Last week:
Dan: 9-4-1
Chris: 10-3-1
On the season:
Dan: 10-5-1 (.656)
Chris: 11-4-1 (.719)
This Week’s Picks:
Friday, October 16 and Saturday, October 17
Air Force at Robert Morris
Dan: When talking with USCHO Live this week, I talked about how RMU is a team considered “old and deep.” They’re going to be bigger, stronger, and more experienced. I’m taking RMU this weekend. RMU sweeps.
Chris: The all-time series is 13-12-1 in favor of Air Force, and the games are usually close as well. This is a match-up of experience (RMU) vs. youth (AFA) and I like the Colonials to get some wins on home ice. RMU sweeps.
Bentley vs. Northeastern
Dan: Bentley already sold out the JAR for Saturday’s game, meaning folks may be turned away at the door if they attempt to come buy at the door. In that building, 400 people can feel like 4,000. I’m not sure what 1,200 raging Falcons can do, but I’m looking forward to finding out. Northeastern wins on Friday; Bentley wins on Saturday.
Chris: Northeastern hosts on Friday, and Bentley on Saturday, which means the JAR will be rocking. The Huskies have never played at the John A. Ryan Skating Arena, and, despite being located only nine miles apart, these are just the fifth and sixth meetings between the schools. I’m going with the home team each night. Northeastern wins Friday; Bentley Saturday.
Friday, October 16
Bowling Green at Canisius
Dan: I once had a marketing professor in college who went to Bowling Green. No way I’m picking against them since I’m pretty sure I still owe him some credit hours. Bowling Green wins.
Chris: Four AHC teams take on ranked opponents this weekend, including No. 10 BGSU visiting Canisius and Rochester Institute of Technology. Hey, more games against teams named “Falcons”! I think this version leaves HarborCenter happy. Bowling Green wins.
Holy Cross at Providence
Dan: Holy Cross is going to play this game tough, but this isn’t a game Providence is really intending on losing. Though I guess you could say no team actually enters a game expecting to lose, right? Providence wins.
Chris: I expect another good effort by the Crusaders, but you have to like the defending national champs at home. Providence wins.
Mercyhurst at Michigan
Dan: I’m bought on Mercyhurst this week, and although I think they’re developing as a young team quickly, I can’t pick a tie and I just can’t see Michigan outright losing. Michigan wins.
Chris: Mercyhurst is off to an impressive start, and a young, confident team like the Lakers can certainly pull off an upset of the No. 11 Wolverines. But I’m playing it safe on this one. Michigan wins.
Sacred Heart at Massachusetts
Dan: Coming off their tie against Sacred Heart, the Pioneers very easily could go in and win this game. As a strong team, this is a game they’ll win and start making more waves. Sacred Heart wins.
Chris: SHU had an impressive tie at Union to open the season, and I like them to beat the Minutemen, who are coming off a road sweep of Colorado College. Sacred Heart wins.
American International at Alaska
Dan: Maybe it’s just me, but I really think AIC has a good chance to go up to Fairbanks and knock off at least one team. Unfortunately, I think the host team is just a little bit too strong. The Nanooks, by the way, have historically had the greatest intros in college hockey, so if you’re going to attend, get there early. Alaska wins.
Chris: The Yellow Jackets travel way up north for the Alaska Goal Rush Tournament where they’ll face the host Nanooks as well as Alaksa-Anchorage (Rensselaer is the fourth team in the tournament). Alaska was knocked off by Arizona State last weekend, and I don’t think the Nanooks will be taking AIC lightly. Alaska wins.
Saturday, October 17
Bowling Green at Rochester Institute of Technology
Dan: The Brick City Classic is RIT’s version of Homecoming, and it’s one of those things you have to experience once in your life. I say that even though virtually every possible event in my life conspires to keep me from visiting Rochester. RIT wins.
Chris: Give RIT credit – the Tigers don’t schedule cupcakes for their annual Brick City game in downtown Rochester. RIT has faced Boston College, Michigan and Penn State the past three seasons, losing each time. But despite the Faclons’ No. 10 ranking, I think this will be the year the Tigers send ten thousand people home happy. RIT wins.
Arizona State at Sacred Heart
Dan: I love everything about this game. Sacred Heart is playing Arizona State, which automatically makes this special. It’s for a great cause, which we’ve outlined a couple of times. The Pioneers are playing in Danbury, a beautiful building out on Connecticut’s western border. It has the potential to get very loud and be a great showing for the host team. SHU wins.
Chris: This game will be played in Danbury, in the second annual charity game in honor of Jason Pagni, a big contributor to hockey in Connecticut. Last year, the Pioneers took down UConn. I like their chances against the newest Division I program. SHU wins.
American International vs. Alaska-Anchorage
Dan: Remember when I said I thought AIC could go to the Great White North and pick up a win? That’s exactly what I’m going with. You know what’s great though? The temperature in Fairbanks is going to be in the 20s at night; that’s how cold it’ll be in Springfield back home for the Yellow Jackets. AIC wins.
Chris: I expect a close contest against a team that struggled in the WCHA last season, but think AIC comes back from Alaska winless. Alaska-Anchorage wins.
