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Men's Hockey Sweeps Anchorage

MSU 6-1-1 during break.

by Brad Wheeler
January 19, 2006

Just as it’s time to hit the books again MSU is still rolling its way over opponents. The Mavericks have won five of their last seven, including four in a row. MSU only lost once over break to Michigan Tech December 17th and tied Yale the following week 2-2.

Winter break came at a great time for the Mavericks, who have 12 games remaining in regular season play, all against WCHA opponents.

“We got to know each other off the ice a little better,” David Backes said. “We gelled really well and started playing stress- free hockey.”

Last Saturday, MSU scored a season high seven goals in a 7-2 victory over Alaska Anchorage. The Mavericks also won 3-1 Friday to complete the Saturday sweep.

Freshman goalie Dan Tormey was awarded the WCHA Rookie of the Week for the third time this season and stopped 51 of 54 shots.

“He’s been really consistent for us and that’s what every team needs to be successful,” Backes said.

Another freshman, Kevin Huck, got his turn to shine January 3rd against Nebraska- Omaha and scored twice in a 5-2 win. Three nights earlier, junior Travis Morin tallied his second career hat trick as a Maverick in a MSU win 6-2 over Alabama- Huntsville. In the process, Morin extended his scoring streak to six games in a row.

“That’s a sign of a team that’s going to win,” Backes said. “Different guys are jumping up and making an impact every night.”

MSU started out the holiday break with a split at Michigan Tech followed by a tie against Yale.

But the Mavericks look to a third period comeback versus UNO as a highlight of their break. MSU trailed 2-0 heading into the third period and ended up winning the game 5-2.

“Those first two periods were definetly our worst of the season,” Backes said. “But we turned it around in that game and the momentum followed to our other games.”

During the stretch Tormey has gone 5-1-1 as the starting goaltender. Morin has now extended his scoring streak to nine games and captain David Backes is the 34th Maverick to tally 100 points and play in 100 games. MSU is now in sixth place in the WCHA standings.

“He (Tormey) has been as good or better than anybody in the league right now,” Backes said. “And we really need him to continue that type of play to have success.”