The build-up to Bentley’s Tuesday night game against Holy Cross hit differently in the Falcons’ locker room. It was a rivalry game, but the opponent didn’t matter to Bentley coach Ryan Soderquist, his assistant coaches, or his players.

With the addition of guest Arizona State, B1G Hockey has at least a one-team measurement for nonconference play, but it’s still nearly impossible to gauge where a team really stands in the national picture. Because of that uncertainty, this admission from Wisconsin coach Tony Granato is no surprise. “I kind of peek at the rankings,” said Granato. “Everybody does.”

Despite how strange their schedule has been this season, you won’t catch anyone from Bemidji State complaining about their scheduling woes.

The venue seats 11,634 fans, and it's known widely among college hockey circles as one of the toughest places for a visiting team to play. A year ago, North Dakota was atop college hockey and one of the favorites to succeed in the postseason tournament. The Fighting Hawks were readying to host an NCHC first-round series when the college hockey season was abruptly ended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This weekend will mark North Dakota's first home series this season at Ralph Engelstad Arena.

It is tough to remain competitive through all of the adversity the 2020-21 season has thrown at teams. Yet, Bob Daniels’ Ferris State squad is trying to do just that. The Bulldogs are 1-8-0 on the season after earning a win on Saturday over Trine. Right now, his team’s record is the least of what Daniels is trying to focus on.

Building and continuously rebuilding a college sports program is easily the greatest challenge that every coaching staff faces. Success, particularly in college hockey, often leads to NHL teams taking notice and players being snatched prior to the conclusion of their four-year college career, often leaving significant holes in a lineup. Three years ago, Connecticut coach Mike Cavanaugh faced exactly that.

Rochester Institute of Technology has had seven of its scheduled 17 games postposed so far this season, about average for teams in Atlantic Hockey. The Tigers, who came close to not having a season at all, have had zero players and staff test positive for the coronavirus so far.

It’s been a long line of zeroes lately for Quinnipiac and goalie Keith Petruzzelli.

The lack of continuity for Penn State led to an 0-5 start, but the Nittany Lions have won seven of their last nine contests and are coming off their first conference sweep of the season after taking down Michigan State at home last weekend.

With Omaha having three consecutive series moved due to positive COVID-19 tests, contact tracing and quarantining within the UNO program, many might see Mavericks coach Mike Gabinet as being in an unenviable situation these days.

This hockey season is likely the weirdest time ever for a freshman to begin their collegiate hockey career. With tons of regulations, inconsistency on the schedule, and some teams having 10 more games than others, it’s a lot to sort through. For anyone entirely new to college hockey, they have the luxury of not knowing how normal things felt in the before times to compare to.

Fresh off of a six-point sweep of Air Force last weekend, Mercyhurst is right back where everyone expects the Lakers, in fourth place with a position to challenge for the league’s top slots.