On Tap:    Minnesota State (13-13-6 overall, 7-13-3 WCHA) continues conference action with a pair of league home games vs. fifth-rated Minnesota Duluth (18-6-5 overall, 13-5-4 WCHA) this weekend.  The Mavericks and the Bulldogs square-off at Verizon Wireless Center (4,832) Friday (7:37 p.m.) and Saturday (7:07 p.m.).

About the Series:    In a series that dates back to 1999-2000, UMD owns a 18-12-5 advantage over MSU.  The Bulldogs have won the last six meetings and the last time MSU defeated UMD was 2007-08.

MSU Most Recently:   Minnesota State stands 13-13-6 overall and is 7-13-4 WCHA after splitting a road league series at Colorado College (5-1 win, 2-1 loss).

Junior forward Michael Dorr had a goal and an assist, sophomore forward Eriah Hayes tallied twice and junior goaltender Austin Lee had 21 saves as MSU downed the 19th-rated Tigers Friday.  Senior defenseman Channing Boe’s power play marker was MSU’s lone goal in Saturday’s 2-1 loss to CC.

About Minnesota Duluth:  The Bulldogs, who are coming off of an 8-2 loss and a 3-3 tie with St. Cloud State, have won seven of their last 11 contests.  UMD is paced offensively by the trio of junior forward Jack Connelly (12-30--42 in 29 GP), senior forward Justin Fontaine (18-21--39 in 29 GP) and junior forward Mike Connelly (19-17--36 in 29 GP).  Junior Kenny Reiter (9-4-4, 2.36, .910) has started 17 of 29 games in the UMD nets. 

Scott Sandelin (North Dakota ‘87) is in his 11th season at the UMD?helm and as a college head coach. An All-America defenseman for UND in 1985-86 and a former assistant coach for the Sioux, Sandelin stands 184-196-51 for his career with the Bulldogs.

Brownlee’s Back:  Canadian country music recording artist and former Minnesota State defenseman Chad Brownlee will sing the national anthem prior to Saturday’s game.

Brownlee tallied 4-7--11 in 135 games with the Mavericks from 2003-07 and his 201 penalty minutes rank 13th on the school’s all-time list.  He was a finalist for Canadian Country Music Newcomer of the Year last fall and his current single, Day After You, ranks 16th in the Canadian Country Music charts.  His website is located at chadbrownlee.com/wordpress and his hockeydb bio is located here.

MSU to Honor 1990-91 Team:  A reunion has been organized for this weekend for the Minnesota State men’s hockey team from 1990-91 that went 23-7-6 overall and finished second at the NCAA Division II national tournament.  Along with MSU Hall of Fame coach Don Brose, this team included three All-Americans in goaltender Glen Prodahl, defenseman Derek Cooper and forward Bill Rooney.  The team will be formally recognized during Saturday’s game vs. Minnesota Duluth.

The complete 12-page version of this release is available here.

Student Tickets Pre-Distribution:  MSU student ticket distribution for the Maverick men’s hockey home games with Minnesota Duluth is  scheduled for Wednesday.

Distribution of the 1100 MSU student tickets (valid current Mavcard required) will take place in the Taylor Center Hall of Champions beginning at 11:30 a.m.

Game Promotions:   Friday - 2,000 fans will receive a sample bag of Angie’s Kettle Corn.

•     Charter live pre-game show from the lobby.

Saturday - Game sponsored by Jack Links.
•    500 fans receive Thunderstix courtesy of Jack Links
•    MSU Staff will distribute free bags of Jack Links beef jerky
•    The Jack Links Sasquatch will be in attendance.