Column

Chris Lerch eats some crow as the ECAC West, called last week the best league in D-III by our intrepid national columnist, goes 1-7 vs. the SUNYAC.

This week, a look at a great rivalry in Maine, RIT’s transition to D-I and why it’s a good thing for the Tigers, and a ranking of the holiday tournaments. Plus, a farewell to a friend.

This week, some kudos to some coaches who have turned around or started programs which are now successful. Plus, are they easing up on the points of emphasis?

Power Supply The NCAA’s Points of Emphasis (POE) have meant more penalties, and, as a result, more power plays. Special teams are more important than ever in college hockey. After some serious number crunching, I’ve uncovered the following: • Penalties are up, but you knew that. As of last Sunday, there were a total of … Read more

Penalties are up, power play percentage is down, and some teams really are shorthanded. And Chris Lerch takes a look at Strength of Schedule.

Power Supply The NCAA’s Points of Emphasis (POE) have meant more penalties, and, as a result, more power plays. Special teams are more important than ever in college hockey. After some serious number crunching, I’ve uncovered the following: • Penalties are up, but you knew that. As of last Sunday, there were a total of … Read more

You’re not imagining things: penalties are up this year, and we can prove it. Plus, in a nod to perfect symmetry, the SUNYAC reaches its midpoint at the semester break. And kudos to two more coaching milestones.

When is a tournament not a tournament? Chris Lerch explains. Plus, a look at the MIAC-NCHA crossover, past and future, and picks of the week.

Thanksgiving was tournament time, and the best of the tourneys ended in a shootout. A couple of preseason top 15 teams are on hard times, and another coach is close to the 400 mark and could get there this weekend.

A D-III coach hits a big milestone, and a couple of others aren’t far behind. Plus, a look a inter-conference records and a big weekend for shutouts.

The unwritten rules of polls are explained. Plus Chris looks at Trinity goalie Doug Kiselius, and explains why hockey has it better than soccer, at least in the NCAA. And the picks of the week, including the return of guest picker Artie Burkhart.

Are things out of sorts in the SUNYAC, or is it really just business as usual? Also, the NCHA-MIAC series is competitive, Curry gets hosed, and attendance figures get inflated, in this week’s look back at the weekend.

Some of Chris’ preseason overrated teams have actually turned out not to be, he says. And, after being patient, he’s joining those speaking out about the NCAA’s points of emphasis. Plus, a new name for the baby book.

Though it’s still early, some pivotal games were played last weekend; the MIAC does a little better against the NCHA; and once again, it’s time to retire some dubious traditions.

Chris Lerch welcomes USCHO’s expanded D-III coverage, profiles a coach who has moved to a new program while staying on the payroll at the old one, and takes a look around D-III. And he debuts his weekly prognostications.