By Ryan Stieg
We’ve reached the end of the CCHA season. There’s a slim chance that the conference will get two NCAA Tournament bids, but it’s probably going to be one. That’s disappointing because things looked good for the conference to get two just a few weeks ago.
Looking back on last weekend, I went 1 for 2 with my picks. I got the early game right, but the nightcap definitely didn’t go my way. By going .500 with my Saturday predictions, I was able to have my prize for the week, which was potato chips for National Potato Chip Day. After careful consideration, I went with Pringles as they’re my new favorite.
This weekend, there’s one game and if I get it right, I get corn dogs for National Corn Dog Day. Seeing as it’s going to be almost 70 degrees outside this weekend, I think corn dogs are an appropriate reward.
Anyway, let’s get started. Here’s my prediction for the CCHA Championship.
No. 2 seed/No. 15-ranked St. Thomas vs. No. 1 seed/No. 16-ranked Minnesota State
The Tommies took down Augustana in the semifinals last week thanks to a late Alex Gaffney goal and goalie Carsen Musser outdueling CCHA Player of the Year Josh Kotai in net. UST is known for its offense led by CCHA Defensive Forward of the Year Lucas Wahlin and CCHA Rookie of the Year Lucas Van Vliet, while Gaffney, Nathan Pilling and assist machine Chase Cheslock provide some additional firepower. Now, the Tommies are one win away from leaving the CCHA with the Mason Cup after coming up just short last season. Winning the title won’t be easy though as the Mavericks seem to have found their groove. After being forgotten in early February, Mankato started rolling and just pounded Michigan Tech 7-2 in the semis. Mavs goalie Alex Tracy and defenseman Evan Murr get most of the attention, but after putting up seven goals on a good Huskies team, it’s clear Mankato has a good offense too. This is a tough call and since it comes down to one game, it’ll depend on which team decides to show up Saturday night. I’m going with UST in a tight one. The Tommies win 3-2.