Well we finished up our non-conference games this season with a split on the weekend. We lost 2-1 against UW-River Falls on Thursday and beat UW-Superior 1-0 on Saturday. It was a typical weekend for the first games back after Christmas break.
We did not play well against River Falls. I thought during the game that we were getting better, but after watching the video, I was not impressed with our compete level on pucks. We were not just rusty in our skills and skating, but we also didn’t compete on pucks like we need to. In the long run it came back to bite us in the end losing the game 2-1.
After a heart to heart conversation with the team and some time for them to watch the video and reflect as a team, the guys responded well with a big win against Superior. This game was just what we needed in that it was a very physical and competitive game. We definitely pushed back on this night and found a way to get the win. I would be remiss not to mention that Senior Tyler Nelson recorded his first career shutout in this game and was a big reason for our victory.
Looking forward to this weekend and the rest of the season, we now have 10 regular season MIAC games remaining. We have two games against St. Olaf (Jan. 13/14), Bethel (Jan. 19/21), St. Thomas (Jan. 27/28), St. Mary’s (Feb. 10/11) and Augsburg (Feb. 17/18). This is my favorite time of year in that it really has a playoff feel to it. Every game is huge and has an impact on whether you make the playoffs or not.
This weekend we have two games against St. Olaf. We play them in Northfield on Friday night at 7:30pm and then back in St. Cloud on Saturday night at 7pm. I am very interested to see how St. Olaf plays. We played them earlier in the year and were able to win 5-2 in the MIAC Showcase, but they brought in a big time coach in Mike Eaves, and I am interested to see their improvement. St. Olaf has had two huge wins this year with one against Superior 6-0 and another against last year’s MIAC champion, Augsburg 2-1 before the Christmas break. Bottom line is that we need to play our best hockey in order to win this weekend.
I want to take this time to thank all of my assistant coaches and all the players that have played for me these past 9 years. The players gave me the puck after the win against Superior as it was my 100th career win as the coach of Saint John’s. I am very blessed to have worked with the coaches that I have and to also have had the opportunity to coach such great young men here at SJU. Thanks for all of your support for me and this hockey program. This is a special place to call home and I feel very fortunate to be part of this university.
