Colorado College

NCAA on NBCSN: No. 15 Wisconsin hosts Colorado College

By Joe YerdonDec 13, 2013, 9:30 AM EST

NBCSN continues its coverage of the 2013-14 college hockey season tonight when the No. 15 Wisconsin Badgers (6-5-1) host the Colorado College Tigers (2-10-3) at Kohl Center with coverage starting at 7:30 p.m. ET. You can also catch the game online at NBC Sports Live Extra.

The road hasn’t been joyful for the Wisconsin Badgers this season. They were trounced by Boston University giving up 16 goals in two games at the start of the season. They’ve split with Miami and were swept by Minnesota.

Fortunately for them, they’re back at the friendly confines of the Kohl Center in Madison when they host Colorado College this weekend in an interconference battle.

The Badgers have gotten solid play from the guys you’d expect to do it. Senior forward Michael Mersch (Los Angeles) and sophomore Nic Kerdiles (Anaheim) lead the team in points and junior defenseman Jake McCabe (Buffalo) is right up there with them. While Mersch and Kerdiles handle the goal scoring, senior forward Mark Zengerle has been the playmaker leading the team with 11 assists.

Wisconsin has a top-heavy attack, however, with most of their points coming from those players. One area they’ll need more consistency from is in goal where juniors Landon Peterson and Joel Rumpel have split time. Rumpel has been the better of the two this season, but Peterson has had two more starts.

Wisconsin able to get things turned around last weekend sweeping Penn State at home after losing three of their previous four games. Going up against a Colorado College team that’s had its share of troubles this year provides one of those classic opportunities to keep things going in the right direction.

Colorado College has had a rough start to their season, to say the least. With just two wins in their first 15 games, it’s been a brutal start for the Tigers with a schedule that’s featured some of this season’s best teams early on (Clarkson, Denver, St. Cloud, New Hampshire).

If there’s a positive lately it’s that they scored a win and a tie last weekend against Nebraska-Omaha. In a season that’s had struggles like this, it’s a veritable winning streak.

Their biggest issues this season has been the lack of offense. The team’s three leading scorers each have just seven points.

Freshmen forward Alex Roos and defenseman Jaccob Slavin (Carolina) have been positives while senior Alexander Krushelnyski (son of former King and Oiler Mike) is the other scoring leader. Freshman defenseman Gustav Olofsson (Minnesota) has had a nice start to his college career with two goals and four points.

The rest of the team? It’s been tough sledding to get goals and the goaltending from senior Josh Thorimbert has been steady but not game-saving. If the Tigers can slow down the Badgers top line, they’ll be right in the mix. Dealing with the intense crowd on the road could present them with a whole other set of issues.

NHL Draftees

Wisconsin — Forwards: Michael Mersch (SR – Kings), Nic Kerdiles (SO – Ducks), Joseph LaBate (JR – Canucks), Grant Beese (FR – Ducks), Jedd Soleway (FR – Coyotes), Brad Navin (FR – Sabres)

Defenseman: Jake McCabe (JR – Sabres), Joe Faust (SR – Devils), Eddie Witchow (SO – Panthers)

Colorado College — Forward: Hunter Fejes (SO – Coyotes)

Defense: Jaccob Slavin (FR – Hurricanes), Gustav Olofsson (FR – Wild), Aaron Harsted (JR – Jets), Peter Stoykewych (JR – Jets)

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Tonight on NBCSN: No. 15 Nebraska-Omaha hosts Colorado College

By Joe YerdonJan 4, 2013, 8:00 AM EST

When Nebraska-Omaha and Colorado College square off in an all-WCHA affair tonight at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBCSN, there’s going to be a lot of big scorers to keep an eye on.

No. 15 Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks (11-8-1) vs. Colorado College Tigers (8-10-2)

Leading the way for UNO is the man who’s tied for the NCAA lead in points, junior forward Ryan Walters (pictured). Walters is tied with St. Cloud’s Drew LeBlanc in points and tied with two others for the national lead in goals with 12. His abilities to find the net have helped the Mavericks climb into the USA Hockey/USA Today poll and give his team the lift they need in conference.

For Colorado College, it’s not just one player doing the damage for them but a host of guys finding the net. Leading the way for the Tigers is senior Rylan Schwartz with 24 points, 10 of those on goals. CC rolls into tonight’s game with two other 10-goal scorers in seniors William Rapuzzi and Stars prospect Scott Winkler. Throw in Alexander Krushelnyski and his 23 points and you’ve got a powerful four-pronged attack coming out of Colorado Springs.

What both teams could stand to have is a little help in goal. Both teams feature goalies whose save percentages are hovering right around .900 and that’s not so hot. With the firepower Colorado College has and the kind of season Walters is having, along with fellow forwards Dominic Zombo and Josh Archibald, a bad night in goal could mean a long night for the rest of the team.

