Every game counts a little more at this point in the season as January winds down. Augsburg is looking to maintain control of first place in the MIAC standings while Saint John’s and St. Thomas write the latest chapter of their rivalry. Wisconsin-Superior will be tested against both Wisconsin-Stout and Wisconsin-Eau Claire in the WIAC, … Read more
The battles now are virtually all in conference, so teams really need to take care of business in the one thing they can sort of control — the game they are playing. No scoreboard watching just yet. Finished at 5-2-1 (.687) last week, which brings the season total to 51-22-7 (.681). I have been consistent, … Read more
The game can be simple. The game often is anything but simple. Effort, emotion, and momentum are all ingredients that ebb and flow in a way that creates great angst for coaches and often the most entertaining hockey for fans. There were many games that came down the final seconds this weekend showcasing the “never … Read more
Two pivotal matchups were on tap over the weekend, including a two-game series in the NCHA featuring Adrian and St. Norbert. Wisconsin-Stevens Point and Wisconsin-Eau Claire squared off as well in a key WIAC battle, with the reigning national champs escaping with a narrow victory. In the MIAC, Augsburg knocked off Concordia twice to surge … Read more
January is winding down and conference title races are heating up. Perhaps the biggest matchup of the weekend is a showdown between Adrian and St. Norbert in the NCHA. In the WIAC, Wisconsin-Stevens Point and Wisconsin-Eau Claire square off in a key showdown, while Saint Mary’s and Hamline battle for positioning in the standings in … Read more
It is all about consistency and playing at a high level now and for the next several weeks if teams expect to be contenders and playoff ready. Last week’s picks saw a pair of ties to open and close the weekend picks, which actually didn’t hurt me too much. I finished at 5-1-2 (.750), and … Read more
The holidays are finally fully behind everyone, so there are no excuses for not having “any jump” to start out any game played now in conference or out. There were some games with a lot of scoring this past weekend as coaches looking for those breakout games or “puck-luck” seemed to find goals in abundance … Read more
MIAC flexes muscle The MIAC flexed its muscle over the weekend in pivotal crossover matchups with teams from the WIAC Friday night. Augsburg rolled to a big win over Wisconsin-Eau Claire, and Saint Mary’s took down Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Augsburg completed a season sweep of the Blugolds with its 5-1 win Friday night. Ryan Cagnoni scored … Read more
The slate for the second weekend of January includes several big matchups. Wisconsin-Stevens Point battles two of the best teams in the MIAC, hosting Saint Mary’s and Augsburg, while St. Thomas will square off with Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Adrian and Lake Forest face-off in a key NCHA series, while Concordia looks to keep its momentum rolling … Read more
It is back to conference play for many this week, with of course some interesting nonconference matchups, including several long-standing rivalries. Last week saw an 0-2-0 start on Thursday night picks, but a solid 5-0-1 on Friday and Saturday to finish the week strong at 5-2-1 (.688). That brings the season total to 41-19-4 (.672), … Read more
The New Year is upon us in earnest and with the change in the calendar has come a renewed sense of urgency for teams to find their game, keep getting better, and in true “coach speak” get focused on the most important opponent of all — the next one on the schedule. There were some … Read more
St. Thomas and Saint Mary’s went into the weekend as the top two teams in the MIAC and they played a series that lived up to the hype, with the Tommies edging the Cardinals 6-5 Friday before Saint Mary’s bounced back with a 2-1 win Saturday. The Tommies remain in first place in the conference … Read more
Happy New Year! There are still a lot of nonconference games that have marquee matchups this week, and several teams look to start the second half fast while others are still looking to get on track. The first picks in the New Year saw me missing a few tournament picks, going 4-2-2 (.625). That brings … Read more
The new year is here and hockey is back in full swing. Below is a look at the picks for some of the games on the schedule for this weekend, including a MIAC showdown between St. Thomas and Saint Mary’s. Friday, Jan. 6 Wisconsin-Superior (4-9-1) at Concordia (7-4) The Cobbers come into this matchup with … Read more
Happy New Year! The second half officially begins with some terrific tournament and nonconference play before we welcome in 2017, so if football isn’t your thing, check out some great D-III tournament action. The final weekend of play before the break saw me stumble a bit, going 5-3-0 (.625) and missing the call on Buffalo … Read more
Wisconsin-Stevens Point and Adrian squared off in a showdown of nationally ranked teams, and both games of this crucial nonconference series lived up to the hype. The Pointers and Bulldogs skated to a 4-4 tie in the opener Friday before William Nong-Lambert came through with a game-winning goal midway through the third period of Saturday’s … Read more
To end the first half on a positive note means a lot to every team, but some more than others. For those that started fast, to keep the positive momentum going is key, while others that have struggled have the opportunity to put some bad results or poor play behind them based on some strong … Read more
In the final weekend before Christmas break, a couple of big games are on the slate. Defending national champion Wisconsin-Stevens Point hosts Adrian in a two-game series starting Friday, and St. Thomas will go on the road to play St. Norbert Saturday. Below is a closer look at those matchups and others, along with predictions. … Read more
This is it for the first half for all but two teams. Travel partner games, key conference matchups, and some interesting nonconference games abound on the schedule. This is the last chance to end the first half on a good note and close out the first half with some positive momentum before the holidays. For … Read more
St. Olaf pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the weekend Saturday, stunning No. 6 Augsburg to salvage a split of its two-game series with the Auggies. Jude Hall racked up 31 saves and Tuukka Totro scored the game-winning goal early in the second period to secure the thrilling win. The Oles have shown … Read more