Choice of hockey games D-III Est – December 9, 2021 – College hockey
Even though this is the last game weekend for the semester, there is no drop in important games this week in conference with several marquee games this weekend among nationally ranked teams. I really struggled with last weekend’s picks which finished below 50% at 5-7-0 (.607) lowering the overall record to 39-25-6 (.600) . Like all teams that are closing the semester, it’s time to end on a better trend as the new year approaches. Here are the choices for this weekend:
Thursday, December 9, 2021
Assumption c. Westfield State
The Greyhounds travel west to face the Owls and offense will be on display for both teams in this non-conference affair. Visitors take victory with better special teams – Hypothesis, 5-4
Friday, December 10, 2021
Western New England c. Suffolk
Coach Mike Young has the Golden Bears playing good hockey and they’ll need it against goaltender Cal Wilcox and the Rams. The goal of the third period and the empty net make the difference for the visitors – WNE, 4-2
Amherst v. Middlebury
The Panthers are not celebrating 100 years of schoole college hockey birthday the way they’d like. Not enough matches played to defeat a Mammoth team needing wins and points – Amherst, 4-1
Neumann vs. Albertus Magnus
This game is a real draw so I’m going with the home team to find points other than the front row or the power play to win the Falcons – Albertus Magnus, 4-3
Potsdam v. Canton
The Kangaroos always get up to play with their SUNYAC brothers, but this one is much closer than they would like with the Bears. The home team are hanging on for the win – canton, 5-2
Brockport vs. Geneseo (1)
The Golden Eagles started quickly but struggled in their last outings for the wins. Not a lot of motivation needed to play the nation’s No.1 ranked team, but that doesn’t necessarily translate into enough goals to win – Geneseo, 4-2
Saturday 11 December 2021
Curry (13) vs. Salve Regina
The Colonels have just completed a series of weekends with Endicott and travel to face another contender in the first half. Twenty-minute grand opening allows visitors to race to victory – Curry, 5-3
Wilkes (11) vs. Adrian (2)
The Bulldogs have spent some time in the East playing against some really tough teams like Utica and Trinity and you better not look behind a talented Wilkes side even at home. Colonels challenge early but narrowly fail – Adrien, 5-3
Plymouth State v College of New England
This battle between New Hampshire institutions should be a very entertaining game. I could really see a tie between the two teams, but I feel like the Panthers would find some magic in overtime to win – Power supply unit, 4-3
Colby v. Connecticut College
The Mules would love to end a solid first half with a win to make the long bus ride home even more enjoyable. Power play is the difference for Blaise MacDonald’s team – Colby, 3-1
Hobart (5) vs. Trinidad (10)
What a great battle outside the conference to close the first half of the season. Both teams are talented and well-trained, but the statesmen could have the advantage in the crease which helps them win a big “W” – Hobart, 3-2
Oswego v. Nazareth
The Lakers took a few steps forward after a slow start to the season. Coach Gosek really wants to see another 60-minute effort and a win to set up a solid second half for the Lakers. Check the box – Oswego, 5-2
It’s the last weekend of the first half and there are still some very significant games to play. Don’t just show up if you want to enjoy the break on a winning note – “Drop the puck!” “
