The first full weekend of games of the New Year has arrived and several good matchups are on the horizon, including a MIAC battle between St. Thomas and St. Mary’s. St. Thomas (7-4-2, 5-1) vs. St. Mary’s (6-5-2, 3-2-1): The Tommies have won two of their last three and are playing for the first time … Read more
The sprint that is the second half schedule has officially begun and there are several intriguing nonconference matchups that could have major implications come tournament selection time on the docket this week. Of course, the conference battles are all there, too, so enjoy the great hockey that will dominate the schedule through the next couple … Read more
Happy New Year to all and what a way to welcome back the second half of play in the 2015-16 season! There were holiday tournaments aplenty and several gracious hosts who allowed invited guests to skate off with the coveted championship trophy. Only Plattsburgh held onto the title in their hosted tournament, so there were … Read more
Happy New Year! The semester break has come to an end and that means more great holiday tournament action to open 2016 in the East. The picks entering the holidays saw one of my worst weeks of the season at 2-3-2 (.429). That brings the season record down to 21-13-6 (.600) so no time like … Read more
Dear Santa, It’s almost Christmas and there are a handful of items I’d like to ask you to bring the teams in the MIAC, NCHA and WIAC. I know you are a busy man at this time of the year, but if you could help out with the following requests it would be a great … Read more
‘Tis the season to celebrate goodwill and good tidings to all and, of course, make a few requests of the jolly old elf for some presents since I am sure all of the teams and coaches have been “good boys” this year. Well, even if some might be getting the list checked over twice by … Read more
The first semester is in the books for everyone and the final weekend showcased some great nonconference matchups, along with some final conference upsets that set the tone for what will surely be a great second half run across all conferences to the national tournament in March. It is always tough to stop playing when … Read more
This is the last weekend of games before the semester break and there are some great matchups in and nonconference play this weekend to delight any and all fans. It’s the last chance to get in the holiday spirit by finishing with a win. Last week, I stumbled again with my picks at 3-3-1 (.500), … Read more
The battles in every conference have been intense and this weekend saw an opportunity for some teams to make statements about key competitors in their respective leagues. While some teams made some noise and asserted themselves, others let favorites know they aren’t going away. The last of the unbeatens has fallen and for some teams … Read more
The games are winding down in the semester, but the importance of the matchups seems to be ramping up as we enter December hockey. Last week, I stumbled with my picks at 3-3-1 (.500), which brings the season record down to 16-7-3 (.673). Like a lot of teams on the ice, I, too, am in … Read more
And then there was one. Only one unbeaten remains in D-III and the East after this past weekend’s nonconference and tournament play that saw exciting action and upsets aplenty. Standing tall after the Primelink Tournament is Plattsburgh, who technically beat Middlebury and tied Norwich in Northfield, Vt., but won the tournament in the second overtime … Read more
Happy Thanksgiving to all! For most people this week, it’s all about turkey, football and family. For some of us, this weekend is all about some great holiday hockey tournaments and nonconference matchups that don’t occur in the regular season with any great frequency. It makes the hockey exciting, but the picking of the winners … Read more
The first few weeks have found some teams off to a fast start and still others finding themselves. Now everybody is in the full swing of season play, including the defending national champions from Trinity, along with the rest of the NESCAC. A few upsets, a few statement games and now fewer unbeatens after this … Read more
Rivalry games, battles of unbeatens, revenge games, and finally the last conference to join regular season play are all on the menu this weekend. Last week, I finished at 4-1-0 (.800), which brings the season total to 9-3-1 (.731). Not a bad start, but not resting on any laurels, nor picking less challenging games this … Read more
Streaks are important. On a winning streak, you just want to keep building momentum. On a losing streak, well, something has to change and early in the season there are teams facing both sides of the streak equation looking for better hockey leading to continued or better results. Definitely starting to both sides of the … Read more
EAST PICKS Pivotal matchups this week among prospective challengers for league titles are headlining the schedule. While it may be early in the campaign, there is nothing like sending a message to your biggest rival and taking an important two points. Last week saw a 3-1-0 (.750) record, which brings the season to 5-2-1 (.688), … Read more
Lots of conference games this week that certainly exemplify the level of competitiveness across the East and all of the leagues with games under way. Some great individual performances, terrific games and of course, surprises are all part of last weekend, so here are some of the highlights along with my “weekend biscuits” (pucks) for … Read more
Our West columnist Brian Lester is back this week with his picks for the weekend in Division III circles. Concordia (Minn.) at St. John’s It’s an early season showdown between two teams that should be among the best in the league. Charlie Aus leads the Cobbers with a goal and two assists. Alex Reichle has allowed … Read more
MASCAC joins the fray this week with conference games and therefore the Thursday night pick to start the weekend. Last week saw a 2-1-1 (.625) record in the opening week of predictions. Didn’t pick any cupcakes in the first week and this week continues the trend in finding four key matchups in the East. Here … Read more
While not everyone was playing meaningful games over the weekend, there were a few trick or treat results in both the East and West over the weekend with some teams enjoying the treats and others not so happy being tricked. Here is a quick summary of the action: ECAC Northeast Johnson and Wales opened the … Read more