Sorry this post has been late. It’s been pretty hectic the last 24 hours, and lets be honest: I felt like being a little lazy in my little bits of down time.
Anyways, I’ll just leave the MSU-UAA weekend alone. If you want to check out my thoughts on it, just scroll down and there they be…
In talking to Troy Jutting yesterday, he was obviously very pleased with the weekend. He is still a little worried about the lack of offense, more specifically, the Mavericks’ inability to capitalize on its quality chances. He said creating them hasn’t been a problem, its been finishing. Definitely sounds like a team with young forwards still trying to find their way… but I think they will. Give it some time.
For those wondering, early indications are that Mike Zacharias — named the WCHA’s Defensive Player of the Week this week — will start Friday against UAH and Dan Tormey will start Saturday. That’s the same thing Jutting said last week, but changed his plans Saturday to allow Zacharias the start once again. Being that this is nonconference action, however, Tormey will probably start Saturday regardless of how well Zacharias does Friday. Probably a good call…
By the way, Zacharias is off to a fantastic start. In four games, Zacharias has a 1-1-1 record with a save percentage of .933 and a goals against of 1.87. If he can maintain that pace, the Mavericks should be in pretty good shape come March (heck, maybe even April). Michigan Tech and Alaska-Anchorage aren’t exactly offensive juggernauts, but I don’t think Zacharias’ confidence has ever been higher. Probably a good thing with more offensive minded Minnesota and Denver on the docket in coming weeks.
On one hand, this weekend’s series against Alabama-Huntsville might be just what the doctor ordered. What MSU needs to watch for is the “sandwich effect.” Last weekend was a very nice three point effort on the road against a conference opponent. Next weekend promises to be an emotional home-and-home series against arguably their biggest rival. This weekend’s games are against an opponent that isn’t very good and is essentially meaningless… unless you factor in what a pair of wins against UAH will do for you in the Pairwise by year’s end. Probably not a whole lot…
Look for more on the “sandwich effect” in Thursday’s official weekend preview.
Now onto the WCHA…
• A Golden Effort
Anybody see the final five minutes of Saturday’s Minnesota-Ohio State game Saturday? The Gophers’ Alex Kangas almost single-handedly held onto the weekend sweep for the U. I haven’t seen that kind of one man show in nets in a long time. But if you’re a Gopher fan, you still have to be concerned about the lack of offense. Don’t look for much of an improvement this weekend. Minnesota hosts Denver in what might be a low-scoring series.
• More inconsistency from CC
I was kind of surprised to see Colorado College get swept by UNH, but can you really be that shocked? CC was one of the WCHA’s most inconsistent teams last season, and with so much youth and inexperience along the blueline and in net, that trend will probably continue. UNH isn’t a bad team either…
• Told ya so...
I told you St. Cloud State wasn’t that good. After escaping with a 2-1 win Friday over Bemidji State (a score I predicted right on, by the way), SCSU needed a pair of goals in the final five minutes of Sunday’s game just to tie the Under-18 team.
• Will the real Michigan Tech please stand up?
Maybe Tech is for real. Or maybe not. Depends on which night against North Dakota you look at. Either way, a home split against a team like UND was good enough to move the Huskies up to No. 13 in the national rankings — one spot higher than the week before.
• Turris finally cooled...
Wisconsin didn’t score this weekend, but that’s because they didn’t play. The off week was probably the only thing that was going to cool off freshman Kyle Turris, who has already bagged five goals and seven assists in the team’s first four games. With home series against Michigan Tech and North Dakota on the horizon, it will be interesting to see if he can keep at his current pace — or at least stay near it.
Check back Thursday for the weekly Mavericks and WCHA preview… I promise, I’ll really do it on Thursday. Thanks for reading!
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Three points in Anchorage
First of all, congratulations to the two of you that correctly voted in the poll this week and guessed the Mavericks would get 3 points this weekend in Anchorage. Using my MSU math, that breaks down to 8%. Kind of sounds like the success rate of my score predictions thus far.
Anyways...
Minnesota State — powered by a first-period goal by James Gaulrapp and a power-play marker by Mick Berge in the second period defeated Alaska-Anchorage 2-0 tonight at Sullivan Arena...
• It was the first goal of the season for both Gaulrapp and Berge...
• It was the Mavericks first goal with the man advantage this season. MSU started the season 0-for-19 with the extra attacker...
• Trevor Bruess had an assist on the Berge goal. He also had an assist in last night's game meaning the sophomore has scored a point in three consecutive games...
• Mike Zacharias made his claim to be the full-time starting netminder by stopping 25 shots Saturday – including nine in the final minutes. His line for the weekend was solid — 52 saves on 54 shots. That averages out to a .963 save percentage and a goals against average of 1.00 for the weekend...
• The shutout was the Mavericks' and Zacharias' first goose egg since the Mavs blanked St. Cloud State Jan. 13 at the Alltel Center. Unfortunately, the Mavericks only earned one point that night...
• Beggars obviously can't be choosers, but is anybody still worried about the Mavericks lack of offense? There are a couple ways to look at : first, one could have general concern about the offensive output. 1.25 goals per game will not get it done most nights in the WCHA. On the other hand, the Mavericks have made two of their longest WCHA trips of the season, scored five goals in four games, yet has three points to show for it. That's not too bad.
• Points wise, MSU is ahead of last season's pace, when MSU defeated UAA on Nov. 11 to get to four points.
• Meaningless stat of the weekend — Minnesota State now stands in fourth place in the WCHA standings with three points. Michigan Tech and Minnesota-Duluth both split this weekend and have six points. Colorado College is next with four points, but was swept in nonconference play by New Hampshire. Denver and North Dakota each had two points this weekend and stand tied for fifth. UAA has one point in seventh. Minnesota, St. Cloud State and Wisconsin each have zero points — but the Badgers (who were off this weekend) have yet to open conference play.
• Next weekend's opponent Alabama-Huntsville is off to a slow start this season. The Chargers (1-3-0) defeated Canisius 4-3 at UAH in their season opener. Huntsville has since lost three consecutive road games to Nebraska-Omaha (5-1) before a pair of losses this weekend at UMass-Lowell (4-1, 3-1). The last time the team's hooked up was in Mankato during the 2004-05 season. MSU won 4-2 Friday before tying the Chargers 3-3 Saturday.
Be sure to check back Monday for my full weekend breakdown! Thanks for stopping by and have a great rest of the weekend!
