I start my D-III picks off this weekend, hoping to get off to a good start with some intense games on the docket.
Friday, Nov. 18
Saint Anselm at Castleton
Saint Anselm is bunched atop the conference with six other teams and looking to keep pace. Castleton needs to get their offense in gear. Saint Anselm should win this one. Saint Anselm 3-1
Friday-Saturday, Nov. 18-19
No. 3 Elmira at Buffalo State
Buffalo State is just two points behind Elmira, Plattsburgh, and Oswego in the ECAC West. Buffalo State has scored significantly fewer goals than the other three, so finding offense will be crucial. Elmira 3-1, 4-1
Endicott at Stevenson
Endicott has started undefeated and has allowed just two goals thus far. Stevenson is in third in the CHC and these will be their first games at home. I’ll call a split. Endicott 3-1, Stevenson 3-2
No. 10 St. Thomas at Bethel (home-and-home)
St. Thomas hasn’t started the season the way they’d like and are looking to get some wins and keep their ranking. Bethel is just one point from the top of the conference. I’ll predict a split, with each team winning their home game. St. Thomas 3-1, Bethel 3-2
Saturday, Nov. 19
No. 2 Wisconsin-River Falls at Wisconsin-Eau Claire
The top two teams in the WIAC meet for the first time this season to help determine who’s in the driver’s seat. Wis.-River Falls 3-1
Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 19-20
No. 9 Oswego at No. 1 Plattsburgh
These two are in a three-way tie with Elmira atop the ECAC West. All three are undefeated, though Oswego has played two more games than Plattsburgh. It’s difficult to pick against the three-time defending champions, though I imagine Oswego will give the Cardinals all they can handle. Plattsburgh 4-3, 3-2
Williams at Hamilton (home-and-home)
It’s the first weekend of play for NESCAC teams. We’ll go ahead and predict a split, assuming the home teams each win. Williams 3-2, Hamilton 3-2
Tuesday, Nov. 22
Marian at St. Scholastica
These two are tied for third place in the NCHA. In order to keep pace with Adrian and Lake Forest, it’s an important early game for both teams. I’m giving the edge to the home team. St. Scholastica 3-1
