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GOTW: No. 5 Fighting Irish overcome early deficit, rally past Minnesota, 5-3

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02 Nov 19: The University of Minnesota Golden Gopher host the University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish in a B1G matchup at 3M Arena at Mariucci in Minneapolis, MN. (Jim Rosvold)
Notre Dame fell behind early on the road at Minnesota but rallied back to earn a 5-3 victory and earn four out of six Big Ten points in the weekend series (Photo: Jim Rosvold)

Defenseman Nick Lievermann scored twice and Charlie Raith’s goal at 1:25 of the third period broke a 3-3 tie as No. 5 Notre Dame rallied past Minnesota, 5-3.

The win avenged a 3-on-3 overtime loss for the Irish on Friday and gave them four-of-six points in their opening weekend of Big Ten play.

The host Golden Gophers jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead on first-period goals by Brandon McManus and Jacob Perbix. But Notre Dame answered back on Leivermann’s first of the night at 5:20 and a Spencer Skastney tally at 13:46.

That hardly ended the offense in the middle frame, though. Garrett Wait gave the lead back to Minnesota just 42 seconds later before Lievermann scored his second with 2:07 remaining in the second.

The third period was all Irish. They held a 17-2 advantage in shots with Raith’s goal beating goaltender Jared Moe before Trevor Janicke’s empty netter put the game on ice in the closing seconds.

Around the Nation

No. 15 Boston College 3, No. 8 Providence 2

Three second period goals from Alex Newhook, David Cotton and Julius Mattila was all the offense 15th-ranked Boston College needed as they skated past host Providence, 3-2, on Saturday for its first Hockey East win of the season.

Rookie goaltender Spencer Knight was the story for the Eagles as he stopped 29 shots including 14-of-15 in the third period.

Jack Dugan gave Providence the lead at 5:00 of the second period. But a major penalty to Providence’s Greg Printz for contact to the head at 10:30 of the frame led to two Boston College goals with the man advantage. Mattila’s goal with 12 seconds left in the second proved to be the game winner.

Another major penalty, this one to BC’s David Cotton, led to a Tyce Thompson goal with 1:05 remaining. But that was all they would muster.

No. 2 Minnesota State 5, No. 18 Bowling Green 1

On Friday night, Minnesota State let slip a two-goal lead and fell, 3-2, to Bowling Green. One night that, the Mavericks made sure that wouldn’t happen again.

Marc Michaelis’s goal at 18:29 of the first gave Minnesota State a lead it wouldn’t relinquish as three third-period goals blew open a tight game giving the Mavericks a 5-1 victory.

Four players record multi-point games Dallas Gerards three assists. Dryden McKay earned his fifth win of the season making 23 saves.

No. 3 Massachusetts 4, No. 10 Northeastern 2

The host Minutemen completed their weekend sweep of a home-and-home series with No. 10 Northeastern, 4-2, on Saturday.

For the second straight night, John Leonard scored twice to pace the UMass offense. Saturday, his second goal of the game broke a 2-2 tie at 1:54 of the third period. Mitchell Chaffee’s empty-net tally sealed the Huskies fate.

Matt Murray needed to make just 16 saves – including just three saves in the third – for the victory. He also assisted on Chaffee’s empty-netter.

Arizona State 4, No. 9 Quinnipiac 1

The host Sun Devils completed the weekend sweep of ninth-ranked Quinnipiac, 4-1, scoring the game’s first three goals and then never looking back.

Austin Lemieux and Jacob Wilson each tallied in the first period before Johnny Walker extended the lead to three with his fifth of the season at 8:41.

Michael Lombardi pulled the Bobcats within two at 11:48 of the frame, but PJ Marrocco’s shorthanded goal just 1:57 later proved a dagger.

Friday wrap-up: Crookshank, UNH upend No. 15 Boston College in overtime; Bowling Green rallies past No. 2 Minnesota State

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DURHAM, NH - NOVEMBER 1: Angus Crookshank #9 of the New Hampshire Wildcats celebrates as the Wildcats won 1-0 in overtime against the Boston College Eagles during NCAA men's hockey at the Whittemore Center on November 1, 2019 in Durham, New Hampshire. (Photo by Rich Gagnon/USCHO) (Rich Gagnon)
Angus Crookshank’s celebrates his overtime game-winner as UNH knocked off No. 15 Boston College, 1-0 , on Friday (Photo: Rich Gagnon)

For more than 62 minutes on Friday, neither New Hampshire or No. 15 Boston College could find the back of either net.

That was until Angus Crookshank redirected a Max Gildon shot past Boston College netminder Spencer Knight with 2:45 remaining in the extra session to give the host Wildcats a 1-0 victory in their home opener.

Crookshank led New Hampshire in shots on Friday with five, while goaltender Mike Robinson made 28 saves to earn the shutout for the Wildcats.

Around the Nation

Bowling Green 3, No. 2 Minnesota State 2 (OT)

After falling behind, 2-0, in the first 8:37 of the game, Bowling Green scored the game’s final three goals including Connor Ford’s power play overtime game winner as the visiting Falcons upset No. 2 Minnesota State, 3-2.

Charlie Gerard and Reggie Lutz gave the host Mavericks a two-goal cushion with goals at 3:07 and 8:37 of the first, respectively. Alec Rauhauser cut that lead in half before the end of the first with his fourth goal of the season.

At 5:02 of the second Cameron Wright’s sixth goal of the season evened the score and was the end of the scoring until the overtime period.

In a game that featured 11 power plays, a tripping penalty to MSU’s Connor Mackey gave Bowling Green its fifth man advantage that resulted in Ford’s game winner.

No. 3 Massachusetts 6, No. 10 Northeastern 3

After falling behind 2-0, the third-ranked Minutemen exploded for five straight goals to turn Friday’s contest against No. 10 Northeastern into a runaway as UMass skated to a 6-3 road win at Matthews Arena.

John Leonard scored twice for UMass while Mitchell Chaffee notched a goal and two assists. Filip Lindberg stopped 27 shots to earn the win.

Northeastern exploded out of the gate with goals from Brenden van Riemsdyk at 3:05 of the first and Grant Josefek at 6:31.

After UMass pulled within one late in the first, the offense exploded in the second scoring four times.

No. 12 Penn State 4, No. 7 Wisconsin 2

Sam Sternschein broke a 2-2 tie with 8:10 remaining in regulation and Nick Sucese added an empty-net goal with 1:32 left as No. 12 Penn State skated past Wisconsin, 4-2.

Combined with Thursday’s 6-1 victory, the Nittany Lions completed the weekend sweep of the Badgers to open Big Ten play.

Wisconsin opened the scoring on a Jack Gorniak goal at 10:07 of the first. Penn State then grabbed the lead in the second on goals by Brandon Biro and Alex Limoges. Wyatt Kalynuk’s tally late in the second sent the game to the final frame tied at 2.

Princeton 5, No. 16 St. Cloud State 3

In its season opener, Princeton’s offense exploded for three goals to grab three-goal lead en route to a 5-3 upset of No. 16 St. Cloud State.

Goals by Liam Grande, Jackson Creesey and Luke Keenen gave the Tigers a 4-1 lead by the 12:45 mark of the second.

The Huskies made Princeton sweat when Spencer Meier and Jack Ahcan each scored late in the second to return the lead to a single goal.

But Spencer Kersten’s goal with 5:46 was the needed insurance tally to give Princeton a season-opening win.

Arizona State 5, No. 9 Quinnipiac 3

Logan Jenuwine scored two goals and Evan DeBrouwer made 35 saves as Arizona State upended No. 9 Quinnipiac, 5-3.

The host Sun Devils blew open the game scoring five of six goals over a span to turn a 1-0 deficit into a 5-2 lead. Included over that period was the ability to kill a five-minute major after a major penalty was assessed to Demetrios Koumontizis for checking from behind at 19:00 of the first.

