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Plenty of noteworthy individual performances as the league enters the stretch run

February 11, 2018

There were plenty of impressive individual performances in ECAC Hockey over the weekend, starting Friday with a pair of Dartmouth sophomores in the Big Green’s 7-3 win over Rensselaer.

Will Graber had a natural hat trick and also added two assists, while Shane Sellar had two goals and four assists. Dartmouth hadn’t had a player record a five-point night since Matt Reber accomplished the feat against Brown on Jan. 8, 2010. Sellar became the first Big Green player to have a six-point night since 1978.

Both Sellar and Graber tied for the national lead in scoring last weekend, as Graber added another assist Saturday against Union.

Princeton’s David Hallisey and St. Lawrence’s Carson Gicewicz also had good nights on Friday. Hallisey finished with a goal and four assists against Brown, while Gicewicz had four assists in a 5-2 win over St. Lawrence.

But on Saturday, Hallisey and the Tigers were on the other end of several big performances. Yale teammates Evan Smith (four goals) and Joe Snively (three goals, one assist) became the first Bulldogs to have a hat trick in the same game since Broc Little and Kenny Agostino accomplished the feat against Holy Cross in 2011.

Freshmen Liam Morgan also had a big weekend for Union. The forward entered Friday’s game against Harvard with one career goal, but scored twice against the Crimson and then added the game-winning goal the next night against Dartmouth.

Morgan has had a knack of coming up with timely scores this year; three of his four goals are game winners.

Cornell inching closer to the Cleary Cup

Scoring one goal on a league road trip typically isn’t an indicator of success, but Cornell returned home with three points thanks to two more shutouts by goalie Matthew Galajda. The freshmen leads Division I in shutouts (eight), goals-against-average, and is fourth in save percentage.

The Big Red tied Clarkson 0-0 Friday and then beat St. Lawrence 1-0 on Saturday on Jared Fiegl’s third-period goal. The three-point weekend ensured Cornell will get a first-round bye in the conference tournament, and it also gives the Big Red a four-point lead over Clarkson and Union, who are tied for second place.

Yale heating up as the season winds down

Yale’s win over Quinnipiac in the 2013 national title game is the biggest win in program history, but the Bulldogs have had trouble with the Bobcats since then.

Quinnipiac was 7-0-3 against Yale since the championship game, but Yale stopped that streak with a 3-2 win Friday. The Bulldogs then jumped all over Princeton Saturday, beating the Tigers 7-2.

The wins extended Yale’s winning streak to four games, and moved them into a three-way tie with Dartmouth and Princeton for sixth place in the conference. All three teams are only one point behind fifth-place Colgate. Two of the Bulldog’s four remaining games are against Colgate and Dartmouth. Yale travels to Colgate Friday and then hosts Harvard in the final regular season game on Feb. 24.

‘Dick Umile Weekend’ paid homage to one of the game’s greats

By Jim Connelly

February 11, 2018

The University of New Hampshire paid tribute to its coach, Dick Umile, throughout the entire weekend. It was a more-than-fitting tribute to the retiring bench boss who is in his 28th season coaching his alma mater.

1. Emotional Umile honored by players of present and past

When you looked out on the ice at UNH’s Towse Rink on Saturday and saw – from goal line to goal line – a line of former players back to honor Dick Umile it was difficult not to be moved.

A tribute video moved the emotional coach to tears as he was surrounded by his family on the bench. When Hockey East commissioner Joe Bertagna presented Umile with the Hockey East Founders Medal, just the second coach to be given that honor, the noise in the building was deafening.

His team responded with a come-from-behind 2-2 tie against an energized Vermont team to cap off a terrific two-night tribute to the coaching legend.

2. Nothing is decided with two weeks left

That headline isn’t an exaggeration whatsoever. First place remains up for grab, likely a three- (maybe four-)team race. Home ice and first round byes is a battle among a pack of seven (mathematically, it’s a pack of eight, but Boston College should be safe). And first-round home ice could be something that any of the bottom seven teams seek as the season draws to a close.

It’s difficult to tell if this upcoming weekend’s games will provide much clarity.

3. With Beanpot finale on tap, Northeastern falls, BU ties

Neither Northeastern nor Boston University walked away from the between Beanpot weekend feeling too happy. Northeastern fell at home against Connecticut and BU blew a two-goal lead and tied Massachusetts.

Coaches will tell you that the anticipation of the Beanpot finals doesn’t impact the games played the weekend prior. I’ve always argued different.

What is known is that when both teams take to the ice on Monday, the intensity should not be lacking.

Rankings roundup: How the top 20 teams fared, Feb. 9-10

By USCHO Staff

February 11, 2018

Mikey Eyssimont (SCSU-19) 2018 Feb. 02 St. Cloud State University hosts University of Nebraska Omaha in a NCHC contest at the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center in St. Cloud, MN (Bradley K. Olson) — Mikey Eyssimont helped St. Cloud State to a weekend sweep over Miami on the road in Oxford, Ohio (photo: Bradley K. Olson).

Here is a rundown of how the top 20 teams in the USCHO.com Division I Men’s Poll of Feb. 5 fared over the Feb. 9-10 weekend.

