Leivermann shines for Fargo

Another recruit expected to sign with the Mavericks this week is Corey Leivermann, the former Mankato West standout forward. Leivermann, who is an assistant captain with the Fargo Force and a teammate of recruits Matt Leitner and Chase Grant, now ranks second on the team in scoring with 11 points in 11 games. On Friday night, he had two goals, two assists and even got in a fight.

I talked to Leivermann today for a column that will be in Wednesday's edition of The Free Press.

The Fargo trio is expected to sign their letters of intent on Wednesday, the first day of the early signing period.

Former Bulldog Brett Hull goes to the Hall

Long before Minnesota State joined the WCHA, Brett Hull was a star in the league, playing two seasons at Minnesota Duluth before going on to a fantastic NHL career. On Monday, he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. Here is Kevin Pates' story on Hull from the Duluth News-Tribune.

MSU recruit leads U.S. team to title

Minnesota State recruit Matt Leitner scored the game-winning goal in the U.S. Junior Select Team's win in the championship game of the World Junior A Challenge on Sunday in Summerside Prince Edward Island.

Leitner, who plays for the Fargo Force, scored 50 seconds into the third period of the 2-1 win over Canada West. Leitner, who is expected to sign with Minnesota State when the early signing period begins this week, finished the tournament with a goal and four assists.

Friday morning skate

Good morning. The Mavericks are idle this weekend, and the break probably comes at a good time since the team has some bumps and bruises that need healing. Coach Troy Jutting told me this week that, at the very least, injured captain Geoff Irwin isn't missing two games this week -- although he made no guarantees that Irwin would be ready for the Colorado College series.

As for PucKato, I previewed the Minnesota State women's hockey team's long-awaited home debut tonight and talked to fifth-year senior Ashley Young, who is the last of the famed South St. Paul trio on the team, proving the the old quote about "the best laid plans" correct (print edition only). On Saturday, I'll actually be heading to St. Cloud to cover the MSU football team's attempt to finish the regular season undefeated.

Getting back to men's hockey, here's what's happening around the WCHA ...

Minnesota travels to Wisconsin for a border battle without the services of freshman defenseman Nick Leddy (out six weeks with broken jaw) and senior forward Jay Barriball (out for the season with a knee injury). The Star Tribune takes a look at Mike Hoeffel's growing game, while a Wisconsin State Journal story reports that the Badgers aren't worried about history when determining tonight's lineup.

North Dakota is at Michigan Tech, and the Sioux have seen maturity in Mario Lamoureux, who is among a long line of players who have had older brothers play in the program. Meanwhile, the Huskies are coming off a satisfying series split with St. Cloud State.

Minnesota Duluth travels to Colorado College. For the Bulldogs, scoring goals hasn't been a problem so far, however, reducing penalties is a priority -- for both teams. The Tigers, meanwhile, can credit the play of senior Bill Sweatt as a big reason for their strong start.

Denver and three of its Alaska natives, including goalie Adam Murray, are heading north to play Alaska-Anchorage.

Here are some WCHA previews from USCHO, INCH and This is the WCHA.

Mavs' Harrison featured

Minnesota State senior forward Zach Harrison hails from Flint, Mich., but he's also called Colorado and Minnesota home. The Denver Post touched on the former Denver-area youth player after last weekend's series. According to the article, a 12-year-old Harrison was a member of a Littleton, Colo., peewee team that won a national championship. Among his teammates that season were Denver standouts Tyler Ruegsegger and Chris Nutini.

Mavs 4, Pios 4, OT

The Mavericks had their best effort of the young season this weekend but will leave Denver with just one point for WCHA standings. A 4-4 tie tonight. More here.

Mavs-Pios, Game 2 live blog