 

 

MASCAC Preview: Panthers anticipate battles from every team

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JR Barone will be an offensive leader for Plymouth State (Photo – Mike Gridley)

Plymouth State won the conference last year winning both the regular season and conference tournament to punch their ticket into the NCAA tournament. The path was not an easy one as teams like Massachusetts-Dartmouth and Westfield State made end of season runs to challenge for the championship.

If there is a conference where last year’s positive momentum may influence this year’s race, it’s the MASCAC. So look for a tight race and a furious finish to the second half where the Panthers hope to be on top.

The Favorites

Plymouth State has a pair of book-end defenders in Victor Bergstrom and Drake Longaker that can play a lot of minutes and a 200-foot game for the Panthers. Forward JR Barone returns as the leading point getter from last season and he will be looking for more production from fellow junior Peter Laviolette to get the offense going. Goaltender Evan Morelli has graduated so senior Andreas Pettersson and Elmira transfer Jake Sabourin appear to be the front runners for time in the crease.

The Contenders

Massachusetts-Dartmouth finished 10-6-2 last season in conference play and look to the Leonard brothers for leadership and productivity on the ice. Junior Parker Butler took over the number one role in goal last season and will look to improve on his .909 save percentage and 2.63 goals-against average.

Westfield State has a nice blend of youth in experience starting in goal with senior Thierry Messervier and forward Francois-Xavier Girard. Last year’s conference rookie of the year, Jake Ratcliffe will be expected to make the step and add to his freshman output of 12 goals and 22 points.

Players to watch

Fitchburg State: Christopher Vicario – forward; Brian McGrath – goaltender
Framingham State: Ryan Paul – forward; Walker Hamilton – defenseman
UMass – Dartmouth: Steven Leonard – forward; Sean Leonard – defenseman
Plymouth State: JR Barone – forward; Victor Bergstrom – defense
Salem State: Callum Hofford – defense; Ryan Tierney – forward
Westfield State: Therry Messervier – goaltender; Jake Ratcliffe – forward
Worcester State: Matthew Manning – forward; Josh Reinstein – goaltender

USCHO Predicted finish

1. Plymouth State
2. Westfield State
3. UMass-Dartmouth
4. Salem State
5. Fitchburg State
6. Worcester State
7. Framingham State

The second half of the season showcased some great hockey and significant moves in the standings as teams gelled and got hot at the right time of the year. Expect more of the same from teams that can win at home or on the road to create a battle right to the end of the regular season.

CCC Preview: Nor’easters roster strong to begin post-Fleurent era

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Goalie Ben Churchfield looks t backstop UNE to another CCC title (Photo – David Bates)

The CCC will be creating more excitement in conference games this year as they adopt new overtime rules for conference standings purposes only during the regular season. Games will still go through a five-minute overtime period if game is tied after regulation time and that result at the end of overtime will be the official result for NCAA purposes. A five-minute 3-on-3 overtime will be played and if still tied a shootout will take place to determine a winner. For league purposes, regulation wins are worth three points, wins in overtime or shootout are worth two points and overtime or shootout losses are worth a single point in the conference standings. That should spice up the regular season race among a host of competitive teams nicely!!

The Favorite

After the tenures of Trevor and Brady Fleurent and their combined 297 accumulated points, the University of New England embarks on the post-Fleurent era with a host of talent looking to defend last season’s conference title and first NCAA win. The team is deep and talented with the likes of Ryan Bloom, Derek Mecrones and Tyler Seltenreich up front and can rely heavily on defenseman Dimitris Jones and goaltender Ben Churchfield.

The Contenders

Salve Regina moves on from All-American Blake Wojtala in goal but returns a host of talented players that will be expected to produce more offensively as they find stability in the crease from Ulysses Lalor or Louis-Felix St. Jean. Look for Danny Eruzione and Paul Boutoussov to build on their 38 and 26-point seasons from last year.

The Curry Colonels graduated the leadership and production of Zachery White but have a strong nucleus to compete for the top spot in the league. Forwards Michael Snow and Billy Rizzo return having accounted for 22 goals last season. Justin Ketola proved to be a reliable netminder last season and as important as a leader for the Colonels as one of the assistant captains this season.

Players to watch

Becker: Romain Wild – forward; Charles Costello – forward
Curry: Jordan Williamson – defense; Billy Vizzo – forward
Endicott: Jason Kalinowski – forward; Conor O’Brien – goaltender
Nichols: JB Baker – forward; Vincent Crivello – forward
Salve Regina: Vincenzo Renda – defense; Danny Eruzione – forward
University of New England: Dimitris Jones – defense; Ryan Bloom – forward
Wentworth: Georgy Gorodetsky – forward; Jake McKenelley – forward
Western New England: Corey Kennedy – forward; John O’Brien – defense

USCHO Predicted finish

1. University of New England
2. Salve Regina
3. Curry
4. Nichols
5. Endicott
6. Wentworth
7. Western New England
8. Becker

Early November does not see an easing into the season as UNE opens on the road at Norwich. Salve Regina opens with MASCAC champion Plymouth State followed by a home-and-home series with league rival Nichols. Curry travels to face the ranked Beacons from Massachusetts-Boston so all the CCC elite will be tested early to start the campaign.

NEHC Preview: Norwich seeking to repeat championship run

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Norwich’s stout defense all starts with Tom Aubrun in goal (Photo – Michael Menn, Norwich University)

The conference has already made news with the announcement of Elmira joining the NEHC in a couple of seasons matching the move made by Hobart a couple of seasons ago. For this year, the competition is again expected to be at a high level as four teams are included in the pre-season rankings.

Last year’s conference champions from Norwich, who saw their 19-game unbeaten streak come to an end in the national championship game at Wisconsin – Stevens Point will expect hard fought battles from across the NEHC including the growing rivalry battles with Hobart, Massachusetts-Boston and Babson.

The Favorite

Coach Cam Ellsworth enters his second season with a mostly intact roster from last season including the all-conference goaltender, Tom Aubrun. Their top eight scorers return led by Felix Brassard, Coby Downs
and Brett Ouderkirk. Mobile defensemen Gabriel Chicoine and Matt Burchill also contribute at both ends of the ice for a team that knows how to win close hockey games.

The Contenders

Hobart has been in instant competitor for the league title since arriving in the NEHC from the former ECAC West and reached the Frozen Four last year where they fell to Wisconsin- Stevens Point in the semifinal round. Sophomore Liam Lascelle emerged as the number one goaltender last season and has great support in front led by seniors Travis Schneider, Zach Sternbach, Lawson MacDougall and Julien Denicourt. The Statesmen have split the last two conference championships with the Cadets.

The Beacons of UMass-Boston have an all-star group that includes goaltender Bailey MacBurnie, defenseman Nick Albano and forward Nolan Redler who enters his senior season with exactly 100 points in his career with the Beacons. The Beacons also qualified for the NCAA tournament last season and will look to build on a 19-win season for head coach Peter Belisle.

Players to watch

Babson: Mike Egan – forward; Nick Rosa – forward
Castleton: Glen Wiswell – forward; Troy Taylor – defenseman
Hobart: Travis Schneider – forward; Liam Lascelle – goaltender
Johnson & Wales: Mike Rockwell – goaltender; Connor Bechtel – forward
UMass-Boston: Nick Albano – defense; Nolan Redler – forward
New England College: Carlos Fornaris – forward; Anthony Pupplo – goaltender
Norwich: Tom Aubrun – goaltender; Felix Brassard – forward
Skidmore: Brandon Kasel – goaltender; Matt Muzyka – forward
Southern Maine: Adam Withers – forward; Cody Braga – forward
Suffolk: Joe Vingi – defenseman; Jack Kelly – forward

USCHO predicted finish

1. Norwich
2. Hobart
3. UMass-Boston
4. Babson
5. New England College
6. Skidmore
7. Johnson & Wales
8. Southern Maine
9. Castleton
10. Suffolk

Exhibition games are always a helpful tune-up, but this weekend sees real action among ranked teams including Norwich hosting the University of New England, Hobart playing two games with Elmira and Massachusetts-Boston opening with Curry and Wentworth.

