Off the Hop: 11th-rated Minnesota State (0-0-0 overall, 0-0-0 WCHA) starts the 2018-19 season this weekend when it hosts eighth-rated Boston University (0-0-0, 0-0-0 Hockey East) Friday and Saturday. Face-off between the Mavericks and the Terriers in Mankato at Verizon Center (4,832) is slated for 7:07 p.m., CST Friday and Saturday.
Minnesota State stands 23-22-4 all-time in season openers.
Minnesota State All-Time: The Minnesota State men's hockey program, begun in 1969-70, completed its 49th year of competition in 2017-18. The Mavericks, who completed their 22nd year as members of NCAA Division I and their 19th season as members of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association this year, sport an all-time record of 887-645-153. (.572).
Legends of Maverick Hockey: As a part of this weekend's celebration of the 50th year of Minnesota State men's hockey, the program will induct its inaugural class of "Legends of Maverick Hockey" this weekend with former head coach Don Brose, Dr. Karl Ulrich (a captain on MSU's first team in 1969-70), Steve Forliti (captain on Minnesota State's NCAA DII championship team in 1979-80), Tim Jackman (the first player from Minnesota State to play in the National Hockey League) and current Boston Bruin and two-time Olympian David Backes slated for recognition Saturday night.
About the Minnesota State-BU Series: Minnesota State and Boston University had not played each other prior to last year when the Mavericks ventured out east and came away with a pair of wins (6-3 and 3-0).
Minnesota State Most Recently: The Mavericks claimed a 7-3 win over visiting Mount Royal (Calgary, Alta.) in an exhibition game played last Saturday. Seven different players scored for Minnesota State in the victory and Dryden McKay, Mathias Israelsson and Jacob Berger combined to make 14 stops in the victory. Minnesota State now owns an all-time record of 14-3-0 in games vs. Canadian schools.
Boston University Most Recently: This weekend marks the official start to the season for BU, as well. The Terriers, who skated to a 7-1 win in exhibition action over Acadia Saturday, went 22-14-4 last year while earning a NCAA postseason tournament berth and advancing to the NCAA Northeast regional championship game. Head coach Albie O'Connell (BU '99) is in his first season as head coach with the Terriers, taking over for David Quinn, who is now coaching the NHL's New York Rangers.
About Last Year: Minnesota State finished the 2017-18 campaign with a 29-10-1 record. The Mavericks went 22-5-1 in Western Collegiate Hockey Association games to claim the WCHA regular-season championship. Minnesota State earned an at large berth into the 2017-18 NCAA postseason tournament where it was seeded second at the Western Regional in Sioux Falls, S.D. The Mavericks lost 3-2 in overtime to eventual national champion Minnesota Duluth in a regional first-round game.
Roster Notes: A total of eight players from last year's roster have departed in forwards C. J. Suess, Zeb Knutson, Brad McClure and Steen Cooper, defensemen Daniel Brickley and Clint Lewis and goaltenders Aaron Nelson, Connor LaCouvee and Jason Pawloski.
This year's lineup includes players from 12 different states/provinces (and four countries). The state of Minnesota leads the way with 12 native sons. Class-wise there are four seniors, eight juniors, eight sophomores and eight freshmen.
Captains: The Mavvericks announced last week that a trio of players will serve as Tri-Captains for the 2018-19 season. Senior forward Max Coatta is in his second year in this capcity, while junior forwards Marc Michaelis and Nick Rivera are in their first.
Max Coatta Notes: In second season as team captain...Two-time WCHA Scholar-Athlete...Two-time WCHA All-Academic...Two-time team Hardest Worker Award recipient...Played in all 40 games 2017-18...Totalled 5-6--11 on the season...Notched first career hat trick when he scored three times in Minnesota State's 8-6 win at Bemidji State Nov. 11...70 shots on goal ranked tenth on team.
Ryan Schwalbe Notes: Three-time letterwinner is two-time WCHA Scholar-Athlete and two-time WCHA All-Academic..Saw action in nine games, registered five shots on goal and won 29 face-offs in 2017-18.
Alec Vanko Notes: Three-time letterwinner (2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18)...Two-time WCHA Scholar-Athlete and two-time WCHA All-Academic...Scored first career goal in 7-1 win at Alaska (Oct. 21, 2016)...Registered 2-1--3 in 12 games played as a sophomore.
