The University of Minnesota Duluth freshman Kyle Osterberg was one of two Inaugural NCHC players of the month for October.  Riley Barber of Miami was the other winner who took "Player of the Month".

Here is the the official NCHC announcement on Osterberg -

Osterberg (Lakeville, Minn.) totaled four points on two goals and two assists in six games for the Bulldogs, helping UMD to a top-20 ranking in October and a 3-2-1 record. Minnesota Duluth went 3-0-0 in games where Osterberg recorded a point. His two goals tied for ninth nationally among rookies during the month and first among NCHC freshmen. His four points tied for third in the NCHC among rookies, while the left-winger also posted a +4 rating in the month.

 Osterberg notched his first collegiate point on an assist in his first game -- a win over Michigan Tech Oct. 11. He then tallied his first career goal, unassisted, Oct. 19 in a win at Colorado College, which was the Bulldogs’ first ever NCHC victory. The five-foot-eight, 180-pounder capped the month with his best showing, notching a goal and an assist for his first multi-point game, leading UMD to a 4-1 upset of No. 2 Notre Dame Oct. 26. Osterberg put nine shots on goal in October and leads the Bulldogs with a .222 shooting percentage. Osterberg is now a nominee for National Rookie of the Month. The other nominee for NCHC Rookie of the Month was St. Cloud State freshman forward Ryan Papa.

The whole article can be found HERE.

Enjoy.

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One the greatest things I've learned since creating this blog is to notice and appreciate good writing, whether it's a company/website I am affiliated with or not.  Hell, I'm a terrible writer, but every once in awhile I actually notice an improvement.

Below is a list of links, the website/company and their authors from around the college hockey world.  Links will be separated by conferences, and than by other various topics.

Atlantic Hockey

Air Force Finds Positive Developments - Chris Lerch - USCHO

"The Air Force Falcons are only four games into this season, but they’ve had enough drama to fill a complete schedule."

Air Force’s Chad Demers garners league honor - Joe Paisley - The Gazette

"Air Force junior forward Chad Demers was named as the Atlantic Hockey Association player of the week after he recorded a team-high four points to help the Falcons to a pair of conference wins over Canisius and Niagara."

Big Ten

Michigan's Youngersters Step Up - Josh Seguin - College Hockey News

"Michigan is young and inexperienced; everyone knew there would be growing pains, especially on defense. But the progress of the group, which includes NHL Draft picks Nolan De Jong and Michael Downing, was especially encouraging."

Michigan State Trying to Re-Establish Itself - Michael King - College Hockey News

"A Last-Place Season, Injuries and Last Weekend's Sweep Have Taken a Toll"

Minnesota Scores Early and Often - Nate Wells - SBN College Hockey

"Two days after blowing a 2-0 lead in the first period, #1 Minnesota scored 4 goals in the first 16 minutes and held on to win 6-1."

Christian Horn Leaves Minnesota, Heads to USHL - Chris Dilks - SBN College Hockey

"After not seeing game action in over a year, Horn opts for a different path."

ECAC

Clarkson Off to Hot Start - Jeff Cox - SBN College Hockey

"Clarkson will face its first league test this weekend with a road trip to face Brown and Yale."

Brown Wins Liberty Invitational - Jeff Cox - SBN College Hockey

"After two wins at the Liberty Invitational, Brown will welcome Clarkson and St. Lawrence to Meehan Auditorium this weekend."

Hockey East

Taking It Higher - Joe Meloni - College Hockey News

"As an Upperclassmen, Johnny Gaudreau Looks to Bring Dazzling Game to Another Level"

Providence Passing Each Test - Joe Meloni - College Hockey News

"Hockey East Play Awaits Undefeated Friars"

Massachusetts Trying to Ride Renewed PP - Nick Canelas - College Hockey News

"Special Teams Hold Key to Minutemen's Season"

A Winning Pair in Providence - Jim Connelly and Todd D. Milewski - USCHO

"TMQ: A winning pair in Providence, ECAC Hockey’s strength and realignment readjustment"

NCHC

Denver's Hawkinson to Miss Season - CHN Staff Report - College Hockey News

"Pioneers Scrambling to Fill Holes at Forward"

North Dakota's Caggiula OK After Scary Fall - CHN Staff Report - College Hockey News

"North Dakota sophomore forward Drake Caggiula avoided serious injury following a head-first fall into the ice that led to him being carried off on a backboard."

