And the hits, as in great matchups, just keep coming across the D-II/III landscape…
The NCHA features a second battle in as many weekends as the No. 2 (Aurora) and No. 3 (St Norbert) play a two-game series just a week removed from a thrilling Aurora v. Adrian series. Elsewhere the league battles are in full force with the few unbeatens facing determined and competitive rivals in week four of the season.
Here are this week’s picks for all conferences as the action heats up heading into Thanksgiving:
Friday, November 21, 2025 – Sunday, November 23, 2025
CNE
Nichols v. (7) Curry
While Curry has already lost a game in CNE play, Nichols has reeled off three wins in a row entering the weekend series that will tell a lot about both teams’ trajectories in the league. The Colonels have historically been very good at home and should beware a Bison squad with growing confidence after a 4-1-0 start overall in their first five games. This one will be physical and close with the home team taking the third period for the win – Curry, 4-2
Little East
Southern Maine v. (13) Babson
The Beavers sit atop the standings as one of the few remaining teams in D-III with a clean record at 6-0-0. Sitting right behind them in second place is Southern Maine who started out fast and dropped their first games of the season last weekend. Home ice, style of play and better depth help the home team continue their winning ways – Babson, 4-3
MAC
King’s v. Neumann
This is my MAC GOTW because it is also the TRAP ALERT GOTW. Neumann is unbeaten in their first four games in the conference while King’s has struggled to start the new season. Beware a fast start from the visitors who ultimately succumb to the arsenal of weapons for the Knights in a game that needs an empty-net goal for breathing room at the end – Neumann, 5-3
MASCAC
Worcester State v. Fitchburg State
The defending MASCAC champs are not off to a great start but have an opportunity to build on an unblemished conference record against the Lancers. It is still early but both teams could use some good momentum and some wins which the Falcons extend their streak after a Thursday night rout over Framingham State (8-0) before finding just enough goals to beat Worcester State on home ice – FSU, 4-3
MIAC
St Scholastica v. Augsburg
The Auggies look like they will be contenders in the topsy-turvy MIAC but cannot look past a St Scholastica team that plays some gritty hockey. Landon Parker and Peyton Hansen have been producing goals with frequency for the home team and they continue to carry the load in a hard-fought win over the Saints – Augsburg, 3-1
NCHA
(3) St Norbert v. (2) Aurora
The gauntlet begins early with games that will likely have standings or tiebreaker implications come playoff time. Just one week removed from two epic battles with Adrian, the Spartans play host to the perennial powerhouse from St Norbert. We all know what Logan Dombrowsky brings to the table for SNC while Hassan Akl has been outstanding for the home team. Look for last season’s ROTY, Landry Schmuck to be a factor in a thrilling overtime win – Aurora, 4-3
NESCAC
Tufts v. Middlebury
The Jumbos jumped out to a 2-0-0 record with wins over Wesleyan and Trinity last weekend while the Panthers limp home after and 0-2 weekend in Maine. Tufts has had the better of the Panthers in recent years but playing at “the Chip” will help Revy Mack & Company pick up a much-needed win in conference play – Middlebury, 3-2
NE-10
Southern New Hampshire v. Assumption
The Greyhounds have been red hot to start the season going 5-1-1 in their opening games entering the weekend. Jonathan Surrette has been on fire with eight goals already on the season while Callum Welch and Michael Salvatore have been rock-solid in goal with just twelve goals surrendered on the young season. If the formula works don’t mess with it and the Greyhounds take advantage of the hot hands – Assumption, 5-3
SUNYAC
Cortland v. Plattsburgh
The Red Dragons enter the weekend 2-0-0 in SUNYAC play but travel to Skidmore before facing the Cardinals on Saturday afternoon where the home team will celebrate their 50th anniversary of the hockey program. Bad timing for the visitors as the crowd, past alum and a strong record at home help PSU eke out a one-goal win in overtime just to add some drama – Plattsburgh, 3-2
UCHC
(6) Geneseo v. Nazareth
After a 1-1-1 start to the season, the Knights have reeled off three straight wins including two on the road against new UCHC member Albertus Magnus last weekend. Don’t look for any slowdown in the Knights game which means lots of shots on the net and likely enough goals to keep their conference win streak alive in front of an enthusiastic home crowd – Geneseo, 4-2
WIAC
(14) Wisconsin – Superior v. Wisconsin – Eau Claire
The WIAC opens play this weekend and Superior visits UWEC on the front-end of a weekend that sees UWSP in a Saturday matchup. Have to play them one at a time and the Yellowjackets have taken advantage of the Noah’s Ark approach to scoring (7 players with two goals apiece to date) to eke out some close wins. Looks like another one-goal game and some important points for the visitors on Friday night – UWS, 3-2
It is almost one month into the season and lots going on everywhere to excite fans across the country. Some marque matchups on tap – “Drop the Puck!”