 

UCHC Preview: Utica expecting a tight conference race

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Gianluca Baggetta will be the man in the crease for Pioneers’ hunt for a UCHC title (Photo – Utica Athletics)

Last year’s surprise team from Wilkes saw head coach Brett Riley step down to take and assistant coach position with Colgate from the ECAC. New head coach Tyler Hynes inherits a solid team that knows how much of a battle every game is in the UCHC. The pre-season coaches’ poll showed some of the usual suspects expected to win the league, but this conference has been filled with surprises early and often so don’t assume anything will go according to general consensus.

The Favorite

Utica is the early favorite and has an experienced roster augmented by a pair for transfers to bolster the offense. Kasper Kjellkvist from Curry and Donovan Ott from RPI will add balance to returners Brett Everson and Conor Landrigan. The Pioneers are in very good shape in goal where returning starter Gianluca Baggetta has proven to be a bi8g-game goaltender for head coach Gary Heenan. Early road games at Manhattanville and Neumann should give an indication to the Pioneers pedigree.

The Contenders

Aaron Saul’s Elmira squad boasts some great senior forwards including Connor Powell, Matthew Cuce and Nick Ford. Ford recorded 39 points last season and is an offensive catalyst for the Soaring Eagles. Ben Fleischman is the only returning goaltender for Elmira who will be looking for a number one among a group of four that includes Clarkson transfer, Chris Janzen. An opening home-and-home series with Hobart will need Elmira to bring their “A” game early.

Last year’s conference champions took the two-game format to the maximum needing a second game win at Utica to stay alive and a mini-game win to claim the title. Head coach Arlen Marshall’s team always plays hard and physical hockey and their significant losses to graduation may take some time to take shape, but no one should take the Valiants lightly.

Players to watch

Chatham: Michael Lamison – forward; Chris Lutz – forward
Elmira: Matthew Cuce – forward; Nick Ford – forward
King’s: Tyler Wilding – defenseman; Tanner Wilding – forward
Lebanon Valley: Cole Hepler – forward; Tyler Romel – defenseman
Manhattanville: Ken McLean – forward; Joel Knight – defenseman
Nazareth: Brian Miller – forward; James McDonald – forward
Neumann: Zac Boyle – forward; Richie Brusco – defenseman
Stevenson: Aaron Murray – defenseman; Domenic Brenza– forward
Utica: Brett Everson – forward; Gianluca Baggetta – goalie
Wilkes: Tyler Barrow – forward; Donald Flynn – forward

USCHO predicted finish

1. Utica
2. Elmira
3. Manhattanville
4. Wilkes
5. Nazareth
6. Stevenson
7. Neumann
8. Lebanon Valley
9. Chatham
10. King’s

The MAC title chase emanating from a subset of UCHC teams looks to be a hotly contested battle among Manhattanville, Wilkes and Lebanon Valley. While the hardware and championship designation are an important goal for all these teams, they all clearly know that the points count in both conference standings and the UCHC is the one with the auto-bid to the NCAA tournament.

SUNYAC Preview: Geneseo Knights seeking a three-peat

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Conlan Keenan returns to lead Geneseo’s potent offense (Photo – Geneseo Athletics)

There is a new-old coach in Plattsburgh as long-time assistant Steve Moffat takes the reins following Bob Emery’s retirement and move to become the Head of Hockey Operations at Merrimack College. Moffatt has a lot of familiarity with the Cardinal program and should have them battling among the favorites despite a young roster that includes 13 freshmen.

The Geneseo Knights led the pre-season coaches’ poll, but head coach Chris Schultz isn’t exactly sure why. “We lost the equivalent of an All-American goalie and two All-American caliber defensemen from the roster and some other teams haven’t lost that kind of talent. Not expecting anything different this season as the league is always super competitive and we will have our work cut out for us starting this weekend.”

The Favorite

Geneseo is looking for their third consecutive SUNYAC title and returns a ton of firepower upfront. Conlan Keenan, Tyson Empey, Andrew Romano and David Szmyd are all proven scorers with Romano and Keenan already having recorded more than 100 points in their first three seasons. Schultz will need to replace goaltender Devin MacDonald and his NCAA record number of shutouts last season. Look for junior Aaron MacKay and freshman Matt Petizian to split time early on in determining a rotation or the hot-hand in goal.

The Contenders

Oswego has a great group returning led by forward Josh Zizek and goaltender David Richer. There is depth and experience for Ed Gosek’s team that includes just one freshman on the roster. The first four conference games at home should set the tone before the Lakers face Geneseo, Hobart and Salve Regina to show where they stand among the nation’s elite.

Plattsburgh will be young, but a great goaltender can cover form some of those learning curves and the Cardinals have that experience in the crease in Jimmy Poreda. Seniors Philip Middleton and Joe Drabin will be looked to provide leadership for the fledgling Cardinals who will see there first real test hosting Geneseo on Saturday, 11/2.

Players to watch

Brockport: Connor Hutchins – forward; Hunter Laslo – forward
Buffalo State: Vadim Vasjonkin – forward; Michael Anthony Guerrera – defense
Cortland: Nick Modica – goaltender; Alex Storjohann – forward
Fredonia: Charlie Manley – defense; Victor Tracy – forward
Geneseo: Conlan Keenan – forward; Tyson Empey – forward
Morrisville: Nick DeVito – forward; Ryan Bochert – forward
Oswego: Josh Zizek – forward; David Richer – goaltender
Plattsburgh: Joe Drabin – forward; Jimmy Poreda – goaltender
Potsdam: Bryce Ferrell – forward; Vinny Guimond – forward

USCHO predicted finish

1. Geneseo
2. Oswego
3. Plattsburgh
4. Buffalo State
5. Fredonia
6. Brockport
7. Potsdam
8. Cortland
9. Morrisville

November puck drops are instantly battles for two-points as conference play begins the season for virtually all. Buffalo State hosts a high-level tournament that includes Manhattanville, Nichols and western power Adrian. The Bengals can be a contender if they come out of the gates fast starting in their own tournament.

Women’s D-III picks: Nov. 1

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(photo: Hamline Athletics)
(photo: Hamline Athletics)

This weekend kicks off action in women’s D-III. Writer Candace Horgan picks the winners of some of the interesting games.

Friday, Nov. 1

No. 2 Hamline at No. 3 Adrian
This is THE marquee matchup for women’s D-III this weekend. Hamline lost to Plattsburgh in the national championship game last year and returns forward Bre Simon, who averaged over two points a game last season and won the Laura Hurd Award as the top player in D-III. Also back are goalies McKenna Hulslander and Jaela O’Brien, who platooned for much of last season. Adrian’s top scorer from last season, Tory Harshman, graduated, as did Kortney Diaz, but much of the team is back, including goalie Denisa Jandová, who posted a .952 save percentage last season. This one might even go to OT, but I like the visitors to squeak by. Hamline 3-2

Friday-Saturday, Nov. 1-2

No. 7 Wisconsin-Eau Claire at St. Norbert
The women’s St. Norbert team doesn’t quite have the same tradition of excellence as the men, but they are improving. However, it won’t be enough to overcome a Wisconsin-Eau Claire squad that returns top scorer Elizabeth Bauer. Wisconsin-Eau Claire 4-2, 3-2

Suffolk at Nazareth
These are two solid teams that both posted winning records last season in their first year of NCAA play. Tess Adams graduated from preseason NEHC second-place pick Suffolk, but most of the team’s top players are back and are now sophomores, including Shana Cote and Jesse Kennedy. Suffolk will also need solid play from goalie Kristen Caporusso. Nazareth will look to Hailey Redders and Emily Kromer to pace the scoring. I think this will be a split. Nazareth 3-2, Suffolk 3-1

Saturday. Nov. 2

Potsdam at Cortland
These two teams battled for second in the NEWHL last season behind perennial power Plattsburgh. Both teams have a lot of returning players, but Cortland seems a little deeper. Potsdam already has a game played, but I like the home team to win. Cortland 3-2

Tuesday, Nov. 5

William Smith at Morrisville
Both of these teams finished second in their conference last year. Morrisville already lost its first game of the season and will need solid play in net from Adrianna Harman to withstand the offense of players like Gina Scibetta and Jules Kennedy. I like the road team in this one. William Smith 4-2

Game Picks, D-III East: Nov. 1, 2019

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While most teams are kicking off the new season with non-conference action, the SUNYAC teams will be jumping right into some key conference match-ups while there are other ranked teams looking to get a fast start early in the campaign. It is just great to have D-III hockey starting the season and it certainly looks like the competition across all the conferences is going to be great again.

