Friday, Jan. 26
Massachusetts Boston vs. No. 2 Norwich
UMass Boston is just two points behind Norwich in the NEHC. Norwich is perfect in conference play thus far and is scoring at an incredible pace. UMass Boston will have its hands full looking to keep them in check. Norwich has the advantage here. Norwich 5-3
Friday-Saturday, Jan. 26-27
No. 5 Middlebury at Hamilton
Hamilton is actually in second place in the NESCAC at the moment, two points behind Connecticut College. Middlebury is one point back from Hamilton. Both of these two have very stingy defenses, and goals could be at a premium. Hamilton took both of their games when they met last season, so Middlebury will be looking for a bit of revenge. I’ll take Middlebury to sweep. Middlebury 3-2, 2-1
Wisconsin-Superior vs No. 7 Wisconsin-River Falls (home-and-home)
These two teams are tied atop the WIAC with seven points. Wis.-River Falls is a high-powered offense, but Wis.-Superior took their only meeting thus far this season. Wis.-River Falls is looking to stay ranked nationally. I’m going to take a flyer and say Wis.-River Falls sweeps this. Wisconsin-River Falls 4-2, 5-4
Concordia (Minn.) at No. 8 St. Thomas
Concordia is currently in third in the MIAC, just three points behind the leader and a single point behind St. Thomas. These two split their series last season, with both games being decided by a single goal. St. Thomas is better on defense, while Concordia is a bit more prolific on offense. This could be an interesting series. I’ll pick a split. St. Thomas 2-1, Concordia 4-3
Manhattanville at William Smith
These two are meeting up for the first time in the UCHC. William Smith is four points behind Manhattanville in the standings, but the two teams are fairly evenly matched. I expect they’ll split the weekend. Manhattanville 3-2, William Smith 2-1
