d1w d1women

Wisconsin gets defensive The No. 3 Badgers seemingly haven’t given up a goal since back in the days of captain’s practice. Wisconsin blanked Minnesota State twice to run its shutout string to eight games and take sole possession of first place in the WCHA. Goaltender Ann-Renée Desbiens backed both of the wins, making 16 saves … Read more

The 2015 Four Nations Cup takes place next week in Sundsvall, Sweden. This means two things to fans: the opportunity to watch, or at least follow, some hockey from across the pond, and the loss of some high-profile players from collegiate rosters for as much as 10 days. The impact of the latter isn’t quite … Read more

I’ve been doing pretty well through October. Last week, I went 21-6-1 (.767). Those splits I pick kill me. On the year, I am 80-17-7 (.802). We have some big games his week, so let’s see how I can do. Thursday-Friday, Oct. 29-30 Minnesota at North Dakota Home ice should keep these close, but Minnesota … Read more

Boston College and Wisconsin both get sweeps in top-10 battles As was the case last year, No. 2 Boston College left little doubt as to which was the better team as it dropped No. 9 Cornell twice, 4-1 and 8-0. Although the Big Red had the benefit of home ice this year in its debut, … Read more

As the weeks go by, I have more losses on each slate, but maybe that’s just the result of picking more games. I still went a very respectable 19-6-2 (.740), and am now 59-11-6 on the year (.815). With a lot of interesting games on the docket, it might be hard to do really well, … Read more

After giving the other 29 teams a head start, the six Ivy League squads are now set to join the competition. Voters in the D-I Women’s USCHO.com Poll, who have been taking their best guesses as to where teams like No. 5 Harvard and No. 9 Cornell might belong after graduating impactful senior classes, will … Read more

History made in Hockey East Milestones were reached throughout the week in Hockey East. Merrimack posts program’s first win After going winless in two nonconference series, Merrimack broke through with its first victory in its debut in league action. “It’s a pretty sweet victory,” coach Erin Hamlen said. Backed by 34 saves from Samantha Ridgewell, … Read more

Last week, I tried to highlight a few games that were available to watch for those of us from outside the area. One was even on good, old-fashioned television. Well, mostly. BTN, in its infinite wisdom, cut away during the second period to bring live, breaking coverage of the press conference to announce the firing … Read more

Well, I fell back to Earth a little last weekend, but still did pretty well, going 18-4 (.818). On the year, I am also pretty stellar, going 40-5-4 (.857). Let’s see if I can keep myself above .800! Thursday-Friday, Oct. 15-16 Vermont at St. Lawrence I think these will be close games, but pick the … Read more

A bad week for Hockey East Outside of No. 2 Boston College, the other six teams in Hockey East that took to the ice suffered at least one defeat, and home ice didn’t offer much sanctuary. The seven teams combined to go 3-10 for the week. The Eagles outgunned St. Lawrence, 7-4, on Sunday in … Read more

I had a pretty good picks week last weekend, going 17-1-1 (.921). On the year, I am 22-1-4 (.888), pretty good odds for Vegas. Maybe I should hit the tables. Then I remember how I blew an early-season lead over Arlan last year, and get sobered on that thought. Let’s see how I can do … Read more

What to watch this week The schedule this week offers several different methods for watching some hockey. If you’re looking to scout as many teams as possible for the upcoming season, or just get out of raking leaves, there are a number of options, despite the fact that we’re still waiting on the Ivies and … Read more

Welcome to Division I! After months and months of planning and preparation, Merrimack’s program is off the ground. The debut may not be the stuff of fairy tales, but it certainly wasn’t disastrous either. The Warriors’ inaugural game drew an announced crowd of 1,781 as they hosted St. Cloud State. The home team provided plenty … Read more

So caught up was I in season previews for the women’s conferences and the NCHC, I almost forgot weekend picks. I got off to a pretty good start last week, going 5-0-3 (.812). Let’s get to this weekend’s games. Friday, Oct. 2 Minnesota at Penn State The Nittany Lions played the Gophers tough last night, … Read more

Early Returns While a number of teams got started with weekend exhibitions, a lesser number imitated Dixville Notch, N.H., and posted early results in NCAA nonconference contests. No championships were won, nor lost, but every journey starts with a first step, though it’s too early to say what direction those eight teams are headed. Goaltender … Read more

Last week, I went 3-1 (.750). This postseason, I am 29-15 (.659). Only three games left. Friday, March 20 Harvard vs. Boston College This might be more of a heart pick. These two split so far, with each winning on home ice. What does neutral ice equal? Boston College 3-1 Wisconsin at Minnesota As I … Read more

Seeds hold in NCAA quarterfinals Over the weekend, nail-biting finishes, overtimes, and upsets abounded. That statement was likely true in some tournament in some sport, but none of it applied in the NCAA Women’s Collegiate Tournament on Saturday, where the four host teams had their games well in hand as the time ticked down. Boston … Read more

There are only seven games left in this long season that started in September. Seven more games to pick. It’d be nice to go 7-for-7; let’s see what we can do this weekend. Last weekend, I went a dreadful 4-7 (.363). So far this postseason, I am 26-14 (.650). Saturday, March 14 Clarkson at Boston … Read more

RIT duplicates CHA run Last season, RIT knocked off the top two seeds as it earned its first CHA title. This time, the Tigers took out the league’s top three seeds, and its reward paired a CHA trophy with an NCAA invitation. Once again, the second overtime proved kind to the Tigers in the championship … Read more