Anyways...
Minnesota State — powered by a first-period goal by James Gaulrapp and a power-play marker by Mick Berge in the second period defeated Alaska-Anchorage 2-0 tonight at Sullivan Arena...
• It was the first goal of the season for both Gaulrapp and Berge...
• It was the Mavericks first goal with the man advantage this season. MSU started the season 0-for-19 with the extra attacker...
• Trevor Bruess had an assist on the Berge goal. He also had an assist in last night's game meaning the sophomore has scored a point in three consecutive games...
• Mike Zacharias made his claim to be the full-time starting netminder by stopping 25 shots Saturday – including nine in the final minutes. His line for the weekend was solid — 52 saves on 54 shots. That averages out to a .963 save percentage and a goals against average of 1.00 for the weekend...
• The shutout was the Mavericks' and Zacharias' first goose egg since the Mavs blanked St. Cloud State Jan. 13 at the Alltel Center. Unfortunately, the Mavericks only earned one point that night...
• Beggars obviously can't be choosers, but is anybody still worried about the Mavericks lack of offense? There are a couple ways to look at : first, one could have general concern about the offensive output. 1.25 goals per game will not get it done most nights in the WCHA. On the other hand, the Mavericks have made two of their longest WCHA trips of the season, scored five goals in four games, yet has three points to show for it. That's not too bad.
• Points wise, MSU is ahead of last season's pace, when MSU defeated UAA on Nov. 11 to get to four points.
• Meaningless stat of the weekend — Minnesota State now stands in fourth place in the WCHA standings with three points. Michigan Tech and Minnesota-Duluth both split this weekend and have six points. Colorado College is next with four points, but was swept in nonconference play by New Hampshire. Denver and North Dakota each had two points this weekend and stand tied for fifth. UAA has one point in seventh. Minnesota, St. Cloud State and Wisconsin each have zero points — but the Badgers (who were off this weekend) have yet to open conference play.
• Next weekend's opponent Alabama-Huntsville is off to a slow start this season. The Chargers (1-3-0) defeated Canisius 4-3 at UAH in their season opener. Huntsville has since lost three consecutive road games to Nebraska-Omaha (5-1) before a pair of losses this weekend at UMass-Lowell (4-1, 3-1). The last time the team's hooked up was in Mankato during the 2004-05 season. MSU won 4-2 Friday before tying the Chargers 3-3 Saturday.
Be sure to check back Monday for my full weekend breakdown! Thanks for stopping by and have a great rest of the weekend!
Friday, October 26, 2007
Line-up update from Anchorage...
From the Maverick pre-game radio show, Jason Wiley did in fact make the trip, is dressed tonight and will play on the fourth line.
Brett Peterson did make the trip and is the team's healthy offensive scratch for Friday.
Matt Tyree was not going to play tonight regardless and was left in Mankato.
Brett Peterson did make the trip and is the team's healthy offensive scratch for Friday.
Matt Tyree was not going to play tonight regardless and was left in Mankato.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Week 2 Preview - MSU at UAA
Minnesota State will look to rebound this weekend after a disappointing opening series at Michigan Tech. Be sure to check out my exclusive blog story one post below this one on Troy Jutting’s new penalty policy. In my column today, I discuss some possible reasons for the Mavericks traditional slow starts over the years.
This is the weekend where we should get a good idea how good of a team the Mavericks can be, for a couple reasons:
First, Jutting said this week that a team typically makes its biggest improvement from its first weekend to its second weekend.
Second, the Mavericks will be playing on Olympic ice against No. 20 Alaska-Anchorage. Few people will doubt the fact that Minnesota State was the better skating team of the two that met in Houghton last weekend. But Tech plays on the smaller sheet, which combined with their style of play, can stifle any team’s offense.
There will also be some line-up adjustments.
Freshman forward Mike Louwerse traveled last weekend and played Friday night. Matt Tyree filled in for him Saturday because Louwerse was “sore.” Understandable, considering it was his first career game. Also, Louwerse isn’t the biggest player on the Mavericks roster. Eventually he will adjust.
The main reason Louwerse isn’t going to Anchorage, however, is a groin injury that limited him all week. Taking his place will be fellow freshman Brett Peterson.
Peterson will play Friday on the fourth line with Zach Harrison and Rylan Galiardi.
“I’m pretty pumped,” Peterson said. “I just want to go up there and work my tail off and do everything I can to help the team.”
Peterson describes himself as a big power forward, and he’s right. He is four inches taller than Louwerse and outweighs him by about 40 pounds.
Louwerse played high school hockey last season at Blake while Peterson played 56 games with Indiana of the United States Hockey League, which could help him be better prepared physically if Jutting decides to use him Saturday, too.
“I like to use my body and use my size to create some trouble in front of the net,” Peterson said. “Being in front of the net and battling in the corners — I think that’s my specialty.”
Peterson is not as skilled as Louwerse in the scoring department, but their styles of play are also completely different. If Harrison and Galiardi as well as the MSU defense can get pucks on net, Peterson will have opportunities to clean up rebounds.
As Tree Lane once said in the movie Mystery, Alaska, “every team needs a thumper.” Peterson just might fit the bill.
OTHER NOTES:
• Tyree and Blake Friesen will not play Friday because of penalties they took during the third period Saturday at Tech. Peterson and freshman Channing Boe will take their places in the line-up.
• Jutting said Mike Zacharias will start in net Friday. When asked if Dan Tormey will start Saturday, Jutting said “We’ll see how it goes Friday.” He did, however, mention to expect the same as last weekend; meaning Tormey should be the man for game two.
• Jutting said he was also pleased with the Maverick PK units last weekend, which allowed three goals on the weekend. Those numbers may be a bit misleading, though. Two of the three goals came while Tech was on 5-on-3 advantages.
“One 5-on-4 goal in about 10 chances? If we do that all year long, we’ll be in good shape,” Jutting said.
• Eight WCHA teams (all but MSU and SCSU) are ranked in this week’s USCHO.com/CSTV national poll. SCSU was one of the teams receiving votes, but the Mavericks were not. When asked if he felt disrespected, senior Joel Hanson laughed.
“We’re 0-2,” Hanson said. “It is what it is. Look at it how you want to.”
PREDICTION
I was dead wrong on almost all of my predictions last weekend, which was a bit disheartening. I’ll give it another shot though… These teams met twice last season, and split both times. UAA has never had a great amount of success against the Mavericks — MSU took at least three points in each of the four previous series prior to last season.
