It is the second weekend in the New Year and while there are still non-conference games in abundance, the serious conference schedules are beginning everywhere as teams ramp up their game in the second half. Every point matters more from here to the end of the regular season so if you did make a New Year’s resolution about playing your best hockey, now is the time to start executing on that wish.
Here are the selections for the GOTW this weekend that feature some intriguing matchups:
Friday, January 9, 2026 – Sunday, January 12, 2026
CNE
Suffolk v. (7) University of New England
Suffolk has competed hard every game and has not always been rewarded with the outcome for the level of performance on the ice. The Nor’easters come off a loss to Bowdoin in the inaugural Lobster Pot Tournament so look for a rebound on home ice where the hosts eke one out with some bonus hockey played – UNE, 3-2
Little East
Plymouth State v. (7) Babson
This battle between Little East contenders will be a fun game to watch considering the skill levels on both teams. The Panthers come off a weekend split whereas Babson is still basking in the trophy glow from winning at the Oswego Classic. Driscoll, Fallon and Mueller are a pretty good trio and help the home team win a close one – Babson, 4-3
MAC
Stevenson v. Neumann
Along with Wilkes these are the top teams in the MAC so taking a win in head-to-head matchups help with both points and tiebreakers if needed down the road. Expecting a lot of goals in this one with the visitors catching their hosts by surprise with a fast start that is just good enough to steal a victory – Stevenson, 5-4
MASCAC
Manhattanville v. Anna Maria
The Valiants have struggled this year so far but broke through against New England College last weekend to earn their first “W” of the season. The AmCats best not look past this squad because despite no league points on the line, there is pride and building a good second half that could erase distant memories of the first half. Fast start by the home team is the difference in this one – AMC, 6-3
MIAC
St. Mary’s v. Gustavus
Both teams are chasing St John’s and don’t want to lose any ground as the MIAC craziness is set to kick into high gear. Would normally go with the home team but forward Joona Juntunen and goaltender Adam Prokop can keep the Cardinals in any game and help them get a big win on the road against a tough rival – St. Mary’s, 4-2
NCHA
Marian v. Lawrence
The Vikings are on a three-game heater and skating on home ice looking to creep even closer to .500 on the season. First-year Ethan Johnson leads the team in goals and points and would love to add to the stat pack with some points against Marian. This one may need some overtime to determine a winner – Lawrence, 4-3
NESCAC
(9) Bowdoin v. (5) Hamilton
Bowdoin is coming off wins that earned them the Lobster Pot trophy while Hamilton is looking to bounce back from their first loss at Curry. The one thing about NESCAC that remains true is truly anyone can beat anyone and the Polar Bears have something to prove as true contenders against the defending champions. Tough place to win on the road and the Continentals score late to take a big win over Bowdoin – Hamilton, 3-2
NE-10
Worcester State v. Post
The Eagles don’t give up many goals but they don’t score a lot either. The Lancers are also a score by committee group and special teams are likely to be a factor in this one with the visitors taking advantage of some man-up situations late to skate away with a nice road win – Worcester State, 5-3
SUNYAC
Cortland v. (1) Hobart
TRAP GAME ALERT – Returning to SUNYAC play, the No. 1 ranked Statesmen best be ready for a team that likes to skate hard, hit hard and score a lot just like they do. Cortland will love playing up the underdog status but “The Cooler” is a tough place to play and Hobart doesn’t give goals or games away. After a slow start Team Orange gets it done– Hobart, 5-2
UCHC
Nazareth v. (13) Utica
This game was almost my trap game what with Nazareth having defeated Norwich and Cortland to win the Northfield Savings Bank Tournament last weekend in dramatic fashion. Definitely do not want to give the Pioneers power play opportunities and the Golden Flyers keep things close but can’t find that golden goal late to grab another big win – Utica, 3-2
WIAC
Wisconsin – Eau Claire v. MSOE
Everyone talks about how the NCHA is loaded with Adrian, Aurora, St Norbert and Trine but teams need to look out for MSOE who are quietly entering the conversation as a fifth contender. Eau Claire sits atop the WIAC but has struggled on the road a bit at 4-3-0 away from the friendly confines of Hobbs Ice Center. Looking for some fireworks in this one as the home team scores late to take a nice win against a very tough opponent – MSOE, 5-4
Here we go with more games that matter as the weekends continue to tick off the calendar in the 2025-26 season. Best not to have any lingering rust from the holidays and be ready to play the full sixty, or more to earn wins and points – “Drop the Puck!”