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Women’s D-I wrap: Feb. 2

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It’s getting crowded in here
January saw a number of games attract larger than typical crowds, and the month’s final day continued the trend. North Dakota drew 5,835 as it hosted Minnesota on Friday night with a $1 ticket promotion to attempt to set a new program attendance record, which it did, nearly doubling the old mark of 3,200.

Attendance for Colgate’s game hosting Brown on Friday to promote Autism Awareness, in conjunction with the advocacy organization Autism Speaks, was 1,124. The teams provided the fans with extra entertainment when the Bears battled back on goals by Ariana Rucker and Vanessa Welten to force overtime, offsetting earlier Raiders tallies by Melissa Kueber and Megan Wickens. Colgate fans went home happy when Taylor Volpe wristed in the game-winner 4:15 into overtime.

Colgate completed its first weekend sweep of the season with a 2-1 win over Yale on Saturday. Wickens and Kueber scored again, and Ashlynne Rando made 21 saves in holding the Bulldogs scoreless until the latter minutes of the game.

Lindenwood, Hensley, and other Colonials bedevilments
Some upsets come out of nowhere, while others are foreshadowed when one looks in the right place. A week after No. 8 Robert Morris got the split it needed with Mercyhurst to retain control of the CHA, the Colonials made a road trip to Lindenwood.

The weekend started well enough for RMU. Rebecca Vint posted her second consecutive hat trick to propel the Colonials to a 6-1 win on Friday night, with Katie Fergus and Brittany Howard also having three-point games.

On Saturday, the plan was to give Jessica Dodds a day off in net, but instead, it wound up as an off day for all of the Colonials. Lindenwood jumped on Courtney Vinet with two goals from its seven first-period shots, and Dodds was back between the pipes for the final two frames, not faring much better. Dodds was eventually saddled with the 4-2 loss when the Lions beat her twice in 11 shots. Lyndsay Kirkham and Kendra Broad scored twice apiece and assisted on the other goals, while Jocelyn Slattery added three helpers. Thea Imbrogno struck twice for RMU on the power play. Nicole Hensley continued tormenting the Colonials, making 26 of her 55 saves in the final 20 minutes.

Three of Hensley’s seven wins last year as a Lindenwood rookie came at the Colonials’ expense. She also set a record with 90 saves in a CHA Tournament game RMU eventually won in the third OT.

As players leave, others return
More players departed for Olympic stints, but others returned from injury to bolster lineups. Northeastern’s Claire Santostefano had two assists in her first game back, and just as importantly, gave the Huskies 14 skaters in their 4-2 win over Vermont. Katie MacSorley scored twice, Kelly Wallace added a goal and a helper, and Chloe Desjardins made 30 stops as the Huskies got their season record back to the .500 mark.

No. 7 Boston College welcomed back leading scorer Haley Skarupa after a four-game absence. She didn’t miss a beat, scoring twice in support of Corinne Boyles’ 23-save, 5-0 shutout. Junior Emily Field also had a goal, giving her 100 points as an Eagle.

Lauren Slebodnick was back in net for No. 6 Cornell, at least part of the time. Slebodnick came on in relief to start the third period on Friday night versus Yale with the game knotted at 3-3. She made seven saves in a perfect 20 minutes, picking up the 6-3 win. Six different players scored and five had two-point efforts for the Big Red. Slebodnick made the start on Saturday against Brown and left the game at 3:01 of the third period once her team took a 4-0 lead, and that’s how the game ended. Jillian Saulnier and Alyssa Gagliardi each had a goal and an assist, giving them four-point weekends.

Terriers regroup
Boston University rebounded from four straight losses that knocked it out of the rankings and the Hockey East lead by sweeping Connecticut, 2-1 and 5-2. Goals from Lillian Ribeirinha-Braga and Taylor Holze, a pair of Kaleigh Fratkin helpers, and a 20-save performance by Kerrin Sperry proved to be just enough in the opener in Storrs. Back in Boston, the top line took over as BU scored the game’s final three goals. Louise Warren had a hat trick plus a helper, and wings Samantha Sutherland and Sarah Lefort had three-point games, with Lefort netting the other two goals. Sarah MacDonnell and Michela Cava both had a goal plus an assist for the Huskies.

Buckeyes still ascending
Ohio State swept at St. Cloud State to improve to 6-1-3 in 2014. Goalie Lisa Steffes got plenty of support in the 4-1 and 6-1 wins; Claudia Kepler and Julia McKinnon had multi-point games in each. The victories and Minnesota-Duluth’s sweep of Bemidji State enabled the Buckeyes to move ahead of the Beavers and into fifth place in the WCHA.

How the rest of the top 10 fared
No. 10 Mercyhurst celebrated a return to the rankings with a road sweep of Syracuse, 3-2 and 2-1. Sophomore Hannah Bale scored in each game, her first goals as a Laker. Amanda Makela totaled 57 saves in backing both victories. Coupled with the Robert Morris loss, the points moved the Lakers into a tie atop the CHA.

It was close but no cigar for Princeton versus No. 5 Harvard. Cassidy Tucker scored a rare power-play goal off of the Crimson penalty kill early in the third period to knot the score at 2-2. The Tigers committed only three penalties of their own in the game, but two came back-to-back midway in the frame, and Mary Parker capitalized to give Harvard a 3-2 win. Parker scored another third-period goal on Saturday to gain the Crimson a 2-2 tie at No. 9 Quinnipiac. Miye D’Oench had the other Harvard tally, while Shiann Darkangelo and Emma Woods lit the lamp for the Bobcats.

The Bobcats opened the weekend with a 3-1 triumph over Dartmouth, giving Rick Seeley his 100th win as Quinnipiac coach. After Emma Korbs opened the scoring for Dartmouth in the second period, Emma Woods drew Quinnipiac even in the stanza’s final minute and Morgan Fritz-Ward and Nicole Connery found paydirt for the Bobcats in the third period.

No. 4 Clarkson continued to look like a team on a mission, trouncing Union, 5-0, and Rensselaer, 5-1. Jamie Lee Rattray, the country’s leading scorer, scored a goal in each game and added four assists on Friday. Erica Howe’s shutout of the Dutchwomen gives her 10 on the season, a national best. Shannon MacAulay potted a pair of goals versus the Engineers.

A short-handed No. 3 North Dakota proved to be no match for No. 1 Minnesota, in more ways than one. Playing without three top scorers and a top defenseman due to international team absences and an injury to Meghan Dufault, UND scored the first and last goal of the weekend, but the Gophers scored eight straight in sweeping, 5-1 and 3-1. Minnesota’s power play converted on its first five chances to decide the series. Rookies Kate Schipper and Dani Cameranesi had two-goal games, while Meghan Lorence extended her personal streak to six straight games with a goal.

Women’s D-III wrap: Feb. 3

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As is the norm at this juncture in the schedule, the postseason structure begins to take on a semblance of order. Nevertheless, there are always a few unheralded teams willing to upset the applecart. Such was the case this week in both the NESCAC and MIAC. Consistency overcame unforeseen upsets however, as five teams (Norwich 12-0-0, ECAC East, Elmira 10-0-0 ECAC West, Plattsburgh 10-0-0, ECAC West, St. Thomas 10-0-2, MIAC, and Middlebury 9-0-3, NESCAC) stayed unbeaten in conference play, enhancing their respective chances at securing a No. 1 seed for the upcoming playoffs.

Ephs serve notice to NESCAC
A year ago, Williams stumbled to a seventh place finish in the always competitive NESCAC, compiling a 9-15-1 (5-10-1 NESCAC) record. Entering 2013-14 with only two winning seasons since the 2005-06 campaign (71-114-12 overall), the Ephs rolled out to a rather aggravating 3-5-0 start. Since the semester break however, Williams, led by third-year coach Meghan Gillis, had made an exemplary about face. With a sweep over formerly ranked Bowdoin this week, the Ephs advanced their slate to 8-1-1 in 2014.  Consequently, No. 9 Amherst’s split with Connecticut College (3-6-3 NESCAC) provided Williams with a three-point advantage over the Jeffs in the race for second place in the conference. Leading scorer Cristina Bravi (15-12-27) has collected 12 points in her last six games for Williams. Teammate Hanna Beattie, who leads the conference in scoring among freshman (7-14-21), is currently in the midst of a seven-game point streak. The Ephs last exceeded the .500 mark by going 12-11-2 in 2009-10 under coach Marissa O’Neil. O’Neil, now with Bowdoin, and Gillis, were teammates when they skated for the Polar Bears from 2003 to 2005.  With only six games left in the regular season, all of which are conference matchups, Gillis’ club is within reach of securing home ice for the quarterfinals of NESCAC playoffs, beginning Saturday, March 1.

Blazers monumental weekend
St. Benedict freshman Katie Cristan’s first collegiate goal midway through the third period of Saturday’s game with visiting Gustavus Adolphus stamped an exclamation point on what was unquestionably the utmost meaningful weekend in program history. With the embers still smoldering from the previous afternoon, (an upset 4-2 victory over the No. 7 Gusties), Cristan’s marker at 11:56 in the third unlocked a 2-2 stalemate and served as the jumping off point to a 4-2 triumph. The Blazers improved to 3-9-0 in the MIAC. Cristan had a run of 11 scoreless games before striking for the monumental goal. Coming into the matchup, Gustavus Adolphus had not been swept in conference play since 2003-04. St. Thomas moved past the Gusties in the standings with a pair of wins over Augsburg in a home-and-home set.

Cadets looking to run table in ECAC East
Following consecutive 4-0 wins over Southern Maine and Plymouth State, No. 4, Norwich (17-3-0, 12-0-0 ECAC East) ran its win streak to eight games. With the positive results, the Cadets closed to within one victory of securing the No. 1 seed for the conference playoffs. Leading scorer Tori Charron had two goals in Friday’s win over the Huskies, giving her 19 for the season and 99 for her career. Norwich held a significant advantage in shots on goal in both weekend contests, going 33-5 over Southern Maine and 50-4 against the Panthers.

