Tie & Loss vs. (4) Minnesota-Duluth
3-3-2 Overall, 2-2-2 WCHA
Next Week: No Game Friday, vs. (1) Colorado College Saturday

Another surprising weekend for Denver, as they only manage to take one point at home against Minnesota-Duluth. Duluth is a good team, but so is Denver, and a one point weekend at home is not something for this team to be proud of. Denver needs to hang in there until goaltender Sam Brittain can return from his torn ACL - he's a game-changer.

4. Minnesota-Duluth (No Change)
Last Ranking: #4
Last Week: Road Tie & Win vs. (3) Denver
5-3-2 Overall, 3-2-1 WCHA
Next Week: vs. (10) Alaska-Anchorage

Duluth is proving me wrong so far this season. I had them pegged as a middle-of-the-pack WCHA squad this year with all the defections they sustained from their NCAA Championship team, but they keep beating quality opponents. Taking three points on the road against the number three team in this power ranking Denver might not move them past the Pioneers yet, but it does move them up a tier (see below).

5. Nebraska-Omaha (No Change)
Last Ranking: #5
Last Week: Home Split vs. (1) Colorado College
5-5-0 Overall, 4-2-0 WCHA
Next Week: @ (11) Bemidji State

UNO split at home last weekend against the number one ranked (in this ranking) Colorado College. Thus far it doesn't look like the Mavericks are going to light the world on fire, but they're a solid team that will win a lot of games against other good teams this year.

6. North Dakota (No Change)
Last Ranking: #6
Last Week: Swept on the Road @ (2) Minnesota
3-6-1 Overall, 1-5-0 WCHA
Next Week: Idle

Even though the Sioux were swept on the road at Minnesota last weekend, I still like this team better than the six below it. Aaron Dell is solid between the pipes and kept his team in both the games against the Gophers over the weekend. If North Dakota wants to earn home ice in the WCHA they'll need to find some secondary scoring - their top line of Danny Kristo, Brock Nelson and Corban Knight is about their only scoring threat. A healthy Rocco Grimaldi will go a long way towards this team's success.

7. Wisconsin (No Change)
Last Ranking: #7
Last Week: Road Loss & Tie vs. (8) St. Cloud State
4-5-1 Overall, 3-4-1 WCHA
Next Week: vs. (2) Minnesota

Just when Wisconsin's goalie situation was settling down, St. Cloud hung a seven-spot on Landon Peterson during Friday's beatdown. Backup Joel Rumpel gave up three goals in an overtime tie on Saturday. Will we see another goalie position battle in Madison right after we thought it had been settled?

8. St. Cloud State (No Change)
Last Ranking: #8
Last Week: Home Win & Tie vs. (7) Wisconsin
4-4-2 Overall, 2-1-1 WCHA
Next Week: @ (12) Minnesota State

St. Cloud again asserted itself against a decent team last weekend, taking three points from Wisconsin at home. It appears that the Huskies are a home ice contender this season in the league. However, they'll need to overcome a big loss they suffered last weekend, as senior Drew LeBlanc broke his leg and is likely out for the remainder of the season. That is a big loss for the team and the reason they did not jump past Wisconsin in the rankings this week.

9. Michigan Tech (No Change)
Last Ranking: #9
Last Week: Home Split vs. (12) Minnesota State
6-3-1 Overall, 4-3-1 WCHA
Next Week: Idle

Tech's first home loss came from an unlikely source in the battered and bruised Minnesota State Mavericks. What a turnaround for this program, though, to think that there's disappointment at only splitting in a WCHA series.

10. Alaska-Anchorage (UP 1)
Last Ranking: #11
Last Week: Idle
3-4-1 Overall, 0-4-0 WCHA
Next Week: @ (4) Minnesota-Duluth

The Seawolves did not play last weekend and face a tough UMD team next weekend. A split would prove they're playing for keeps this year in the WCHA, but a sweep would leave them at 0-6-0 to start the season in the league.

11. Bemidji State (DOWN 1)
Last Ranking: #10
Last Week: Split @ Lake Superior State
4-6-0 Overall, 2-4-0 WCHA
Next Week: vs. (5) Nebraska-Omaha

Bemidji is a really good number 11 team in the WCHA. With the exception of the 1 vs 12 playoff series, each WCHA first round contest should be a tough one.

12. Minnesota State - Mankato (No Change)
Last Ranking: #12
Last Week: Split @ (9) Michigan Tech
2-6-0 Overall, 1-3-0 WCHA
Next Week: vs. (8) St. Cloud State

Maybe Minnesota State isn't as dead in the water as earlier predicted. The Mavericks split with a surprisingly tough Michigan Tech team in Houghton last weekend. They take on a surging but injury ridden St. Cloud State next weekend.

