It’s the second week of October, which means the WCHA is back. Opening weekend features nine teams back in action and we’ll have the full picks edition up Friday morning. Here’s an appetizer to chew on for now.
Joe Paisley, former Colorado College beat writer for the Colorado Springs Gazette, replaces Brian Halverson as a WCHA correspondent this season.
Michigan Tech at Lake Superior State
(Thursday at LSSU, Saturday at MTU)
Tyler: The Lakers were a solid defensive team last year and return two goalies with good numbers last year for their junior season. Meanwhile, the Huskies are trying to figure out where the offense will come from and if they will have stability in net. I might’ve called an LSSU sweep if it weren’t a home-and-home, but with the second game in Houghton, Tech won’t be swept by a Lakers team that hasn’t averaged more than three goals per game in three seasons.
Joe: LSSU is looking to replace points-producers lost this offseason but return a solid goalie in Kevin Kapalka and five regular defensemen for a good defensive foundation. MTU is figuring out if senior goalie Kevin Genoe is the No. 1 or if the two freshmen are ready to step in. This early in the season, I go with the team that will have the best defense, which should give the Lakers the win at home. MTU will bounce back at home on Saturday to record a hard-fought nonconference series split.