With that in mind, I say split — MSU wins 4-2 Friday, UAA wins 3-2 Saturday. Jon Kalinski will find the net at least once this weekend, as he will likely be the best player on the ice for the second consecutive weekend.
WCHA PREDICTIONS
No. 17 Minnesota-Duluth was the benefactor of a surprise sweep last weekend against St. Cloud State. It probably won’t happen again this weekend when the Bulldogs travel to the Rocky Mountains to face Denver. DU wins 4-1 Friday and 3-0 Saturday.
No. 1 North Dakota showed why they are the best team in the nation last weekend: they are great in every facet of the game. MSU found out last weekend that Houghton is not the easiest place to play. MSU is not UND, however. The Fighting Sioux will sweep No. 14 Michigan Tech — winning 5-2 Friday, and 3-1 Saturday.
No. 10 Minnesota hosts CCHA foe No. 19 Ohio State at Mariucci Arena. Both teams were swept in conference action last weekend (UM by Colorado College and OSU by Miami). Look for the Gophers to get back on track and sweep the Buckeyes 6-3 Friday and 4-2 Saturday.
Bemidji State always seems to play inspired hockey against foes from the state of Minnesota. They will split with St. Cloud State, as the Huskies win Friday 2-1. Bemidji will respond with a 3-1 win Saturday.
In the series of the weekend, No. 4 Colorado College travels to No. 7 New Hampshire. The Tigers are coming off an emotional sweep of the Gophers and will travel cross-country to play a UNH team with only one game under their belt (a 4-1 win over Boston University last Friday). CC will ride their momentum to a 3-2 win Friday before the Wildcats salvage a split with a 4-3 win Saturday.
Enjoy the games, and thanks for reading!
This is the weekend where we should get a good idea how good of a team the Mavericks can be, for a couple reasons:
First, Jutting said this week that a team typically makes its biggest improvement from its first weekend to its second weekend.
Second, the Mavericks will be playing on Olympic ice against No. 20 Alaska-Anchorage. Few people will doubt the fact that Minnesota State was the better skating team of the two that met in Houghton last weekend. But Tech plays on the smaller sheet, which combined with their style of play, can stifle any team’s offense.
There will also be some line-up adjustments.
Freshman forward Mike Louwerse traveled last weekend and played Friday night. Matt Tyree filled in for him Saturday because Louwerse was “sore.” Understandable, considering it was his first career game. Also, Louwerse isn’t the biggest player on the Mavericks roster. Eventually he will adjust.
The main reason Louwerse isn’t going to Anchorage, however, is a groin injury that limited him all week. Taking his place will be fellow freshman Brett Peterson.
Peterson will play Friday on the fourth line with Zach Harrison and Rylan Galiardi.
“I’m pretty pumped,” Peterson said. “I just want to go up there and work my tail off and do everything I can to help the team.”
Peterson describes himself as a big power forward, and he’s right. He is four inches taller than Louwerse and outweighs him by about 40 pounds.
Louwerse played high school hockey last season at Blake while Peterson played 56 games with Indiana of the United States Hockey League, which could help him be better prepared physically if Jutting decides to use him Saturday, too.
“I like to use my body and use my size to create some trouble in front of the net,” Peterson said. “Being in front of the net and battling in the corners — I think that’s my specialty.”
Peterson is not as skilled as Louwerse in the scoring department, but their styles of play are also completely different. If Harrison and Galiardi as well as the MSU defense can get pucks on net, Peterson will have opportunities to clean up rebounds.
As Tree Lane once said in the movie Mystery, Alaska, “every team needs a thumper.” Peterson just might fit the bill.
OTHER NOTES:
• Tyree and Blake Friesen will not play Friday because of penalties they took during the third period Saturday at Tech. Peterson and freshman Channing Boe will take their places in the line-up.
• Jutting said Mike Zacharias will start in net Friday. When asked if Dan Tormey will start Saturday, Jutting said “We’ll see how it goes Friday.” He did, however, mention to expect the same as last weekend; meaning Tormey should be the man for game two.
• Jutting said he was also pleased with the Maverick PK units last weekend, which allowed three goals on the weekend. Those numbers may be a bit misleading, though. Two of the three goals came while Tech was on 5-on-3 advantages.
“One 5-on-4 goal in about 10 chances? If we do that all year long, we’ll be in good shape,” Jutting said.
• Eight WCHA teams (all but MSU and SCSU) are ranked in this week’s USCHO.com/CSTV national poll. SCSU was one of the teams receiving votes, but the Mavericks were not. When asked if he felt disrespected, senior Joel Hanson laughed.
“We’re 0-2,” Hanson said. “It is what it is. Look at it how you want to.”
PREDICTION
I was dead wrong on almost all of my predictions last weekend, which was a bit disheartening. I’ll give it another shot though… These teams met twice last season, and split both times. UAA has never had a great amount of success against the Mavericks — MSU took at least three points in each of the four previous series prior to last season.
With that in mind, I say split — MSU wins 4-2 Friday, UAA wins 3-2 Saturday. Jon Kalinski will find the net at least once this weekend, as he will likely be the best player on the ice for the second consecutive weekend.
WCHA PREDICTIONS
No. 17 Minnesota-Duluth was the benefactor of a surprise sweep last weekend against St. Cloud State. It probably won’t happen again this weekend when the Bulldogs travel to the Rocky Mountains to face Denver. DU wins 4-1 Friday and 3-0 Saturday.
No. 1 North Dakota showed why they are the best team in the nation last weekend: they are great in every facet of the game. MSU found out last weekend that Houghton is not the easiest place to play. MSU is not UND, however. The Fighting Sioux will sweep No. 14 Michigan Tech — winning 5-2 Friday, and 3-1 Saturday.
No. 10 Minnesota hosts CCHA foe No. 19 Ohio State at Mariucci Arena. Both teams were swept in conference action last weekend (UM by Colorado College and OSU by Miami). Look for the Gophers to get back on track and sweep the Buckeyes 6-3 Friday and 4-2 Saturday.
Bemidji State always seems to play inspired hockey against foes from the state of Minnesota. They will split with St. Cloud State, as the Huskies win Friday 2-1. Bemidji will respond with a 3-1 win Saturday.
