Since we  did the special extra edition of the update over the weekend, there are not a whole lot of developments to report on.  But there was one very big one — at #2 in the last poll, New Hampshire lost to St. Lawrence, which dropped UNH to #4.  While not in attendance at the game, one of our contributing field reporters, Bruce Carlisle (radio voice of the St. Lawrence Saints while a student there in the mid-late seventies) captured the key information and reply emailed to to many of you:  Aaron Bogosian (nephew or cousin of reader Debra Bogosian) scores 39 seconds into overtime; the Skating Saints of St. Lawrence University knock off the #2 UNH Wildcats in Durham by a score of 2-1.  What an exciting finish, and thanks to Bruce, who is one of the most enthusiatic college hockey fans around. 

In  other action, #1 Yale pounded Holy Cross by a 10-3 margin.  Denver tied in its second game with Northern  Michigan; Denver is now ranked #6, up from #7.  Notre Dame and Boston University tied at 3-3.  Notre Dame is now ranked #11, up from #12, and BU is now ranked at #14, down from #10.  BU has had a steady and rapid descent in the last few polls.

Another team that appeared to have run into a bit of a buzz saw recently was Minnesota Duluth, settling on a loss and tie with Minnesota in early/mid December, and then losing to North Dakota 5-0 on UMD’s new home ice.  We have the good fortune of having one of our contributing field reporters, John McLean, at that game, and his insights in the summary below seem on track, given UMD’s two wins Monday and Tuesday night against Clarkson.  Here’s John’s detailed report of :

                    Fighting Sioux ‘Shatter’ Amsoil Grand Opening 

The University of North Dakota spoiled the christening of the beautiful new Amsoil Arena in Duluth this past Thursday with a 5-0 victory over the  UMD Bulldogs in front of the largest crowd to ever watch a hockey game in Northeastern Minnesota (6,732). 

The score was not indicative of the play. The 3rd rated Sioux scored a picture perfect, very nice power play by Brad Malone (cousin of former St Cloud State and current Tampa Bay Lightening star Ryan Malone) in the first period, and the score stayed that way until North Dakota scored 3 goals in 1:14 at the end of the second period to chase starter Aaron Crandall. 

In a first for UMD, the first period was ‘suspended’ at the 6:25 mark due to star forward Mike Connelly’s crashing through the plexiglass while checking Sioux forward Corban Knight.   To think that the glass at the DECC held up for 44 years against the likes of Brett Hull’s slap shots and Bob and Gary Suter’s jarring body checks. 

The top UMD line of Mike and Jack Connelly along with Justin Fontaine had several scoring changes but goalie Aaron Dell held his ground in turning away 35 shots to earn the shutout. Brad Malone closed out the scoring in the third period with a short handed goal.   Final shots in the game were 35-33 in favor of the Bulldogs.  Afterwards, Dell said “the idea was to come in here and mess up their show”. 

The new rink drew raves from spectators taking in the bright lights, wonderful site lines, flashy scoreboard and the wide concourses with numerous viewing areas. As with the Duluth Arena, perhaps the best part are the beautiful views of Lake Superior, also known as Gichigami. 

Additional UMD Note:  Much to UMD’s chagrin, first round pick Dylan Olsen, currently playing with the Canadian World Junior Team, announced over the weekend that he will be signing with the Black Hawks upon completion of the tournament; a hole not easily filled.  

     Wow!  What a great report.  I feel like I was there.  Thanks, John!

This week’s poll puts two new teams in the top ten — Michigan at #8, up from #11, and RPI at #10, up from #14.  The two teams that dropped out of the top ten are Nebraska-Omaha, down to #12 from #8, and BU, down to #14 from #10. 

This week provides some great top twenty matchups — Saturday night, #9 Maine travels to #17 Merrrimack, for one game and #14 Boston University travels to Merrimack for one game next Wednesday night.  #2 North Dakota will host #25 Robert Morris for two games;  and #28 Ohio State will host Miami of Ohio, two games as well.  #16 Alaska Fairbanks will host #21 Western Michigan for two games; and one of the great rivalries will be played out as #8 Michigan will play Michigan State in a home and home series.

This provdes the top twenty teams, rankings, records, and results since last weekend’s special extra edition of The Update:

[table id=12 /]

That’s all for now.  Stay tuned, and go Terriers!

 — Tom