Blog Has Moved

It's been a good run on Blogger, but The Gazette has decided to take Mucking in the Corner to a new in-house site (http://cchockey.freedomblogging.com/).

Exciting new features include:
--More accessible comments feature that does not require a Gmail account. (We listened!)
--An ever-expanding blogroll. If you don't see a college hockey resource listed, please drop me an e-mail at kate.crandall@gazette.com, so that I can check it out.

So please reset your bookmarks and join us over yonder.

Stuart Named to U.S. National Team

Former Colorado College defenseman Mark Stuart, who played all 89 games this season for the Boston Bruins, was named to the U.S. national team roster for the International Ice Hockey Federation World Championship, USA Hockey announced Thursday. The tournament takes place May 2-18 in Nova Scotia and Quebec City, Quebec.

Stuart, a product of the U.S. national team development program (2000-02), captained to the U.S. under-18 national team to its first-ever gold at the IIHF World under-18 Championship in 2002 and repeated the success as captain in the 2004 World Junior Championship.

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Also, New York Islanders pro scout Toby O'Brien said newly signed defenseman Jack Hillen went from "level 1 to level 9" while at Colorado College.

Former Teammates Reunite At Frozen Four Skills Challenge

DENVER -- Colorado College's Jimmy Kilpatrick and Air Force's Eric Ehn played together with the Green Bay Gamblers (United States Hockey League) and on Friday helped the West Men's squad to a 13-6 victory over the East squad at the 2008 Frozen Four Skills Challenge.

In the first event, the Puck Control Relay, Ehn's three-skater team lost their first heat, but Kilpatrick's team (he was joined by Nino Musitelli of Miami (Ohio) and Lake Forest's Courtney DeHoey). After winning the heat, Kilpatrick was interviewed on ESPNU by former Colorado College player Jim Paradise.

In the fastest skater competition, Kilpatrick edged out Musitelli with a time of 4.67 (from goal line to offensive blue line), but finished third behind Denver's Andrew Thomas (4.61) and Providence's Jon Rheault (4.65). Ehn faced off against Thomas and it was clear he is still coming back from his left fibula injury.

Thomas was edged out by Rheault, but Denver coach George Gwozdecky protested the false start. WCHA head referee Greg Shepherd jokingly came over to the West bench to quiet Gwozdecky and Thomas couldn't beat Rheault the second time around.

Neither Kilpatrick or Ehn competed in the hardest shot competition.

Kilpatrick tapped Denver goaltender Peter Mannino's pads -- Mannino saved seven of eight shots --before facing off against East goaltender Justin Mrazek of Union in the rapid shot competition, which involves pass from the goal line and tests the goalie. Kilpatrick scored on two of eight shots.

Kilpatrick faced Mrazek again in the penalty shot competition (one point for each made), as did Ehn, and wowed the crowd with a move that involved bouncing the puck on his stick and shooting it as it hit the ice.

Bachman, Hillen, Rau Named to AHCA All-American West teams

DENVER -- Colorado College goaltender Richard Bachman and defenseman Jack Hillen were named first-team West All-American by the American Hockey Coaches Association. The teams were announced Friday at the NCAA Frozen Four in Denver.

Chad Rau, a junior who led the Tigers and finished fifth in the WCHA in scoring, was named to the second team.

It is the most All-American mentions for CC since 2005 when Curtis McElhinney, Marty Sertich, Brett Sterling and Mark Stuart were selected. It is the third time in the past five seasons that CC has had three or more players on All-American teams.

Only New Hampshire had more players on All-American teams (four on the East squads).

First Team All-American
West
Goalie Richard Bachman, FR, Colorado College
Defense Tyler Eckford, JR, Alaska
Defense Jack Hillen, SR, Colorado College
Forward Ryan Jones, SR, Miami (Ohio)
Forward T.J. Oshie, JR, North Dakota
Forward Kevin Porter, SR, Michigan

East
Goalie Kevin Regan, SR, New Hampshire
Defense Matt Gilroy, JR, Boston University
Defense Mike Moore, SR, Princeton
Nathan Gerbe, JR, Boston College
Lee Jubinville, JR, Princeton
Mike Radja, SR, New Hampshire

Second Team All-American
West
Goalie Jeff Lerg, JR, Michigan State
Defense Chris Butler, JR, Denver
Defense Alec Martinez, JR, Miami
Forward Chad Kolarik, SR, Michigan
Forward Ryan Lasch, St. Cloud State
Forward Chad Rau, Colorado College

East
Goalie Josh Kassel, JR, Army
Defense Grant Clitsome, SR, Clarkson
Defense Brad Flaishans, SR, New Hampshire
Forward Bryan Ewing, SR, Boston University
Forward Matt Fornataro, SR, New Hampshire
Forward Peter MacArthur, SR, Boston University

The only repeat selection is Matt Gilroy (Boston University), who was on the second team last year.

Friday Night at the Frozen Four

DENVER -- No surprise here. Michigan's Kevin Porter won the Hobey Baker Award, the first non-WCHA player in seven seasons to win the award. Boston College left wing Nathan Gerbe, who had a hat trick last night to surpass Porter in national scoring statistics, congratulated his fellow Michigan native and former U.S. national development teammate. Miami's Ryan Jones displayed his new look after shedding his locks for cancer patients' hairpieces.

Thauwald Signs With Colorado Eagles

Want to see Colorado College captain Scott Thauwald play again? Here's your chance. The fifth-year senior signed to play with the Colorado Eagles for the rest of the Central Hockey League playoffs. Head coach Chris Stewart was interested in Thauwald "for a while," he said.

CC goaltender Richard Bachman continues to rack up the awards. This time it's Inside College Hockey. The website named Bachman to its Freshmen All-American team and Rookie of the Year.

Tiger Tracks:
Three years removed from CC, defenseman Mark Stuart was one of three Boston Bruins to play in all 82 regular-season games.

A newly minted professional, defenseman Jack Hillen recorded 15:39 of ice time in his debut last Thursday and an assist Friday.

Left wing Aaron Slattengren's player tryout agreement ended with the Providence Bruins (American Hockey League), but the ECHL's Augusta Lynx were happy to welcome him back for their playoff run.

Salcido, Sterling Named to AHL 2nd All-Star Team

CC alums Brett Sterling and Brian Salcido were named to the American Hockey League second All-Star team Thursday.

Sterling had 19 goals in his first 22 games with the Chicago Wolves after being sent down from the Atlanta Thrashers. The left wing ranks third in the league with 34 goals in 64 games this season.

Salcido is second among all AHL defensemen in assists (40) and points (50) in 66 games for the Portland Pirates and tied Portland’s franchise record for points by a defenseman in a single season.

See the two AHL All-Star teams here.

Hillen Expected To Play Tonight vs. Rangers

Jack Hillen and the New York Islanders will square off against the rival New York Rangers in the Isles' final home game at Nassau Coliseum at 5 p.m. MT tonight.

Islanders coach Ted Nolan told Newsday that he'll pair Hillen with the team's most experienced defenseman, Radek Martinek.

CC Picks Up Another Defenseman

Arthur Bidwill, a 20-year-old defenseman from Fontana, Wis., committed to CC Tuesday.

In his third NAHL season, Bidwill finished with 10 goal and 29 points in 39 games for the Fairbanks (Alaska) Ice Dogs. He was also plus-27.

Bidwell played for the Southern Minnesota Express and the Traverse City (Mich.) North Stars before being traded to the Ice Dogs midway through last season.

Read more here.

Hillen, Rau, Bachman Named to All-CHN Teams

Defenseman Jack Hillen received first-team honors, while center Chad Rau was named second team by College Hockey News. Goaltender Richard Bachman was named to the all-rookie team.

FIRST TEAM All-CHN
F Kevin Porter Michigan Sr.
F Nathan Gerbe Boston College Jr.
F Ryan Jones Miami Sr.
D Alec Martinez Miami Jr.
D Jack Hillen Colorado College Sr.
G Jean-Philippe Lamoureux North Dakota Jr.

SECOND TEAM All-CHN
F Chad Kolarik Michigan Sr.
F Chad Rau Colorado College Jr.
F Pete MacArthur Boston University Sr.
D Chay Genoway North Dakota So.
D Grant Clitsome Clarkson Sr.
G Jeff Zatkoff Miami Jr.

CHN ALL-ROOKIE TEAM
F Colin Wilson Boston University
F Max Pacioretty Michigan
F Riley Nash Cornell
D Ryan McDonagh Wisconsin
D Chad Langlais Michigan
G Richard Bachman Colorado College

See College Hockey News' story here.

Hobey Baker Top 3 Announced

Hobey Baker Top 3:
--Michigan forward Kevin Porter: Nation's leading scorer with 33 goals and 29 assists.
--Boston College forward Nathan Gerbe: 2nd nationally in scoring with 30 goals and 30 assists.
--Miami (Ohio) forward Ryan Jones: 31 goals rank first nationally, also has 18 assists

I'm not as shocked as I was when Colorado College goaltender Richard Bachman and center Chad Rau (and for that matter, defenseman Jack Hillen) were left off of the Hobey Baker Award top 10 list. But to not have North Dakota goaltender Jean-Philippe Lamoureux in the top three is simply absurd.

I think Michigan's Kevin Porter is the runaway winner and Boston College's Nathan Gerbe has been impressive, especially in the second half. Both Porter and Gerbe's numbers are gaudy enough to merit top-3 mention. While Miami's Ryan Jones is a fantastic player and his goals rank second nationally, I think Lamoureux has put together a resume worthy of top-3 consideration, especially in such a low-scoring year in college hockey and with his team's success in reaching the Frozen Four (again).

