College hockey is already underway, as Mercyhurst and Colgate opened the action last weekend. This week marks opening competition for Big Ten teams, which features five out-of-conference matchups. Michigan, which defeated Toronto 8-1 in an exhibition game, has a bye.

The Buckeyes will face in-state rival Bowling Green, one of the best teams in the WCHA last season. Michigan State travels to Maine for the IceBreaker tournament to face Maine and Lake Superior State. Minnesota hosts Vermont, Penn State travels to Canisius and Wisconsin hosts Northern Michigan.

Ohio State vs. Bowling Green: Oct. 9 at 7 p.m.; Oct. 10 at 7:30 p.m.

The Buckeyes enter the season in the same situation as last year, except without their leading scorer. Ohio State still has Anthony Grecco and Nick Schilkey, who will carry the Buckeye offense this season. The Buckeyes also return their goaltending tandem of Christian Frey and Matt Tomkins.

The Falcons had a turnaround season last year and finished as one of the WCHA’s top teams. They return much of their scoring, including last year’s leading scorer Brandon Hawkins.

The teams split their home-and-home series last season.

Prediction: BGSU sweeps.

Michigan State vs. Maine:

The Spartans enter the season set at net. Jake Hildebrand is one of the top goaltenders in the country and gives Michigan State’s defense a boost. While the Spartans have an experienced team with players like Mackenzie MacEachern and Joe Cox, they lost one of their most talented players – Matt Berry.

Michigan State will play Maine and then Lake Superior State at the IceBreaker Tournament to open its season. The Black Bears, who lost leading scorer Devin Shore, were picked to finish 10th by Hockey East coaches.

This is the first meeting after conference realignment between the Lakers and Spartans, who used to be CCHA rivals. LSSU retained its top scorers from last season including Bryce Schmitt, who had 15 points. The Lakers have struggled in previous seasons and finished eighth in the WCHA last year.

Predicition: Michigan State wins both games

Minnesota vs. Vermont: Oct. 10 at 7 p.m. CT

The Gophers host Vermont on Oct. 10 for a one-game set. The Catamounts are ld by Brady Shaw, who netted a team-high 19 goals last year. They also have one of the highest-scoring defenseman in Hockey East in Alexx Privitera, who netted 26 points.

Minnesota returns a portion of the team, but still faced many changes in the offseason. The Gophers lost goaltender Adam Wilcox, leaving Minnesota with minimal experience in net this season. Minnesota also lost Mike Reilly, Travis Boyd and Kyle Rau – its top three scorers last season. The Gophers will rely on its junior class, but will also see a few freshmen play each night.

Prediction: Vermont wins

Penn State at Canisius: Oct. 10 at 7:30 p.m.

The Nittany Lions return to regular-season action Canisius, marking the first meeting between the programs. The Griffins finished second in Atlantic Hockey last year behind leading scorers Ralph Cuddemi (39 points) and Shane Conacher (37 points).

Penn State was a surprise team last year, but no longer has Taylor Holstrom and Casey Bailey – two of its leading scorers from last year. But David Goodwin, the highest-scoring returning Big Ten skater, is back. Unfortunately for the Nittany Lions, Eric Scheid and Zach Saar will be out for 4-6 weeks, per The Daily Collegian. The Daily Collegian also reported that Eamon McAdam will start on Saturday,

Prediction: Penn State wins

Wisconsin vs. Northern Michigan: Oct. 9 at 7 p.m. CT; Oct. 10 at 7 p.m. CT

Wisconsin’s search for redemption starts against Northern Michigan, which finished seventh in the WCHA last year. The Wildcats return a good portion of its scoring, including 23-point scorer Darren Nowick. Goaltender Matthias Dahlstrom was in net last year when Northern Michigan swept Wisconsin.

The Badgers faced many departures, including that of goaltender Joel Rumpel. Wisconsin’s Andy Baggot reported that senior Adam Miller will start the season opener. Wisconsin also faced a few in-season losses, but return leading scorer Grant Besse, along with sophomore forward Cameron Hughes and Adam Rockwood. Those two – along with Luke Kunin – give the Badgers some hope for the season.

Prediction: Northern Michigan sweeps.

 

Friday, October 9th, 2015 - 9:00 am | Big Ten, Blogs, Notes, Thoughts, Ramblings