MANKATO, Minn. - The Minnesota State Mavericks men's hockey team, currently ranked No. 15, is gearing up for two significant matchups this weekend against St. Thomas and then Bemidji State. They will kick off the action with a home-and-home series against the Tommies, slated for January 26 and 27, 2025.
The Mavericks will face St. Thomas at the Mayo Health System Event Center on Friday night, with the opening faceoff scheduled for 7:07 p.m. CT. They will then travel to St. Thomas Ice Arena for the second game on Saturday, which will begin at 6:07 p.m. CT. This series is particularly important as both teams are vying for positioning within the CCHA standings, and they will be looking to build momentum as they push toward the postseason.
Coming off recent split weekends, both the Mavericks and Tommies have the same number of games left to solidify their playoff spots - eight remaining till the end of the regular season. Currently, the Mavericks hold the fifth position with 38 points and possess a .704 winning percentage, narrowly leading the No. 19 Augustana team. On the other hand, St. Thomas finds itself ranked sixth, indicating the competitive nature of this rivalry.
The Mavericks showcase their prowess with impressive defensive stats, allowing the fewest goals per game among Division I teams at just 1.58. This solid defense is complemented by strong performances from their goaltenders, Alex Tracy, who ranks fourth nationally with a save percentage of .941. His impressive play is underscored by his recent nomination for the prestigious Hobey Baker Award.
Previously, MSU managed to secure victory against St. Thomas with a 5-3 win on November 8, 2024, and followed up with close encounters resulting in another win at home during the rematch, demonstrating their dominance over the Tommies historically. The Mavericks lead the all-time series against St. Thomas with 28 wins, 10 losses, and 2 ties since the rivalry began back in 1975.
This weekend's matchup will showcase key players such as Lucas Wahlin, who was awarded CCHA Preseason Player of the Year. Wahlin currently stands as one of the leaders on the St. Thomas roster, ranking highly with 30 points this season. Other noteworthy competitors from the Tommies include senior forward Liam Malmquist, who leads the CCHA with 32 points, and junior goaltender Aaron Trotter, known for his 2.56 goals against average and .911 save percentage.
Transitioning to the Mavericks' future matches, next week, they will also face Bemidji State, with games scheduled for February 2 and 3. The Beavers are another formidable opponent, previously falling to No. 3 Minnesota last weekend but could be vying for improvement. The Mavericks recently led the Beavers to defeat at home with a strong 5-3 performance, which will add to the competitive tension expected during their rematch next week.
Heading to Bemidji State, one cannot ignore the Beavers' struggle, currently positioned eighth with only six points. The Mavericks will need to maintain their advantageous standing and capitalize on their strong goals against record when they face off on their turf next week.
Looking beyond the immediate games, the Mavericks have seen remarkable growth this season, showcasing their depth and experience with the oldest team average in Division I hockey at 22.7 years. Their roster, laden with seasoned players, places them as one of the top competitors heading toward the postseason. Fans are highly encouraged to support their local team; after all, each game holds promise for thrilling action and potential playoff advancements.
This weekend is shaping up to be pivotal, with every point on the line. Coach Mike Hastings expressed excitement about the matches, stating, "We are excited to face St. Thomas this weekend and continue our push for the postseason." Team Captain Rhett Pitlick added, "We know every point counts right now as we head toward the playoffs." Their optimism reflects the overall morale and focus within the Mavericks squad as they seek to solidify their place within the highly competitive CCHA.
With determination and strategy, the Mavericks will take the ice, aiming for victory this weekend. Be sure to tune in, as the action promises to be intense and closely contested.