NCHA playoff seeds in question
In an uncharacteristic low-scoring affair, St. Scholastica pulled out a 1-0 win over host No. 10 Adrian Friday night. Saints freshman goalie Lindsey Hartfiel finished with 39 stops in gaining her ninth win and third shutout of the season. Adrian outshot St. Scholastica 39-13. The Saints were without Nina Waichader for the second game, as the Olympian joined her Swiss teammates in Sochi last week. Weekend action left a logjam at the head of the NCHA standings. Adrian (10-4-0), St. Scholastica (9-3-2) and Lake Forest (9-3-2) are deadlocked with 20 points; St. Norbert is a point behind.

Streaking Eagles, sweeps and a PairWise party

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Seeing as I don’t care about Bruno Mars, I’ll take this opportunity at halftime of the Super Bowl to tell you about three things I do care about that I learned this past weekend:

1. Eagles, Gaudreau streaking towards a title

I was a tad bit concerned on Friday night that two of the nation’s longest streaks might end. But both Boston College and forward/Hobey favorite Johnny Gaudreau both kept streaks alive. BC eked out a 2-0 win at Providence to stretch its unbeaten streak to 12 games. And a late third-period insurance goal by Johnny Gaudreau extended the forward’s point streak to a nation’s best 21 games. Both look like they are closing in on hardware as BC has created measurable distance over second-place Northeastern and Massachusetts-Lowell for the regular-season crown (eight point lead, six games remaining). And Gaudreau continues to shine, each day closing in on an easy-vote Hobey Baker.

2. Sweeps follow splits

A week after five different Hockey East series ended in splits, both two-game series played this weekend were sweeps. UMass Lowell beat Merrimack back-to-back nights in a home-and-home series while New Hampshire took two from Notre Dame at home. Both teams that came out on top (both hampered by significant injuries) took major steps forward. The River Hawks are now tied with Northeastern for second place in Hockey East with a game in hand (and they’ll need to come out ahead as NU owns the tie breaker). New Hampshire, meanwhile, moved into fourth place, a key spot that could translate not only into a first-round bye in the Hockey East playoffs, but also a home ice spot in the quarterfinals.

3. Pairwise still looking positive

When the Pairwise premiered this season and six Hockey East teams were above college hockey’s version of the Mendoza Line, we all knew it would be far-fetched to see all six make the NCAA field. Personally, I felt that the remaining league play would likely mean at least half of the eight Hockey East teams in contention for NCAA bids would fall out quickly. But three weeks later, I’m still very optimistic that Hockey East will be extremely well represented in the NCAA field. BC and Lowell are quickly working towards becoming NCAA locks, while Northeastern and Providence are still in the top 11. Even though Notre Dame fell out of the top 15, New Hampshire jumped into the 14th spot. Plenty of hockey to play, but I really like the way the Pairwise is trending.

Rankings roundup: How ranked teams fared, Jan. 27-Feb. 2

USCHO Staff Report
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Sticks and bodies get tangled in Nebraska-Omaha’s 8-6 victory over St. Cloud State on Saturday (photo: Michelle Bishop).

Here’s how the 20 teams in the Jan. 27, 2014, USCHO.com Division I Men’s Poll fared in games from Jan. 27 to Feb. 2:

No. 1 Minnesota (19-2-5) tied Michigan State 2-2 (lost shootout) on Friday, beat Michigan State 1-0 on Saturday. This week: at Wisconsin, Thursday-Friday.

No. 2 Boston College (19-4-3) won 2-0 at No. 7 Providence on Friday. This week: vs. Boston University, Monday (Beanpot at TD Garden, Boston); vs. Merrimack, Friday.

No. 3 Quinnipiac (19-4-5) won at Dartmouth 8-1 on Friday. This week: vs. Clarkson, Friday; vs. St. Lawrence, Saturday.

No. 4 Union (17-6-3) lost at St. Lawrence 2-1 on Friday, won at No. 15 Clarkson 4-3 on Saturday. This week: vs. Brown, Friday; vs. Yale, Saturday.

No. 5 St. Cloud State (14-6-4) won at Nebraska-Omaha 5-3 on Friday, lost at Nebraska-Omaha 8-6 on Saturday. This week: vs. Denver, Friday-Saturday.

No. 6 Ferris State (18-6-3) did not play. This week: vs. Northern Michigan, Friday-Saturday.

No. 7 Providence (15-7-5) lost to No. 2 Boston College 2-0 on Friday. This week: Off.

No. 8 Massachusetts-Lowell (18-7-2) beat Merrimack 4-2 on Friday, won at Merrimack 4-0 on Saturday. This week: at Boston University, Friday; at Massachusetts, Saturday.

No. 9 Wisconsin (14-8-2) lost 3-1 at No. 12 Michigan on Friday, tied 2-2 at No. 12 Michigan (lost shootout) on Saturday. This week: vs. Minnesota, Thursday-Friday.

No. 10 Northeastern (15-8-3) did not play. This week: vs. Harvard, Monday (Beanpot at TD Garden, Boston); vs. Massachusetts, Friday.

No. 11 Cornell (12-4-5) won at No. 13 Yale 3-2 in overtime on Friday, won at Brown 2-1 on Saturday. This week: at Colgate, Saturday.

No. 12 Michigan (13-6-3) beat No. 9 Wisconsin 3-1 on Friday, tied No. 9 Wisconsin 2-2 (won shootout) on Saturday. This week: at Penn State, Friday-Saturday.

No. 13 Yale (11-6-4) lost to No. 11 Cornell 3-2 in overtime on Friday, beat No. 18 Colgate on Saturday. This week: at Rensselaer, Friday; at Union, Saturday.

No. 14 Notre Dame (15-11-1) lost at New Hampshire 4-2 on Friday, lost at New Hampshire 5-2 on Saturday. This week: vs. Maine, Friday-Saturday.

No. 15 Clarkson (16-10-2) beat Rensselaer 3-0 on Friday, lost to No. 4 Union 4-3 on Saturday. This week: at Quinnipiac, Friday; at Princeton, Saturday.

No. 16 Denver (13-8-5) did not play. This week: at St. Cloud State, Friday-Saturday.

No. 17 North Dakota (13-8-3) did not play. This week: vs. Nebraska-Omaha, Friday-Saturday.

No. 18 Colgate (13-11-3) lost at Brown 5-2 on Friday, lost at No. 13 Yale 4-1 on Saturday. This week: vs. Cornell, Saturday.

No. 19 Vermont (13-9-3) did not play. This week: at New Hampshire, Friday-Saturday.

No. 20 Western Michigan (12-10-4) lost to Minnesota-Duluth 5-2 on Friday, lost to Minnesota-Duluth 3-1 on Saturday. This week: at Miami, Friday-Saturday.

Stratification begins in ECAC Hockey

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There is one month left in the ECAC regular season.

Allow me to repeat: One month. I know, it always flies by, and for a lot of programs there isn’t nearly enough time remaining to recover from recent stumbles. Fortunately, everyone makes the playoffs, and anything can happen in short series. That said, playing on home ice is an irrefutable advantage and eight teams have done enough to earn a little breathing room from the bottom third.

Musical chairs at the top

Room for four, but five at the door.

Union, Quinnipiac, Cornell, Colgate and Clarkson sit within four points of each other – in that order – each one point behind the next, respectively. This weekend saw Cornell separate itself from the middle and rise toward a prized bye seed with a four point weekend; Quinnipiac went one-for-one on a light weekend by blasting Dartmouth Friday night; and Union fought through numerous post-Mayor’s Cup suspensions to earn a split at the North Country and hold onto first place. Disadvantages for Cornell and Colgate, however: This travel tandem has one fewer game to play than most of the rest of the league. (The Harvard-Dartmouth duo has also played 15 games.)

For your consideration, a breakdown of the remaining home and road records of this quintet, and the combined record of each team’s remaining opposition:

Union: Four road, four home; opponents’ record: 53-45-16 (.535)
Quinnipiac: Four road, four home; opponents’ record: 53-46-15 (.531)
Cornell: Four home, three road; opponents’ record: 43-47-11 (.480)
Colgate: Five home, two road; opponents’ record: 42-45-14 (.485)
Clarkson: Four road, four home; opponents’ record: 46-55-13 (.461)

Stuck in the middle

The small block of the standings occupied by Yale (15 points), Brown (13) and Rensselaer (13) sits three points short of fifth-place Clarkson, but is four points clear of St. Lawrence and Harvard. All three split last weekend, and the Bulldogs, Bears and Engineers each have eight games left – four at home, four away. Here’s the next month’s work, broken down by program:

Yale: Opponents’ record: 50-51-13 (.496)
Brown: Opponents’ record: 50-51-13 (.496)
RPI Opponents’ record: 53-45-16 (.535)

Odds ‘n ends

• The 62nd annual Beanpot kicks off Monday night, and Harvard draws Northeastern in the 5pm game. The Crimson beat the Huskies the last time they tangled at “the Garden” (there is so much wrong with that name) in the 2012 consolation game. Both of Monday’s games are televised on NESN, as is the title game seven days later.

• As promised, the PairWise Rankings underwent their weekly shuffle. QU and Union maintained top-four status, and Cornell jumped four places, from 10th to sixth following their four-point road weekend. However, Clarkson and Colgate fell out of the top 16 into ties for 17th and 20th, respectively (where Yale is knotted with Colgate beyond the bubble). The next ECAC Hockey teams on the list are Brown and RPI at 26 and 27, who are likely write-offs for at-large bids at this point… but then, who knows. Anything can happen.

And finally, my weekly USCHO ballot:

Gallery: St. Cloud State at Nebraska-Omaha

By Michelle Bishop
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Here are photos from Nebraska-Omaha’s 8-6 victory over No. 5 St. Cloud State on Saturday:

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Gallery: Princeton at Harvard

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Images from Harvard’s home 3-2 victory over Princeton on January 31.

