Choice of hockey games D-III Est – November 26, 2021 – College hockey

The Thanksgiving holiday always brings great D-III tournament action and this year I’m no different with many exciting clashes between some of the nation’s elite teams. Choosing the winners will be a challenge, so we’ll be focusing on the first round games as well as some key non-conference games. Last weekend’s picks that stumbled to 6-5-1 (.542) which brings the overall record down to 26-13-5 (.648) so I need a rebound after the turkey feast. Here are the choices for this weekend:

Friday, November 26, 2021

Spartan invitation

Rivier c. Castleton

The Raiders have played against everyone, and this game will be no different with a possible overtime or shootout to decide who qualifies for the final. The home crowd is always loud for the Spartans who take the win – Castleton, 3-2

Arcadia vs. Franklin Pierce

The first win of the season, especially a debut program, is always enjoyable, so the desire to repeat the sensation is going to be a big motivator for Knights who keep the momentum going – Arcadia, 4-3

First light shooting

Norwich (6) v. Plattsburgh

The tournament formerly known as Primelink has a new sponsor and is hosted by Middlebury this year. Big game of rivalry to open the tournament and the cadets start fast and hold on for victory – Norwich 3-2

MSOE v. Middlebury

MSOE is the guest of the west this year and will face a Middlebury side that have yet to play a real game this season. A difficult opponent to open, whatever the ice at home – MSOE, 5-3

Thanksgiving storefront in Utica

Geneseo (1) v. Massachusetts-Boston

The pitch is good, but everyone wants to see the host school and Geneseo in the final. Knights won’t overtake Beacons for Saturday final – Geneseo, 5-2

Amherst v. Utic (2)

The Mammoths face an uphill battle in this one against an offensively deep and explosive pioneer team. Amherst stays close for a while, but the home side come out with a convincing win – Utic, 5-1

Saturday, November 27, 2021

Skidmore Invitation

Chatham v. Skidmore

The host team doesn’t want to be in the consolation match on Sunday, so expect a big effort in the first-time Thoroughbred confrontation that takes the victory with the special teams game – Skidmore, 3-2

Connecticut College v. Brockport

A tough weekend for both teams is in the rearview mirror, so which one takes a step forward in a tough tournament game? The Golden Eagles rebound led by Mitchell Parsons – Brockport, 4-2

PAL Stovepipe Tournament

Western New England c. Southern New Hampshire

After a first-season loss to Rivier, the Penmen went on to six straight wins and the power play was lethal. Not a good combination for the Golden Bears falling into the hands of tournament hosts – SNHU, 5-2

Albertus Magnus c. Fitchburg State

The Battle of the Raptors finds Albertus Magnus coming off a huge road victory in Hamilton while FSU have been rock solid in their early season results. Tournaments usually boil down to the hot goalie, so pick the Fitchburg Falcons and goalie Brian McGrath – FSU, 3-1

Non-conference

Salve Regina v. Trinity (10)

This non-conference game should be an offensive showcase with talented teams on both sides. The Bantams would love to take the win over a quality CCC foe and score late to do so – Trinity, 5-4

Tufts vs. Stevenson

The long bus trip to Maryland doesn’t work in the Jumbos’ favor, but the Mustangs can’t look past a competent NESCAC foe who will push them for the full 60 minutes – Stevenson, 5-3

Oswego v. Williams

Both teams have a very good defense and goalkeeper and the Ephs have yet to give up a goal this season. They still haven’t been involved in another low-scoring affair with the Lakers – Williams, 1-0

King’s v. Morrisville

This game is a key one for the Mustangs looking to go undefeated in four games after a slow start against the SUNYAC teams. Chalk up the weekend sweep for the home team – Morrisville, 4-3

There are a lot of games with ranked teams and others who would love nothing better than knocking them out. Add material motivation by winning a holiday tournament and the recipe is perfect for some great action across the region – “Drop the Puck!” “