We are down to the final two after a great pair of semifinal games yesterday hosted by Wisconsin–Stevens Point. Yesterday saw some terrific hockey with Norwich taking down Geneseo and the host team getting by Hobart behind Tanner Karty’s three-point night. There is some regional bias in the picks. Tim is currently down one to Brian for the tournament, as Brian picked the Norwich win.
Saturday, March 23
No. 4 Norwich at No. 1 Wisconsin–Stevens Point
Tim: The teams have been two of the hottest in the second half of the season, so it appears the final will be an outstanding game. It doesn’t get better than two powerhouse teams ending up in the championship game and this one should be an instant classic. Expect a lot of chances by both teams and great goaltending with the game coming down to a late goal and an empty-net tally for the final result. Norwich 4-2
Brian: The Pointers are a win away from closing the deal on an unbeaten season after taking down Hobart, 5-3, Friday night. The best part is that they can do it at home. The last hurdle to a title is Norwich, which knocked off Geneseo, 4-2. Wis.-Stevens Point last won a title in 2016. Norwich won it all in 2017. So, this stage is hardly a strange one to either team. Both feature great offensive attacks, and both have stellar goalies in Connor Ryckman (Pointers) and Tom Aubrun (Cadets). This game should be an instant classic. In the end though, it’s hard to bet against the Pointers. Wis-Stevens Point 4-3
