The B1G Scoreboard (1/13/12-1/15/12)

(Articles are linked once available)

Men's Scores from 1/13/12:

• Northern Michigan 5, Michigan State 5 OT (MSU wins 1-0 in SO) - MSU Gets Shootout Victory Over Wildcats After 5-5 Tie
• Michigan 4, Ohio State 0  - Hunwick Makes 46 Saves in Shutout Win at No.2 Ohio State
• Wisconsin 4, Minnesota State 0 - Wisconsin grabs first road win, shutout of the season in 4-0 victory
• Minnesota 1 North Dakota 2 - North Dakota Edges Minnesota, 2-1
• University of Rhode Island 3, Penn State 9 - Icers Users Nine Goals to Cruise by Rhode Island

Women's Scores from 1/13/12:

• Ohio State 5, Bemidji State 3
• Minnesota 2, Minnesota-Duluth 4
• Penn State 3, Sacred Heart 4

Men's Scores from 1/14/12:

• Northern Michigan 1, Michigan State 2 - MSU Snaps Winless Skid with 2-1 Victory
• Wisconsin 0, Minnesota State 3 - Badgers blanked by Minnesota State
• Minnesota 6, North Dakota Minnesota 2 - Minnesota Rocks North Dakota 6-2
• University of Rhode Island 1, Penn State 2 - Icers Sweep

Women's Scores from 1/14/12:

• Ohio State 2, Bemidji State 4
• Minnesota 3, Minnesota-Duluth 0
• Wisconsin 8, North Dakota 2
• Penn State 3, Sacred Heart 2 OT

Men's Scores from 1/15/12:

• Michigan 4, Ohio State 1 - Wolverines Crush No.2 Buckeyes in Frozen Diamond Faceoff

Women's Scores from 1/15/12:

• Wisconsin 4, North Dakota 4 (UND wins in SO, 4 rounds)

Despite Loss, Penn State Still Winning at Citizen's Bank Park

By Jessi Pierce

It was a true test of NCAA calibur for Penn State January 3, on the same ice that just one day prior hosted another successful NHL Winter Classic between the Rangers and Flyers. Taking on the current NCAA III No.8 and 2009 National Champions in Neumann University, the top-ranked ACHA Icers fell to the Knights 6-3. While the outcome I'm sure wasn't exactly what Coach Guy Gadowsky had hoped for, the positives in my mind outway the tally in the loss column. Here's a look at some winning numbers from the contest:

• 5,000- That's the number of fans that turned out to Citizen's Bank Park to watch Penn State and Neumann University. I have to admit, I am incredibly impressed and a bit surprised with that number given the non-DI prescence. It's a number that shows promise for the Icers to make that next jump up where fan bases--especially for future Big Ten teams-- are already largely established.
• 24-22- So the scoreboard at the end of the day may not have favored Penn State, but the shot advantage did. Not only did the Icers keep pace with Neumann, but they weren't afraid to shoot.  That confidence is necessary, especially as they look ahead to next year and an even tougher schedule of games.
• 1- Usually not a number that garners much praise, I had to toss this in there to describe Penn State's Taylor Holstrom, who played in his first ever outdoor hockey game. As mentioned by Lions247 Andrew Dzurita 

This was a once in a lifetime opportunity for Holstrom, literally.

“That was the first time I’ve ever played ice hockey outside and I absolutely loved it,” said the California native. “Playing outside was an unbelievable experience, I don’t know if I'll ever be able to get that opportunity again, it is definitely something I’ll remember.”

Essentially this game was more than just the win, loss or draw, but rather a game to prove to the public that Penn State is for real. An opportunity like that is given to few teams--even as we see the number of outdoor games increase in recent years--so to be able to be invited to an event like this on a stage that played host to the much-anticipated Winter Classic says enough in itself. While the game scored a loss, Penn State still netted a win and I can't wait to see this team continue to grow into a real NCAA DI contender in years to come.


And for your viewing pleasure...Some great shots from Penn State

Going For The Gold: Big Ten Players In 2012 World Junior Championships

By Jessi Pierce

If you're looking for great hockey action--and another way to support Americuh-- during the holidays, look no further than the IIHF's 2012 World Junior Championships in Alberta, Canada.

World Juniors showcases a country's best U20 players and proves to be instrumental in many players development from college hockey to the next level. Take former Badger and current New York Ranger, Derek Stepan for instance, as described by The United States of Hockey's Chris Peters.

