The #4/6 Minnesota State Mavericks (9-2-1 overall, 6-0-0 WCHA) return home to play the #8/8 Bowling Green Falcons (16-4-0 overall, 5-1-0 WCHA) this weekend. Puck drop is scheduled for Friday at 8:07 EST and Saturday at 7:07 EST. This upcoming series against Bowling Green is important, as Minnesota State and Bowling Green are fighting for first and second among the WCHA standings. 

Minnesota State and Bowling Green sit atop the WCHA standings. The race for first is tight, and at this point in the season, every win matters. With so much on the line, it is expected that there will be a playoff atmosphere accompanying these games. 

“A series like this at this time of the year with this on the line in far as points, standings, trying to put yourselves in a position to have an opportunity to hang a banner,” Hastings said. “This place would have been hopping.” 

Fortunately, a limited number of fans will be in attendance for these upcoming games, as Minnesota State is allowing up to 150 people to attend. With or without fans, however, the level of competition will still be high. 

“It’s a great opportunity for each team to show themselves,” Hastings said. “I think there is going to be intensity from the time the puck drops to when this entire series is over.”

The rivalry between these two teams cannot be understated. With the WCHA season nearing its end the rivalry between Minnesota State and Bowling Green will be amplified. 

“They know what we’re gonna do, we know what they’re gonna do,” Captain Riese Zmolek said. “It’s always a good one when they come into town”

Minnesota State has three nominees for the prestigious Hobey Baker award. Sophomore forwards Cade Borchardt and Nathan Smith, along with junior goalie Dryden McKay are on the ballot for this first phase of voting. Borchardt leads the team in scoring six goals and nine assists for 15 points in 12 games, while Smith has two goals and 11 assists for 13 points in 12 games. Smith also leads all players in the WCHA in assists per game at 0.92.

McKay was a top-ten finalist for the Hobey Baker Award last year and looks to claim it for himself this season. McKay is posting a .954 save percentage and 0.90 goals-against average along with six shutouts. These numbers lead the country, making him a hopeful choice for the award. 

“All three of them, Dryden McKay, Nathan Smith, and Cade Borchardt have all done a great job of putting themselves on the map and getting themselves under consideration,” Hastings said. “I think that will end up being defined as this season continues this weekend, the end of the regular season, and getting into the playoffs.”

While fans should be optimistic about these three players and their Hobey Baker aspirations, it is important to note that the season still has quite a ways to go before the award is given. 

“There is still a lot of distance between now and when those decisions happen,” Hastings said. ” I feel that those three have garnered respect, not only in our locker room but throughout our league.”

Along with a Hobey Baker nomination, Dryden McKay was also named to the Richter award watch list. McKay was a finalist for the award last year and looks to take home this piece of hardware with his exceptional play this season. 

“It’s well deserved, he’s earned it. It’s great to see him recognized in those ways. Dryden hasn’t changed, he’s as humble as the day is long,” Hastings said. “I’m happy he is being recognized for his play and what he has put together in the early season.”

John Smark