Well, for the most part, the non-conference games are done. It’s now, all about the league play and points for the next four to five weeks so get ready for some dramatic shifts in the standings as every team gets focused on what matters most in the second half. Can only control the game you are playing but no doubt there will be some scoreboard watching around the country as teams look for some results elsewhere to help their position.
Here are the picks for the GOTW this weekend that feature some terrific matchups in conference action:
Friday, January 22, 2026 – Sunday, January 25, 2026
CNE
Suffolk v. Johnson & Wales
The Rams have become interlopers in the CNE standings and have no intention of giving up any ground. Coach MacEachern’s group best remember that the Wildcats took one from Curry last weekend on home ice. Close one but the visitors get it done with an ENG for the final score – Suffolk, 4-2
Little East
Keene State v. Southern Maine
The Huskies are in the mix but will need to continue winning if they want to stay in shouting distance of Norwich and Babson. Home ice against an Owl squad that has had moments of great hockey this season is helpful as the Huskies eke out a one-goal win for some needed points – USM, 4-3
MAC
Arcadia v. King’s
After a couple of tough losses to Alvernia, the Knights need to bounce back if they want a shot at moving up in the MAC standings. King’s hasn’t had much success on home ice this season so a fast start helps the visitors to a nice win – Arcadia, 5-2
MASCAC
Worcester State v. Anna Maria
It is a three-way tie at the top of the standings between Anna maria, Fitchburg State and Westfield State so winning your game is most important to at least staying at the top. Big win last week over Salve Regina followed by a lackluster loss to Williams for the AmCats who bounce back against the Lancers – AMC, 5-3
MIAC
St. John’s v. St. Mary’s
Eight points separate first from eighth in the MIAC and just three points separate these two teams as both look to build momentum in conference games following a lot of WIAC crossover action. Going with the visitors who have been a very good road team this season and pick up a needed league win by a goal – St. John’s, 4-3
NCHA
MSOE v. (5) St. Norbert
The Green Knights had their hands full with Concordia (WI) last weekend earning a split in two hard fought games where goals were at a premium. The Raiders sit in fifth but have opportunity to challenge the big four in the NCHA. Tough place to play where the home team starts fast and hangs on for a needed conference win – St. Norbert, 4-3
NESCAC
Tufts v. Trinity
The Bantams had their eight-game win streak snapped at Bowdoin last weekend and really need wins to move up a congested leaderboard in the NESCAC. The Jumbos are just one point ahead of Trinity who use some home-ice advantage and special teams to take a one-goal win in regulation for very important points – Trinity, 3-2
NE-10
St. Anselm v. St. Michael’s
These two teams always battle regardless of record and position in the standings. That said, the Purple Knights and Hawks are both chasing Assumption who sits atop the NE-10 standings. Coach Fitzgerald has the Purple Knights playing good hockey going 8-2-0 in their last ten games. Season sweep is on the table for the home team who doesn’t look past the opportunity – St. Michael’s, 5-3
SUNYAC
(1) Hobart v. Plattsburgh
The Hobart Statesmen have been a juggernaut at 16-0-0 on the season but a look at the standings finds the men in orange with just a two-point lead over Oswego. There are no gimmes or nights off in the SUNYAC and despite an aggressive start by the Cardinals, the visitors get rolling for a “closer than the score win” – Hobart, 5-2
UCHC
Elmira v. (12) Geneseo
Last weekend the Knights uncharacteristically lost to a winless Manhattanville squad in UCHC action before recovering for a game two blowout win. Utica is behind the Knights in the standings but holds games in hand making this long-time rivalry game a must-win for the home team. Alex Dameski & Company get it done – Geneseo, 5-2
WIAC
Wisconsin – Stevens Point v. (15) Wisconsin – Stout
Another conference that sees a tight race and matchups that can go either way starting this week through the end of the season. Stout has been very good on home ice while the Pointers have struggled on the road. Sounds like a formula for success in keeping the Blue Devils in close proximity to league leading UWEC – UWS, 5-4
Even more now, the results and points matter. There are just a few weeks remaining on the regular season calendar so the time for focus, discipline, effort and commitment on the ice have never been more important – “Drop the Puck!”