No. 1 Notre Dame – split with No. 6 Ohio State

No. 2 Denver – did not play

No. 3 Cornell – tied No. 7 Clarkson, defeated St. Lawrence

No. 4 St. Cloud State – swept Miami

No. 5 Minnesota State – swept Alabama Huntsville

No. 6 Ohio State – split with No. 1 Notre Dame

No. 7 Clarkson – tied No. 3 Cornell, tied Colgate

No. 8 North Dakota – split with Colorado College

No. 9 Providence – defeated Maine

No. 10 Minnesota Duluth – did not play

No. 11 Northeastern – defeated No. 18 Boston College (Feb. 5), lost to Connecticut

No. 12 Minnesota – swept No. 17 Wisconsin

No. 13 Omaha – did not play

No. 14 Bowling Green – did not play

No. 15 Western Michigan – did not play

No. 16 Penn State – did not play

No. 17 Wisconsin – swept by No. 12 Minnesota

No. 18 Boston College – lost to No. 11 Northeastern (Feb. 5), defeated UMass Lowell

No. 19 Michigan – tied, defeated Michigan State

No. 20 Northern Michigan – swept Alaska

New Hampshire’s Umile just second coach to receive Hockey East founders medal

By USCHO Staff

February 11, 2018

Dick Umile at UNH's Frozen Fenway practice on January 13, 2017. (Melissa Wade) — Dick Umile has spent 28 seasons as New Hampshire’s coach and is retiring at the end of the 2017-18 season (photo: Melissa Wade).

New Hampshire head coach Dick Umile was presented the prestigious Hockey East founders medal Saturday night prior to the Wildcats’ home game against Vermont, becoming just the 12th individual honored by the conference.

Umile is only the second coach to be recognized by Hockey East, with the first being legendary Boston University head coach Jack Parker, who was presented the award in 2014.

The Hockey East founders medal was established in 2009 upon the occasion of the 25th anniversary Hockey East season. The inaugural recipients were the five founding athletic directors who created the conference in the mid-1980s. In all, the award has been presented to five directors, three conference administrators, two administrators associated with the TD Garden and now, two head coaches.

“I have had the pleasure of presenting all 12 of these awards and none have meant more to me than this one,” said Hockey East commissioner Joe Bertagna in a statement. “We were college opponents many years ago and we have been on the same team, so to speak, in trying to advance the interests of Hockey East and college hockey in general for more than two decades. His passion and his warmth as a unique individual will be missed by all of us when he retires.”

Umile, who is retiring at season’s end, is currently just four wins shy of 600, while his UNH teams have won or shared eight Hockey East regular-season titles and two tournament championships. He has coached 30 All-Americans.

Saturday finals: Teams starting to solidify positions

By USCHO Staff

February 10, 2018

15 Dec 17: Jack McNeely (Minnesota State - 3), Austin Beaulieu (Alabama-Huntsville - 18), Jason Pawloski (Minnesota State - 39). The Minnesota State University Mavericks host the University of Alabama-Huntsville in the a WCHA matchup at Verizon Wireless Center in Mankato, MN. (Jim Rosvold) — Sixth-ranked Minnesota State swept Alabama Huntsville after a 6-1 win Saturday night (photo: Jim Rosvold).

No. 4 St. Cloud State moved into sole possession of first in the NCHC with a sweep of Miami, No. 5 Ohio State rolled over No. 1 Notre Dame, No. 7 Clarkson was tied by Colgate, and No. 6 Minnesota State rolled over Alabama Huntsville.

No. 5 North Dakota uses power play to power past Colorado College

No. 19 Michigan holds off rally by Michigan State in 3-2 win

Yale rolls over Princeton behind four goals from Smith and hat trick by Sniveley

UMass blanks Mass.-Lowell for first time since 1970

Michigan Tech bolstered by return of Baltus in win over Bemidji State

Air Force wins last game in John A. Ryan Arena, defeating Bentley, 4-2

Atlantic Hockey suspends Niagara’s Plouffe, Sacred Heart’s Kennedy one game apiece

By USCHO Staff

February 10, 2018

Atlantic Hockey has suspended Derian Plouffe of Niagara and Kory Kennedy of Sacred Heart for Saturday’s conference game between the two schools.

Plouffe was whistled for a major boarding penalty in the second period of last night’s game versus Sacred Heart. After reviewing the hit “and talking with the referees who worked the game, Atlantic Hockey officials determined that supplemental discipline was warranted,” according to a press release.

Kennedy’s suspension stems from a late-game skirmish between Sacred Heart and Niagara, which saw a number of penalties called, including Kennedy’s facemask major.

During the altercation, Kennedy hopped off the bench and engaged a Niagara player, “which was missed by the officials when they reported the numerous penalties,” according to the same press release.

Both Plouffe and Kennedy will be unavailable for their respective teams when Niagara and Sacred Heart finish their weekend series tonight at 7:05 p.m. EST at Dwyer Arena.

Former Robert Morris men’s associate coach Workman diagnosed with liver cancer

By USCHO Staff

February 10, 2018

(RMU Athletics) — Robert Morris players recognized former coach Mark Workman and his cancer battle Friday night by wearing jerseys with his name on the back (photo: RMU Athletics).

