Fall is beginning to settle in. And honestly, I’m not complaining.
Sure, what happens after fall leaves won’t be fun. But this time of year always brings excitement to my soul.
In fact, that excitement provided me with three sports thoughts.
Why I’m so excited
No. 14 Minnesota State women’s hockey opens its 2026-27 campaign Friday against RPI. Puck drop is at 11 a.m. at Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center, and if it seems like a peculiar start time, it’s because over 1,000 area elementary students will be in attendance to cheer on the Mavericks. Use that information as you will.
And like those young fans, I’ll also probably be jacked up on Mountain Dew and Skittles. OK, maybe not that exact combination, but we share the same level of enthusiasm.
The Mavericks have a great chance to take another step forward after last season's success.
Last season’s freshmen class was forged by fire. Now they’re sophomores with a tremendous opportunity to produce at a higher rate.
The incoming freshmen class is loaded with talent. Payton Finnie received votes for WCHA Freshman of the Year for a reason, and unlike last year’s freshmen class, they won’t have to be thrown to the wolves like they wo...