2011–12 Michigan Tech Huskies men's ice hockey season

2011–12 Michigan Tech Huskies men's ice hockey season
Conference WCHA
Home ice MacInnes Student Ice Arena
Rankings
USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine not ranked
USCHO.com/CBS College Sports not ranked
Record
Overall 16-19-4
Home 9-6-2
Road 7-10-2
Neutral 0-3-0
Coaches and Captains
Head Coach Mel Pearson
Assistant Coaches Bill Muckalt
Damon Whitten
Steve Shields
Captain(s) Brett Olson
Alternate captain(s) Jordan Baker
Carl Nielsen
Steven Seigo
Michigan Tech Huskies men's ice hockey seasons
« 2010–11  

The 2011–12 Michigan Tech Huskies men's ice hockey team represents Michigan Technological University in the 2011–12 NCAA Division I men's ice hockey season. The team is coached by Mel Pearson, a 1981 Michigan Tech alumnus in his first season as a head coach after spending the past 23 seasons as an assistant/associate coach for the Michigan Wolverines. The Huskies play their home games at the MacInnes Student Ice Arena on the campus of Michigan Tech in Houghton, Michigan, and compete in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA).

Michigan Tech enters the 2011–12 season after winning 4 of their 38 games the previous season. The team's 4–30–4 record led to the resignation of head coach Jamie Russell shortly after the season's completion. Mel Pearson was hired as Russell's replacement in May.

Offseason coaching change

Jamie Russell, Michigan Tech's eighth-year head coach, resigned following the 2010–11 season, in which the Huskies won 4 games and endured a 26‑game winless streak. "The best memories are of the players and the guys I've worked with, that's what I'll remember", Russell said. "Successes, obviously, there weren't enough of them."[1] Russell accepted an assistant coaching position with Providence a few months later.[2] Michigan Tech athletic director Suzanne Sanregret began searching for Russell's replacement immediately after his resignation, saying university president Glenn Mroz gave her the authority and many alumni gave her the resources to "go after the best coach".[1] Among Sanregret's interviewees were Michigan Tech alumnus and Michigan associate coach Mel Pearson, Nebraska–Omaha associate coach Mike Hastings[3] and Green Bay (USHL) head coach Eric Rud.[4] Pearson's interview took place four days after his team lost the NCAA Division I national championship game to Minnesota–Duluth, and when Sanregret gave him 48 hours to decide whether to accept the position, he ultimately could not say yes. "[W]ith everything going on, it was just a tough time to make ... a life-changing decision", Pearson said. "So I just think I went with the safe way and said no".[5]

Sanregret continued the search after Pearson turned down the job, but she met with Pearson again in early May at the American Hockey Coaches Association convention in Naples, Florida, and this time he was ready to accept.[6] Pearson signed a five-year contract[5] and was introduced at the Grant Hockey Educational Center on Michigan Tech's campus on May 10.[7] At the press conference, Pearson posited that what separates him from the previous alumni who have returned to coach the Huskies is his 30 years of experience. "As you're in the game longer you get a bigger network of people who can help you recruit, so I think that's the biggest difference right now", Pearson said.[7] Bill Muckalt, a veteran of five National Hockey League (NHL) seasons who was coached by Pearson at Michigan, was hired as an assistant coach in June; Damon Whitten was retained as the other assistant coach. "Our coaching staff has done a lot of winning and we want to instill the attitude that we're going to win", Whitten said.[8] Pearson spoke of changing the team's style of play to emphasize skill, speed and offensive creativity, and said his staff's efforts would be focused on recruiting for the next few months.[8] He brought in Steve Shields, another former NHL player who played under Pearson at Michigan, as a volunteer goaltending coach in September.[9]

Recruiting

Jimmy Davis (shown wearing black jersey) became Mel Pearson's first recruit a few months after Pearson became head coach.

Most of Michigan Tech's incoming freshmen for the 2011–12 season had been recruited and verbally committed during Jamie Russell's tenure. The first was forward Tanner Kero, whose hometown of Hancock, Michigan, is across Portage Lake from Michigan Tech. Kero committed in late 2009 while a member of the Marquette Rangers of the North American Hockey League (NAHL).[10] He spent the 2010–11 season with the Fargo Force of the United States Hockey League (USHL) and was named to the USHL Western Conference All-Star Team[11] while scoring 37 points in 55 games.[12] Defenseman Nick Cecere committed to play at Nebraska–Omaha while a member of Northwood School's "Junior Team",[13] but switched to Michigan Tech after a coaching change at Nebraska–Omaha. Explaining why he chose Michigan Tech, Cecere said, "Since I've been in prep school, I'm used to a smaller, close-knit community, and that's what I like. ... I fell in love with [Michigan Tech], and my parents did as well".[14] Indiana Ice (USHL) forward David Johnstone, brother of Michigan Tech sophomore forward Jacob Johnstone, committed two months later.[15] Justin Fillion, who was in his third season with the Prince George Spruce Kings of the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL), also committed in December. He credited his coach, former Michigan Tech player Ed Dempsey, with helping him earn the scholarship that Tech offered.[16] Blake Pietila, a forward with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program, originally committed to Northern Michigan, but switched when his older brother Chad decided to transfer from Northern Michigan to Michigan Tech.[17] Blake was drafted by the New Jersey Devils with the 129th pick of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, becoming Michigan Tech's first drafted player since Jordan Foote was selected in 2004.[18]