Friday, November 1, 2019

No. 14 Manhattanville @ Buffalo State
There are some talented teams playing in this opening tournament of the season and the Bengals will make a statement on home ice by upending the ranked Valiants – Buffalo State 4, Manhattanville 3.

Curry @ No. 12 Massachusetts-Boston
The Colonels look to make some noise in the CCC while the Beacons want to show they are a contender in the NEHC. Lots of firepower for the home team and Bailey MacBurnie is just too good for Curry– UMB 5, Curry 2.

Albertus Magnus @ St. Michael’s
The new kids in D-III open their season on the road against a veteran St. Michael’s squad. It’s a close game that the Purple Knights eke out with the benefit of an empty-net goal– St. Michael’s 3, Albertus Magnus 1.

Cortland @ No. 6 Oswego
The Lakers are loaded and won’t waste any time in showcasing their depth and scoring against the Red Dragon. Josh Zizek and company get the season off to a flying start and two quick points in conference play – Oswego 5, Cortland 1.

Salve Regina @ Plymouth State
While neither team is ranked just yet, both teams expect to be in the battle at the top in their respective conferences. The Seahawks have the advantage offensively and find a way to score a big goal on the road for the win – Salve Regina 3, PSU 2.

Saturday, November 2, 2018

No. 9 University of New England @ No. 2 Norwich
This is a battle between last year’s CCC and NEHC champs and likely the marquee game on the schedule this weekend. I don’t expect a lot of fireworks in this one as the goaltending of Tom Aubrun and Ben Churchfield is just too good. Look for special teams to be the difference for the Cadets – Norwich 2, UNE 1.

Canton @ No. 13 Utica– Utica 5, Canton 4.
The Pioneers love their home-ice advantage but won’t be thrilled with a seesaw battle with the Kangaroos who can compete with any team. Don’t be surprised to see some overtime magic in a very entertaining offensive affair – Utica 5, Canton 4.

No. 3 Geneseo @ Plattsburgh
Another key opening weekend game pitting rivals and contenders battling for two key points. It’s Steve Moffat’s first season as the head coach in Plattsburgh but he knows the Knights’ skill and the offense is enough to take a big road win against the Cardinals – Geneseo 4, Plattsburgh 3.

Bryn Athyn @ Southern New Hampshire
The Penmen start their season facing the independent Lions and hardly are hospitable hosts. A fast start carries the day for the home team and gets their season off to a good start – SNHU 5, Bryn Athyn 2.

It is November and the season is finally getting under way. Let’s Goooooo! – “Drop the Puck!”

Big Ten hands down one-game suspension to Wisconsin’s Ahcan for interference penalty against Penn State

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ROMAN AHCAN

The Big Ten announced Friday that Wisconsin sophomore forward Roman Ahcan has been suspended for one game as a result of an incident that occurred in the game against Penn State on Oct. 31.

The action was taken by the conference after a review of an incident that occurred near the 14:17 mark of the third period and resulted in the Ahcan receiving a major penalty for interference and a game misconduct.

Ahcan is ineligible to play in tonight’s game against Penn State.

Women’s D-I weekend picks November 1:

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20 Mar 15: The University of Wisconsin Badger play against the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers in a National Semifinal matchup at the 2015 Women's Frozen Four at Ridder Arena in Minneapolis, MN. (Jim Rosvold)
A national championship rematch between rivals Wisconsin and Minnesota headlines this weekend’s slate of games. (Photo: Jim Rosvold)

(1) Wisconsin at (2) Minnesota

Wisconsin may have a slight edge here, but I don’t think that matters when these two teams play. It’s a rematch of last year’s national title game, which the Badgers won. In fact, Wisconsin has won nine of the last 12 meetings between the two teams. Wisconsin is unbeaten so far this season and is coming off a sweep of Bemidji State while Minnesota split a pair of games against Ohio State last weekend. I think goaltending and special teams will be the difference in these games. I expect a split.

Quinnipiac at (3) Cornell

The Big Red looked really good out of the gate last weekend and I don’t think that changes here. The Bobcats are a good defensive team, but I think Cornell are too deep on offense to slow down. I expect Cornell to take this one.

(6) Princeton at (3) Cornell

Despite the Border Battle, this might be the most interesting game happening this weekend. Last year these two tied, then Princeton won in early January. Cornell took down the Tigers in double overtime in the ECAC tournament. They know each other well. They both have potent offenses. Last year the ECAC was decided on the final weekend. Princeton went in as the top team and ended up fourth. Literally every point and head-to-head meeting will matter, so these two will be going all out. This is a toss-up, so I’ll take higher-ranked Cornell.

(4) Northeastern vs (9) Boston University

The Huskies took two wins last season and the teams also had two ties. Both teams have strong goaltending, but Northeastern has the offensive advantage. They’re playing a home and home series and I’m guessing each team will win the game on home ice.

(5) Clarkson at Union

The Golden Knights have a weekend against teams they swept last season to try and get back on track. They swept Syracuse the opening weekend of the season, but have suffered a tie or loss in each of their series since. They should open ECAC play with a pair of win.

(5) Clarkson at RPI

Clarkson should sweep their weekend and start conference play 2-0.

(6) Princeton at Colgate

The Tigers have a difficult start to conference play this weekend. There’s no easing into it and not a lot of room for error. Princeton has the more potent offense and I expect them to win this one.

New Hampshire at (7) Boston College

The Wildcats are a tough matchup and Hockey East teams that overlook them will be surprised. The Eagles control the puck and have the zone for a large part of the game, which doesn’t give opponents many opportunities to score. I think BC takes this one.

Providence at (7) Boston College

I’m not sure even Providence knows exactly who they are yet. They upset Northeastern and beat Quinnipiac, but struggled against New Hampshire and Penn State. That makes it difficult to understand how they’ll play against BC. I think the Eagles will get another win, but if Providence plays to their potential, they clearly have the ability to grab another upset.

(8) Ohio State at Bemidji State

Bemidji State took three of four games against Ohio State last season and the Buckeyes have been susceptible to losses against teams they probably should beat. The Beavers are coming off a sweep at Wisconsin, while Ohio State split a pair of games with Minnesota. I wouldn’t be surprised if either team swept here. BSU already took two from Minnesota Duluth. I think the Buckeyes will get up for these games, so I expect a split.

St. Cloud State at (10) Minnesota Duluth

The Bulldogs have wins over Clarkson and Colgate, but were swept by Bemidji State. They’re coming off a tournament win at the Icebreaker in Buffalo and are likely to sweep the weekend, but I wouldn’t be surprised if St. Cloud takes one of these games.

 

USCHO GAME OF THE WEEK: Minnesota ‘ready to get that challenge started’ with Notre Dame series on tap

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(photo: Minnesota Athletics)
Sammy Walker leads Minnesota in scoring through six games, posting four goals and three assists for the Gophers (photo: Minnesota Athletics).

The offseason narrative surrounding Minnesota was quite clear — it was going to be a young and inexperienced team.

Six games in, with a split and sweeps of the good and bad variety, what should we think about the Gophers’ start?