NHL prospects to watch

Nebraska-Omaha: SO-forward Josh Archibald (Pittsburgh), SR-defenseman Bryce Aneloski, FR-defenseman Nick Seeler (Minnesota), SR-forward Brent Gwidt (Nashville), FR-goalie Anthony Stolarz (Philadelphia), FR-defenseman Brian Cooper (Anaheim), FR-forward Tanner Lane (Winnipeg)

Colorado College: SO-forward Scott Winkler (Dallas), FR-forward Hunter Fejes (Phoenix), SO-defenseman Aaron Harstad (Winnipeg), SO-defenseman Peter Stoykewych (Winnipeg)

(Photo: WCHA.com)

Here’s your NBCSN college hockey schedule

By Joe YerdonSep 11, 2012, 5:32 PM EDT

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While the NHL decides its new CBA, college hockey will be starting on time and this year, NBC Sports Network will be bringing you 20 games worth of action.

This year’s schedule features matchups from Hockey East, the ECAC, CCHA and WCHA. The season kicks off with the Icebreaker Tournament from Kansas City, Missouri in October and closes out with the Hockey East tournament including the quarters, semis, and finals in March.

As for the schedule, soak it in as our cameras will be heading to campuses across America including legendary venues like Lynah Rink in Ithaca (January 25), Hobey Baker Rink in Princeton (January 11), Alfond Arena in Orono (February 15), and Magness Rink in Denver (three times).

Defending national champions Boston College will be featured in a monster weekend pair with rival Boston University on November 30 and December 1.

Please note, the schedule and start times are subject to change. Rankings are courtesy of USA Today’s poll.

Icebreaker Tournament

Fri., Oct. 12 Notre Dame vs. #12 Maine 7 p.m.
Army vs. Nebraska-Omaha TBD
Sat., Oct. 13 Final (Teams TBD) 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 16 Harvard at #13 Cornell 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 30 #1 Boston College at #11 Boston University 7:30 p.m.
Wisconsin at #8 Denver 10 p.m.

Dec. 1 #11 Boston University at #1 Boston College 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 7 Michigan State at Notre Dame 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 4 Colorado College at Nebraska-Omaha 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 11 #3 Union at Princeton 7:30 p.m.
Nebraska-Omaha at Denver 10 p.m.

Jan. 18 Harvard at Yale 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 25 Yale at #13 Cornell 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 1 Dartmouth at #3 Union 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 8 #6 North Dakota at Nebraska-Omaha 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 15 #11 Boston University at #12 Maine 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 22 Yale at Quinnipiac 7:30 p.m.
#6 North Dakota at #8 Denver 10 p.m.

March 1 Wisconsin at Nebraska-Omaha 7:30 p.m.

March 8 #12 Maine at New Hampshire 7:30 p.m.

Hockey East Tournament

March 15 Quarterfinals 7 p.m.
March 22 Semifinals 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. (@ TD Garden – Boston, MA)
March 23 Final 7 p.m. (@ TD Garden – Boston, MA

Blues sign 2010 first-round pick Jaden Schwartz, joins team in Chicago

By Joe YerdonMar 12, 2012, 3:03 PM EDT

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After seeing his Colorado College season end in stunning fashion, St. Louis Blues 2010 first-round pick Jaden Schwartz is ready for the show.

The Blues signed Schwartz to his three-year entry-level contract and will have him join the Blues in Chicago tomorrow night. While the Blues could send Schwartz to the AHL and play for Peoria there, they want to see what he can bring to the table right away.

After a monster year in college that saw Schwartz put up 15 goals and 41 points in 30 games it’s clear that the 19-year-old Schwartz is ready for a bigger challenge. Jumping on board with the first place Blues in what’s essentially a well-oiled machine at this point should give Schwartz a comfort zone for getting his professional career under way.

Road to St. Paul: 16-team tournament field set for college hockey’s championships

By Joe YerdonMar 20, 2011, 8:40 PM EDT

1 Comment

The twists and turns of college hockey are a season-long event and each year the NCAA tournament provides it’s share of drama, upsets, and intrigue. This year’s tournament is shaping up to be no different.

The NCAA announced the tournament pairings for the 16-team dance to see who earns the right to move on to the Frozen Four at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul in three weeks. With four regional sites, the talent is spread out around the country. Unlike the NCAA basketball tournament where top seeds are never upset in the first round, the men’s hockey tournament has seen a number one team lose in the first round every year since 2006. The ultimate insanity happened in 2009 when three number one seeds lost in the opening round.

Will we see any major upsets this year? You never know, but here’s how the field breaks down.