Team Tiers:

Last Week

Tier 1 - Colorado College
Tier 2 - Minnesota, Denver
Tier 3 - No Teams
Tier 4 - Minnesota-Duluth, Nebraska-Omaha
Tier 5 - North Dakota, Wisconsin
Tier 6 - St. Cloud State, Michigan Tech
Tier 7 - Bemidji State, Alaska-Anchorage
Tier 8 - Minnesota State

This Week

Tier 1 - Colorado College, Minnesota
Tier 2 - Denver
Tier 3 - Minnesota-Duluth
Tier 4 - Nebraska-Omaha
Tier 5 - North Dakota, Wisconsin, St. Cloud State
Tier 6 - Michigan Tech, Alaska-Anchorage
Tier 7 - Bemidji State
Tier 8 - Minnesota State

2011-2012 WCHA Power Rankings & Tiers: Week 4

Another interesting week has gone by in the WCHA. Here's a glimpse at where I think the teams stack up in my Power Rankings and Tiers!

WCHA Results, Week 4:

Alaska-Anchorage - Loss, Loss vs. Minnesota
Bemidji State - Loss, Loss @ Minnesota-Duluth
Colorado College - Win, Win @ RPI
Denver - Loss, Tie @ Michigan Tech
Michigan Tech - Win, Tie vs. Denver
Minnesota - Win, Win @ Alaska-Anchorage
Minnesota-Duluth - Win, Win vs. Bemidji State
Minnesota State - Idle
Nebraska Omaha - Win, Loss @ Wisconsin
North Dakota - Loss, Win vs. St. Cloud State
St. Cloud State - Win, Loss @ North Dakota
Wisconsin - Loss, Win vs. Nebraska-Omaha

Power Rankings:

1. Colorado College (No Change)
Last Ranking: #1
Last Week: Road Sweep vs. RPI
4-0-0 Overall, 2-0-0 WCHA

Another week of no change at the top of the WCHA. CC sweeps away at RPI. They still haven't played much in the league, so we'll see how they react when they face some of the meat of the WCHA.

2. Minnesota (UP 1)
Last Ranking: #3
Last Week: Road Sweep vs. Alaska-Anchorage
7-1-0 Overall, 4-0-0 WCHA

Minnesota moves up to #2 in the WCHA Power Rankings on the strength of another road sweep in the WCHA and Denver faltering in Houghton. Minnesota faces a tough test this weekend as the Fighting Sioux travel to Minneapolis. The Gophers sit atop the WCHA standings with 8 total points.

3. Denver University (DOWN 1)
Last Ranking: #2
Last Week: Road Loss & Tie vs. Michigan Tech
3-2-1 Overall, 2-1-1 WCHA

In a surprising turn of events, Denver went up to Houghton and struggled against a Michigan Tech team that is on the rise, but not yet in the elite of the WCHA. Denver is still a solid team, but perhaps there are more chinks in the armor than I had previously thought.

4. Minnesota-Duluth (UP 1)
Last Ranking: #5
Last Week: Home Sweep vs. Bemidji State
4-3-1 Overall, 2-2-0 WCHA

This Duluth team continues to play well, with their only losses on the season coming in close games versus a good Minnesota squad and a loss against then #1 ranked Notre Dame. The Bulldogs can play with the elite teams in the WCHA, but I think they'll fall short of that top three ranking come the end of the season.

5. Nebraska-Omaha (DOWN 1)
Last Ranking: #4
Last Week: Road Split vs. Wisconsin
4-4-0 Overall, 3-1-0 WCHA

Omaha came back from an early 3-0 deficit in Friday's game to win a barnburner 5-4. The WCHA has always been a "split on the road, sweep at home" league, so a split at a rising Wisconsin team is not a bad result. Expect to see this team in the top six of the league and hosting a first round playoff series.

6. North Dakota (No Change)
Last Ranking: #6
Last Week: Home Split vs. St. Cloud State
3-4-1 Overall, 1-3-0 WCHA

Another rough weekend for the Fighting Sioux as they have now dropped three of their last four games and head to Minnesota to face a tough Gopher squad. Could this big rivalry be the turning point the Sioux need to build some momentum? Rocco Grimaldi should be back and fully healthy come the weekend series with the Gophers.

7. Wisconsin (UP 1)
Last Ranking: #8
Last Week: Home Split vs. Nebraska-Omaha
4-4-0 Overall, 3-3-0 WCHA

The Badgers have shown that they can score goals in their past several games, with 10 goals in their last two games and 28 goals in their first eight (3.5 goals per game). The goaltending appears to be stabilizing in freshman Landon Peterson. This Wisconsin team could sneak up on the top six if North Dakota or Nebraska-Omaha struggles.

