Choice of D-III West hockey games – January 7, 2022 – College hockey

While several games have been postponed due to COVID-19 issues, there are still a few games left on the schedule, including a nationally ranked team clash with UW-Stevens Point and Augsburg on Saturday night.

The postponed matches highlight the uncertainty that still exists in the sports world amid the pandemic, but one thing is for sure, and that is, another set of choices is here.

Friday

UW-Stout (3-9) at Bethel (8-3-1)

The Blue Devils hope to end a two-game losing streak. They will need to be at their best defensively to have any chance of securing this victory on the road. UW-Stout have allowed 42 goals this year and scored 28.

Winners of two games in a row, the Royals have high hopes as they approach their second meeting of the year against the Blue Devils. They won in a 3-2 overtime win last time around. It’s one of three one-goal games they’ve won this season. Playing at home could also be the key. Bethel is 5-1 at home this season.
Bethel, 4-2

Saturday

Augsburg (12-2) v UW-Stevens Point (9-3-1)

It doesn’t get much better than that at the start of January. The Auggies, ranked fourth in the latest DCU / USCHO.com Division III men’s poll, face the Pointers, who are ranked 12th in the poll.

Augsburg comes in after winning three straight games and has played well away from home, going 7-2. Just four times this season, the Auggies have allowed more than one goal in a game, and if they can continue that defensive success in this one, they should have a win. They were also impressive on offense, scoring 43 goals.

The Pointers have won three back-to-back wins, but are playing for the first time since December 11. Offensively, they were tough to slow down, scoring 43 goals, and that offense will be tested against one of the best defensemen. country teams. Getting off to a good start, especially at home, is key.

Look for this one to come down to the wire, and it’s a match that could really go both ways.
Augsburg, 4-3

UW-Superior (7-4-2) at Concordia (5-4-2)

The Yellowjackets are set to play their first game of 2022 and have the chance to secure a game of the weekend after their battle with Saint John’s is postponed on Thursday. They have shown throughout this season how good they can be on offense, scoring 46 goals and allowing just 27.

The Cobbers are playing their first game in over a month and are hoping to start 2022 on the right foot. With just one win in their last four outings, the Cobbers need to get off to a good start. Concordia is averaging nearly four goals per game and getting the offense started early is vital.
UW-Superior, 4-3

UW-River Falls (8-4-1) at Bethel (8-3-1)

The Falcons nearly stunned nationally ranked Augsburg on Thursday night to lose 2-1, and they will enter this game with added motivation and hungry for victory. UW-River Falls beat Bethel in a preseason game in October and will be looking to score early and often. The Falcons have won three of their last four games, scoring four or more goals three times during that streak.

This match is a big test for Berthel. The Royals have been playing really good hockey this season and for a win over a team receiving votes in the latest NCAA Division III Men’s DCU / USCHO.com poll would be huge.
UW-River Falls, 4-2

Friday and Saturday

Aurora (10-3-1, 6-2 NCHA) at St. Norbert (10-3, 6-0 NCHA)

The Spartans have spent a good part of the season in the national standings but are not ranked at the moment. Their streak success against No.12 St. Norbert, however, could go a long way to catapult them into the top 15. Aurora has scored 62 goals this season while allowing just 32 and certainly has the ability to play the top 15. all. around the game he will have to play to beat the green knights.

St. Norbert is one of the most prominent teams in the country, winning nine straight games and four straight games without allowing more than one goal. This defense will be tested against the Spartans, but based on how it has played lately, it should be up for the challenge.
Saint-Norbert, 3-1 and 4-2

Saint-Olaf (4-7-3, 3-3-1) against Gustave (3-7-1, 0-3-1)

The Oles have only earned one victory in their last six outings, but are hopeful their fortunes can change in this home and back game against the Gusties.

They have scored nine goals in their last two outings, and that could be a good sign for the team moving forward. If their offense clicks this weekend, they’ll put themselves in position for some big wins.

The Gusties are playing for the first time in nearly a month and hope to build on the success they had against Concordia in their last game of 2021. They won that game 7-2. It was only the second time this season that the Gusties have scored more than two goals in a game.
Gustave, 3-2; St. Olaf, 4-2