UMD Hockey Notes

As reported first by Kevin Pates, UMD has suspended Chad Huttel for one game after his uncharacteristic off-ice meltdown Saturday night. Huttel got into a skirmish on the ice with Colorado College's Steven Schultz, and it spilled into the tunnel as Huttel tried to get back on the ice after being escorted off.

It should be noted that this suspension is being levied by UMD, and not by the WCHA. The league is aware of the action, and it is not believed they will do anything else.

One of the great perks of this job is getting to know some great kids, and Chad is one of them. He was kind enough to show up at the Proctor Amateur Hockey Association pre-season meeting Nov. 1 and speak to the kids, answering often-mundane questions about playing hockey at UMD. He was a prince then, and he is still a great kid.

His judgment Saturday merited a suspension, however, and I salute the leadership at UMD for making the right move.

Also, Wednesday was the first day that recruits could sign letters of intent. Officially, UMD has received signed letters from 2010-2011 forwards Joe Basaraba (Shattuck St. Mary's by way of Fort Frances, Ont.), J.T. Brown (Rosemount -- son of former Minnesota Viking Ted Brown), and Max Tardy (Duluth East). More are expected, but cannot be announced until the paperwork is taken care of.

UMD hosts Michigan Tech this weekend at the DECC. Games are at 7:07, with Friday's preceded by the coaches' luncheon at Grandma's Sports Garden starting at Noon. Both games can be heard at www.fan1490.com, with pregame starting at 6:35.