"Players that accept and excel in the roles their given at the World Junior Championship are probably more likely to accept and excel in roles at the next level. A player has to prove he is adaptable and versatile in this tournament to play for most teams at the WJC. If he can do that at this stage, there’s a good chance he can do it at the next.

The other big factor is that a player can certainly gain a lot of confidence and/or take a gigantic step forward at a tournament like this.

At the 2010 World Juniors, Derek Stepan likely played his way into forcing the team that drafted him to offer him an NHL contract earlier than expected. He continued to have a stellar season at Wisconsin after captaining Team USA to gold in 2010 and ended up signing on the dotted line that summer. Now he’s playing significant minutes on a good New York Rangers squad in his sophomore season."

Stepan is just one of many Big Ten hockey players to participate in World Juniors. As a Gopher fan I remember getting annoyed at the loss of our top-notch players during seemingly easy holiday tournaments and opening weekends that would have been a guarenteed win had we held on to our best performers. While the loss of a team's best are noticable, representing your country on the national level can't be beat.

This year, three Big Ten players will don the red, white and blue:

• Jon Merrill (University of Michigan)
• Nick Bjugstad (University of Minnesota)
• Kyle Rau (University of Minnesota)

Photo Credit: USA Hockey

Jon Merrill (D, University of Michigan)- A member of USA Hockey's National Team Development Program since 2008-09, the 2012 World Junior Championships marks the 10th time that Merrill will wear the USA crest, including on Team USA's bronze medal finish in Buffalo, NY, last year. Despite being named one of the top three players on the 2011 World Juniors team, many worried that Merrill's off-ice problems would hinder his roster spot on this years squad but leading the blue line last year with five points and tied for a team leading four assists in six games, it's no wonder the Wolverines defenseman will be back on the ice this year. Even while missing half of the season at Michigan due to suspension, I see no reason that Merrill will not perform at his best and will be one of the top players out there for Team USA.

Photo Credit: USA Hockey

Nick Bjugstad (F, University of Minnesota)- Like Merrill, Bjugstad has suited up with Team USA numerous times before dating back to 2009. The Minnesota forward netted two game-winning goals for the bronze-medal 2011 World Junior team and came into camp ranked second in the NCAA with 26 points in 18 games. Bjugstad is a gritty scorer and a great lock for Team USA. While he was restricted to no-contact during practice and sat out during exhibition play, Bjugstad hasn't been slowed down and looks to be one of Team USA's top performers.

Photo Credit: USA Hockey

Kyle Rau (F, University of Minnesota)- Coming off an outstanding start to his freshman campaign at Minnesota, Rau continues to explode on the ice. Awarded the 2010 Mr. Hockey--given to Minnesota's most outstanding high school hockey player-- Rau is a scoring force to be reckoned with. Netting the game-winner for Eden Prairie in last year's prestigious Minnesota State High School Hockey Championship in triple overtime, he has already tallied five game-winners this season at Minnesota, tied for the most in the NCAA. It's that kind of play that will help lead Team USA and will put Rau on some outstanding top lines.





Games will be aired on both the NHL Network and FASTHockey.com as USA Hockey looks to get out of its three game slump in a must-win situation tomorrow against Lativa at 1 pm EST. Check in at USA Hockey as well as The United States of Hockey for all your World Junior Championship needs.

Coming Up....

Some great new posts coming at ya as we take a look at Big Ten players invited to camps/rostered for the 2012 World Junior Championships and while on the topic another post taking a look at Big Ten players in the NHL because--why not.

Also a schedule of games for these upcoming holiday season tournys. Until then enjoy your holidays, and this poem featured by USA Hockey Magazine. Cheers!

A Visit From The Great One- Feature Letter (Holiday Edition)

Frozen Yards: Our (and of course your's) Picks For The Next Outdoor Games

By Jessi Pierce

Ah what a beautiful sight. Nothing beats the sound of skates on fresh ice especially on a sunny--yet chilly--winter day. While Michigan, Ohio State and Penn State get to experience January hockey games in all its outdoor hockey glory we wanted to share our own early thoughts on potential Big Ten marquee match-ups. Let's play hockey!

Minnesota vs Wisconsin

• Current Conference: Minnesota - WCHA, Wisconsin - WCHA
• Number of Games Played Outside Before: Minnesota - 0, Wisconsin - 2 (W, W)

As Matt Brauson tweeted: "@B1gIceHockey Wisconsin and Minnesota obviously"
Can't argue with putting this at the top of the list and given the rivalry and tradition of both schools, it's almost surprising the two haven't met at center stage in an outdoor venue yet. There's no doubt that this game would draw the crowds. Typically two top-tier programs with a taste for bad blood between each other, the ingredients for an amazing hockey game are all there including some great stadiums to pick and choose from; The Gopher's new TCF Stadium located in the heart of the University of Minnesota campus--and across from their usual stomping grounds at Mariucci Arena-- or Wisconsin's Camp Randall where they sit 2-0 in outdoor competition against Ohio State in 2006 and over the Wolverines in 2010.

