It's that time again. Time to look at this weekend's college hockey schedule and to pick who will win.
I was still in Atlanta, covering the WNBA champion Lynx, so I missed opening weekend. But this is almost as good. Opening weekend in WCHA. And there are three conference series. So let's start with those:
No. 14 Gophers at No. 9 Minnesota Duluth at Amsoil Arena: The Bulldogs were NCAA champions last season. The Gophers missed the NCAA tournament for the third year in a row. They played four times last season and evert game was close.
The final tally was 1-1-2 with two 2-2 overtime ties. The 'Dogs had trouble beating Kent Patterson, who only gave up two goals in each of the first three games. In the memorable fourth game, Mike Connolly scored five goals as UMD won 6-4. Was it a breakthrough against Patterson or an aberration?
Mike Connolly but Jack Connolly, no relation, is back to center UMD's top line. The Gophers may have more firepower this season. It's hard to tell despite the U's 9-0 and 6-0 sweep of Sacred Heart. Last season the 'Dogs were still getting used to their new rink, the Amsoil, which didn't open 'til late December. Should be more of an edge this season. Bottom line: Split
Bemidji State at No. 7/8 Colorado College: CC beat the ybder-18 U.S. team 5-0 in an exhibitiion game last Saturday while the Beaders were giving then-No. 1 Miami all the Redhawks could handle. BSU won the first game 5-3, lost the second 3-2 on the road. This is another strong test for BSU and they will keep the score close but have to go with the team I picked to win the MacNaughton Cup ... CC sweeps
Wisconsin at Michigan Tech: Most knowledgeable hockey people expect Mel Pearson, the Huskies' new coach, to turn the program around. But how quickly? All of Tech's top scorers were freshmen and sophomores last season. Wisconsin is rebuilding. Lost as much or more talent to early departures than any other WCHA team in offseason. ... Split
No. 3 Denver at No. 1 Boston College on Fri., at No. 7/8 Boston University on Sat.: DU gets to show Hockey East how good the WCHA is. What a season opener for the Pioneers. DU beat the under-18 U.S. team 3-0 in an exhibition game last Friday. This is a bit of a step up. ... DU sweeps