Look for picks in this space every Friday and check back to see how I did on Monday.
Last season, I picked just under two out of three (.641) results correctly. Think you can do better? Email me your picks at ahawriter@uscho.com. and I’ll feature a sampling each week.
This Week’s Picks
Friday October 15 & Saturday, October 16
Western Michigan & Mercyhurst – The Broncos swept the Lakers last season, but this time the action is in Erie. I’m picking a split, which would mean a 400th career win for Laker coach Rick Gotkin. Mercyhurst 4, WMU 2; WMU 3, Mercyhurst 2.
Friday October 15
Holy Cross at AIC – – The Crusaders have never lost an AHA opener (6-0-1) and I think their streak will continue. Holy Cross 4, AIC 2.
Massachusetts-Lowell at Niagara – The Purple Eagles blew a lead on home ice against a Hockey East team last weekend. This time I think they hold on. Niagara 3, Mass-Lowell 2.
Robert Morris at Ohio State – Two, IMHO evenly matched teams but I’ll give the nod to OSU on home ice. OSU 4, Robert Morris 3.
Bentley at Quinnipaic – The Falcons are the final AHA team to see action this season. Quinnipiac 3, Bentley 2.
Saturday, October 16
Connecticut at Merrimack – Both teams are coming off hard-fought ties last weekend. I’m picking the Warriors to come out with a “W”. Merrimack 3, UConn 2.
Massachusetts-Lowell at RIT – RIT’s on-campus rink seats 2,100, but this game will be at the Blue Cross Arena, AHL rink in downtown Rochester. 8,000 seats have already been sold for this one, and the Tigers were finally able to break the BCA “jinx” in last year’s AHA playoffs. And hey, Barry Melrose will be in the house. For all of those reasons, I’m going with the Tigers. RIT 3, Mass-Lowell 2.
Bentley at Rennsselaer – Despite their off-season defections, the Engineers are still expected to be a top team in the ECAC. I think they’ll prevail on home ice. RPI 4, Bentley 2.
Sunday, October 17
Holy Cross at Army – I usually don’t pick against the Black Knights at home. Army 3, Holy Cross 2.
Air Force at Robert Morris – This game will take place at the brand spankin’ new CONSOL Energy Center in downtown Pittsburgh. Robert Morris 3, Air Force 2.