Mathias Israelsson Notes: Prior to Minnesota State: Spent three years at Northern Michigan where he appeared in 21 games for the Wildcats...Compiled 5-7-2 record with 2.88 goals against average and .894 save percentage during course of time at NMU...Two-time WCHA Scholar-Athlete and two-time WCHA All-Academic selection...Spent 2014-15 campaign with Fargo (USHL), recording 3.00 GAA, .909 save percentage and 20-20-4 record with the Force ... In 10 USHL games with Waterloo during the 2013-14 season, went 6-3-0 with a 2.63 GAA and a .906 save percentage ... That season, also appeared in 17 games for Fargo, going 6-9-1 with a 3.34 GAA and a .913 save parentage.
Michael Bigelbach Notes: Two-time letter winner was a WCHA Scholar-Athlete and WCHA All-Academic as a sophomore in 2017-18...Posted 0-2--2 and was +1 in seven games played on the year...Tallied first career point in first career game with assist on Brad McClure goal in 4-2 home win over Ferris State (Oct. 28)...Assisted on Jordan Nelson's game-winning goal in Minnesota State's 2-1 victory at Lake Superior State, Nov. 5, 2017.
Josh French Notes: 2017-18 WCHA Scholar-Athlete...2017-18 WCHA All-Academic...Scored first career goal in 5-1 win over Alabama Huntsville Dec. 15, 2017...Finished sophomore season with 31 shots on goal in 31 games played...Had 188 face-off wins in 2017-18.
Charlie Gerard Notes: Two-time letterwinner. Two-year letterwinner (2016-17, 2017-18)...2017-18 WCHA All-Academic selection...Posted 2-3--5 with 36 shots on goal and was +4 in 14 games played as a sophomore...Had a goal and an assist and was +2 in 6-3 win at Boston University (Oct. 13).
Edwin Hookenson Notes: Two-time letterwinner (2016-17, 2017-18)...2017-18 WCHA Scholar-Athlete...2017-18 WCHA All-Academic...Scored first career goal in 5-2 win at Bemidji State Nov. 10, 2018. Added an assist in 8-6 victory over the Beavers Nov. 11...Had two assists in 5-1 road win at Alaska Jan. 13...Finished sophomore year with 2-6--8 in 25 games...Tied for eighth on team with +13...Ranked third on team with 36 blocked shots.
Marc Michaelis Notes: In first year as Tri-Captain...2017-18 All-WCHA First Team...2017-18 WCHA Scholar-Athlete...2017-18 WCHA All-Academic...Finished third on the Mavericks in scoring with 18-22--40 in 36 games played...Tied for second in WCHA scoring (15-17--32 in 24 GP)...Named WCHA Player of the Month for February (registered eight goals and six assists for 13 points in helping lead Minnesota State to a 7-0-1 mark for the Month of February)...Named WCHA Offensive Player of the Week after two wins at Bemidji State (Nov. 10-11). Had five goals and an assist for six points in the two wins versus the Beavers. Collected second career hat trick (including the game-inning goal) in Friday's 5-2 victory, with the goals coming three different ways - power play, shorthanded and empty net. Also had the game-winner in Saturday's 8-6 triumph, along with another shorthanded tally and an assist.
Nick Rivera Notes: In first year as Tri-Captain...2017-18 WCHA Scholar-Athlete...2017-18 WCHA All-Academic...Completed sophomore campaign with 8-10--18 in 39 games played...Had a four-point weekend on a goal and three assists in two WCHA play-off games vs. Alaska (March 2-3)...Tallied two game-winning goals during course of season (3-0 win at Boston University Oct. 14 and 6-2 win over Alaska March 3).
Ian Scheid Notes: WCHA All-Academic...All-WCHA Third Team selection...Finished eighth on team scoring charts with 9-17--26...Ranked fifth in WCHA scoring by defensemen with 6-13--19 in 28 games...Tied for third on team with six power play goals...Tied for sixth on team with two game-winning goals...Ranked fourth on team with 106 shots on goal...Scored twice in 6-1 home win over Bowling Green (Nov. 17)...Scored twice in 7-0 win at Lake Superior State (Dec. 9)...Played in all 40 games.
Parker Tuomie Notes: Saw action in all 40 games in sophomore campaign...9-28--37 on the season ranked fifth on the team scoring charts...Fifth on the team with 103 shots on goal and tied for fourth on the team power play goal lead with five...Had a goal and two assists in 5-2 win at Alaska Anchorage (Jan. 5)...Had a goal and two assists (assisted on GWG) in 3-2 overtime victory at Alabama Huntsville (Feb. 9).
