2008-09 MCHA
News & Notes
-October 10, 2008
Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association
Releases Preseason Poll
Adrian
College
has been selected as the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association’s No. 1 hockey
team, according to the league’s 2008-09 preseason coaches poll.
The
Bulldogs received 49 points, garnering all possible first-place votes from the
leagues eight head coaches (coaches could not vote for their own team).
Adrian
had arguably the greatest season ever for a first-year NCAA program last
season, going 26-3-0 in winning MCHA regular season and Harris Cup titles.
The Bulldogs spent most of the campaign in the national polls and found
themselves No. 9 in the final poll of the year. Not only did they lose no
seniors from last year’s squad, but they are set to return the top three
point-producers at the NCAA D-III level last year in Adam Krug (77 points on 30G/47A), Shawn Skelly (74 points on 30G/44A) and Eric Miller (69 points on 29A and an NCAA-best 40G).
Adrian
also had the nation’s highest-scoring offense at 7.59 goals per game (second
was 4.88 gpg) and carries a 20-game winning streak into the new campaign.
Marian
University
received the other first place vote and finished second with 40 points. The
Sabres went 17-10-1 a season ago, finishing second in the MCHA with a 14-5-1
record.
The next three spots were a tight race, as MSOE (15-13-0
in 2007-08) was third with 35 points,
Lawrence
University
(10-14-3) fourth with 32 points and
Finlandia
University
(18-9-2) fifth with 29 points.
Minnesota-Crookston (6-21-0) and Concordia (2-25-0) were up next, tied for sixth
with 15 points apiece. Northland (4-23-0) was eighth with nine points.
The MCHA enters its 11th season this fall, getting regular season
play underway October 23 when Northland opens the season at UW-Superior.
MCHA Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Adrian
(7 first-place votes) … 49 points
2. Marian
University
(1 first-place vote) … 40
3. MSOE … 35
4. Lawrence
University
… 32
5. Finlandia
University
… 29
T6. Minnesota-Crookston … 15
T6. Concordia
University
… 15
8.
Northland
College
… 9
-September 30, 2008
Golden Eagle Hockey Retires Bob Clauson's
#22 Jersey
-Release
courtesy of University of Minnesota, Crookston Sports Information Department
Contact:
Chris Vito, Assistant Sports Information Director
Phone: 218-281-8445 Fax: 218-281-8430 E-mail: vito@umn.edu
(Crookston,
Minn.)- In keeping with University of Minnesota, Crookston Hockey tradition,
the number 22 jersey of Bob Clauson was retired Saturday afternoon at halftime
of the Golden Eagles’ football game with Minnesota State University Moorhead
and will never be worn again. This is custom with all U of M, Crookston Hockey
alumni who are inducted into the school’s athletic hall of fame as Clauson was
Friday evening.
Bob
Clauson, ex. ’82, played hockey for the U of M, Crookston Trojans in 1981-82.
He was one of the team captains for the 1982 Minnesota State Junior College
Conference championship hockey team under Coach Jim Clauson and Assistant Coach
Chuck Habstritt. During that year, Clauson had 39 goals and 11assists in 18
games with an average of 2.8 points per game. He set a new single-game record
with six goals beating out a record formerly held by his brother, Jim. Named to
the All-Region XIII team as a freshman and sophomore, Clauson also was named to
the National Junior College Athletic Association All-American team. Ten years
later as an assistant coach, Clauson helped lead the U of M, Crookston to the
first of two back-to-back national championships.
“We are honored to retire the number 22 jersey of Bob Clauson,” says U of M,
Crookston Head Hockey Coach Gary Warren. “He played an integral role in the
success of hockey at the University of Minnesota, Crookston as not only a
player, but also an assistant coach.”
For more information, visit the Golden Eagle Athletics Web site at http://www.goldeneaglesports.com/.
The
University of Minnesota, Crookston is a NCAA Division II Institution and a
member of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). Golden Eagle
Hockey is a member of the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association (MCHA). The
Golden Eagle Equestrian team is a member of the Intercollegiate Horse Show
Association (IHSA).
-August 21, 2008
MCHA Alumni Continue to Join Professional
Ranks
Four players from the Midwest Collegiate Hockey
Association have been signed to professional contracts recently. Travis Van
Dyn Hoven of Marian University and Travis
Hanson, Josh Paquette and Ryan
Sullivan of Finlandia University have all joined the ranks of the pro hockey
world.
Van Dyn Hoven signed a contract with the Wheeling Nailers of the ECHL Premier
“AA” Hockey League this past weekend.
