2008 Woodie Awards
Huskies look to improve WCHA record
Jake Laxen
Issue date: 11/1/07 Section: Sports
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Just a week ago the Huskies (3-2-1, 0-2-0 WCHA) were in panic mode after a weekend sweep by Minnesota-Duluth caused them to fall out of the USCHO.com poll and fade from contention.
Then this past weekend, SCSU came up with a two-game sweep over Bemidji State at the National Hockey Center, propelling them back into the rankings at No. 19.
"It was great for us to get back into a flow after we took that spanking up in Duluth," senior forward Michael Olson said.
It was a positive step for the team to come out with two wins as well as snap their three-game winless streak.
"It was good for team morale to get back on track and make sure that our lines are straight," junior forward John Swanson said.
The Huskies will now get back into WCHA play with a weekend series versus Alaska-Anchorage (3-1-2, 0-1-1 WCHA) in the National Hockey Center, as they will attempt to earn their first conference point.
The Seawolves are coming off their first taste of the WCHA this season, as they took a point from visiting Minnesota State with a 2-2 tie Friday.
Alaska-Anchorage ended up dropping their first game of the season 2-0 in Saturday's finale. The Mavericks jumped ahead with a goal 1:18 into the game and ensured their lead with a power play goal in the second period.
Still, the Seawolves have been impressive this season, as they have exceeded preseason expectations by getting off to their best start since the 2003-04 season.
"It is the WCHA, you can't take any team lightly, top to bottom," Olson said. "There may be a little differential talent wise from top to bottom, but everybody competes and comes to play every single night, wanting to knock you off,"
They picked up non-conference wins over Wayne State, Alaska-Fairbanks and Boston University, which made the NCAA tournament last season.
Alaska-Anchorage is coming off a 13-21-3 last place finish last year and were picked to finish last in the WCHA by the Grand Forks Herald WCHA Preseason Coaches Poll.
The poll made this low prediction despite third-year head coach Dave Shyiak's positive impact in the program.