Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Change Rules the Day in Early College Action
As the 2010-11 swings into full action, it’s clear that the only thing constant about the season is “change” itself. From upsets, to stunning sweeps to emerging newcomers to fabulous freshmen, college hockey has burst upon the scene full of action and excitement.
Notre Dame knocks off Top ranked BC
Notre Dame fresh up after a runner up performance at the Icebreaker Tournament in St. Louis, took down top ranked and defending NCAA champion Boston College in South Bend 2 -1. After falling behind 1 ? 0 in the first, Notre Dame was able to stifle BC’s fast paced attack and struck for two second period goals by Calle Ridderwall to hand the Eagles their first defeat of the season and signal that Notre Dame will contend all season.
Miami back on Top
After contending for a national championship in each of the last two seasons, the Miami Red Hawks opened 2010 with a bang sweeping Northern Michigan at home in Oxford. On Friday, Miami shut out the Wildcats 4 – 0 behind a Cody Reichard’s hot goaltending and a goal and two assists by Carter Camper and on Saturday, they blasted NMU 9 – 1 riding a hat trick by Reilly Smith and Carter’s five assists. Look for Miami to vault into BC’s place at the top of the early season rankings this week.
Robert Morris shines on the road
Robert Morris announced their presence with authority starting out 2010 with four straight wins including three on the road. After an initial sweep of American International on opening weekend, RMU came back to beat Ohio State in Columbus and then flew by Air Force at Pittsburgh’s new Consol Energy Center to set the early pace in the Atlantic Hockey conference.
Nebraska – Omaha steps into the WCHA
Nebraska – Omaha under Head Coach Dean Blais burst through the door of the new look WCHA with a sweep of perennial powerhouse Minnesota out in Minneapolis. Alex Hudson, Rich Purslow, and Matt Ambroz led the way as the Mavericks swept the Golden Gophers. UN-O followed up with a hard fought split out in against a former CCHA foe Michigan winning 4 – 2on Friday before losing on Saturday as Michigan behind two goals from Scooter Vaughn defended their turf in Ann Arbor.
Maine roughs up North Dakota
Hockey East power Maine opened a lot of eyes as they swept preseason Number 2 North Dakota in convincing fashion. On Friday, Maine jumped all over the Fighting Sioux 5 ? 1 in the first period and coasted to an easy 7 – 3 victory. On Saturday, 2009 Hobey Baker finalist Gustav Nyquist lead the way as Maine held off NoDak 4- 2.
The Freshmen keep marching In
2010 has already seen a number of highly touted freshman make their mark on the college scene. Hockey East has already seen First round NHL draft picks Kevin Hayes of BC and Charlie Coyle of BU mark impressive debuts. Notre Dame can credit the efforts of a trio of freshmen, Anders Lee, TJ Tynan and Stephen Johns for their strong start. Farther West, first round draft pick Jaden Schwartz has become a scoring leader for Colorado College and Jason Zucker from the US NTDP has stepped in to play a major role for Denver.
In all, it’s been a great and unpredictable start for college hockey. Strap in for an exciting season.