By all accounts, the Mankato fans had no trouble being frenzied when the Gophers or the Former Sioux came to town, because these were the blue bloods … the programs that looked down on the Mankatos of the hockey world.
But the Alaska (Fairbanks)? Not so much.
There were cheers Saturday when the Mavs came close or scored, and boos when they were called for penalties, but the 5-2 victory for the home team was more appreciated than a cause for frenzied celebration.
MSU Mankato is now 12-4 overall and has its last nonconference series vs. Princeton this weekend. Then, there's a three-week break, before the WCHA schedule resumes with a trip to Northern Michigan on New Year's weekend.
The Mavericks are ranked No. 3 in the USCHO ratings, and stand No. 1 in the more-important Pairwise Ratings for the NCAA tournament.
That's fun, but I think Mankato misses the real WCHA, just as do the occupants (players and fans) of Mariucci Arena.
Patrick +: startribune.com/sports