Walker Duehr Notes: Lettered as a freshman in 2017-18...Registered 2-1--3 in eight games in maiden season of college hockey...Made first career appearance with Minnesota State in 4-1 win at Bowling Green Oct. 20...Collected first career goal in 6-1 win over Bowling Green (Nov. 17).
Dallas Gerads Notes: Made Minnesota State debut in 6-3 win at Boston University Oct. 13...Scored first career goal and got the GWG in Minnesota State's 7-0 victory at Lake Superior State (Dec. 9)...Had 7-7--14 in 27 games played in first year of college hockey...Three game-winning goals on the season tied for third on the team (vs. Lake State, Alabama Huntsville and Bemidji State)...Tied for eighth on the team with four power-play goals...Played in 20 straight games to end the season.
Jake Jaremko Notes: 2017-18 WCHA Rookie of the Year...2017-18 WCHA All-Rookie Team...Led all league freshmen in scoring (15-24--39) and 11-20--31 totals in 28 league games was also tops amongst all first-year players...Four-time WCHA Rookie of the Week award recipient during the course of season...Ranked second in the country in freshmen scoring and his 39 points on the season rank as the most-ever by a Minnesota State freshman player for the program's NCAA DI-era, surpassing the previous high of 37 points established by David Backes in 2003-04...Named WCHA Rookie of the Month on three occasions during the course of 2017-18 (November, December and February)...Had three points in a game three times (1-2--3 vs Bemidji State Nov. 11; 1-2--3 vs BGSU Nov. 17; 2-1--3 vs Ferris State Feb. 16).
Reggie Lutz Notes: Named to 2017-18 WCHA All-Rookie Team...7-19--26 in 31 games played in his first season with Minnesota State..Finished third in WCHA in freshmen scoring with 6-16--22 in 25 league contests...Had a goal and three assists in two wins over Ferris State in earning WCHA Rookie of the Week honors (Feb. 16-17)...Had three assists in 7-0 win at Lake Superior State Dec. 9.
Connor Mackey Notes: 2017-18 WCHA All-Rookie Team selection...Played in all 40 games for the Mavericks...Registered 4-8--12 in first season of college hockey...Had two assists and was +3 in 7-1 win over Alaska Anchorage (Feb. 2)...Scored first career goal Oct. 20 in 4-1 win at Bowling Green.
Jack McNeely Notes: Had 0-6--6 in 23 games played in first season of college hockey...Finished with +8 rating and 16 shots on goal...Registered two assists in 7-0 win at Lake Superior State Dec. 9, 2017.
Jared Spooner Notes: Registered 4-15--19 and played in all 40 games in maiden season of college hockey...Scored first career goal as a collegian in 6-3 win at Boston University Oct. 13...Amassed a career-high three assists in 8-2 win over Alaska (March 2). Added an assist in Saturday's 6-2 victory over the Nanooks, was +6 for the weekend with 16 face-off wins and eight shots on goal in garnering WCHA Rookie of the Week accolades...Had 234 face-off wins.
Riese Zmolek Notes: Registered 2-5--7 in 35 games played in first year of college hockey...Scored first career goal in 6-3 win at Boston University Oct. 13...Had a goal and had an assist in home league game vs. Northern Michigan (Dec. 29)...Had 32 shots on goal, +6 rating and blocked 33 shots for the year.
Andy Carroll Notes: In first season of college hockey...Scored twice and had six assists for eight points in 42 games with Green Bay of the United States Hockey League in 2017-18...Had 6-34--40 in 55 games for Aberdeen of the North American Hockey League in 2016-17...Awards won in 2016-17 included NAHL Second Team, NAHL All-Rookie Team First Team, NAHL All-Central Division Team, NAHL All-Central Division Rookie Team...Had 14-52--56 in 58 games played with Sioux Falls Stampede U18 team in 2015-16 coached by former Minnesota State captain Rylan Galiardi...2015 Northfield (Minn.) High School grad where he was a four-year letterwinner (13-41--54 in 94 GP)...Father (Todd) served as head coach of the Minnesota State women's hockey program from 1998-2001.
