ECAC West Weekly Picks, Jan. 20 – Jan. 21

This weekend is the transition between nonconference play and league games.  Neumann has already finished its out of league schedule, while Elmira, Hobart, and Utica wrap things up this weekend.
Three key league games this week will set the tone for the race to the end.  Neumann is at Manhattanville for a pair of games and Elmira hits the road to Utica.
Last Week:  7-3      
Overall:  42-15 (.737)
{predicted winners bolded}
Friday, January 20
Neumann at Manhattanville — Manhattanville beat the Knights at Neumann in November but hasn’t taken two games from them since 2006.
Elmira at Utica — Elmira won the first meeting at The Aud between these two teams in November.  If Utica can keep its wits about it and not get drawn into a penalty fest, home cooking should help them get over the hump.
Saturday, January 21
Neumann at Manhattanville – “We know that Neumann has some highly-skilled players and always are a physical team,” said Manhattanville coach Eric Lang.  “It should be exciting.  We are playing really well at home and the guys can’t wait to get back to league play.”
Cortland at Elmira – Elmira tries to stay above .500 nonconference as it finishes off the schedule.
Potsdam at Hobart – Hobart celebrates alumni weekend with Potsdam, which is smarting after a solid thumping at Manhattanville last weekend
Amherst at Utica – The Pioneers can solidify a very strong nonconference record for Pool C with a win over Amherst.