The hockey Huskies are back on the ice three times this week as they host rival Northern Michigan University on Tuesday and then head to St. Cloud for more WCHA action.
Senior forward Aaron Pietila competes in the weekend series against Alaska-Anchorage. Photo by Scott Thompson
Rebounding from a disappointing 4-5 loss in which the Huskies gave up a 4-1 lead, Black and Gold rallied for a 6-1 loss the next night, giving the team crucial points and the MacInnes Trophy in the Winter Carnival series. Sitting at 10th in the WCHA, hopes for home playoff ice are looking slim for the Huskies.
Back home on Tuesday, the Huskies host future WCHA member Northern Michigan for the teams’ second meeting of the season. When the teams clashed for the first time back on Dec. 4, the Huskies fell in a 1-2 final favoring the Wildcats. The Huskies lone goal was scored on the power-play by defenseman Brad Stebner, net minder Jamie Phillips getting his first and only start of the season in the non-conference matchup.
The Wildcats sit at second to last in the CCHA with a 6-15-4 conference record and 12-13-4 overall. Senior forward Matt Thurber is ranked at the fifth place spot in the CCHA for overall scoring with three goals and 22 assists.
With little time for recovery after Tuesday’s game, the Huskies travel to Mankato to take on the Minnesota State Mavericks for the teams first meeting of the season. Sitting in the middle of the WCHA, the Mavericks are 18-9-3 overall and 12-9-1 in the WCHA. The Mavericks return home after sweeping the University of Minnesota-Duluth in 4-2, 5-1 finals. Picking up two assists and a goal in the effort, sophomore Matt Leitner leads the Mavericks in scoring with 10 goals and 23 assists.
The Huskies are in search of every point they can get as the season looms closer to playoffs. With only three weekends of WCHA action left, the Huskies need all the points they can get as they look to move up in the standings for a better position. With a rivalry game and a quick turnaround to Minnesota State, the Huskies are well poised for success after taking over Alaska-Anchorage this past weekend.
The Huskies host the Wildcats at 7:07 p.m. tonight.