Minnesota Duluth Upsets Notre Dame - Matt Christians - SBN College Hockey

"After scoring three goals in the first period, all within a span of 3:25, the Bulldogs held of #2 ranked Notre Dame and gave the Fighting Irish their first loss of the year."

WCHA

Minnesota State Tries to Get Past Early Bumps - Matt Christians - College Hockey News

"Taking the west by storm last year, Minnesota State looked like a team to beat entering the postseason."

Recruiting

1998s Keep Goin' - Jasper Kozak-Miller - Over The Boards

"Eastern schools were pretty active this week (as was Denver, who picked up three nice gets from Western Canada), as three 1998-born forwards committed to play their college puck on the East Coast..."

Tyler Sheehy Opts for USHL over Final High School Season - Chris Dilks - SBN College Hockey

"The potential draft pick and Mr. Hockey front-runner won't play for Burnsville this year."

Minnesota Duluth Lands Nick Swaney - Matt Christians - SBN College Hockey

"The Bulldogs land a natural goal-scorer in Nick Swaney."

Nolan Stevens Commits to Northeastern - Chris Dilks - SBN College Hockey

"Stevens will join his brother in playing for the Huskies."

John Wiitala Commits to Ohio State - Chris Dilks - SBN College Hockey

"The Buckeyes land a smart, gritty two-way forward."

Lucas Michaud commits to Maine - Jeff Cox - SBN College Hockey

"Lucas Michaud, a big forward with raw talent, will arrive in Orono for the 2015-16 season."

Polls  & Rankings

SBN Power Rankings - SBN Staff Report - SBN College Hockey

USA Today/USA Hockey Mag Poll - USA Hockey

USCHO Poll - USCHO

Enjoy.

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The University of Minnesota Duluth has received a verbal commitment from Lakeville South forward Nick Swaney.

I wrote about Swaney's commitment to UMD for SB Nation.  Click "The Bulldogs land a natural goal-scorer in Nick Swaney" to view.

Swaney scored 20 points in this year's Elite League before injuring his knee blocking a shot, in just 12 games, as a sophomore, among the midwest's best.  He's got some talent.

Enjoy.

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Minnesota Duluth vs Notre Dame

October 25th, 2013

Photos by Matt Christians

Notre Dame - Images by Matt Christians

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The Notre Dame Fighting Irish travel west to the battle the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs once again this season.

Last year the Dogs ventured down to South Bend where they found a 3-1 win on Thursday (yes, Thursday) night, but the Irish found some luck on Friday night, downing UMD 4-1.  But let's take it back just one year before that where tUMD beat the little leprechauns 4-3 to advance in the Frozen Four :D

Photo: UMD Athletics

If I remember right, Minnesota Duluth's new Athletic Director, Josh Berlo, has some sort of Notre Dame connection...  I believe...

“I spent 12 years there and have a degree from the institution on my wall, but I’d really prefer they go home without any wins,” Berlo told Rick Weegman of the Duluth News Tribune.

Apples and Oranges?

Wait, Who's Playing?

Coming into Duluth with their best start under coach Jeff Jackson, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish are riding a 4-0-0 record, earning every little bit of it along the way.

The Fighting Irish started their successful season off by sweeping Western Michigan 4-0 and 3-0.  Steven Summerhays, Irish netminder, stopped 42 shots in that series, while the Notre Dame offense peppered Western Michigan's talented Frank Slubowski with 71 shots.  Last weekend, the Irish swept Michigan Tech, but the games were a little bit closer (3-2 & 7-3).

