While most teams are kicking off the new season with non-conference action, the SUNYAC teams will be jumping right into some key conference match-ups while there are other ranked teams looking to get a fast start early in the campaign. It is just great to have D-III hockey starting the season and it certainly looks like the competition across all the conferences is going to be great again.
Friday, November 1, 2019
No. 14 Manhattanville @ Buffalo State
There are some talented teams playing in this opening tournament of the season and the Bengals will make a statement on home ice by upending the ranked Valiants – Buffalo State 4, Manhattanville 3.
Curry @ No. 12 Massachusetts-Boston
The Colonels look to make some noise in the CCC while the Beacons want to show they are a contender in the NEHC. Lots of firepower for the home team and Bailey MacBurnie is just too good for Curry– UMB 5, Curry 2.
Albertus Magnus @ St. Michael’s
The new kids in D-III open their season on the road against a veteran St. Michael’s squad. It’s a close game that the Purple Knights eke out with the benefit of an empty-net goal– St. Michael’s 3, Albertus Magnus 1.
Cortland @ No. 6 Oswego
The Lakers are loaded and won’t waste any time in showcasing their depth and scoring against the Red Dragon. Josh Zizek and company get the season off to a flying start and two quick points in conference play – Oswego 5, Cortland 1.
Salve Regina @ Plymouth State
While neither team is ranked just yet, both teams expect to be in the battle at the top in their respective conferences. The Seahawks have the advantage offensively and find a way to score a big goal on the road for the win – Salve Regina 3, PSU 2.
Saturday, November 2, 2018
No. 9 University of New England @ No. 2 Norwich
This is a battle between last year’s CCC and NEHC champs and likely the marquee game on the schedule this weekend. I don’t expect a lot of fireworks in this one as the goaltending of Tom Aubrun and Ben Churchfield is just too good. Look for special teams to be the difference for the Cadets – Norwich 2, UNE 1.
Canton @ No. 13 Utica– Utica 5, Canton 4.
The Pioneers love their home-ice advantage but won’t be thrilled with a seesaw battle with the Kangaroos who can compete with any team. Don’t be surprised to see some overtime magic in a very entertaining offensive affair – Utica 5, Canton 4.
No. 3 Geneseo @ Plattsburgh
Another key opening weekend game pitting rivals and contenders battling for two key points. It’s Steve Moffat’s first season as the head coach in Plattsburgh but he knows the Knights’ skill and the offense is enough to take a big road win against the Cardinals – Geneseo 4, Plattsburgh 3.
Bryn Athyn @ Southern New Hampshire
The Penmen start their season facing the independent Lions and hardly are hospitable hosts. A fast start carries the day for the home team and gets their season off to a good start – SNHU 5, Bryn Athyn 2.
It is November and the season is finally getting under way. Let’s Goooooo! – “Drop the Puck!”