Two recruits decommitted after Russell's resignation. Sam Labrecque, a defenseman with the Nanaimo Clippers (BCHL), had committed to Michigan Tech in October 2010,[19] but switched to Clarkson. Andrew Kolb, a forward with the Michigan Warriors (NAHL), instead joined Division III Wisconsin–Stevens Point.[20]

The new coaching staff spent much of the summer recruiting for 2011–12 and beyond.[21] Pearson spotted defenseman Jimmy Davis at a June tryout camp for the Muskegon Lumberjacks, a USHL team for which Davis was trying to earn a roster spot after two all-state seasons with East Kentwood High School, and Davis accepted his scholarship offer.[22] Michigan Tech's recruiting of defenseman Riley Sweeney, who played for the Surrey Eagles (BCHL), began during the Jamie Russell era,[21] and he ultimately committed after speaking with Bill Muckalt at a hockey camp in July.[23] The final addition of Sweeney meant eight players joined the team for the 2011–12 season. Six of those players were available at the start of the season; until the end of the fall semester, however, Chad Pietila was not eligible to play in any games and Fillion was not eligible to join the team.[24]

2011–12 incoming players
Player Position St/Pr/Co Hometown Previous team Notes
Nick Cecere Defense Iowa Des Moines, Iowa Lincoln (USHL) 7 assists in 58 games with Lincoln in 2010–11
Jimmy Davis Defense Michigan Caledonia, Michigan East Kentwood (USHS–MI) Two-time all-state defenseman at East Kentwood
Justin Fillion Defense British Columbia Prince George, British Columbia Victoria (BCHL) 30 goals and 93 assists in 178 career BCHL games
David Johnstone Forward Michigan Grand Ledge, Michigan Indiana (USHL) 58 points in 57 games with Indiana in 2010–11
Tanner Kero Forward Michigan Hancock, Michigan Fargo (USHL) USHL Western Conference All-Star Team in 2010–11
Blake Pietila Forward Michigan Milford, Michigan US NTDP (USHL) Drafted 129th overall by New Jersey in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft
Chad Pietila Forward Michigan Milford, Michigan Northern Michigan (CCHA) 3 goals and 4 assists in 39 career games at Northern Michigan
Riley Sweeney Defense British Columbia Delta, British Columbia Surrey (BCHL) 14 goals and 47 assists in 113 career BCHL games

Season events

Preseason

The NCAA ice hockey season began on September 15, and head coach Mel Pearson held a practice that day with assistance from goaltending coach Steve Shields while the other assistant coaches were on recruiting trips. Practices continued four days a week, though the coaches were only allowed on the ice two hours a week through September.[25][26] The results of a WCHA preseason poll were released in late September, and while Pearson finished second place in voting for coach of the year, the team was picked to finish in last place in the standings. Senior captain Brett Olson said, "We're definitely not a last place team.... With everything that's been set in place, attitude and everything, we're definitely going to be contending".[27] Heading into an October 1 exhibition game at home against the Lakehead Thunderwolves, Pearson planned to use at least two goaltenders and prepared his team to play the "up-tempo, aggressive, puck control style that has been the focus of practices so far".[26] The intent was that aggressive backchecking and outnumbering opposition forwards would lead to more turnovers and therefore more offensive chances.[28] The Huskies won the game against Lakehead 5–3 after coming back from 1–2 and 2–3 deficits. Sophomore forward Jacob Johnstone scored a hat trick, and senior goaltender Josh Robinson played the entire game after Shields recommended leaving him in to see how he responded to playing from behind.[29] Pearson cut defenseman Ricky Doriott and forwards Alan L'Esperance and Evan Witt from the roster the following Monday.[30]

Regular season

October

The regular season opened on October 7 with a two-game series against visiting American International. Pearson sought to improve the team's defensive zone coverage in practices before the series,[31] but starting goaltender Kevin Genoe gave up three goals in the first period while his Yellow Jackets counterpart, Ben Meisner, stopped all eight Huskies shots. The Huskies' comeback began late in the second period when Blake Pietila's pass deflected off a defender's skate past Meisner. In the third period, goals from Pietila, Steven Seigo and Jordan Baker completed Michigan Tech's 5–3 comeback win. Genoe stopped all 14 shots he faced in the final two periods.[32] In the following night's rematch, Robinson started at goaltender and the Huskies scored first after Riley Sweeney's pass sent Brett Olson on a shorthanded breakaway and Meisner failed to stop Olson's high shot. The Yellow Jackets, however, tied the game 31 seconds later while the Huskies were still shorthanded. Pearson had inserted Mikael Lickteig in the lineup for this game, hoping his speed would be beneficial, and it paid off when Lickteig created a scoring chance for himself that Meisner stopped, but Jacob Johnstone scored on the rebound. In the second period, Johnstone found a loose puck immediately in front of Meisner and made "three quick stick-handling moves for a highlight-reel goal", and the Huskies won 3–1.[33] Robinson stopped 32 of 33 shots, and Pearson called him "the difference in the game".[33] The series sweep was the Huskies' first since December 19–20, 2008, against Northern Michigan.[33] Pietila was named Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) Rookie of the Week for his two-goal performance in the series' first game.[34]

