All tied up

November 14, 2007 at 1:00 PM

What's wrong with the Yellowjackets?

That's the question buzzing around town as the University of Wisconsin-Superior men's hockey team takes a 1-1-3 record into Thursday's Northern Collegiate Hockey Association opener at UW-Stout.

The Yellowjackets opened the season with a win over Northland College (6-0), a loss to St. Thomas (3-0) and ties with St. Mary's (4-4), Augsburg (2-2) and Hamline (1-1).

"It's been kind of a rough start, overall," UWS coach Dan Stauber said. "You take a look at our team defense and we're doing a pretty good job. We're only allowing 19-20 shots a game and our goals against are right around 2.0. That typically gives you a chance to win some hockey games, but to be honest, I didn't think our offensive production would be down."

The 'Jackets are averaging just 2.6 goals per game so far this season and their top four returning scorers from a year ago have only four points.

"That area concerns me, but you do win with good defense so we're going to have to find a way to balance things. We can't tip the other way and just focus on offense because then you'll suffer defensively."

Thursday's game at Stout (7-0) begins at 7:30 p.m. Then on Saturday, the 'Jackets host UW-River Falls, which is also undefeated at 4-0-1.

Stout's power play is currently clicking at 35 percent, compared to 14 percent for Superior.

"They're (Stout) loaded and ready to go," Stauber said. "We're just going to have to go down there, play a simple game and give ourselves a chance to compete and win."

Stout and River Falls are also allowing around two goals a game and averaging five or six goals on offense.

"We're going to be facing some teams that are strong defensively and can put the puck in the net," Stauber said. "Obviously you're concerned if you have the guys to run and gun, or are we going to have to play more defensive until the offense comes?

"That's something I'll be patient on for a few more games here, but we're getting some chances, but we're not putting them away."

The 'Jackets are currently led in scoring by Eric Bausano's five goals and two assists. Tyler Fletcher is next with five assists, followed by Chris Berry (3-1-4), Andrew MacKenzie (2-2-4), Rob Turville (1-3-4) and Derek Paige (1-2-3).

Missing from that list are a number of last year's leading scorers, including Braden Desmet and Kevin Huck, who have each missed three games; Cory Stark and Art Clark, have yet to play, and Nate Rein, fourth in scoring last season, has been limited to one assist.

"I've always found that when the puck isn't going into the net, you still have to work hard," UWS junior captain Rob Turville said. "If we stay with our systems and keep trying to do the little things right, it'll start coming together.

"It could be worst, that's for sure. We just have to take the positives out of it -- we've been outshooting every team, but we just have to start burying the puck. To do that maybe we have to work a little harder."

Stauber also has seen some positives, including last weekend in the Twin Cities.

"Friday against Augsburg we won the third period, which is a positive, and Saturday, after we gave up a one-goal lead in the second period, we played well in the third period," Stauber said. "You try and put yourself in position to win the game in the third period and we have, but we just haven't scored."

As for playing a conference game on a Thursday night, Stauber and Stout coach Terry Watkins wanted to test the waters.

"Terry and I thought we'd try something different and see how it goes," Stauber said.

"Thursday night is a good college night and we won't be competing against other teams playing on Friday. If it works out, we'll play up here on a Thursday night next year."

Playing on Thursdays may even allow coaches to get out and recruit on Friday night, when most junior teams play.

Through five games, Mike Rosett is 0-1-2 in goal for UWS and Chad Beiswenger is 1-0-1. Thursday's starter will be a game-day decision.

"We're still going to roll the dice," Stauber said.

'JACKET JOTTINGS: The last time the 'Jackets had just one win in their first five games was the 1989-90 season when they finished 8-19-1. ... Bausano has points in the last three games, the longest scoring streak of his career.

UW-Superior (1-1-3)

Gms G A Pts

Eric Bausano 5 3 2 5

Tyler Fletcher 5 0 5 5

Chris Berry 5 3 1 4

Andrew MacKenzie 5 2 2 4

Rob Turville 5 1 3 4

Derek Paige 5 1 2 3

Logan Isley 5 1 1 2

Ryan Kuntz 5 1 0 1

Seth Reda 5 1 0 1

Braden Desmet 2 0 1 1