Matt Perros offered this solution to us via Twitter: "@B1GIceHockey probally tcf since its fairly new but they could switch off like msu and mich did"

Definitely a way to encourage and increase the amount of raucous college fans and their favorite chants on campus. Move off-campus and Minnesota offers another newly built crowd pleaser with the Minnesota Twins' Target Field in downtown Minneapolis and while it may require travel, Miller Park or Lambeau Field have proven to be fan favorites in Wisconsin.

An option that crossed my mind while skating up in the "Icebox of the Nation" (International Falls, Minn.) this past weekend would be to try something that has not yet been done with outdoor games; Bring it back to the ponds. I think this would especially work given the popularity of pond hockey in both states and with the already rich hockey background at both schools and a dedicated following, it'd work great. Even better, Adam Pietruszewski offers up this gem of an idea: @B1GIceHockey Minnesota vs Wisconsin on Lake Minnetonka. One can dream, right?

Brilliant.

Penn State vs Ohio State

• Current Conferences: Penn State - ACHA, Ohio State - CCHA
• Number of Games Played Outside Before: Penn State - 0 (soon to be 1 in 2012), Ohio State - 1 (L, soon to be 2 in 2012)

Got some great fan-feedback on this one and to be honest I hadn't really given it much thought until then but now see it as a positive for both schools trying to gain ground in a Michigan/Michigan State/Minnesota/Wisconsin dominated conference.

Ohio State has been building a rep for themselves as a school that can indeed compete with the big boys, making six NCAA appearances including four in the past nine years and putting up some big rankings in both major college polls this year. Now as Penn State looks to close out its ACHA run at the end of this season and featuring its outdoor game debut before making the jump to NCAA Div.I in 2012-13, why not pair up with a team that tends to get lost in the mix from time to time.

Here's what some of you guys had to say about why these two should face-off outdoors:

"I would love to see more than one game played outside, but also realize how tough it is to set it up, but it is fun to think about. As for the two teams I would like to see Penn State v Ohio State seems a natural. Could be played at the Jake or the Ketchup bottle."

Jon Bravard
Lock Haven, PA (about 35 miles from Penn State)

"I think Penn State-Ohio State at either school's football stadium (preferably Beaver Stadium, for homerish reasons) would be Big Chill huge, with a six-figure attendance!"

Kyle Rossi
Medina, OH

Similar to this year's Michigan-Ohio State match-up, these are two huge Big Ten programs. Throw them in at either college stadium and the tickets will sell with great fanfare at both. We'll be able to catch a glimpse of both team's in outdoor action this year but I can say I would not be surprised to see these two against eachother down the line.

 

Illinois vs Penn State

• Current Conferences: Illinois - ACHA, Penn State - ACHA
• Number of Games Played Outside Before: Illinois - 0, Penn State - 0 (soon to be 1 in 2012)

Ok I know, little talk has been discussed about the possibility of Illinois moving up to Div.I status and thus being eligible for Big Ten hockey, but this is coming from my partial American Collegiate Hockey Association biased (Cyclone Hockey original). In my four years working with Cyclone Hockey from 2006-10, few teams were better than Illinois and Penn State. The Icers have hoisted six ACHA National Titles (1990, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003) as the Fighting Illini have captured two in 2005 and 2008. Toss that in with the fact that--hypothetically speaking if Illinois gains NCAA Div.I sanction-- both were able to establish their programs as a Div.I team, why wouldn't you want to see them go back to their roots and compete?

Other teams/ideas garnering votes: Michigan-Michigan State: I have no fear that this game will remain an outdoor showcase--and legend for years to come.
An Outdoor Hockey Tournament For All as a Break in Schedule: An interesting concept brought up by Jordan Weiss. While I love the idea and I think given the right location it could be successful, I am sure college coaches--and teams--won't be up for it. The risk it puts players at for injury for the season isn't worthwhile to the teams. A possible adapted concept would be to opt for an outdoor tournament in place of one of the many holiday classics approaching us this weekend.

***Editor's Note: Big shoutout to all of you guys that participated, really appreciate the input and hope you had fun tossing your two cents in too (god knows that's essentially all I do).***