Notre Dame's offense is on fire.  Leading the team in scoring with three goals and three assists is freshman Vince Hinostroza.  Hinostroza is a product of the USHL where he finished last season registering 60 points in 46 games.  Watch out for T.J. Tynan, Jeff Costello and Mario Lucia, all who have an incredible ability to bury pucks as well.

Scoring Leaders:

	Pos.	(GP) G-A-Pts.	Pts/G
Vince Hinostroza	F	(4)  3-3-6	1.5
Sam Herr	F	(4)  3-1-4	1
T.J. Tynan	F	(4)  1-3-4	1
Shayne Taker	D	(4)  1-4-5	1.25
Robbie Russo	D	(4)  2-2-4	1
	Pos.	(GP) GAA/SV%	Mins.
Steven Summerhays	G	(4) 1.25/.946	239

Coming out of Colorado College after playing a fantastic last game, the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs will look to the continue the success into Friday night at Amsoil Arena.

Offensively, the Bulldogs seem to have found the right combinations. Scoring is coming from not just the top line, but all lines.  The sophomores who had such a great season last year look to be picking it up where they left off, which is complementing the freshmen scoring as well.  The only issue the Bulldogs currently have is the powerplay.

Defensive was a large question mark for UMD entering the season, but has proven to be less concerning as the season has continued.

Scoring Leaders:

	Pos.	(GP) G-A-Pts.	Pts/G
Joe Basaraba	F	(4)  1-2-3	0.75
Justin Crandall	F	(4)  3-0-3	0.75
Alex Iafallo	F	(4)  2-1-3	0.75
Andy Welinski	D	(4)  0-1-1	0.25
Luke McManus	D	(4)  0-1-1	0.25
	Pos.	(GP) GAA/SV%	Mins.
Matt McNeely	G	(3) 1.64/.923	183
Aaron Crandall	G	(1) 1.00/.933	60

You will have to actually go to YoutTube to watch this one.

The Verdict?

This'll be a fun series.  I promise.  There is no doubt that Notre Dame will be riding a wave of momentum into Duluth, but keep in mind they most likely didn't take into account the "Lake Effect".  Look for a fast-paced series, one the Bulldogs definitely have the capability to keep up in.  I believe there are a few remaining tickets, so your Friday night has official been planned!

See you at the rink!

Pre-Weekend Lynx

SB Nation Power Rankings - SBN College Hockey Rankings
NCHC Weekend Preview - SBN NCHC Weekend Preview

Questions?  Comments?  Ask Below!

Enjoy.

The University of Minnesota Duluth receives a verbal commitment from Blake Young.

Blake Young, a second year forward for the Battlefords North Stars (SJHL), has committed to play college hockey for the University of Minnesota Duluth starting next season.

The 6-foot-3 forward is known to be a constant threat on the ice with a ton of scoring upside.  At 185 pounds, Young can use his body to win battles in the corners, which develop into precious scoring chances.

Last season, Young buried eight goals and 15 assists for 23 points in 55 games throughout the entire season as a rookie.  This year, Young has tallied 9 points in 13 games thus far as a left winger.

“Young has blossomed into one of the premier power forwards in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League," said Kevin Hasselberg, head coach and GM of the North Stars.  "His effort in the classroom and on the ice has earned him this tremendous opportunity to play for one of the top hockey programs in the NCAA. The SJHL showcase event was pivotal, providing the exposure needed for Young to display his talents."

Young has yet to actually visit campus, but will be down in December in tour and sign his LOI.  Congrats to Blake, welcome to the Bulldog Family!

Questions?  Comments?  Ask Below!

Enjoy.

DISCLAIMER - This post has nothing to do with college hockey, but the National Football League instead.  If you've misplaced your sense of humor, either go back a page or click HERE.  Enjoy the post!

Can you believe it's finally here?

The Monday night that football fans from all over the globe have been waiting for is finally upon us.

Tonight, your Minnesota Vikings will clash with New York Giants in what is going to be one of the best football games known to man-kind.