Michigan Tech hosted Wisconsin for a two-game series the following weekend to open its WCHA conference schedule, but did so without junior defenseman Tommy Brown, who underwent an appendectomy that week. Pearson wanted his team to play with more discipline so as to limit the Badgers' power play chances,[35] and the Huskies responded by taking one penalty through the first two periods of the Friday game. Michigan Tech freshman Tanner Kero opened the scoring in the second period with his first career goal by deflecting a shot from Riley Sweeney. In the third period, however, the Huskies incurred two consecutive penalties in the first seven minutes, and Wisconsin forward Tyler Barnes beat Josh Robinson for a power play goal. The Huskies outshot the Badgers 16–8 in the third period, but could not put the puck past Landon Peterson to win the game in regulation. Nearly three minutes into the overtime period, Michigan Tech started a dump-and-chase and Peterson stopped the puck behind his net, but he collided with teammate John Ramage while the Huskies forechecked, leaving Jordan Baker to score on an undefended goal and win the game.[36] In the Saturday game, Wisconsin started Joel Rumpel at goaltender and Huskies forwards Kero and Blake Pietila each scored a power play goal on a deflection. Midway through the second period, Wisconsin scored off a rebound after Robinson stopped the initial shot. Michigan Tech killed off a five-minute major penalty to Alex MacLeod in the third period, but the Badgers tied the game with two minutes remaining. Twenty seconds into overtime, however, Huskies captain Brett Olson scored on a wrap-around shot that went through Rumpel's five-hole for the win. Pearson was pleased with his team's performance, saying, "Our kids are working hard, there's a lot of good things going on in our locker room and we see it every day as coaches".[37] Robinson was named WCHA Defensive Player of the Week after stopping 44 of 47 shots in the series.[38]

The Huskies traveled to Bemidji State for a pair of games on October 21–22 and anticipated employing "better puck control and discipline, while maintaining a fast-paced, aggressive style that better capitalizes on offensive opportunities and limits opposing scoring chances".[39] Josh Robinson started on Friday and surrendered an early goal to Beavers captain Ben Kinne, but Michigan Tech responded with goals from Carl Nielsen, David Johnstone and Blake Pietila in a seven-minute span. After Bemidji State replaced starting goaltender Dan Bakala with Andrew Walsh, the Beavers scored three more goals to end the first period with a 4–3 lead. Bemidji State added two more goals by the midway point of the third period, but Alex MacLeod scored off a rebound and Steven Seigo scored on a shot "through traffic" to reduce the lead to one goal.[40] Pearson substituted an extra skater for Robinson late in the game, but the Huskies were unable to score on either of the scoring opportunities they generated and lost the game 6–5.[40] Kevin Genoe started at goaltender for Michigan Tech in the Saturday game.[41] MacLeod opened the scoring in the first period on one of the Huskies' 12 shots. Michigan Tech took five penalties in the second period, and the Beavers converted on two of the power play opportunities. Drew Fisher scored Bemidji State's third goal of the game 12 minutes into the third period, and Walsh stopped the rest of Michigan Tech's shots to earn the victory. The Huskies outshot the Beavers 32–16.[42]

The #2-ranked Denver Pioneers, a team Pearson said "[has] more balance and ... experience than the three teams we've seen so far",[43] visited Michigan Tech the last weekend of October. The teams traded goals in the opening minutes of the Friday game, then Huskies forwards Milos Gordic, who played in his first two games of the year after recovering from shoulder surgery, and Ryan Furne scored 16 seconds apart midway through the first period. Furne collided with and injured Denver goaltender Adam Murray after scoring, forcing coach George Gwozdecky to substitute Juho Olkinuora. In the second period, Gordic scored a power play goal and Josh Robinson stopped all 21 Pioneers shots. Gwozdecky pulled Olkinuora with seven minutes left in the game, and Gordic completed his hat trick on an empty net a minute later.[44] The Denver goal remained undefended for a few more minutes – "to try to work on our six-on-five situations", Gwozdecky said[45] – and Brett Olson and Dennis Rix scored on the empty net. Denver added a late goal for a 7–2 final score. Robinson stopped 38 of 40 shots.[44] The next evening, Gordic and Denver forward Jason Zucker traded goals in an "open, fast-paced first period [that] gave way to a choppy, penalty-filled second period".[46] The Pioneers took the lead on a second-period power play, then Olson beat Olkinuora off a rebound in the third period. The game went to overtime, but Tanner Kero was unable to convert either of two scoring opportunities late in the five-minute period.[46] Michigan Tech earned three of four possible points with the win and tie, and Gordic and Robinson were named WCHA Offensive and Defensive Player of the Week, respectively.[47] Pearson said after the series, "If we [continue to] play like that we're going to win a lot of hockey games."[48]

