Sunday, October 7

It’s October. My favorite sports month of the year (April is a close second, with hockey playoffs and the beginning of the baseball season). In October the pro and college football seasons are in full swing, the baseball playoffs are happening, and hockey gets underway at all levels. What’s that? Oh yeah, I almost forgot about that league that isn’t playing yet. But we still have junior leagues, minor pro, youth levels, and finally college hockey is beginning.

Last night several NCAA teams were in action in their final tune-ups before the puck drops on the regular season next weekend. Before I get to some notes regarding that, I’ll share with you my preseason top ten:

1. Minnesota

2. Boston College

3. North Dakota

4. Michigan

5. Union

6. Mass.-Lowell

7. Denver

8. Cornell

9. Miami

10. Minnesota-Duluth

Anybody can pick the defending champs number one, right? Several of these teams were in action last night, and here are some notes from those contests:

Minnesota freshman Christian Isackson (BUF), had a hat trick in his first collegiate action, albeit against a team that undoubtedly is not the best team in Lethbridge. Isackson, the Sabres 7th-round pick in June, started on a line with Kyle Rau (FLA) and Nick Bjugstad (FLA), but only one assisted on an Isackson goal (Bjugstad). Gopher defenseman Mark Alt (CAR) scored a goal on a laser from the point.

Leading the way for North Dakota in their 5-3 victory over Manitoba were Danny Kristo (MTL) and Mark MacMillan (MTL) with a goal and an assist each, and Corbin Knight (FLA) with a goal. Expect to see these three on the scoresheet often, and expect to see Habs’ scouts in the stands regularly as well. Junior defenseman Derek Forbort (LA) also had a goal and assist for UND.

Boston College shut out New Brunswick 6-0 behind a goal and assist from Bill Arnold (CAL) and a goal from Johnny Gaudreau (CAL). Undrafted Parker Milner had the shutout for the Eagles.

Wisconsin freshman Nic Kerdiles (ANA) is out indefinitely while the school works out an eligibility issue with the NCAA.

WHL Notes: Portland’s Ty Rattie (STL) scored his first goal of the season in the Winterhawk’s 4-2 loss to Moose Jaw. Rattie also assisted on Portland’s other goal by Brendan Leipsic (NAS). Draft-eligible defenseman Seth Jones had an assist for Portland, but was minus-two on the night, including one goal off a one-on-one where Jones inadvertently screened his goalie. Jones is a smooth skater and smart with the puck, but needs work on his play without it.

AHL Notes: You’ve probably already heard about Mikael Granlund‘s five point game for the Houston Aeros, but Charlie Coyle also had four points (2 goals, 2 assists) in he same contest. Of course, being linemates likely helped Coyle more then Granlund, but Coyle is worth mentioning as well. Coyle could really produce in Minnesota if he plays with Granlund, Parise or Koivu.

Thanks for reading. @RichDillon17