The Robert Morris men’s team has been playing with former associate head coach Mark Workman on its mind and took to the ice for warmups on Friday night wearing nameplates recognizing him and his fight.

The Colonials recently learned that Workman was diagnosed with liver cancer just before the start of 2018 and has been undergoing treatments since the beginning of the year.

The news hit the Colonials staff and student-athletes hard, as Workman spent seven years with the Robert Morris program and played an integral part of not only coaching, but recruiting many of the current players.

“Like any good coach, Mark left a positive impact on the people he coached, recruited and worked with,” said RMU coach Derek Schooley in a news release. “Robert Morris players, alumni and staff wanted to show our support for Mark and the guys felt this would be a tribute of support for him.”

“When our team heard the news about Coach Workman, it was pretty shocking and tough for the guys to take in,” added Robert Morris senior alternate captain Timmy Moore. “‘Worky’ coached our 2018 senior class for two seasons and he is the reason a lot of us are here at Robert Morris, doing a lot of the recruiting for the younger guys.”

Workman began his tenure as an assistant coach at Robert Morris in 2009 and remained on the staff through the end of the 2015-16 season, spending his final three years at RMU as associate head coach. Workman departed the Colonials and joined the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights as an amateur scout, where he’s worked the last two years.

During Workman’s tenure, RMU reached its first NCAA tournament, winning the Atlantic Hockey postseason championship in 2014. The Colonials continued that success, winning regular-season league crowns in each of the next two seasons, setting a program record of 24 wins in back-to-back campaigns in 2014-15 and 2015-16.

The Colonials posted a 132-99-34 record from 2009-2016 while Workman was on staff.

“I really appreciate all the support from the RMU community,” said Workman. “It really helps in this fight.”

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Mark in this battle and we are looking forward to seeing him at a Colonials game in the future,” Schooley added.

“Personally, ‘Worky’ is very close with my family and has always been willing to go above and beyond to help Evan and I,” Moore said, acknowledging his older brother and 2016 graduate Evan Moore, who was a defenseman under Workman during his time at RMU.

“This is just a little something from the team and staff to show our support for him and that we are all behind him as he takes on this battle.”

Picking the WCHA: Feb. 9-10

By Sean Shapiro

February 9, 2018

First of all I wanted to thank all the readers here at USCHO. This will be my final weekend picking and writing about the WCHA, I start a new job on Monday and with that development, Jack will be taking a solo lap for the rest of the season as WCHA columnist.

It’s been fun to cover the conference and I’ll still keeping an eye on the WCHA from afar. I’m also sure Jack will do a tremendous job covering the league for the rest of the season.

And with that, let’s get picking…

Bemidji State at Michigan Tech

Jack: The big series this weekend. And not only because it’s Winter Carnival in Houghton. A Beaver sweep would put them in the drivers’ seat for the last home ice spot — especially since they have two games in hand on Tech. The Huskies, on the other hand, could do themselves a huge favor with a sweep on their end. All that said, I don’t think either of those things will happen. This is going to be a split — with the Huskies winning the MacInnes Cup (which goes to the most goals scored on the weekend). Beavers 2-0, Huskies 4-1

Sean: I think it’s going to be a tight weekend in Houghton. Both teams see large opportunities, while the crowd should be a good on for the Huskies. Beavers 2-1, Huskies 3-2

Alaska at Northern Michigan

Jack: NMU is clinging to first place in the conference standings, but just by a single point. The Wildcats don’t control their own destiny over MSU, but I think they’ll do as much as they can to make sure they have a shot at the MacNaughton Cup. Wildcats 4-2, 3-2

Sean: If you want to have home ice for the entirety of the playoffs you have to take advantage of weekends like this. I think the Wildcats do just that. Wildcats 3-2, 4-2

Minnesota State at Alabama Huntsville

Jack: Unlike Northern Michigan, Minnesota State DOES control its own destiny. The Chargers played OK against the Mavericks when they last played in Mankato but got swept. I think they’ll put up a good fight at home, but MSU is going to be too strong. Mavericks 4-3, 3-2 (OT)

Sean: Trips to Alabama aren’t a walk in the park, but the Mavericks are on another level this season. Mavericks 4-2, 3-0

Lake Superior State at Alaska Anchorage

Jack: Alaska Anchorage hasn’t been mathematically eliminated from playoff contention yet, but they’re not far off. The Lakers can bring the death knell this weekend with a sweep. Sorry Seawolves fans, I think that’s what happens this week. Lakers 4-2, 3-1

Sean: I have to close out my final picks with a bit of an upset. Let’s see what you go Seawolves. Seawolves 3-2, 4-3

Friday flurries: Upsets, OTs heat up cold night

By USCHO Staff

February 9, 2018

See Friday’s scores on the daily schedule.

Also see: PairWise Rankings | USCHO.com Division I Men’s Poll | Standings

Weekly columns

Picks blogs

Michigan State loses sophomore blueliner Eliot to OHL’s Sarnia Sting

By USCHO Staff

February 9, 2018

Michigan State sophomore defenseman Mitch Eliot has left the Spartans and will join the OHL’s Sarnia Sting, effective immediately.

