One of the many cool things about D-III hockey is the large number of holiday tournaments taking place (Division I has just two measly tourneys this weekend). Here’s a rundown of the action. Pack the Turkey sandwiches and catch some if you can:
Primelink Great Northern Shootout
When: November 28 & 29
Who: Middlebury (host), Norwich, Plattsburgh, St. Thomas
Outlook: The Tommies are the guest team this season and face the host Panthers in the first round in a rematch of the 2005 national championship game. I like top-ranked Plattsburgh to defeat Norwich and then the host Panthers for the title.
St. Norbert Thanksgiving Tournament
When November 28 & 29
Who: St. Norbert (host), Oswego, Lawrence, St. Scholastica.
Outlook: It’s nice to have a Western tournament again. Arguably the top two teams face off in the second semifinal when St. Norbert hosts Oswego in a battle of 2008 and 2007 national champions. I think the winner will defeat St. Scholastica in the title game.
Bowdoin/Colby Faceoff Classic
When: November 28 & 29
Who: Bowdoin (host), Colby (host), Mass-Dartmouth, Salve Regina.
Outlook: This isn’t a “tournament” since the matchups are predetermined (Bowdoin and Colby do not meet). The opening games are helld at Colby before the action switches to Bowdoin for the second round. I think Bowdoin and Colby win both of their games.
Babson Invitational
When: November 29 & 30
Who: Babson (host), US Under 18 Team, Manhattanville, S. Maine
Outlook: The Under 18 Team has been in the Bowdoin/Colby tourney the last two years, but switches to Babson this time. I like them to defeat the ost Beavers in the first round and then Manhattanville in the championship.
PAL Stovepipe Tournament
When: November 29 & 30
Who: S. New Hampshire (host), Tufts, UMass-Boston, Plymouth State.
Outlook: Three of the four teams are back from last season with Tufts the new entry. I’m thinking Mass-Boston beats the hosts in the first round and then takes Plymouth State in the title game.
Douglas W. Roberts Tournament
When: November 29 & 30
Who: Conn College (host), Trinity, Wesleyan, Amherst
Outlook: This is the third season in a row these four teams have all played in a rotating tournament with Conn College hosting this time and naming the games after their long time coach who retired in 2003. I like Trinity to defeat Amherst in the title game.
Skidmore Invitational
When: November 29 & 30
Who: Skidmore (host), Potsdam, Williams, Suffolk.
Outlook: I think the winner of the Potsdam-Williams semifinal will defeat the hosts in the championship. I’m going with Potsdam.
Rutland/Herald Invitational
When: November 29 & 30
Who: Castleton (host), Brockport, Becker, Neumann
Outlook: It’s good to see this tourney back for a second season. And like last year, I expect Neumann to go home with the trophy.