“We’ve been everything we thought we’d be,” Gophers coach Bob Motzko said. “We’ve been really good at times, we’ve showed our youth at times and we’ve had one really bad game. We’ve got to eliminate the bad and keep gaining experience. We feel like we’re going to be pretty good, and that’s what we’ve got to build towards.”

Minnesota started the season by splitting on the road at Colorado College and followed that up by sweeping Niagara at home. The Gophers were swept by Minnesota Duluth last weekend, losing 5-2 at home on Friday and 2-0 in Duluth on Saturday. Minnesota opens its Big Ten slate this weekend by hosting Notre Dame.

Friday’s game against Duluth was the “really bad game” Motzko was referring to.

“Friday night was not a good night for us — there was the one game in our six that our mindset was off kilter,” he said. “We didn’t come with the fight that Duluth came with. Duluth was coming off of a sweep and their players responded how a team responds when you get knocked down.”

The youth narrative is with merit, the Gophers are a very young team. The roster is made up of 11 freshmen, eight sophomores, five juniors and only three seniors. Motzko said he has liked the way the team’s defense and transition game so far but would like to see more on the offensive-side of the game.

“The big thing is our tenacity and grit that we bring every night,” he said. “From an offensive-standpoint — fighting for the puck, intensity off faceoffs and just becoming a much harder team to play against in tough areas of the ice. That’s been a little bit yo-yo, but that’s what we’re building towards and that’s the main focus right now.”

The youth is especially noticeable when looking at the defensive-corps. Saturday’s blue liners against the Bulldogs featured freshmen Jackson LaCombe, Ryan Johnson and Matt Staudacher.

“They’ve been very good, [and] they show a lot of promise,” Motzko said of the young defensemen. “You’ve got to keep a blind eye to small mistakes right now because young guys are going to make them. They’re highly-competitive, highly-talented and all are pointing in the right direction. They’re going to be excellent defensemen.”

On the offensive side of things, Ben Meyers showed more signs of promise last weekend. The freshman scored his first career goal on Friday after being elevated to the top line during the middle of the contest. His four points this season are second on the team.

“He’s a heck of a player,” Motzko said of Meyers. “That line has a great potential to really do great things. Our fear was we really wanted to try and balance out a couple lines scoring-wise. That’s what we’re still trying to develop, is our offensive depth.”

One player that is part of the youth, but only based on his age, is Sammy Walker. The Edina, Minn., native had 10 goals and 16 assists as a freshman and looks to be ready to take the next step after being named a team captain this season. He has three goals and two assists this season.

“The great thing with Sammy [is] it’s not just the talent but the work ethic and his personality,” Motzko said. “He comes to play every day. He raises the temperature of every practice and he raises the temperature of every game. He’s off to a terrific start, but it’s not a surprise, he’s off to a fantastic start.”

The three seniors that the Gophers do have on the roster also play a significant role on the team. That includes senior defensemen Tyler Nanne and Ryan Zuhlsdorf.

“They’re playing heavy minutes for us, and those guys are carrying their end of the bargain,” Motzko said of the seniors. “Those guys are doing exactly what we want seniors to do, is to get out in front, play hard and play smart and be leaders for your team.”

To round out youth narrative, Minnesota also started the season with fresh faces between the pipes in goal.

Freshmen Jared Moe and Justin Close are joined by transfer Jack LaFontaine. All three have played this year with Moe and LaFontaine splitting starts.

“That was the plan to start, I could just tell you after six games we like all three goalies,” Motzko said. “We think we’re in real good hands with our goaltending, [but] we just need more time to continue to evaluate it and they need more time to get comfortable.”

With the sweep at the hands of the Bulldogs in the rearview, things don’t get any easier for the Gophers. After the Irish, November features series against Michigan, Penn State, Wisconsin and a Thanksgiving rumble with North Dakota.

“We have to be better this week than we were last week, and that’s all we’re really concentrating on,” Motzko said, adding that the he was happy to get league play started. “All of us can dial up the intensity and you’re playing for points now, you’re playing for marbles, and somewhere along the line they built a trophy for the winner at the end and you’re playing for something.

“We’re ready to get that challenge started.”

Hockey East picks: Nov. 1-3

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Jim and I both barely made it above .500 last week. Onward to a better week.

Jim last week: 5-4-1
Dave last week: 5-4-1
Jim to date: 25-21-5
Dave to date: 31-15-5

Friday, November 1

Boston College at New Hampshire
Both Boston College and New Hampshire are looking to rebound in this contest. The Eagles have lost three straight, albeit two on the road to top-ranked Denver and then to number eight Providence. UNH got shut out by Boston University. The key matchup will be UNH’s top-ranked power play, which clocks in at 31.8 percent, against BC’s bottom-ranked penalty kill, 74.1 percent.

Dave: BC 4, UNH 2
Jim: BC 4, UNH 2

Colgate at Providence
Other than taking three of four points from UMass Lowell, Colgate has struggled to an 0-3-1 record while Providence has been riding high. Although the Friars lost to Lowell in overtime on Saturday, they boast the top offense in Hockey East along with one of the best defenses with strength on special teams. This looks like a clear mismatch even before factoring in home ice for the Friars.

Dave: Providence 5, Colgate 1
Jim: Providence 3, Colgate 1

Friday-Saturday, November 1-2

Northeastern vs. Massachusetts
Here’s the marquee matchup of the weekend, a home-and-home between third-ranked UMass (4-1-0) and number 10 Northeastern (4-1-1). They met two weeks ago and the Huskies drew first blood, 2-1 plus an empty-netter. Collectively, the two teams went 0-for-13 on the power play, a double-blanking highly unlikely to hold up over the weekend.

Dave: NU 4, UMass 3; UMass 3, NU 2
Jim: UMass 3, NU 1; UMass 3, NU 2

UMass Lowell at Vermont

Vermont has opened slowly with a light schedule, only four games. The Catamounts took care of business against St. Lawrence, but lost their other three contests. Offense has been the problem–stop me if you’ve heard that before–with only five goals total in the four games, and they’re still looking for their first power-play goal.

Lowell, on the other hand, has played great except for getting only a single point in a weekend against Colgate. Could this be a similar pair of trap games?

Dave: UML 4, UVM 1; UML 4, UVM 1
Jim: UML 4, UVM 1; UML 2, UVM 1

Boston University at Maine
Maine looked like it was in for a long season when it dropped both games in the opening weekend (albeit one of them an exhibition) by a collective 12-0 score. The Black Bears have put that opening, however, in the rear view mirror with a 4-1 record since that point. BU, as noted in this week’s column, is only a sliver away from being one of the top teams in the country. That said, both teams are neck-and-neck in almost every statistical category, so home ice could be a deciding factor.
Dave: BU 4, Maine 3 (OT); BU 3, Maine 2
Jim: BU 4, Maine 2; BU 3, Maine 2

Friday-Saturday, November 1-2

Merrimack vs. UConn
Both teams have started slowly, so this home-and-home could turn in any direction. The extraordinarily young Warriors have a win over Holy Cross to their credit while the Huskies earned their first win over Rensselaer. UConn certainly features the better offense, an even three goals a game, but that’s no thanks to a power play still looking to get off the schneid.

Dave: UConn 4, Merrimack 2; UConn 5, Merrimack 2
Jim: UConn 3, Merrimack 2; UConn 4, Merrimack 2

Saturday, November 2

Boston College at Providence

Although I said above that the UMass-Northeastern home-and-home was the marquee matchup of the weekend, this one could argue for a close second billing. Arguably, the only thing preventing that has been BC’s three straight losses. With Providence operating on all cylinders and benefiting from home ice, this could also go in the Eagles’ loss column.