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Playoff pictures coming into focus

By USCHO Division III Men's Columnists
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All eyes will be on Adrian this weekend as the Bulldogs look to stay unbeaten with a two-game set on the road at St. Norbert (photo: Adrian College Athletics).

As we enter the final month of the regular season, every coach will say that two points on a nightly basis is necessary.
Our slew of Division III men’s columnists take to this weekly blog to tell you, our loyal readers, just what will indeed happen this weekend at rinks across the country.
Or so they think.

ECAC East – Tim Costello

Wow! Just when I thought it couldn’t get worse, it did!
A 2-4-0 (.333) pick week has dropped the overall season down to 31-15-4 (.653). I have a lot of improving to do and not a lot of time to do it in. Let’s see if the end of January and beginning of February can jump start a new trend upwards.
Here are this week’s picks:
Friday, Jan. 31
Skidmore @ Massachusetts-Boston
The Beacons lost two tough ones to travel partner Babson last weekend and three in a row which must have coach Peter Belisle and the troops looking for payback against this weekend’s opponents. Too bad for Skidmore that they are in the cross hairs first on Friday night. Massachusetts-Boston 4-2.
Norwich @ New England College
The Pilgrims have been ensconced in the top four all season and need points to stay there. Unfortunately, Norwich is only one point ahead of Babson, so they need the win as much or more to stay in first. Too much depth for the Pilgrims to handle from the Cadets. Norwich 3-1.
St. Michael’s @ St. Anselm
The Friday night game is two games in one in counting for both the ECAC East and NE-10 standings. Both teams will bring their best, but the Hawks have been more consistent and have the better goaltending to hold up in this one. St. Anselm 4-3.
Saturday, Feb. 1
St. Michael’s @ New England College
It’s a bounce-back game for the Pilgrims, who take the needed two points, but not without a battle from the Purple Knights, who continue to play well in spurts, but not the full 60 minutes. New England College 4-2.
Skidmore @ Babson
The Beavers have been rock-solid at home and goaltender Jamie Murray has been among the best in the country in shutting down opposing offenses. The Thoroughbreds have some skill, but so does the Babson back line, which also contributes offensively. Babson 2-1.
Norwich @ St. Anselm
The Hawks played a very good game the first time around at Northfield, so their confidence should be high entering the Saturday matinee. Only problem is Norwich remembers the first game, too, and looks to get the offense on track against the Hawks early. Norwich 4-2.
The calendar changing to February should create a sense of urgency for every team – drop the puck!

ECAC Northeast – Nathan Fournier

Saturday, Feb. 1
Nichols at Becker
This is going to be an intriguing game as Becker earned a 3-3 tie on Nov. 13. Nichols has more depth then Becker. Gregg Hussey had to make 40 saves in Becker’s net on that night. Becker will need to limit Nichols shots this time around. Still, if they limit Nichols’ shots to 30, I don’t think it will be enough. Nichols wins 5-1.
Wentworth at Salve Regina
Both teams aren’t having the season they had wanted. Salve Regina got off to a hot start in the first half of the season in conference. When they got out of conference, the wheels fell off. Wentworth has struggled all season. They are both still in the thick of things in terms of the conference tournament. I think Salve Regina gets back on track in a 6-3 game.
Johnson and Wales at Suffolk
Johnson and Wales are firing on all cylinders right now and I don’t think that will stop against Suffolk, a team that did play them tough the first time around as they fell 3-1. The Rams haven’t been playing well lately and that’s not a good trait in playing one of the hottest teams in the nation. I have Johnson and Wales winning 5-3.
Curry at Western New England
The Colonels have been playing well in 2014 and they face a Western New England team that brings a lot of offense. In the first game between the two clubs, the Golden Bears shut out Curry 4-0. Do I think Western New England will be that dominant this time around? No. I believe Curry will be more competitive, but Western New England gets back on track with a 4-3 win.
Tuesday, Feb. 4
Nichols at Curry
The Bison of Nichols shut out Curry the first time around with a 37-save effort from Alex Larson. They picked up goals from Frank Butler and Brett Jackson. Nichols also took eight penalties in the contest, which Curry couldn’t convert on. I expect this contest to be high-scoring with the same team coming out on top. Nichols win 4-1.
Salve Regina at Suffolk
Salve Regina doubled up Suffolk 6-3 the first time the two teams met in November. I think the Seahawks look back at this game to regain some of the confidence they had in the first half of this season. Salve Regina scored six in a row before Suffolk scored three times in the third period. I have the Seahawks winning 5-2.
Johnson and Wales at Wentworth
In the first contest in Providence, this was a pretty competitive contest with the Leopards winning 5-3. Wentworth had two power-play goals in the losing effort. Until someone stops Johnson and Wales, I have no reason to pick against them. They have one of the best freshmen goalkeepers in the nation in Joey Ballmer. Johnson and Wales win it 6-1.
Wednesday, Feb. 5
Western New England at Becker
The Golden Bears needed overtime to defeat Becker 5-4, so this isn’t a game Western New England can look past. Becker came back from a 4-2 deficit to force the overtime and get one of its two points in ECAC Northeast play. To keep up with Nichols and Johnson and Wales, Western New England will need both points in this one. I have them winning 7-4.

ECAC West – Dan Hickling

Friday, Jan. 31
Nazareth (5-12-1, 1-6-1) @ Hobart (10-4-4, 4-1-3) – Nazareth 3 Hobart 2
Those giant killers from Nazareth, fresh from two huge upsets a week ago, have one more shocker in them.
Saturday, Feb. 1
No. 12 Utica (10-4-4, 5-2-1) @ Elmira (11-7-0, 6-2-0) – Utica 3 Hobart 2
The two-game weekend set could have national implications and will certainly have strong pull within the league. Expect a split, with the Pioneers winning the back half.

MASCAC – Nathan Fournier

Saturday, Feb. 1
Massachusetts-Dartmouth at Fitchburg State
The last time these two teams played, it was the final game for both teams for the first half as the Falcons defeated the Corsairs 3-0 on Dec. 7 as Ryan Wysocki pitched a 3-0 shutout. Timmy Genova had two goals and Thomas Carlow also had a goal. I expect Fitchburg to win again this time around in a 4-2 contest.
Plymouth State at Westfield State
This should be an offensive showdown with both teams averaging over three-and-a-half goals per game. In the first game, Plymouth State came away with a 6-4 victory. I think this time around, it won’t be as much of a high-scoring game with Plymouth State adding goalie Gordon Ceasar from Utica, but Westfield State has offensive firepower. I will take Plymouth State in a 5-3 game.
Salem State at Worcester State
It wasn’t a pretty contest the last time these two teams met on Dec. 7 where Salem State came away with the 6-1 victory. This time, the game is in Worcester and the Vikings haven’t had the best of luck on the road. Worcester State has been playing better the last two weeks. At the end of the day, I believe Salem State has an advantage in talent. The Vikings win 3-1.
Thursday, Feb. 6
Westfield State at Framingham State
This will be a very intriguing game as the first time these two teams met, Framingham State had a better first half compared to Westfield State. In the second half, Westfield has been playing better and Framingham State has cooled off. I think Westfield State redeems its 2-1 loss from the second game of the season. Westfield State in a 6-4 final.
Salem State at Plymouth State
This will be the game of the night in the MASCAC. This will be a very good competitive game. The first game of the season went into overtime with Salem State coming up with the 4-3 victory. Salem State had four different scorers, while Zack Sarig scored twice. It will be another close game and I think Plymouth State gets it done on home ice 3-2.
UMass-Dartmouth at Worcester State
Both teams need the two points for conference tournament positioning. They are the bottom two teams in the MASCAC standings. UMass-Dartmouth beat Worcester the first time the two teams met in the first half of the season. I think the Corsairs get it done once again, but I believe it will a closer contest. UMass-Dartmouth wins a 4-3 game.

