2008 Woodie Awards
MSU Men's Hockey Gameday
Bemidji State at Minnesota State
by Josh Berhow
Issue date: 10/9/08
Section: Mens Sports
Friday - 7:37 p.m., Saturday - 7:07 p.m.
Alltel Center - Mankato
PREVIEW:The Mavericks begin their 2008-09 campaign Friday when they host Bemidji State in a nonconference home series over the weekend. MSU is notorious for its slow start over the past few years, but never has it ended a season on such a disappointing note, just barely missing the NCAA tournament.
FORWARDS: MSU lost only two forwards from last season, with Joel Hanson graduating and Jon Kalinski signing with Philadelphia in the offseason. Both were solid contributors for the Mavericks but it shouldn't be hard to find adequate replacements. Kalinski was the MSU's best penalty killer but his offensive production is replaceable, especially with many returning players trying to build on good offensive years from a year ago. Plenty of talented forwards return, led by senior Mick Berge (20 goals), junior Trevor Bruess (21 assists, plus-22) and Kael Mouillierat (11-11-22). Jason Wiley made a big jump for the offense last season and don't be surprised if Geoff Irwin and Andy Sackrison make one this season. Forwards James Gaulrapp (injury) and Jerad Stewart (illness) will be out this weekend.
DEFENSE: The Mavericks have an experienced defense led by seniors Brian Kilburg and Blake Friesen, with the only loss being veteran leader R.J. Linder. Kilburg and Friesen are more of defensive defensemen, while sophomores Kurt Davis (1-14-15) and Ben Youds (1-11-12) have more of an offensive presence. Junior Nick Canzanello is experienced and should continue to improve.
IN NET: Last season's squad made its second-half surge because of the play of goaltender Mike Zacharias. The senior started 34 games last season and owned a 2.08 goals against average and .924 save percentage. For pretty much the first time in his career, Zacharias is the unquestioned starter heading into the opener.
LAST MEETING: The Mavericks swept Bemidji State last season in Bemidji. Zacharais recorded the win both nights in net and Bruess, Berge, Kilburg, Irwin and Gaulrapp all scored goals.
UP NEXT FOR MSU: The Mavericks begin WCHA play next weekend, when they host North Dakota Friday and Saturday at the Alltel Center.
Josh Berhow is the Reporter sports editor
Alltel Center - Mankato
PREVIEW:The Mavericks begin their 2008-09 campaign Friday when they host Bemidji State in a nonconference home series over the weekend. MSU is notorious for its slow start over the past few years, but never has it ended a season on such a disappointing note, just barely missing the NCAA tournament.
FORWARDS: MSU lost only two forwards from last season, with Joel Hanson graduating and Jon Kalinski signing with Philadelphia in the offseason. Both were solid contributors for the Mavericks but it shouldn't be hard to find adequate replacements. Kalinski was the MSU's best penalty killer but his offensive production is replaceable, especially with many returning players trying to build on good offensive years from a year ago. Plenty of talented forwards return, led by senior Mick Berge (20 goals), junior Trevor Bruess (21 assists, plus-22) and Kael Mouillierat (11-11-22). Jason Wiley made a big jump for the offense last season and don't be surprised if Geoff Irwin and Andy Sackrison make one this season. Forwards James Gaulrapp (injury) and Jerad Stewart (illness) will be out this weekend.
DEFENSE: The Mavericks have an experienced defense led by seniors Brian Kilburg and Blake Friesen, with the only loss being veteran leader R.J. Linder. Kilburg and Friesen are more of defensive defensemen, while sophomores Kurt Davis (1-14-15) and Ben Youds (1-11-12) have more of an offensive presence. Junior Nick Canzanello is experienced and should continue to improve.
IN NET: Last season's squad made its second-half surge because of the play of goaltender Mike Zacharias. The senior started 34 games last season and owned a 2.08 goals against average and .924 save percentage. For pretty much the first time in his career, Zacharias is the unquestioned starter heading into the opener.
LAST MEETING: The Mavericks swept Bemidji State last season in Bemidji. Zacharais recorded the win both nights in net and Bruess, Berge, Kilburg, Irwin and Gaulrapp all scored goals.
UP NEXT FOR MSU: The Mavericks begin WCHA play next weekend, when they host North Dakota Friday and Saturday at the Alltel Center.
Josh Berhow is the Reporter sports editor
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