This Week in … columns; weekly columns on a league, region or gender-division
The ECACHL, as usual, is fit to be tied this season, so Juan Martinez runs through the deadlock-breaking action in the context of this weekend’s action. Also, Rensselaer continues its Freakout! magic; Harvard’s seniors depart 0-8 in the Beanpot; and UVM coach Kevin Sneddon self-disciplines.
The SUNYAC regular season came down to the wire. Russell recaps last weekend and brings us up to speed on the playoffs.
The three D-III leagues in New England jockey for position — and let’s not forget the Northeast 10.
New Hampshire, which earned coach Dick Umile a record-breaking win this week, is doing it the old-fashioned way — at both ends of the ice. Also: the news isn’t so good for three of Hockey East’s lower-division squads, and by popular demand, Dave Hendrickson dispenses some recruiting advice.
Weeding through the cliches, Jim Connelly finds a critical game at the top of the AHA standings. Also: Frank Novello takes aim at a milestone, and the FleetCenter brings the league national exposure.
While the six teams for the SUNYAC playoffs are known, the playoff picture is anything but clear.
The crisis at Canisius comes to a boil, and Jim Connelly wonders whether the future of the hockey program itself is in jeopardy. Also: Mercyhurst finds itself in an unfamiliar position, Air Force could bolster the AHA’s ranks very soon, and the FleetCenter hosts a high-profile doubleheader.
Last weekend, the top teams held serve. Plus a look at Scott’s all-rookie team.
St. Thomas and St. John’s meet in a pair of games that may determine the conference champ, while Superior and Stevens Point get ready for big games of their own.
Denver’s unpleasant experience a year ago toughens the Pioneers this time around; Minnesota salvages a weekend at Wisconsin in the last period of play; Alaska-Anchorage has no quick fix for a difficult season; and instant replay lives up to its promise. Todd D. Milewski reports.
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, love is in the air in Paula C. Weston’s weekly muse on the CCHA. Also: Michigan’s third-period brinksmanship comes to a head against Michigan State, Ferris State has more than one problem to address, and Northern Michigan meets head caoch Walt Kyle’s high standards.
The Beanpot offers plenty of fodder, especially on Northeastern’s historic opportunity and Boston University’s eye-catching success; the Hockey East standings come into focus as we reach the three-quarter pole; and Merrimack is trying mightily to get out of the cellar. Scott Weighart reports.
Norwich and Middlebury are perennial powers in New England D-III, but Norwich is peaking while the Panthers have struggled a bit.
A loss to Northeastern leaves Harvard in the Beanpot consolation again; Cornell takes critical points from Colgate as the battle for first place continues; and Clarkson finds 2005 happier so far than the end of 2004. Juan Martinez reports.
With their recent play, Alabama-Huntsville and Bemidji State have turned the CHA regular-season race into a one-two punch, Brian Coe says. Also: Robert Morris continues to improve in its rookie season as a varsity unit.
St. John’s grabs the top spot for the first time this season, while River Falls downs Superior and MSOE grabs the MCHA.
The state of Michigan fares poorly over the weekend in the CCHA; Lake Superior continues its rise under cautiously-optimistic head coach Frank Anzalone; the CCHA prepares bids for the Super Six and the NCAA tournament — and the venues may surprise you; and a little series between Michigan and Michigan State makes up the Games of the Week. Paula C. Weston reports.
Former UND head coach Dean Blais weighs in on the WCHA race; the league’s instant-replay provision gets it right at Magness Arena; and Minnesota isn’t panicking despite a rocky stretch of play. Todd D. Milewski reports.
Fredonia hits a bump in the road and there’s a logjam at the top.
It’s good to play meaningful games in February.