MIAC & WIAC – Brian Lester

It’s the final weekend of the month and the battle for league titles continues to take shape.
St. Thomas enters the weekend four points behind first-place Gustavus Adolphus in the MIAC, while St. Olaf and St. John’s have opportunities to move up in the standings with big weekends.
In the WIAC, no one is running away with the title just yet. Wisconsin-River Falls is on top, but Wisconsin-Stevens Point is right on its tail. Only one team has more than two losses in league play and that is Superior, which has three.
To say the least, everything gets interesting at this point in the season.
So without further delay, here are my picks for the weekend.
MIAC
St. Thomas vs. Augsburg
The Tommies have been tough on defense lately and their last three wins have come via shutout behind the solid play of Drew Fielding.
Fielding has been remarkable in goal. He has a goals-against average of 1.36 and has allowed only 22 goals on the season. He has racked up 403 saves as well. If he continues that trend, it’s going to be tough for Augsburg to get a win in the series.
The Auggies haven’t been bad and really need to get a split out of this weekend. They have tied in their last two games. Their capable of big games on offense and have racked up 45 goals on the season, including 11 by Ben McClellan.
Still, I just think if Fielding is on his game, the Tommies win both. St. Thomas, 4-1, 3-0.
St. John’s vs. Gustavus Adolphus
This is an opportunity for Gustavus to strengthen its hold on first place, but it won’t be easy against a Johnnies team still determined to make a push for another title.
The Gusties have won four consecutive games and have scored three or more goals in each of those wins. Also during that stretch, they haven’t allowed more than two goals in a game.
Corey Lievermann, who has 11 goals and eight assists, continues to shine and will need to be an impact player again this weekend. The Gusties have a lot of talent around him, though, and have racked up 58 goals in all. If John McLean does his job in goal – he has a 2.14 goals-against average – the Gusties win at least one in the series, and maybe both.
The Johnnies could take a huge step forward in the standings with a big weekend. They are two points out of third and seven out of second. St. John’s has been on a roll. It has won six consecutive games and seems to have found its stride.
The Johnnies have scored 49 goals and will need to be clicking on offense to get the job done, but the real key is the play of Saxton Soley, who has a goals-against average of 2.08. This series will be decided by defense. Gustavus 4-2, St. John’s 3-1.
St. Mary’s vs. St. Olaf
St. Olaf is in third and gain even more ground with a strong performance this weekend. The Oles have won four consecutive games and have scored 49 goals on the year. They have scored four or more goals three times during the streak and have earned a pair of shutouts in the stretch as well.
St. Olaf needs to attack early and often, and Dan Cecka could be key to that. He has scored 11 goals and dished out five assists. If the Oles are clicking offensively early, they will be in great shape.
St. Mary’s needs a sweep if it’s going to have any hope of getting back into the playoff picture. The Cardinals have dropped three consecutive games and have allowed 55 goals on the season.
The Cardinals need to find a way to strike first and their defensive performance will have to be their best of the season if they are going to do something against the Oles. St. Olaf, 4-1 and 5-3.
WIAC
Wisconsin-River Falls vs. Wisconsin-Superior
River Falls has been a little up and down lately, but owns a 4-2 record in conference play. The Falcons have proven they are legit, though, and are coming off a 3-1 win over Wisconsin-Eau Claire.
Willie Hess continues to power the offense with 10 goals. River Falls has scored 55 goals in all, while the goalie rotation of Scott Lewan and Tanner Milliron has proven to be effective.
The big thing for River Falls is that it has played well on the road, fashioning a 6-3 record, and that should be beneficial to it this weekend against Superior.
Superior is looking to turn things around and comes in on a three-game winless streak.
Pat Dalbec and Michael Rey need to play well for the Yellow Jackets to have a shot at winning at least one game in the series. Dalbeck and Rey have tallied eight goals apiece and have come through with eight assists apiece as well. Scoring early will be big for Superior. River Falls 4-2, Superior 3-2.
Wisconsin-Eau Claire vs. Wisconsin-Stout
The Blugolds have been tough defensively and recently came off a stretch where they blanked five consecutive opponents.
Eau Claire continues to be tough offensively as well and has racked up 65 goals on the year.
Goaltending will be vital to success for the Blugolds, especially on the road. Tyler Green and Jay Deo have combined to allow only 28 goals. Green has racked up 292 saves and Deo has come through with 128 saves.
Regardless of who gets the nod as the starter, both are certainly capable of getting the job done. And if the Blugolds get great goaltending, they will be tough to beat this weekend. It’s also worth noting that Eau Claire is 5-1-1 on the road.
Stout has a chance to make a move in the standings, but it won’t be easy against the defending champions. The Blue Devils have been up and down lately as well, winning two of their last four, and they are going to need a great performance out of Corey Koop to be successful against Eau Claire.
Koop has made 547 saves on the season and he will need to rise up as he has done in the past for the Blue Devils to be in this game. Stout has scored 47 goals on the year and will need to make the most of its opportunities. Eau Claire, 5-1, 4-0.

NCHA – Katie Carito

Adrian at St. Norbert
This is without a doubt the series to watch this weekend. Top-ranked Adrian has yet to have a loss on the season, toting a 16-0-3 record. The second-ranked St. Norbert has a 16-2-1 record. Both teams are tied for first in the conference with 22 points. The Green Knights have a stellar home record, while the Bulldogs are very impressive on the road. I’m torn on who to choose, so I’ll pick a split. St. Norbert 2-1, Adrian 4-1
Milwaukee School of Engineering at Finlandia
Finlandia (1-11-0) was swept by Adrian last weekend, while MSOE was shut out by St. Norbert. Both teams had a win before going into the weekend facing the conference powerhouses. I think they will split the weekend. MSOE 2-1, Finlandia 2-1
Lake Forest vs. Lawrence
Lake Forest (10-8-1) is sitting in the fourth spot in the conference with 12 points, while Lawrence (5-13-1) is at the cusp of losing a playoff spot at seventh. Lake Forest is riding a six-game unbeaten streak. Lawrence snapped a seven-game losing streak last weekend with an impressive 3-2 win over St. Scholastica. I think Lake Forest will extend its streak to eight. Lake Forest 2-1, 3-1
Marian vs. Concordia (Wis.)
Marian (6-11-2) sits at sixth place with 11 points, while Concordia (8-7-4) is right above the Sabres in fifth place with 12 points. This will definitely be an exciting series to watch. The Sabres swept Northland last weekend. The Falcons are looking to snap a four-game winless streak. I’m going split. Marian 3-2, Concordia 2-1
Northland vs. St. Scholastica
St. Scholastica (10-5-4) has gone 2-2-2 in the second half the season and has yet to find a real rhythm. Northland’s (3-16-0) three wins have come to conference opponents. I think this weekend will be a good time for the Saints to get back in their winning ways. St. Scholastica 3-2, 2-1

NESCAC – Tim Costello

A 3-2-1 (.583) week of picks is the best of January, but like teams that want to advance in playoff hockey, I better start making better picks at the most important time of the season.
Overall record now stands at 31-13-5 (.684), so I clearly have my work cut out in the final month of the regular season if I want to reach the 70 percent threshold.
Here are the picks:
Friday, Jan. 31
Tufts @ Middlebury
The big question in this one is who is in goal for either team and will they come up with enough stops to get the win. The Panthers have home ice and the better offense so expect they get enough from whomever is in the crease on Friday night. Middlebury 5-2.
Connecticut College @ Williams
The battle for first overall is fully engaged, so don’t expect the Ephs to be leaving any points on the table while they scoreboard watch the action at Trinity. The Camels are a game opponent, but the Ephs have too much game and actually don’t play a one-goal contest. Williams 3-1.
Saturday, Feb. 1
Amherst @ Trinity
The first matchup went the way of the Lord Jeffs on their home ice, so look for the high-flying offense of the Bantams to look to return the favor this weekend. Amherst hasn’t seen a home-ice game all month and need to find points on the road, but won’t find them in Hartford. Trinity 3-1.
Hamilton @ Wesleyan
The Cardinals dug themselves an early hole and now are looking to finish strong in the final month and make sure they qualify for the postseason. Home games should mean points and Keith Buehler and company find two against their rivals from upstate New York. Wesleyan 4-2.
Tufts @ Williams
The Jumbos have struggled stopping shots and goals from opponents all season and Williams is a team you don’t want to have that issue with. Home sweep on tap for the boys in purple assuming they don’t take Tufts lightly. Williams 5-2.
Sunday, Feb. 2
Hamilton @ Trinity
The battle for first and potential tiebreakers should be in full swing next week when the Bantams see Williams, but coach Matt Greason isn’t going to let the boys forget about these points and playing tough against a team that has always caused Trinity trouble. Trinity 4-2.
The battle is to qualify for the playoffs and hopefully with the best seeding possible – drop the puck!

SUNYAC – Dan Hickling

Friday, Jan. 31
Potsdam (6-11-0, 1-7-0) @ Brockport (5-9-3, 2-5-1) – Potsdam 4 Brockport 2
Both teams are desperate for points, but the Bears are truly backed into a corner. For them, it’s snarl time.
Saturday, Feb. 1
Cortland (4-12-3, 3-6-2) @ Oswego (12-4-2, 5-3-1) – Oswego 5 Cortland 2
The Lakers will want to prove they are better than their last outing, a 4-0 blanking at Buffalo State last Saturday.

Atlantic Hockey Picks, Jan. 31-Feb. 1

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Last Week:
Dan: 4-4-0
Chris: 4-4-0

On the season:
Dan: 114-53-17 (.666)
Chris: 113-54-17 (.660)

This Week’s Picks

Friday, Jan. 31 and Saturday, Feb 1:
Connecticut at Air Force
Dan: I think the RMU series might have exposed some of the issues with Air Force down the stretch.  They were down 3-0 until the final five seconds of Friday, and they gave up three second period goals in Saturday’s loss.  On the flip side, I think UConn has a good chance to catch the top two, especially with next against Bentley looming.  UConn sweeps.
Chris: UConn has had success against the Western Pod this season (5-2-3) but I like the Falcons, still smarting froma  sweep at the hands of Robert Morris last weekend, to come out hard at home. Air Force is 16-2-1 against UConn at the Cadet Ice Arena, and I think it will put another pair of wins in the book. Air Force sweeps. 

Canisius at  American International
Dan: Canisius is starting to load up to get hot, and they shouldn’t have much trouble with AIC.  Canisius sweeps.
Chris: Canisius is coming off a nice win at first-place Mercyhurst and is 12-0-2 against AIC in their last fourteen meetings. I’m picking the Golden Griffins to extend that streak. Canisius sweeps.  

Holy Cross at Rochester Institute of Technology
Dan: I think Holy Cross has the horses to go into RIT and take a game, and I think RIT’s goaltending is in box of chocolates mode – you never know what you’re gonna get.  That said, RIT usually beats Holy Cross at home and the Tigers have had success against the east.  Don’t be shocked if Holy Cross takes a game.  RIT sweeps.
Chris: Holy Cross is a better team than than its record indicates, and despite the Tigers’ dominance over the Crusaders at Ritter Arena (12-1) over the years, I’m picking Holy Cross to continue RIT’s woes. Holy Cross sweeps. 

Niagara at Sacred Heart
Dan: Niagara is starting to pick up steam, and I think this trip east is going to set them up for a decent run through the west that’ll see them finish higher than a bubble first round home series.  Niagara sweeps.
Chris: Niagara found its groove last weekend, and I like the Purple Eagles to build off some new-found confidence. Niagara sweeps. 

