Columns, excluding “This Week” columns
Strong Performances There were some strong performances by SUNYAC teams in their final week of nonconference play. Topping the list was Oswego’s 4-2 triumph over Division I RIT. Oswego used forechecking, coupled with a strong game in net by Ryan Scott, who made 30 saves to beat their rivals despite being outshot 32-23 in front … Read more
Finally Progress It’s no secret that Elmira has been struggling all season. The Soaring Eagles only managed to win one of five league games in the first half of the season, and despite two early wins against Plattsburgh and Oswego lost six of their next nine games. But there are signs that Elmira is turning … Read more
When is a forfeit not a forfeit? Chirs Lerch looks at the situation at Bethel, plus rolls out his Power Ratings.
Wisconsin and Miami have established themselves atop the WCHA and CCHA standings, but Scott Brown says the Badgers have the better position.
Alternating Current In an unusual quirk of scheduling, Utica and Neumann played three straight games against each other over the last two weekends. The string began in the championship game of the St. Michael’s Tournament over the holidays and culminated with a pair of league games at the Utica Aud this past weekend. But despite … Read more
College hockey’s growth has brought new recognition, new talent — and a new temptation for top players, Nicholas Jon Wood says.
SUNYAC Expansion Plans The SUNYAC hockey league has been set at eight teams since 1993-94 when Buffalo State joined as a provisional member moving up the next year to a full-fledged participant. That number will change in a few years as the SUNYAC as a whole will be welcoming in a new member-Morrisville-who has a … Read more
At the beginning of the season, Norwich looked to be just another average team after years of being among DIII’s best. Now on a nine-game win streak, the Cadets seem to be heading back to their winning ways. Chris Lerch finds out how the Cadets got back on track, and gives us some players to watch for in the second half of the 2005-2006 season.
Holiday Happenings While most teams had a lengthy layover for the holiday break, there were a couple of teams in the West that played some rather important games-games that could be pivotal in determining where they wind up at season’s end. Surprising Results in Vermont Expectations were high for St. Thomas when they began the … Read more
It’s hard to believe, but there are only about six weeks left in the regular season as the teams start looking to play there best hockey down the stretch. No doubt the holiday hangovers have to be quickly swept aside and the focus needs to be there each game with some pivotal match-ups in league … Read more
Jim Connelly debuts TMQ 2006 with a look at the Hockey East standings, a salute to a newborn rivalry, and a suggestion for the top teams in Atlantic Hockey.
While playoff contenders shake off the holiday rust, Chris Lerch profiles two teams-Neumann and Wisconsin-Stout-who have surprised most observers with their strong starts. Can they keep up their momentum and compete for a playoff spot?
Dave Starman continues his literary circuit, checking in with the Denver Cup, the Sheraton/TD Banknorth Classic, and the Dodge Holiday Classic.
With Santa on his way, Jim Connelly hands out his (slightly tongue-in-cheek) holiday awards to the East.
Miami continues to make waves; Brett Sterling has a shot at history at Colorado College; and Scott Brown muses on Bemidji State’s importance to college hockey.
In an up-and-down season for the CCHA, Dave Starman locates the first half’s big winners, especially at Miami, Ferris State and Lake Superior.
As the holiday break approaches, Chris Lerch hands out his midterm grades to leagues all across Division III-from the expected powerhouse performance of Middlebury to the sudden downfall of Minnesota-Crookston.
Just about a month into the season and already some interesting races are starting to heat up in each of the three divisions. Finishing the first half of the season on a high note will be important as teams look to build up positive momentum prior to breaking for the holidays. Let’s take a look … Read more
North Dakota may be young, but Dave Starman finds that the Fighting Sioux are on track to meet head coach Dave Hakstol’s expectations.
First, the bad news. Two teams in DIII are under fire for discipline and eligibility issues. However, some struggling programs are starting to put the pieces together. Chris Lerch will tell you who’s up and who’s down in this edition of This Week in DIII.