If you like college hockey tournaments, there’s much to be thankful for this weekend. One of the many cool things about D-III hockey is the large number of holiday tournaments taking place (Division I has just three tourneys this weekend). Here’s a rundown of the action, which includes a pair of Western Tourneys. Pack the Turkey sandwiches and catch some if you can:
Primelink Great Northern Shootout
When: November 27 & 28
Who: Norwich (host), Middlebury Norwich, Plattsburgh, UW-Stout
Outlook: Year in and year out, the best D-III tournament with three traditional powers plus a guest. All four teams are ranked in the top ten – it doesn’t get much better. I expect a Plattsburgh-Stout final with the Cards coming out on top.
Adrian Tournament
When: November 27 & 28
Who: Adrian (host), St. John’s, Concordia (MN), Buffalo State
Outlook: The Bulldogs have had trouble getting non-conference games, so a tournament seems the logical solution. Hopefully this will turn into an annual event. I like the hosts to come out on top.
St. Scholastica Tournament
When November 27 & 28
Who: St. Scholstica (host), Salem State, Lawrence, St. Norbert.
Outlook: The three western teams all played at St. Norbert last Thanksgiving. This year St. Scholastica hosts, and I’m picking both the Saint schools (Scholastica and Norbert) to win both their games in this preset format.
Bowdoin/Colby Faceoff Classic
When: November 28 & 29
Who: Bowdoin (host), Colby (host), Salve Regina, US Under 18 Team
Outlook: The two Maine schools will take turn hosting Salve Regina and the US Under 18 Team. I like Team USA to win both its games.
PAL Stovepipe Tournament
When: November 28 & 29
Who: Southern New Hampshire (host), Stonehill, UMass-Boston, Penn State
Outlook: Club powerhouse Penn State adds a nice twist to this tournament. I’m picking Mass-Boston to beat the Nittany Lions in the finals.
Spurrier Tournament
When: November 28 & 29
Who: Wesleyan (host), Trinity, Conn College, Amherst
Outlook: This is the fourth straight year for this tournament, which has rotated among the four schools and returns to Wesleyan. I like Amherst to defeat Trinity in the finals.
Skidmore Invitational
When: November 28 & 29
Who: Skidmore (host), Brockport, University of New England, Nichols
Outlook: New kids on the block UNE make their first tournament appearance. I’m picking Nichols over Brockport in the finals.
Rutland/Herald Invitational
When: November 29 & 30
Who: Castleton (host), Neumann, Tufts, Becker
Outlook: Two-time champs Neumann come back to defend their title. Oh, and they have a national title as well. I’m picking the Knights to three-peat win a win over host Castleton in the finals.
