Thanks to a slight scheduling snafu and some family build-up, this column is coming to you later that originally scheduled.
For that I beg your forgiveness, dear reader.
Now that that’s out of the way, let’s look at what each of the WCHA teams have to be thankful in the spirit of Thanksgiving.
Alabama Huntsville: Home games
When you spend the first five weeks on the road playing on home ice is a bit more special. Winning is even nicer and the Chargers have started to turn Alabama into a more difficult road trip for opponents.
Alaska Anchorage: Overtime and shootouts
The Seawolves have made the most of the added time in overtime and in shootout and have come away with three straight wins after regulation. Next step? Picking up that game-winning goal in the third period.
Alaska: Steven Jandric
The freshman left winger leads Alaska with 10 assists and 11 points.
Bemidji State: Gerry Fitzgerald and Kyle Bauman
The senior duo have been the catalysts for the Beavers offense, and that’s been crucial with their normally stingy defense needing to catch up
Bowling Green: Freshmen scoring
The Falcons are in the WCHA title hunt thanks to the rise of their freshman on both offense and defense.
Ferris State: Bob Daniels
The longest-tenured coach in the WCHA with 25 seasons at Ferris State.
Lake Superior State: J.T. Henke
The senior is one of the best passers in the WCHA and with 14 assists, he’s leading the league.
Michigan Tech: Joe Shawhan
A first-year head coach, Shawhan has stepped in well and helped maintain high expectations in Houghton.
Minnesota State: C.J. Suess and Zeb Knutson
The seniors have combined for more than 30 points this season and are leading a title-contending team.
Northern Michigan: Goaltending
The Wildcats have gotten strong performances from both Atte Tolvanen and Mathias Israelsson.
Players of the Week
Northern Michigan senior Robbie Payne (Offensive), Bowling Green sophomore Alec Rauhauser (Defensive), Alaska Anchorage senior Olivier Mantha (Goaltender) and Alabama Huntsville freshman forward Christian Rajic (Rookie) picked up honors this week.