8. St. Cloud State (UP 2)
Last Ranking: #10
Last Week: Road Split vs. North Dakota
3-4-1 Overall, 1-1-0 WCHA

Don't look now, but here come the Huskies. St. Cloud stole a victory from the Sioux in Grand Forks and appear to be a team that can beat anyone in the league if you're not careful.

9. Michigan Tech (UP 2)
Last Ranking: #11
Last Week: Home Win & Tie vs. Denver
5-2-1 Overall, 3-2-1 WCHA

Just when I say Michigan Tech is a few years from competing for a home ice spot in the WCHA, they take three points from a good Denver team. Maybe they can compete this season?

10. Bemidji State (DOWN 3)
Last Ranking: #7
Last Week: Swept @ Minnesota Duluth
3-5-0 Overall, 2-4-0 WCHA

I don't think Bemidji is a bad team at all. However, the WCHA is pretty solid top to bottom and right now Bemidji is the tenth best team in the conference.

11. Alaska-Anchorage (DOWN 2)
Last Ranking: #9
Last Week: Swept vs. Minnesota
3-4-1 Overall, 0-4-0 WCHA

Another rough weekend for the Seawolves as they were swept at home by a good Minnesota team. Alaska-Anchorage is still looking for its first WCHA win, which might be tough to get this weekend when they travel to Duluth to take on the Bulldogs.


12. Minnesota State - Mankato (No Change)
Last Ranking: #12
Last Week: Idle
1-5-0 Overall, 0-2-0 WCHA

It was a good time for a bye week in Mankato. The team had only 18 healthy skaters in their tilt with Denver the previous weekend, so they needed the time to heal up. The Mavericks take on Michigan Tech in Houghton this weekend.

Team Tiers:

Last Week

Tier 1 - Colorado College, Denver
Tier 2 - No Teams
Tier 3 - Minnesota
Tier 4 - Nebraska-Omaha, Minnesota-Duluth, North Dakota
Tier 5 - Bemidji State, Wisconsin
Tier 6 - Alaska-Anchorage, St. Cloud State
Tier 7 - Michigan Tech
Tier 8 - Minnesota State

This Week

Tier 1 - Colorado College
Tier 2 - Minnesota, Denver
Tier 3 - No Teams
Tier 4 - Minnesota-Duluth, Nebraska-Omaha
Tier 5 - North Dakota, Wisconsin
Tier 6 - St. Cloud State, Michigan Tech
Tier 7 - Bemidji State, Alaska-Anchorage
Tier 8 - Minnesota State

2011-2012 WCHA Power Rankings & Tiers: Week 3

After what can only be deemed as an interesting week in the WCHA, let's take a look at where the teams stack up in my Power Rankings and Tiers!

WCHA Results, Week 3:

Alaska-Anchorage - Loss, Loss @ Nebraska-Omaha
Bemidji State - Win, Win vs. Michigan Tech
Colorado College - Idle
Denver - Win, Win vs. Mankato
Michigan Tech - Loss, Loss @ Bemidji State
Minnesota - Win, Loss vs. Vermont
Minnesota-Duluth - Win, Tie @ Providence
Minnesota State - Loss, Loss @ Denver
Nebraska Omaha - Win, Win vs. Michigan Tech
North Dakota - Loss, Loss @ Wisconsin
St. Cloud State - Win, Win vs. New Hampshire
Wisconsin - Win, Win vs. North Dakota

Power Rankings:

1. Colorado College (No Change)
Last Ranking: #1
Last Week: Idle
2-0-0 Overall, 0-0-0 WCHA

Nothing new here. CC is a good team.

2. Denver University (No Change)
Last Ranking: #2
Last Week: Home Sweep vs. Minnesota State - Mankato
3-1-0 Overall, 2-0-0 WCHA

Denver is solid as a rock. DU and CC are the elite teams in the WCHA and they project to be two of the top four teams in the nation all season long.

3. Minnesota (No Change)
Last Ranking: #3
Last Week: Home Split vs. Vermont
5-1-0 Overall, 2-0-0 WCHA

The Gophers looked like two completely different teams this weekend, thrashing the Catamounts 6-0 Friday before losing 5-4 Sunday. Consistency will be key.

4. Nebraska-Omaha (UP 2)
Last Ranking: #6
Last Week: Home Sweep vs. Alaska-Anchorage
3-3-0 Overall, 2-0-0 WCHA

Omaha found its mojo last weekend in a sweep of UAA. The return of Alex Hudson to the Maverick lineup can only augur good things.

