Saturday, October 10, 2009

Game Preview: Mercyhurst

For the second time in two seasons, UA will play Mercyhurst in non-conference action. This time, in the final game of the Kendall Classic tournament.

Last year in the Brice Alaska Goal Rush tournament in Fairbanks, Scott Greenham got his first NCAA start against the Lakers behind Chad Johnson and backstopped the Blue and Gold to a 5-0 shutout. and I don't expect anything less this year.

Yesterday, in game 2 of the Kendall Classic, UAA was able to defeat Mercyhurst 5-3, as the Seawolf defense did a great job of underachieving, giving up 3 even strength goals. UAA's power play made the difference, capitalizing on 2 of 6 opportunities. I guess UAA was able to hold Mercyhurst on their near double digit power play chances, as UAA buried themselves in the penalty box, cumulatively spending nearly a full period down a skater.

I don't expect Mercyhurst to be much of a challenge in this contest. Head coach Dallas Ferguson has already affirmed that Greenham will be sidelined in favor of freshman Steve Thompson to get some time between the pipes.

Prediction: 5-1

Barring the miracle of UAA defeating Michigan tonight, the Nanooks should come home with their second consecutive Kendall Classic title.

1 comment:

Warbird said...

After this weekend, I bet they'll feel like changing their name to "Mercy-it-hurts"!