It is the last weekend of the first half for some and that implies a pretty big sense of urgency in closing out the first half with some positive momentum. I could use some of that positivity as well as my picks last week finished at 9-7-0 (.563) which certainly does not help my winning percentage moving in a positive direction. Overall, my record is now 30-20-2 (.596) so time to pick a little better as the first half winds to a close. Here are this week’s picks:
Thursday, December 5, 2019
Anna Maria @Plymouth State
The AmCats have been rolling and the Panthers come home licking their wounds from a tough Utica tournament. Home ice cures a lot of ills and the Panthers rebound with a hard-fought win late in the third period – Plymouth State, 2-1
Friday, December 6, 2019
Middlebury @ Amherst
The offenses have not been lighting up scoreboards, but the chances are there for both teams. The Mammoths need this one and need to score more than one which takes overtime against a tough Panther squad – Amherst, 2- 1
No. 3 Hobart @ No. 15 New England College
The Pilgrims have been playing well and their first line is as productive as any out there in D-III. The Statesmen are rested and ready for a battle on the road. Last team with the puck wins and its Hobart by one – Hobart, 4-3
Brockport @ No. 5 Geneseo
The Knights feel a little stung after their loss at home to Williams last weekend and it is highly likely they will have some more grit in their game as travel partner Brockport comes to visit. The Golden Eagles are not to be taken lightly and fall just short in this key SUNYAC matchup – Geneseo, 4-3
No. 8 Utica @ Stevenson
If you want to make your presence known in the conference, then go beat one of the leading teams. The Mustangs have been rolling but will need to get in front early on the Pioneers. Hang on for a crazy third period – Stevenson, 4-3
Saturday, December 7, 2018
Franklin Pierce @ St. Anselm
The ravens have been rolling and now face the perennial power in the NE-10. Can you say statement game? The hawks can as they eke out a win in a goal filled affair at home – St. Anselm, 5-4
No. 12 Oswego @ Fredonia
Fredonia made big strides in winning the Castleton Tournament. Now they face an Oswego team that found its offense and got its swagger back. Blue Devils always tough at home but special teams are the difference for the visitors – Oswego, 4-3
Canton @ Albertus Magnus
This battle of independents will be fun to watch as both teams like to play fast and push the offense. That said goals will not be easy to come by and the Kangaroos need an ENG to seal the deal – Canton, 4-2
No. 7 Salve Regina @ Curry
The Colonels like their new home at the Ice Den and need to salvage a split on the weekend to stay among the conference leaders. It is not easy, but Justin Ketola steals one for Curry – Curry, 3-2
As fast it as it starts in November, the sprint that is the first half is closing quickly. No time like now to play some winning hockey – “Drop the Puck!”
