If this week’s schedule doesn’t get fans excited about some D-III hockey, then I am not sure what will. Matchups everywhere amongst contending teams with valuable points on the line as battles within conferences heat up. Even coaches are likely going to be doing a little scoreboard watching to see if any help comes from other game results. It’s almost February so time to turn up the volume on some great hockey!
Here are the picks for the GOTW this weekend that will be important in conference races everywhere:
Thursday, January 29, 2026 – Sunday, February 1, 2026
CNE
(8) University of New England v. Johnson & Wales
The Wildcats are often less than hospitable hosts as Curry found out a couple of weeks back. The Nor’easters are in that tight battle for the top spot so no slip ups or slow starts are in order in an important road game. Too much depth for the visitors who get enough for the “W” – UNE, 4-2
Little East
(9) Babson v. Southern Maine
The Beavers are battling Norwich for the top spot but the Huskies are lurking just a couple of points back. Home team wants it to be a three-team race for the regular season crown but the Beavers will take advantage of depth and balanced scoring to eke out a win – Babson, 3-2
MAC
Misericordia v. Stevenson
In the merry-go-round of games amongst top teams, the Mustangs find themselves atop the MAC but best not look past a hungry Misericordia squad that would love to take an upset win. It’s not how you start but how you finish and the Mustangs have a huge third period to post the win – Stevenson, 5-2
MASCAC
Fitchburg State v. Westfield State
The Falcons travel to play the Owls with both teams in the mix for the top spot currently held by Fitchburg. Don’t under-estimate the host team who has repeatedly surprised opponents on home ice. Seesaw affair that needs some but not a lot of bonus hockey and that means a big road win for the Falcons – Fitchburg State, 5-4
MIAC
Hamline v. St. John’s
The MIAC is so tight that a good weekend for you and a bad one for someone else could vault you up in the standings. The Johnnies get that and put on a great show for the home fans in a less than comfortable win over a plucky Hamline squad – St. John’s, 4-2
NCHA
(6) Adrian v. (5) St. Norbert
Mark this one down as the series of the weekend with both teams sitting just three points apart in the NCHA. Expect playoff like hockey where special teams and solid goaltending are likely to be factors in the outcome. Only going with the green Knights because it is in their “barn.” Could be a portent of playoffs to come but overtime gives it that feeleing – St. Norbert, 4-3
NESCAC
Trinity v. (3) Hamilton
TRAP GAME ALERT – The Bantams have struggled in conference games but have too good a roster to be dwelling at the bottom of the standings. The visitors come out hot but the home team and Sage-faithful can handle anything coming their way these days. A big win for the Continentals to extend their NESCAC points advantage – Hamilton, 3-2
NE-10
St. Michael’s v. Assumption
The top two teams in the NE-10 have been playing some very good hockey over the last month setting up a great two-game series this weekend. Both teams have some prolific scoring but one more save from Evan Plunkett is the difference in a big road win for the Purple Knights – St. Michael’s, 5-4
SUNYAC
Buffalo State v. Fredonia
The western SUNYAC teams play travel partner hockey and it is always entertaining. Fredonia has been struggling in home games and the Bengals take advantage by scoring early to put the Blue Devils on their heels. Much needed points for the visitors who are looking to move up in the standings – Buffalo State, 5-2
UCHC
(13) Geneseo v. Chatham
The Knights have been less than stellar in recent Friday games against Manhattanville and Elmira. The Cougars desperately want to pick up a quality win in conference that will nullify some discussion about their non-league schedule. Lots of high-end talent on the ice here to watch and enjoy but the visitors come off the bus ready to go and take a nice win – Geneseo, 5-3
WIAC
Wisconsin – Eau Claire v. (14) Wisconsin – Superior
The Blugolds and Yellowjackets always play some intense hockey. The visitors have been rolling of late and look to build on that success and add another win over UWS as things start to get tight in the WIAC standings. Logan Ganz scores a big goal, or two for the visiting team – UWEC, 4-3
The number of games remaining is dwindling as the need for results and points increases accordingly. No time like now to start playing your best hockey – “Drop the Puck!”