UPDATE: And after the nice things Lamoureux said about Bachman to Inside College Hockey, I would imagine some of you CC fans would agree with me (just kidding...but nice things, nonetheless).

This year’s Hobey Baker Award winner will be announced Friday, April 11, 2008 from Pepsi Center during the Frozen Four. The announcement will be aired live on ESPNU at 5:30 pm MT.

Hillen Signs With the New York Islanders

Colorado College senior defenseman Jack Hillen signed a two-year contract with the New York Islanders Tuesday.
Hillen, the Western Collegiate Hockey Association defensive player of the year, is expected make his NHL debut Thursday and Friday in the Islanders’ final two games, a home-and-home series with the New York Rangers.
“I’m pretty excited and nervous,” said Hillen, who took a red-eye flight to New York Monday and was in New York to watch the Islanders take on the New Jersey Devils Tuesday. “I don’t quite know what to expect. But I’m just really happy with my decision to be part of the Islanders organization and I think it’s going to be a lot of fun in this next week getting used to some things and doing whatever I need to do next year to get back to the highest level. Who knows what’s going to happen, but I’m just happy to be here right now.”
As the nation’s top-scoring defenseman, Hillen finished second among all Tigers’ scorers with six goals and 31 assists. Hillen was also named first-team All-WCHA.
“Our whole staff is very excited for him,” CC coach Scott Owens said. “It’s nice to see a player be rewarded for doing it the right way. In four years, he put in his time. He improved, he developed, he had a great senior year and then he had the opportunity to sign a pro contract. ...We’re thrilled.”
Hillen will see a familiar face when he skates for the first time with the Islanders today. Former Minnesota forward Kyle Okposo made headlines when he gave up his final two-and-a-half seasons of eligibility in December to sign with the Islanders.
"We are very proud that Jack made the decision to join the Islanders," general manager Garth Snow said in a statement. "He was one of the prized college free agents for good reason. He is an excellent puck-moving defenseman and our scouting staff is really impressed by his competitive spirit.”

Dineen Makes Mark

Just a quick note to brighten your day...

I know it's tough to adjust to life without hockey.

To ease that transition, it always helps to look forward to next season.

One member of CC's recruiting class for 2008 is Nick Dineen, a player who has paid his dues by spending three years in the United States Hockey League. This article should make you excited about what's coming around the bend for the Tigers.

NCAA West Regional: CC 1, Michigan State 3 (final)

Objective version:
It was an ending no one expected, especially not the 25 players in Colorado College's locker room.
After a scoreless first period, Michigan State's second-period scoring came swiftly: three goals -- two power-play goals and a quick strike off of a faceoff -- in a span of 10:24.
But the Tigers had their chances, too, racking up a 42-23 advantage in shots for the game.
Left wing Derek Patrosso, CC's only player from Michigan, spoiled Michigan State goaltender Jeff Lerg's shutout bid with 8:53 left in the game, but the Tigers couldn't inch any closer, even with goaltender Richard Bachman pulled for the final two minutes.

Subjective version:
It's the kind of loss that sucks the breath out of you.
I wasn't sure what to expect as I walked into the locker room for the first time ever -- reporters are only allowed in locker rooms after NCAA Tournament games -- but the scene is one I will never forget.
The Tigers' faces were tear-stained and pained. Some hugged. Some sat, their heads cradled in their hands, while others' stares were so intent, they seemed ready to play 60 more minutes.
At that moment, it was hard to remember the trophy-hoisting of early March and the whoops and hollers that accompanied many a cutthroat three-on-three game at practice.
But the Tigers' silence spoke volumes about how much they cared for one another and for the shared dream of winning a national title, which slipped from their grasp tonight.
And captain Scott Thauwald and senior Jack Hillen explained the meaning behind that silence in the press conference next door. It was less about the loss itself and more that the loss cut short the experience of a lifetime.
Said Thauwald: "In the last five years, I have developed unbelievable friendships with these guys that I will have for the rest of my life. This team is a special team and the friendships and relationships are something I will take with me. You will never have a close group like a college hockey team."
Added Hillen: "It's tough right now. The only thing I can say is that I have played with some incredible hockey players that came through here in my four years. I will never forget the players I played with... . I've made some unbelievable friendships and it's just tough because I will never sit in the locker room again with those guys and those friendships, it will never be the same."

NCAA West Regional: No. 2 seed CC vs. No. 3 seed Michigan State

The winner of the CC-Michigan State game will meet Notre Dame, which trounced New Hampshire 7-3 (with two empty-net goals) in the first game. The Wildcats' NCAA swoon continued as they haven't won a tournament game since 2005 and coach Dick Umile has never won a championship.

Lines:
Colorado College
21 Bill Sweatt -- 14 Chad Rau -- 25 Mike Testwuide
16 Derek Patrosso -- 19 Andreas Vlassopoulos -- 23 Jimmy Kilpatrick
10 Scott Thauwald --17 Tyler Johnson --22 Eric Walsky
26 Scott McCulloch -- 9 Brian McMillin --18 Matt Overman

8 Jack Hillen -- 15 Nate Prosser
7 Kris Fredheim -- 4 Jake Gannon
11 Brian Connelly -- 24 Ryan Lowery

30 Richard Bachman
31 Drew O'Connell
1 Tyler O'Brien

Michigan State
10 Tim Kennedy -- 9 Justin Abdelkader --19 Chris Mueller
24 Matt Schepke -- 11 Bryan Lerg -- 40 Tim Crowder
25 Corey Tropp -- 22 Nick Sucharski -- 21 Dustin Gazley
26 Kurt Kivisto -- 14 Zak McClelllan -- 13 Ryan Turek

8 Brandon Gentile -- 2 Jeff Petry
16 Justin Johnston -- 28 Danie Vukovic
44 Micahel Ratchuk -- 15 Jeff Dunne

1 Jeff Lerg
35 Bobby Jarosz
30 Steve Mnich

NCAA Regionals Kick Off Today

Here's a bunch of links to get you in the NCAA playoff spirit:

New Hampshire goaltender Kevin Regan, a finalist for the Hobey Baker Memorial award, received the Walter Brown Award, given to the best player in New England, continuing to bolster the collective credentials of the four goaltenders in the NCAA West Regional at World Arena. Michigan State's Jeff Lerg is also a Hobey finalist and, as most reading this blog know, Colorado College's Richard Bachman was WCHA player and rookie of the year.

Here's a West Regional preview.

ESPN.com's general thoughts on the NCAA Tournament, with the assertion that, indeed, the West Regional is the toughest draw.

Even though all of the teams at the West Regional expressed excitement about playing in Colorado and at CC's home arena, this one blogger isn't too happy about Michigan State's placement there.

This blog highlights Air Force, which will play in the NCAA Northeast Regional in Worcester, Mass., starting Saturday against Miami (Ohio). The biggest news is that Eric Ehn will play.

USCHO.com's Dave Starman looks at breakout freshmen in this column. Of course, Bachman is featured prominently.

Day passes available as of 10 a.m. today

Individual day tickets for the NCAA West Regional at World Arena went on sale at 10 a.m. today (Friday).
Tickets for both games tonight -- New Hampshire vs. Notre Dame at 4:30 p.m. or Colorado College vs. Michigan State at 8 p.m. -- or for the championship game on Saturday are $47 for the upper bowl and $54.50 for the lower bowl, although I'm pretty sure only a handful of lower-bowl tickets remain for tonight's games and the lower bowl is definitely sold out for Saturday's championship game.
Tickets can be purchased at the World Arena box office, www.cctigers.com, or by calling TicketsWest at 576.2626.

NCAA Tournament on TV

Mark your calendars:

-- Sunday, March 23:
9:30 a.m. MT: NCAA Hockey Selection Show (ESPN2)

-- Friday, March 28:
East Regional (Albany) Semifinal, 2:00 p.m. MT (ESPNU)
East Regional (Albany) Semifinal, 5:30 p.m. MT (ESPNU)
West Regional (World Arena) Semifinal, 8:00 p.m. MT (ESPNU)
West Regional (World Arena) Semifinal, 11:00 p.m. MT (tape-delay, ESPNU)

-- Saturday, March 29:
Northeast Regional (Worcester, Mass.) Semifinal, 2:00 p.m. MT (ESPNU)
East Regional (Albany) Final, 5:00 p.m. MT (ESPNU)
West Regional (World Arena) Final, 8:00 p.m. MT (ESPNU)
Northeast Regional (Worcester, Mass.) Semifinal, 11:00 p.m. MT (tape-delay, ESPNU)

-- Sunday, March 30:
Midwest Regional (Madison, Wisc.) Semifinal, 10:30 a.m. MT (tape-delay, ESPNU)
Midwest Regional (Madison, Wisc.) Semifinal, 12:30 p.m. MT (tape-delay, ESPNU)
Northeast Regional (Worchester, Mass.) Final, 2:30 p.m. MT (ESPNU)
Midwest Regional (Madison, Wisc.) Final, 5:00 p.m. MT (ESPNU)

-- Thursday, April 10:
NCAA Frozen Four semifinal games, 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. MT (ESPN2)

-- Friday, April 11:
Hobey Baker Award presentation, live from Pepsi Center, 5:30 p.m. MT
NCAA Hockey Skills Challenge, live from Pepsi Center, 7:00 p.m. MT

-- Saturday, April 12:
NCAA national championship game, 5:00 p.m. MT (ESPN)

Notes:
Jim Paradise, who played from CC from 1990-94, and Damion DiGuilian will be ESPN analysts at the NCAA West Regional at World Arena.

