NEWS

For the Minnesota State University Mavericks, the memory of their most recent WCCHA Championship during the 2016-2017 season is slowly fading over the horizon - but if anything, the motivation to return to the glory land grows stronger. This year's senior class has one last chance to earn a second title, and led by new Head Coach Luke Meyer and Assistant Brandon Rogers, the team is gearing up for the challenge of moving up in the Division and back into the Championship bracket at the 2020 WCCHA Tournament.

Last season, the Mavericks finished with an overall record of 12-10-1, including a second place finish in the Southeast Division and automatic berth into the WCCHA Tournament. After upending Northwest Division winners St. Cloud State in a thrilling overtime game in the quarterfinals, MSU's hopes of another championship were dashed in a tight 1-0 loss to eventual champions St. Thomas. This year, the Mavericks have every opportunity to put themselves in the conversation for a Regionals trip. Aside from what looks to be the most competitive lineup yet in the Southeast, Mankato has lined up a non-conference home-and-home series against Iowa State to go along with three big games at the 2019 WCCHA Showcase against Jamestown, Dakota College-Bottineau and Marian.

Behind the bench this season is Head Coach Luke Meyer, taking over the reigns from Jack Diercks, who has moved on after two seasons at the helm. Meyer, an assistant last year, will be joined by assistant coach Brandon Rogers, a first team All-WCCHA selection last season. Together, they bring plenty of experience and know-how, which should ensure a smooth transition.

The Mavericks will look to some impact returners to stage their assault on the top spot in the Southeast Division. Forging the way is Team President Pierson Pass (Minnetonka High School-MSHSHL / Chaska, MN), who netted 11 goals and 13 assists last season in 14 games played. Assistant coach Brandon Rogers is hoping for big things from his captain. "We expect Pass to lead our team offensively this season in addition to his off-ice role as Team President."

He won't be alone, as impact forwards ready for the call include seniors Vasilli Zhizhenkov (Alliston Coyotes-GMHL / St. Petersburg, Russia) and John Suess (Granite City Lumberjacks-NA3HL / Forest Lake, MN). Zhizhenkov, a Russian import, "will contribute on our first line and he can take control of a game with his offensive skill." Suess is back for his fourth season with the Mavericks and will be relied upon to produce in key situations. Both players averaged over a point in 2018-2019.

Defensively, Minnesota State will look to their two returners on the blueline for leadership. Nate Ackerman (Minnesota Moose-USPHL / Willmar, MN) brings great pedigree and an ability to jump into the play offensively in addition to his strong defense, according to Rogers. He is joined by Sophomor Austin Cunnien (South St. Paul High School-MSHSL / South St. Paul, MN), who "provides experience and a physical presence on the blue line."

The real challenge in beating the Mavericks may lie in breaching their net, a task made more difficult by the return of an experienced goaltending duo. Waldemar Sunden (Boras HS-SWE Div. 2 / Lerum, Sweden) returns at full strength after an injury hit sophomore season, but the team's fans will recall his stellar play from 2017-2018 that earned him a WCCHA All-Rookie Team selection. Sunden's counterpart, Danny Long (Prior Lake High School-MSHSL / Prior Lake, MN), also a junior, will once again share duties after leading the team in games played, goals against average and save percentage last year.

Rogers is also excited for the first year players, including forward Jacob Hartzell (Wild AAA-U18 / Woodbury, MN). A big and skilled forward, the coaching staff believes he can be a big boost to the lineup immediately.

For the seniors, the idea is to go out on a high by repeating the feat they acheived as freshman - winning the WCCHA Championship. For Rogers, that starts by winning the division, which would set the team up with a strong draw in the WCCHA Tournament. From there, it's a singular focus on lifting the Carla Berg Cup once again and earning another trip to Regionals - perhaps even with a bye into the second round. The team is also excited to participate in the upcoming WCCHA Showcase and the opportunity is presents for the league teams to face some new and exciting opponents.

The Mavericks open their season this coming Friday with a home Southeast Division series against UW-La Crosse.