Wow! The pursuit of consistency may not be so elusive after all, as a 6-2-0 (.750) record last weekend leaves me with a 28-12-6 (.674) overall record. Definitely moving in the right direction in terms of success rate, which is something I will have to continue to work on. There were definitely some key upsets contributing to the record, so I just may need to polish up that crystal ball.
This week sees eight teams in conference play, with Amherst and Hamilton stepping out into nonconference play. Here are this week’s selections.
Friday, January 18, 2013
Bowdoin at Williams
The Polar Bears fell from the ranks of the unbeaten in dramatic fashion last weekend to Wesleyan. Their prior trip to Western Massachusetts saw a terrific win over a strong Amherst squad. Make it two for two in the Berkshires. Bowdoin 3-2
Colby at Middlebury
The final score of the game with Plattsburgh last week was embarrassing for the Panthers, who return home and must really look to regain their pride and confidence. The team has produced plenty of shots of late, but not so many goals — look out Colby. Middlebury 5-2
Tufts at Trinity
First round was a tie, and coach Matt Greason of the Bantams has immense respect for Tufts’ first line and goaltender. Despite the students being out, the home ice does make a difference in this one behind the strong goaltending of the Bantams netminder, Benjamin Coulthard. Trinity 3-1
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Amherst at St. Michael’s
Can you thank the scheduling gods anymore for following a Friday night game with Norwich with a Saturday engagement with Amherst? I am thinking St. Michael’s coach Damian DiGiulian is thinking probably not. Amherst 5-2
Connecticut College at Trinity
The games among the Connecticut schools always seem to defy logic, as they always seem to be closely contested. The Camels come off a very nice win at Wentworth during the week, but here run into a team that just has a little more in most areas — particularly the special teams, and that is the difference. Trinity 2-1
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Potsdam at Hamilton
Potsdam has played everyone tough, and Hamilton will find that out from the drop of the puck. The Continentals seem to have a good thing going at home, and hopefully the Sunday start time doesn’t screw up the momentum they are building at the right time of the season. Hamilton 3-2
The time is now for teams to figure it out and start playing better hockey, with meaningful games in the rest of the month and February on the horizon. Team identity is a must moving forward — drop the puck!
