After a long break in action, and literally what feels like an eternity since the Bulldogs have played at home, Minnesota Duluth hosts two conference games this weekend against ex-wcha rival and current nchc-rival (unless they decided to become friends) the St. Cloud State Huskies.

Last year tUMD took to the Huskies and narrowly defeated our sister dogs by a 2-1 Friday score before falling 5-1 at Amsoil Arena.  As we know, the Huskies went on to to compete in the Frozen Four last year, so hopefully that should give you a little piece of mind.

St. Cloud State owns the all-time record at 56-40-8, but are just 2-2-1 against the Bulldogs in the last five outing.  As it turns out, the Huskies don't prefer Amsoil Arena as much as the old DECC, finding only two wins in six games in the relatively new arena.

Wait, Who's Playing?

We'll start the preview with the more playful puppy, the St. Cloud State Huskies.  The Huskies lost Hobey Baker winner and Hermantown native Drew LeBlanc, as well as three other key components to what generated wins last season, but they returned 22 players.

Sophomore Jonny Brodzinski leads the team in scoring with 5 goals and 7 helpers for 12 points, followed by senior Nic Dowd and redshirt-sophomore David Morley with 11 points.  With the scoring power this team possess, it's hard to argue the fact that they currently have the best win percentage in all of college hockey (.833).

Between the pipes stands junior netminder Ryan Faragher, who currently stands at third in nation with a winning percentage of .850.  His talent may be slightly masked by St. Cloud State's ability to block shots and play effective defense, but slipping a puck by Faragher is no easy task.

Scoring Leaders:

	Pos.	(GP)  G-A-Pts.	Pts/G
Jonny Brodzinski	F	(12)  5-7-12	1.00
Nic Dowd	F	(12)  8-3-11	0.92
David Morley	F	(12)  3-8-11	0.92
Andrew Prochno	D	(12)  2-7-9	0.75
Niklas Nevalainen	D	(10)  2-4-6	0.60

St. Cloud State Jock Jammer:

On the other, the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs are all rested and ready to play after spending last weekend playing this "bye" team for the second time this season.  The Bulldogs will play at Amsoil Arena for the first time in six weeks, going back to Saturday, October 26th against Notre Dame.

In their last series, the Bulldogs split with the #1 ranked Minnesota Gophers, leaving the sister school on Sunday after routing the home team 6-2.

Despite leaving Minneapolis two weekends ago without a point, freshman Alex Iafallo leads the Bulldogs in points with 10, followed by sophomore Tony Cameranesi and junior Caleb Herbert with 8 points apiece.

In net, both senior Aaron Crandall and Matt McNeely have seen playing time.  Crandall had earned 8 straight starts, a career high, until Friday's game against the gophers.  Crandall sports a 4-4-0 record, 2.67 GAA, and a .897 save percentage in 8 games, while McNeely exhibits a 2-1-0 record, 1.78 GAA, and a .927 save percentage in 5 games of action.

Scoring Leaders:

	Pos.	(GP)  G-A-Pts.	Pts/G
Alex Iafallo	F	(12)  5-5-10	0.83
Tony Cameranesi	F	(12)  2-6-8	0.67
Caleb Herbert	F	(12)  2-6-8	0.67
Willie Raskob	D	(11)  0-6-6	0.55
Carson Soucy	D	(10)  0-4-4	0.40

2013 UMD Men's Hockey History Intro:

Let's Compare:

Bulldogs		Huskies
6-5-1	…Overall…	9-1-2
2-2-0	NCHC	5-1-0
2-1-1	Home	3-1-2
4-4-0	Away	6-0-0
2-4-0	Friday	4-1-1
4-1-1	Saturday	5-0-1
2.92	Offense	3.58
2.50	Defense	1.83
19.0	PIM/G	8.8
17.2%	Power Play	17.6%
87.5%	Penalty Kill	83.8%
32.2	Shots/G	35.1
25.5	Opponent S/G	24.3

Faceoff Facts:

The Huskies are undefeated on re-match games, which have all been played on Saturdays, displaying a 5-0-1 record.  They're also in one of three teams in the NCAA to rank in the top 10 for both scoring
offense (3.58 g/gm) and defense (1.83 ga/gm).

