Many words characterize Minnesota's 8-1 thrashing of previously top-rated Boston College just before New Year's. One is “convincing”. So much so that, for the first time all season, the Eagles are out of the top spot in the Division I college hockey rankings.
The new number one? Minnesota, which spent a brief period tied with BC for the top spot before some early-season peccadillos dropped them down a few notches.
Thirty-five of the fifty votes cast for first place in the NCAA poll went to the Golden Gophers in both major national polls.
Here's the coaches polls new Top Ten:
1. MINNESOTA2. Boston College3. Notre Dame4. New Hampshire5. Quinnipiac6. Miami (O)7. North Dakota8. Dartmouth9. Boston University10. Western Michigan
How's Haula?Erik Haula, the Gophers' best and most consistent scorer, left the Boston College game in the third period in an obviously injured condition. At the time, the reason wasn't apparent. I've since learned that a BC player tomahawked him. Coach Don Lucia tells me Haula—whose ailment is described in college hockey-speak as an “upper body injury”—will be out of the lineup until at least the North Dakota series January 18-19. I'll keep you updated.
WCHA Honors Bjugstad, WilcoxForward Nick Bjugstad, who nailed six points in the Mariucci Classic against Air Force and Boston College, has been named WCHA Offensive Player of the Week. It's the second time he's received the award this season.
Goalie Adam Wilcox has also been tabbed as the league's Rookie of the Week. Wilcox continues to amaze during his freshman season and stopped 50 of 51 shots while posting two wins—including a shutout—at the Mariucci. Technically a freshman, Wilcox admitted to me this week that had he not played a couple seasons in juniors following his high school career at South St. Paul, this might be a much different season.
Lucia vs. LuciaThe Gophers face off against No. 3 Notre Dame in their next tilt, January 8, at Mariucci Arena. The game will mark the second time in three games that a head coach will square off against a team for which his son is a major player. First, it was Air Force bench boss Frank Serratore, whose son Tom is an important factor in Minnesota's success on a nightly basis.
Now, it's the turn of Gopher head coach Don Lucia. Lucia's son, Mario (freshman, Plymouth) is a big (6-3) left wing who's having a terrific rookie season. He's coming back from the World Junior Championships in Russia where he played alongside Minnesota defenseman Mike Reilly.
Lucia, a second-round draft pick of the Wild, has been on a hot streak since taking the ice November Nov. 15 after missing the first nine games of the season with a broken leg. He's on a five-game scoring jag and is +4 on the season. Lucia scored 94 points in 56 games for the Penticton Vees (BCHL) last season.
The big winger is a key reason why the Irish have one of college hockey's most potent second lines. Along with linemates Mike Voran and T.J. Tynan, he's helped forge a strong one-two punch offensively behind a top line of Anders Lee, Bryan Rust and Jeff Costello. But it's from the blue line that Notre Dame also packs some punch. Sophomore defenseman Robbie Russo is averaging a point a game and is the Central Collegiate Hockey Association's No. 7 overall scorer.
Another Lucia son, Tony, played for the Gophers from 2006-2010
In goal, Stephen Summerhays (Jr., Anchorage) has carried the mail all season. He enters the Minnesota game with a 1.53 goal-against average, second-best in the CCHA.
The matchup will be Notre Dame's first since the holiday break began. It will be Minnesota's third game back after winning two games and the championship at the Mariucci Classic.
Scouting the Irish.
There's a reason why Notre Dame is so highly ranked: the Fighting Irish have won six straight games and eight of their last nine going back to November 15. In CCHA-only games, they've won eight straight and lead the league.
In goal, Stephen Summerhays (Jr., Anchorage) has carried the mail all season. He enters the Minnesota game with a 1.53 goal-against average, second-best in the CCHA.
Practice on the pond.
The Irish do a cool thing every winter: practice outdoors one time. Their Practice On the Pond event in nearby Mishawaka draws big crowds for the practice itself as well as player autographs and a number of other events. It's a nice connect with Irish fans, who don't get to see their team on home ice again until Alaska comes to South Bend January 18.
Whither the Irish next year?
It's the season of the long goodbye for the CCHA, which will disband following tournament play this spring. Notre Dame, never a school to follow the pack, will be the only team in the league not moving on to either the reformulated WCHA or the upstart National Collegiate Hockey Conference.
Instead, the Irish will jump to Hockey East beginning next fall.
Clash of the Titans II: If you loved the Gophers' 8-1 thrashing of then-top-ranked Boston College, don't miss their collision with No. 3 Notre Dame on Tuesday. Kevin Gorg and I will call the action on Fox Sports North, and we're saving a seat for you!