5. Minnesota-Duluth (No Change)
Last Ranking: #5
Last Week: Away Win & Tie vs. Providence
2-3-1 Overall, 0-2-0 WCHA

Duluth traveled East and took three points from a tough Providence squad. They'll be a solid WCHA team this season.

6. North Dakota (DOWN 2)
Last Ranking: #4
Last Week: Swept @ Wisconsin
2-3-1 Overall, 0-2-0 WCHA

North Dakota was swept by a seemingly down Wisconsin team last weekend. Could this be a down year for the Sioux, or is coach Dave Hakstol just preparing his squad for their annual second-half charge?

7. Bemidji State (UP 1)
Last Ranking: #8
Last Week: Home Sweep vs. Michigan Tech
3-3-0 Overall, 2-2-0 WCHA

The Beavers swept previously-hot Michigan Tech out of town last weekend. It appears that this Bemidji team could have a chance to sneak into the top six of the WCHA if a team above them falters.

8. Wisconsin (UP 1)
Last Ranking: #9
Last Week: Home Sweep vs. North Dakota
3-3-0 Overall, 2-2-0 WCHA

There are still serious questions to be raised about Bucky's goaltending and scoring offense, but they showed me that they can beat a good team last weekend.

9. Alaska-Anchorage (DOWN 2)
Last Ranking: #7
Last Week: Swept @ Nebraska-Omaha
3-2-1 Overall, 0-2-0 WCHA

The Seawolves had their momentum halted slightly in a road sweep at the hands of Nebraska-Omaha. They could heal quickly by taking at least two points at home against Minnesota this upcoming weekend.

10. St. Cloud State (UP 1)
Last Ranking: #11
Last Week: Sweep vs. New Hampshire
2-3-1 Overall, 0-0-0 WCHA

The Huskies ripped a New Hampshire team that was predicted to do well in the preseason. I'd like to see more from St. Cloud before moving them up farther in this ranking, though. A real WCHA test is first on the To-Do list, and they'll get it this week in a big rivalry series at North Dakota.

11. Michigan Tech (DOWN 1)
Last Ranking: #10
Last Week: Swept @ Bemidji State
4-2-0 Overall, 2-2-0 WCHA

I like what Mel Pearson has done so far in his limited time at Michigan Tech. However, it's a long climb out of the steep well that the Huskies were in prior to his arrival - the team only won four games all of last year. I think Tech is a team on the rise, but it might take a few years to get them to the middle of the pack.

12. Minnesota State - Mankato (No Change)
Last Ranking: #12
Last Week: Swept @ Denver
1-5-0 Overall, 0-2-0 WCHA

Not much to say here. Mankato put up a good fight against Denver in the Friday game despite playing with 18 skaters. This team is dinged up with injuries already. Let's hope they get healthy soon, or it could be a long season down in southern Minnesota.

Team Tiers:

Last Week

Tier 1 - Colorado College, Denver
Tier 2 - Minnesota
Tier 3 - North Dakota, Minnesota-Duluth, Nebraska-Omaha
Tier 4 - no teams
Tier 5 - Alaska-Anchorage
Tier 6 - Wisconsin, Bemidji State
Tier 7 - Michigan Tech, St. Cloud State
Tier 8 - Minnesota State

This Week

Tier 1 - Colorado College, Denver
Tier 2 - No Teams
Tier 3 - Minnesota
Tier 4 - Nebraska-Omaha, Minnesota-Duluth, North Dakota
Tier 5 - Bemidji State, Wisconsin
Tier 6 - Alaska-Anchorage, St. Cloud State
Tier 7 - Michigan Tech
Tier 8 - Minnesota State

2011-2012 WCHA Power Rankings and Tiers: Week 2

After two weeks of regular season play, let's take a look at my very own formulation of the WCHA power rankings and if any teams have moved up or down from their positions in the pre-season predictions.

1. Colorado College (No Change)
Preseason Rank: 1, 2-0-0 overall
Believe in the Schwartz! Jaden and Rylan have combined for 5 goals in just two games thus far. A pair of home wins against Bemidji got the Tigers off on the right foot.

2. Denver (No Change)
Preseason Rank: 2, 1-1-0 overall
DU beat a good BC team and lost to BU in their trip out east to open the season. No reason to doubt them thus far.

3. Minnesota (No Change)
Preseason Rank: 3, 4-0-0 overall
Don Lucia's crew has looked stellar thus far in blanking Sacred Heart and sweeping Duluth at Amsoil Arena. The Gophers have racked up 25 goals in four games played and leading the nation in power play. Kent Patterson looks to be a rock between the pipes.