“I have chosen to join the Sarnia Sting in hopes of pursuing my interests to play professional hockey one day while being able to combine that with continuing to work towards earning my college degree,” Eliot said in a statement released by the Sting. “The club is having an outstanding season and I am extremely excited to join them down the stretch and into the playoffs.”

This season, Eliot had two goals and five points in 26 games for MSU.

He posted three assists in 35 games as a freshman.

“To be able to add a veteran defenseman who has been playing at such a high level is huge for our hockey club,” added Sarnia GM Nick Sinclair. “We had always left the door open to Mitch and we are very happy that he and his family have chosen to join us to further Mitch’s development both on and off the ice. He is a very good two-way defenseman and is also a very mature young man who has been around pro hockey all of his life. Again, we are extremely excited to welcome both Mitch and his family to the Sarnia Sting hockey club.”

Eliot is expected to make his debut with the Sting on Saturday night.

Women’s D-I picks: Trying to get back on track

By Candace Horgan

February 9, 2018

Presley Norby of Wisconsin (David Stluka)

Some teams are trying to get back on track, while others are looking to solidify their positions ahead of the postseason. Candace and Nicole pick the weekend’s games.

Weekend picks: Feb. 9

Weekend picks: Feb. 9

By Candace Horgan and Nicole Haase

February 9, 2018

I have come close to blowing an eight-game lead I had on Nicole in mid-January. Last week, I went 16-9-2, while Nicole went 19-6-2. On the year, I am 291-109-51 while Nicole is 289-111-51. Hopefully, I can hold her off and not have an epic choke.

Friday, Feb. 9

Brown at No. 4 Colgate
Candace: I don’t see the Raiders losing to Brown. Colgate 4-0
Nicole: Colgate should come away with a win here. Colgate 3-0

Yale at No. 6 Cornell
Candace: Cornell always seems to be on the verge of being upset, but I like the Big Red at home. Cornell 3-2
Nicole: Yale played close games with Clarkson and St. Lawrence last weekend, so Cornell shouldn’t take them lightly. Cornell 2-1

Rensselaer at Dartmouth
Candace: I’m thinking the Engineers will squeak this one out. Rensselaer 2-1
Nicole: I’ll pick Dartmouth at home here. Dartmouth 2-0

Union at Harvard
Candace: Harvard at home after a tough one in the Beanpot. Harvard 3-1
Nicole: Union beat Harvard earlier in the year, but I don’t think they get a repeat. Harvard 3-1

No. 1 Clarkson at Princeton
Candace: I like Clarkson to roll here. Clarkson 4-1
Nicole: This should be a win for the top-ranked Golden Knights. Clarkson 4-2

No. 8 St. Lawrence at Quinnipiac
Candace: St. Lawrence seems to beat teams below them in the standings, so … St. Lawrence 3-2
Nicole: I’ll take St. Lawrence to win. St. Lawrence 3-2

Friday-Saturday, Feb. 9-10

Penn State at Mercyhurst
Candace: Mercyhurst will keep pace in the CHA race. Mercyhurst 3-2, 3-1
Nicole: The Lakers are a better team now and I think they sweep this at home. Mercyhurst 3-1, 2-0

Lindenwood at No. 9 Robert Morris
Candace: Robert Morris sets up an epic series with Mercyhurst the following week. Robert Morris 3-1, 3-2
Nicole: I’ll also take RMU to sweep at home, but wouldn’t be surprised if Lindenwood takes one. Robert Morris 3-2, 4-2

RIT at Syracuse
Candace: RIT is lot what it was when it first joined D-I. Syracuse 3-1, 3-1
Nicole: Syracuse sweeps. Syracuse 2-0, 3-1

Connecticut at Vermont
Candace: This is likely a split, but picking the right night is hard. Vermont 3-2, Connecticut 3-2
Nicole: A split. Vermont wins game one, Connecticut wins game two. Vermont 3-1, Connecticut 2-1

No. 5 Ohio State at Minnesota State
Candace: The Buckeyes won’t have a letdown here. Ohio State 3-1, 3-2
Nicole: This should be all Buckeyes. Ohio State 4-2, 2-0

St. Cloud State at Bemidji State
Candace: Bemidji has been struggling in the second half, and St. Cloud has shown signs of life, but I’m going with home ice. Bemidji State 2-1, 2-1
Nicole: This one is likely to be a split. I’ll take St. Cloud in game one and Bemidji in game two. St. Cloud State 3-2, Bemidji State 1-0

No. 2 Wisconsin at Minnesota Duluth
Candace: The Badgers could drop one of these, but I’m going with them nonetheless. Wisconsin 3-2, 3-2
Nicole: Wisconsin needs these wins and they need something to build on after last week’s results. UMD will push them, but I’ll take the Badgers. Wisconsin 3-1, 4-2

Saturday, Feb. 10

Yale at No. 4 Colgate
Candace: Colgate keeps pace in with Clarkson in the ECAC. Colgate 3-1
Nicole: I’m so tempted to pick a Yale upset this weekend, but I think Colgate is too strong. Colgate 5-3

Brown at No. 6 Cornell
Candace: Cornell will win at home. Cornell 3-1
Nicole: Cornell takes this one. Cornell 4-1