Army at Robert Morris
Dan: Army has really struggled in league play this year, having not won since Pearl Harbor Day back in December.  I don’t see a reason that changes this weekend when they play a Robert Morris team that could conceivably finish in the top four and be in a second round home series at this rate.  Robert Morris sweeps.
Chris: The Colonials are playing their best hockey of the season, and while Army will be bolstered by a nice come-from-behind win over rival Royal Military College of Canada last weekend, I think RMU gets a pair of wins at home. Robert Morris sweeps.

Bentley at Mercyhurst
Dan: This is going to be a titan matchup.  Both teams have solid offenses, stout defenses, and strong goaltending.  I give an edge to Mercyhurst because I think their offense is a little bit better than Bentley’s, but I think this is a litmus test for both teams that provide them both with a win.  Mercyhurst wins on Friday.  Bentley wins on Saturday.
Chris: I saved the best for last. This is the final weekend of interpod play, and  we’ll go out with a bang as the first and second-place teams square off. They split last year in Watertown, and I think they will again in Erie.  Mercyhurst wins Friday; Bentley wins Saturday.

 

Adrian and St. Norbert battle this weekend with NCHA implications on the line

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St. Norbert senior forward Joe Perry will have to have a big weekend if the Green Knights are to knock off unbeaten Adrian (photo: St. Norbert College Athletics).

A series involving two teams that are at the top of their conference and tied for first is bound to be an exciting matchup.

A pair of teams that are No. 1 and No. 2 in the nation and competing against each other for the first time in the regular season is historic.

Combine those facts with two powerhouses of Division III hockey and everyone can agree that fans of the game will be in for a treat this weekend.

St. Norbert is currently 16-2-1 overall and 11-1-0 in conference play, which is tied for first with 22 points. They are ranked second in the country, behind conference foe Adrian.

Senior forward Cullen Bradshaw has been key for the Green Knights this season, leading the team with nine goals and 13 assists. Senior forward Joe Perry has 13 of St. Norbert’s 84 goals.

Junior goaltender David Jacobson has yet to have a loss on his record this season, going 13-0-1 with a 1.41 GAA and .933 save percentage.

Adrian has steamrolled its competition this season, holding a 16-0-3 overall record, while their 10-0-2 conference record has the Bulldogs tied with St. Norbert for first. For the first time in the program’s history, the Bulldogs earned the nation’s No. 1 ranking three weeks back.

The Bulldogs are now unbeaten through a school-record 19 games.

The top-performing line for the Bulldogs has comprised of junior forwards Josh Ranalli (16-10-26), Justin Basso (8-16-24) and senior forward Josh Cousineau (4-18-22). Ranalli’s 16 goals are tied for tops in the nation.

Juniors Scott Shackell (7-0-1, 1.43 GAA, .943) and James Hamby (9-0-2, 1.64 GAA, .935) have split time the net this season. Both have had two shutouts.

The two games will be played at St. Norbert’s Cornerstone Community Center, where the Green Knights hold an impressive 186-22-11 all-time home record.

The Bulldogs have been able to find a way to get the wins on road ice, as they are riding a 24-0-4 road unbeaten streak.

St. Norbert holds the 2-0-0 all-time series advantage against Adrian and both wins have come during the NCAA Division III tournament.

In 2010, the teams battled to a 4-3 score during the first round of the tournament. In 2011, St. Norbert again won with a 4-3 score, gaining a national championship in the process.

One thing is for certain this weekend – hockey fans will be treated to two intense and entertaining games that will have pretty powerful NCHA outcomes.

Around the League

Senior forward Huck Saunders from Lawrence was named this week’s NCHA offensive player of the week. Saunders tallied three goals last weekend, helping Lawrence split the weekend with St. Scholastica.

Jacobson was the conference defensive player of the week as he stopped all 40 shots fired at him over the weekend as the Green Knights shutout Milwaukee School of Engineering with 2-0 and 4-0 scores.

Big points are on the line this weekend as there are only three weekends left in the season and playoff spots still up for grabs.

Another big series to watch this weekend will be the home-and-home battle between Marian and Concordia (Wis.). Concordia is currently fifth in the conference with 12 points, while Marian sits right behind with 11 points.

Pickin’ the Big Ten: Jan. 31-Feb. 1, 2014

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It’s all conference action this weekend. First, let’s see how Drew and I are doing.

Last week
Drew: 5-4 (.750)
Paula: 5-4 (.750)

Season
Drew: 65-31-8 (.674)
Paula: 65-31-9 (.672)

Remember that Drew and I both picked the whole field for the North Star College Cup. The picks also include the Michigan-Michigan State series. It’s interesting, too, that we continue to mirror each other’s results even when we don’t pick the games identically.

This week

There are three Big Ten series engaging all six teams. All games are Friday-Saturday. It’s life as it should be in midwinter. All start times are local.

Michigan State at Minnesota

Drew: I can imagine that the Gophers will run into a very motivated Spartans team this weekend, given the fact that Michigan State’s head coach made it very clear how unacceptable the last game against Michigan was. Minnesota is coming off of a North Star College cup title despite not playing its best hockey during the weekend. The Gophers defeated St. Cloud State, 4-2, and tied Minnesota-Duluth, 4-4. Adam Wilcox was beyond solid between the pipes last weekend and hasn’t been beaten since late November. I’m going to say that he remains hot this weekend.

Paula: I’m with Drew on this one. I’ve never seen Tom Anastos so disappointed after a game than I did after Michigan State lost 5-2 to Michigan last Saturday in Munn. The game was tied, 2-2, heading into the third and the Wolverines simply turned up the heat and took the contest, the way good teams sometimes can. I didn’t perceive any lack of effort on the Spartans’ part, but I’m not their coach. The Spartans and Gophers met the first weekend in December in East Lansing, with Minnesota taking five points in a 2-2 tie and 3-2 win.

Friday’s game begins at 8:00 p.m. and is carried by the Big Ten Network. Saturday’s game begins at 7:00 p.m. and both Fox Sports Detroit and Fox Sports North will televise it.

Drew’s picks: Minnesota 4-0, 3-1.
Paula’s picks: Minnesota 3-2, 3-2.

Penn State at Ohio State

Drew: Penn State has been playing a little better as of late, but close losses are still losses. Ohio State hasn’t had a very smooth ride in 2014 either, but it did impress me with Saturday’s win over Wisconsin. Penn State defeated the Buckeyes, 5-4, last season in the consolation game of the Three Rivers Classic. If Penn State’s goaltending steps up it could steal a game this weekend, but I’m not going to pick them until they pick up a conference win.

Paula: Once again, I agree with my esteemed colleague and partner-in-writing. I’m not picking the Nittany Lions to win until they do. The key to PSU’s success is discipline, and it’s something the team has struggled with all season. There is a fine line between passion and futility, and sometimes the crossing of that line gets the Nittany Lions in trouble. For this weekend, my money’s on Ohio State’s goaltending, which is in the capable hands of the duo of midseason newcomer Christian Frey and freshman Matt Tomkins. And the Buckeyes can score some goals.

Friday’s untelevised game begins at 7:05 p.m. Saturday’s game is a 2:00 p.m. start and is carried by ESPNews.

Drew’s picks: Ohio State 5-2, 4-0.
Paula’s picks: Buckeyes 3-2, 3-1.

Wisconsin at Michigan

Drew: This weekend is a big one in terms of the Badgers proving that they can win on the road. Tournament games are obviously played at neutral sites but they’re more like road games than home games, so the Badgers need to prove that they can be a great team away from Kohl Center. It’ll also be interesting to see how the Wolverines respond to getting swept by the Badgers a couple weeks ago. By sweeping Michigan State I think Michigan’s little funk might be over. This is a big series in terms of standings. If Wisconsin can pick up another sweep, I would say they’re the favorite to be the No. 2 seed in the conference tournament.

Paula: This is definitely an interesting rematch for many reasons and a bellwether series for both teams for sure. Wisconsin is 1-5-0 on the road; Michigan is 6-1-1 at home. The Badgers beat the Wolverines by a collective score of 8-3 in Madison Jan. 10-11, but as Drew points out, the Wolverines seemed to have found their mojo against archrival Michigan State last weekend. I was particularly impressed by their Saturday 5-2 win, with their third-period performance that took the game out of the hands of the Spartans, completely.

Each game begins at 6:30 p.m. Friday’s game is the early game on the Big Ten Network. Saturday’s game is carried by NBC Sports.

Drew’s picks: Wisconsin 3-2, Michigan 4-2.
Paula’s picks: Michigan 4-2, 2-1.

The pigskin pick

Drew: Denver wins 30-21.
Paula: Even though the NFL season ends at about Week 3 for me annually — I’m a Buffalo Bills fan, the only team that actually plays in New York State — I’ll pick as well. Denver 21-14.

Halpin helping his cause in third year at Fitchburg State

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Fitchburg State junior defenseman Craig Halpin is emerging as one of the best at the Division III level, according to Falcons’ coach Dean Fuller (photo: Richard Orr).

The success Fitchburg State junior defenseman Craig Halpin has had can be pointed to others around him.

Showing his maturity, Halpin deflects attention away from himself and takes a team-first approach.

“The team is really well-rounded this year,” Halpin said. “The puck is moving around a lot and I have been playing on the power play this year with John Celli, who has one of the best shots in the league. On the right side, I have Max Lorenzen, who is one of the most creative guys on the ice. Then you got Ryan Connolly, who gets a stick on every single shot I take. It makes my job really easy.”

For Falcons’ coach Dean Fuller, Halpin just hasn’t become one of the best defensemen in the MASCAC, but at the Division III level as a whole.

“It really started last year,” Fuller said. “He does a lot of things for us. He runs our power play from the point and we have been really consistent there. He’s a great penalty killer and obviously, he takes his regular shift.”

Fuller said Halpin is a “competitive kid” and is very conscious about his plus-minus rating.

Being competitive has always been in Halpin’s blood.

“I have been competitive my whole life and I got a younger brother who’s three years younger than me and since we were little kids, we’ve been really competitive,” Halpin explained.

Halpin added he would play all sports with his brother and friends growing up.

