As the end of November nears, we have just reached the halfway point of the season. Utah stands at 12-3-0-1 and 7th in the West Rankings which were released last week. Compare that to last year’s start of 14-5 and #9 ranking, and the Utes are doing better this year.
The Utes have two more weekends before the next ranking comes out and this weekend’s Western Showcase in Colorado has major implications as to where the Utes will end up in the 3rd ACHA Rankings.
To say this weekend is big is an understatement. The word just doesn’t do it justice.
The Utes play four top 15 teams this weekend in as many games, including two teams in the top five. A successful showing this weekend can give the Utes an outside shot at an automatic berth to Nationals or at least a high seed at Regionals. A bad weekend could have the Utes fighting just to make it to the playoffs.
The reason this weekend is so crucial (outside of them playing some top teams) is after this weekend, the Utes will only play three teams currently ranked in the top 15: #11 CSLB on January 10th, #14 Oregon on January 12th & 13th, and finally #1 Utah State on February 2nd. Utah will need to rely heavily on momentum for the final two rankings.
The first game is on Thursday against fourth ranked Colorado State. This will be the Utes first ever contest against the D2 Rams since the club reformed back in 2006. Utah played CSU’s D3 team two years ago, losing 5-4 in a shootout. Although the Rams are 4th right now, this team is not as strong as last year’s squad that went to Nationals.
The Rams are 7-6-1 so far this year, and are the only team to beat #2 Northern Arizona this year. But the six losses they have this year shows vulnerability, which the Utes can capitalize on. CSU is led by freshman Jamison Wicks, who leads the team in points (23), goals (8), and assists (15). The vulnerability comes on defense, as CSU has given up the most goals among the top ten teams in the West (50 in 14 games). Both grad student Corson Cramer and sophomore Alex Steidler have split time between the pipes this year, but both have GAA’s below four and save percentages around 90%
On Friday, it’s the third and final matchup of the season between Utah and fifth ranked San Jose State. The Spartans have bested the Utes in the first two meetings and it’s fair to say that SJSU has been the Utes’ kryptonite. In both games Utah has held 2-0 leads against the Spartans only to have them come back and steal a one goal win, the last one in overtime.
After looking at the latest rankings, my guess is these two losses to SJSU are the reason the Utes stayed at number 7 in the polls. Senior Sam Cimino now holds the team lead in points with 27, but right with him are Arthur Arias and Kyle Dutra with 26 and 25 respectively. Junior Mario Retana has seen most of the action in goal and has a 2.52 GAA and 91% save percentage. The Spartans are 11-5 this year, but the only team they’ve beaten in the top ten is Utah.
The weekend lightens up a little bit as Saturday marks the third of four games and it will be against 10th ranked Colorado. CU is led by junior Thomas Kubancik with 14 points in nine games this year. Junior goaltender Bryan Ward has played all nine games and has a GAA of 4.75 and a save percentage of 89%.
Utah and CU met twice last year, with CU winning both games (both 4-1) on their way to the 2 seed at Regionals. This year, it’s a different story. The Buffaloes are clinging to a top ten status after going 2-7 to start the year. Colorado needs to have a good weekend in order to get back on track to try and make Regionals. The Utes can put the kabash on their season with a big win on Saturday.
The Utes wrap up the showcase on Sunday against another team they’ve never seen before. The Denver Pioneers. And no, I’m not talking about the NCAA team. I’m talking about their D2 ACHA team, who like Colorado is seeing some tough times this year.
The Pioneers are 5-6-1 and are still in the top 15 at number 13. While the record may look like CSU’s, Denver’s lineup is definitely not as great. Of the five wins they have this year, three are against D3 teams and one against Cal State Northridge, who by the way is 2-8-1 this year. The lone win that keeps them in the rankings is a 5-4 win at San Jose State.
DU is led by senior Kevin Brooks with 20 points in 12 games. In goal, senior Kyle Underriner and freshman Connor Beaupre have split time and both have GAA’s around 4 and save percentages in the high 80’s.
Predictions
Thursday vs CSU: Of the four games this weekend, this is the most important. A win against number four is big for the resume and a great way to start the weekend. Despite their high ranking, CSU is very beatable. Expect Utah to control the pace and eek out a close win. Utah 4, CSU 3
Friday vs SJSU: This one should be just as big as Thursday’s game just because revenge should definitely be in Utah’s mind in this one. SJSU does have the late game on Thursday which along with the altitude should play in Utah’s favor. It should be close, but third time’s the charm for Utah. Utah 5, SJSU 3
Saturday vs CU: The Buffs may have bested the Utes last year, but the tides have shifted towards Utah this year. Of the four games, this one has the biggest chance of an upset. Utah should still win by a close one. Utah 6, Colorado 4
Sunday vs DU: If the Utes have energy left and come in with the right mindset, this one should be a blowout. It will be the fourth game in a row for both teams and Utah has a much deeper bench than Denver. Utah 7, Denver 3
Utah Game Notes
Utah stayed at number 7 in the second ACHA West Rankings. Despite staying put, this is the highest they’ve ever been in the second ranking. The Utes were #9 after last season’s 2nd ranking.
Rookie Chase McDonald keeps his amazing season going as he now has 43 points on the season, which is tied for third in the nation. He’s also 7th in the nation in goals and tied for 7th in assists.
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