Union at Dartmouth
Candace: I like the Big Green at home. Dartmouth 3-2
Nicole: Union wins this one. Union 3-2

Rensselaer at Harvard
Candace: I like Harvard at home. Harvard 3-1
Nicole: Harvard wins this. Harvard 3-0

No. 8 St. Lawrence at Princeton
Candace: Even on the road, the Saints will prevail in this tough game. St. Lawrence 3-2
Nicole: This one could be close, but I’ll take the Saints. St. Lawrence 3-2

No. 1 Clarkson at Quinnipiac
Candace: I like the Golden Knights to stay in front in the ECAC. Clarkson 3-1
Nicole: I’m going to pick Quinnipiac here. They took their earlier meeting in overtime and they just seem to have Clarkson’s number. Quinnipiac 4-3

New Hampshire at No. 3 Boston College
Candace: Boston College could look ahead to the Beanpot and have a tough game, but should still win. Boston College 4-2
Nicole: This should be a win for the Eagles. Boston College 5-2

Northeastern at Merrimack
Candace: Merrimack is too inconsistent for me to pick them. Northeastern 3-2
Nicole: I’ll take the Huskies. Northeastern 4-2

Saturday-Sunday, Feb. 10-11

No. 9 Maine at Providence
Candace: Both teams have been struggling of late, so this is a hard one to pick. Providence hasn’t won a game since mid-January. Providence 3-2, Maine 3-2
Nicole: Definitely one of the more interesting matchups of the weekend. Maine is one point ahead of Providence in Hockey East Standings. They tied earlier in the season. I’ll pick a split. Providence 3-1, Maine 3-2

Tuesday, Feb. 13

Beanpot

Boston University vs. Boston College
Candace: It won’t be easy, and may even need overtime, but I like BC to take the Beanpot in Katie Burt’s last appearance in the storied tournament. Boston College 4-3
Nicole: I’m a sucker for an underdog story and BU has won just a single Beanpot title –- back in 1981, so I have to pick them to get the upset here. They squeak out a win. Boston University 4-3

Northeastern vs. Harvard
Candace: I like the Huskies in this one, but it will be close. Northeastern 3-2
Nicole: Northeastern wins this one. Northeastern 3-2

Women’s D-III picks: Get ready for the postseason

By Candace Horgan

February 9, 2018

Alex Toupal of Amherst (Amherst Athletics)

There are huge battles in the NESCAC and Colonial Hockey this weekend, while No. 3 Wisconsin-River Falls takes on rival Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Nicole picks the games.

Weekend picks: Feb. 9

Weekend picks: Feb. 9

By Nicole Haase

February 9, 2018

Friday-Saturday, Feb. 9-10

Hamilton at No. 9 Amherst
Hamilton goalie Sam Walther leads the county in both goals-against average (0.89) and save percentage (.966). Their team defense leads the country -– they’ve allowed just 19 goals in 20 games played for a 0.95 goals-against average. They’ve killed all but two penalties all season. Amherst features senior Alex Toupal, who is tallying 1.80 points per game, good for sixth in the nation. Hamilton closes out the season with four games against nationally ranked conference opponents ahead of them in the standings. Last year, they beat Amherst in both their late season meetings. The NESCAC is very close -– just five points separate fourth-place Amherst from first-place Middlebury. Hamilton has a one-point lead on Amherst heading into the weekend. I think we’ll see a split here. I’ll take Amherst in game one and Hamilton in game two. Amherst 3-2, Hamilton 2-1

Lake Forest at St. Norbert
Lake Forest is one of the most prolific offenses in the country, averaging 5.38 goals scored per game. They also have six short-handed goals. They’re a speedy, goal-scoring powerhouse, and St. Norbert will be looking to slow them down. St. Norbert is just four points back of Lake Forest for third in the conference, while Lake Forest is looking to move up themselves –- they’re just three points behind first-place Adrian and two points back from second-place St. Scholastica. Lake Forest is likely to sweep. Lake Forest 5-2, 4-2

Endicott at Morrisville
These two teams sit atop Colonial Hockey, with Endicott enjoying a two point lead. Both teams are on a multi-weekend unbeaten streak. It will likely be an interesting matchup of two European goalies who are having great seasons. Morrisville’s Karoline Årvik is a freshman from Norway who is currently 13th in the country with a 1.44 goals-against average, while Endicott’s Vendela Jonsson is junior from Sweden with a 1.43 goals-against average, good for 10th in the nation. Endicott has the offensive advantage, scoring nearly 3.5 goals per game, but both teams feature a stingy team defense to accompany their stellar goaltending. Morrisville also has one of the best penalty kills, so this series could come down to a lucky bounce or a single shot. I believe we’ll see a split here. I’ll take Morrisville in the first game and Endicott in the second. Morrisville 3-1, Endicott 5-3

Saturday, Feb. 10

Wisconsin-Eau Claire at No. 5 Wisconsin-River Falls
These two teams each have just two games left on the regular season schedule –- one this weekend and one next week -– and they are against each other. Wis-River Falls will host this weekend, while they’ll play in Eau Claire the weekend after. The Falcons had the better of the matchup earlier in the season, but last year they split the four games they played. It was Wis.-River Falls that took the WIAC Championship game in overtime. The Falcons average more than five goals a game, while the BluGolds are the significantly better team on defense, allowing just 1.57 goals per game. Wisconsin-Eau Claire goalie Erin Connolly is currently ranked 12th in the country with a 1.44 goals-against average and four shutouts. I’ll take Wis.-River Falls at home. Wis.-River Falls 4-3

Men’s D-III picks: Wrapping up the regular season

By Candace Horgan

February 9, 2018

Tanner Karty of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (Kylie Bridenhagen)

Some of the conferences conclude regular season play this weekend, and that means that playoffs are about to start. Brian and Tim pick the weekend.

