Merrimack, yes Merrimack, now in position to take over first place

I know that Dave talked a lot about Merrimack’s recent success in last week’s column, but with Sunday’s victory over Massachusetts, this season for the Warriors has taken on an entirely different different meaning. That leads the three things I learned in this (albeit) abbreviated weekend in Hockey East: 1. Merrimack now can focus on … Read more

Hockey East Picks – Feb. 9 – 13

Did someone actually say “bet the ranch” when predicting yet another Boston University Beanpot win over Northeastern? Well, that was hyperbole, you see.  Officially, USCHO deplores all forms of gambling.  (Except, of course, when Jim and I play poker. That isn’t gambling.  That’s separating fools from their money.) As for how the two of us … Read more

Congrats to Mike Cavanaugh and Jocko Connolly

Congratulations to Boston College associate coach Mike Cavanaugh and legendary Boston Herald sportswriter John “Jocko” Connolly for the awards recently bestowed on them by the American Hockey Coaches Association. Jim and I hold Mike and Jocko in the highest regard. Their knowledge and passion for the sport are matched only by what great guys they … Read more

Hockey East picks and preview – Jan. 4-9

Neither Dave nor I did very well last week with so many unexpected outcomes in holiday tournaments. Fortunately, Dave was three games worse than I was, helping me cut his lead in picks in half. Jim last week: 8-6-1 Dave last week: 5-9-1 Jim’s record-to-date: 61-39-10 Dave’s record-to-date: 64-36-10 Friday, Jan. 4 Yale at Boston College Jim’s pick: As much as … Read more

Could holiday tournament titles turn to second-half success?

Two slumping Hockey East teams earned tournament titles (and a third will play for a title tonight), which leads me to ask: can winning your holiday tournament serve as a springboard to the second half? 1. Maine, Vermont win titles, hope to earn confidence Holiday tournaments are strange creatures. Your team generally is coming off … Read more

Hockey East dominating the rankings, Vermont underrated, and losing to the U-18s

Question: How do you write a “three things I learned” Monday wrapup when Hockey East teams only played a single game over the weekend? Answer: Stretch the boundaries a bit. So here goes.  These are the three things I think I learned. Three. Hockey East sits pretty atop the national rankings. You’ve probably already noticed … Read more