“I am very excited to continue my hockey career,” Van
Dyn Hoven said. “Going into my senior year, I wasn't sure if I wanted to
continue playing, but once the season ended I realized I wasn't ready to give it
up. I'm thankful for the opportunity and I look forward to the challenge. I’ve
enjoyed my time at
Marian
University
and I would like to thank the coaching staff for preparing me to play
at the next level.”
Van Dyn Hoven played in 42 games in his Marian career, recording 20 points
(10G/10A). In 2008, the senior recorded five goals and five assists. Two of
his goals were power play goals and he also added a game-winner.
“I am extremely happy for Travis,” Sabre head coach Jasen
Wise said. “His hard work and determination are great examples for younger
players. It shows you can play at the next level if you make a commitment to the
game of hockey. The Nailers are getting a great team player and a person who
will lay it on the line every night. The Marian Hockey program wishes Travis
luck and success. We will be watching.”
Hanson was re-signed by the Cincinnati Cyclones, an East
Coast Hockey League (ECHL) team affiliated with the NHL’s Nashville Predators
and Montreal Canadiens. He was originally signed after the MCHA tournament last
season and helped lead the Cyclones to a league championship when they defeated
Las Vegas
. He was a team captain at FU for two years, recording 58 points (25G/33A) in
103 career games.
“Travis has worked very hard to create this
opportunity,” Finlandia head coach Joe
Burcar said. “The Cyclones were looking for a big, strong player to win
battles on the wall, they called him in last spring and he made an
immediate impact in helping win the ECHL Championship.”
Paquette has been signed by the New Mexico Scorpions, a team in the Central
Hockey League (CHL). He rewrote the MCHA record book, setting new career marks
with 47 goals, 83 assists and 130 points. Overall in his career, he tallied 152
points (51G/101A) in 105 games. He was named to the all-conference team on two
occasions and to the all-newcomer team as a freshman, leading the Lions to a
Harris Cup Championship as a junior and to a second-straight title game
appearance a year ago.
“Josh is a very gifted player with his ability to score
in any given situation,” Burcar said. “He has been able to score at every
level he has played and will make the transition as a professional player very
smoothly.”
Sullivan will join Paquette on the roster of the Scorpions. The Lions Team MVP a
year ago, he was also an all-conference performer on the ice, recording 88
points (50G/38A) in 82 career games. The Scorpions will officially be back on
the ice October 6th for the start of training camp.
“Ryan is ready for the next level, he is very complete in his game,” Burcar
said. “We have used Ryan in every situation and he has excelled. The bigger
the game, the better Ryan is...”
All three Finlandia players were also regulars on the MCHA All-Academic Team.
“We will miss all three of these players; they have
brought so much to Finlandia Hockey. We wish them great success!”
-July 14, 2008
Date and Times set for MCHA Officials
Tryout Camp
The
Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association will be holding tryouts for Officials in
Milwaukee,
Wisconsin,
from September 19-21, 2008.
Tryouts will include classroom instruction, on-ice instruction and game
situation evaluation.
General Information:
The Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association is an NCAA Division III West
Region Hockey Conference. Member
Schools include Adrian College (MI), Concordia University (WI),
Finlandia
University
,
Lawrence
University
,
Marian
College
, Milwaukee School of Engineering,
Northland
College
and the
University
of
Minnesota
– Crookston. Each season, teams
compete for the Harris Cup as well as a National Championship.
Requirements:
To be considered for this position, applicants must be at least 22 years
of age, have officiating experience commensurate with working upper levels of
hockey and be able to work in a team atmosphere.
Successful candidates will also have the ability to communicate
effectively with officials, coaches, players and supervisors.
Candidates must display sound officiating techniques.
Application:
Officials interested in this opportunity should forward their officiating
resume, including three references, to Jim Olson, Supervisor of Officials,
before August 15, 2008. Invitations
to the Tryout Camp will be sent to candidates before September 1, 2008.
Any questions regarding this opportunity
should be forwarded to:
Jim Olson
Supervisor of Officials
mcharefs@att.net
(414) 305-5738
-June 26, 2008
Marian's Bresser Adds to List of MCHA
Alumni Signing Professionally
Carl
Bresser of Marian
University
is the latest player from the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association to continue
his career as a professional, signing a contract with the Gwinnett Gladiators of
the ECHL Premier “AA” Hockey League earlier this month.
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Bresser,
who was named to the MCHA All-Conference Team this past season, played in 109
games in his Marian career, recording 102 points (57 goals/45 assists) to place
sixth on the Sabres’ all-time scoring list. His 12 career shorthanded tallies
are also a school record.
“I am very excited for this opportunity,” Bresser
said. “It's been a goal of mine to play pro hockey and now I'm getting that
chance. I've enjoyed my time at Marian and I feel working with Coach Wise
has helped prepare me for the next level.”
