Columns, excluding “This Week” columns
Surprised? Join the Crowd The first few weeks of hockey in the West can be summed up with two words: what happened? The MIAC and the NCHA have been battling for supremacy in the West for years, with the NCHA sitting atop the mountain. But the past few years have seen the MIAC climb further … Read more
Chris Lerch looks at the start of the ECAC East and NESCAC seasons, while looking ahead to the Thanksgiving tournaments ahead. Plus, you’ll get an exclusive look at the advent of the Division III College Hockey Showcase.
A Different Team Since joining the ECAC West four seasons ago, it is no secret that Neumann has struggled. Over that time span, the Knights have a combined total of 10 wins and haven’t been competitive in many of the other games. However, with an infusion of new blood, this year might represent the tipping … Read more
This week, North Dakota is still in limbo with the NCAA’s Native American policy, while Minneapolis’ own Scott Brown weighs in on the Gopher drinking “expose.”
In the wake of recent allegations, Mike Volonnino is shocked, shocked to learn that college students drink.
Chris Lerch looks at the rise of the MIAC in This Week in Division III for November 11, 2005.
Sawsadee! Greetings from Bangkok, Thailand. Seriously, this week’s column originates from Southeast Asia–not necessarily the hotbed of D-III hockey! They do have one ice arena here in Thailand and the No. 128 ranked team in the world so maybe someday we might see a player come out of this part of the world and play … Read more
Some Answers But More Questions So, after the first full weekend of conference play, some questions were answered. However, as is typical, even more questions got raised. Heading into this past weekend, the questions to answer were when was Oswego going to wake up, how bad of a start would Potsdam get, is Geneseo prepared … Read more
Hobart’s (lack of) Power Play Last weekend wasn’t quite what Hobart coach Mark Taylor was hoping for. The Statesmen hit the road for games at Utica and Manhattanville, and Hobart was swept. “The games weren’t what we wanted outcome-wise,” said Taylor. “We wanted to come out of there with some points, and didn’t. So we … Read more
Even though the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference plays second fiddle to the five Division I hockey programs in the state of Minnesota, there are plenty reasons to keep a watchful eye on the MIAC this season. For years, the Northern Collegiate Hockey Association has been considered the cream of the crop of the West. Last … Read more
When Bob Motzko replaced longtime head coach Craig Dahl in St. Cloud, he inherited a program with a lot to look forward to, says Dave Starman.
Upset Hounds Just one week after dropping below .500 and to the bottom edge of the USCHO.com/CSTV poll, Boston University played the role of rebound team of the week, ending two winning streaks over the weekend with wins over Vermont and Maine. The wins came at a good time, as the Ice Dogs were on … Read more
Chris Lerch looks at This Week in Division III
With three teams in the top 15 of the preseason USCHO.com poll and seven members of the Preseason All-USCHO first and second teams, the Northern Collegiate Hockey Association is arguable the strongest conference in Division III hockey. King of the Hill Even though St. Norbert won their fourth consecutive NCHA regular season title and third … Read more
One – New Season Two – New Coaches Three – Ranked Teams in the USCHO Pre-season Poll … And Away We Go!!!! The new season is upon us as practice began officially on November 1 for the 10 teams in the ECAC East this week. But before we look ahead to the great hockey yet … Read more
I suppose it’s fitting that the two westernmost teams in the east decided to go further west for a pair of games against two Wisconsin schools. Fredonia and Buffalo State took a long bus trip to St. Norbert and Marian. Each came away with a split, some fond memories and a chance to get to … Read more
Several teams around the ECAC West are flooded with new players this season. As seen in my season preview last week, the coaches are cautiously optimistic about the season but realize that getting the freshmen up to speed may take a while. If the start that Elmira and Utica have gotten off to is any … Read more
Throughout the season, USCHO.com staffers Scott Brown and Jim Connelly will offer their views on the previous weeks’ action, alternating writing duties (and occasional potshots at each other) every Tuesday. Brown will focus on the West and Connelly on the East, in a regular column exclusive to USCHO Extra. Rush To Judgment Brett Sterling (l.) … Read more
Come season’s end, the CHA will be one team short of its NCAA autobid. Luckily, Mike Volonnino has some ideas what to do about that.
Unlike most other leagues within Division III hockey, change has been a constant in the ECAC West over the past decade. Whether it is teams joining or leaving the league, turnover of coaches, or changes in the scheduling of league games, very few aspects of the league have been stable from season to season. Entering … Read more