Time to Regroup

Colorado College will leave St. Paul, Minn., Sunday empty-handed.
The last time the Tigers went home without a trophy was in December after they lost the Lightning College Hockey Classic in Tampa, Fla.
CC reeled off six consecutive wins in response and won the MacNaughton Cup and the Gold Pan two months later.
Granted, the Final Five is a way bigger deal than the LCHC and CC was way more disappointed this weekend.
But this weekend's losses beg the question: How will the Tigers respond this time, especially with the NCAA West Regional starting Friday at World Arena?
As captain Scott Thauwald said: "We can feel sorry for ourselves tonight and tomorrow, but come Monday, we're in the national tournament. Two wins and we'll be in the Pepsi Center."

The facts:
--CC's offense needs a jumpstart. The Tigers had their lowest scoring weekend of the season with just three goals in two games. Two of those goals were on the power play.
"There were a lot of times when we could have slammed it home in front of the net," Thauwald said. "I don't think we battled hard enough in front."
--The Tigers' defense needs to clamp down. CC allowed 35 shots against both Minnesota and North Dakota. Their opponents, on the other hand, kept the Tigers out of the middle and limited them to mostly outside shots.
--CC needs to make its home-ice advantage -- the Tigers have an 18-2 record at World Arena -- an advantage by using its speed. The Tigers looked a step slow against North Dakota, perhaps in part because their transition game was undermined by turnovers during long stretches of the game. But when the Tigers are clicking -- read: the way they played against Clarkson, Minnesota-Duluth and the first game against Denver -- they're tough to stop.

Game day: No. 2 Colorado College vs. No. 4 North Dakota (Final Five third-place game)

Colorado College, which was held to a single goal in Friday's overtime loss to Minnesota, has a lot riding on today's game against North Dakota. CC is ranked fourth in the PairWise rankings, while the Fighting Sioux are ranked fifth. The winner of today's game is projected to be the top seed in the NCAA West Regional at World Arena, while the other is expected to be the second seed.

Coach Scott Owens said after Friday's game that he and his staff would have a lengthy discussion about whether to play starting goaltender Richard Bachman. It seems the CC coaches decided playing for that top seed was worth it because Bachman is listed as the starter.

As I mentioned above, CC was held to a single goal Friday--that's the first time the Tigers haven't scored at least two goals in a game. Owens made the first significant change to the top three lines since January, moving left wing Scott McCulloch to the fourth line and shifting Derek Patrosso, who typically plays right wing, to the second-line left wing spot. This is similar to the lineup CC went with in November's split with North Dakota (here).

A few comments:
--Minnesota goaltender Alex Kangas was as good as advertised. The 20-year-old freshman (a couple months older than Richard Bachman) is on a hot streak. How will CC do against North Dakota's Jean-Philippe Lamoureux, who took his second loss in three games after leading the Sioux to an 18-game unbeaten streak? Should be another goaltending battle.
--Minnesota's defense was much improved over October. The Gophers kept CC's shots to the outside and did not allow the Tigers to get rebounds. To get prime scoring opportunities against North Dakota, CC has no choice but to be gritty.

Lines:
Colorado College
21 Bill Sweatt -- 14 Chad Rau -- 25 Mike Testwuide
16 Derek Patrosso -- 19 Andreas Vlassopoulos -- 23 Jimmy Kilpatrick
10 Scott Thauwald -- 17 Tyler Johnson -- 22 Eric Walsky
26 Scott McCulloch -- 9 Brian McMilllin -- 5 Addison DeBoer

8 Jack Hillen -- 15 Nate Prosser
7 Kris Fredheim -- 4 Jake Gannon
11 Brian Connelly --24 Ryan Lowery

30 Richard Bachman
31 Drew O'Connell
1 Tyler O'Brien

North Dakota
16 Ryan Duncan -- 7 T.J. Oshie -- 14 Brad Miller
20 Matt Watkins -- 29 Chris VandeVelde -- 17 Rylan Kaip
10 Andrew Kozek -- 8 Ryan Martens -- 22 Brad Malone
26 Kyle Radke -- 11 Darcy Zajac -- 21 Matt Frattin

4 Taylor Chorney -- 28 Robbie Bina
2 Joe Finley -- 5 Chay Genoway
6 Zach Jones -- 25 Jake Marto

1 Jean-Philippe Lamoureux
30 Aaron Walski

Tigers Clean Up At WCHA Awards Ceremony

(Above) Colorado College goaltender Richard Bachman accepts player of the year honors from the WCHA, becoming only the second player in league history to be named player and rookie of the year in the same season. NHL goaltender Curtis Joseph, a former Wisconsin player, is the other. It was Bachman's second speech of the day.

(Above) Named WCHA defensive player of the year, Tigers defenseman Jack Hillen credited his teammates with the award and said he was honored to be named top defensive player with the likes of North Dakota's Taylor Chorney and Wisconsin's Jamie McBain in the league.

(Above) Bachman's rookie of the year speech.

Game day: No. 2 CC vs. No. 12 Minnesota

Denver beat North Dakota 3-1 in the first semifinal game today, setting up a potential rivalry rematch in the Broadmoor Trophy game.

Earlier this week, Colorado College players secretly wished they'd get to face Minnesota in the Final Five. Their wish was granted when Gophers forward Mike Howe scored with 12.7 seconds left in regulation. It should be a packed house at the Xcel Energy Center tonight.

Things to watch:
--Even though CC goaltender Richard Bachman was unquestionably the WCHA's best goaltender this season -- he captured 77 of 78 rookie of the year votes and player of the year honors Thursday -- Minnesota's Alex Kangas has put together a solid campaign after taking the reins midway through the season. In 28 games, Kangas has a 1.95 goals against average and a .930 save percentage. Coach Don Lucia said Monday Kangas was the reason for the Gophers' about-face.
--CC and Denver are the bitterest of rivals, but Minnesota is up there on the Tigers' list. A gopher hangs in effigy in the bowels of CC's locker room.
--Minnesota played three overtime games last weekend and the play-in game last night. How will the Gophers' legs hold up?
--CC's forwards exposed all sorts of weaknesses in Minnesota's defensive corps in October. I'll be interested to see how the Gophers' defense has improved since the beginning of the season. Remember, Minnesota lost its three top defensemen off of last season's team -- Mike Vannelli, who graduated, and early departures Alex Goligoski and Erik Johnson.

Here are the lines for tonight's game:

Colorado College
21 Bill Sweatt -- 14 Chad Rau -- 25 Mike Testwuide
26 Scott McCulloch -- 19 Andreas Vlassopoulos -- 23 Jimmy Kilpatrick
10 Scott Thauwald -- 17 Tyler Johnson -- 22 Eric Walsky
18 Matt Overman -- 9 Brian McMillin -- 16 Derek Patrosso

8 Jack Hillen --15 Nate Prosser
7 Kris Fredheim -- 4 Jake Gannon
11 Brian Connelly -- 24 Ryan Lowery

30 Richard Bachman
31 Drew O'Connell
1 Tyler O'Brien

Minnesota
13 Ben Gordon -- 17 Blake Wheeler -- 7 Patrick White
11 Mike Hoeffel -- 16 Mike Carman -- 26 Jay Barriball
12 Tony Lucia -- 19 Evan Kaufmann -- 22 Ryan Flynn
24 Mike Howe -- 25 Drew Fisher --14 Justin Bostrom

5 Derek Peltier -- 20 David Fischer
28 Cade Fairchild -- 4 Stu Bickel
2 Kevin Wehrs -- 6 R.J. Anderson

33 Alex Kangas
1 Jeff Frazee
35 Brent Solei

Bachman Named Player, Rookie of the Year

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Colorado College goaltender Richard Bachman became only the second player in league history to be named player and rookie of the year by the Western Collegiate Hockey Association at its awards banquet Thursday.
Tigers defenseman Jack Hillen was named WCHA defensive player of the year.
Curtis Joseph, who played for Wisconsin, also won both honors in the 1988-89 season.

Rau Seventh on INCH Hobey Tracker

Center Chad Rau comes in seventh on Inside College Hockey's Hobey tracker. Leading the way is Michigan's Kevin Porter, followed by North Dakota's Jean-Philippe Lamoureux. Could make for an interesting weekend if CC meets North Dakota in the Broadmoor Trophy game.

And it begins... Michigan Tech's Michael-Lee Teslak is the WCHA's first early departure of the season, signing a deal with the Philadelphia Flyers. Teslak is expected to be in uniform for the AHL affiliate Philadelphia Phantoms today.

USCHO.com has more PairWise chatter with senior writer Jayson Moy surmising that Michigan, Miami, New Hampshire, North Dakota and CC are in the hunt for No. 1 seeds. Moy also has Colorado College-Princeton and North Dakota-Notre Dame as the NCAA West Regional pairings, as bracket integrity could send No. 15 or 16 overall seed Air Force packing.

The Denver Post's Mark Kiszla has a column on Richard Bachman today.

Killing Time 'Til The Final Five

Here's some links I've meant to post in this crazy time of the season:

Chad Rau and Richard Bachman were named to Inside College Hockey's All-WCHA team and defenseman Jack Hillen was named Breakthrough Player of the Year.

Want to get the inside scoop on Denver hockey? You can join in on DU's live chat with George Gwozdecky on Wednesday at 2.

College Hockey News gives you the chance to take matters into your own hands with their "You Are The Committee" feature.

Recruit Colten St. Clair will attend the NTDP try-out camp this weekend in Ann Arbor, Mich. See the list.

