On Tap: Minnesota State (8-8-4 overall, 4-6-2 WCHA) continues nonconference action with a pair of home games with American International (4-9-0 overall, 4-8-0 Atlantic Hockey) this weekend. The Mavericks and AIC square-off at Verizon Wireless Center (4,832) in downtown Mankato Friday (7:37 p.m.) and Saturday (7:07 p.m.).

About the Series: MSU has played American International twice with both games coming back in 2002-03 in Mankato. The Mavericks claimed a 7-3 win before earning a 3-3 tie with the Yellow Jackets.

Most Recently: MSU is now 8-8-4 overall (and 4-8-2 in Western Collegiate Hockey Association action) after collecting a pair of wins at the Shillelagh Tournament hosted by Notre Dame in suburban Chicago last weekend. The Mavericks, who have won six of their last eight games, downed 12th-rated Notre Dame, 4-3, and Brown, 7-3, en route to claiming the tournament title. Junior forward Michael Dorr (3-2--5 in two games) was named tourney MVP, junior defenseman Cameron Cooper (2-1--3), senior forward Rylan Galiardi (1-2--3) and sophomore goaltender Phil Cook (58 saves and two wins) were all named to the all-tournament team. Sophomore forward Eli Zuck chipped in with three assists in the championship game and senior forward Andrew Sackrison totalled four assists in the two games.

About American International: The Yellow Jackets last played Dec. 10 when they dropped an 8-1 nonconference decision at Union. Sophomore forward Adam Pleskach has 7-7--14 to pace AIC offensively and sophomore Ben Meisner (4-7-0, .908, 3.61) has started 11 of 13 games in the AIC nets. Head coach Gary Wright (Vermont ‘76) is in his 28th year at the AIC helm and owns a 268-475-55 career mark with the Yellow Jackets.

MSU's 12-page release in pdf format is available here.

Junior defenseman Cameron Cooper discusses the upcoming nonconference series with American International.