4. North Dakota (UP 1)
Preseason Rank: 5, 2-1-1 overall
The Sioux beat Air Force and lost to BC in the first weekend of the season, while beating and tying Maine last weekend. Can they find someone to step up and score goals? Looks like Corban Knight and Danny Kristo will carry the load with a combined five goals and 13 points in four games. Where will the secondary scoring come from, though? Maybe Brock Nelson (2-2-4) will continue his solid play.

5. Minnesota-Duluth (UP 1)
Preseason Rank: 6, 1-3-0 overall
I know UMD was swept at home by Minnesota last weekend. But the games were close (both nights the Bulldogs lost 5-4), and Duluth split with a good Notre Dame team in their first weekend of action. UMD looked like a solid team in their losses with the Gophers, and good hockey will win out over the long run.

6. Nebraska-Omaha (DOWN 2)
Preseason Rank: 4, 1-3-0 overall
Omaha has only won one game thus far (Mercyhurst), while losing Colgate, Alaska-Anchorage and Alaska-Fairbanks. The Mavericks look to get leading scorer Alex Hudson back from injury soon.

7. Alaska-Anchorage (UP 3)
Preseason Rank: 10, 3-0-1 overall
The Seawolves are off to a hot start, and it appears they're building on the momentum they created at the end of last season. Anchorage tied Clarkson and beat St. Cloud State in their opening weekend, and beat Omaha and Mercyhurst in their most recent set of games. Are they on the verge of an upswing?

8. Bemidji State (UP 1)
Preseason Rank: 9, 1-3-0 overall
Bemidji split at Miami (OH) and were swept at Colorado College. To come out of that opening gauntlet 1-3-0 is not the worst start in the world, and this Serratore-coached team does a lot of things right.

9. Wisconsin (DOWN 2)
Preseason Rank: 7, 1-3-0 overall
Wisconsin split with Northern Michigan and were swept by Michigan Tech. The UP has not been kind to the Badgers this season. Bucky lost a lot of talent off their roster from last season, so we'll see whether or not the Badgers will be able to right the ship while leaning on a lot of young players, including starting a freshman in goal. However, all three of Wisconsin's losses have come in overtime, so maybe some bad luck has stung the team this early in the year.

10. Michigan Tech (UP 2)
Preseason Rank: 12, 4-0-0 overall
Tech has already won as many games this season as it did all of last year. New coach Mel Pearson must be doing something right up there in Houghton. The Huskies swept Wisconsin last weekend at home to open up their WCHA season and swept American International the weekend prior.

11. St. Cloud State (DOWN 3)
Preseason Rank: 8, 1-3-0 overall
St. Cloud has not been very good thus far, beating Alaska-Fairbanks while losing to Alaska-Anchorage and getting swept by Northern Michigan. The Huskies have looked like a team that will spend its time lurking in the basement of the WCHA so far. But hey, they should at least be better than Mankato...

12. Minnesota State (DOWN 1)
Preseason Rank: 11, 1-3-0 overall
MSU-Mankato hasn't done a whole lot right in their early season matchups. They don't score a lot of goals, and although their best player may be their goaltender they'll likely be outscored on most nights. It looks pretty clear that the Mavericks will be the worst team in the league this season. An early-season split with RPI and a sweep at the hands of UMass-Lowell don't give much encouragement for this team's future.

I like to think of the WCHA as having multiple tiers of teams. If you had asked me preseason what I thought of the relative strengths of teams, here's what I would have said:

Tier 1 - Colorado College, Denver
Tier 2 - no teams
Tier 3 - Minnesota, North Dakota, Nebraska-Omaha, Minnesota-Duluth
Tier 4 - no teams
Tier 5 - Wisconsin, St. Cloud State
Tier 6 - Bemidji State, Alaska-Anchorage
Tier 7 - Michigan Tech, Minnesota State

However, if you were to ask me today, here's what I'd have to say:

Tier 1 - Colorado College, Denver
Tier 2 - Minnesota
Tier 3 - North Dakota, Minnesota-Duluth, Nebraska-Omaha
Tier 4 - no teams
Tier 5 - Alaska-Anchorage
Tier 6 - Wisconsin, Bemidji State
Tier 7 - Michigan Tech, St. Cloud State
Tier 8 - Minnesota State

The way I see it right now, Minnesota is just underneath the CC/DU tier, Alaska-Anchorage moves up above UW and BSU, and St. Cloud moves down and Michigan Tech moves up to the space between UW/BSU and Mankato, and there's a special tier at the bottom for the non-Omaha Mavericks. I still think that the league has a pretty clear-cut top six / bottom six split. I would be very surprised if a team from outside my preseason top six rankings (CC, DU, Minnesota, UNO, North Dakota, UMD) did not earn home ice in the first round of the WCHA, but stranger things have happened.