Here's the schedule for this weekend:
Minnesota vs. St. Cloud State, 6:07 p.m. MT

Games for Friday, March 21
Semi-Final: Denver vs. North Dakota, 1:07 p.m. MT
Semi-Final: Play-in winner vs. Colorado College, 6:07 p.m. MT

Games for Saturday, March 22
Third-place Game, 1:07 p.m. MT
Broadmoor Trophy Championship Game, 6:07 p.m. MT

Update on Minnesota's Tom Pohl

Minnesota senior Tom Pohl sustained a skull fracture in Sunday's 3-2 double-overtime win over Minnesota State-Mankato and underwent surgery Monday at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Minn, according to news reports (Minneapolis Star-Tribune here).

On this morning's WCHA Final Five conference call, Gophers coach Don Lucia had an update on Pohl, whom he visited Monday afternoon.

"He was talkative," Lucia said. "The last 24 hours were crucial to make sure there was no more bleeding, and that has not happened. They are hopeful that he might get out of the ICU today. It was a scary situation. We're very thankful to the staff at Minnesota State and how they handled it in a professional manner. It was a very scary situation. ..I don't think there was any ill will on the part of the Mankato player (Jason Wiley). I do think the major cause of injury was because his helmet came off. He was unconscious when he hit the ice."

Pohl could be out of the hospital in three or four days, Lucia said. "He did look good and sound good even though he had just come out of surgery earlier in the day."

Earlier in the call, WCHA commissioner Bruce McLeod indicated that there would not be any supplementary discipline on the part of the league.

"I want to say on behalf of the WCHA that our thoughts and prayers are with Tom and his family," McLeod said. "As for the Minnesota State player, he’s having a very tough time with the situation. He is very concerned about what happened. They lost touch with him for a little while yesterday. He’s been very contrite and feels terrible about the whole situation. We automatically review all major penalties especially DQ's (disqualifications). ...By the tape it seemed there was no maliciousness and that there wasn’t a strong degree of intent there at all. ...It’s a tough situation for everybody, but we hope in the end that Tom will come through in good shape."

Tigers Rise To Two-Spot

CC is ranked No. 2 in both national polls this week and no. 1 in Inside College Hockey's power rankings (here), but frankly, it's irrelevant at this point.

Check out the PairWise rankings below. These rankings are used to simulate the selection process used by the NCAA to seed the tournament. So, as of now, the Tigers are fourth overall and if the tournament started today, would be a No. 1 seed in the NCAA West Regional at World Arena.

Miami jumped up to no. 2 after Northern Michigan upset Michigan State in the CCHA playoffs. Northern Michigan had fallen out as a "team under consideration" (A TUC is a team in the top 25 of the Ratings Percentage Index), but after the upset, rebounded to No. 23 in the PairWise. As a result, Miami once again had 10 TUC's, the necessary number required to have their record against TUC's considered.

Coach Scott Owens said Monday he believes the Tigers will finish between Nos. 2 and 5 in the PairWise.

Some things to note:
--Although CC doesn't need to worry about this, Colgate upset Clarkson, which is tied for ninth in the PairWise, in the ECAC playoffs. As a result, the ECAC's automatic bid will come from another ECAC school (Cornell, Harvard, Princeton or Colgate), meaning the bubble shrunk for Wisconsin and Minnesota State-Mankato, both of whom will be idle this weekend.
--With Niagara and Air Force's wins, the number of available spots shrinks to 13.
--If Vermont or Boston University should win the Hockey East tournament over New Hampshire or Boston College, the number of available spots goes to 12, meaning Minnesota
would make the tournament.
--If the whole PairWise thing makes your head hurt, head over to collegehockeynews.com and check out their PairWise primer.

PairWise Rankings (PWR)

			Record			RPI
Rk	Team	PWR	Rk	W-L-T	Win %	Rk	RPI
1	Michigan	24	2	29-5-4	.8158	1	.5919*
2	Miami	23	1	31-6-1	.8289	4	.5831*
3	New Hampshire	22	4	25-8-3	.7361	5	.5764
4	Colorado College	21	3	28-9-1	.7500	2	.5906
5	North Dakota	20	5	25-9-4	.7105	3	.5838
6t	Boston College	18	12	19-11-8	.6053	9	.5421
6t	Denver	18	8	24-13-1	.6447	6	.5615
8	St. Cloud State	17	17	19-14-5	.5658	8	.5443
9t	Michigan State	16	7	24-11-5	.6625	7	.5510
9t	Clarkson	16	11	21-12-4	.6216	10	.5367
11	Minnesota	14	26	17-15-9	.5244	12	.5284
12	Notre Dame	13	9	24-13-4	.6341	11	.5363
13t	Minnesota State	11	20t	19-16-4	.5385	13	.5276
13t	Wisconsin	11	31	15-16-7	.4868	14	.5243
15	Harvard	9	19	16-12-4	.5625	17	.5204
16t	Princeton	7	14	19-13-0	.5938	16	.5240
16t	Vermont	7	23	16-14-7	.5270	18	.5191
18t	Boston University	6	20t	19-16-4	.5385	15	.5242
18t	Minnesota-Duluth	6	40	13-17-6	.4444	20	.5143
20	Massachusetts	5	35	14-16-6	.4722	25	.5079
21t	Cornell	4	15	18-13-3	.5735	19	.5187
21t	Niagara	4	6	22-10-4	.6667	21	.5113
23t	Michigan Tech	3	43	14-20-5	.4231	22	.5104
23t	Northern Michigan	3	29t	19-19-4	.5000	24	.5079
25	Quinnipiac	2	18	20-15-4	.5641	23	.5090

Rivalry At Regional?

If CC earns a no. 1 seed for the NCAA tournament, it could meet in-town rival Air Force in the NCAA West Regional at World Arena on March 28.

Air Force won the Atlantic Hockey tournament in dramatic fashion for the second season in a row, this time topping Mercyhurst 5-4 in double overtime on Sunday in Rochester, N.Y. For more, check out gazette.com/sports.

CC edged the Falcons 2-1 in January, so the idea of a rematch is rife with potential storylines. With two weeks until the regional, Air Force's Eric Ehn, Hobey Baker top-three finalist last season, could be fully recovered from the broken fibula he suffered in a third-period collision with Tigers left wing Bill Sweatt. Also, last season, Air Force took top-seeded Minnesota to the wire in the NCAA West Regional at Pepsi Center.

Tigers on Local TV This Week

KOAA (Channels 5 & 30) will carry a live telecast of Friday's WCHA Final Five semifinal game between CC and the winner of the No. 4-No. 5 seed play-in game, which will be played at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minn.

The telecast will begin at 6 p.m. in Southern Colorado.

The winner of the game advances to the Broadmoor Trophy championship contest, set for 6 p.m. Saturday, which will be carried on FSN-Rocky Mountain.

--
CC, Denver and St. Cloud State punched tickets to the Final Five, but North Dakota-Michigan Tech and Minnesota State-Minnesota went to overtime Saturday. Michigan Tech's Tyler Shelast scored the game-tying and game-winning goals to even the series in Grand Forks, N.D., while Minnesota's Mike Carman scored the game-winner in Mankato. The decisive third games begin at 6:07 MT.

Grand Forks Herald reporter Brad Elliott Schlossman has links to stories on all of Saturday's WCHA playoff games. Follow this link to see his roundup.

--
The Colorado Broadcasters Association awarded Ken Landau and the 103.9 The Eagle broadcast team with the Best Sports Coverage by a team or individual in Colorado, it was announced Saturday.

CC 3, Alaska-Anchorage 2 (OT--final)

Colorado College right wing Mike Testwuide charged up the left half-wall, beat Anchorage left wing Josh Lunden, slid the puck through defenseman Luka Vidmar's feet, sliced into the slot, and as he left his feet, slung a wrist shot into the upper right corner to give the Tigers a 3-2 overtime victory over Anchorage. CC advances to the Western Collegiate Hockey Association Final Five for the first time in three seasons and will take on the winner of the play-in game on Friday at 6:07 p.m.

"I'm still a little shaky," Testwuide said, all smiles and sweat-drenched after the game. "The guy dove. I think. I don't really know what happened after that. I'm just so excited right now."

This is how left wing Bill Sweatt described the final sequence: "We just went back into the d-zone and (Jack Hillen) threw it up the wall to me. It hit my skate and deflected out of the zone. Wuider (Mike Testwuide) just took it. He came across the ice with speed and he just bulldozed those guys and he took his big body to the net and just buried it. That's all I can say. ...All of a sudden, he beats the guy and he's falling down but he gets the shot off. Then I see it just going into the empty net and I just jump in the air."

Testwuide also scored the game-tying goal in the third period.

When asked about it, Testwuide needed a little reminder.

"Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah," he said, nodding with faint recognition. "I got the puck and I waited and waited. The guy went down on his knees--waited. I knew I was going to bury it five-hole. I let it go as hard as I could and it went in the net."

All around, the Tigers admitted it was a shaky start to their playoff run.

Said coach Scott Owens: "It's nice not to have to play a third game this time of the year. Even if you're fortunate enough to win that third game, it takes a toll on your team when you're playing so many meaninigful games right now. I'm proud of our guys. They didn't get panicked. We're 2-1 going into the third period and found a way to win the game."

CC is in a three-way tie for second in the PairWise rankings (USCHO.com, College Hockey News), which are used to simulate the NCAA tournament selection process.

The Tigers will return to the World Arena — where they have an 18-2 record — for the NCAA West Regional on March 28.

CC 1, UAA 2 (end of 2nd)

The Tigers have an uphill battle on their hands after giving up a goal with 3:23 left in the period.
Defensemen Jake Gannon and Kris Fredheim and the top line of Chad Rau, Mike Testwuide and Bill Sweatt all froze in their tracks as Anchorage left wing Josh Lunden walked into the slot from the right half-wall and slung a wrist shot on net, which beat goaltender Richard Bachman gloveside. It was the type of goal that leaves one wondering if the CC players thought they heard a whistle.
No. 9-seed Michigan Tech forced overtime with No. 2-seed North Dakota in Grand Forks, so it could be an interesting Sunday in the WCHA.