His 40 career goals in league play rank tied for ninth
all-time and his 18 goals this past year were just off the record of 20 by a
senior. He established new league records for shorthanded goals in a season
(five in 2007-08) and career (eight), while leading all of NCAA Division III
with six shorthanded goals in 2007-08. His 76 career points in MCHA play (40
goals/36 assists) rank 15th in league annals.
“This is an exciting time for Carl, his family and
Marian Hockey,” head coach Jasen Wise said.
“Carl has put in the time necessary to play at the next level and I believe he
has the ability. He made the most of his college career and is now leaving
Marian with the skills necessary to succeed both on and off the ice. I look
forward to following his pro career and wish him luck and success.”
Bresser joins Terry Dunbar (at Marian from 2000-04), Dan
Odegard (1999-2003) and Jamie Davidson (2000-03) as former Sabres who signed and
played in the professional ranks.
-April 15, 2008
Adrian College Honored at State Capital in Lansing, Mich.
The Adrian
College men's ice hockey team have received many awards and honors this season
but perhaps none were bigger than 
today's
latest acknowledgement by the state of Michigan. The state of Michigan presented
head coach Ron Fogarty and the team a formal proclamation honoring the
team in the state senate chamber this morning. Senator Cameron Brown
representing the 16th district, including Lenawee County, spoke about the
achievements of the first-year program and went on to say that the team has made
the area proud both on and off the ice.
"This is an unbelievable experience," said Fogarty.
"I could not have imagined this back in October when our season began. I've
been told by several people this morning that this type of thing does not happen
very often and especially in the Division III ranks."
Coach Fogarty and team captain Adam Krug addressed the
senate upon receiving the certificate from senator Brown. Both spoke of the
pride they had in receiving such a prestigious honor.
"Growing up in Livonia this is a big deal for me,"
said Krug. "It has been a very successful year for the team and I'm glad we
get to step on the ice next year together and finish our goals."
Joining Fogarty and Krug on the floor were assistant coach Matt
Nicholson and alternate team captains Jeremy Klaver, Mike Towns
and Quinn Waller.
-April 16, 2008
Lawrence's Peterson Signs With IHL's
Flint Generals
-Release
courtesy of Lawrence University Sports Information Department
Contact:
Joe Vanden Acker, Sports Information Director, 920-832-6878
APPLETON,
Wis. --
Josh Peterson is taking his game up a level.
The standout Lawrence University senior defenseman signed a contract with the
Flint Generals of the International Hockey League on Tuesday.
"I’ve
been thinking about doing this since the end of the season," said Peterson,
the first Lawrence player to play professionally. "I wasn’t ready to be
done, and I wanted to play at the next level."
Lawrence head coach Mike Szkodzinski was helping Peterson fulfill his dream of
playing in the pro ranks when he saw what might be an opportunity with the
Generals.
"I had noticed that they had a couple of d-men injured toward the end of
the year," Szkodzinski said. "I gave coach (Peter) South a call last
Friday night and spoke with him on Saturday."
Things moved quickly from there, as Flint completed its regular season this past
weekend. Flint finished third in the regular season standings of the IHL, which
Szkodzinski compared to baseball at the AA level.
A native of Duluth, Minn., Peterson said he got a call from Szkodzinski on
Monday morning and was told the Generals were interested.
"I was sitting in class around noon and got a phone call," Peterson
said. "It happened really fast, and I’ve been running ever since."
Peterson arrived in Flint on Monday night and signed his contract and took part
in his first practice on Tuesday. The Generals open the IHL playoffs Friday when
they travel to the Port Huron Icehawks.
Peterson said he’s not sure if he will get a chance to play on Friday, but he
is one of only six defensemen on the Generals’ playoff roster.
"I’m just going to be ready for any opportunity that comes up,"
Peterson said.
Peterson is only the second player in Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association
history to be named all-conference four times. He scored six goals and had 20
assists for 26 points this past season. Peterson finished fifth on Lawrence’s
career list with 77 points and is first among defenseman. He ranks second with
56 career assists and 14th with 21 goals.
"Our season has been over for a while so I have to get my legs back under
me," Peterson said. "I know I have a lot to improve upon, but I feel
like I can play at this level."
Peterson earned the maximum three selections to the academic all-conference and
is completing his biology major. He will continue his schoolwork while
participating in the playoffs.
"We are very proud of Josh’s latest accomplishment. His passion for the
game and desire to reach the next level while maintaining exemplary academic
success has set a great example for the current and future Vikings,"
Szkodzinski said.
"Josh has earned an opportunity that so many young players dream of while
growing up. We are certain that he will represent himself and the Lawrence
hockey program very well while in Flint."