Dave: Providence 3, BC 2
Jim: Providence 3, BC 1

Dartmouth at New Hampshire
This traditional battle for Granite State superiority could be evenly matched, but it’s hard to tell since Dartmouth has yet to play its first game. The Big Green will open their season on Friday against Harvard, so UNH will have some scouting tape to work with, but it will be slim pickings compared to the Wildcats’ five games, three of which went to overtime. As noted previously, UNH’s power play (31.8 percent) looks like a difference-maker.

Dave: UNH 4, Dartmouth 3
Jim: UNH 3, Dartmouth 2

ECAC Hockey Picks: Nov. 1-2

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(Tim Brule)
Dartmouth will get its season underway this weekend. Photo credit: Tim Brule

Nate:

Last week: 4-4-1

Overall: 17-16-2

Mark:

Last week:  4-4-1

Overall:  16-18-2

Here’s a look at what’s on the schedule for ECAC Hockey this weekend as the Ivy League finally gets underway. All games are at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted.

 

Friday, Nov. 1

Brown at Yale, Yale at Brown

Nate: Both teams should be better this season. I agree with Mark and think this will be a split. Friday:  Yale 4-1; Saturday: Brown 3-2

Mark: These two ancient rivals tied in a scrimmage at Princeton last weekend. Expect the same result this time: A split. Friday: Yale 4-2: Saturday Brown 4-1

Cornell at Michigan State Friday, Saturday

Nate: Cornell looks to be loaded for this season. Michigan State has a four-game head start, but I think the Big Red still manage to pull off a season-opening sweep. Friday: Cornell 3-1; Saturday: Cornell 2-0

Mark: The Spartans have had trouble scoring. The Big Red are known for their sturdy defensive structure. Advantage Cornell. Friday: Cornell 3-1; Saturday: Cornell 2-0

Colgate at Providence  

Nate: The Friars are a tough team to score against and Colgate has struggled to score so far this season. Providence 4-1

Mark: The Raiders have won just once in seven starts. The Friars have one of the highest-scoring teams in the country. Providence 5-2

St. Lawrence at Clarkson, Friday, Saturday

Nate: This should be a good goaltending matchup between St. Lawrence’s Daniel Mannella and Clarkson’s Frank Marotte. But Clarkson has the edge offensively, and should be able to get the sweep. Friday: Clarkson 3-1; Saturday: Clarkson 4-2

Mark: The Larries have held their own so far. The Golden Knights are coming off a split at Wisconsin. Home ice wins out in this matchup.  Friday: Clarkson 4-2; Saturday Clarkson 5-2

Dartmouth at Harvard  

Nate: This is the season opener for both teams. Harvard lost several important players in the offseason, but still have some talented players like Mark alluded to below. Harvard 4-2

Mark: The Big Green’s top line of Foreman, O’Connor and Graber might be the best in the ECAC. The Crimson have some very promising freshmen in addition to Reilly Walsh, maybe the top offensive defenseman in the league. Harvard 5-3

 

Union at Canisius 7:35 p.m. Friday, 4:05 Saturday

Nate: The Dutchmen finally broke through with a win last weekend and they’ll face a Canisius team that has really struggled this season. Friday: Union 5-1; Saturday: Union 6-2

Mark: Union has won one of eight. Canisius is 0-3. The Dutchmen sweep on the road. Friday: Union 6-3; Saturday; Union 4-1

 

Princeton at St. Cloud State, 9:37 EDT Friday; 8:07 EDT Saturday.

Nate: Princeton faces a tough task in its season opening-series at St. Cloud. Not sure the Tigers will be able to keep pace with the Bulldogs. Friday: St. Cloud 4-1; Saturday: St. Cloud 6-4

Mark: St Cloud has played four games. These will be the first games for the Tigers. Feels like a sweep for the Huskies. Friday: St. Cloud 4-1; Saturday: St. Cloud 6-3

Quinnipiac at Arizona State, Friday, Saturday 10:05 EDT

Nate: It’s been a nice start for the Bobcats, who are 4-1-1 all-time against Arizona State.  I think that success continues this weekend. Friday: Quinnipiac  5-3; Saturday; Quinnipiac 4-3

Mark: The weather will be better than in Hamden, but it’s a business trip for the Bobcats.

Friday: Quinnipiac 5-3; Saturday: Quinnipiac 3-1

Saturday, November 2:

Dartmouth at New Hampshire                 

Nate: The Wildcats have struggled defensively this season and I think the Big Green should be able to take advantage of that against its in-state rival. Dartmouth 4-3

Mark: The Wildcats prevail in the battle of the Granite State. New Hampshire 4-3

MIAC Preview: Augsburg seeking fifth consecutive title

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John O’Connor is among the key returnees for Augsburg. ( Photo by Kevin Healy for Augsburg University)

The race for the MIAC title is typically tightly contested and there is little margin for error in the quest for the championship. Augsburg comes into the year as the team to beat but there are plenty of challengers poised to take over the top spot. Below is a preview of the season ahead.

Last Year’s Champion: Augsburg won its fourth consecutive MIAC playoff title, something that has never been done before in men’s hockey in the conference. The Auggies won 21 games last season.

Favorites: Saint Thomas is always a contender. Saint John’s should be in the mix as well with the experience it has back. The regular-season matchups between those two rivals could go a long way in deciding the MIAC title.

Dark Horse: Don’t sleep on Concordia. The Cobbers won 13 games last year and return 28 players from a team that finished third in the regular-season standings.

Players to Watch:

Augsburg has the pieces in place to contend for another conference title. The regular-season champs for the second time in four years in addition to their tourney title, the Auggies bring back several key players, including John O’Connor, an All-American who scored two goals and dished out 15 assists.Austin Dollmer is coming off a stellar freshman year in which he tallied eight goals and dished out 13 assists. Jason Krych came through with two goals and 10 assists and Austin Martinsen finished with six goals and eight assists last season. Goalie Daniil Gerasimov won five games and stopped 91.5 percent of the shots he faced.

St. Thomas returns 16 players, including the one-two punch of Brett Gravelle and Johnny Panvica. Gravelle is a two-time All-MIAC pick and lit up the scoreboard for 18 goals, the second-most in the league. He also dished out 13 assists. Gravelle has 41 goals in his career. Panvica came through with five goals and 19 assists. Derek Olmschenk leads the defense for the Tommies. He punched in four goals and dished out nine assists last season. Cam Burggrabe and Luke Radetic are coming off stellar rookie seasons. Buggrabe won 10 games and Radetic scored 14 goals.

Saint John’s has four all-conference picks back, including Brady Heppner, who came through with 15 goals last season, the most on the team. He’s a two-time All-MIAC selection. Kyle Wagner is a key returnee as well after tying for the league lead in assists with 16. Jake Dittel dished out 10 assists. Andrew Lindgren won nine games and recorded three shutouts. He boasted a save percentage of .939. The Johnnies should be in the mix for the title because of the talent they have back this season.

Tyler Bossert leads the way for Concordia, an All-American who led the Cobbers in scoring with 11 goals and 28 assists. He ranked fifth in the nation in assists. Aaron Herdt is coming off a year where he scored 17 goals and dished out 11 assists. He led the league in game-winning goals. Tanner Okeson tallied three goals and 12 assists. Goalie Jacob Stephan is back after sporting a 2.44 goals against average.

Tommy Stang leads the way for Saint Mary’s after leading the team in goals (13) and points (22) last season. Six of his goals came off the power play. Jack Stang was right behind him with 19 points, with 15 coming off assists. Owen Sikich tallied eight goals and nine assists while Kyle Meeh came through with seven goals and eight assists. He and Tommy Stang were first-team All-MIAC picks. Goalie Nick Nast appeared in 20 games and stopped 90 percent of the shots he faced. He had 30 or more saves seven times.

Gustavus returns one of its best playmakers in Caleb Anderson, who dished out a team-high 12 assists to go along with his four goals. Toby Sengvongxay earned a spot on the all-rookie team last year and finished second on the team in goals. Goalie Robbie Goor was an honorable mention all-conference pick last year, starting 10 games and fashioning a 1.92 GAA.