November

The Huskies, with a 5–2–1 record to this point, entered their November 4–5 home series against Minnesota State ranked #16 in the USCHO.com poll. It was the first time the team had been nationally ranked in four years.[49] The first game turned into a "battle [between] two hot goaltenders",[50] and the only goal occurred on a Michigan Tech power play when Ryan Furne's 90‑foot shot toward Mavericks goaltender Austin Lee "took a strange hop just outside the crease"[50] and crossed the goal line. Minnesota State failed to score on six power play opportunities and Josh Robinson stopped all 29 shots. In the second game, Huskies goals from Jacob Johnstone, Blake Pietila and Tanner Kero were matched by Minnesota State, and the game was tied 3–3 after two periods. The Mavericks took advantage of Michigan Tech's penalties and sloppy defensive play in the third period and scored two more goals against Josh Robinson, plus an empty-net goal, to win the game 6–3. "It's tough to lose at home like that, but we're going into an off week, and we have a lot of time to fix things we need to get better at", said Brett Olson.[51]

After an off-week, Michigan Tech traveled to Alaska–Anchorage for games on November 18 and 19. Junior defenseman Carl Nielsen stayed home to recover from a concussion sustained in the team's previous game, and with three freshmen defensemen in the lineup, Pearson stressed defensive zone coverage in practice sessions before the series.[52] Kevin Genoe started at goaltender in the Friday game and gave up one goal in each period. Sophomore defenseman Bradley Stebner scored his first collegiate goal, and the Huskies' only goal of the game, on a 4-on-3 attack late in the second period. Five or six of the 19  shots generated by Michigan Tech were "quality chances" according to Alaska–Anchorage coach Dave Shyiak,[53] and Seawolves defenseman Corbin Karl said it was "the most complete game" his team had played to that point in the season.[53] In the Saturday game, Josh Robinson started at goaltender and earned his second shutout of the season while stopping 23 shots. On the offensive side, the Huskies capitalized on numerous defensive mistakes by the Seawolves. Blake Pietila scored after Michigan Tech forced a turnover inside the Alaska–Anchorage zone. Jordan Baker was left undefended and scored on a rebound. Ryan Furne was similarly left alone in front of the goal before he scored. Milos Gordic and Jacob Johnstone also scored for the Huskies in their 5–0 win.[54]