Senior forward Nic Dowd has played in 95 consecutive games for the Huskies, while classmate Cory Thorson has played in 91 consecutive contests for the Huskies. Dowd has 38 goals and 54 assists in his career and is eight points from hitting the 100-point plateau. Dowd would become the 25th player in the history of DI hockey at SCSU to do so.

SCSU junior defenseman Andrew Prochno and sophomore forward Joey Benik both own four-game point streaks heading into the series at UMD. Prochno has one goal and five assists in his last four games.

The Bulldogs have picked up their game in the last four outings against very difficult teams in North Dakota and Minnesota.  In that 4-game stretch UMD is averaging 3.75 goals per game, 33 shots per game, and a power play at 30.4%.  Again, those numbers were against long-time rival North Dakota and #1 ranked Minnesota, with both series being away from home.

Despite being blanked in both ends of the Minnesota series, rookie left winger Alex Iafallo still tops the Bulldogs in scoring with 10 points. Iafallo is part of the nation’s sixth-highest scoring rookie class (an even 3.00 points per night from freshmen). He also ranks second among NCHC freshman scoring.

The 1.78 goals-against average sophomore Matt McNeely has com- piled thus far is second only to Denver senior Sam Brittain’s 1.66 GAA mark among NCHC puckstoppers.

UMD is partnering with the 148th Fighter Wing and the Salvation Army for the annual Toyland Express Toy Drive. Fans are encouraged to bring a unwrapped toy to AMSOIL Arena that night.

The Verdict:

St. Cloud State is currently ranked #3 in the SBN College Hockey Rankings, #2 in the USCHO Poll and the USA Today/USA Hockey Poll.  Minnesota Duluth sits at #20 in the USCHO Poll, but has proven to be a constant threat, especially as of lately.  Unlike the Ohio State football team, UMD has battled difficult teams and found triumphs in each series.

One common statistic between the two teams?  Neither played very well on Friday night's game against the Colorado College Tigers.

Both Teams are coming out of a Thanksgiving bye week, so everyone should be rested and healthy for what should be a great series.  The Huskies are coming out off a win Colorado Springs, but the Bulldogs rode home after dismantling the Gophers.

This should make a for a great series, and now that all the snow has stopped, everyone will have the ability to get out and welcome the Pups back home.

See Ya There!

Enjoy.

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Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the University of Alaska men's hockey intro!!!

:D

Enjoy.

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Now that November's "Movember" has come to an end, the NCHC is having a contest in which fans can vote on a team's player has the best mustache.  UMD's Kyle Osterberg is up as a nominee and has the dirtiest stache by far, so vote for him -> NCHC Movember Poll.

When I was shooting UMD's last series at Mariucci, I caught a couple pictures of other Bulldogs with some great mustaches.  Here below is a picture of the three players I found good shots for.  Keep in mind this was awhile ago when they were taken, so they could have been 10 times as gnarly on the 30th.

Who do you think had the best stache when the Dogs played Minnesota?

Comment your answer below!

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The Spirit of Duluth is one of the most anticipated events of the year.  For 37 years, the Spirit of Duluth has been the premier youth hockey tournament in northern Minnesota. During this time, there have been several players who have gone on to build successful collegiate and NHL careers.

The tournament, which runs December 6-8, features Peewees, Bantams, and Jr Gold teams from around the state and from Canada, Wisconsin, and South Dakota. This is the tournament’s 37th year, and is volunteer run by hockey enthusiasts in the Duluth community.

Together with Sport Ngin, the Minneapolis based sports technology company, the Spirit has undergone a significant technological face lift. In addition to a brand new logo and website, brand new Sport Ngin technology will be driving the greatest fan and participant experience that an amateur sporting event has ever seen.