The 6-foot-1, 185 pound Irvington, N.Y., native has a goal and 12 assists in 17 games. Last year as a sophomore, he had five points on a goal and four assists.

“He probably didn’t want to play as much as he wanted his freshman year, for sure,” Fuller said. “I think that motivated him and he started his breakout as a top Division III defenseman last year. This year, there’s no one else in the country I would rather have on my team than Craig Halpin.”

In his three years at Fitchburg State, Halpin has only been whistled for five penalties. Five penalties. Total.

He obviously knows where that fine line is.

“You got to stay disciplined and use your stick the right way, throw your body around, but stand up for your teammates when you need to,” said Halpin. “There is a line you can’t cross to play the game the right way.”

Halpin said that as an upperclassman, it was time to take the reins and lead by example. The last few weeks, he has been partnering up with freshman defenseman Dillon Wright, who made his college debut last Thursday.

“I will do whatever the team needs me to do,” Halpin added. “I am more than happy to step up to that role. It’s not even been teaching, it’s been getting [Wright’s] confidence up. He’s a good player and he knows the game really well.”

Halpin also said he knew what it was like to be a freshman and he had upperclassmen helping him from the transition to the college game and now it’s his turn to return the favor.

Top fan vote-getters have varying degrees of legitimacy as finalists

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Providence’s Ross Mauermann is an intriguing potential finalist for the Hobey Baker Award (photo: Melissa Wade).

Hello, all, and welcome back to another week of the USCHO Hobey Watch, where it might be fair to ask, just what are we watching, anyway?

Earlier this week, Brian Costello of The Hockey News pointed out the thought that we’re going to be dancing around for the foreseeable future: That, in Costello’s words, Boston College forward Johnny Gaudreau is “too good not to win” the Hobey Baker Award.

We’ll spend our fair share of time discussing the young man they call “Johnny Hockey,” to be sure, and whether he will be the first BC forward in the Jerry York era to win the Hobey (David Emma was, of course, the first BC forward to capture the award, having done so in 1991, three years before York returned to his alma mater). What really caught my attention, though, was that Costello saved me the trouble of going through the voting tallies on the Hobey Baker fan voting site and organizing it into a top 10.

Of course, we know what the Hobey fan vote is at this point. Sure, it’s a feature of the award that carries limited validity and even less impact, but it’s fun for the fans — I’m still a fan of the 2006 “Danny King for Hobey” campaign, even though it would be impossible today — and it’s also a good way to see what players may merit a closer look.

So, let’s start by examining that top 10, current as of this past Tuesday.

1. Ryan Faragher, junior, G, St. Cloud State
2. Shayne Gostisbehere, junior, D, Union
3. Ben Hutton, sophomore, D, Maine
4. Johnny Gaudreau, junior, F, Boston College
5. Adam Wilcox, sophomore, G, Minnesota
6. Ross Mauermann, junior, F, Providence
7. Ryan Haggerty, junior, F, Rensselaer
8. Michael Mersch, senior, F, Wisconsin
9. Trevor van Riemsdyk, junior, D, New Hampshire
10. Dillon Simpson, senior, D, North Dakota

Gaudreau we know about, of course, and as long as his production continues at or near its current level, it’s hard to see anyone else leaving Philadelphia with the Hobey. We also discussed Gostisbehere last week, and it’s not much of a surprise that he should be here (except that Union fans have been more united behind Gostisbehere than Cornell’s celebrated Lynah Faithful have been behind an equally qualified contender in Joakim Ryan). Beyond that, though, there are a couple of interesting notes.

Let’s start with the two goaltenders, Faragher and Wilcox. Both play for top-five teams in the USCHO.com Division I Men’s Poll, and neither has a real superstar forward up front who’s attracting much Hobey attention, although I could see the Huskies’ Jonny Brodzinski making his case.

If you figure that someone from a team performing as well as Minnesota or St. Cloud State is going to get a nod, it makes sense to look to a goaltender, and Wilcox, who ranks 12th in the nation in both GAA (2.05) and save percentage (.929), certainly has a solid case.

On the other hand, I wouldn’t say the same for Faragher, with his 2.45 GAA (36th in the nation) or his .909 save percentage (52nd), but you never know. As tough as it has been for a goalie to win the Hobey, not all of the netminders who have earned finalist nods have had eye-popping numbers.

Meanwhile, among the defensemen, van Riemsdyk and Hutton are both posting outstanding numbers, ranking fifth and sixth in the nation, respectively, in blueliner scoring. The problem, however, comes from the fact that both New Hampshire and Maine are on the outside looking in where the NCAA tournament is concerned, which could give a leg up to fellow rearguards Ryan and Gostisbehere, not to mention the fact that they play in the same conference as the presumed Hobey frontrunner Gaudreau.

Simpson, meanwhile, suffers from two problems. First, there’s the matter of numbers, as 2009 Hobey winner Matt Gilroy seems to be the exception to the rule when it comes to defensemen winning the Hobey without eye-popping numbers. Then, there’s the question of where North Dakota winds up within the NCHC and in terms of the NCAA tournament. Dave Hakstol has traditionally had a second-half team in Grand Forks, so if UND comes on strong again and Simpson plays a major role, then I’d look at him as a potential finalist.

Finally, we turn to the forwards. Mauermann is an intriguing potential finalist as the leading scorer for No. 7 Providence, and certainly someone to keep an eye on.

Haggerty is having a heck of a season for RPI, but with the Engineers having a mediocre season, I doubt there’s much room for him to go beyond the finalist level, and I see something of an “either-or” situation developing with Haggerty and conference foe Greg Carey of St. Lawrence. That may not be fair, but knowing who else is out there, I just don’t see more than one player from a non-contending ECAC Hockey team making it into the top 10.

It’s an interesting point in the Hobey race … or at least, the Hobey finalist race. While Gaudreau may be leading the field by a wide margin — and I remain convinced that he is — the question of who fits into those top 10 spots becomes more and more interesting. We’ll look at it from another angle next week in the Hobey Watch. Until then, enjoy your weekend — and Beanpot Monday — hockey, everyone!

Hockey East picks – Jan. 31 – Feb. 3

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The good news is that I played Comeback Kid last week, going 6-0 on Saturday after a disastrous 0-5 Friday. The bad news is that I lost a game to Jim in the process.

Dave last week: 6-5-0
Jim last week: 7-4-0
Dave’s record-to-date: 114-63-22
Jim’s record-to-date: 118-59-22

Here are this week’s picks:

Friday, Jan. 31

Boston College at Providence 
Dave’s pick: In this marquee match-up of the weekend, I’m picking BC. I’m going with the Eagles against all comers until further notice.
BC 4, PC 2
Jim’s pick: This should be a tight game but the way Providence gave up goals last weekend, I’m not sure that will be true.
BC 5, PC 3

Merrimack at Massachusetts-Lowell
Dave’s pick: Will the River Hawks get any of their walking wounded back? For one game, at least, it won’t matter. They’ll win either way.
UML 4, MC 2
Jim’s pick: I think this will be a tough game for the shorthanded River Hawks, though believe they can win.
UML 2, MC 1

Boston University at Massachusetts
Dave’s pick: It’s hard to see either of these teams avoiding the bottom-six, one-game play-in round of this year’s Hockey East playoffs. Tough times for both teams. I’ll go with home ice deciding this result, leaving BU 0-9-0 on the road.
UMass 4, BU 3
Jim’s pick: Can this finally be BU’s road win? They have been a better Friday team than Saturday of late.
BU 3, UMass 2

Notre Dame at New Hampshire
Dave’s pick: By far, the toughest picks this week are this series. Call me stubborn, but I still see the Irish putting on a stretch run surge. I think UNH will lose a game it would have won with Trevor van Riemsdyk and Grayson Downing in the lineup.
ND 3, UNH 2 (OT)
Jim’s pick: I’m picking the Wildcats at home, at least on Friday.
UNH 4, ND 3

Saturday, Feb. 1

Notre Dame at New Hampshire
Dave’s pick: This series really has split written all over it, but I’m going with an Irish sweep even though I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Wildcats do the deed instead.
ND 4, UNH 3 (OT)
Jim’s pick: I just don’t see a sweep in this game, as Dave said.
ND 3, UNH 1

Massachusetts-Lowell at Merrimack
Dave’s pick: I’d love to make this call after I saw who was in the lineup because Merrimack is a tough opponent in its barn. I’m guessing that two of the River Hawks injured last week are back and Lowell earns an important sweep.
UML 3, MC 2
Jim’s pick: As great as Merrimack has been at home of late, Lowell has always played Merrimack tough at Lawler.
UML 3, MC 2

Monday, Feb. 3

Beanpot

Harvard vs. Northeastern
Dave’s pick: Have I ever picked Harvard to win in the Beanpot? Even a single game? Perhaps not, in which case I thank the Crimson for fattening up my lifetime picks record.
NU 5, HU 2
Jim’s pick: On paper this says NU all the way. But we know that never matters in a Beanpot. Still, I’m picking the Huskies.
NU 4, HU 3

Boston University vs. Boston College
Dave’s pick: This is about as lopsided as me versus a drumstick on Thanksgiving. The Terriers may have historically used their Beanpot magic in contests like this, but they’re 1-8-1 since the start of December and BC stands atop Hockey East at 11-1-1.
BC 5, BU 2
Jim’s pick: What Dave said.
BC 6, BU 3

Women’s D-III picks: Jan. 31-Feb. 1

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The WIAC provides the feature game as a pair of top 10 teams clash, while the NCHA gets second billing as exiting and combustible offensive units hit the ice.

