Hoof Beats: College hockey world learning about Guerriero

Opponents may still scoff at UAH’s record, but they’re also finding out that when Carmine Guerriero is between the pipes, you’re going to have a tougher time than expected.

College Hockey News recently did a profile on Guerriero, who was an emergency recruit to fill UAH’s need for a third goaltender. Now the Chargers’ No. 35 is their No. 1.

Guerriero stopped 58 of 63 shots at 12th-ranked Omaha on Dec. 20-21 as the Chargers lost a one-goal game and notched a tie. The sophomore from Montréal has been in net for all three UAH wins and two of the three ties. He had a 54-save performance at Minnesota State, and a 44-save game in the overtime loss at Alaska on Dec. 12, where he stone-cold stopped a two-on-none breakaway.

This season, Guerriero has a 2.44 goals against average and a .932 save percentage. That save percentage, which puts him on pace to break Derek Puppa’s UAH single-season record, is good for fourth in a goalie-loaded WCHA. It’s also tied for 11th in all of Division I, all this while facing over 36 shots per game, the most in the WCHA among goaltenders who have played the most minutes for their teams.

Blazers for Chargers: A contingent of green and gold is expected at the Von Braun Center this weekend, but they won’t be cheering for Alaska Anchorage.

The movement #FreeUAB is encouraging Blazer fans, angry at the announced elimination of the UAB football program, to make their voice heard at the UAH hockey game Friday night against the Seawolves.

Former UAH Pep Band member Elliot Brindley, who also played in the UAB Blazer Band, is organizing the gathering. Blazer faithful are asked to wear UAB gear, cheer loud for UAH, and bring signs that say ‪#‎FreeUAB and ‪#‎FreeUAH‬ to hold up during stoppages in play.

Part of it is to show solidarity with fellow University of Alabama system member UAH. The announced cut (and later saving) of UAH hockey in 2011 raised questions about how UAH and UAB sit in the system compared to the main school in Tuscaloosa.

For more information, visit the Facebook event page.

This week’s promotions: The first 500 fans to Friday’s game receive a free set of UAH hockey trading cards. On Saturday, the first 500 fans get a free UAH hockey T-shirt.

As always this season, kids 12 and under get free admission courtesy of Huntsville International Airport.

Blue Line Club luncheon: Before every home series, come meet and greet with the coaches at the Blue Line Club luncheon. This Friday at noon at the Varisty Room, Alaska Anchorage head coach Matt Thomas and UAH head coach Mike Corbett will speak.

Terranova’s is catering. Tickets are $8 at the door, and free for Blue Line Club members.