Columns, excluding “This Week” columns
Well the first week of the conference playoffs definitely did not disappoint in terms of the level of play and excitement that sudden death hockey brings to any and all arenas. There were favorites who won comfortably; there were upsets by visitors who came ready to play; and there were three 2-1 games decided in … Read more
It Took Some Work I finally caught my breath. I think. The Oswego-Morrisville semifinal game was quite a roller coaster. From thinking you were witnessing a major upset to seeing Oswego declare enough is enough, scoring five straight goals for the comeback. “The positive is some other teams, some other years, there would have been … Read more
If anyone had any doubt about the parity in the MIAC after the regular season, this weekend’s playoff games put that to rest — in a hurry. On Wednesday, St. Thomas heads down to St. Peter to face off against Gustavus Adolphus for the MIAC Championship. Let’s first take a step back and look at … Read more
No. 1 Elmira vs. No. 2 Manhattanville The top two teams square off for the league title on Saturday at the Thunderdomes. Elmira and Manhattanville found themselves in scraps last weekend during the semifinal games, but both prevailed in the end by identical 4-2 scores. Manhattanville hosted third seeded Hobart, who came out flying during … Read more
The end of the regular season, which was last week for three of the four D-I leagues (all but the CHA, that is), meant a renewal of that rite of late winter. Senior Day. (That is not to be confused with Senior Moment, of which your correspondent is all too well acquainted). Routinely celebrated during … Read more
The postseason has arrived in the ECAC West. Unfortunately, a wet blanket was thrown over what should be the most exciting time of the year when Lebanon Valley withdrew its team from Division III on Tuesday. But the remaining ECAC West teams battle on with the semifinals on tap for Saturday. As my esteemed SUNYAC … Read more
The second season has arrived. Not that the stress of the past few weeks has not created its own playoff like atmosphere, but now it’s for real. One and done. The reality now hits home that after 60 minutes of hockey — or sometimes more — your season could be over and you put away … Read more
And Then There Were Five It took until the final day of games, but the MIAC finally has its five teams set for the playoffs. Coming into that last day, though, four teams were fighting for the last two spots. Gustavus Adolphus, Hamline, and St. Thomas had clinched their berths entering the final weekend, but … Read more
A First and a Return Last year, I used the above headline after the play-in round. It is just as appropriate this year. Last year, it was Brockport making it to the semifinals for the first time after their first ever playoff win and Geneseo returning. This year, Brockport is the team returning to the … Read more
For the first time since the 2002-03 season, Wentworth is the ECAC Northeast regular season champion. The Leopards entered Sunday’s season finale against Curry one point behind the Colonels for top spot in the conference and used a third period rally to emerge with a 4-2 win and the regular season title, beating out Curry … Read more
USCHO national columnist Dave Starman has a few things he’d like to clear up about Miami, and a few things to share from the road.
Yes, it is true. The final weekend of the regular season is upon us and there is quite a lot at stake for virtually every team. Playoff eligibility, seeding and potential home-ice positions are up for grabs in both conferences and, ironically, the scheduling gods have deemed it necessary to obtain all of those conference … Read more
Last Leg After this past weekend, the playoff picture is starting to clear up. Gustavus Adolphus, Hamline, and St. Thomas have all clinched playoff spots, although in what position they finish is still to be determined. While the top of the standings are shaking out nicely, the fight for the playoffs has become as tight … Read more
With the NCHA playoffs ramping up this weekend and the MCHA pairings all set despite one week of regular season conference action to go, what is there to talk about this week? How about the fact the first public edition of the NCAA Regional Rankings was released this Monday? Here they are for the West … Read more
Quietly Playing Well Two weeks ago, it looked like Elmira had run away with the regular season title and that Manhattanville and Hobart would have to be content with battling for second place. Oh how things have changed. Elmira has taken a nose dive, losing its last three games. The Soaring Eagles special teams collapsed … Read more
It’s here. The final week of regular season play in the ECAC Northeast has arrived. And much has rightfully been written about the tight race in the MASCAC, as the top spot and three other home ice spots are up for grabs as the season winds down. Below is a look at each of the … Read more
Last Weekend As we head into the last weekend of regular season play, let’s get the easy information out of the way. Oswego has clinched first place and home ice throughout the SUNYAC playoffs. “If you told me we would have been in this position at the start of the year with 12 freshmen and … Read more
Columnist Dave Starman sees a little bit of coaching legend Herb Brooks in the way Nebraska-Omaha coach Dean Blais dominates the locker room.
Could Vermont miss the Hockey East playoffs and still make the NCAA tournament? That’s a topic for discussion this week for USCHO senior writers Jim Connelly and Todd D. Milewski.
New Kids On The Block The Manhattanville women’s hockey team started off the 2008-2009 season much like every other season in the program’s history. The Valiants started the season 13-1 before going on to finish the season 7-6, including a loss in the ECAC East semifinal to Salve Regina. Manhattanville coach Eric Lang wasted no … Read more