In the series of the weekend, No. 4 Colorado College travels to No. 7 New Hampshire. The Tigers are coming off an emotional sweep of the Gophers and will travel cross-country to play a UNH team with only one game under their belt (a 4-1 win over Boston University last Friday). CC will ride their momentum to a 3-2 win Friday before the Wildcats salvage a split with a 4-3 win Saturday.
Enjoy the games, and thanks for reading!
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Jutting hopes new policy will help Mavericks become more disciplined
For the last five years, Minnesota State has been the WCHA champions — when it comes to penalty minutes.
Not exactly something to be proud of.
Last season, the Mavericks spent almost three more minutes per game in the penalty box than any other team in the conference.
But Mavs head coach Troy Jutting has a plan he hopes will cut down on his team’s penchant for taking bad penalties.
Numerous times over the years, Jutting has said he doesn’t mind penalties that happen when a guy is trying.
It’s the penalties that come at critical times of games — infractions that tend to cost the Mavericks a chance to win games.
“In a couple instances they’ve been selfish,” Jutting said. “ In a couple instances, they’ve been stupid.”
That’s why Jutting has devised a plan he hopes will deter the Mavericks from taking untimely penalties.
Commit them, and find yourself watching the next game from the stands.
It’s why Nick Canzanello was held out of the line-up Saturday at Michigan Tech. It’s why Blake Friesen and Matt Tyree will watch Friday’s game against Anchorage.
Senior captain Joel Hanson thinks the policy will help.
“I think we need to learn early,” Hanson said. “In the past we have had a lot of problems taking penalties. It really kills you, especially in this league. There are so many talented players and great power plays.
“I think it’s good we’re learning early so it doesn’t hurt us later on.”
Integrating the policy now, Hanson said, will help the Mavericks’ younger players get in the habit right away as opposed to the middle or end of the season. It will also help foster a difference attitude as those players move through their careers at MSU.
“A lot of these guys are still young and still learning,” Hanson said. “I think if they learn it early, it will be more effective later on.”
Less time in the box also means the Mavericks will spend less time killing penalties — a weakness of the team last season. MSU finished ninth in the WCHA in 2006-07 in penalty kill percentage (81.5 percent). Only St. Cloud State was worse.
Results from the policy may come slow, even Hanson admits it will take some time.
“Guys will play how they’re going to play. They’re going to read and react,” Hanson said.
Enforcing the new rule may prove difficult at times, (Friesen and Tyree — both upperclassmen — will be replaced by a pair of freshmen on Friday) but if it can help reverse his team’s hacking history, Jutting says it needs to be done.
“We need to do a much better job of staying out of the box,” Jutting said.
Not exactly something to be proud of.
Last season, the Mavericks spent almost three more minutes per game in the penalty box than any other team in the conference.
But Mavs head coach Troy Jutting has a plan he hopes will cut down on his team’s penchant for taking bad penalties.
Numerous times over the years, Jutting has said he doesn’t mind penalties that happen when a guy is trying.
It’s the penalties that come at critical times of games — infractions that tend to cost the Mavericks a chance to win games.
“In a couple instances they’ve been selfish,” Jutting said. “ In a couple instances, they’ve been stupid.”
That’s why Jutting has devised a plan he hopes will deter the Mavericks from taking untimely penalties.
Commit them, and find yourself watching the next game from the stands.
It’s why Nick Canzanello was held out of the line-up Saturday at Michigan Tech. It’s why Blake Friesen and Matt Tyree will watch Friday’s game against Anchorage.
Senior captain Joel Hanson thinks the policy will help.
“I think we need to learn early,” Hanson said. “In the past we have had a lot of problems taking penalties. It really kills you, especially in this league. There are so many talented players and great power plays.
“I think it’s good we’re learning early so it doesn’t hurt us later on.”
Integrating the policy now, Hanson said, will help the Mavericks’ younger players get in the habit right away as opposed to the middle or end of the season. It will also help foster a difference attitude as those players move through their careers at MSU.
“A lot of these guys are still young and still learning,” Hanson said. “I think if they learn it early, it will be more effective later on.”
Less time in the box also means the Mavericks will spend less time killing penalties — a weakness of the team last season. MSU finished ninth in the WCHA in 2006-07 in penalty kill percentage (81.5 percent). Only St. Cloud State was worse.
Results from the policy may come slow, even Hanson admits it will take some time.
“Guys will play how they’re going to play. They’re going to read and react,” Hanson said.
Enforcing the new rule may prove difficult at times, (Friesen and Tyree — both upperclassmen — will be replaced by a pair of freshmen on Friday) but if it can help reverse his team’s hacking history, Jutting says it needs to be done.
“We need to do a much better job of staying out of the box,” Jutting said.
Q & A with Mike Zacharias
I spoke to Mavericks netminder Mike Zacharias following practice Monday. Here is what he had to say about Michigan Tech, this weekend's series against Alaska-Anchorage and his relationship with fellow goalie Dan Tormey.
DM: Talk about that first game — a little bit different from last year when you got injured during the pre-game warm-ups?
MZ: I felt comfortable... I felt good. That first shift was a little scary, but the rest of the game went a lot smoother. I was happy to get out of warm-ups this year.
DM: As a junior, does play slow down even a little bit more than it did last year?
MZ: Yeah, you know what to expect and how teams play. You just get used to the speed and pick up little things. It starts coming a little bit easier.
DM: How is it different to enter a game in the middle of it like you did Saturday as opposed to starting it from the beginning?
MZ: It's a lot different. If you know you're playing, you can prepare better mentally as well as physically. It's a lot different of a mental battle. But at the same time, you have to be ready to go in there at any time. That's our job and when you get called upon, you have to go out there and do your job.
DM: What were some things you were pleased with as far as your performance last weekend?
MZ: I thought I played pretty well, I was comfortable and confident. But there is plenty left to work on.
DM: You played against Michigan Tech towards the end of last season. How have they improved since then?
MZ: They're older. That helps a lot. They block a lot of shots and the shots they do give up their goalies see them because they don't have a lot of traffic in front of them. Offensively, they have gotten better. They just keep grinding away. They're a very good team that plays a defensive style.
DM: Talk about the relationship between you and Dan [Tormey].
MZ: It's nice to have a guy pushing you and giving you a break. When I'm out, I expect him to play good and when he''s out, he expects me to play good. Off the ice, we're good friends, we get along. On the ice, of course it's a competition, which I think is good. It's good for any goaltender or any other player to have someone out there pushing you to be a better player. I think it benefits us both.
