MANKATO, Minn. --- Minnesota State (4-7-1, 4-7-1 WCHA) travels to third-ranked Ohio State (6-4-0, 6-4-0 WCHA) for a pair of Western Collegiate Hockey Association games at 5:07 p.m. CST, Friday and 2:07 p.m. CST, Saturday.


Minnesota State All-Time

Minnesota State, which began play in 1998-99, is in its 23rd season of competition and has compiled a 200-510-71 (.256) record in 781 total games played. The Mavericks are in their 22nd year as members in the WCHA and hold a 105-403-56 (.186) record in 564 conference games played. 


Facing the Buckeyes

The Mavericks hold an all-time record of 14-69-11 against the Buckeyes. When travelling to Columbus, Ohio, to take on the Buckeyes, Minnesota State is 6-41-5 in 52 meetings at Ohio State.


Mighty Fine Freshman

With 4-4--8 and 14 blocked shots this season, freshman forward Jamie Nelson is currently tied for first on the WCHA's rookie scoring and shot blocking lists. Among NCAA ranks for freshmen this season, Nelson is tied for sixth in the points race with three others. In 10 games this season, Nelson leads the Mavericks in points and points per game (.800). Last time out, she added a game-winning secondary assist in MSU's 4-0 win over Bemidji State on Jan. 9.


The Captain

Minnesota State defenseman Anna Wilgren is tied for third among NCAA shot blockers this season with 29 blocks in 12 games. The Hudson, Wis., native leads MSU's defensive-end scoring with 1-4--5 from the blue line this season. The last time the Mavericks played, Wilgren provided an assist, blocked three shots and finished with a +3 rating in the weekend series at Bemidji State, Jan. 8-9.


Fleming Finishes

Senior forward Brittyn Fleming continued her hot play in MSU's last series on Jan. 8 against Bemidji State when she scored the game-tying goal and then helped on the game-winner that allowed MSU to prevail with a 2-1 win. Fleming leads MSU in shooting percentage (.174) and is the Mavericks' active career scoring leader with 64 points. The Oregon, Wis., native has four goals and three assists for seven points in 12 games this season.


King's Throne

Sophomore forward Kelsey King led the Mavericks in their last series with a three-point weekend vs. Bemidji State, Jan. 8-9. The Elk River, Minn., native assisted on Friday's game-winning goal and put up a pair of goals in Saturday's affair. King holds a 4-3--7 points line in 12 games this season.


How About Them Apples?

Brooke Bryant, Claire Butorac, J. Nelson and Wilgren lead the Mavericks in assists this season with four helpers each. Last weekend, no MSU player had a multi-assist showing in the series at Bemidji State. In total, 10 different Mavericks had an assist in MSU's 2-1 and 4-0 wins at Bemidji State, Jan. 8-9.


To be Frank...

For the first time in her career, sophomore goaltender Calla Frank was named WCHA Goaltender of the Week for her play between the pipes Jan. 8-9 at Bemidji State. The Hugo, Minn., native, who holds a 3-5-1 record this season after backstopping the Mavericks first series sweep over Bemidji State since 2008, stopped 41 of 42 shots over the weekend and earned her first shutout of the season (third of career) in MSU's 4-0 win, Jan. 9. This season, Frank has a .909 save percentage and 2.62 goals against average.


Minnesota State Man Advantage

MSU leads the WCHA and is seventh in the nation in power play percentage (.175), going 7-for-40 in 12 games. Forwards Kennedy Bobyck, King, Madison Oelkers, J. Nelson and defenseman Charlotte Akervik, Jessica Kondas, and Tristen Truax each have a goal on the power play this season.


Looking Ahead

In their next action, the Mavericks play host to the Beavers on Jan. 29-30.