East picks: Feb. 8

West picks: Feb. 9

West picks: Feb. 9

By Brian Lester

February 9, 2018

Friday, Feb. 9

No. 13 St. Thomas at Saint John’s
Few rivalries in sports compare to this one, and it’s only appropriate that a lot is riding on it. The Tommies, riding the high of a seven-game win streak, come in as the top team in the conference with 28 points. Saint John’s is third and just four points out of first place. Both teams have their fair share of offensive weapons, but this is a series that could be decided by goaltending. Benjamin Myers is an All-American and leads the MIAC in save percentage (.932) and goals-against average (1.83). Lindgren isn’t too far behind, boasting a 2.03 GAA. He has a .927 save percentage. Expect this matchup to live up to the hype. St. John’s 3-2

Concordia at Gustavus Adolphus
Concordia and Gustavus are third and fourth, respectively, in the MIAC standings and still very much alive in the hunt for a conference playoff berth. This game will mark the 120th time the two rivals have met, and the Gusties have dominated the series, winning 83 times. Back in October at the MIAC Showcase, the two teams skated to a 1-1 tie. With so much riding on this series, it’s hard to imagine either game not being close. Gustavus Adolphus 2-1

No. 3 Wisconsin-Stevens Point at Wisconsin-Stout
With a win, or even a tie, in this road game, the Pointers are assured of the regular-season conference championship. Wis.-Stevens Point features the two best scorers in the league in Tanner Karty (39 points) and Willem Nong-Lambert (26). The Blue Devils are led by Mathias Ahman, who has the most points (21) among defensemen this season. Wis.-Stevens Point 3-1

No. 14 Marian at St. Scholastica
The Sabres need to beat or tie the Saints to secure the No. 2 seed in the North Division. The Saints still have an opportunity to finish as high as second in the division, but need to beat Marian to have a shot. The Sabres have won their last five. The Saints just ended a three-game losing streak. Marian rolled to a 6-2 win in the last meeting between the schools. This one should be closer. Marian 4-3

Milwaukee School of Engineering at No. 1 Adrian
This is a preview of a first-round matchup in the Harris Cup playoffs. The Bulldogs can lock up the No. 1 overall seed in the tournament with a point against the Raiders. Winners of 11 in a row, Adrian defeated MSOE in their first meeting. With an offense averaging just over four goals per game, they should complete the season sweep. The Raiders are hoping to snap a two-game losing streak. Adrian 5-2

Saturday, Feb. 10

Saint John’s at No. 13 St. Thomas
The finale should be one to marvel at, and the Tommies will be aiming to close out the series on a high note. Playing at home will help. St. Thomas is 5-2-1 on its home ice. St. Thomas 4-2

Concordia at Gustavus Adolphus
The Cobbers have one of the top scorers in the conference in Mario Bianchi, who has tallied seven goals and 15 assists. Colin Hernon comes in on a four-game point streak for the Gusties, coming through with three goals and three assists during the stretch. Concordia 4-3

Wisconsin-Eau Claire at No. 3 Wis.-Stevens Point
Does it get any better than the Blugolds and Pointers battling it out in the final game of the regular season? Wis.-Stevens Point is atop the conference and is the hottest team in the WIAC, having won its last five. The Pointers have already beaten the preseason favorite once this season, and being at home where they are 9-3-2, there is a good chance they do it again. It should be close with these two teams featuring the best offenses and defenses in the WIAC. Wis.-Stevens Point 4-3

Lawrence at St. Scholastica
The showdown could mean little if Lawrence takes care of business against Northland Friday night. A win or tie would assure the Vikings of a playoff berth, but if the Vikings fall and Northland beats Marian Saturday, this game becomes a must-win. The Vikings have lost their last two, but did beat the Saints just a couple of weeks ago. NCHA points leader Lane King needs to have a big game. Lawrence 5-4

Atlantic Hockey Picks, February 9-13

By Chris Lerch

February 9, 2018

Last week:

Dan: 6-3-2
Chris: 6-3-2

On the season:

Dan: 84-67-24 (.549)
Chris: 95-56-24 (.611)

This Week’s Picks

Friday, February 9 and Saturday, February 10
Air Force at Bentley
Chris:Assuming they actually play these games (Air Force will not be able to play if the government shuts down again and the deadline is Feb. 8), this should be a whale of a series, the final games for Bentley at the JAR. This is more of a wish than a pick, but I’d like to see the place close down with a win by the Falcons. Err, the Bentley Falcons. So I’m going with an Air Force win on Friday and a Bentley win on Saturday.
Dan: It’s always melancholy to say farewell to an old friend. While Bentley Arena looms, the Falcons say goodbye to the JAR with a series against Air Force. Nine years ago, Air Force beat Bentley in the second game I ever worked at the JAR. They rallied from down 2-0 in the second to win as time expired. Bentley won on Saturday. Using that as a baseline, why not? Thanks for the memories, JAR. Air Force wins on Friday. Bentley wins on Saturday.

