Here we go! Today, Nov. 1, starts the 2012-13 season for the MASCAC and its members. This is going to be a good week for me to gauge how well I pick teams in the dark. With none of the MASCAC programs yet to drop the puck, this may be a good feather in the cap if I do well. I will hopefully get better as the weeks progress, but only time will tell.
Either way let’s take a look at this week’s picks:
Thursday, November 1
Salem State Vikings (0-0-0) at Salve Regina Seahawks (1-1-0)
Salve Regina already has two games under its belt, but has been outscored 13-4 in the pair of contests. Salem State, last year’s MASCAC runner-up, is ready to take to the ice after a strong 2011-12 campaign. The Vikings did lose pieces off last year’s offensive production, but still will be a force this year in the MASCAC. Salem State 4-1
Friday, November 2
Westfield State Owls (0-0-0) at Western New England Golden Bears (0-0-0)
The Golden Bears put together their first winning season in 17 years last season, going 14-12-1. WNEC looks to have another strong roster that is ready to make waves in the ECAC Northeast. Westfield is a young team on the rise, but has been bit by getting off to slow starts. WNEC 5-2
Wentworth Leopards (0-0-0) at Fitchburg State Flacons (0-0-0)
Wentworth made it to the 2012 NCAA D-III National Tournament after putting together 21 wins last season. The Leopards did lose their top two seniors, but show no signs of slowing down. Fitchburg had a rough season last year after having two strong seasons prior. We will see how the loss of its senior goalie, forward, and defenseman affect for the Falcons. Too much Leopards, though. Wentworth 6-2.
Becker Hawks (0-0-0) vs. Worcester State Lancers (0-0-0)
Worcester lost some key players off of last year’s roster; however, one big question may have been answered with the addition of a transfer goalie, senior Mark Evans from AIC. Becker only had nine wines last year, its second lowest total in school history. I like the Lancers in a close one. Worcester 4-3
Saturday, November 3
Becker Hawks at Fitchburg State Falcons
Watch for the Falcons to rebound nicely from their first game against Wentworth. I see another close battle, but it’s the Falcons coming back to grab their first win of the season. Fitchburg 5-3 (ENG)
Wentworth Leopards vs. Worcester State Lancers
I don’t really see the Leopards losing a step in this one. The Lancers will play them strong, but again, Wentworth is ready to do big things this season. Wentworth 4-1