Let's see where the power rankings and tiers shake out after this weekend's action!

2011-2012 WCHA Preseason Predictions

It's almost that time of year again, folks! Gopher Hockey starts up in a few short weeks, and that means it's another season of the Pride on Ice Blog! I'd like to start this year off by taking a stab at predicting the 2011-2012 WCHA final standings. I'll provide any insight that I have along with each pick.

1. Colorado College
(2010-2011 WCHA Finish: 6th place, 23-19-3 Overall, lost in NCAA 2nd Rd)

Key Losses: F Stephen Schultz

Key Returners: G Joe Howe, F Jaden Schwartz, F Rylan Schwartz, D Gabe Guentzel

Colorado College returns arguably the most dynamic player in the WCHA from last season, now-Sophomore phenom Jaden Schwartz. Schwartz, along with his brother Rylan, form a formidable tandem at forward for the Tigers, accounting for 27 goals between the two of them (with Jaden playing in only 30 total games due to breaking his foot at the World Junior tournament last season). The Tigers also return now-senior defenseman Gabe Guentzel, the son of returned Gopher assistant Mike Guentzel. Guentzel was one of the better offensive-defensemen in the league last season, scoring 6 goals and adding 22 assists for 28 total points in 45 games played. With a good goaltender between the pipes in Junior Joe Howe, expect the Tigers to be more consistent this season while still playing their exciting brand of high-flying offensive hockey. I would not be surprised to see Colorado College at the top of the WCHA table this season - in fact, I would be much more surprised to see them outside the top two than I would to see them in first place overall.

2. Denver University
(2010-2011 WCHA Finish: 2nd place, 25-12-5 Overall, lost in Final Five Championship, lost in NCAA 2nd Rd)

Key Losses: F Anthony Maiani, F Kyle Ostrow

Key Returners: G Sam Brittain (torn ACL, out for first half), F Jason Zucker, Drew Shore

Denver is a team that seems to be always reloading. They return perhaps the only challenge to Jaden Schwartz's run at Player of the Year honors in Sophomore Jason Zucker (23-22-45 in 40 games played). The Pioneers also return junior forward Drew Shore (23-23-46). Denver lost key forwards Anthony Maiani (8-28-36) and Kyle Ostrow (15-13-28) to graduation, along with a pair of steady defensemen (Chris Nutini and John Ryder) who played in 84 combined team games. However, perhaps THE key returner on the Pioneer squad is sophomore goalkeeper Sam Brittain. Brittain was rock solid in net as a freshman last season, and his presence between the pipes along with coach George Gwozdecky's ability to have good teams year in and year out are one of the main reasons why I think Denver is a lock for a top two position in the WCHA this year. Brittain is out for the first half of the season with a torn ACL, so look for junior goalie Adam Murray to hold the fort until Brittain is healthy enough to come back. To me, it's DU and CC that will be battling for first and second place, with the rest of the league struggling to keep up.

3. University of Minnesota
(2010-2011 WCHA Finish: 5th place, 16-14-6 Overall, lost to UAA in WCHA 1st round, did not make NCAA)

Key Losses: F Mike Hoeffel, F Jacob Cepis, F Jay Barriball, D Cade Fairchild, D Aaron Ness, G Alex Kangas

Key Returners: G Kent Patterson, F Nick Bjugstad, F Zach Budish, Assistant Coach Mike Guentzel

I fully recognize that this could be a "homer" pick. Sue me for my optimism :) Minnesota is right in a pack of three or four teams that could finish anywhere from third to sixth in the league, and I believe that Minnesota's key offseason additions put them in a position to return to prominence on the national scene this season. The return of Assistant Coach Mike Guentzel should provide a tremendous boost to the team, especially on the defensive side of the puck. A healthy Zach Budish (2-4-6 in 7 games) will be an important cog in the Gopher lineup as a big player that plays smart and can score. Nick Bjugstad (8-12-20 in 29 games) is the player that the Gophers will need to rely on the most for scoring. Bjugstad had a breakout second half of the season last year after recovering from a bout with mono. Minnesota will also need to rely on seniors Jake Hansen (11-9-20 in 35 games) and Taylor Matson (10-3-13 in 33 games) to take up more of the scoring. The team lost a lot of scoring from last season due to graduation in Jacob Cepis, Mike Hoeffel, Jay Barriball and Cade Fairchild. Those four players accounted for 43 goals, or 38% of the team's total goals from last season. The team will need to lean on its talented incoming freshmen more than ever, and the Gophers bring in some good ones in freshmen Seth Ambroz, Kyle Rau and Ben Marshall. This is the year that the Gophers finally make the Final Five and the NCAA Tournament again.