Holy Cross at Mercyhurst
Chris: This has always been a spirited rivalry despite the distance between the schools. Holy Cross is currently tied for first and Mercyhurst, riding a seven-game unbeaten streak, is coming up fast. I think when the dust settles, the Lakers and Crusaders will find themselves tied. Mercyhurst sweeps.
Dan: The last 10 meetings have gone dead even in this series, with the teams tying to the tune of a 3-3-4 record. We can’t pick ties, which is a certified bummer. So let’s just go with the home team, and the fact that the Lakers are 36-16-9 all-time against the Crusaders. Mercyhurst sweeps.

Sacred Heart at Niagara
Chris: It’s a testament to the league that I have no idea who to favor in this series. Each team is capable of sweeping the other and while they’re jockeying for playoff seedings, I wouldn’t want to play either team in the postseason. I’m going with the home team. Niagara sweeps.
Dan: I like Sacred Heart. The Pioneers are big and physical and much better than last week’s sweep loss to RMU would indicate. Had they not had the Saturday game canceled against Air Force, they might have some more mojo coming into this weekend. We’ll never really know, but I still like them. They’re also much better on the road this year than at home, going 5-7-1 with bus legs as opposed to 2-9-3 at home. I think they take one. Sacred Heart wins on Friday. Niagara wins on Saturday.

Rochester Institute of Technology at Robert Morris
Chris: Here we have a classic case of teams heading in opposite directions. The Tigers are swooning and RMU is one of the hottest teams in the league right now. Combine that with the home ice advantage, I think we’ll see a Robert Morris sweep.
Dan: This is not the series RIT could be hoping for. The Tigers are a team capable of winning every night, but in the same breath, they very easy could lose. I guess that’s stating the obvious. Robert Morris sweeps.

Army West Point at Canisius
Chris: I think this is going to be a great series. Army West Point is better than its .500 record and Canisius needs nine points in its last six games to repeat as regular season champs. I’m picking the Golden Griffins to keep their feet on the gas. Canisius sweeps.
Dan: Somebody better buy stock in Reynolds Wrap because this series is going to put on the foil.

…I’ll see myself out. Canisius sweeps.

Monday, February 12
RIT at Mercyhurst
Chris: The Tigers will stop on their way home from Robert Morris to play this makeup game, postponed from Dec. 31 due to a massive storm that hit Erie, PA. Mercyhurst handled RIT easily in their one other meeting so far this season, and I expect more of the same. Mercyhurst wins.
Dan: Atlantic Hockey is incredibly weird. This is a game that, based on the previous meeting, would handily go to the Lakers. So, naturally, RIT probably wins it. RIT wins.

Tuesday, February 13
Air Force vs. Sacred Heart
Chris: Another makeup game, this one from the weekend of the government shutdown. That game was supposed to take place at Air Force, but since it wasn’t likely the league was going to fly SHU back to Colorado Springs for a single game, this one will be played on neutral ice at Quinnipiac. Air Force will stick around after its series with Bentley, and I think the result will be worth the hassle Barring another shutdown, I’m picking Air Force to win.
Dan: TD Bank Sports Center is a great arena, and it’s a fun place to watch a game. If anyone gets the chance to take this one in, it might be worth the price of admission. Air Force wins.

Hockey East picks – Feb. 9-15

By David H. Hendrickson

February 9, 2018

After a week when Jim and I disagreed on almost everything, we agreed on every pick last week.

Unfortunately.

Dave last week: 6-4-2
Jim last week: 6-4-2
Dave’s record-to-date: 111-74-23
Jim’s record-to-date: 114-71-23

Here are this week’s picks:

Friday, Feb. 9

UMass Lowell at Boston College
Dave’s pick: I’m not sure I want to pick either team. BC has lost two straight, and three of four, plus also may be down in the dumps after losing the Beanpot opener. Lowell, on the other hand, has spent much of the season in a win one, lose one, see-saw. I’m picking BC only because of home ice.
BC 3, UML 2 (OT)
Jim’s pick: Well it takes just one pick for us to differ this week. I know BC is coming off the Beanpot loss, but I think Lowell comes prepared for this Friday game.
UML 3, BC 2

UConn at Northeastern
Dave’s pick: After losing five straight, UConn has now won five straight. Plus with the Beanpot championship contest looming on Monday, this looks like the trappiest of all trap games for Northeastern. Nonetheless, I’m going with the team I like to finish first.
NU 4, UConn 2
Jim’s pick: If this game were in Connecticut, I might pick the Huskies. But I don’t think Northeastern is losing this at home
NU 3, UConn 2

