There are a handful of important games this weekend in the world of women’s Division III hockey, so without further ado, Candace and Matt make their picks.
Friday, Jan. 22
No. 9 Castleton at St. Anselm
Candace: A tough game to pick. I think the home team wins a close one. St. Anselm 3-2
Matt: Castleton is ranked, but it’s hard to ignore that 13-2-0 record at St. Anselm. I see St. A’s win here. St. Anselm 4-2
Friday-Saturday, Jan. 22-23
No. 2 Elmira at Chatham
Candace: The Soaring Eagles will keep pace with top-ranked Plattsburgh. Elmira 5-1, 4-1
Matt: Looks like a sweep for the Soaring Eagles. Elmira 4-1, 3-0
Finlandia at No. 3 Adrian
Candace: Adrian is looking more and more like one of the teams to beat for the national championship. Adrian 4-1, 6-1
Matt: This series shows that NCAA women’s hockey is alive and well in Michigan. Unfortunately for Finlandia, the Bulldogs take both games by wide margins. Call them wins for Adrian on shutouts by Brooke Gibson and Jade Walsh. Adrian 5-0, 6-0
Saturday-Sunday, Jan. 23-24
No. 1 Plattsburgh at Oswego
Candace: I’m beginning to wonder if Plattsburgh might match what Minnesota did a few years ago. Plattsburgh 4-1, 4-0
Matt: Plattsburgh probably won’t lose another game. Ever. The Cardinals take down their in-state rivals 3-1 and 4-2 here.
Wednesday, Jan. 26
No. 4 St. Thomas at No. 8 Wisconsin-River Falls
Candace: Can home ice propel River Falls to an upset? Possibly. Wisconsin-River Falls 3-2
Matt: This weekend, UST plays a home-and-home with St. Catherine, and my money says the Tommies get the sweep there and then head to River Falls to grab a weeknight victory. St. Thomas 3-2