DM: How key is preparation at this level, as far as reading scouting reports, how a guy shoots, where he shoots, etc?
MZ: I try not to pay as much attention to that. I try not to concentrate on who is coming down and shooting at me, whoever is shooting me, I just try to go by feel. It's nice to know what a team is doing on their power play and reading stuff there. But as far as what their tendencies are, I try not to worry too much about that. If you do that, you'll start guessing and leaning one way and it'll take you off your game a little bit.
DM: How tough of a trip is the one to Alaska-Anchorage, as far as the distance, the time differences and the stress it puts on you?
MZ: It's definitely an adjustment; different climate, different time, it's a long trip. But it's something you have to deal with and I think it starts at the beginning of the week by getting yourself ready so that when you get there, and you're playing at 10:30 your time, you're ready and rested and able to focus on what you need to do.
DM: UAA is not the most talented team you'll face this year but they stick to their system. Talk about these guys and what it's going to take to get a win.
MZ: Any team in this league is good. We're in the best league in the country and anybody can beat anybody on any given night. We need to go in there and play well defensively. Offensively, we need to bear down and bury our chances. We struggled with that a little bit last week.
DM: Talk about that first game — a little bit different from last year when you got injured during the pre-game warm-ups?
MZ: I felt comfortable... I felt good. That first shift was a little scary, but the rest of the game went a lot smoother. I was happy to get out of warm-ups this year.
DM: As a junior, does play slow down even a little bit more than it did last year?
MZ: Yeah, you know what to expect and how teams play. You just get used to the speed and pick up little things. It starts coming a little bit easier.
DM: How is it different to enter a game in the middle of it like you did Saturday as opposed to starting it from the beginning?
MZ: It's a lot different. If you know you're playing, you can prepare better mentally as well as physically. It's a lot different of a mental battle. But at the same time, you have to be ready to go in there at any time. That's our job and when you get called upon, you have to go out there and do your job.
DM: What were some things you were pleased with as far as your performance last weekend?
MZ: I thought I played pretty well, I was comfortable and confident. But there is plenty left to work on.
DM: You played against Michigan Tech towards the end of last season. How have they improved since then?
MZ: They're older. That helps a lot. They block a lot of shots and the shots they do give up their goalies see them because they don't have a lot of traffic in front of them. Offensively, they have gotten better. They just keep grinding away. They're a very good team that plays a defensive style.
DM: Talk about the relationship between you and Dan [Tormey].
MZ: It's nice to have a guy pushing you and giving you a break. When I'm out, I expect him to play good and when he''s out, he expects me to play good. Off the ice, we're good friends, we get along. On the ice, of course it's a competition, which I think is good. It's good for any goaltender or any other player to have someone out there pushing you to be a better player. I think it benefits us both.
DM: How key is preparation at this level, as far as reading scouting reports, how a guy shoots, where he shoots, etc?
MZ: I try not to pay as much attention to that. I try not to concentrate on who is coming down and shooting at me, whoever is shooting me, I just try to go by feel. It's nice to know what a team is doing on their power play and reading stuff there. But as far as what their tendencies are, I try not to worry too much about that. If you do that, you'll start guessing and leaning one way and it'll take you off your game a little bit.
DM: How tough of a trip is the one to Alaska-Anchorage, as far as the distance, the time differences and the stress it puts on you?
MZ: It's definitely an adjustment; different climate, different time, it's a long trip. But it's something you have to deal with and I think it starts at the beginning of the week by getting yourself ready so that when you get there, and you're playing at 10:30 your time, you're ready and rested and able to focus on what you need to do.
DM: UAA is not the most talented team you'll face this year but they stick to their system. Talk about these guys and what it's going to take to get a win.
MZ: Any team in this league is good. We're in the best league in the country and anybody can beat anybody on any given night. We need to go in there and play well defensively. Offensively, we need to bear down and bury our chances. We struggled with that a little bit last week.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Two weekends down... 20 to go.
A tough weekend for Minnesota State. The Mavericks had chances to score. Before Saturday's game, MSU head coach Troy Jutting said his team had plenty of "Grade-A" opportunities to score, but didn't capitalize. He told me twice last week that taking advantages of those chances would be one of the keys at Tech. I guess he was right.
Jon Kalinski had trouble scoring on the breakaway at times last season, and missed a couple chances this weekend to light the lamp. His shorthanded attempt Friday that sailed over the net could have changed the tempo of that game.
Mike Zacharias was great Friday and one must wonder why Jutting did not come back with him Saturday. It's early in the season, so obviously he wanted to see what Dan Tormey could do. But Zacharias kept the Mavericks in the game Friday. Tormey struggled in the first period before eventually being replaced by Zacharias. What Jutting decides to do this weekend against Alaska-Anchorage will be the main storyline as MSU looks to gain its first victory of the season against a UAA team that, through four games, hasn't lost yet.
I was also surprised by the decision to sit sophomore defenseman Nick Canzanello Saturday in place of freshman Channing Boe. Dressing Boe was not a shocker, as Jutting said last week he would play. But sitting Canzanello? I'm not questioning the move, I was just a little shocked to see it. Maybe I'm alone there, though.
Now, onto a little WCHA discussion.
Only six teams have played a conference game thus far, but here are some things I picked up on this weekend. Please feel free to chime in with your thoughts as well.
• Michigan Tech’s goalies are for real.
Okay, so they played Minnesota State — a team known for notoriously slow starts. But Michael-Lee Teslak and Rob Nolan played pretty solid hockey. Anytime you hold a WCHA team to one goal in a two game series, you are doing something right. If the Huskies continue to get that kind of goaltending, Tech will have a chance every single night. With their style of play, the Huskies will never get run out of a building. But if Teslak and Nolan are going to be unbeatable, then perhaps everyone’s preseason love affair with Michigan Tech will ring true. We may get a barometer of just how “for-real” Tech is this weekend; North Dakota goes to Houghton for a pair Friday and Saturday.
• Colorado College is fast.
Really fast. Minnesota — normally one of the fastest teams in the conference, wasn’t in the same league as CC for much of the weekend, especially Friday. For as much success as the Gophers have had against the Tigers in recent years (Minnesota had won the last six meetings), you wouldn’t have known it this weekend. Bill Sweatt and Eric Walsky were all over the ice. Remember Walsky, the former Alaska-Anchorage Seawolf? The move to Colorado Springs may prove to be a brilliant one for him and the Tigers.