4. University of Nebraska-Omaha
(2010-2011 WCHA Finish: 3rd place, 21-16-2 Overall, lost in NCAA 1st rd)

Key Losses: F Joey Martin, F Matt Ambroz, F Rich Purslow, D Eric Olimb

Key Returners: G John Faulkner, F Alex Hudson, F Terry Broadhurst, F Matt White, F Ryan Walters, F Brock Montpetit

This Dean Blais-led Nebraska-Omaha team finished in an 'under the radar' third place in their first year of the WCHA last season. UNO returns its solid 3rd team WCHA goalkeeper John Faulkner, as well as two 30-point scorers in seniors-to-be Alex Hudson (13-18-31) and Terry Broadhurst (11-19-30). No question that the Mavericks lost a lot of top-end scoring in graduated seniors Joey Martin, Matt Ambroz, Rich Purslow, and defenseman Eric Olimb (129 combined points), but expect their super-talented sophomore class led by Matt White, Ryan Walters and Brock Montpetit to take a step forward and fill the scoring void. This Omaha team is good, and with its strength between the pipes and behind the bench I would not be surprised to see them crack the top three come March.

5. University of North Dakota
(2010-2011 WCHA Finish: 1st place, 32-9-3 Overall, WCHA Final Five Champions, lost in NCAA Semifinal)

Key Losses: F Matt Frattin, F Brad Malone, F Evan Trupp, F Jason Gregoire, D Chay Genoway, F Brett Hextall

Key Returners: F Danny Kristo, F Corban Knight, D Ben Blood, G Aaron Dell, G Brad Eidsness

North Dakota was without question the best team in college hockey last season. I have them down into fifth place for the upcoming year due to a tremendous churn in their offensive output. The team is missing five of their top six scorers from their MacNaughton Cup and Broadmoor Trophy winning season last year, including the entirety of the top "Pony Express" line which included Evan Trupp, Brad Malone and WCHA leading scorer Matt Frattin. However, North Dakota always seems to get it done, and returning forwards Corban Knight and Danny Kristo should dent the twine often for NoDak. North Dakota could possess the best goaltending tandem in the league in Aaron Dell and Brad Eidsness, as well as a solid defensive corps led by Ben Blood. Expect a breakout season from sophomore forward Brock Nelson (1st round NHL draft pick last season). Also, look for highly-touted recruit Rocco Grimaldi to make a statement in the lineup.

6. University of Minnesota-Duluth
(2010-2011 WCHA Finish: 4th place, 26-10-6 Overall, NCAA Champions)

Key Losses: F Justin Fontaine, F Mike Connolly, D Justin Faulk, G Kenny Reiter

Key Returners: F Jack Connolly, F Travis Oleksuk, F J.T. Brown

The reigning NCAA Champions round out the top six of my WCHA predictions this season. The Bulldogs were a good team that got hot at the right time last year, and although they lost a lot of talent from last season's roster they return enough good players to remain relevant in the WCHA this year. UMD lost two-thirds of their high-powered top line in Justin Fontaine (22-36-58) and Mike Connolly (28-26-54), as well as super talented freshman defenseman Justin Faulk (8-25-33). They return senior forward Jack Connolly (18-41-59) and sophomore J.T. Brown (16-21-37), as well as sophomore goalie Aaron Crandall. UMD likely will not be as good as they were last season, but expect them to be a solid team that is right there with the rest of the second-teir squads.

7. University of Wisconsin
(2010-2011 WCHA Finish: 7th place, 21-16-4 Overall, did not make WCHA Final Five or NCAA Tournament)

Key Losses: D Jake Gardiner, F Craig Smith, G Scott Gudmandson, G Brett Bennett, F Jordy Murray, Assistant Coach Tom Osiecki

Key Returners: D Justin Schultz

Wisconsin had a disappointing season last year and lost a lot of talent from their roster. F Jordy Murray left the team to play in Switzerland, and Wisconsin lost both of their senior netminders in Brett Bennett and Scott Gudmandson to graduation. Defenseman Jake Gardiner and Forward Craig Smith turned pro, and defensive coach Tom Osiecki left the team to take the reins at Ohio State. Although they return Justin Schultz, the Badgers have an uphill battle to crack the top six in the league.