Vermont at New Hampshire
Dave’s pick: As tough as it was to pick for the Catamounts earlier this season, it’s now tough to pick against them.
UVM 3, UNH 2
Jim’s pick: I’m in agreement. I like UVM a lot in this weekend series.
UVM 4, UNH 2

Maine at Providence
Dave’s pick: As surprisingly good as Maine has been this season, Providence is better.
PC 3, Maine 2
Jim’s pick: Providence is coming off a poor weekend and should rebound at home.
PC 4, Maine 1

Massachusetts at Boston University
Dave’s pick: Earlier in the year, BU fell through every trap door possible, but I’m going with the Terriers to emerge with a W in this very trappy game.
BU 3, UMass 2
Jim’s pick: Loving the way BU is playing right now. Still a little concerned where UMass goals will come from.
BU 4, UMass 1

Saturday, Feb. 10

UMass Lowell at Massachusetts
Dave’s pick: UMass righted the ship against Merrimack, terminating a six-game losing streak, but I still need to go with the River Hawks.
UML 4, UMass 3
Jim’s pick: These could be the two most-needed wins of the River Hawks season. Now if they just go out and win these games.
UML 5, UMass 3

Vermont at New Hampshire
Dave’s pick: Six wins in seven games for the Catamounts? Yes.
UVM 2, UNH 1
Jim’s pick: I’m in agreement. When UVM is playing well, they are a top 4-5 team in Hockey East.
UVM 4, UNH 2

Monday, Feb. 12

66th Beanpot Tournament (at Boston)
Harvard vs. Boston College (Consolation)
Dave’s pick: Yes, the Garden will feel like a tomb for the first half of this who-cares game, but since BC stands at 22nd in the PairWise and Harvard at 25th, both teams really do need to care.
BC 3, HU 2
Jim’s pick: And both teams will. The building won’t provide the energy in this game. The implications of the game will. Still, BC emerges.
BC 5, HU 3

Boston University vs. Northeastern (Championship)
Dave’s pick: BU will be bridesmaids for the third straight year as the Huskies take their first Beanpot since 1988.
NU 4, BU 3
Jim’s pick: It’s such a bold pick and I hope Dave is right. But BU seemingly knows how to be confident in this game.
BU 3, NU 2 (OT)

Wednesday, Feb. 14

Maine at New Hampshire
Dave’s pick: The Black Bears haven’t lost in regulation since Jan. 13, eight games ago, to Northeastern. UNH got a big win against UMass on Saturday, but I think this will be a third straight downer.
UM 2, UNH 1 (OT)
Jim’s pick: It seems weird to play this game, once a major rivalry game, on a Wednesday night. That said, I think Maine has the horses.
UM 3, UNH 1

Thursday, Feb. 15

Boston College at Massachusetts
Dave’s pick: UMass has slayed plenty of giants this year, but I don’t see it happening now against BC.
BC 2, UMass 1
Jim’s pick: On the road, I find it hard to pick BC, but deep down I seem them being the more confident team.
BC 4, UMass 2

Cornell captain Vanderlaan to miss rest of regular season with undisclosed injury

By USCHO Staff

February 8, 2018

Mitch Vanderlaan (14 - Cornell) (2018 Omar Phillips) — Mitch Vanderlaan will miss at least the last six games of Cornell’s regular season (photo: Omar Phillips).

According to the Cornell Sun, Big Red junior forward and co-captain Mitch Vanderlaan will miss the remainder of the regular season due to an undisclosed injury.

Cornell coach Mike Schafer made the announcement on Tuesday during his weekly media availability, adding that he hopes Vanderlaan can return for the postseason.

Vanderlaan was injured blocking a shot in the first period last Saturday against Rensselaer, according to a team spokesperson. Vanderlaan played the rest of the game.

In 23 games this season, Vanderlaan has 17 points in 23 games and his 13 assists lead the team.

Arizona Board of Regents formally approves plans for new on-campus arena at Arizona State

By USCHO Staff

February 8, 2018

2016Jan10: Ryan Belonger (ASU - 16), Rob Nichols (UConn - 31). The UConn Huskies shut out the Arizona State Sun Devils 3-0 in the Consolation Game of the inaugural Desert Hockey Classic at Gila River Arena in Glendale, AZ. (©Rachel Lewis) — Arizona State and Connecticut played in the inaugural Desert Hockey Classic at Gila River Arena back in Jan. 2016 (photo: Rachel Lewis).

As expected, the Arizona Board of Regents has approved plans for a new multi-purpose arena, according to 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station’s Craig Morgan.

The new facility will house Arizona State’s NCAA Division I men’s team, but the report did not mention anything about housing the ASU women’s team, which plays in the ACHA.

Per the executive summary that was released in late January, the 175,000 square-foot arena will seat 5,000 spectators for hockey with 250-300 club seats and 48 loge seats.

The new arena is expected to be finished in time for the 2020-21 season.

The Sun Devils currently play the bulk of their home games at Oceanside Ice Arena, which has a capacity of 1,000, but have played games at Gila River Arena in Glendale, the home of the NHL’s Arizona Coyotes.

The arena will be located just north of Wells Fargo Arena, adjacent to the arboretum, with Wells Fargo Arena also undergoing renovations as part of the $160 million project.