Columns, excluding “This Week” columns
Liam Fraser had no idea how good NCAA Division III hockey truly was until he saw it up close in his first season at St. Norbert. “It was definitely eye-opening, especially in this conference (NCHA),” Fraser said. “It took time to adjust to how much bigger, stronger and faster guys are here, but getting opportunities … Read more
Two top 10 teams in the USCHO.com poll went at it over the weekend as Trine faced St. Norbert, and ultimately, the two teams ended their series with a split. The No. 7 Thunder handed the Green Knights their first loss of the year on Saturday, winning 4-0 on the road over the second-ranked team … Read more
Only a few weeks until Christmas. But for now, we have another week of hockey to unwrap. Let’s take a look at some of the games on tap and make some predictions. St Norbert (11-0, 6-0) vs. Trine (9-0-1, 5-0-1) This isn’t a national championship matchup, but boy, it might feel like one as the … Read more
Following Arcadia’s impressive sweep of Stevenson in a pair of one-goal games on home ice before Thanksgiving, the Knights have just a weekend series remaining with Lebanon Valley College to close out the first half. A successful weekend would send the Knights into the break at 6-3-2 overall and 5-2-2 in league play which puts … Read more
Give it up for Lake Forest. The Foresters made a statement on Saturday, upsetting No. 12 Skidmore in the opening game of the nationally ranked Thoroughbreds’ Thanksgiving tournament. The Foresters finished off the weekend with a championship game win over Fredonia. Against Skidmore, Lake Forest led 3-1 after one and never looked back on its … Read more
Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and got enough to eat. With that said, it’s time to feast on some hockey predictions. St. Scholastica (4-3-1) vs. Dubuque (0-7-1) The Saints come into the opening game of the Superior Showdown having won three in a row. Eino Rissanen has played a pivotal role in that success, … Read more
Jon Howe had one of the best performances of his career a couple of weeks ago, recording a career-best 44 saves as Saint John’s blanked nationally ranked UW-River Falls It was only the fourth game of the year for the Johnnies, and a big one because it avenged a season-opening loss to the Falcons. “It … Read more
Currently sitting at No. 5 in the USCHO poll, the Curry Colonels have started out the season with a stellar 7-1-0 record with a very motivated team that has turned NCAA tournament disappointment into fuel and focus for achievement this year from the very start of the 2024-2025 season. “Last spring, we took the successful … Read more
It’s become a familiar theme. St. Norbert plays hockey on the weekend and comes away with a couple of wins. The Green Knights continued that trend this past Friday and Saturday, sweeping Aurora in an NCHA showdown featuring two nationally ranked teams. The No. 2 Green Knights won 3-2 in overtime on Friday before dominating … Read more
Before we get into Thanksgiving week, it’s time to feast on some hockey. We have some big games on the slate, including a weekend showdown between Aurora and St. Norbert. That series might not decide the NCHA crown, but it could very well put one of those teams in the driver’s seat. Here’s a look … Read more
While the 2024-2025 season will be coach George Roll’s final campaign behind the Nazareth bench, he leaves a legacy of coaching that spans almost 30 years across the D-I and D-III landscape with not only success on the ice, but in the character of the players that have played for him beyond their college years. … Read more
It’s the middle of the month and the hockey just keeps getting better. Several ranked teams are in action, including in a showdown featuring Adrian and Aurora. Let’s dive right in with a few game picks for this weekend. Friday UW-Eau Claire at Concordia The Blugolds (0-1-1) are searching for their first win. Max Dronen … Read more
Nicolas Pigeon gravitated to hockey when he was younger. Growing up in Canada, it made sense. “Oh for sure. I started playing when I was a kid,” Pigeon said. “We had outdoor rinks everywhere, but in the summer, I would play some soccer.” Pigeon’s passion for the game, and his consistent development in the game … Read more
St. Norbert took care of business at home over the weekend, sweeping Dubuque in an NCHA series. The fifth-ranked Green Knights won the opener 5-2 and capped the series with a 5-0 victory. In Saturday’s win, St. Norbert went 3-for-5 on the power play after going 4-for-5 in the first game. Gustav Portillo scored a … Read more
For Daunte Fortner, nothing beats being on the ice. Its’s when he’s at his best and when he’s having the most fun. Hockey has also added a lot to his life as a whole. “I love the people you meet and the place it can bring you,” Fortner said. “I’ve been all over North America … Read more
For six seasons, the Anna Maria College hockey team has played among the independent teams against D-II and D-III teams without an opportunity to win a conference title and very limited visibility on a national level. This season as a new member of the MASCAC conference, there is so much to play for and the … Read more
Here we go. The curtain raises on another Division III hockey season, and there is plenty of action going on during the first weekend. We got a few high profile matchups on tap, including St. Olaf battling St. Norbert and Utica taking on Adrian in a USCHO.com Top 15 matchup. Without further delay, let the … Read more
The MIAC never seems to disappoint when it comes to being competitive. The race for the regular-season championship and the five conference tourney spots up for grabs always seems to be a fight to the finish. Last year, Augsburg held a two-point edge over Bethel for the regular-season title, but the Oles, who finished fifth … Read more
By Brian Lester No question the NCHA is a pretty strong hockey conference, especially with two of the nation’s best teams in it. Reigning league champion Adrian leads starts the year at No. 3 nationally in the USCHO.com poll while St. Norbert is ranked fifth and projected to be the Bulldogs’ biggest challenger to a … Read more
While Trinity fell short in winning their first national title since 2015 in Saturday’s championship game against Hobart, their stellar sophomore goaltender, Devon Bobak was the biggest part of the equation in helping take the Bantams to a NESCAC championship, a No.2 ranking in the country and a 25-win season that has earned him the … Read more