There’s a lot to like about Mike Hastings’ ascension with No. 3 Minnesota State, and the Mavericks are off to a torrid start in a season where they have their eyes set on NCAA Tournament success.

Earning a bid to the NCAA Tournament is no longer enough for Hastings, as his team has been sent packing after just one game in four of the past six seasons. The Mavericks enter their toughest stretch of the season in a league where every win matters.

“The parity in college hockey is very deep,” Hastings told Shane Frederick of the Mankato Free Press.

But the team will likely face some adversity as Hastings, the winningest coach in NCAA hockey over the past six seasons (151-72-98), takes a leave from the team. He’s set to join Team USA this week for the 2019 World Junior Championships and will miss three weekends of games for the Mavericks.

Joining The Starting Lineup with @DhaliwalSports @JamesCybulski and @psolkowski next!

Head Coach of the @usahockey world junior team, Mike Hastings.

Listen: https://t.co/mDLZc4njsd pic.twitter.com/EZTDBXRO3h

— Sportsnet 650 (@Sportsnet650) December 6, 2018

The Mavericks hit the road this weekend for a series versus No. 12 Bowling Green. They’ll then take part in the Desert Hockey Classic, where they’ll face reigning NCAA champs, No. 4 Minnesota Duluth, followed by either Clarkson or No. 15 Arizona State. On Jan. 4-5, they’ll face off against Michigan Tech, which sits second in the WCHA.

Hastings has said he has full faith in his team during his absence and is quick to point out his trust in associate head coach Todd Knott and assistant coach Darren Blue, who were already with the program before Hastings’ arrival in 2012.

Sitting 14-2 overall with a WCHA-leading 9-1 record, there hasn’t been a recurring weakness for the Mavericks, who have been stable at every position. 

The team sits second in the nation for goals per game (4.19) and goals-against per game (1.81). Parker Tuomie has been unstoppable for the Mavericks and his 22 points (9 G, 13 A) lead all WCHA players. Teammate Marc Michaelis’ 11 goals (21 points) also ranks first in the WCHA. Add in early Rookie of the Year candidate Julian Napravnik and it’s clear why the Mavericks average 4.19 GF/gm. 

Men's Hockey | Michaelis Posts Three Points as Minnesota State Skates to 6-0 Win over Alaska Anchorage. https://t.co/KPQkZoCZww

— MinnStateMHockey (@MavHockey) December 9, 2018

But they haven’t just been ones to outscore their problems. The Mavericks entered the season with the crease being a glaring question mark, but a remarkable tandem has helped carry them through the first half of the season.

Transfer netminder senior Mathias Israelsson has gone 7-0 with a 1.41 GAA, .925 SV%, and one shutout. His tandem, freshman Dryden McKay, is 7-2 with a 2.04 GAA, .914 SV% and two shutouts.

Everything will be put to the test over the next month, starting with another high-scoring WCHA rival in No. 12 Bowling Green. The 11-3-3 Falcons host the Mavericks for a pivotal series and will look to add to MSU’s 5-2 road blemish.

You can catch both games live right here on FloHockey, as well as the other WCHA matchups, every weekend.

Have a question or a comment for Jacob Messing? You can find him on Twitter @Jacob_Messing.