As we enter the new year our Huskies find themselves playing hockey in the state of California for the first time since 1948. According to Tech hockey historians Dr. Bill Sproule and Calvin Larson’s Michigan Tech Hockey: 100 Years Of Memories (aka The Book), Tech played the San Francisco Olympic Club at the Winterland Arena on January 3rd, exactly 77 years ago to the day. This will also be Tech’s first game against the UMass-Lowell River Hawks since 1988, where the Huskies managed to win 6-4.
I will be trying to do yet another tournament preview, but this time Augie provided us some InStat plots for us to enjoy!
Day One
Michigan Tech vs UMass-Lowell
Analysis
The River Hawks are a team that is very similar to our Huskies. They come in with a 10-4-2 record, with a schedule ranked 12th in the country by College Hockey News (CHN). Looking at their actual schedule, a lot of heavy lifting in that stat is being done by two series against Boston College and Boston University. Otherwise their only other opponent above .500 was a single game series against Clarkson. Otherwise most if not all of their opponents are within a game above or below .500. All things accounted for the River Hawks’ strength-of-schedule looks to be inflated. Finally, to add to their ranking inflation is the fact they have only played 16 games, with their last non exhibition game being on December 9th. Looking at their top skaters, this trend continues:
Tech fans might have their eyes first snap to senior goaltender Beni Halasz, who transferred from Northern Michigan after last season. He and Henry Welsch have been splitting games this season and though Halasz has had the better numbers, Welsch has a much better 8-2-1 record. Otherwise, their main scoring players aren’t all that above the college hockey norm in terms of points per game.
Looking at their last series against Boston College we see:
I think Lowell will be a good test for our Huskies as they are an easier opponent than Western Michigan, but tougher than a majority of teams Tech has played so far.
Speaking of Tech, they managed to place 3rd at the GLI, barely losing out against Western with an impressive comeback to force overtime. However, the following day was a disappointment by allowing a bad Northern team to force overtime. Their trend of scoring more goals has also continued, with the Huskies scoring 7 goals over the two games. Game two was especially stressful due to Tech’s inability to score on a 5 minute powerplay, in addition to starting goalie Derek Mullahy leaving after the first period with an undisclosed injury. This in turn forced Tech’s newest player Ryan Manzella into service for his very first college game. Manzella performed well off the bench and given the circumstances Tech is more than happy with his performance.
Keys to the Game
- Crash the Net. The Huskies will need to get gritty goals. This UMass team is going to be more about skill and eastern style hockey over what Tech has been experiencing all season. Tech needs to be physical and force their style on the River Hawks.
- Let them play. Tech needs to improvise more during games to generate offense. Sardarian has been the mastermind behind this movement so far this year and Tech needs to follow his lead. Their systems are working for defense, but they haven’t been so successful in getting goals.
- Watch his back. We don’t know the extent of Derek’s injury but if he is still hurt Tech will need to increase their already stout defense with Manzella in net. He has proven so far he can hang with the likes of Northern at the NCAA level, but Lowell will be a bigger challenge.
My Prediction
I think the Huskies have a chance to take this game. They have the offensive potential, but the problem lies in net for the first time in a long time for Tech. Either Derek won’t be playing at 100% or Manzella will be thrown into the fire. MTU wins 4-3.
The guys on our Chasing MacNaughton Podcast also made predictions for this Cactus Cup.
Holy Cross vs Omaha
Omaha is the favorite in this game in my eyes given that they play in the NCHC. Holy Cross currently has the better record, but they haven’t played great teams. Looking at both teams last two games we see:
Omaha Wins 4-2.
Day Two
I will be doing a lightning round and giving some quick and dirty predictions.
Possible match ups.
Michigan Tech vs Omaha
This is my pick for the championship game. I think Tech will be the favorites. MTU wins 3-1.
Michigan Tech vs Holy Cross
This would be Tech’s first time playing Holy Cross in program history. I think our Huskies would pull out a win. MTU wins 3-2.
Umass-Lowell vs Omaha
This is the second most likely matchup for the championship game and I think it would be the River Hawks’ game to lose. UML wins 4-1.
UMass-Lowell vs Holy Cross
If this is the Championship game Tech fans will not be happy. Though once again the River Hawks should win. UML wins 4-1.
Cover photo courtesy Michigan Tech Athletics.
InStat plots created by Zach Aufdemberge.
How to Watch
Both games are available through Mix 93.5 WKMJ for audio featuring Dirk Hembroff (free). Notably the video streams will be provided by FloHockey (paywall). Game 1 will be Friday at 6:30 ET. The third-place game will be Saturday at 6:30 ET, and the championship at 10:00 ET.
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.
