Mankato, Minnesota – The excitement is building for the Minnesota State men’s hockey team as they gear up to face St. Thomas in the CCHA Mason Cup Championship this Friday at the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center. This match marks a significant moment for both teams: the Mavericks are looking for their third Mason Cup title, while St. Thomas aims for glory in their final championship before joining the NCHC.
Both teams are on impressive winning streaks. The Mavericks boast a record of 9-0-1 over their last ten games, while St. Thomas is riding eight straight victories into this clash. The competition kicks off at 7:07 p.m. CT, following a regular season where the Mavericks edged out St. Thomas with a 2-1-1 record.
In the history books, Minnesota State leads the all-time series against St. Thomas with 29 wins out of 42 meetings since 1975, and they have a solid home record of 13-5-2 against the Tommies.
Road to the Championship
The Mavericks’ journey to the finals has been impressive. They secured the MacNaughton Cup on February 22, marking their seventh regular-season title in eight years. After finishing the regular season strong with a tie and a win against Bemidji State, they continued their dominance in the playoffs.
In the quarterfinals, MSU swept the Lakers with a 3-2 win followed by a 4-1 victory. Junior Zach Krajnik was a standout, netting a hat trick in the first game and tallying five goals in just three playoff outings.
In the semifinals, they secured a 4-0 win against Bemidji State. Goaltender Alex Tracy shone with 27 saves, earning his fifth shutout of the season.
Player Highlights
Individual accolades have also shone a spotlight on the Mavericks. Alex Tracy was recently nominated for the Mike Richter Award for the top goaltender and made the top ten for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award for outstanding performance in college hockey. He leads the nation with a .942 save percentage and a remarkable .141 goals against average.
Rhett Pitlick, with an impressive 30 points in CCHA play, earned the title of CCHA Forward of the Year. Meanwhile, Evan Murr, who topped CCHA defensemen scoring with 22 points, added to the Mavericks’ success by being named CCHA Defenseman of the Year.
St. Thomas: A Rising Threat
St. Thomas, competing in their first Mason Cup finals, brings formidable talent. They advanced past the semifinals with a 3-1 victory over Bowling Green. The team is enjoying a resurgence, with their eight consecutive wins being a program record. Key players like Cooper Gay and Liam Malmquist have led the charge, with Malmquist ranking high in both goals and points in the CCHA.
In goal, Jake Sibell has been exceptional, claiming 12 victories in his last 12 starts. As the Tommies prepare for their final CCHA challenge, they are looking to make a significant statement.
Defensive Strategies
Minnesota State has made headlines for their defensive prowess, allowing only 1.46 goals per game, the best in Division I. Remarkably, they have allowed more than four goals only once this season, demonstrating how tight their defense can be.
Engaging Fanbase
The Mavericks have a loyal following, and the upcoming championship is expected to draw intense local interest. As playoff hockey continues to captivate fans, the buzz on social media reflects a vibrant hockey community eagerly anticipating the showdown.
Conclusion
With both teams eager to clinch the Mason Cup, this championship promises to deliver excitement. As Minnesota State aims to defend their title, the stakes are high. The blend of skill, strategy, and school spirit will make for an unforgettable night of hockey. Who will come out on top? Only time will tell!
For more insights into college hockey dynamics, you can explore NCAA Men’s Hockey Statistics for up-to-date information and player performances.
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