Roster

Departures from 2010–11 team

2011–12 roster

# S/P/C Player Class Pos Height Weight DoB Hometown Previous team NHL rights
2 Michigan Heinonen, PetePete Heinonen Junior D 5' 10" (1.78 m) 185 lb (84 kg) 1989-09-08 Hancock, Michigan Hancock (USHS–MI) —
3 Alberta Stebner, BradleyBradley Stebner Sophomore D 6' 4" (1.93 m) 210 lb (95 kg) 1990-01-21 Fort McMurray, Alberta Fort McMurray (AJHL) —
4 Iowa Cecere, NickNick Cecere Freshman D 6' 0" (1.83 m) 190 lb (86 kg) 1990-10-12 Des Moines, Iowa Lincoln (USHL) —
5 British Columbia Fillion, JustinJustin Fillion Freshman D 5' 11" (1.8 m) 180 lb (82 kg) 1990-04-23 Prince George, British Columbia Victoria (BCHL) —
6 Saskatchewan Seigo, StevenSteven Seigo (A) Junior D 6' 0" (1.83 m) 185 lb (84 kg) 1990-08-01 Edenwold, Saskatchewan Bonnyville (AJHL) —
7 Missouri McCadden, PatrickPatrick McCadden Sophomore F 6' 0" (1.83 m) 190 lb (86 kg) 1989-02-20 Chesterfield, Missouri Green Bay (USHL) —
8 Michigan Johnstone, JacobJacob Johnstone Sophomore F 5' 11" (1.8 m) 190 lb (86 kg) 1990-05-13 Grand Ledge, Michigan Sioux Falls (USHL) —
9 Alberta Rix, DennisDennis Rix Sophomore F 6' 0" (1.83 m) 190 lb (86 kg) 1989-08-05 Grande Prairie, Alberta Grande Prairie (AJHL) —
10 Michigan Kero, TannerTanner Kero Freshman F 5' 11" (1.8 m) 175 lb (79 kg) 1992-07-24 Hancock, Michigan Fargo (USHL) —
11 Sweden Holmberg, DanielDaniel Holmberg Sophomore F 6' 4" (1.93 m) 215 lb (98 kg) 1990-07-11 Nyköping, Sweden Linköping J20 (J20 SuperElit) —
12 Minnesota Furne, RyanRyan Furne Sophomore F 6' 2" (1.88 m) 215 lb (98 kg) 1989-12-12 Oakdale, Minnesota Green Bay (USHL) —
13 Michigan Pietila, AaronAaron Pietila Junior F 6' 0" (1.83 m) 195 lb (88 kg) 1988-06-23 Brighton, Michigan Marquette (NAHL) —
14 Michigan Pietila, ChadChad Pietila Junior F 5' 11" (1.8 m) 195 lb (88 kg) 1989-02-08 Milford, Michigan Northern Michigan (CCHA) —
15 Michigan Johnstone, DavidDavid Johnstone Freshman F 5' 11" (1.8 m) 185 lb (84 kg) 1991-11-26 Grand Ledge, Michigan Indiana (USHL) —
16 Wisconsin Olson, BrettBrett Olson (C) Senior F 6' 0" (1.83 m) 185 lb (84 kg) 1987-02-19 Superior, Wisconsin Waterloo (USHL) —
17 Minnesota Lickteig, MikaelMikael Lickteig Junior (RS) F 6' 0" (1.83 m) 185 lb (84 kg) 1987-05-04 Little Falls, Minnesota Alexandria (NAHL) —
18 British Columbia MacLeod, AlexAlex MacLeod Senior F 6' 0" (1.83 m) 215 lb (98 kg) 1987-12-16 Nelson, British Columbia Camrose (AJHL) —
19 Michigan Pietila, BlakeBlake Pietila Freshman F 5' 11" (1.8 m) 195 lb (88 kg) 1993-02-20 Milford, Michigan US NTDP (USHL) NJD, 129th overall 2011
20 Michigan Hietala, BlakeBlake Hietala Freshman (RS) F 5' 10" (1.78 m) 180 lb (82 kg) 1989-11-09 Houghton, Michigan Melfort (SJHL) —
21 Saskatchewan Brown, TommyTommy Brown  Junior D 5' 9" (1.75 m) 180 lb (82 kg) 1989-08-07 Prince Albert, Saskatchewan Melfort (SJHL) —
22 Alberta Baker, JordanJordan Baker (A) Senior (RS) F 5' 7" (1.7 m) 180 lb (82 kg) 1988-03-28 Chestermere, Alberta Olds (AJHL) —
24 Minnesota Sova, DanDan Sova Sophomore D 6' 4" (1.93 m) 225 lb (102 kg) 1990-02-24 Cottage Grove, Minnesota Waterloo (USHL) —
25 Ohio Nielsen, CarlCarl Nielsen (A) Junior D 6' 4" (1.93 m) 225 lb (102 kg) 1988-07-03 Amherst, Ohio Mahoning Valley (NAHL) —
26 Michigan Davis, JimmyJimmy Davis Freshman D 6' 0" (1.83 m) 185 lb (84 kg) 1993-04-22 Caledonia, Michigan East Kentwood (USHS–MI) —
27 Nevada Reddick, BryceBryce Reddick Senior F 5' 10" (1.78 m) 185 lb (84 kg) 1989-08-05 Las Vegas, Nevada Cowichan Valley (BCHL) —
28 British Columbia Gordic, MilosMilos Gordic Sophomore (RS) F 6' 5" (1.96 m) 210 lb (95 kg) 1989-04-12 Burnaby, British Columbia Langley (BCHL) —
30 Michigan Robinson, JoshJosh Robinson Senior G 6' 0" (1.83 m) 185 lb (84 kg) 1989-12-01 Frankenmuth, Michigan Sioux City (USHL) —
31 Colorado Cramer, CorsonCorson Cramer Senior G 5' 11" (1.8 m) 190 lb (86 kg) 1988-10-15 Colorado Springs, Colorado Ohio (USHL) —
32 Ontario Gubb, TylerTyler Gubb Sophomore F 6' 1" (1.85 m) 215 lb (98 kg) 1989-06-11 Markham, Ontario Salmon Arm (BCHL) —
34 British Columbia Sweeney, RileyRiley Sweeney Freshman D 6' 1" (1.85 m) 190 lb (86 kg) 1992-08-31 Delta, British Columbia Surrey (BCHL) —
35 British Columbia Genoe, KevinKevin Genoe Junior G 5' 11" (1.8 m) 165 lb (75 kg) 1990-05-16 Qualicum, British Columbia Prince George (BCHL) —

