The level of play across each of the conferences has been great so far and everything is shaping up for some chaotic conference battles in January and February. Like some teams, my game improved a lot this past weekend as I finished with a record of 7-1-1 (.833) among some interesting matchups in and out of conference play. Overall, my record is now 47-27-5 (.627). Things appear to be headed in a positive direction and I definitely need to build on the momentum – sounds a little like “coach speak.”
Here are this week’s picks which see a return to all-important league play:
Thursday, January 16, 2020
Worcester State @ Massachusetts-Dartmouth
The Corsairs are typically very tough at home and Steven Leonard has proven to be a go-to player for UMD who still needs an empty-net goal to put this on ice – UMD, 5-3
Friday, January 17, 2020
Babson @ Massachusetts-Boston
This home-and-home travel partner series always generates some great and interesting hockey. Throw out the home-ice advantage between these two teams and look for the Beavers to continue their success at Clark Center – Babson, 3-1
Stonehill @ Southern New Hampshire
Stonehill has found their game in the last couple of weeks but face a Penmen team that still expects to be among the top teams in the NE-10. A little more offense than either coach would like but SNHU wins it in OT – SNHU, 5- 4
Plattsburgh @ Middlebury
This is one of the best long-time rivalries in the D-III ranks no matter where or when the game is played. The Panthers are looking to rebound after a tough weekend at home last week and eke by the Cardinals in a close one – Middlebury, 4-3
Albertus Magnus @ No. 13 Williams
The Falcons have discovered their winning ways but face the challenge of meeting a ranked team on the road. Mark this one as part of the NCAA learning curve and a Williams win – Williams, 5-2
Saturday, January 18, 2020
Endicott @ No. 10 Salve Regina
The Seahawks usually start building their momentum about now in search of the top seed in the CCC. Endicott will be a worthy challenger, but the home ice makes the difference for the Seahawks, barely – Salve Regina, 3-2
No. 4 Norwich @ New England College
The Cadets don’t really score a lot but equally they don’t give up much either. First goal, early goal matters in this one that generates lo9ts of excitement right to the final buzzer – Norwich, 3-2
No. 6 Utica @ No. 12 Wilkes
The Pioneers have been rolling against some top-flight talent and now face the UCHC leader in the standings who stumbled at Cortland on Tuesday night. Some call this a statement game, I call it an OT thriller – Utica, 4-3
Bowdoin @ No. 1 Trinity
The Polar Bears have won three in a row and seven of their last nine but now take on the nation’s No. 1 team on the road. This one is closer than some may think but the Bantams don’t mind playing them that way – Trinity, 2-1
Every weekend has many marquee matchups and this weekend has some that carry some league intrigue and all-important points – “Drop the Puck!”
