STICK SALUTE
It’s been what their coach calls “a year of adversity” for the Michigan Tech Huskies, but that’s not to say there haven’t been bright spots providing some hope for the future. In last weekend’s pair of 3-3 ties at Alaska Anchorage, Tech freshman Brett Olson scored half of his team’s goals in the series and is second on the team offensively this season, earning the Superior, Wis., product WCHA Co-Rookie of the Week honors. For that, we’ll point the Sher-Wood skyward in his honor.
BENCH MINOR
Yes, the weekend of messiness in Grand Forks makes for fun debates and gives an air of tension to the seemingly inevitable playoff rematch between the Fighting Sioux and Pioneers. But let’s face it: the on-ice stuff was more ugly than not. And frankly, we’d prefer an old-fashioned glove-dropping dustup to the endless array of chippiness and chirping we got to see at the Ralph. Next time, put the bad blood aside, and let’s play some hockey.
GREAT WEEKEND GETAWAY
Minnesota Duluth at Wisconsin (Fri.-Sat.)
There’s beer, bratwurst and bands to be had aplenty in the capital city of America’s Dairyland. What else do you need for a good time? Well, how about two of the WCHA’s hottest teams getting together for a pair at the Kohl Center. Since the middle of November, Minnesota Duluth has gone on a 9-3-3 run to move within a win of a home ice slot. The Bulldogs feature the league’s top goalie statistically (junior Alex Stalock) and one of college hockey’s biggest offensive surprises (sophomore Justin Fontaine). Awaiting them is Wisconsin, which is just as hot if not hotter, having gone 13-4-2 since Halloween.
While You’re There: You can walk for miles exploring the wonders of State Street, Observatory Hill and many other great neighborhoods on the isthmus, but for our post-game needs, pure joy has always meant strolling barely a block from the rink for a night of food, froth and fun at the Nitty Gritty. Some prefer an understated place where you can get a burger and talk hockey with friends. Others prefer the noise and excitement of a packed bar with loud music to shout over. The beauty of the Gritty is you get both under one roof.