CC 1, UAA 1 (10:00, 2nd period)

After getting outhit and outworked for much of the first period, the Tigers came out with a furious effort in the second. CC couldn't score on a four-on-three opportunity, despite quality scoring opportunities by on shots by center Chad Rau, defenseman Jack Hillen and center Andreas Vlassopoulos. At 4:22, just as all of the players were released from the penalty box, left wing Bill Sweatt knocked in right wing Mike Testwuide's backhanded centering pass.

Anchorage took the lead just 6:05 into the first when defenseman Kane LaFranchise rocketed a shot from the top of the left circle through traffic and past goaltender Richard Bachman.

WCHA Playoffs: Game 2 vs. Alaska-Anchorage

Lines:
Colorado College
21 Sweatt--14 Rau--25 Testwuide
26 McCulloch--19 Vlassopoulos--23 Kilpatrick
10 Thauwald--17 Johnson--22 Walsky
5 DeBoer--9 McMillin--16 Patrosso

8 Hillen--15 Prosser
7 Fredheim--4 Gannon
11 Connelly--24 Lowery

30 Bachman
31 O'Connell
1 O'Brien

Alaska-Anchorage
21 Lunden--20 Crowder--14 Waldrop
9 Clark--37 Cartwright--7 DayChief
24 Tassone--17 Parkinson--18 Tarkir
28 Haddad--34 McCabe--8 Selby

4 LaFranchise--33 Robinson
5 Beaverson--22 Tuton
42 Hunt--23 Vidmar

30 Olthuis
1 Christianson

No. 3 CC 4, Alaska-Anchorage 1 (final)

No. 3 Colorado College scored 37 seconds into the game and never trailed, winning 4-1 over last-place Alaska-Anchorage in the first round of Western Collegiate Hockey Association playoffs.

Anchorage, a team that has only won once in its last 18 games, was determined to make it tough for the WCHA champions.

But freshman center Tyler Johnson had a goal and an assist and defenseman Jack Hillen added two assists.

CC, which has not advanced to the WCHA Final Five since 2004-05, will try to punch its ticket to the St. Paul, Minn., starting at 7:07 p.m. Saturday at World Arena.

CC 1, Anchorage 1 (9:19 of 2nd)

If you ask me, CC could use a good jolt. The Tigers' transition isn't there right now because Anchorage is doing a nice job of executing its game plan to frustrate CC to no end. That means being pesky and finishing checks all over the ice. The Tigers need to develop their playoff mentality. Defenseman Jake Gannon's hit may have helped. He just rocked an Anchorage player against the glass.

CC 1, Anchorage 1 (2:15 of 2nd period)

Colorado College gave up its second power-play goal in as many games when Anchorage center Brad McCabe knocked in a diagonal pass from teammate Josh Lunden, who was at the top of the left circle.

CC 1, Anchorage 0 (:37 of first period)

Anchorage picked a poor time for a line change. Thinking they'd put the puck deep in CC's zone, the Seawolves went for a change, but defenseman Nate Prosser had batted the puck down and put it ahead into the neutral zone for teammate Jack Hillen, who promptly carried it up the ice. Hillen put the puck into the offensive zone and left wing Bill Sweatt got it behind the net. Sweatt's pass from behind the net was one-timed backdoor by right wing Mike Testwuide. Not the start Anchorage was looking for against top-seeded CC. Exactly the start the Tigers wanted coming off of an emotional weekend against Denver.

WCHA Playoffs: Game 1 vs. Alaska-Anchorage

Lines:
No. 1 seed Colorado College
21 Sweatt--14 Rau--25 Testwuide
26 McCulloch--19 Vlassopoulos--23 Kilpatrick
10 Thauwald--17 Johnson--22 Walsky
18 Overman--9 McMillin--16 Patrosso

8 Hillen--15 Prosser
7 Fredheim--4 Gannon
11 Connelly--24 Lowery

30 Bachman
31 O'Connell
1 O'Brien

No. 10 seed Alaska-Anchorage
21 Josh Lunden--20 Paul Crowder--14 Merit Waldrop
9 Kevin Clark--37 Peter Cartwright--16 Tommy Grant
24 Blair Tassone--17 Craig Parkinson--18 Chris Tarkir
28 Nick Haddad--34 Brad McCabe--8 Ken Selby

4 Kane LaFranchise--33 Mat Robinson
5 Luke Beaverson--22 Jared Tuton
42 Trevor Hunt--23 Luka Vidmar

30 Jon Olthuis
1 Bryce Christianson

First-round playoffs vs. Alaska-Anchorage

CC clipped through a series of transition drills two minutes at a time in a quick 45-minute skate Thursday.

From the notebook:
--The Tigers hit the post several times in shooting drills.
--Back-up goaltender Drew O'Connell looked confident and ready to go this weekend if needed.
--One of the funnier moments of practice this season happened towards the end of practice when coach Scott Owens told the top power-play unit to use the full ice to run the power play and "try to be really (bad) because they're watching." Alaska-Anchorage was in the stands near the visitors' side. Defenseman Jack Hillen ripped a shot from the high slot which bounced off the right post, hit the left post and smacked against the back of the net -- a gorgeous shot -- to which Owens said with a grin: "What did I just say?"
--Defenseman/forward Brett Wysopal did not practice (sick-virus).
--Players were reminded to set their alarms and get up for breakfast Friday because they don't have class. CC is on Spring Break until March 24.
--Right wing Derek Patrosso will play on the fourth line and goaltender Richard Bachman will be in goal on Friday, Owens said.
--Anchorage arrived in Colorado Springs on Tuesday, as it did in January's series.

Projected CC lines for Friday:
21 Bill Sweatt--14 Chad Rau--25 Mike Testwuide
26 Scott McCulloch--19 Andreas Vlassopoulos--23 Jimmy Kilpatrick
10 Scott Thauwald--17 Tyler Johnson--22 Eric Walsky
18 Matt Overman--9 Brian McMillin--16 Derek Patrosso

Fun facts:
--The Tigers finished with a league-best 92.9 percent clip on the penalty kill in WCHA play (104 for 112). Their overall mark is 91 percent (131 for 144). CC allowed just eight power-play goals while scoring eight short-handed goals in 28 conference games.
--CC's last home sweep against a WCHA team came against Anchorage in January. The Tigers split with their final two WCHA opponents at World Arena
--The last time CC gave up a shorthanded goal was against Anchorage on Jan. 12
--CC hasn't won more than three games in a row since it put together a six-game winning streak between Jan. 4 and Jan.19, which ended with a tie at Michigan Tech on Jan. 25.

History:
--Alaska-Anchorage has only won once in 20 games at World Arena, a 5-4 overtime victory last season.
--Friday is the 60th all-time contest between CC and Anchorage, with the Tigers leading the series 45-11-3, including a 30-2 mark in Colorado Springs.
--In seven previous post-season games, CC swept the first-round series at home in 1995, 2002 and 2003, while Anchorage won the play-in Final Five game in 2004. Captain Scott Thauwald played right wing in that game as a freshman.
--During that 1995 series, CC set a school playoff record for goals in a game with an 11-3 win over the Seawolves on March 10, 1995. Eric Rud had five assists in that series, also a school playoff record.
--CC's all-time record in WCHA playoff games is 42-56-1 (.429).
--Of the nine regular-season championships CC has won in its 70-year history, six have happened in the last 15 seasons and three in the last six seasons.

Ticket Info for Alaska-Anchorage

Plenty of tickets remain for this weekend's first-round WCHA playoff series against Alaska-Anchorage:

1,267 for Friday

1,118 for Saturday

Tickets can be purchased via cctigers.com, at World Arena box office or by calling 576.2626.

Wednesday Practice Notes

In their first of two practices before WCHA playoffs begin Friday against Alaska-Anchorage, the Tigers ramped up the intensity for an hour-long skate. Captain Scott Thauwald reminded players to connect their passes. "Tape-to-tape," he said. At the end of practice, right wing Derek Patrosso led stretches at center ice. Patrosso looked fast, lean and fit at the end of his first practice since late November.

Lines:
Sweatt--Rau--Testwuide
McCulloch--Dre--Kilpatrick
Thauwald--Johnson--Walsky
Overman--McMillin--Patrosso
DeBoer--Quilico
--
Kate Crandall

Patrosso Returns Today

Suspended for three months for an undisclosed student-conduct violation, senior right wing Derek Patrosso will practice today for the first time since he suffered a high-ankle sprain in late November and will join the Tigers in the locker room for the first time since he was suspended in late December.

Here are some of Patrosso's comments that didn't make the story:

Q: What have you been doing to stay in shape?
A: I'd wake up and have an intense bike workout. Then, I'd skate with that midget team (Detroit Little Caesar's AAA) if they were skating. If there was open ice, I would just skate myself. I also did some power skating with a former figure skater. At the end, she'd condition me as well. I tried to do as much skating as I could and I think it's helped a lot. ...I lifted too.

Q: For those of us who aren't into ice skating (maybe if I'd tried it with padded shorts and knee pads, I'd feel differently), can you explain power skating and the purpose of the workouts with the figure skater?
A: She works with a lot of hockey players in the Detroit area. She corrects your skating and your form. She watches you skate and looks at your form to make some corrections. It's an hour-long conditioning skate. At the end of it, my legs are just killing. It's a lot of one-legged skating and that one leg gets really tired. Basically, it's designed so you can push off stronger and so you can recover quicker when you're skating. That's the stuff that gets the legs and the lungs going. I've had help from her in the past, but it's the first time for a conditioning reason.

