Hockey Game Pick D-III East – November 10, 2022 – College Hockey
Well, it’s week three of the season and while some early power teams have emerged, last week’s results and my picks made it clear that every game was up for grabs. I finished last week with a subpar performance going 4-6-0 (.400) which brings the season total to 10-10-2 (.500). This rate is a coin toss territory, so no time like the present to improve a bit with my predictions. Here are the picks with high hopes that I can get a good Thursday roster for the first time this season:
Thursday, November 10, 2022
Fitchburg State vs. Salem State
The Falcons fell to Plymouth State to open the MASCAC game and were eliminated by the penalty kill unit. Of course, there has been some attention to this in Coach Fuller’s practice and the results against a tough Vikings team is a road win – Fitchburg State, 5-3
Plymouth State vs. Westfield State
The Panthers are still looking for their game but seem to be very focused in conference play. Valtteri Valtonen in goal for the Owls won’t make it any easier for the visiting Panthers who get away with the help of an empty-net goal – Power supply, 3-1
Friday, November 11, 2022
(9) Oswego v. Cortland
The Lakers got off to a great start in SUNYAC play and Cal Schell was solid in an effort to support a deep formation that challenges and pressures all over the ice. Cortland is looking to bounce back from a tough outing against Plattsburgh, but Oswego will score late to claim the win – Oswego, 3-2
(7) University of New England vs. Curry
The Ice House proved to be a tough place to play against Curry and the Nor’easters will have to fight for sixty minutes and find a way to be Reid Cooper. It’s a great weekend game with the visitors stealing a big road win – A, 2-1
Saturday, November 12, 2022
Skidmore v. (10) Norwich
Norwich and Clark Kerner have already found ways to win some very close games this season but now travel to face a Skidmore side who are coming off a big win against Geneseo. Points mean a lot and Thoroughbreds show they’re among the NEHC contenders – Skidmore, 3-2
Manhattanville vs. Wilkes
The Colonels had a little trouble getting out of the gate, but will look to turn things around more positively against the Valiants. Phil Erickson will lead the offense which will do so in the third period – Wilkes, 5-3
(3) Geneseo vs. Plattsburgh
The Cardinals are flying high and facing a Knights team looking to regain momentum in conference play. I think this one is a close contest, but it’s very hard to pick against a Geneseo team playing at home in front of their overwhelmingly supportive fans – Geneseo, 3-1
Chatham v. (5) Utica
It took a few overtime goals for the Pioneers last week to tie their record and start the UCHC campaign on a winning note. No overtime required this week as Utica starts fast at home and finishes strong against a tough Cougar team – Utica, 5-2
Canton v. River
The Raiders burst into the win column last week, but face a strong group of Kangaroos who can play fast and physically with anyone. The special teams make the difference in this one with the visitors taking the win – Canton, 4-1
Assumption c. Saint Anselm
Both teams should be in the hunt for the NE-10 title and both have already shown some scoring depth. Michael Zampanti got off to a good start for the Greyhounds, but Andrew Andary makes the difference in a Hawks win – Saint Anselm, 5-4
Yet another great roster of games with opportunities for jumping in the standings or in the polls with good results on the ice. Looking for more cohesive play as teams find their game and present reasons why they should be in the mix for conference bragging rights – “Drop the puck!”
