In message <[log in to unmask]> "S Christopher - Dean, Behav Sci,
Hum Serv & Educ"
 writes:
> I'm curious about the home vs road schedule for the final 10 games for
> each WCHA team.  One reason is that it looks to me like Minnesota may be
> finishing(?) a streak of ten straight games on home ice.  Does this
> imply that the Gophers have quite a few road games at the end of the
> season?  But, information on all the teams' schedules would be
> appreciated.
 
Actually, the Gophers have played 6 of their last 8 at home (they played AT
Denver weekend before last) and play at home this weekend.  This is mainly to
make up for their lack of home games early in the season (1 home game in the
first 8 WCHA contests).  There was an item by David Jackson about the remaining
schedules of top 5 teams in the league in yesterday's (2/1/94) Daily, which I
haven't been able to get on the gopher server, so I'll actually TYPE it in
(gasp!):
 
Saturday night, after the Gophers had taken over first place, Northern MIchigan
coach Rick Comley said, "Celebrate all you want.  There's still five weeks left
in the season."
 
And there are five teams within four points of the conference lead.  The Gophers
are a point ahead of Colorado College, two ahead of Northern Michigan and four
ahead of Wisconsin and St. Cloud State.  With 10 league games left for each
team, the race is far from over.  Here's how the teams' schedules stack up the
rest of the way:
 
Minnesota -- Tough, but manageable.  They have five of the 10 games at home, but
still must go to traditional rivals North Dakota and Wisconsin for two-game
series, and to St. Cloud State for one game.  The Huskies have yet to lose at
home this year.
 
Colorado College -- The toughest schedule of the group.  Their two road trips
are to Alaska-Anchorage and St. Cloud State.  Just ask Northern Michigan about
making the adjustment from the Broadmoor World Arena to Olympic-size sheets like
the ones in Anchorage and St. Cloud.   They also host Wisconsin, the best road
team in the league.
 
Northern Michigan --  Even Comley was smiling at this schedule.  Starting this
week, the Wildcats play six in a row and seven of 10 at home. They are 11-0 at
Lakeview Arena this year.  Their only trips are to Minnesota-Duluth and Michigan
Tech, the eigth and 10th place teams, respectively.
 
St. Cloud State -- After this weekend's trip to Northern, they don't have to
leave the state.  With five of the last six at the National Hockey Center, they
could be poised for a late run.  But a sweep in Marquette would make it a tough
climb.
 
Wisconsin -- Six of 10 at home, but the two trips are consecutive ones to
Colorado College and Northern Michigan, two of the league's smallest rinks.
Then they return to Madison to face the Gophers.  Home series with Michigan Tech
and Alaska-Anchorage give them a chance at eight easy points.
 
Pam Sweeney                            Go Gophers!!!
[log in to unmask]         1993 WCHA Playoff Champions!!!
[log in to unmask]              Ski-U-Mah!!!