Well, last weekend saw a number of teams fall from the ranks of the unbeaten while several other teams earned hard fought holiday tournament titles to further validate their play and build positive momentum. The first half is rapidly coming to a close with some teams already having completed the early portion of their schedule. It may be hard to keep focus with finals on the horizon but there are still some games to be played including several huge matchups that could have significant league implications down the road.
Here are the weekend’s GOTW picks for the marque schedule on tap:
Friday, December 5, 2025 – Sunday, December 7, 2025
CNE
(8) Curry v. (7) University of New England
It is hard to believe that these two teams will complete their season series in the first half but that just means any later matchup will be in the playoffs. The Nor’easters took the first game at Curry and while both teams are coming off losses, the home team really wants the points and potential tiebreaker come playoff time in a few months. Close game with an ENG providing the final cushion – UNE, 4-2
Little East
Salem State v. Plymouth State
Both teams are very much looking to conclude the first half on a positive note so expect the game intensity to be there on both sides. The Vikings have struggled with consistency for a full sixty minutes and that is where the Panthers will pounce and take advantage of the few minor mistakes by the visitors. Special teams lead the way – PSU, 5-3
MAC
(15) Wilkes v. Stevenson
The Colonels may have flown under the radar for many to start the season but the MAC has three series contenders battling to close out strong and this game is a must-win as the trip to Maryland is always a tough place to play for the opposition. Surprisingly offensive game as the visitors take an exciting overtime game against a fierce rival – Wilkes, 5-4
MASCAC
Anna Maria v. Fitchburg State
While both teams have mid-week games to play in conference, it is likely that both will be unbeaten in league play for the matchup on Saturday hosted by the Falcons. It has taken awhile for both teams to find their identity, but it has finally emerged and the AmCats show why they are a serious contender in MASCAC with a road win over the defending champions – AMC, 6-3
MIAC
Gustavus Adolphus v. Augsburg
The Gusties and Auggies are not going to score in bunches so expect tis physical contest to be a low-scoring affair. Augsburg was bitten by the overtime goal not long ago against Marian and the Gusties add to the extra session pain with an overtime win. Look for Wilmer Svensson to play a big role in the win – Gustavus Adolphus, 3-2
NCHA
(5) St Norbert v. (10) Trine
The Green Knights schedule certainly has been one of the most difficult in the country in the first half and it doesn’t get any easier with two games against the Thunder on the road. Always nice to be the home team in the NCHA and Trine takes advantage of not being on the long bus ride to eke out a one-goal win in a very physical contest – Trine, 4-3
NESCAC
(13) Bowdoin v. Tufts
Both teams are coming off tournament titles over the Thanksgiving holiday and therefore are carrying some good momentum into the final conference games in the first half. The Jumbos have been very good with ranked opponents over the past two weeks and add another victory to their resume with a one-goal win over the Polar Bears on home ice – Tufts, 3-2
NE-10
Post v. Southern New Hampshire
The NE-10 standings find both teams at the bottom but looking to find their way upwards to close out the first half schedule. The league has been very topsy-turvy with results so looking for an Eagles upset win over the Penmen to start tightening things up in the conference. Late rally by the visitors gets the points – Post, 5-3
SUNYAC
(1) Hobart v. (4) Oswego
Never mind the Game-of-the-Week designation, this might be the game of the first half! Both teams have non-conference games on Saturday against Brockport (Hobart) and Utica (Oswego) but the focus is going to be on the all-important SUNYAC matchup between the defending national champions vs. the defending conference champions. This is so big I bet Mr. SUNYAC will be in attendance. Special teams could be a factor here but depth and goaltending are the difference for the Statesmen in a “statemen-t” win over the Lakers – Hobart, 2-0
UCHC
St John Fisher v. (9) Geneseo
The Cardinals are coming off a big tournament win at Castleton while the Knights bounced back from a 3-0 loss to Amherst with a 7-3 win against Williams. The UCHC newcomers are playing like anything but a new program but playing at “The Ira” is a challenge for everyone. Home ice is worth one goal and that is the margin in a playoff style affair that Geneseo needs to win – Geneseo, 3-2
WIAC
Wisconsin – River Falls v. Wisconsin – Superior
The Yellowjackets close out the first half with four WIAC games starting with River Falls on Friday night. The home team has been just okay on home ice so far this season and the visitors take advantage early to steal a big road win and points in the conference standings. Lots of offense for the fans to enjoy in this one – UWRF, 5-4
The crescendo keeps building as just when you think the matchups or games can’t have higher stakes, they continue to supply drama right into the end of the first half and holiday season. Just two weekends remaining for teams to spend the break delighted with their play or dwelling on how things will be better and different in the second half. No time like the present to showcase the best hockey you have – “Drop the Puck!”