Q: How long do you think it will take for you to regain "game shape"?
A: I think all of the conditioning will help me get there much quicker. You've got to be realistic with yourself, too. I haven't played in three or four months. I definitely think all of the stuff will help me be able to compete and play and help the team when I get out there. It's probably going to take a game or two.

Q: Was it hard to miss senior night (last Saturday) and the presentation of the MacNaughton Cup?
A: Yeah, it was tough. But I've just tried to focus on the positives. I get to join the team again (today). All I've done is concentrate on preparing myself to be the best I can for that, rather than sit and dwell on what I'm missing.

Q: How much did you follow the team while you were home in Michigan and what do you think of how they've done?
A: Not too much really. I didn't really talk to any of the guys. I kind of did my own thing. I'd listen to a few games here and there. I had a good idea 10 games into the year that we'd be able to compete for the national championship. It was hard to listen to. It made me focus on negative things. I just chose not to. I tried not to dwell on what I could have done differently and what I was missing out on and watching them made me do that. I chose to worry about myself and think of the positive things. If the team was 5-25, I still would have joined them (today).

Q: So, final thoughts before practice? Nerves? Excitement?
A: I'm just excited to join the team. The team's done so well. I'm excited to get back in the locker room and be around the guys and try to be an older guy. I've been there. I haven't been in this position exactly before, so I'm a little bit nervous too. But for the most part, I'm excited to be back for the most exciting time of year. ...I'm just trying to make the most of it while I can.

MacNaughton Cup and Gold Pan on display tonight

I just got word that fans will be able to see the trophies up close and personal tonight at Scott Owens' radio show at McCabe's Tavern at 520 S. Tejon St. The show starts at 6:30 and lasts until 7:30.

Rau Named WCHA Offensive Player of the Week

Center Chad Rau, who had two goals and an assist in last weekend's sweep of Denver, was named WCHA Offensive Player of the Week Tuesday. Rau has registered at least a point in each of his 12 career games against the Pioneers, totaling 19 of his 101 career points (18.8 percent).

Rau missed tying for the league scoring title by a point to St. Cloud State's Ryan Lasch (17 goals, 17 assists). But Rau's 23 goals in conference play were tops in the WCHA and his 0.82 goals per game was 0.19 more than Lasch's. In overall scoring, Rau finished fourth with 40 points (27 goals, 13 assists), but again had the most goals of any WCHA player.

March 11, 2008/For Immediate Release

CC’s Rau, UND’s Lamoureux, SCSU’s Weslosky Named Red Baron® WCHA Players of the Week

Red Baron® WCHA Offensive Player of the Week
Chad Rau
Jr., F, Colorado College

MADISON, Wis. – Colorado College center Chad Rau, who produced two goals and one assist while helping his Tigers clinch the 2007-08 WCHA regular season championship with a home-and-home sweep of archrival Denver last weekend, has been named Red Baron WCHA Offensive Player of the Week for March 11. Rau also earned the weekly offensive honor on Nov. 20 (vs UW) and on Nov. 27 (vs DU).

A 5-11, 184-pound junior from Eden Prairie, Minn., Rau scored a pair of goals just :12 seconds apart in the third period last Friday (March 7) night at DU’s Magness Arena, breaking open a 3-2 game and propelling CC on to a 5-2 victory that clinched the league title and MacNaughton Cup.

Then last Saturday evening back at the Colorado Springs World Arena, Rau assisted on a second-period goal by teammate Bill Sweatt in a 3-1 victory over the Pioneers.

In addition to his three points, Rau also fired eight shots on goal in the two-game series and earned a +3 plus-minus rating.

On the season, Rau leads Colorado College in scoring and is fourth among WCHA players overall with 40 points (27g, 13a) in 35 games played. His 27 goals ranks second nationally.

The No. 3-ranked Tigers (26-9-1) play host to Alaska-Anchorage this weekend (March 14-16) in a first round, best-of-3 WCHA playoff series at Colorado Springs World Arena.


Red Baron® WCHA co-Defensive Players of the Week
Jean-Philippe Lamoureux
Sr., G, North Dakota
and
Jase Weslosky
Sr., G, North Dakota

MADISON, Wis. – A pair of goaltenders who dueled each other to a pair of overtime ties last weekend – Jean-Philippe Lamoureux of the University of North Dakota and Jase Weslosky of St. Cloud State University, have been named Red Baron® WCHA co-Defensive Players of the Week for March 11.

A 5-8, 152-pound senior from Grand Forks, N.D., Lamoureux stopped 48 of 51 shots on goal for a .941 saves percentage in the 1-1 (ot) and 2-2 (ot) ties, recorded five shutout periods (including two overtimes), and allowed only one even-strength goal.

His efforts enabled Lamoureux to win the 2007-08 WCHA goaltending title with a 1.74 goals-against average in league play. He also leads the nation in overall goals-against average at 1.66, is tied for the national lead in saves percentage at .934, and sports a 22-8-4 record over 2,025:28 of playing time. He previously won the weekly defensive honor on Dec. 4 (@ DU) and March 4 (@ UMD).

Weslosky, a 6-2, 185-pound sophomore from Edmonton, Alberta, stopped 57 of 60 shots on goal for a .950 saves percentage in the two overtime ties at North Dakota on March 7-8, recording five shutout periods (including two overtimes) and allowing just two even-strength goals in the series.

In the 1-1 tie last Friday, Weslosky stopped 29 of 30 shots as the Huskies were outshot, 30-18. Then in the 2-2 tie last Saturday, he kicked out 28 of 30 UND shots on goal, including 16 in the second period.

The two ties enabled St. Cloud State (17-14-5) to secure a share of fourth place in the final regular season standings and earn the fifth and final home playoff berth for this weekend’s opening round. The Huskies will host Wisconsin at the National Hockey Center on Friday, Saturday and Sunday (if necessary).

On the season, Weslosky sports a 14-11-2 overall record with a 2.14 goals-against average and a .929 saves percentage. Weslosky previously earned the weekly defensive honor on Feb. 26 (vs MTU).

Also nominated for the award this week were: Jack Hillen, D, CC; Geoff Kinrade, D, MTU; and Alex Stalock, G, UMD.

No. 5 CC 3, No. 7 Denver 0 (14:17 of the 2nd)

Well, a scuffle just broke out in CC's defensive zone after Denver's J.P. Testwuide rushed a puck barely covered by goaltender Drew O'Connell, so I'll take a little time to brief you.

DU's Tom May and CC's Scott McCulloch were each given roughing and 10-minute misconduct penalties.

CC's Brian Connelly, who pointed to the scoreboard when Denver players began hassling him, was sent to the box for instigating-roughing as was Pioneers left wing Stephen Cunningham.

Earlier in the period, CC took a 3-0 lead when referee Derek Shepherd upheld a goal by left wing Bill Sweatt. Goaltender Peter Mannino, who was pulled with 37:23 left in regulation, argued the call, pleading his case to Shepherd and the Denver coaches. The replay showed that CC right wing Mike Testwuide bumped Mannino before the goal, but it was not ruled interference.

No. 5 CC vs. No. 7 Denver

Lines:
Colorado College
21 Sweatt--14 Rau--25 Testwuide
26 McCulloch--19 Vlassopoulos--23 Kilpatrick
10 Thauwald--17 Johnson--22 Walsky
5 DeBoer--9McMillin--18 Overman

8 HIllen--15 Prosser
7 Fredheim--4 Gannon
11 Connelly--27 Wysopal

31 O'Connell
30 Bachman
1 O'Brien

Denver
19 Ostrow--21 Bozak--15 Ruegsegger
9 Rakhshani--12 Martin--16 Maiani
17 Glasser--22 Gifford--8 Jackson
10 Cunningham--27 Vossberg--14 May

4 Butler--25 Brookwell
6 Nutini--5 Thomas
11 Testwuide--7 Mullen

29 Mannino
1 Cheverie

No. 5 CC 5, No. 7 Denver 2 (final) CC--2007-08 MacNaughton Cup Champions

Colorado College captured the MacNaughton Cup outright and the Gold Pan in one fell swoop Friday, winning 5-2 over rival Denver.

For those of you holding tickets to Saturday's sold-out game at World Arena, fear not. The Tigers want to curb their Saturday-night losing streak.

"We've got to take care of business tomorrow," captain Scott Thauwald said. "That game's going to matter in the PairWise and we don't want to have a let down after a big emotional win."

Coach Scott Owens said after the game, however, that he is not sure if he will play or rest goaltender Richard Bachman.

"We're going to talk about it," Owens said. "In some ways (resting) is the prudent thing to do. In other ways, you're playing Denver and you're playing a sold-out building and you're playing for the PairWise."

If it's left up to Bachman, he'll play.

"I don't want a break," he said. "I want to play them again tomorrow night."

Center Chad Rau hit the 100-point mark barrier with two goals in 12 seconds early in the third period. His 99th point came on a blazing shot from the left circle that didn't even draw a flinch goaltender Peter Mannino.

"I thought that was an NHL shot," Owens said.

No. 5 CC 1, No. 7 DU 0 (end of 1st period)

Colorado College captain Scott Thauwald scored the only first-period goal only 2:17 into the first period, his fourth of the season and first since a short-handed tally with less than seven minutes left in CC's 5-2 win over Clarkson on Feb. 1.
Thauwald's shot from the right circle came off of a pass by right wing Eric Walsky and beat goaltender Peter Mannino five-hole.
For much of the period, CC was dictating the tempo with its puck possession and checking.
Tigers goaltender Richard Bachman's best save came on a play with about 4:30 left in the period, when Denver freshmen Kyle Ostrow and Jesse Martin spread out defensemen Jake Gannon and Kris Fredheim. With Ostrow streaking into the slot, Bachman came out to challenge Martin's shot from the right circle and caught it with his right foot.
Just like in November's game at Magness, there was trouble with the clock. It stopped at about 5:09 and may have caused referee Derek Shepherd to not review a play in which Thauwald came out of the penalty box for a two-on-one with left wing Scott McCulloch. Thauwald's shot went into Mannino, who was knocked into his own net by a teammate. The puck looked to be under his stomach, which had crossed into the goalmouth.
CC starts the second period with 1:52 of power play.

