Based on last weekend’s scores in Colorado Springs and Grand Forks, N.D., Hockey East appears primed to end the Western Collegiate Hockey Association’s reign as the NCAA’s most powerful conference.
The WCHA has won the past five NCAA championships, but two of its better teams absorbed two-game sweeps at home to Hockey East opponents. New Hampshire beat Colorado College 4-3 and 7-2, while Maine downed North Dakota 6-2 and 3-1.
“I can’t remember the last time either one of those teams had a nonconference opponent come in and (sweep) them,” University of Denver coach George Gwozdecky said. “What it says, I think, is that the effects of the exodus of some very good players are being felt.”
Among the 24 players across the country that signed NHL deals in the offseason with eligibility remaining, 15 played for WCHA schools. A handful of other WCHA early departures signed European or minor- league pro contracts.
CC “only” lost Brian Salcido unexpectedly, but the would- be senior defenseman would have been the best returning player to a young team that is trying to overcome the loss of a large and talented senior class. North Dakota lost five players before their eligibility expired.
CC’s and North Dakota’s losses last weekend aren’t indicative of the WCHA’s overall nonconference performances this season. The WCHA is 19-9-5, which computes to a better winning percentage (.652) than last season’s .594 (55-33-7).
Perhaps the bottom line is that Hockey East, which features four of the top eight teams in the USA Today/American Hockey Magazine poll – including preseason No. 1 Boston College and current No. 1 Maine – has become home to the country’s best teams.
New look at DU
Gwozdecky said the Pioneers (3-3, 1-1 WCHA) aren’t “enamored” with their start, but remain optimistic about their future in a season that some say is a rebuilding process.
In Saturday’s 5-1 victory over RPI, DU played without two of its best players: center-wing J.D. Corbin (broken leg and ankle) and defenseman Chris Butler (academic suspension). Winning despite those two losses, coupled with the early NHL departures of Matt Carle and Paul Stastny, was important in forging a new identity.
“We’re slowly starting to figure it out,” Gwozdecky said. “We were better Saturday than we were on Friday, in large part because of (goalie) Glenn Fisher, who made some crucial saves early in the game to keep it close.
“Without Chris Butler, it was a real challenge for our defensive corps. Glenn Fisher and his work, at times, saved our bacon. But we like where we’re going, and we’re going to get there.”
Footnotes
Air Force sophomore Mike Phillipich, who had two goals and four assists in a two-game weekend split against visiting Bentley, was named Atlantic Hockey Association offensive player of the week. The winger had two goals and four points in the Falcons’ 5-1 win last Friday. … Friday’s Boston College-Wisconsin game in Madison, Wis. – a rematch of the 2006 NCAA championship game, won by Wisconsin 2-1 – will be televised live by CSTV, beginning at 6 p.m.
Mike Chambers can be reached at 303-954-1357 or mchambers@denverpost.com.