Hamline has two of its best offensive threats back, including Weiland Parrish, who led the Pipers in goals scored with 10 and also tallied five assists. Bailey Martin is also returning for Hamline. He scored six goals and dished out seven assists. The Pipers also return both of their goals in Sam Nelson and Evan Robert. The two combined for 25 starts, with Nelson coming up with 438 saves.Robert made 264 saves.

Roshen Jaswal is coming off his second consecutive honorable mention all-conference selection for St. Olaf. He led the team in points, scoring two goals and dishing out 11 assists. Tuukka Totro tallied three goals and five assists. Luke Ranallo came through with two goals and six assists for the Oles.

Notes:

Augsburg has been a force in the MIAC, winning 10 or more games nine times in the last 10 seasons. The Auggies have won 17 or more games each of the last four seasons. Their 21 wins last season are the most since the 1997-98 campaign.

St. Thomas head coach Jeff Boeser has been associated with Tommies hockey for 40 years, starting as a player. The Tommies have won six MIAC crowns under Boeser’s guidance during this decade and have recorded 37 consectuive winning seasons.

Saint John’s went 4-1-2 over its last seven games in conference play and made its sixth trip to the MIAC tournament in the last eight years, reaching the title game last season.

Concordia has made seven consecutive appearances in the conference tournament.

Saint Mary’s has been to the MIAC tournament three times in the last five seasons.The Cardinals played in 17 games decided by two goals or less.

Brett Petersen begins his 20th season as the head coach of Gustavus. He has won 236 games in his career with the Gusties.

Bethel endured a 13-game winless streak at one point last season but managed to close the season on a positive note, winning three of its final five games.

Noah Parker earned honorable mention all-conference honors in goal last season. He came through with 559 saves, the most by a goalie in the program since the 2014-15 campaign.

Picking the WCHA: Nov. 1-2

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As we hit November, we start to get a sense of exactly where WCHA teams are at, now that they have a good chunk of their non-conference matchups out of the way. It will be interesting to see where things stand after this weekend. I had a decent first week of picks, just edging Jack out (I have a feeling this advantage may not last long). 

Daver last week: 9-3-0

Jack last week: 8-4-0

Daver this season: 9-3-0

Jack this season: 23-15-3

 

On to the action:

 

Nebraska Omaha at Alaska Anchorage

The Mavericks split with Ohio State in their last outing two weeks ago. Despite the travel for Omaha to Anchorage, the Mavericks would like this weekend to be a tune up for Wisconsin next weekend. The Seawolves are looking to build off a split against Alaska last weekend.

Daver: Omaha sweeps, 5-1 and 4-1

Jack: Omaha sweeps, 4-1 and 3-1

 

Ferris State at Lake Superior State

Lake Superior State has run the gauntlet in the early going facing Denver, Michigan and Notre Dame. Coach Damon Whitten would love nothing more than to have his team return home and play better defense. The Bulldogs would like to wash last weekend’s sweep by Northern Michigan from their memory.

Daver: LSSU sweeps, 4-1 and 4-2

Jack: LSSU sweeps, 3-1 and 4-2

 

Alabama Huntsville at (20) Northern Michigan

The Wildcats swept Ferris State last weekend on the strength of four goals from Griffin Loughran. They face a bruised Chargers squad who took two on the chin last weekend against Minnesota State and are still searching for their first win.

Daver: NMU sweeps, 5-1 and 4-2

Jack: NMU sweeps, 4-2 and 5-2

 

(18) Bowling Green at (2) Minnesota State

The most intriguing matchup of the weekend features a pair of teams who look like early favorites for the WCHA Playoff Championship at the end of the season. The Mavericks are fresh off a sweep of the Chargers. The Falcons are looking to bounce back from a tough loss to Michigan Tech last Saturday.

Daver: BGSU wins Friday 3-2, MSU wins Saturday 4-1

Jack: MSU wins Friday 3-1, BGSU wins Saturday 3-2

 

Bemidji State at Alaska

The Nanooks are the darlings of the young season in the WCHA after a sweep of the Huskies and a win last weekend over the Seawolves. This weekend, they play host to the Beavers, who played a tough series against North Dakota last weekend.

Daver: Alaska sweeps, 3-2 and 2-1

Jack: Alaska wins Friday 4-2, Bemidji wins Saturday 5-3

 

Michigan Tech at (14) North Dakota

The Huskies got their first WCHA win of the season last weekend with a big road win at Bowling Green. This weekend, they head back out on the road for the U.S.A. Hockey Hall of Fame game. Unlike last year, when they played in the game in Madison, this year they are in Grand Forks to take on the Fighting Hawks, who are fresh off a sweep of the Beavers last weekend.

Daver: Michigan Tech wins 2-1

Jack: North Dakota wins 4-1 Saturday

Atlantic Hockey Picks: November 1-2

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(Tim Brule)Last week:

Last Week:

Dan: 6-4-1
Chris: 6-4-1

On The Season:

Dan: 31-12-3 (.706)
Chris: 26-17-3 (.597)

This Week’s Picks

Friday, November 1 and Saturday, November 2
American International vs. Army West Point
Chris: The Black Knights will host on Friday and then the action shifts to Springfield on Saturday. This is a rematch of last year’s quarterfinal series, won by the the Yellow Jackets in three games. I’m picking a split here.
Dan: Army has had over a week to reflect upon a pretty bad game up at Bentley. I don’t think that loss is indicative of the way this team played in its earlier showings, and a motivated Black Knight team makes up for it against AIC. I’m picking a split.

Mercyhurst at Bentley
Chris: This is a tough one to pick. Both teams have already had their ups and downs in this young season. When in doubt, I tend to lean for home team. Bentley sweeps.
Dan: Bentley went very up-and-down last week, dominating Army before being dominated by St. Lawrence in a non-conference game. Mercyhurst always gives the Falcons all they can handle, but the series is happening across Bentley’s Homecoming weekend. I think the atmosphere cancels it out, and I’m going with a split.

Holy Cross at Rochester Institute of Technology
Chris: Another toughie – both teams are off to good starts and Holy Cross has played well at the Polisseni Center in recent visits. I’m going with a split.
Dan: This is a series where, if Holy Cross succeeds, we can officially start saying that they’re for real. But I think, even given the team’s success lately, RIT is going to straighten itself out after exclusively relying on its goaltender. Feels weird saying that considering the Tigers swept Air Force. RIT sweeps.

Air Force at Sacred Heart
Chris: I think the Falcons, who put up 88 shots on RIT last weekend but scored a single goal and lost both games, will find their scoring touch here. But I also think SHU will come away with a win. Another split for me.
Dan: Sacred Heart’s performance at Niagara gets filed into the proof drawer for why I bought hard on the Pioneers in the preseason. But I think Air Force is going to be hopping mad after it did everything except win last week against RIT. Split it.

Union at Canisius
Chris: This series features teams are a combined 1-10 so far this season. Canisius begins a stretch that will see the Golden Griffins home for nine of their next 10 games, but I think the Dutchmen will break through here. Union sweeps.
Dan: I never thought Union would open up this poorly. The schedule hasn’t helped with games against BU, Northeastern and UMass, but given my high opinion of ECAC, I would’ve assumed one or two of those would’ve broke for the Dutchmen. That didn’t happen, but the win over RPI helps stabilize the ship heading into the series against the Griffs. Union sweeps.

Niagara at Denver
Chris: Man, Niagara has a tough non-conference slate: a pair of games each with Minnesota, Denver and Penn State. Hopefully these games will help prepare the Purple Eagles for the league portion of their schedule. Denver sweeps.
Dan: Trial by fire, right? All of Atlantic Hockey will be rooting extra hard for the Purple Eagles against a Frozen Four team from a year ago. Denver sweeps.