Standings

Conference Overall
GP W L T PTS GF GA GP W L T GF GA
#4 Minnesotadagger 28 20 8 0 40 88 57 43 28 14 1 155 99
#6 Minnesota–Duluth 28 16 7 5 37 103 73 41 25 10 6 147 106
#12 Denver 28 16 8 4 36 96 79 43 25 14 4 139 111
#5 North Dakota* 28 16 11 1 33 82 73 42 26 13 3 135 108
Colorado College 28 15 12 1 31 95 86 36 18 16 2 114 104
St. Cloud State 28 12 12 4 28 86 74 39 17 17 5 120 104
Nebraska–Omaha 28 11 12 5 27 83 85 38 14 18 6 106 112
Michigan Tech 28 11 13 4 26 85 87 39 16 19 4 111 116
Bemidji State 28 11 14 3 25 72 89 38 17 18 3 101 109
Wisconsin 28 11 15 2 24 76 83 37 17 18 2 105 102
Minnesota State 28 8 18 2 18 73 102 38 12 24 2 101 129
Alaska–Anchorage 28 5 22 1 11 60 111 36 9 25 2 85 134
Championship: North Dakota 4, Denver 0
dagger indicates conference regular season champion; * indicates conference tournament champion
Rankings: USCHO.com Top 20 Poll

Schedule and results

2011–12 schedule and results

† Non-conference game  EX Exhibition game  ‡ Great Lakes Invitational 

Awards and honors

WCHA Offensive Player of the Week

  • Milos Gordic, F – November 1[47]
  • Jordan Baker, F – January 17[55]

WCHA Defensive Player of the Week

  • Josh Robinson, G – October 18,[38] November 1 (shared with Kent Patterson, G, Minnesota),[47] January 31[56]

WCHA Rookie of the Week

  • Blake Pietila, F – October 11,[34] January 31[56]