8. St. Cloud State University
(2010-2011 WCHA Finish: 9th place, 15-18-5 Overall, did not make WCHA Final Five or NCAA Tournament)

Key Losses: F Garrett Roe, F Aaron Marvin

Key Returners: G Mike Lee, F Ben Hanowski, F Drew LeBlanc

St. Cloud was another team that had a disappointing season last year. Picked by many to be one of the preseason favorites heading into the 2010-2011 season, the Huskies never got anything going, falling all the way into ninth place by the time the season ended. This season, the team will live and die by the hand of junior goaltender Mike Lee. If Lee is good, St. Cloud will likely finish just outside the top six in the league. If he's great, we could see the Huskies contending for home ice as the WCHA season winds to a close.

9. Bemidji State University
(2010-2011 WCHA Finish: 10th place, 15-18-5 Overall, beat UNO in first round of WCHA playoffs, lost in first round of Final Five)

Key Losses: F Matt Read, F Ian Lowe

Key Returners: F Jordan George, D Brad Hunt, G Dan Bakala

The Beavers lose two key players in forwards Matt Read (22-13-35) and Ian Lowe (12-16-28), but return leading scorer Jordan George (17-19-36), stellar offensive-defenseman Brad Hunt (3-18-21) and their solid goalkeeper Dan Bakala. Bemidji plays a physical game, so expect them to be tough to beat on their small home ice sheet. The Beavers won't be a pushover, but they likely will finish in the bottom third of the league.

10. University of Alaska-Anchorage
(2010-2011 WCHA Finish: 8th place, 16-18-3 Overall, beat University of Minnesota in WCHA first round)

Key Losses: F Tommy Grant, F Craig Parkinson

Key Returners: G Chris Kamal

Dave Shyiak's squad pulled off an upset in the first round of the WCHA playoffs by sweeping the Gophers in their own rink, and Anchorage will need to win in the same gritty fashion if they wish to move much higher than the bottom third of the WCHA this season. The Seawolves keys to victory were stifling defensive play and capitalizing on the few offensive chances that they got. The defensive part shouldn't be much of a problem, as Anchorage returns now-sophomore goalie Chris Kamal in net. Kamal really came on towards the second half of the year, and it was when the Seawolves chose to keep him in the pipes that they started beating quality opponents. The offensive part may be more difficult to maintain, as Anchorage lost their most potent offensive weapon in Tommy Grant (16-16-32) to graduation. Expect Anchorage to be better than the bottom-of-the-barrel teams in the WCHA, but not quite ready to spring up to the middle of the pack.

11. Minnesota State University - Mankato
(2010-2011 WCHA Finish: 11th place, 14-18-6 Overall, lost to Denver in WCHA first round)

Key Losses: F Kurt Davis, D Ben Youds

Key Returners: F Michael Dorr

The Mavericks were not great last season, and I expect them to remain that way going into the 2011-2012 campaign. One of the bright spots in the lineup this year is former Gopher Michael Dorr, who had 12 goals and 14 assists last season. Dorr will need to lead the charge for the Mavericks if they wish to move past the cellar of the league.

12. Michigan Tech University
(2010-2011 WCHA Finish: 12th place, 4-30-4 Overall, lost to UND in WCHA first round)

Key Losses: D Deron Cousens

Key Returners: F Milos Gordic, F Ryan Furne, new Head Coach Mel Pearson (former Michigan assistant)

Michigan Tech's biggest reason for optimism going into this season is new head coach Mel Pearson. Pearson, an assistant under Red Berenson at Michigan, should inject some new life into the program. Michigan Tech does have some good young players, too - forward Ryan Furne (12-9-21) had a great Freshman campaign and showed lots of promise for the Huskies last season. I expect to see an improved team out of the UP this season, but for a team that won just four games last year, the Huskies could improve and still end up at the bottom of the league. A new coach should make Michigan Tech should be more competitive this year, but as with all coaching changes, results take time and do not happen overnight very often.

WCHA AWARDS

Offensive Player of the Year: Jaden Schwartz, Colorado College
Defensive Player of the Year: Justin Schultz, University of Wisconsin
Goaltender of the Year: Kent Patterson, University of Minnesota
Rookie of the Year: Rocco Grimaldi, University of North Dakota
Coach of the Year: Scott Owens, Colorado College

WCHA First Team:

F Jaden Schwartz, Colorado College
F Danny Kristo, University of North Dakota
F Jason Zucker, Denver University
D Justin Schultz, University of Wisconsin
D Gabe Guentzel, Colorado College
G Kent Patterson, University of Minnesota

WCHA Second Team:

F Nick Bjugstad, University of Minnesota
F Jack Connolly, University of Minnesota-Duluth
F J.T. Brown, University of Minnesota-Duluth
D Ben Blood, University of North Dakota
D Brad Hunt, Bemidji State University
G John Faulkner, University of Nebraska-Omaha