No. 5 CC at No. 7 Denver

Lines:
Colorado College
21 Sweatt--14 Rau--25 Testwuide
26 McCulloch--19 Vlassopoulos--23 Kilpatrick
10 Thauwald--17 Johnson--22 Walsky
5 DeBoer--9 McMillin--18 Overman

8 Hillen--15 Prosser
7 Fredheim--4 Gannon
11 Connelly--24 Lowery

30 Bachman
31 O'Connell

Denver
9 Rakhshani--21 Bozak--15 Ruegsegger
19 Ostrow--12 Martin--16 Maiani
17 Glasser--22 Gifford--8 Jackson
14 May--26 Marcuzzi--27 Vossberg

4 Butler--25 Brookwell
6 Nutini--5 Thomas
11 Testwuide--7 Mullen

29 Mannino
1 Cheverie
30 Guinn

Newsflash: Tickets for CC-DU at World Arena available!

Saturday's game between CC and Denver has been sold out for two weeks, but Denver just returned 64 tickets to CC, according to CC athletic marketing director Scott Lowenberg.

As of 3:10 p.m. Thursday, there are 64 tickets at $20 each available through cctigers.com or TicketsWest (576-2626).

Injury Update for CC-DU Series

For CC:
--Right wing Addison DeBoer returned to practice for the first time since he was injured Feb. 22 at Minnesota-Duluth. DeBoer had separated his left shoulder, but looked strong during a 45-minute skate involving a lot of shooting drills. DeBoer was wearing a noncontact jersey.
--Defenseman Kris Fredheim, who missed six games with a shoulder injury earlier this season, was back at practice Tuesday after missing the second half of Saturday's game against Minnesota State-Mankato with what he termed an "upper-body injury." Fredheim was also in a noncontact jersey.
--Goaltender Richard Bachman, defensemen Jack Hillen and Jake Gannon, and right wing Eric Walsky took Tuesday's practice off. As the season winds down, coach Scott Owens will often designate off days for certain players to keep them healthy and fresh down the stretch.

I'm at Denver today working on material for this weekend's series and I also attended the 2008 Frozen Four press conference (separate posting above), where I spoke to Denver coach George Gwozdecky.

Gwozdecky had this to say about sophomore Tyler Ruegsegger, who has been out for a month with a groin injury but returned to practice this week:
"He did not have a lot of negative effects from practice. Obviously, his conditioning and his timing are not there because he's been off for a month. But the biggest issue with his injury was not as big of a problem as he thought it was going to be. So, he's made some great progress. You've got to give a lot of credit to our medical staff and Tyler because they've worked tirelessly on his rehab. There is a good chance that he will be in the lineup Friday and, if not Friday, Saturday."

Ruegsegger had 10 goals and 10 assists in 24 games before his injury, including a goal and an assist in Denver's 3-2 win over CC at Magness Arena in November.

No. 10 Minnesota State-Mankato 3, No. 4 CC 2 (OT)

Not only does Colorado College have to wait another week to clinch at least a share of the MacNaughton Cup, the Tigers will have to win a game over their archrival, No. 7 Denver, meaning there's more than just the Gold Pan at stake next weekend.

"There's a lot of hardware on the line," right wing Jimmy Kilpatrick said. "You've got the Gold Pan, you've got the MacNaughton. It's a huge rivalry and the biggest thing is getting the momentum back after a tough loss tonight."

The locker room was deathly silent after CC was stunned 16 seconds into overtime (and over the course of the third period) when Mankato right wing Kael Mouillierat slammed the puck into goaltender Richard Bachman's pads with such force that it flipped into the net.

The Tigers won 44 of 73 faceoffs (60 percent) Saturday, but two of those lost draws resulted in Mankato's comeback. The Mavericks scored two goals off faceoffs in less than 5 minutes early in the third period.

Center Chad Rau, who lost a draw to Andrew Sackrison that set-up Mankato's first goal, summed it up best.

"Letting up the lead in our own building. . . . It stinks," he said.

No. 4 CC 0, No. 10 Minnesota State-Mankato 0 (end of 1st period)

It's scoreless after a sleeper of a first period in which CC had a few fast breaks and not much sustained pressure. Minnesota State-Mankato, on the other hand, was able to maintain pressure in CC's offensive zone, but couldn't get much to the net until the end of the period. The Mavericks' best opportunity came with about four minutes left in the period when right wing Kael Mouillierat put a shot on net. Goaltender Richard Bachman stretched out to cover the rebound with his glove, but it slipped out and Mouillierat got another chance. But Bachman, desperate to cover his right post, whirled around and, with his back to the play, knocked Mouillierat's shot wide with his glove.

No. 4 CC vs. No. 10 Minnesota State-Mankato

CC puts its 15-1 home ice advantage to the test as it tries to capture at least a share of the MacNaughton Cup against Minnesota State-Mankato tonight. If North Dakota loses or ties Sunday, the Tigers will win the Cup outright if the Tigers win. But first, CC needs a few things to ensure the win:
1. Limit odd-man rushes. Minnesota State-Mankato created several breaks off of forced turnovers and took advantage of when CC's defensemen were sagging back and not challenging the play.
2. Richard Bachman. No doubt the backbone of this season's Tigers.
3. Speed. For most of Friday's game, CC let Mankato match its speed. The Tigers need to establish the tempo tonight.

Lines:
Colorado College
21 Sweatt--14 Rau--25 Testwuide
26 McCulloch--19 Vlassopoulos--23 Kilpatrick
10 Thauwald--17 Johnson--22 Walsky
18 Overman--9 McMillin--12 Quilico

8 Hillen--15 Prosser
7 Fredheim--4 Gannon
11 Connelly--24 Lowery

30 Bachman
31 O'Connell

Scratches: Tyler O'Brien (sick), Brett Wysopal (healthy), Addison DeBoer (separated shoulder), Dan Quilico (healthy), Stephen Schultz (out for season-concussion)

Minnesota State-Mankato
37 Kalinski--10 Harrison--21 Berge
29 Hanson--23 Bruess--9 Mouillierat
19 Irwin--7 Sackrison--18 Gaulrapp
20 Wiley--13 Gunderson--15 Stewart

22 Davis--4 Kilburg
5 Youds--17 Friesen
25 Linder--2 Canzanello

1 Zacharias
49 Tormey

No. 4 CC 5, No. 10 Minnesota State-Mankato 2 (final)

At the start, Colorado College just wasn't clicking against Minnesota State-Mankato.
Heck, 90 seconds into the game, already trailing 1-0, center Andreas Vlassopoulos found right wing Jimmy Kilpatrick at the top of the crease with goaltender Mike Zacharias down and out of position, but Kilpatrick's shot on the open net was inexplicably wide right.
Then, something happened not too long after Mankato took a 2-0 lead at 13:42.
Defenseman Jack Hillen began breaking the puck out of CC's zone with aplomb, taking it deep into Mankato's zone to start the cycle and open up space. The Tigers began to finish checks and connect passes.
And then came the comeback:
--CC drew within a goal before the period was out when it clicked on its go-to power-play set with Hillen sending a pass from the high slot to center Chad Rau in the left circle. Against Minnesota-Duluth, Rau had one-time slap shots. Friday, Rau collected the puck and rocketed a wrist shot past Zacharias. It was the third power-play goal in a row to be scored in that fashion.
--Just 25 seconds into the second period, Hillen's slap shot from the top of the right circle tied the score.
--A series of saves by goaltender Richard Bachman while the Tigers killed a 5-on-3 situation--including a windmill denial of right wing Kael Mouillierat destined for a gazillion hits if it ever makes YouTube -- would preserve the tie long enough. Bachman won the praise of the crowd through the 20-save period about 90 seconds later when he spent about 10 seconds trying to figure out where in his pads the puck was hiding.
--A minute or so later, defenseman Kris Fredheim put the puck into a Mankato player's feet as CC's Bill Sweatt emerged from the box. Fredheim recollected the puck and fed left wing Scott Thauwald for a breakaway during which he was hooked by Mankato's Mick Berge.
CC again went on the power play after 43 seconds of 4-on-4. Hillen slid a pass across the top to defenseman Brian Connelly whose wrist shot was tipped by left wing Scott McCulloch past Zacharias to put CC ahead 3-2.
Hillen scored with less than seven minutes left in the third when he crashed the net and the puck passed by Eric Walsky slid down the shaft of his stick, over Zacharias' left shoulder and into the goal.