Notes

  1. 1 2 Warvie, K.D. (March 18, 2011). "Russell reflects on walking away". The Daily Mining Gazette. Houghton, Michigan. OCLC 9940134. Archived from the original on February 4, 2012. Retrieved February 4, 2012.
  2. ↑ "Men's Hockey Names Jamie Russell Assistant Coach" (Press release). Providence College. June 16, 2011. Archived from the original on February 4, 2012. Retrieved February 4, 2012.
  3. ↑ White, Rob (December 28, 2011). "Hastings not in a hurry to take over Mavs". Omaha World-Herald. ISSN 0276-4962. Archived from the original on February 4, 2012. Retrieved February 4, 2012.
  4. ↑ Hodkiewicz, Weston (April 27, 2011). "Gamblers coach Rud interviews for Michigan Tech job". Green Bay Press-Gazette. p. B.1.
  5. 1 2 Cunningham, Pete (May 6, 2011). "Mel Pearson says championship loss delayed his decision to take Michigan Tech job, discusses possibility of returning to Michigan". AnnArbor.com. Archived from the original on February 4, 2012. Retrieved February 4, 2012.
  6. ↑ Kukkonen, Zach (May 7, 2011). "Tech gets its coach". The Daily Mining Gazette. Houghton, Michigan. OCLC 9940134. Archived from the original on February 5, 2012. Retrieved February 5, 2012.
  7. 1 2 Warvie, K.D. (May 11, 2011). "Tech travels same road". The Daily Mining Gazette. Houghton, Michigan. OCLC 9940134. Archived from the original on February 5, 2012. Retrieved February 5, 2012.
  8. 1 2 Anderson, Stephen (June 25, 2011). "Forward into a new era". The Daily Mining Gazette. Houghton, Michigan. OCLC 9940134. Archived from the original on February 5, 2012. Retrieved February 5, 2012.
  9. ↑ "Tech adds goalie coach Shields" (Press release). Michigan Tech Department of Athletic Communications and Marketing. September 14, 2011. Archived from the original on February 5, 2012. Retrieved February 5, 2012.
  10. ↑ "Rangers' Kero headed to Michigan Tech" (Press release). North American Hockey League. December 9, 2009. Archived from the original on February 5, 2012. Retrieved February 5, 2012.
  11. ↑ "USHL NAmes CCM Midseason All-Stars". United States Hockey League. February 18, 2011. Archived from the original on February 5, 2012. Retrieved February 5, 2012.
  12. ↑ "Tanner Kero". Elite Hockey Prospects. Archived from the original on February 5, 2012. Retrieved February 5, 2012.
  13. ↑ "Athletic News 08/09". Northwood School. Archived from the original on February 6, 2012. Retrieved February 6, 2012.
  14. ↑ Anderson, Stephen (November 1, 2011). "Cecere has come a long way from Iowa rinks". The Daily Mining Gazette. Houghton, Michigan. OCLC 9940134. Archived from the original on February 6, 2012. Retrieved February 6, 2012.
  15. ↑ "Indiana's Johnstone commits to Michigan Tech" (Press release). United States Hockey League. December 22, 2010. Archived from the original on January 10, 2011. Retrieved February 6, 2012.
  16. ↑ "Three-Year D-Man Commits to Michigan Tech" (Press release). Prince George Spruce Kings. December 15, 2010. Archived from the original on February 6, 2012. Retrieved February 6, 2012.
  17. ↑ "Prospect Interview Featuring - Blake Pietila". McKeensHockey.com. Archived from the original on February 6, 2012. Retrieved February 6, 2012.
  18. ↑ Anderson, Stephen (June 30, 2011). "Pietila will be part of family reunion at Tech". The Daily Mining Gazette. Houghton, Michigan. OCLC 9940134. Archived from the original on February 4, 2012. Retrieved February 4, 2012.
  19. ↑ "Labrecque commits to Michigan Tech" (Press release). British Columbia Hockey League. October 29, 2010. Retrieved February 6, 2012.
  20. ↑ Kyrias, Alex (January 6, 2011). "North Report: Bandits have hunger to regain Cup". North American Hockey League. Archived from the original on February 6, 2012. Retrieved February 6, 2012.
  21. 1 2 Anderson, Stephen (August 25, 2011). "Tech hockey staff still busy". The Daily Mining Gazette. Houghton, Michigan. OCLC 9940134. Archived from the original on February 6, 2012. Retrieved February 6, 2012.
  22. ↑ Anderson, Stephen (August 17, 2011). "Defenseman Davis takes Tech's offer". The Daily Mining Gazette. Houghton, Michigan. OCLC 9940134. Archived from the original on February 6, 2012. Retrieved February 6, 2012.
  23. ↑ Anderson, Stephen (October 20, 2011). "Tech made Sweeney offer he couldn't refuse". The Daily Mining Gazette. Houghton, Michigan. OCLC 9940134. Archived from the original on February 6, 2012. Retrieved February 6, 2012.
  24. ↑ Anderson, Stephen (January 10, 2012). "Husky hockey gets reinforcements". The Daily Mining Gazette. Houghton, Michigan. OCLC 9940134. Archived from the original on February 6, 2012. Retrieved February 6, 2012.
  25. ↑ Anderson, Stephen (September 16, 2011). "Finally, new era hits the ice: Pearson leads Huskies in first practice of 2011-12 campaign". The Daily Mining Gazette. Houghton, Michigan. OCLC 9940134. Archived from the original on February 29, 2012. Retrieved February 29, 2012.
  26. 1 2 Anderson, Stephen (September 30, 2011). "Hockey's almost here: Tech kicks off with Lakehead exhibition". The Daily Mining Gazette. Houghton, Michigan. OCLC 9940134. Archived from the original on February 29, 2012. Retrieved February 29, 2012.
  27. ↑ Anderson, Stephen (September 30, 2011). "Tech not concerned about last-place picks". The Daily Mining Gazette. Houghton, Michigan. OCLC 9940134. Archived from the original on February 29, 2012. Retrieved February 29, 2012.
  28. ↑ Anderson, Stephen (October 5, 2011). "Turn up the tempo: Pearson, Huskies want to speed up opponents". The Daily Mining Gazette. Houghton, Michigan. OCLC 9940134. Archived from the original on February 19, 2012. Retrieved March 19, 2012.
  29. ↑ Anderson, Stephen (October 3, 2011). "Huskies ono-for-one: Johnstone nets hat trick as Tech opens new era with win". The Daily Mining Gazette. Houghton, Michigan. OCLC 9940134. Archived from the original on February 29, 2012. Retrieved February 29, 2012.
  30. ↑ Anderson, Stephen (October 6, 2011). "Building blocks to success — Parts in place as Michigan Tech builds new hockey era". The Daily Mining Gazette. Houghton, Michigan. OCLC 9940134. Archived from the original on March 19, 2012. Retrieved March 19, 2012.