"Growing up, the Spirit was the tournament that every team wanted to not only participate in, but also bring home that hardware" said Jim Dahline, product marketing manager for Sport Ngin. "I'm excited for the technology that we are bringing to the Spirit to help a new generation of kids, fans and parents create life long memories. That's what it's all about"

The Spirit of Duluth schedules, standings and stats will be powered with Sport Ngin Tourney. Fans and pariticipants will be able to follow along with the Spirit of Duluth mobile app on iPhone and Android. Fans can purchase apparel and merchandise directly from our online store as well.

Also exciting, all games will be played on the Sill rink, including Championship Sunday games, and will be streamed live with Sport Ngin Broadcast. These streams will be FREE, available live, and also for playback immediately following each game.

"The Spirit has been a part of our family for years, and I'm just thrilled that my first year being on the committee is such an exciting one." said Megan Oswald, tournament manager. "Working with Sport Ngin has been incredible, and we can't wait to drop the puck"

The Spirit of Duluth brings some of the best hockey teams in the region to Duluth PeeWee AA, Bantam AA and Jr. Gold teams from Minnesota, Wisconsin, South Dakota and Canada participate in the three day event.

Through Spirit of Duluth, a list of events has been prepared for those who have traveled for the tournament, including special priced tickets to watch the University of Minnesota Duluth take on the St. Cloud State Huskies on both Friday and Saturday night.  A link with that information can be found below.

The coolest thing?  New mobile app designed just for the tournament.

Thanks to Sport Ngin, the Spirit of Duluth Tournament has received a technology facelift, which includes an app that hit the App Store on Friday. The new app allows anyone interested in the tournament to follow along, no matter where they are. By allowing the user to choose a team, they can get updates on their team’s progress throughout the tournament.

Other features of the app include the schedule, news updates, rosters, and standings. “The ability to know your standings no matter where you are playing is a huge benefit,” said Bill Oswald, tournament chair. “This way, coaches know when their team is playing next without having to call in and wait.” Perhaps the most unique feature of the app is the ability to watch games live from the Sill arena. “We anticipate many people will use the feature from their homes to watch when they can’t get to the rink.” Oswald noted.

The mobile app also links in the prominent use of cell phones – social media. Those connected to the tournament can post comments, pictures, and videos that will be featured as part of the Social Stream.

But the History!

For a number of years prior to 1977, Duluth Traveling Teams at the Pee Wee, Bantam, and Midget levels were invited to tournaments throughout Minnesota and Canada without the ability to reciprocate and host tournaments of their own. This was do to the lack of access to suitable arenas having artificial ice. With the installation of artificial ice at DAHA’s Peterson Arena in 1975 and the opening of the Pioneer Hall Annex in 1977, coupled with the Duluth Arena and the old curling club already in existence, the stage was set to host a tournament. All that was needed was for someone to start the ball rolling.

Here are some of the notable Spirit of Duluth alumni:

Player	Hometown	College
Adam Roy	Grand Rapids, MN	Minnesota Duluth
Brett Larson	Duluth, MN	Minnesota Duluth
Ben Clymer	Bloomington, MN	Minnesota
Chris Marinucci	Grand Rapids, MN	Minnesota Duluth
Darby Hendrickson	Richfield, MN	Minnesota
Derek Plante	Cloquet, MN	Minnesota Duluth
Eric Ramsey	Edina, MN	Minnesota
Grant Bishoff	Grand Rapids, MN	Minnesota
Jamie Langenbrenner	Cloquet, MN	NHL
Joel Thorpe	Brooklyn Park, MN	Minnesota
Kevin Hoogsteen	Thunder Bay, ONT	North Dakota
Kyle Kolquist	Duluth, MN	Notre Dame
Nate Anderson	Deerwood, MN	Minnesota Duluth
Pete Stauber	Duluth, MN	Lake Superior State
Phil Kessel	Madison, WI	Minnesota
Rob Anderson	Superior, WI	Minnesota Duluth
Robb Stauber	Duluth, MN	Minnesota

Here are a list of links that you'll find helpful.

