Chris Lerch

Chris Lerch has been writing for USCHO since 1999, first as D-III columnist, then covering Atlantic Hockey for the past 19 seasons.

This Week in Division III: Nov. 8, 2001

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What does George Washington have to do with the Milwaukee School of Engineering’s fast start to the season? More than you’d think. Chris Lerch rounds up the week in Division III.

RIT Crushes Wilfred Laurier

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Freshman Roberto Orofiamma tallied a goal and two assists in his debut as RIT dominated Wilfrid Laurier 11-0. Sophomore defenseman Ryan Fairbarn had a goal and three assists, and junior transfer David Bagley added a goal and two assists to lead the Tigers, who had eight different goal scorers.

Plattsburgh Tops USCHO Men’s Div III Preseason Poll

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Two seasons ago, Norwich was picked first in the USCHO Preseason Poll. Norwich won the national championship. Last season Plattsburgh was picked first in the USCHO Preseason Poll. Plattsburgh won the national championship. This season, the Cardinals are once again on top of the Poll, looking to repeat as the champs.

D-III Makes its Push for Tournament Expansion

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A recommendation has been sent to the Division III Championships Cabinet requesting that the championship be expanded from its current eight-team bracket to nine or 10 teams. If approved, the new system would be used for the 2002-2003 season.

Geneseo Names Hills New Men’s Coach

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Geneseo has selected Bowling Green assistant Brian Hills to be its new men’s head coach, USCHO has learned. Hills replaces Paul Duffy, who retired in March after 26 seasons with the Knights. “I am looking forward to the opportunity at Geneseo,” said Hills, “I hope to be able to elevate the program to the top … Read more

Aucoin Named USCHO D-III POTY

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A year of accolades for Norwich’s Keith Aucoin continued Thursday, when the senior was chosen winner of USCHO.com’s Division III Player of the Year. It was the second time Aucoin was so chosen in the three-year history of the award.

One Last Save

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All season long, Ryan Miller made the big stops for Michigan State. Friday, the sophomore made one more — accepting the Hobey Baker Award. Chris Lerch reports.

Another Frustrating End

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For Michigan State, it was a familiar, unhappy end. The Spartans were eliminated from the NCAA tournament Thursday by North Dakota, marking the eighth straight NCAA bid in which MSU has failed to reach the title game. Chris Lerch reports.

Almost Perfect

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Should RIT capture the national championship this weekend, the Tigers will become the first undefeated NCAA titlist since the 1970 Cornell Big Red. Chris Lerch observes history in the (possible) making.

Q&A: D-III Tournament Selection

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Since Sunday, the emails have been rolling in. Now, Chris Lerch answers the most frequently asked questions about the NCAA Division III tournament selection process.

D-III Quarters: New England College at Wisconsin-River Falls

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Back in mid-November, the New England College Pilgrims started the 2000-2001 hockey season with a road trip to Vermont to face powerhouses Middlebury and Norwich. The results? Middlebury 8, NEC 0. Norwich 12, NEC 1. Last weekend, the Pilgrims returned to Vermont as the number-three seed in the ECAC East playoffs and came away with … Read more

This Week In Division III: Feb. 22, 2001

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Led by undefeated and top-ranked RIT, 54 teams remain in the hunt for the D-III national championship — but over half of those depart this weekend, as the playoffs ramp up. Also: Norwich begins defense of its ECAC East and NCAA titles; the SUNYAC semifinals look awfully familiar; and Stevens Point makes history. Chris Lerch reports.

This Week In Division III: Feb. 8, 2001

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The last week of regular-season play ticks down in the SUNYAC and NCHA; defending national champion Norwich sees daylight in the ECAC East; and Crookston makes it an undefeated MCHA season. Chris Lerch breaks down Division III.

This Week In Division III: Feb. 1, 2001

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The suspense might not equal last week, but key matchups dot this weekend’s schedule, including showdowns in the ECAC East/NESCAC and the MIAC. Chris Lerch tallies up Division III.