Friday, Jan. 31

ECAC East

Southern Maine at No. 4 Norwich
Norwich junior goalie Taylor Fairchild is a clean 4-0-0 at Kreitzberg Arena. On the other side of the ledger, the Huskies have had visible difficulty putting the puck in the net, as evidenced by a total of four goals in their last five contests. Two weeks ago in Gorham, the Cadets narrowly outshot their hosts 18-17 in a 2-1 win, in which Norwich leading scorer Tori Charron was held pointless for only the fourth time this season. Norwich 4-1

NCHA

St. Scholastica at No.10 Adrian
Adrian has reeled of 10 consecutive wins since its last loss, a 7-3 thrashing by St. Scholastica on the Saints’ home ice last Nov. 23. For a majority of the first half of the season, the Saints offense, led by the Waidacher trio, topped the nation in scoring. Since the calendar flipped to 2014 however, the Saints have struggled. In a three-game stretch earlier this month with WIAC opponents, the Saints suffered three shutouts. The top three scorers in the nation will be featured, with Adrian’s Kelsey Kusch (18-18-36) and the Saints duo of Nina (22-14-36) and Isabel Waidacher (15-21-36). Adrian’s second half consistency and scoring strength take this one. Adrian 5-2

Saturday, Feb. 1

ECAC West

Potsdam at No.1 Plattsburgh
Potsdam freshman forward Jordan Ott has collected seven points in her last three games, and is among the leading freshman point scorers in the nation. And while the Bears hold a healthy .625 win percentage away from home, taking out the Cardinals, who have allowed two tallies in nine home games, would be monumental. Plattsburgh 6-0

WIAC

No. 5 Wisconsin-River Falls at No. 8 Wisconsin-Superior
St. Thomas short-circuited the Falcons 14-game unbeaten streak Wednesday night, taking a 2-1 victory. WRF nabbed a 5-2 win over the Yellowjackets’ last November, but senior goalie Shanley Peters has pieced together an outstanding second half for Wis.-Superior. Peters, on point for her career best campaign, rolled out four consecutive shutouts in her last four starts. Peters’ counterpart at the opposite end of the rink, senior Ashley Kuechle, is currently on a six-game unbeaten run as well. Wisconsin-Superior 5-4

Jan. 31-Feb. 1 WCHA picks

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Kind of a quiet week in the WCHA with only three series going on. But each of the three could have a big impact on the standings.

Michigan Tech at Bowling Green

Shane: The biggest surprise in the standings right now might be that the Huskies are flirting with missing the postseason. While there’s a lot of hockey left to be played, this is a huge road series for Tech. The Falcons, meanwhile, have a chance to put — or keep — themselves in the MacNaughton mix. Huskies 3-2, Falcons 4-1

Matt: These were the two teams I was the most curious about during the preseason. It seemed both had the potential to finish in the top four of the WCHA, but they had yet to prove they could make that jump. So far, the Falcons are living up to their potential. The Huskies are not. Tech needs a win badly this weekend. Falcons 3-1, Huskies 2-1

Minnesota State at Northern Michigan

Shane: The Mavericks swept this series in Mankato two months ago, but they’ll face a very different-looking Wildcats team this time around in Marquette. I think MSU bounces back from last week’s losses in the North Star Cup and a sweep can put them into first place, but it hasn’t been dominant on the road. Mavericks 4-2, Wildcats 2-1

Matt: The sixth-place Wildcats have games in hand and then some on everyone in the league, but NMU’s next four games are against the top two teams in the WCHA. NMU should be overjoyed if it can walk away from its next four games 2-2. MSU’s road woes lead me to believe NMU can steal two points this weekend. Wildcats 4-3, Mavericks 5-4

Alabama-Huntsville at Alaska

Shane: Like Michigan Tech, Alaska’s trying to avoid the WCHA’s relegation. The Nanooks have too much talent to miss the playoffs, right? The Chargers are capable of stealing a point, maybe two, but I’m not sure I can take that leap. Nanooks 5-1, 3-2

Matt: If this series is in Huntsville, I think the Chargers get a win, but since it’s in Fairbanks, I think the Nanooks will take care of business. Nanooks 4-1, 3-1.

Last week: Shane 3-7-0, Matt 4-6-0. Overall: Shane 101-49-20, Matt 95-55-20

ECAC Hockey picks: Jan. 31 – Feb. 3

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Overall: 51-35-8

It’s hard to believe, but we’re down to the last month of regular season play in the ECAC. All games are 7 p.m., with the exception of Monday’s Beanpot opener between Harvard and Northeastern.

Friday, Jan. 31

Colgate at Brown

Brown can ill-afford a repeat of Saturday’s penalty-filled first period against Yale, where the Bulldogs scored three quick power-play goals en route to a 6-0 win. Like Yale, Colgate has the talent to capitalize on those openings.  The Raiders have won a nation-best six games in a row, and are 7-2-3 on the road. It’s hard to go against that streak. Colgate wins

Rensselaer at Clarkson

RPI will be down several key players following the brawl at the conclusion of Saturday’s Mayor’s Cup game. Leading scorer Ryan Haggerty and linemate Mike Zalewski are both suspended, along with defensemen Bo Dolan and Luke Curadi. Head coach Seth Appert was also given a belated one-game suspension by the league. This is a big weekend for the Golden Knights – they appeared to snap out of a skid two weeks ago, but then got swept last weekend. For a team on the edge of the NCAA tournament bubble as well as in the hunt for a first-round bye, these are two points Clarkson can’t let get away, especially at home against a depleted opponent. Clarkson wins

Quinnipiac at Dartmouth 

The Big Green hung with Quinnipiac during a 3-1 loss in Hamden back in November. Dartmouth goalie Charles Grant has been better than his numbers suggest, but I’m not sure if the Big Green will have an answer for the Bobcats’ puck-possession.  Quinnipiac wins     

Princeton at Harvard

It’s the the 100th anniversary of the rivalry between the Tigers and Crimson. Harvard holds a commanding 148-58-11 edge in the series, but the Crimson are just 6-7-1 in games preceding the Beanpot since 2010. This is usually the time of the year that Harvard seems to pick it up – and they’ll face a Tigers team that is coming over nearly a three-week break for exams. Harvard wins

Union at St. Lawrence        

If there was ever a time for the Saints to break their lengthy slump, this was it. The Dutchmen will be without captain Mat Bodie, and forwards Eli Lichtenwald and Daniel Ciampani, as well as head coach Rick Bennett due to discipline stemming from the Mayor’s Cup brawl.  But Union had a rash of injuries earlier in the season, which gave  other players a chance to step in and contribute. The Dutchmen will have to hope that happens again. Union wins

Cornell at Yale      

Travel-partner Colgate has gotten much of the attention, but the Big Red are on a seven-game unbeaten streak that’s tied with the Raiders for the fourth-longest in the country.  Yale’s goaltending and defense have gotten better as the season has progressed, and in this close matchup, I’ll give the edge to the home team. Yale wins          

Saturday, Feb.1

Cornell at Brown   

Both teams play a similar style, but Cornell has been playing better lately, while Brown has alternated wins and losses over its last four games. I realize calling for a Cornell win means the Bears will be swept at home, but both the Raiders and Big Red have been on fire lately. Cornell wins    

Union at Clarkson     

Even minus Bodie and Bennett, I think Union should have enough to get past the Golden Knights. Union wins        

Princeton at Dartmouth

The Big Green had a 3-0 first-period lead the last time these teams met, only to lose 5-4 in overtime.  Dartmouth’s defense has struggled this season, but do  the Tigers have the firepower to take advantage? Dartmouth wins

 Rensselaer at St. Lawrence

Haggerty and Zalewski will be back for this game, and Scott Diebold has played better in goal of late. That should be enough to hold off a Saints team that hasn’t won since the end of November. Rensselaer wins.

Colgate at Yale

The Bulldogs’ veteran defensive corps will have its hands full with the Raiders. Will they have enough to slow down the league’s hottest team? I’m tempted to call a tie, but that’s taking the easy way out. I don’t have any reason to pick against the Raiders. Colgate wins

Monday, Feb. 3

Harvard vs. Northeastern, 5 p.m.  (Beanpot first round)

Due to the rotating schedule of the Beanpot, one of these teams will have a chance to break a lengthy title drought in the tournament.  Harvard hasn’t won since 1993, while it’s been since 1988 for Northeastern. That aside, the matchup I’ll be watching is Huskies forward Kevin Roy against Crimson goalie Raphael Girard, and the Harvard offense against NU goalie Clay Witt. Both Girard and Witt have been outstanding this season, while Roy won tournament MVP last season despite being on the losing team.  Harvard looked plenty fast against Yale at MSG earlier in January, but the Crimson weren’t able to turn that speed into goals. Not sure if they can do it here, either. Northeastern wins

Women’s D-I picks: Jan. 31

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I gained one whole game on Arlan last week, going 18-5-3 while Arlan went 17-6-2. On the year, I am 205-70-34, while Arlan is 213-62-34. He’s still rocking it, and I’m still trying to come back.