• Wisconsin can score.
Not only do the Badgers have two of the conference’s top forwards in Kyle Turris and Ben Street, now Wisconsin is getting offense from its blueline. Freshman Ryan McDonagh scored his first career goal against Robert Morris Friday and added an assist later in the weekend. Kyle Klubertanz was a massive disappointment last season but has started this year on fire. The senior captain scored more goals this weekend (two) than he did all of last season (one). After a 21-point sophomore season during the Badgers’ national championship run two years ago, big things were expected from Klubertanz last season — but he only scored 13 points. After a five point effort against Robert Morris, maybe he will finally live up to the hype. And don’t forget about forwards Blake Geoffrion and Patrick Johnson; as I recall, their father’s played a bit of hockey in their day. The sophomore Geoffrion might be one of the most underrated, unheralded players in the WCHA this season.
• St. Cloud State is overrated.
Should they have been rated to begin with? After only coming away with three points last weekend at home against Canisius, the Huskies went to the North Shore and laid an egg against Minnesota-Duluth. For as inconsistent as Bobby Goepfert was in net for SCSU over the years, he always seemed to step up in big games. But with him gone, the untested sophomore Jase Weslosky will step in. The loss of Andrew Gordon and Dan Kronick will hurt SCSU, as teams can now focus in on sophomore Andreas Nodl. Many expected the Huskies to take a step back this season. But getting swept at Duluth? Yuck.
• North Dakota might go undefeated.
Okay, that might not be entirely true. But the Fighting Sioux are really good. Those that questioned UND’s pre-season standing atop the WCHA and national polls are now silent. The Sioux do everything well. They have college hockey’s top-line, and perhaps its two best overall players in Ryan Duncan and T.J. Oshie. They have big physical defensemen and the nation’s top overall defenseman in Taylor Chorney. The only question mark heading into the season was whether Jean-Philippe Lamoureux could handle the load in net. Out east this weekend, the senior shut out No. 4 Boston College through two periods (the game was called after 40 minutes because of poor ice) and followed with a 21 save performance the following night against Northeastern in a 3-0 UND win. Whatever physical shortcomings Lamoureux has, he makes up for in experience; and that counts for a lot in the WCHA.
• Alaska-Anchorage might not be really bad.
The Seawolves took a pair of games this weekend against in-state rival Alaska. And while the Nanooks aren’t going to be competing for national titles anytime soon, UAA also tied Boston University the weekend before and are off to a 3-0-1 start. They might be an after thought by the time February rolls around, but does anybody really enjoy the long road trip to Anchorage? It’s always one of the tougher weekends for any team. If UAA can split at home, and occasionally steal a couple on the road, the Seawolves might be a pesky team for opponents all season.
Player of the week: Kyle Klubertanz — Wisconsin
Nobody likes an offensive threat from the blueline more than I do. A two goal, three assist weekend against Robert Morris is by far the weekend’s most impressive performance.
Stock rising: Michigan Tech
Allow only one goal while scoring nine in two games? The Huskies couldn’t have asked for a better start to the season.
Stock falling: Minnesota
Outplayed much of the weekend at the Icebreaker, Minnesota responded by being outworked by Colorado College. When did Kyle Okposo decide to become a figure skater? After a solid, not spectacular, opening weekend, the sophomore was invisible against CC.
Feel free to chime in with any thoughts and insight! Come back Thursday for my weekend preview of the Mavericks trip to Alaska-Anchorage and more WCHA previews. Thanks for reading!
Jon Kalinski had trouble scoring on the breakaway at times last season, and missed a couple chances this weekend to light the lamp. His shorthanded attempt Friday that sailed over the net could have changed the tempo of that game.
Mike Zacharias was great Friday and one must wonder why Jutting did not come back with him Saturday. It's early in the season, so obviously he wanted to see what Dan Tormey could do. But Zacharias kept the Mavericks in the game Friday. Tormey struggled in the first period before eventually being replaced by Zacharias. What Jutting decides to do this weekend against Alaska-Anchorage will be the main storyline as MSU looks to gain its first victory of the season against a UAA team that, through four games, hasn't lost yet.
I was also surprised by the decision to sit sophomore defenseman Nick Canzanello Saturday in place of freshman Channing Boe. Dressing Boe was not a shocker, as Jutting said last week he would play. But sitting Canzanello? I'm not questioning the move, I was just a little shocked to see it. Maybe I'm alone there, though.
Now, onto a little WCHA discussion.
Only six teams have played a conference game thus far, but here are some things I picked up on this weekend. Please feel free to chime in with your thoughts as well.
• Michigan Tech’s goalies are for real.
Okay, so they played Minnesota State — a team known for notoriously slow starts. But Michael-Lee Teslak and Rob Nolan played pretty solid hockey. Anytime you hold a WCHA team to one goal in a two game series, you are doing something right. If the Huskies continue to get that kind of goaltending, Tech will have a chance every single night. With their style of play, the Huskies will never get run out of a building. But if Teslak and Nolan are going to be unbeatable, then perhaps everyone’s preseason love affair with Michigan Tech will ring true. We may get a barometer of just how “for-real” Tech is this weekend; North Dakota goes to Houghton for a pair Friday and Saturday.
• Colorado College is fast.
Really fast. Minnesota — normally one of the fastest teams in the conference, wasn’t in the same league as CC for much of the weekend, especially Friday. For as much success as the Gophers have had against the Tigers in recent years (Minnesota had won the last six meetings), you wouldn’t have known it this weekend. Bill Sweatt and Eric Walsky were all over the ice. Remember Walsky, the former Alaska-Anchorage Seawolf? The move to Colorado Springs may prove to be a brilliant one for him and the Tigers.
• Wisconsin can score.
Not only do the Badgers have two of the conference’s top forwards in Kyle Turris and Ben Street, now Wisconsin is getting offense from its blueline. Freshman Ryan McDonagh scored his first career goal against Robert Morris Friday and added an assist later in the weekend. Kyle Klubertanz was a massive disappointment last season but has started this year on fire. The senior captain scored more goals this weekend (two) than he did all of last season (one). After a 21-point sophomore season during the Badgers’ national championship run two years ago, big things were expected from Klubertanz last season — but he only scored 13 points. After a five point effort against Robert Morris, maybe he will finally live up to the hype. And don’t forget about forwards Blake Geoffrion and Patrick Johnson; as I recall, their father’s played a bit of hockey in their day. The sophomore Geoffrion might be one of the most underrated, unheralded players in the WCHA this season.