Both of these NFC powerhouse teams have proven game after game that nothing is going to stop them this year.  It all comes down to tonight.  Someone has to give, someone has to win, and someone has to lose.

My lovely girlfriend and I have made predictions about the game after a brief pre-game summary below.  Enjoy.

The Minnesota Vikings

Led by arguably the most talented QB(s) (QB-core, the group as a whole) in the country, Christian PonCassFreeman, the Giants defense will have a hard time predicting this (these) guys moves.  PonCassFreeman possess one of the best arms in North America, throwing at high velocities with pin-point accuracy.  But what happens when no one is open?  I know that's what you're thinking, so let me tell you.  Imagine Reggie Bush when he was sporting a USC jersey, but with the elite offensive mind of someone like former Vikings coach, Denny Green.  Yeah, you can say that PonCassFreeman is a freaking deadly weapon to defensive units.

The run game speaks for itself.  There's no need to pull out the stat sheets for this one, baby, just trust this post.  If future H-Famer Adrian Peterson gets the ball, consider it 8-points for the Purple People Eaters.  Why 8 points?  The refs know it's best to give AP the extra 2 points and keep him off the field, for everyone's safety.

Defensively, the Vikings are as flawless as Jose Canseco's baseball career.  Up front, the linemen display a front that is very similar to running through a 6-foot deep Cement wall, lined with lead and and spiders, scaring anyone away from the line of scrimmage.

The linebackers and secondary are as sensational as the 1962 Minnesota Gophers core that defeated UCLA 21-3.  Opponent wide recievers fly down the field and are instantly impacted by the Purple D's.  If you've ever ran into a spider web while walking down the sidewalk, in very similar to that.

The New York Giants

Debatably the greatest thing to happen to New York since the Jets hired Rick Kotite back in the 90's, the Giants are hands down, the toughest thing east of the Mississippi.  Offensively sound and defensively perfect, this team really would have a perfect rating on any video game, including NHL 99.

- Predictions -

Matt.  If one of these teams were to be in the AFC, this would be the Superbowl preview, so hands-down, no question about it, this will be the greatest football game played not only this year, but this century.

I'd love to say that the Vikings are going to rush out on to the field and take the Giants to pound-town with good ole fashion can of woop-em' deluxe, but let's be real here, not with a Giant defense like that.

There will be blood.  There will be sweat.  There will be tears.  But most importantly, there will be a winner.  I believe that your Minnesota Vikings take the "W" in a 3-0 overtime win.  The Vikings go for the fake play-action pass on 2nd down, but instead PonCassFreeman puts the ball down and Adrian Peterson, wearing Blair Walsh's shoes, kicks a 74-yard field goal that burns a hole in the netting.

Bekah.  Okay, first of all, Matt is an idiot. This game is going to be something that a football fan watches if there aren't any other good shows on, even reality TV. The Vikes are 1-4 and the Giants, 0-6. Does it really matter who wins? I think everyone will just be glad that either team has a chance to win.

What happened to Eli Manning? Did he decide at the beginning of the season to let his brother have the season this year? His passing game isn't too bad, being 8th in the league this year. BUT what about the rushing yards, you ask? 31st in the league. There's the problem.

At least the Giants have a QB. I feel like the Vikings change up their roster on a daily basis. Was Ponder really hurt? We may never know. You would think that they would recognize their lack of QBs before the season started and would've known that their first and second string was weak. The glory of the team is Peterson and Allen. They can't carry the team on their own, though! Weak QB=Weak Team.

For this Indiana gal, I really don't care about this game. The Colts just beat the former undefeated Broncos last night. I'm still on a high. Bleacher Report ranked the Colts NUMBER ONE. Yeah horse! But if I had to make a prediction, I have to go with my former home team with Vikings winning 65-60.

Ending Notes

Take whoever's advise you want, but just make sure you know that men are always right.  ;)  Pregame begins at 7:25 CDT.  DO NOT MISS THIS ONE.

.....

Questions?  Comments?  Ask Below!

Enjoy.

Michigan Tech 10-11 - Images by Matt Christians