Weekend In Review

First of all, I feel like I’m doing this a lot, but let me apologize for the lack of posts for the past couple of days. It’s finals week here, and I am taking advantage of my freetime by playing tons and tons of Madden studying.

This weekend had quite a few intriguing series. Michigan and Notre Dame locked horns in a matchup of struggling programs. The Wolverines got the better of Friday’s matchup as Carl Hagelin and Louie Caporusso both scored and Bryan Hogan, along with the Wolverine defense, turned in a comprehensive effort in their 4-1 victory.

In WCHA-land, Wisconsin continues to feel right at home in Grand Forks. They are the lone WCHA school to have a winning record at the new Ralph Engelstad Arena, and they continued their good play there, taking three points from the Sioux. On Friday they actually had a 3-1 lead, but allowed the Sioux to come back. Blake Geoffrion was the star that night with a goal and an assist. On the other side, North Dakota has to be concerned with the play of Sophomore goalie Brad Eidsness. Just last week I wrote that he was becoming a solid goaltender, but on Friday he allowed 3 goals on just 10 Badger shots before getting yanked for backup Aaron Dell. The Sioux could be vulnerable to an upset if they don’t get their goaltending shored up.

Elsewhere in the WCHA, Minnesota got a weekend sweep, but can hardly be too happy about it as they notched just a pair of one goal victories over Michigan Tech. Mike Hoeffel had two goals on Friday, but super-Soph Jordan Schroeder was held to just two assists on the weekend.

In non-conference action, the shine has come off Bemidji State a little, as they lost at home twice to Minnesota State. Jerad Stewart had 2 goals and an assist on Friday for the Mavs, and Austin lee made 29 saves on Saturday night to give them the sweep.

ECAC leaders Quinnipiac had a non-conference win and a tie, while the team chasing them, Cornell, is in the midst of a long exam break. The Big Red get back into it December 29th and 30th in the Florida College Classic, with games against Colorado College and either Princeton or Maine in what might be the best holiday tournament. But it is Union that could be challenging for a top spot in ECAC Hockey, as they have two games in hand on the Quinnipiac and Cornell, and sit just 3 points back of the leaders after a win over RPI this weekend. Their next conference game is not until January 8th.

In Atlantic Hockey, Mercyhurst is in the lead, but it is 3rd place RIT who appear to be in the driver’s seat as they are one point back of Mercyhurst and co-leader Air Force, but have played two less conference games. They have a chance to make a statement with two games at Minnesota State, the team that just swept top 10 team Bemidji State.

That’s what stood out to me, what stood out to you this weekend?