Northeast Regional (Manchester, New Hampshire)

1. Miami University vs. 4. University of New Hampshire

2. Merrimack College vs. 3. University of Notre Dame

Miami will be going into a hornet’s nest in New Hampshire in a showdown with the tough and hometown friendly Wildcats of UNH. Miami won the CCHA tournament for the first time and Rico Blasi’s team will be hoping to win their first NCAA title. Opening up with what’s basically the home team will make for a rough start. It helps Miami that they’re loaded with talent including Andy Miele. Miele leads the nation in points with 71. Teammates Carter Camper and Reilly Smith have also been outstanding for the Redhawks this season. UNH has been inconsistent this year, but they’re a very capable tournament team. Last time UNH played in this region was 2009 where they lost to Boston University in the regional final.

Meanwhile rising star Stephane Da Costa and his Merrimack teammates have the school back in the NCAA tournament for the first time since 1988. Taking on coach Jeff Jackson’s Fighting Irish will make for a tough battle for them. The Fighting Irish are led by Red Wings draft pick Riley Sheahan on offense in name recognition. Merrimack being a regional team from Massachusetts will help them fill the arena with their hockey-crazed fans. For Da Costa, it’s a chance for him to show off just how good he is on a national stage. Lots of NHL teams are keeping an eye on the young Frenchman and this is a great way for him to make the scouts go crazy. By the way, he’s just a sophomore.

East Regional (Bridgeport, Connecticut)

1. Yale University vs. 4. Air Force Academy

2. Union College vs. 3. University of Minnesota-Duluth

Yale is the top team overall in the tournament and they’re rewarded with a team that managed to beat them earlier this year in Air Force. We’ve seen Air Force as the four seed before in Bridgeport in 2009 when they upset Michigan in the first round before bowing out in overtime to Vermont in the regional final. Yale is coached by 2011 Team USA WJC bench boss Keith Allain. Yale is fast, skilled, and getting much better goaltending than they had in last year’s tournament.

Union College is making their first appearance in the NCAA tournament ever and coach Nate Leaman has his team as one of the more dangerous ones in the tournament and they’ve got stellar goaltending from Keith Kinkaid as well as clutch scoring from Kelly Zajac (brother of Devils forward Travis Zajac). Squaring off with Minnesota-Duluth will present them with a true challenge however as UMD was one of the best teams in the country early on this season. Forwards Jack and Mike Connolly (not related) along with Justin Fontaine lead a potent attack that they hope can lead them to a virtual home game in the Frozen Four.

Midwest Regional (Green Bay, Wisconsin)

1. University of North Dakota vs. 4. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

2. Denver University vs. Western Michigan University

The Fighting Sioux get the top seed here and they’re led by the nation’s top scorer in Hobey Baker finalist Matt Frattin. Frattin scored the game winner in double overtime of the WCHA tournament final to get UND past Denver. Frattin’s 35 goals this year lead what is a loaded team with future NHL stars like Danny Kristo (Montreal draftee), Brock Nelson (Islanders draftee), Derek Forbort (Kings draftee), and Corban Knight (Florida draftee) into the tournament looking to rebound after last year’s tournament failure against Yale. To do that, they’ll first need to get by RPI. The Engineers are making their first NCAA tournament appearance since 1995 and coach Seth Appert’s team was the last team into the field of 16. Hobey Baker finalist Chase Polacek would love to end his career in front of his family at home in Edina, Minnesota. Beating North Dakota is a tall order for the cherry and white.

Denver is a traditional NCAA tournament team by now but they too are facing a team that hasn’t been to the tourney in a while in Western Michigan. The Broncos haven’t been to the tournament since 1996 but dealing with a Denver Pioneers team that is still stinging from losing in the first round as a number one seed last year will be tough. Pioneers coach George Gwozdecky will have youngsters Drew Shore and Jason Zucker ready to roll this time around.

West Regional (St. Louis, Missouri)

1. Boston College vs. 4. Colorado College

2. University of Michigan vs. 3. University of Nebraska-Omaha

Perhaps the most intriguing region is all the way in St. Louis where defending champion Boston College will look to repeat as Jerry York’s team will have to square off with Colorado College. Cam Atkinson was Mr. Clutch last year for the Eagles but dealing with Jaden Schwartz and the Tigers will make for a tough opponent to start off with. If there’s anything we’ve learned over the last few years, it’s to not sleep on BC. They won it all in 2008 and again last year and were finalists in 2007. No one pulls it all together in the NCAA Tournament the way the Eagles do.

Michigan will look to get back to their glory led by forward Louie Caporusso and goalie Shawn Hunwick. Legendary head coach Red Berenson would love to get Michigan back to their first Frozen Four since 2008 but dealing with coach Dean Blais and his UNO Mavericks will make things rough. UNO is making just their second ever appearance in the tournament and if you need anything to know it’s that Blais can coach with the best of them, including coaching the 2010 Team USA WJC team to the gold medal. If nothing else, it makes for a great chess match between two of the great coaches in college hockey.