Match Up:

The Wildcats (9-14-4) are coming off a huge weekend after upsetting another top-ten team for the second time in three weeks, dominating #8 Colorado 6-1 on Saturday night. The Wildcats nearly positioned themselves for a sweep the night before, narrowly losing 2-1 in a shootout. The Wildcats got off to a slow start on the road trip as they struggled to find any offense, losing 4-0 to #24 Colorado State Thursday night.  After a week without any practice-ice, they looked flat to start the game and never really got things going.

The #3 Minot State Beavers (29-2-2) are coming off a weekend where they beat Dakota College at Bottineau 11-1 and Williston State University 3-0.

Scouting #15 ARIZONA (9-14-4):

ARIZONA is lead up front by junior forward Toppie Hogan with 16 points (9-7-16) in 27 games played. Following Toppie is junior forward Alex O’Dea (4-10-14), sophomore defensemen Matthew Armenti (2-9-11), and tied for third on the team in points are junior forward John Hogan (3-7-10) and junior forward Robbie Wilkinson (8-2-10). Between the pipes, the Wildcats have been riding their hot-streaking goaltender, sophomore Austin Wilson (2.59 GAA, .928 SV%).

Scouting #3 MINOT STATE (29-2-2):

MINOT STATE has arguably the most offensively skilled duo in the ACHA; Jeremy Johnson has 47 points (28-19-47) in 32 games, and Brett Nespor with 27 points (18-23-41) in 31 games. Leading the workload for the Beavers in the net is Connor Beauchamp (2.06 GAA, .922 SV%).

Previous Match up(s):

ARIZONA 2 - Minot State 3 (SOL)

ARIZONA 1 - Minot State 2

Upcoming Game/Broadcast:

Feb 12 - @ #3 Minot State @ 7:30 pm

(Broadcast: http://www.prostyleproduction.com.) (Local CBS TV)

Feb 13 - @ #3 Minot State @ 7:30 pm

(Broadcast: http://www.prostyleproduction.com)

Interesting Notes:

This weekend marks the last weekend for games to count towards the national rankings. The top 17 teams qualify for the National Tournament in Chicago, IL March 3-8, 2016. The Wildcats are currently ranked 15th in the country and are hoping to return to the National Tournament for the first time since the 2013-2014 season!

Friday night’s game @ #3 Minot State will be broadcast on CBS-local TV. 

Saturdays Game will be Minot State’s senior night, marking the final home game for their senior class. This senior class will be graduating with a very successful career in the ACHA, including winning the National Championship (freshmen year) in 2013, beating Lindenwood University 9-5 in Chicago, IL.