Dec. 3, 2007

Full MCHA Release for December 3, 2007

Three-Way Tie For First Place as December Starts
The Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association will have quite a race on its hand for the regular season championship if things keep up the way they have started this season. After six league games, MSOE, Adrian and Marian all sit at the top of the standings with a 5-1-0 mark and 10 points in conference action.

MSOE earned their record with a sweep of Concordia, topping the Falcons 9-3 and 6-1. The Sabres gave the Bulldogs their first loss of the league season Friday, winning 7-5 on the strength of four third-period goals. Adrian returned the favor Saturday, posting a 7-2 victory to earn the split.

Minnesota-Crookston started the week with its first win of the season, a 6-1 victory over Concordia (MN) Tuesday. The Golden Eagles then carried that momentum into the weekend, knocking off Lawrence by scores of 3-2 Saturday and 1-0 Sunday. Finlandia was also in action, sweeping Northland to move into first in the Northern Division. FU's Josh Paquette continues to make his mark on the MCHA Record Book, setting a new standard for career assists with his 67th on Friday, passing Brian Soik's mark of 66.

Players of the Week
-Minnesota Crookston Golden Eagle sophomore forward John Lombardi (Apple, Valley, Minn.) earns the first MCHA Player of the Week award for his team this season. He played a big role in Crookston posting a perfect 3-0 week, scoring three goals and adding an assist for four points. On Tuesday, he scored two power play goals in a win over Concordia-Moorhead. Saturday, Lombardi added an assist on the opening goal of the game as Crookston went on to win 3-2 over Lawrence University . On Sunday, he scored the third period-game winner in unassisted fashion as the Golden Eagles defeated Lawrence , 1-0.
Other Nominees: Brian Soik (MSOE), Josh Paquette (Finlandia), Jeff Diehl (Northland)

-Minnesota Crookston Golden Eagle junior goalie Eric Everson (Stevens Point, Wis.) gives his team two awards this week, as his work between the pipes is recognized with MCHA Defensive Player of the Week accolades. On Tuesday, Everson stopped 27 shots as the Golden Eagles crushed Concordia-Moorhead, 6-1, to gain their first victory of the season. On Saturday, he had 45 saves in a 3-2 victory over Lawrence University . Then, on Sunday, Everson was unstoppable as he blanked Lawrence on 36 shots to record a 1-0 shutout victory.
Other Nominees: Tiger Marcotte (Finlandia), Daniel McIntosh (Northland), Michael Wyenn (MSOE)

-Adrian College Bulldog freshman forward Shawn Skelly (Wolverine Lake, Mich.) gets the nod for MCHA Freshman of the Week for his play in Adrian 's split with Marian. He started the weekend with four points (1G/3A) Friday and then went for another assist and the first two goals of the game Saturday as AC posted a win. His six points on the weekend give him 24 (10 G/14A) on the year - the highest total in the nation at the NCAA D-III level.
Other Nominees: Michael Soik (MSOE), Ryan Donovan (Finlandia), Daniel McIntosh (Northland)