Saturday marks the start of the Division I men’s college hockey season, and ECAC Hockey teams are involved in both games scheduled for today. Rensselaer, Clarkson, St. Lawrence and Quinnipiac are also hosting exhibition games this weekend as well. Check back later in the week for a complete season preview for the 2017-18 season.
Niagara at Colgate, 4 p.m.
The Raiders always seem to be one of the first teams in Division I to get underway, and this year is no exception. The school is hosting a pregame tailgate from 2 to 4 p.m. outside of the Class of 1965 arena. Colgate will be relying on a number of younger players this season, including sophomore Colton Point in goal. Early season games are tough to get a read on, but I’ll go with the home team. Colgate wins
Union at Boston University, 7:30 p.m.
Union lost a lot of firepower from last year’s team, but I don’t think offense will be a problem for the Dutchmen this season. The real question will if Union can improve defensively. That will be a tough task against the Terriers, who beat the Dutchmen 5-4 in overtime last season. BU’s roster includes former Rensselaer forward Drew Melanson, who played three years for the Engineers but left in the offseason to play as a graduate transfer for the Terriers. Boston University wins
