Alright Husky fans, at the time of this article’s writing Tech, has a preseason game under its belt and we are going into our first series of the year against the Alaska Nanooks. We’ll be taking a look at our schedule in this season preview and I’ll be giving my way too early prediction for how our Huskies will finish.
First things first let’s look at their schedule:
Compared to previous seasons, this year’s lineup of games is pretty standard as to what we would expect. The big changeup this year is the addition of the Cactus Cup, which will see Tech have the chance to play Holy Cross for the first time in program history. Let’s break it down month by month.
October
This month sees a relatively big change, as Tech only has two series during the month of October. The Nanooks have lost a fair amount of talent from last season while Clarkson has had the Huskies number these past few years. Depending on what version of the team we see this it could either be a spotless October or slog of a start. I am optimistic and will say that Tech is able to win a majority of games.
Record: 3-1
November
This will be Tech’s first real chance to see where they sit in the CCHA. On paper, they should sweep NMU, but given how the exhibition went I am willing to bet the Wildcats at least make it close. Ferris, again, should be a sweep on paper, while splits with Mankato and Bowling Green seem reasonable until more info is gathered about each respective team.
Record: 6-2
Overall: 9-3
December
This is going to be the make-or-break month for our Huskies as they are slated to play the hardest stretch of the schedule. St. Thomas, Bemidji, Western, and Michigan State are all top end opponents. For the sake of consistency, a split this month would be the most likely result for our Huskies, barring any major injuries for the involved teams.
Record: 3-3
Overall: 12-6
January
This is the midseason point for our Huskies and it comes with the potential for a decent amount of wins. I would give the Cactus Cup advantage to Tech, as UNO is improving but isn’t where they’re hoping to be yet, and Lowell is still working its way back into the national fold. Holy Cross should be an easy win on paper if Tech does manage to draw them. As far as CCHA play is concerned, LSSU should be better this year, but still should be a Tech sweep. Same goes for Northern, but again a split is also possible. Mankato is sure to be a tough team so expect a split there.
Record: 6-2
Overall: 18-8
February/March 1st
Coach Shawhan’s teams typically get better as the season goes on so, this should be peak performance for our Huskies. Against BSU and UST, I would expect splits, while sweeping Ferris and Augustana isn’t out of question. Those games could be closer than fans would like, though.
Record: 6-2
Overall: 24-10
Closing Thoughts
I think 24-10 is very doable for this Tech team given the talent, though I think the consistency might not be there to start the season as systems are learned and games are played. Only time will tell if I look smart or dumb (looking dumb is more likely). Otherwise, this season is more of a growth year for Tech. If our Huskies make it anywhere near a national tournament bid, this 2024-25 season will be a resounding success.
Cover photo courtesy Michigan Tech Athletics.
Jonathan graduated from Michigan Tech in the spring of 2018 with a degree in Physics and Social Science in addition to a minor in Social and Behavioral Studies. He spent his college career watching hockey with the Misfits where he became the treasurer in his last year. When not traveling to away games he resides in Hancock working for a local engineering company and keeping up with all things Tech Hockey.
