Well, it is a new season!
One new league, four new teams and the continued pursuit for conference and national title glory coming ahead over the next six months.
In addition to all that is new in the D-II/III landscape on the ice, I plan on trying some different things in the coverage this year starting with this week’s new Games of the Week feature where I will choose one game over the weekend from each conference based on matchup, rankings, rivalry or other to make sure all conferences are getting their fair share of coverage and player recognition. No doubt this is going to be a very interesting season with all the re-alignments and new teams and leagues setting up some dynamic competition – in and out of conference and region. Buckle up – it is going to be a fun ride!
Here are Week One’s picks for the ten games-of-the-week debuting this weekend and looking for more treats than tricks:
Friday, October 31, 2025 – Sunday, November 2, 2025
CNE
(4) Curry v. Norwich
The Cadets and new coach Dominick Dawes will open the season at home against nationally ranked Curry in what should be a playoff atmosphere from the opening puck drop. The Colonels return a deep lineup and will be looking for the emergence of their next great goaltender to follow Shane Soderwall. Not expecting a lot of scoring in this one but not surprised to see an overtime to give the visitors a hard- fought win – Curry, 3-2
Little East
(5) University of New England v. (12) Plymouth State
The rivalry that has grown between these two schools particularly on the national stage has produced great hockey and very close games. There is no reason to suspect it will be any different even with PSU moving over to the Little East this year. Special teams are the likely difference in a contest that will be fast and physical – UNE, 2-1
MAC
(3) Geneseo v. Wilkes
The Knights will challenge one of the front-runners in the MAC conference to open the season and look for the host Colonels to make things a bit difficult for their nationally ranked opponent. Ultimately, Geneseo has better depth and goaltending which carries the day with the benefit of an empty-net goal to seal the road victory– Geneseo, 5-3
MASCAC
Babson v. Fitchburg State
The game or in this case games between Fitchburg State and Babson this weekend is being played for a lot more than the scoreboard. Both teams have come together to play this two-game series on opening weekend in support of Fitchburg native and Babson hockey program member Jake Thibeault who continued his recovery from a spinal injury. There will be specially designed shirts from Babson alum Nik Tasiopoulos that are part of the effort to raise funds and awareness for the Thomas E. Smith Foundation who supports Jake and many others in their never quit attitude to overcome their injuries. The Falcons play host on Friday while Babson will host the second game on Saturday afternoon. Get out and enjoy some great hockey for a terrific cause. Just picking the Friday score with the visitors eking out a win late – Babson, 4-2
MIAC
Concordia (WI) v. Concordia (MN)
Same name, two different states and big rivalry that should make for some fun hockey in the season opener for these two schools separated by state lines. On paper this game could go either way but last year it was the Cobblers who took bragging rights and playing on home ice suits them well in starting the new campaign with a “W” – Concordia (MN), 2-1
NCHA
St Olaf v. (5) St Norbert
The Oles travel for a two-game series with the nationally ranked Green Knights and this series should be fun to watch with a lot of up and down the ice action. The home team has several all-NCHA and All-American talents who showcase their skills in a closer than the scoreboard shows win to kick-off the new 2025-2026 season – St Norbert, 4-1
NE-10
St Michael’s v. MCLA
The Purple Knights will play their first game of the season under new coach Jack Fitzgerald not far from is collegiate playing days in western Massachusetts. MCLA also has a new bench boss trying to build on last year’s great run in the MASCAC playoffs. The boys from Vermont have a bit more depth and skill and take advantage of their power-play to take the win – St Michael’s, 5-2
SUNYAC
(1) Hobart v. Elmira
The irony is not lost on me that both these teams have been immense rivals through multiple different league iterations including the ECAC West, NEHC and now the SUNYAC and UCHC. The three-time defending national champions won’t shy away from any team and this two-game set will set the bar early for both teams. Tough to beat the Statesmen if you can’t score more than two and that is all the soaring Eagles can muster in an opening night win for the visitors – Hobart, 3-2
UCHC
(10) Adrian v. (2) Utica
Speaking of irony, there is a bit of that in this opening weekend series that has thrilled fans over the past several years and has an added twist this year. Goaltender Ryan Piros was a key figure in the Pioneers run to the national title game last season following his mid-season transfer from Dubuque. This season Piros is poised to be the starter for Adrian against his old team to open the weekend. Despite the side story, the Pioneers will eke out a win to open the season – Utica, 3-2
WIAC
(11) Wisconsin – Stevens Point v. Dubuque
The Pointers will play the host school to open the Key City Classic tournament that also features Aurora and Augsburg. Opening weekend hardware is always a great way to get teams focused on playing well from the opening face-off so look for Fletcher Anderson and company to roll in game one of the season-opening tournament – UWSP, 5-2
New year and new expectations for everyone! Whether your team is nationally ranked or brand new like Hiram, Roger Williams, St John Fisher or Western Connecticut State, the journey and twenty-five game season all starts on Friday with hopes for bigger and better come next spring. There is a lot to like in the early non-conference matchups featuring great teams as well as the early season tournaments where collecting a trophy can help build momentum. Can’t start the season or the games without a quote from the legendary Boston hockey scribe, John “Jocko” Connolly that he has graciously allowed me to use for many years – “Drop the Puck!”