SUNYAC picks: Jan. 11

The SUNYAC weekend slate features another full offering of nonconference games, a handful of which ( Plattsburgh’s tilts against Middlebury and Williams) could have some interesting implications in the national polls. The rest could produce some interesting hockey, which, after all, is why we flock to the rinks. (Last week’s picks: 1-2)
Friday, Jan. 11
Potsdam at Western New England
The Bears will want to get some traction going before the SUNYAC schedule resumes next week, and doing so against the ECAC North leaders will be difficult to do. It’s an opportunity for top scorers Mike Arnold and Justin Cope to turn up with big performances. The guess here is that they will. Potsdam 5-4
Saturday, Jan. 12
No. 13 Williams at No. 10 Plattsburgh
The back half of what could be a defining weekend for the Cardinals, following what will likely be a tough challenge from unranked Middlebury. When it’s all said and done, Plattsburgh should be feeling pretty good. Plattsburgh 4-3
Nazareth at No. 5 Oswego
Nazareth is a spunky outfit that is capable of pulling off an upset. Such will not be the case at the expense of the Lakers, who are likely feeling snarly after being thumped badly, 6-0 by Utica, last time out. Oswego 7-1