Here we go. Another year of picking games in the West region of NCAA Division III hockey. The most interesting one of the weekend is the game between St. Thomas and reigning champ Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
Friday
Concordia at Wisconsin-River Falls
The Cobbers are hungry for their first win after losing both games last weekend. They face a Falcons team that is unbeaten through two games. Wis.-River Falls has the potential to score a lot of goals and Concordia will need to slow that attack down out of the gate to have a shot. Wis.-River Falls, 4-2
Friday and Saturday
Bethel vs. Saint John’s
This is a home-and-home series starting at Saint John’s. It’s a chance for the Royals to build off its opening night win last week. For Saint John’s, there is motivation to not only get its first win but get an early jump on the chase for the MIAC title. Saint John’s 5-3 and 4-2
Hamline vs. Augsburg
Hamline opens this home-and-home on the road. The Pipers will need their best effort to pull off the upset. The Auggies are riding the high of winning both games during their first weekend of the season and have a chance to get an early jump on their quest to win the MIAC. The four-time tourney champs have a lot of options offensively and aren’t bad on defense either. Augsburg, 5-1 and 4-2
Lake Forest at St. Norbert
This is a big test for the Foresters, especially on the road where the Green Knights don’t lose too often. Lake Forest needs to be sharp on defense the entire way. St. Nobert has been the class of the NCHA for quite some time and has an opportunity to set the tone for another title run. St. Norbert, 4-2 and 5-2
Adrian at Marian
The Bulldogs and Sabres are always in the mix for the NCHA crown. It’s a huge weekend for both teams. Adrian already has two games under its belt and has shown it should once again be one of the better offensive teams in the country. Marian is playing for the first time this season. Adrian, 5-3; Marian 3-2
Trine at Lawrence
The Thunder has shown a lot of promise and its up against a Vikings team looking for its first win of the year. Both teams have shown they can score goals. Expect this one to be tight throughout. Trine, 3-2; Lawrence, 2-1
Saturday
Saint Thomas at Wis.-Stevens Point
Doesn’t get much better than early-season showdown between two of the better teams in Division III hockey. The Tommies have a chance to make an early-season statement. The Pointers want to send a message they are still the best team in hockey after splitting with St. Norbert last weekend. Give the home team the edge. But not by much. Wis.-Stevens Point 3-2