NCHC picks: Oct. 31-Nov. 2

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Tristan Keck of Omaha. Omaha vs. Denver, Magness Arena, Denver, Jan. 19, 2018. (Candace Horgan)
Tristan Keck and Omaha face Alaska-Anchorage this weekend. (Candace Horgan)

Picking winners on the wrong night killed Matthew and I last week, and Minnesota Duluth continues to drive me insane. I almost picked them to sweep the Goofs last weekend, but was afraid I’d fall farther behind Matthew if I did after their Wisconsin series hurt me in our race. C’est la vie. Last week, we went 6-4-1 (.590). On the year, I am 14-16-6 (.472), while Matthew is 16-14-6 (.527). With those marks, don’t go to Vegas on anything we say!

This week sees some more out-of-conference matchups, as well as the kickoff of league play when Colorado College hosts Western Michigan. I have different picks than Matthew, so maybe I’ll catch up.

Thursday-Friday, Oct. 31-Nov. 1

Omaha at Alaska Anchorage
Candace: Omaha showed signs of life last week with the split against Ohio State, so perhaps they are on the rise again. So I’m a league homer. Sue me. Omaha 4-2, 3-2
Matthew: UNO has to happy about a 3-1 start, including a good road split last weekend at Ohio State. Alaska Anchorage started the season slowly but is fresh off a 4-0 win over the Seawolves’ in-state rival from Fairbanks. A split here wouldn’t be the end of the world for either team. Alaska Anchorage 3-2, Omaha 3-1

Friday-Saturday, Nov. 1-2

Western Michigan at Colorado College
Candace: I’m going with CC’s recent Friday success to pick a split. Western tends not to be a good road team, but I have trouble seeing CC sweeping this. Colorado College 3-2, Western Michigan 4-2
Matthew: Neither of these teams have pulled up trees so far this season, but although Western is on the road for this series, I’m going to go out on a limb and say the Broncos will use their home win Saturday over Michigan as a springboard. Besides, Candace and I can’t agree on everything every week. Western Michigan 3-2, 3-2

Niagara at No. 1 Denver
Candace: Two weeks ago, I almost picked Denver to sweep Boston College. The Pioneers have looked very good to start, and while the off week might slow them a little, I doubt it will be enough for Niagara to upset them. Denver needs to set themselves up for success with UMD next weekend too. Denver 3-1, 3-1
Matthew: With all due respect to the Purple Eagles, I’m having a hard time seeing anything other than a Denver sweep here. The Pioneers have started the season well, and they’d do well to perform here ahead of next week’s series at Minnesota Duluth. Denver 4-1, 4-1

Princeton at No. 16 St. Cloud State
Candace: I don’t know enough about Princeton, and while St. Cloud has struggled so far, I think they will start to gel this weekend. Again, sue me for going with the league homer picks. St. Cloud State 3-2, 4-2
Matthew: St. Cloud has had a somewhat meh start, although last week’s home split with Northeastern wasn’t the worst thing. Outside expectations for Princeton this season are low, and this might be a chance for the Huskies to keep going in the right direction after winning last Saturday. St. Cloud State 4-1, 3-1

Saturday, Nov. 2

Michigan Tech at North Dakota
Candace: The Fighting Hawks haven’t exploded offensively since the Canisius series, but they do seem to be finding ways to win. I think they will do so again, especially since they are home. North Dakota 2-1
Matthew: UND was given some problems last weekend by Bemidji State, though the Beavers are traditionally a tough team to wear down. Tech has been up and down so far, and while I can see the Huskies making this game close, UND ought to win it. North Dakota 4-2

Pickin’ the Big Ten: Oct. 31-Nov. 2

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Owen Lindmark and the Badgers kick off the weekend against Penn State on Halloween. (Greg Anderson)

Wisconsin heads to Penn State for a spooktacular Halloween-night bout in Happy Valley tonight. Some hockey to have on in the background while passing out candy is never a bad thing. First, let’s go back to last week where I (not so humble brag) went undefeated! I even picked TWO splits the correct way, what a time to be alive. There’s no way this lasts…

Last week

Drew: 13-0-0 (1.000)
Paula: 10-3-0 (.769)

This season

Drew: 26-9-2 (.730)
Paula: 22-13-2 (.622)

This week

Conference play begins with the Badgers and Nittany Lions, Michigan and Ohio State and Notre Dame and Minnesota facing off. Michigan State also has a tough test at home, welcoming Cornell to Munn Ice Arena.

All times are local.

No. 7 Wisconsin at No. 12 Penn State
Thursday at 7 p.m., Friday at 6 p.m.

Both of these teams have experienced some highs and lows during the opening-month of the season. I think it’s fair to point out that Wisconsin has played a tougher schedule, but both offenses have been productive. The Badgers are averaging 4.50 goals per contest and the Nittany Lions are right on their heels with 4.40. So, the only safe prediction in this series is that the goal lights at Pegula Ice Arena will probably get a workout.

Drew: Wisconsin 5-4, Penn State 6-4
Paula: Wisconsin 4-3, Penn State 4-3

No. 5 Notre Dame at Minnesota
Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 4:00 p.m.

Just like everyone predicted, Notre Dame is leading the country in scoring. The Irish are averaging 5.25 goals across their four games this season and welcomed back netminder Cale Morris last weekend. Morris did give up four goals against Lake Superior State in his season debut, but chances are that’s a mirage and not a trend-starter. Minnesota will look to put last weekend’s home-and-home sweep at the hands of Minnesota Duluth in the past. Even at home, this is a tall order for the Gophers

Drew: Notre Dame 3-1, Minnesota 3-2
Paula: Notre Dame 3-2, 3-2

Michigan at No. 13 Ohio State
Friday at 7:00 p.m., Saturday at 5:00 p.m.

Even with a 4-1-1 record, the Buckeyes have flown under the radar in October. Something tells me that Steve Rohlik doesn’t mind that. Things ratchet up in November with this series against the Wolverines and road trips to Notre Dame and Penn State. Michigan is coming off an in-state split with Western Michigan last weekend. As Rohlik pointed out this week, it isn’t just a football rivalry between these two schools.

Drew: Ohio State 3-2, 3-1
Paula: Ohio State 4-2, 3-2

No. 4 Cornell at Michigan State
Friday and Saturday at 7:00 p.m.

Andy Bernard’s Cornell finally gets a chance to prove that it deserves the No. 4 ranking, as this is the first time the Big Red will be in action this season. Michigan State is coming off a trip to Colorado Springs where they were dropped by Colorado College 3-1 on Friday before rebounding and winning Saturday’s contest 5-1.

Drew: Cornell 4-1, Michigan State 3-2
Paula: Michigan State 3-2, Cornell 4-3

The Tweet Machine

Follow Paula (@paulacweston) and yours truly (@drewclaussen) on Twitter. Tweet us your favorite Halloween candy.

Enjoy the games, everybody!

No. 5 Notre Dame at Minnesota preview with Fighting Irish coach Jeff Jackson: Game of the Week Podcast Season 2 Episode 5

By and
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Jeff Jackson’s Fighting Irish have made the NCAA tournament four years straight, and the Frozen Four four of his previous fourteen seasons (photo: Matt Dewkett).

Notre Dame coach Jeff Jackson joins us to preview the weekend series as his No. 5 Fighting Irish head to Minnesota in Big Ten action. Jackson discusses this year’s team, senior leadership, and the competitiveness of the conference.

Hosts Jim Connelly and Ed Trefzger also look at No. 7 Wisconsin at No. 12 Penn State, No. 3 UMass home-and-home with No. 10 Northeastern, No. 15 Boston College at No. 8 Providence, No. 18 Bowling Green at No. 2 Minnesota State, and No. 9 Quinnipiac at Arizona State, as well as a pair of rivalry matchups: St. Lawrence at No. 11 Clarkson for a pair of non-league games, and Dartmouth at UNH.

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes, in your favorite podcast app, or on Spreaker.

Sponsor this podcast! Visit https://www.advertisecast.com/USCHOGameoftheWeek for details.

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