And the countdown continues as weekends and games dwindle to impact any team’s quest for points and ascension in the standings. As usual all the games matter but some more than others as the matchup presents an opportunity to gain on a team ahead in the standings. Look for more craziness to unfold across the country and who knows where the upset bug will bite this weekend?
Here are the prognostications for the GOTW this weekend that will be scoreboard watching-worthy everywhere:
Thursday, February 5, 2026 – Sunday, February 8, 2026
CNE
(10) Endicott v. (11) Curry
The Gulls have some ground to make up after dropping one to Western New England last weekend and the Colonels are a tough team at home to garner any points. Playoff style game and atmosphere where goaltender Peter Sterling is the difference maker for the visitors in an OT win– Endicott, 3-2
Little East
Plymouth State v. Massachusetts-Boston
The Panthers have been an up-and-down team this year as have the Beacons but look for Jude Kurtas and Jazz Krivtsov to shine for the home team as they pick up a nice win on home ice and look to make up some ground in the Little East standings – UMB, 3-2
MAC
Wilkes v. Neumann
Both teams are looking up at Stevenson so a win in this key matchup is bordering on must-win territory if aspirations for the regular season title and top seed are targeted by both teams. The Knights take advantage of home ice and an empty net goal or two provides the final margin of victory – Neumann, 5-2
MASCAC
Rivier v. Salem State
The Vikings may fit the adage about “it’s not how you start but how you finish that matters.” After a rough start to the season, the Vikings keep moving up the standings and need to win games they should see victory in games that all matter now. Rockin’ at the Rockett with a nice win and some positive momentum for the stretch run – Salem State, 5-2
MIAC
Bethel v. St. Mary’s
Bethel was atop the league going into last weekend and suffered a pair of losses to Gustavus while St. Mary’s has also moved up the table after last weekend. Do not see a sweep for either team this weekend but a split with a win on respective home-ice is more than likely the outcomes. Picking the home team here – St. Mary’s, 4-2
NCHA
MSOE v. (3) Aurora
The Spartans split a big series at Trine last weekend and will be looking for a maximum point haul this weekend against the Raiders. It is a slow start for the home team but a late surge in the third period seals a big win as Aurora looks to stay in the NCHA hunt for top spot – Aurora, 6-3
NESCAC
(2) Hamilton v. (12) Bowdoin
UPSET ALERT – The top two teams in NESCAC face-off in a game the Polar Bears must have if they have any chance in catching the Continentals for the regular season title. Big win against in-state rival Colby last week builds momentum for the home-team who eke one out at “The Sid” – Bowdoin, 3-2
NE-10
Assumption v. Southern New Hampshire
TRAP GAME – Following last weekend’s series with St. Michael’s, the Greyhounds might be expected to sit back a bit against the Penmen. Big mistake as anyone in the NE-10 can win against anyone and Assumption needs points to wrap-up the top seed in the conference tournament. Lots of goals and an overtime winner for the visitors – Assumption, 5-4
SUNYAC
(6) Oswego v. (1) Hobart
Without question, this is the game of the weekend as the Statesmen play host to a desperate Oswego team looking for redemption after a loss earlier in the season to Hobart as well as the upset by SUNY-Canton last weekend. Home team is too good to not be ready from the opening puck drop, and that early output carries the day in a less than comfortable win – Hobart, 5-2
UCHC
(8) Utica v. Elmira
The Pioneers have been on fire! Scoring goals in bunches and quickly dispatching opponents in the second half on their march to the top of the conference standings. Elmira knocked off Geneseo not too long ago so Coach Heenan’s troops best be ready right off the bus. Special teams rule the day in another solid win – Utica, 6-3
WIAC
(15) Wisconsin – Stout v. Wisconsin – Superior
The Blue Devils are in need of wins if they want to catch Eau Claire for the top spot in the WIAC. The Yellowjackets are looking to play their brand of hockey and despite being on home ice, lose a close one with overtime likely as part of the outcome – Wisconsin – Stout, 4-3
The countdown is on. Wins and points are up for grabs – “Drop the Puck!”