Wyatt Aamodt Notes: In first season of college hockey...Had 4-22--26 in 49 games played with Lincoln (USHL) in 2017-18...Manned the blue line for Chicago (USHL) in 2016-17 where he had 1-18--19 in 53 games and helped the Steel capture the Clark Cup as league postseason champions...2016 Reed Larson Award recipient as the state of Minnesota's top boys high school defenseman, served as team captain on Hermantown team that captured state title as a senior (2016)...2016 Duluth New Tribune Boys Hockey Player of the Year and finalist for state of Minnesota Mr Hockey Award.
Shane McMahan Notes: In first season of college hockey...Split 2015-16 between Fargo of the United States Hockey League, where he had 16-13--29 in 51 games and Aston of the North American Hockey Leauge (2-7--9 in 11 GP)...2015-16 with Fargo (5-9--14 in 59 GP) and 2014-15 with Fargo (3-5--8)...Had 17 goals and 14 assists for 31 poins in 34 games with Los Angeles Jr. Kings U18.
Zak Galambos Notes: In first season of college hockey.. Spent 2017-18 campaign with Wenatchee of the British Columbia Hockey League where he totalled 28 points on five goals and 23 assists in 41 games...Helped lead Wenatchee to BCHL playoff championiship (9-6--15 in 20 postseason games)...Split 2016-17 season with Johnstown (NAHL) and Omaha (USHL)...Product of the San Jose Jr. Sharks midget AAA program.
Julian Napravnik Notes: In first season of college hockey...Spent two seasons with USHL's Des Moines Buccaneers...Served as an alternate captain and had 19-19--30 in 60 GP for Des Moines in 2017-18...Had 19 goals and 19 assists for 38 points in 51 games for the Bucs in 2016-17...Played for the German national junior team at two IIHF D1A World Junior tournaments where he helped lead his country to a silver medal in 2016-17...Named DNL Player of the Year after scoring 29 goals and assisting on 43 others for 72 points in 38 games with Jungadler Mannheim U19...Also represented Germany internationally at U18 and U17 international tournaments.
Chris Van Os-Shaw Notes: In first season of college hockey...Racked up 51 goals and 46 assists for 97 points in 59 games played with Spruce Grove of the Alberta Junior Hockey League in 2017-18...Named 2017-18 Canadian Junior A Player of the Year and Top Forward...Won 2017-18 AJHL scoring title, was named league Most Valuable Player and AJHL North Division All-Star in only season with the Saints...Helped lead Spruce Grove to 2017-18 AJHL play-off title...Registered 11-8--19 in 11 play-off games in 2017-18...Had 36-32--68 in 56 games with Humboldt to finish seventh in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League scoring race in 2016-17...Registered 52 goals and 48 assists for 100 points in 96 career games in two seasons in the SJHL split between Humboldt and Weyburn.
Dryden McKay Notes: In first season of college hockey...Spent two seasons with Madison of the United States Hockey League...Named USHL Goaltender of the Week Oct. 29, 2017 after stopping 49 of 50 shots in a 5-1 win over Waterloo (.980 sv%, 1.99 GAA in the win)...Saw action in 39 games with the Capitols in 2016-17 where he crafted a 18-17-3 mark with a 2.70 goals against average and a .917 saves percentage...Had a 2.47 GAA and .921 sv% in 34 appearances with Corpus Christi of the NAHL in 2015-16.
Jacob Berger Notes: In first season of college hockey...Spent two seasons with Merritt of the British Columbia Hockey League...Compiled 18-18-0 mark, .915 save percentage and 3.07 goals against average in 37 games and was named to BCHL All-Rookie Team in 2016-17...Made 37 appearances for the Centennials in 2017-18 (13-24-0, .905 sv%, 3.45 GAA)...Minnetonka (Minn.) High School product played for Team Southwest in Minnesota High School Elite League in 2014-15.
Noteables: For the 2017-18 season, Minnesota State ranked first in the nation in wins (29), first in goals scored (153), goals per game (3.83), goal margin (+69), power play goals (52), fewest shots allowed per game (22.0), shots on goal margin (+509) and shots on goal margin per game (+12.72).
Mike Hastings has built a 151-72-19 record in his six seasons behind the Minnesota State bench. Under his guidance, the Mavericks have won at least 20 games in a season in all six seasons, something that is unprecedented in the 49-year history of the program. No team in the nation has produced more wins than Minnesota State's 151 victories in the last six years.
Next Week: Minnesota State continues nonconference action with a road series at the University of Noth Dakota slated for Oct. 19-20.
