No. 10 Wisconsin-Eau Claire versus Lake Forest: Lake Forest 3-1, Wisconsin-Eau Claire 2-1
The Foresters got outshot by the Blugolds, 37-17, and had the majority of the 11 penalties that occurred in the game. However, Lake Forest did something Wisconsin-Eau Claire did not, as the Foresters capitalized on their opportunities. The win for the Foresters was driven by the defense and goaltending in the first game. In the second game, the shots were skewed again in favor of Wisconsin-Eau Claire 47-17. However, in the second game the Blugolds found the back of the net just enough to win the game. Unfortunately, the loss on Friday night could be enough to bump Wisconsin-Eau Claire out of the top 10 rankings.
No. 4 St. Thomas versus No. 9 Gustavus Adolphus: St. Thomas 3-1, Tie 2-2
St. Thomas has impeccable defense and goaltending this year. This Friday night, Gustavus had 21 shots on net, which just wasn’t enough to get past a seasoned veteran between the pipes like St. Thomas has. Similarly, St. Thomas did not have many shots on net themselves with just 13. The difference was that they must have been quality shots for three of them to get behind goaltender Amanda DiNella. The tie on Saturday was not surprising, as many top matchups in the West have ended in a tie this year. I would be surprised if either team moved in the rankings as a result of this weekend results.
No. 8 Hamline versus Augsburg: Tie 2-2, Hamline 3-2
The tie Friday actually helps Augsburg as they continue to try and climb in the MIAC standings. From Hamline’s perspective, it’s not a great outcome as they are fighting for the first-place spot with St. Thomas. Augsburg must be happy with the weekend outcome as they were able to hold a ranked opponent to a close game. That result is measured for the conference way beyond the score.
Oswego versus Potsdam: Potsdam 3-2, Tie 1-1
The loss and tie Oswego suffered over the weekend hurts their race for the regular season title in the NEWHL. They will now need to work hard to earn second place in the conference standings. Potsdam is now tied for second in the NEWHL standings with Oswego. This weekend could not have gone better for the Bears. Potsdam still has many important conference games that remain on their schedule.
No. 3 Elmira versus Manhattanville: Elmira 2-0, 2-0
This was a key matchup for Elmira to win as they continue to be a top team in the UCHC. It’s great to see Manhattanville hold the number three team in the country to only two goals a game. Manhattanville is continuing to have a good season and could potentially get an upset in the conference playoffs. The UCHC is strong and has great potential to be one of the best conferences down the road.
No. 2 Adrian versus Trine: Adrian 2-1 (OT)
Trine has officially become the dark horse of the NCHA. Trine upset Lake Forest earlier in the year and almost beat the number two team in the country this weekend. The shots of this game were 52-15; goaltender Molly Scarborough for Trine is the main reason they were able to hold the Bulldogs to overtime. Adrian senior Kortney Diaz scored the tying goal and overtime winner to push past the Thunder.
