The Wash U Bears are gearing up for post-season play. After a six-game unbeaten streak to end the regular season where the Bears outscored opponents 55-21, the offensive-minded Bears are preparing to compete for the regional championship in early March.
Washington
University
finished the regular season in third place in the top-heavy Great Plains Division II; however, the standings do not tell the whole story. The only separation between Wash U and 2nd place
Truman
State
is that Wash U played UMSL one more time than Truman. The scheduling gods did not smile upon the Bears as they faced UMSL three times while
Truman
State
faced the Rivermen only twice. The Bears are currently undefeated against the Truman State Bulldogs in the past two contests between the two teams. Looking ahead to regionals and nationals, numerous factors have contributed to the Bears success:
Sniping on the Power Play:
Being shorthanded against Wash U will most likely result in a goal. The Bears have scored an astounding 31 Power Play goals this season which leads the
Great Plains
by far. Additionally two Bears have scored double-digit power play goals including Captain Jim Jost (13 PPG) and Alaskan Tommy Paskvan (10 PPG). Perhaps the scariest stat is that Randy Garland?s club has scored on over 50% of their Power Play opportunities (53.4%).
Role Players Disrupting:
While names such as Jost, Paskvan, Truman, and Matteo are often the most recognizable on the score sheet, numerous other players have excelled in their rolls. Two-year Assistant Captain Ross Ginsberg has added a relentless back check to his already established puck possession skills; Ginsberg has saved at least three goals this season by disrupting other teams? offensive flow. Sophomore Andrew Stern?s five goal outpouring against
Kansas
State
on the last weekend of the regular season is a testament to the hard work that the
New York
native has shown all season. Constantly hustling every shift and creating scoring chances, Stern was finally rewarded with several spectacular goals including a backhand snipe that baffled goaltender Josh Morgan.
Deceiving Stats:
Upon first look it may appear that Senior Dave Garland has had an off-season in goal; however, a closer look reveals otherwise. While the senior leader?s stats may not have equaled his spectacular 2004-2005 season, taking away a few defensively poor games changes one?s perspective. For example, not considering the three UMSL games,
Garland
?s GAA is well under 4 and his save percentage is well over 80%. Additionally,
Garland
is undefeated in his past six games and has regained his confidence heading into the playoffs and is sure to shine on the regional and national scale as he has in the past.