Spirit of Duluth Website -> www.SpiritofDuluth.com

iPhone App -> iTunes

Android App -> Google Play

Tournament Schedule -> Game Schedule

UMD Hockey Tickets -> UMD Spirit of Duluth Ticket Offer

Sport Ngin -> www.sportngin.com

Over the years, the Spirit of Duluth Hockey tournament has had a tremendous economic impact on the city of Duluth. It is estimated that the Spirit of Duluth tournament brings in over 1.5 million dollars yearly to the Duluth economy. All profits from the tournament help to fund the traveling teams in Duluth, currently the 2 Pee Wee, 1 Bantam and 1 Jr. Gold teams directly benefit from the tournament.

Support Duluth youth hockey!

Enjoy.

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The Penalty Box Student Section put together a new Facebook page for others to contribute ideas and to help promote the Bulldogs!  Give it a like!

Facebook Page -> Penalty Box Student Section

We love to hear about new ideas or other things you'd like to see happening at games!  Don't be shy now!

Enjoy.

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Although it may seem like it's a little early in the Minnesota High School Hockey season to call an "upset", these games go against our preseason rankings and bring some promise to teams who were thought to have down years.

Tyler Nanne - CCM IIT

#4 Wayzata 2 at #9 Duluth East 3

The Greyhounds lost a lot of talent, especially coming into this year.  The loss of Jack Forbort, Alex Toscano, Meirs Moore, and Ryan Lundgren, who made up the top 4 scorers, in combination with long-time goaltender Dylan Parker was suppose to truly haunt the Greyhounds, but they've refueled, instead of rebuilding.

Senior Phil Beaulieu, who moved from his home on the blue-line to a full-time forward, in combination with junior Brian Bunten have proven to be a deadly combo thus far.

On Saturday afternoon, Duluth East shutdown a very good Wayzata Trojan team in a 3-2 victory.  After barely squeezing by Cambridge-Isanti, The Greyhounds made some evident adjustments to stay undefeated.

Duluth East was able to get on the board first, thanks to a tally by junior forward Nick Altmann, but it wouldn't last as the Trojans scored 2 goals before the second period would expire.

With 2:31 left in regulation, Matt Lyttle tied the game for the Hounds at 2's, followed by the game winner by Ash Altmann with the assist from his older brother, Nick, giving the Trojans the 3-2 with just over a minute in the game.

Game Page -> Wayzata at Duluth East

#1 Edina 1 at #8 Elk River 3

Behind the talented waffle-blocker of goaltender Mac Berglove, the Elk River Elks were able to upset arguably the most talented rostered team in Minnesota.

Ben Johnson of Elk River scored first in the 2nd period with assists from Peter Jones and Jack Geissler, but the Edina Hornets answered with a goal by Cullen Munson.  Ben Johnson would record his second goal of the game, which was the eventual game winner, before time expired in the 2nd period.

Junior Jake Jaremko added an insurance goal in the 3rd period as the Elks held off the swarm of Hornets for the 3-1 lead at home.

Elk River's Berglove made 32 saves, while Edina's Andrew Rohkohl recorded 43 saves on the night.

Game Page -> Edina at Elk River

#10 Burnsville 2 at #18 Lakeville North 5

A three-goal 1st period helped the Lakeville North Panthers upset the Burnsville Blaze on Saturday in Lakeville, MN.

It wasn't until the 3rd period when Burnsville's Eric Otto and Cole Borchardt were finally able to crack Lakeville North goaltender Will Dupoint, who finished the night with 20 saves.

Connor Hyden, Tristen Hazlett, and Jack Poehling all scored in the 1st period for the Panthers, and Max Johnson followed with a 2nd period goal and Nick Poehlling in the 3rd period.  Both Hazlett and Johnson finished the game with a goal and two assists for three points.

Game Page -> Burnsville at Lakeville North

Enjoy.

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