• St. Cloud State is overrated.
Should they have been rated to begin with? After only coming away with three points last weekend at home against Canisius, the Huskies went to the North Shore and laid an egg against Minnesota-Duluth. For as inconsistent as Bobby Goepfert was in net for SCSU over the years, he always seemed to step up in big games. But with him gone, the untested sophomore Jase Weslosky will step in. The loss of Andrew Gordon and Dan Kronick will hurt SCSU, as teams can now focus in on sophomore Andreas Nodl. Many expected the Huskies to take a step back this season. But getting swept at Duluth? Yuck.
• North Dakota might go undefeated.
Okay, that might not be entirely true. But the Fighting Sioux are really good. Those that questioned UND’s pre-season standing atop the WCHA and national polls are now silent. The Sioux do everything well. They have college hockey’s top-line, and perhaps its two best overall players in Ryan Duncan and T.J. Oshie. They have big physical defensemen and the nation’s top overall defenseman in Taylor Chorney. The only question mark heading into the season was whether Jean-Philippe Lamoureux could handle the load in net. Out east this weekend, the senior shut out No. 4 Boston College through two periods (the game was called after 40 minutes because of poor ice) and followed with a 21 save performance the following night against Northeastern in a 3-0 UND win. Whatever physical shortcomings Lamoureux has, he makes up for in experience; and that counts for a lot in the WCHA.
• Alaska-Anchorage might not be really bad.
The Seawolves took a pair of games this weekend against in-state rival Alaska. And while the Nanooks aren’t going to be competing for national titles anytime soon, UAA also tied Boston University the weekend before and are off to a 3-0-1 start. They might be an after thought by the time February rolls around, but does anybody really enjoy the long road trip to Anchorage? It’s always one of the tougher weekends for any team. If UAA can split at home, and occasionally steal a couple on the road, the Seawolves might be a pesky team for opponents all season.
Player of the week: Kyle Klubertanz — Wisconsin
Nobody likes an offensive threat from the blueline more than I do. A two goal, three assist weekend against Robert Morris is by far the weekend’s most impressive performance.
Stock rising: Michigan Tech
Allow only one goal while scoring nine in two games? The Huskies couldn’t have asked for a better start to the season.
Stock falling: Minnesota
Outplayed much of the weekend at the Icebreaker, Minnesota responded by being outworked by Colorado College. When did Kyle Okposo decide to become a figure skater? After a solid, not spectacular, opening weekend, the sophomore was invisible against CC.
Feel free to chime in with any thoughts and insight! Come back Thursday for my weekend preview of the Mavericks trip to Alaska-Anchorage and more WCHA previews. Thanks for reading!
An interesting first weekend
Only 60 percent of teams in the WCHA have played a conference game, but after one week, some things are already clear.
• Michigan Tech's goaltending duo Michael-Lee Teslak and Rob Nolan will be solid again.
After allowing just one goal in two games to Minnesota State, the Huskies will be in every game this season if they get continued stellar play in net like they did this weekend.
• Colorado College is fast.
Really fast. The Tigers outworked and outskated Minnesota all weekend long and were rewarded with a well deserved four points. The Gophers' Jeff Frazee was outstanding Saturday night, including a fantastic save on a CC 2-on-0 opportunity in the first period. Minnesota's young defensive core has been okay through four games, but the offense has struggled. UM exploded in the third period vs. RPI last weekend in St. Paul, but was badly outshot by an equally young Michigan team. CC outplayed Minnesota all weekend, and it shows now in the standings.
• Wisconsin's offense can score.
Not only do the Badgers have a couple nice forwards in freshman Kyle Turris and junior Ben Street, but the Wisconsin is getting contributions from its blueline. Freshman Ryan McDonagh scored his first collegiate goal Friday. And how about the weekend by Kyle Klubertanz? The senior had two goals and three assists against Robert Morris as the Badgers outscored the Colonials this weekend 15-4. Klubertanz was a massive disappointment last season, but if the UW can get continued production from Turris (Jack Skille who?), Street and Klubertanz, watch out. And don't forget about sophomore Blake Geoffrion and freshman Patrick Johnson; they come from pretty good bloodlines. As I recall, their fathers played a bit of hockey in their day.
• North Dakota might go undefeated.
• Michigan Tech's goaltending duo Michael-Lee Teslak and Rob Nolan will be solid again.
After allowing just one goal in two games to Minnesota State, the Huskies will be in every game this season if they get continued stellar play in net like they did this weekend.
• Colorado College is fast.
Really fast. The Tigers outworked and outskated Minnesota all weekend long and were rewarded with a well deserved four points. The Gophers' Jeff Frazee was outstanding Saturday night, including a fantastic save on a CC 2-on-0 opportunity in the first period. Minnesota's young defensive core has been okay through four games, but the offense has struggled. UM exploded in the third period vs. RPI last weekend in St. Paul, but was badly outshot by an equally young Michigan team. CC outplayed Minnesota all weekend, and it shows now in the standings.
• Wisconsin's offense can score.
Not only do the Badgers have a couple nice forwards in freshman Kyle Turris and junior Ben Street, but the Wisconsin is getting contributions from its blueline. Freshman Ryan McDonagh scored his first collegiate goal Friday. And how about the weekend by Kyle Klubertanz? The senior had two goals and three assists against Robert Morris as the Badgers outscored the Colonials this weekend 15-4. Klubertanz was a massive disappointment last season, but if the UW can get continued production from Turris (Jack Skille who?), Street and Klubertanz, watch out. And don't forget about sophomore Blake Geoffrion and freshman Patrick Johnson; they come from pretty good bloodlines. As I recall, their fathers played a bit of hockey in their day.
• North Dakota might go undefeated.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Opening Weekend
Finally, the Minnesota State men's hockey team begins its season this weekend and there is a new sense of optimism surrounding the Mavericks these days, as you can read about in my column today.
Every team in the conference played last weekend, unless you don't count Colorado College's exhibition against the Under-18 Team. All in all, not a bad showing by WCHA teams. North Dakota rolled defending national champion Michigan State 6-0 in the Hall of Fame game. Minnesota needed a comeback to beat RPI but held on against Michigan to win the Icebreaker in St. Paul. Wisconsin defeated Notre Dame but lost to Ohio State in the Lefty McFadden Invitational. Heck, even Alaska-Anchorage beat Wayne State and tied Boston University in the Nye Frontier Classic.
