This is what every team has worked so hard for – be in a position to play in the conference tournament where every team reverts to 0-0 on the season and hopes for championships are renewed in a very short season. Got to get in to play and many conferences showcase those battles from top to bottom to close out the regular season. It doesn’t get much better than this!
Here are the GOTW selections in games that matter everywhere this weekend:
Thursday, February 19, 2026 – Sunday, February 22, 2026
CNE
Curry v. Suffolk
The Rams have clearly been the CNE surprise team this season while Curry has shown more ups and downs in their game in quite some time. Rams can’t catch the Nor’easters, but a second-place finish is within reach with some help elsewhere. Take care of business at home and the Rams do – Suffolk, 3-2
Little East
Norwich v. Castleton
The battles between in-state rivals and travel partners is always interesting and this game is a must win for the Cadets who want to confirm their first LEC regular season title. The Spartans do not make it easy in a playoff intensity level contest at Kreitzberg – Norwich, 3-2
MAC
Arcadia v. Stevenson
Neumann and Stevenson are technically still battling for the top spot so the Mustangs need to take down the other Knights to hold up their end of keeping it close and securing needed points. Arcadia is not an easy out but home team takes it with some help from special teams – Stevenson, 4-2
MASCAC
Westfield State v. Fitchburg State
The Falcons lost against Anna Maria and need some help in the final weekend but must take care of their own business first. The Owls have been in the top three all season and would love to show they are playoff worthy. Big bounce back for the Falcons who soar in the third period for a much-needed win – Fitchburg State, 5-3
MIAC
Concordia (MN) v. St. John’s
The Johnnies are certainly in the hunt along with St. Mary’s and Gustavus for the top spot in the MIAC conference. No time like the present to show what teams should expect when playing in your barn and the Johnnies eke out a win with an empty-net goal for the final margin – St. John’s, 3-1
NCHA
MSOE v. (3) Aurora
The Spartans have been on less than a roll in the second half but will need their game to be on point in this two-game quarterfinal series against a tough MSOE squad. 4 v. 5 matchups are always interesting, but home ice is the difference in this one and for the series – Aurora, 6-3
NESCAC
Williams v. (2) Hamilton
The Continentals can wrap-up the top seed and regular season title but face a desperate Ephs squad needing points to ensure a spot in the conference tournament. Home-ice matters a lot and helps the home team ease to a less than comfortable win – Hamilton, 4-2
NE-10
St. Michael’s v. Southern New Hampshire
The Purple Knights want to be playing good hockey as they close out the regular season and look at an opening round bye in the NE-10 tournament. These two teams could see each other again in the tournament so a strong message and win by the visitors shows the better team overall – St. Michael’s, 5-4
SUNYAC
Buffalo State v. (1) Hobart
The Red Dragons certainly scared Hobart a bit last weekend so don’t expect the host team to be anything but prepared for a full sixty-minute game against the Bengals. Home win streak record aside, an unbeaten regular season is within reach this weekend and Friday is a good start to getting there – Hobart, 5-1
UCHC
Chatham v. (9) Utica
The Pioneers had the chance to clinch the regular season title last weekend, but Geneseo threw a wrench in that plan. Chatham has been looking for respect all season and would like to show they are a contender in the UCHC against the Pioneers. Lesson learned as a fast start helps Utica hang on for a tidy one-goal victory and top seed in the conference tournament – Utica, 4-3
WIAC
Wisconsin – Stevens Point v. Wisconsin – Superior
The Yellowjackets would love to advance in the ultra-competitive WIAC tournament and will need their best on home-ice to take down the Pointers. This one is a see-saw affair that ultimately goes the home team’s way with an overtime goal that helps advance superior to the conference semifinals – UWS, 4-3
Win or go home games have commenced in some leagues where others are trying to ensure more ice time with a playoff berth in highly contested leagues including MIAC and NESCAC – “Drop the Puck!”