FloHockey Oct. 7 Weekly Watch Guide: WCHA Conference Play Kicks Off

With the first full weekend of college hockey in the books, we peek into next week for the best upcoming games.

Oct 7, 2019 by FloHockey Staff

FloHockey Oct. 7 Weekly Watch Guide: WCHA Conference Play Kicks Off

The first full weekend of college hockey has already come and gone, and now we're in the middle of the season. Let's get to it.

There were plenty of impressive showings in the WCHA and Atlantic Hockey over the weekend. Bowling Green went to Miami (OH) and made a statement against their former coach. The Alaska Nanooks went down to the wire with national powerhouse Denver in the first game of their series. Lake Superior State notched two wins over Merrimack — and there was much, much more.

This week, conference play gets started and the season gets going in earnest. Here are five matchups to keep an eye on in Week 2 of the young season.

1. Alaska vs Michigan Tech | Men's WCHA

The Nanooks showed out quite well against Denver last weekend, especially in the first game when they scored three goals but still fell 4-3 at the final whistle. They take on a Michigan Tech team that squeaked by Atlantic Hockey's Robert Morris in Game 1 of their series — a 2-1 OT win — before dismantling the Colonials in the next game 7-0.

2. Denver vs Lake Superior State | Men's WCHA

The Lakers scored 10 goals in two games against Merrimack, and they'll need that firepower against Denver. This is the second straight week in which a WCHA team gets a shot at the Pioneers, and Lake Superior State will try to do what the Nanooks couldn't quite achieve: notch a win against the No. 2 team in the nation.

3. Michigan State vs Northern Michigan | Men's WCHA

In-state battles in Michigan are always a treat, and this one is no different. The Big Ten's Spartans and the WCHA's Wildcats are set to spar for bragging rights.

4. Arizona State vs Minnesota State | Men's WCHA

The Sun Devils program is in its infancy, but that doesn't mean they're not serious about their hockey. Now they get the chance to take on the WCHA's best in the No. 4-ranked Minnesota State Mavericks.

5. Quinnipiac vs AIC | Atlantic Hockey

AIC is the cream of the crop in Atlantic Hockey, and the Yellow Jackets have a gargantuan opportunity ahead of them when they face ECAC foe Quinnipiac. The Bobcats skated to the tune of 26 wins a year ago, earning a bid to the NCAA Tournament and winning their first game against Arizona State before losing to the eventual national champions, Minnesota Duluth. This is going to be an important tie.

6. Ice Breaker Invitational

Bowling Green lost their coach last year to Miami (OH), so how did the Falcons choose to open 2019? By going to his new house and laying down a 7-4 walloping, that's how. For their reward, Bowling Green hosts the Ice Breaker Invitational this weekend.

As always, check out our event page for the full calendar as well as links to all the replays.