  31. ↑ Anderson, Stephen (October 7, 2011). "Games start counting tonight for Tech". The Daily Mining Gazette. Houghton, Michigan. OCLC 9940134. Archived from the original on March 19, 2012. Retrieved March 19, 2012.
  32. ↑ Anderson, Stephen (October 8, 2011). "Comeback in black: Baker's winner caps rally from 3-0 down in season opener". The Daily Mining Gazette. Houghton, Michigan. OCLC 9940134. Archived from the original on March 19, 2012. Retrieved March 19, 2012.
  33. 1 2 3 Anderson, Stephen (October 10, 2011). "Sweep is first for Huskies since 2008". The Daily Mining Gazette. Houghton, Michigan. OCLC 9940134. Archived from the original on March 19, 2012. Retrieved March 19, 2012.
  34. 1 2 "UAA's Spencer, MSU's Lee and UM's Patterson, MTU's Pietila named Red Baron® WCHA men's Players of the Week for Oct. 11" (Press release). Western Collegiate Hockey Association. October 11, 2011. Archived from the original on February 4, 2012. Retrieved February 4, 2012.
  35. ↑ Anderson, Stephen (October 14, 2011). "Huskies meet Badgers to open 2011-12 WCHA play". The Daily Mining Gazette. Houghton, Michigan. OCLC 9940134. Archived from the original on March 26, 2012. Retrieved March 26, 2012.
  36. ↑ Anderson, Stephen (October 15, 2011). "Baker's big goal wins it". The Daily Mining Gazette. Houghton, Michigan. OCLC 9940134. Archived from the original on March 26, 2012. Retrieved March 26, 2012.
  37. ↑ Anderson, Stephen (October 17, 2011). "Tech's super sequel: Huskies shock Badgers with another overtime victory". The Daily Mining Gazette. Houghton, Michigan. OCLC 9940134. Archived from the original on March 26, 2012. Retrieved March 26, 2012.
  38. 1 2 "Colorado College's Schwartz, Michigan Tech's Robinson, Minnesota's Rau named Red Baron® WCHA men's Players of the Week" (Press release). Western Collegiate Hockey Association. October 18, 2011. Archived from the original on February 4, 2012. Retrieved February 4, 2012.
  39. ↑ Anderson, Stephen (October 21, 2011). "Huskies want to keep good times rolling in Bemidji". The Daily Mining Gazette. Houghton, Michigan. OCLC 9940134. Archived from the original on March 26, 2012. Retrieved March 26, 2012.
  40. 1 2 "Bemidji State edges Michigan Tech, 6-5" (Press release). Western Collegiate Hockey Association. October 21, 2011. Archived from the original on March 26, 2012. Retrieved March 26, 2012.
  41. ↑ "Bemidji sweeps Tech" (Press release). Michigan Tech Department of Athletic Communications and Marketing. October 24, 2011. Archived from the original on March 26, 2012. Retrieved March 26, 2012.
  42. ↑ "Bemidji State topples Michigan Tech, 3-1" (Press release). Western Collegiate Hockey Association. October 22, 2011. Archived from the original on March 26, 2012. Retrieved March 26, 2012.
  43. ↑ Anderson, Stephen (October 28, 2011). "No. 2 Pioneers offer Tech's toughest challenge". The Daily Mining Gazette. Houghton, Michigan. OCLC 9940134. Archived from the original on March 27, 2012. Retrieved March 27, 2012.
  44. 1 2 "Gordic hat trick helps Michigan Tech top Denver, 7-2" (Press release). Western Collegiate Hockey Association. October 28, 2011. Archived from the original on March 27, 2012. Retrieved March 27, 2012.
  45. ↑ Erickson, Jordan (October 28, 2011). "Gordic's hat trick propels Michigan Tech to upset of Denver". U.S. College Hockey Online. Archived from the original on March 27, 2012. Retrieved March 27, 2012.
  46. 1 2 Anderson, Stephen (October 31, 2011). "Three-point play: Tech, Denver tie to complete productive weekend". The Daily Mining Gazette. Houghton, Michigan. OCLC 9940134. Archived from the original on March 27, 2012. Retrieved March 27, 2012.
  47. 1 2 3 "MTU's Gordic and Robinson, UM's Patterson, SCSU's Faragher named Red Baron® WCHA men's Players of the Week" (Press release). Western Collegiate Hockey Association. November 1, 2011. Archived from the original on February 4, 2012. Retrieved February 4, 2012.
  48. ↑ Anderson, Stephen (November 1, 2011). "'Standards of play' pave the way". The Daily Mining Gazette. Houghton, Michigan. OCLC 9940134. Archived from the original on March 27, 2012. Retrieved March 27, 2012.
  49. ↑ Anderson, Stephen (November 4, 2011). "Huskies focused first on their game, then Mavericks". The Daily Mining Gazette. Houghton, Michigan. OCLC 9940134. Archived from the original on June 10, 2012. Retrieved June 10, 2012.
  50. 1 2 Anderson, Stephen (November 5, 2011). "One goal is enough for Huskies". The Daily Mining Gazette. Houghton, Michigan. OCLC 9940134. Archived from the original on June 10, 2012. Retrieved June 10, 2012.
  51. ↑ Anderson, Stephen (November 7, 2011). "Mavericks take piece of Tech's home turf". The Daily Mining Gazette. Houghton, Michigan. OCLC 9940134. Archived from the original on June 11, 2012. Retrieved June 11, 2012.
  52. ↑ Anderson, Stephen (November 18, 2011). "Huskies face long run to Alaska". The Daily Mining Gazette. Houghton, Michigan. OCLC 9940134. Archived from the original on June 18, 2012. Retrieved June 30, 2012.
  53. 1 2 Woody, Doyle (November 19, 2011). "UAA Seawolves kennel Huskies". Anchorage Daily News. Anchorage, Alaska. OCLC 02685131. Archived from the original on June 18, 2012. Retrieved June 30, 2012.
  54. ↑ Woody, Doyle (November 20, 2011). "UAA offense sputters in loss to Michigan Tech". Anchorage Daily News. Anchorage, Alaska. OCLC 02685131. Archived from the original on June 18, 2012. Retrieved June 30, 2012.
  55. ↑ "MTU's Baker, Denver's LaLeggia and Loney, UW's Rumpel named Red Baron® WCHA men's Players of the Week" (Press release). Western Collegiate Hockey Association. January 17, 2012. Archived from the original on February 4, 2012. Retrieved February 4, 2012.
  56. 1 2 "Denver's Salazar, Michigan Tech's Robinson and Pietila named Red Baron® WCHA men's Players of the Week" (Press release). Western Collegiate Hockey Association. January 31, 2012. Archived from the original on February 4, 2012. Retrieved February 4, 2012.

References

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