By the numbers:
--20: Shots in the second period for Mankato. Surprisingly, that exorbitant number has been topped by another CC opponent this season. Minnesota launched 21 shots on goal in the third period of CC's 2-1 overtime win on Oct. 20.
--33: Faceoffs were dead even at 33 apiece. Rau won 14 of 23. Vlassopoulos won 8 of 15.
--If you're counting: Bachman gets better as the game goes on. And as the Tigers allow more shots.
In 28 games this season:
195 first-period saves--17 goals allowed = .919 save percentage
260 second-period saves--18 goals allowed = .935 save percentage
234 third-period saves--13 goals allowed = .947 save percentage
5 overtime saves--0 goals allowed = 1.000 save percentage

No. 4 CC 1, No. 10 Minnesota State-Mankato 2 (end of 1st period)

The Tigers nearly worked their way out of an early deficit, but Minnesota State goaltender Mike Zacharias played a brilliant first period, saving 13 of 14 shots, including three on a CC power play with less than two minutes to go.
CC went down after 48 seconds when Kael Mouillierat intercepted a pass at the blue line and scored from the left circle. At 13:50, Mavericks center Zach Harrison hit left wing Jon Kalinski as he streaked in the slot. Kalinski made a nifty move and flicked the puck to right wing Mick Berge who finished for the 2-0 lead.
The Tigers capitalized on their first power play, scoring on a play that has provided three of their last four goals. Defenseman Jack Hillen got the puck in the high slot, drew a Minnesota State penalty-killer, and passed to center Chad Rau at the left circle. Rau gathered the puck and ripped a wrist shot past Zacharias' glove side.

Lines:
Colorado College
21 Sweatt--14 Rau--25 Testwuide
26 McCulloch--19 Vlassopoulos--23 Kilpatrick
10 Thauwald--17 Johnson--22 Walsky
27 Wysopal--9 McMillin--18 Overman

8 Hillen--15 Prosser
7 Fredheim--4 Gannon
11 Connelly--24 Lowery

30 Bachman
31 O'Connell
Scratches: Stephen Schultz (season--concussion); Addison DeBoer (1-3 weeks--separated shoulder); Dan Quilico (healthy); Tyler O'Brien (healthy)

Minnesota State-Mankato
37 Kalinski--10 Harrison--21 Berge
29 Hanson--23 Bruess--9 Mouillierat
19 Irwin--7 Sackrison--20 Wiley
12 Galiardi--13 Gunderson--15 Stewart

22 Davis--4 Kilburg
5 Youds--17 Friesen
25 Linder--2 Canzanello

1 Zacharias
49 Tormey

Mankato Eve

When Colorado College looks back on one weekend that made a difference in its quest for the MacNaughton Cup and a top seed in the NCAA West Regional, it may look no further than the St. Cloud State series.

The Tigers stretched their lead to 4-1 just 24 seconds into the second period in Friday's game (Feb. 8) and went on to win 5-3 after the Huskies put the pressure on.

On Feb. 9, CC suffered its first -- and so far, only -- home loss of the season, falling behind 3-1 after a period and eventually losing 4-2.

That series was sandwiched between two dominating performances: the sweep of Clarkson and the road sweep of Minnesota-Duluth, in which the Tigers shut out Duluth both nights.

Coach Scott Owens hopes CC can become a model of consistency, starting with this weekend's series against No. 10 Minnesota State-Mankato, a squad that has won seven of its past nine.

"As soon as you think it's automatic, that's when you get into trouble," Owens said after the Tigers' final skate before the series in which they could clinch the MacNaughton Cup. "We're on a one-game losing streak at home. We can't go on autopilot and expect to win."

Coming off of the defensive corps' strongest performance of the season last weekend at Duluth, defenseman Jack Hillen said his fellow defensemen have adapted a playoff mentality and hope to cut down on the amount of shots allowed this weekend.

"It was a good lesson after we lost to St. Cloud," said Hillen, the top-scoring Western Collegiate Hockey Association defenseman with 28 points. "We didn't play that well. Against Duluth, we got into a roll a little bit. ... It was maybe a good reminder to play hard every night, that we've got to play well no matter what. But no one's dwelling on the loss."

Captain Scott Thauwald, who returns to the lineup for the first time since Feb. 9, said that if anything, CC's focus and intensity has only increased this week with the knowledge that two wins gives the Tigers a share of the MacNaughton Cup. If North Dakota loses or ties a game at Duluth this weekend, CC will win the Cup outright with two victories over Mankato.

Again, Thauwald pointed to the loss to St. Cloud State as added inspiration in CC's bid for its first regular-season title since it shared one with Denver in 2004-05.

"It wasn't necessarily the worst thing in the world," he said. "It was a good eye-opener. Guys are fired up because we lost the last time we played at home. We're ready to start a new streak here."

Because right wing Stephen Schultz (concussion) will not return to the lineup this season and left wing Addison DeBoer (separated shoulder) will be out this weekend, the Tigers will have just 12 forwards plus converted defenseman Brett Wysopal at their disposal.

Notes:
1,000 tickets remain for Friday's game against Mankato...400 tickets remain for Saturday's game...CC's regular-season finale against Denver on March 8 is sold out.

Anticipated CC lines for Friday:
Bill Sweatt--Chad Rau--Mike Testwuide
Scott McCulloch--Andreas Vlassopoulos--Jimmy Kilpatrick
Scott Thauwald--Tyler Johnson--Eric Walsky
Brett Wysopal or Dan Quilico--Brian McMillin--Matt Overman

Kilpatrick Selected For Frozen Four Skills Challenge

This season has been remarkable for senior right wing Jimmy Kilpatrick, who thought he might miss the first two months of the season because of hip surgery in August. Instead, the New Prague, Minn., native returned in the third game and is second on the team in goals and third in points. The NCAA announced this morning that Kilpatrick will be at the Frozen Four even if the Tigers aren't.

NCAA Announces 2008 Frozen Four Skills Challenge Participants
WCHA Players Include CC’s Kilpatrick, DU’s Thomas & Mannino; OSU’s Bonhomme, UM’s Ross, UMD’s Demeule, MSU’s Kehler, SCSU’s Fast

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – The NCAA has announced the participants for the third annual Frozen Four Skills Challenge, which will be held April 11 at the Pepsi Center in Denver.

The competition will be conducted in an East versus West format with each team having six male position players, six female position players, two male goaltenders and two female goaltenders. An alternate list has been established in the event that players have to withdraw from the competition due to other commitments, such as their team’s participation in the Men's Frozen Four.

To be eligible, all players must have exhausted their collegiate eligibility and be nominated by their head coach. The players were selected by representatives from the American Hockey Coaches Association, the NCAA Division I Men’s Ice Hockey Committee and NCAA national office staff. The competitions will include puck control relay, fastest skater, hardest shot, rapid fire shooting, accuracy shooting and penalty shot. Each competitor will receive a complete set of equipment and a full uniform from Nike Bauer Hockey.

"The Frozen Four Skills Challenge has really taken off as an event," said Joel Maturi, chair of the Division I Men's Ice Hockey Committee and director of athletics at the University of Minnesota. "Each year the caliber of the student-athletes in this competition has gotten stronger and stronger, and we feel this year is no different. The Skills Challenge will once again be a showcase of the nation’s best senior student-athletes."

The men's portion of the East squad is highlighted by the one of the nation's current leading goaltenders, Kevin Regan of New Hampshire. The other goaltender is David Leggio from Clarkson. The six male skaters on the East squad include Luke Flicek, Army; Michael Brennan, Boston College; Pete MacArthur, Boston University; Jesse Winchester, Colgate; Jon Rheault, Providence and Jake Morissette, RPI.

The female skaters on the East squad include Hayley Moore, Brown; Jaclyn Hawkins, Connecticut; Martine Garland, New Hampshire; Jennifer Hitchcock, New Hampshire; Marykate Oakley, Princeton and Sabrina Harbec, St. Lawrence. The goalies will be Sarah Perry, Sacred Heart and Meghan Guckian, St. Lawrence.

The West team is led by the nation’s leading point scorer, Michigan’s Kevin Porter, who has 51 points on 25 goals and 26 assists. The rest of the skaters include Jimmy Kilpatrick, Colorado College; Andrew Thomas, Denver; Bryan Lerg, Michigan State; Tommy Goebel, Ohio State and Mike Forgie, Wayne State (Mich.). The West goaltenders will be St. Norbert’s Kyle Jones, who leads Division III with a goals against average of 1.18, and Denver’s Peter Mannino, who was the 2006 Men’s Frozen Four Most Outstanding Player.

The women's portion of the West roster includes Ohio State’s Tessa Bonhomme, who is in the top 10 in the nation in assists with 27. Also on the team is Courtney DeHoey, Lake Forest; Karine Demeule, Minnesota Duluth; Bobbi Ross, Minnesota; Shannon Moulson, Niagara and Laura Fast, St. Cloud State. The two female goaltenders will be Laura Hosier, Mercyhurst and Britni Kehler, Minnesota State, Mankato.

Tickets for the event are $10 and will go on sale March 1 at the Pepsi Center box office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster.com or by phone at 303/830-8497. The Frozen Four Skills Challenge will begin at 7 p.m. Mountain time and will be preceded by the Hobey Baker Memorial Award at 5:30 p.m. and the Hockey Humanitarian Award at 6:05 p.m. The Frozen Four Skills Challenge and the Hobey Baker Award will both be shown live on ESPNU.

Bachman Named INCH Player of the Week

For the second time this season, goaltender Richard Bachman has been tapped as Inside College Hockey's player of the week for his 60-for-60 performance against then-No. 13 Minnesota-Duluth. The Tigers have earned the honor three times overall as right wing Mike Testwuide was named player of the week after the Clarkson series.

Bachman was also tapped as WCHA rookie of the week, the third time this season he has received that honor.

Center Andreas Vlassopoulos, who had two goals and two assists at Duluth, was named WCHA offensive player of the week.

Around the horn:
--I can hardly wait to hear what Jimmy Kilpatrick has to say about this story. Kilpatrick and his sister, Jenna, a freshman on Ohio State's hockey team, trained with an Ultimate Fighting Championship fighter this summer.
--Tough break for former CC right wing James Brannigan. The would-be senior was released from the Augusta Lynx (ECHL) for the second time last week. He had eight points in 20 games.