The Mavericks will open against Michigan Tech, which lost to Northern Michigan before rebounding vs. Lake Superior State in the Lake Superior Showcase last weekend.
First things first: Jutting said Wednesday he will start Mike Zacharias in net Friday against Tech. Whether he or Dan Tormey will start Saturday won't be decided until after the game Friday.
Jutting also said he will bring seven defensemen to Houghton, including all three freshmen; Ben Youds, Kurt Davis and Channing Boe. He also said it is likely all seven will play at one point or another. When and with whom has yet to be determined. The only defenseman who will not make the trip is sophomore Ryan Gunderson.
Up front, sophomore Jason Wiley is banged up and will not travel. It's too bad for Wiley, who according to Jutting, had a solid off-season. He had earned a spot on the Mavericks fourth line with Zach Harrison and Rylan Galiardi. Instead, senior Matt Tyree or freshman Mike Louwerse will take his spot. Both will travel this weekend, but Jutting has not decided who will play and who will sit. It is possible both will play one night.
Now onto Michigan Tech.
Known for a pair of good goalies in Michael-Lee Teslak and Rob Nolan, the Huskies rarely get into high scoring games. That doesn't mean they don't have offensive talent. Jutting mentioned Huskies' junior forward Tyler Shelast as someone the Mavericks will need to keep an eye on this weekend. Shelast scored a pair of goals last weekend and tallied two of Tech's three goals in the last series these teams played back in February.
Teslak and Nolan were both very good last season, finishing with goals against averages right around two and save percentages at 91 percent. The question is, can they do it again?
PREDICTION
I think Tech will come out rolling Friday night, but their lack of potency on offense will limit their scoring. The Mavericks will play better in the third period and salvage a 3-3 tie. Minnesota State will start better on Saturday, score a couple goals, and take the Huskies out of the game early. MSU wins 4-1 Saturday to earn three points.
WCHA PREDICTIONS
I say Wisconsin takes care of business and sweeps Robert Morris at the Kohl Center. Alaska-Anchorage got off to a solid start last weekend and will sweep the rebuilding Nanooks from Alaska. Boston College will look for a bit of redemption from a poor showing in St. Paul last weekend and beat North Dakota 3-2 Friday. The Sioux will win Saturday over Northeastern 5-2. Denver will split at Notre Dame. St. Cloud State will take care of business and take a pair from Minnesota-Duluth at the DECC. Minnesota has had success in recent years against Colorado College and I think the Tigers are a bit overrated. The Tigers will struggle until they find a replacement for Matt Zaba in net. The Gophers will overcome the loss of Ryan Stoa and take two in Colorado Springs.
Enjoy the games this weekend. I know I'm not the only one glad college hockey is back!
Every team in the conference played last weekend, unless you don't count Colorado College's exhibition against the Under-18 Team. All in all, not a bad showing by WCHA teams. North Dakota rolled defending national champion Michigan State 6-0 in the Hall of Fame game. Minnesota needed a comeback to beat RPI but held on against Michigan to win the Icebreaker in St. Paul. Wisconsin defeated Notre Dame but lost to Ohio State in the Lefty McFadden Invitational. Heck, even Alaska-Anchorage beat Wayne State and tied Boston University in the Nye Frontier Classic.
The Mavericks will open against Michigan Tech, which lost to Northern Michigan before rebounding vs. Lake Superior State in the Lake Superior Showcase last weekend.
First things first: Jutting said Wednesday he will start Mike Zacharias in net Friday against Tech. Whether he or Dan Tormey will start Saturday won't be decided until after the game Friday.
Jutting also said he will bring seven defensemen to Houghton, including all three freshmen; Ben Youds, Kurt Davis and Channing Boe. He also said it is likely all seven will play at one point or another. When and with whom has yet to be determined. The only defenseman who will not make the trip is sophomore Ryan Gunderson.
Up front, sophomore Jason Wiley is banged up and will not travel. It's too bad for Wiley, who according to Jutting, had a solid off-season. He had earned a spot on the Mavericks fourth line with Zach Harrison and Rylan Galiardi. Instead, senior Matt Tyree or freshman Mike Louwerse will take his spot. Both will travel this weekend, but Jutting has not decided who will play and who will sit. It is possible both will play one night.
Now onto Michigan Tech.
Known for a pair of good goalies in Michael-Lee Teslak and Rob Nolan, the Huskies rarely get into high scoring games. That doesn't mean they don't have offensive talent. Jutting mentioned Huskies' junior forward Tyler Shelast as someone the Mavericks will need to keep an eye on this weekend. Shelast scored a pair of goals last weekend and tallied two of Tech's three goals in the last series these teams played back in February.
Teslak and Nolan were both very good last season, finishing with goals against averages right around two and save percentages at 91 percent. The question is, can they do it again?
PREDICTION
I think Tech will come out rolling Friday night, but their lack of potency on offense will limit their scoring. The Mavericks will play better in the third period and salvage a 3-3 tie. Minnesota State will start better on Saturday, score a couple goals, and take the Huskies out of the game early. MSU wins 4-1 Saturday to earn three points.
WCHA PREDICTIONS
I say Wisconsin takes care of business and sweeps Robert Morris at the Kohl Center. Alaska-Anchorage got off to a solid start last weekend and will sweep the rebuilding Nanooks from Alaska. Boston College will look for a bit of redemption from a poor showing in St. Paul last weekend and beat North Dakota 3-2 Friday. The Sioux will win Saturday over Northeastern 5-2. Denver will split at Notre Dame. St. Cloud State will take care of business and take a pair from Minnesota-Duluth at the DECC. Minnesota has had success in recent years against Colorado College and I think the Tigers are a bit overrated. The Tigers will struggle until they find a replacement for Matt Zaba in net. The Gophers will overcome the loss of Ryan Stoa and take two in Colorado Springs.
Enjoy the games this weekend. I know I'm not the only one glad college hockey is back!
2007-08 Season Preview
Check out my Minnesota State hockey season preview here.
You can also read about Jon Kalinski, who will counted on to lead the Maverick offense this season.
You can also read about Jon Kalinski, who will counted on to lead the Maverick offense this season.
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