Friday, Jan. 31

Yale at Cornell
Candace: Yes, I like Yale, and no, the Bulldogs can’t beat Cornell on the road. Cornell 5-1
Arlan: Some frustration has likely built up for the Big Red. Cornell 6-1

Harvard at Princeton
Candace: This will be closer than it should be, but Harvard should pull through. Harvard 3-2
Arlan: Picking the Crimson is likely walking through a minefield; one step will prove costly, but it’s hard to predict when. Harvard 2-1

Dartmouth at Quinnipiac
Candace: I’d like to give Dartmouth the benefit of the doubt, but can’t. Quinnipiac 2-1
Arlan: The Bobcats are rested, but they can’t look past Dartmouth in anticipation of Harvard. Quinnipiac 4-2

St. Lawrence at Rensselaer
Candace: Can the Saints get momentum off the Cornell tie? Something tells me yes. St. Lawrence 3-1
Arlan: RPI’s 13 losses are by a total of 22 goals, and it scored 18 times in those defeats. Reminds me of a John Greenleaf Whittier quotation my mom used to say, “Of all sad words of tongue or pen, the saddest are these: ‘It might have been.'” St. Lawrence 2-1

Mercyhurst at Syracuse
Candace: Syracuse has fallen off a bit since some big early season wins. Mercyhurst 3-2, 4-2
Arlan: Possible letdown for the Lakers after the RMU series, plus a quick Saturday turnaround; however, Syracuse never beats them. Mercyhurst 4-2, 2-1

Boston University home-and-home with Connecticut
Candace: Last week did not go as anticipated. I’ll guess home team for each. Connecticut 3-2, Boston University 4-2
Arlan: Will BU’s troubles end as January does? Sure, why not. Connecticut 4-3, Boston University 3-2

Minnesota-Duluth at Bemidji State
Candace: This could be a preview of the first round WCHA series. I think at least one game goes to overtime. Minnesota-Duluth 3-2, 2-1
Arlan: Better UMD teams than this one have had struggles in Bemidji. Minnesota-Duluth 4-0, Bemidji State 2-0

Ohio State at St. Cloud State
Candace: OSU is getting better, and should just hold off the Huskies. Ohio State 2-1, 2-1
Arlan: What’s the safer pick, hotter team or home ice? I’ll go with the former. Ohio State 1-0, 3-1

Minnesota at North Dakota
Candace: This will be a dogfight, even with the players UND is missing, but the Gophers should sweep. Minnesota 3-2, 3-1
Arlan: The Gophers are more used to playing in front of the big crowd they may see Friday than they are facing a ranked opponent; it’s been more than 10 weeks since the latter. Minnesota 3-2, 2-1

Saturday, Feb. 1

Yale at Colgate
Candace: Yale will need to bounce back after Saturday’s loss. Yale 3-2
Arlan: The role of spoiler is all that Colgate has left, and Yale looks ripe for the picking, but it’s hard to pick a team with two league wins. Yale 4-3

Dartmouth at Princeton
Candace: Do I dare pick the Big Green? Why not? Dartmouth 3-2
Arlan: How much improved is Dartmouth? Princeton 4-3

Harvard at Quinnipiac
Candace: This will be an interesting game, but I think Harvard will be on guard against a letdown that loses them the ECAC crown. Harvard 2-1
Arlan: The Bobcats must really want a win over Harvard, but the Crimson only lose to unranked teams. Harvard 1-0

Clarkson at Rensselaer
Candace: Again, this should probably be a close game, considering that RPI plays well when facing top teams, but I think the Engineers fall short. Clarkson 2-1
Arlan: I really feel like the Engineers are going to win this one for some reason, but Candace won’t give me odds or points or nothing. Clarkson 3-2

Providence at Boston College
Candace: BC takes another step toward its first Hockey East regular season title. Boston College 6-4
Arlan: It seems like I’m always predicting the same scores. Boston College 8-3

Vermont at Northeastern
Candace: This could go to OT, but ultimately I have to go with the home team. Northeastern 2-1
Arlan: The Huskies display renewed purpose. Northeastern 4-1

Sunday, Feb. 2

Vermont at Providence
Candace: Home ice seems to make a big difference for Providence. Providence 4-2
Arlan: Every time I pick Providence, the Friars lose, and I think Candace knows that, so I won’t pick them. Vermont 5-3

Tuesday, Feb. 4

St. Lawrence at Syracuse
Candace: St. Lawrence is 0-for-4 against CHA teams this season. Syracuse 2-1
Arlan: The Orange have as many wins as Cornell does. Syracuse 2-1

Boston University at Boston College (Beanpot)
Candace: I think BU will get up for this game in a big way, but fall short. Boston College 3-2
Arlan: If the Terriers aren’t out of their funk, then this could get ugly fast. Boston College 6-2

Northeastern at Harvard (Beanpot)
Candace: Again a squeaker, but Emerance Maschmeyer outduels Chloe Desjardins. Harvard 3-2
Arlan: It’ll come down to a Harvard bounce — or maybe even a shootout. Harvard 2-1

NCHC picks: Jan. 31

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Well, Matthew and I both went 4-1-1 (.750) last weekend, and we are now both at 71-46-19 (.584) on the year. However, this weekend we have some differing opinions, so let’s get to it shall we?

Friday-Saturday, Jan. 31, Feb. 1

No. 5 St. Cloud State at Nebraska-Omaha
Candace: See, I think the Huskies will come out and play well on Friday; they might end up with a split, but I’m going with the rested team for the sweep. St. Cloud 4-3, 3-1
Matthew: The point gap between these two teams (two) is definitely closer right now than I would’ve guessed it would be at this point back when we were just starting out in preseason. Neither team has really been a world-beater the last few weeks though, so I’m going to take the safe option on this one and predict a split. Nebraska-Omaha 4-3, St. Cloud State 3-1

Minnesota-Duluth at No. 20 Western Michigan
Candace: The Broncos have been on a tear, but Minnesota-Duluth had a great two games last weekend in the North Star College Cup, and has been playing well. I think this is a split. Western Michigan 3-2, Minnesota-Duluth 3-2
Matthew: Western has done so well since even before the Great Lakes Invitational near the end of December, and the Broncos are at home this weekend, but I wonder how much damage UMD might be able to do. I’m going to guess it won’t be much, though, considering the Bulldogs are on the road this weekend against a team that was idle last week but has been red-hot for a while now. Western Michigan 4-3, 3-2

SUNYAC race still anyone’s game as final month arrives

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Shane Cavalieri will need to get back to his offensive output from 2012-13 if Brockport is to play in the SUNYAC tournament this season (photo: Dan Hickling).

They consider the number 13 to be unlucky, but for roughly half the teams in the SUNYAC, to see that figure in the points column at season’s end would suit them just fine.

Six teams make the SUNYAC tournament each season and for the past seven years (such was the sample size we settled upon), a team had to amass an average of 13 standings points in its 16 league contests to qualify.

So far, three teams (Plattsburgh, Buffalo State and Geneseo) have already surpassed that watermark and Oswego is just two points away.

Cortland sits in fifth with eight points and five more games to play. Although their playoff hopes are far from secure, the fate of the Red Dragons lies in their own clutches.

Which leaves four more teams – Fredonia, Brockport, Morrisville and Potsdam – to fight amongst themselves for the final postseason spot.

For each of the four, the feeling of urgency is almost palpable.

So much to do. So little time.

Just ask the coaches. They’ll tell ya.

Fredonia (seven points, seven games remaining)

The Blue Devils will host Morrisville twice this weekend and can help themselves immensely by pocketing four points.

“This weekend is a two-part weekend for us, like most weekends [are],” said Fredonia coach Jeff Meredith. “Even though we are playing the same team both nights, it is two part because the only game we want and need right now is the Friday game that is right in front of us.”

Meredith said that jumping on the Mustangs early is crucial.

“For us to be successful this Friday, we need a quick start,” Meredith said. “In four of our last six games, we have scored first and that is Part 1 in a good recipe for success. I think the more often that we are in position to close games out, I think the better we are getting at it.”

Five-on-five play is always important, but Meredith said that how his team functions while a man up or down that could make the real difference.

“Special teams continues to be important during this late part of the year,” he said.

Last weekend the Devils faced the No. 3 and No. 8 power-play units in the nation and were able to be perfect. Morrisville comes into the game with a hot PP, so the Devils will have to work hard to continue their success.

Brockport (five points, eight to play)

The Golden Eagles will host last-place Potsdam, but also have first-place Plattsburgh to deal with.

Brockport coach Brian Dickinson said that his team is in a state of DEFCON 1.

“We’re treating all eight of our remaining games as playoff games,” he said. “Getting a split in Morrisville last weekend only puts more urgency on the remaining games. Fortunately, we have five of eight at home to finish the year, but that only means something if we play to our potential and win the games. Our sole focus right now is on Potsdam. Our league is so solid top to bottom that there are no off nights and if we don’t compete to our potential every game, we run the risk of getting beat.”

Although Brockport has gotten goals from several sources of late, Dickinson said that he is looking to his top scorers to shoulder the load down the stretch.

“We have been getting balanced scoring since we’ve returned from break, which is good, but we’re really looking at guys like Shane Cavalieri to produce a little more. Shane was our leading goal-scorer last year and has been a little snake-bit, but seems to be coming out of it. No better time for him and the team. Chase Nieuwendyk is really starting to heat up and his entire line with Chris Cangro and Jake Taylor will be counted on to create offense.”

Morrisville (five points, six to play)

You don’t need to tell Mustangs coach Kevin Krogol what’s at stake in this week’s two-game set at Fredonia.

“We feel that this coming weekend is make or break for both teams,” he said. “We know that for us to make a playoff spot, we likely need to have Fredonia behind us in the standings, as same goes for them. We know that this weekend is going to be a battle and for us to be successful we need to put together 120 minutes of hard work.”

Krogol said that he’ll be looking for optimum effort on every shift.

“As a unit, everyone needs to step up and put themselves in a playoff mind set right now,” he said. “We need to go through the rest of the season with a “do or die” attitude and lay it all on the line.”

Potsdam (two points, eight games left)

The Bears, who slipped into the final spot last year with 12 points, have a rough road ahead of them.

They do have five games remaining against the four teams directly ahead of them (including Friday at Brockport), but as Potsdam coach Chris Bernard admits, they have virtually no wiggle room to play with.

“Each and every game is of critical importance in the SUNYAC all throughout the season,” Bernard said. “Points on the road are extremely difficult to get. We know that and therefore, we understand the type of effort and execution necessary.”

Fredonia going pink

Fredonia, by the way, has earmarked Saturday’s game with Morrisville as its annual “Pink the Rink” affair.

As in recent seasons, Fredonia players will wear pink jerseys and socks, which will then be auctioned off with proceeds to go to the American Cancer Society.

A new twist has been added, however.

The four on-ice officials assigned for Saturday will all wear black and pink striped shirts and bids will be taken on those, too.

To get on the bidding early, email Jeff Meredith at [email protected].

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