The Minnesota State Mavericks continued their hot streak on home ice.
MSU collected their 19th and 20th home wins this past weekend over Lake State and will now host the WCHA Championship game on Saturday vs. the Bowling Green Falcons.
As the WCHA postseason concludes this weekend, the league recently announced the All-WCHA teams. Six Maverick players were recognized for their regular season efforts including Junior Captain Marc Michaelis, who collected his third straight first-team honor.
“It’s a huge honor for me,” said Michaelis. “It gives you feedback on the work you put in the summer personally.”
Minnesota State clinched the regular season title back in February for their fourth MacNaughton Cup championship in five years. The Mavericks are looking for their first WCHA Tournament title since 2015 as Bowling Green comes to down.
The Mavericks know Saturday will be no easy task. Bowling Green swept MSU back in December in Ohio, handing Minnesota State its only sweep this season.
This will be the first time MSU will host the title game. The league re-formatted the conference tournament starting in 2016 to help with travel and attendance concerns. The new format also rewards the top seeds allowing them to continue play in their own barn.
The Mavericks are already a lock to make the NCAA Tournament next Sunday. This will be MSU’s sixth NCAA appearance and are still searching for that first tourney win after a couple of heartbreaking defeats the past few seasons.
Led by Michaelis and company these Mavericks appear poised and ready for the next challenge. Step two for this team will be hoisting the Jeff Sauer Trophy Saturday night in front of the home fans.
The WCHA Championship game takes place at 7:07pm from Verizon Center. The game is being produced by Bethany Lutheran College and its BLC Studios. You can catch the game on FloHockeyand Charter Spectrum.
