Western Thoughts: Are Simon Latkoczy's numbers even real?

Omaha's goalie has been the best in college hockey through October. Also, thoughts on St. Cloud, Arizona State, Minnesota, Wisconsin, the CCHA's goalies, and Northern Michigan

Earlier this week, I wrote about how good Lawton Zacher has been for Northeastern. Omaha’s Simon Latkoczy has been just a little bit better for the Mavericks early in the season, and his numbers are downright eye-popping.

This issue (#605) features my weekend observations from across the Western conferences — the NCHC, Big Ten, and CCHA.

In addition to a closer look at Latkoczy and Omaha, this edition also includes thoughts on:

• Why last week’s split against Miami felt like a step in the right direction for Arizona State.

• St. Cloud State hasn’t received much attention, thanks to some of the other “surprise” teams in the NCHC, but they’ve been very good.

• The Huskies will be down a defenseman after an odd play on Friday night.

• I’m not quite sure what to make of Minnesota’s struggles, other than to say they just haven’t been very good.

• Analytically, Wisconsin is starting to look more and more like the teams Mike Hastings had at Minnesota State.

• The CCHA is becoming a gauntlet of goaltenders.

• Northern Michigan has struggled, but there are some bright spots — particularly in net.

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