Last Week: 8-3
On the Season: 111-72-28 (.592)
I already previewed the championship weekend in this week’s Atlantic Hockey Column, so let’s get right to the bottom line: I’m picking Air Force to win the title.
AHA Semifnals – Best of Three Series
Friday, March 18
Connecticut vs. Rochester Institute of Techology – The Tigers will be without captain and AHA all-star Andrew Favot, who is serving a one game suspension. I think he’ll get to play another game if the Tigers can get a quality number of shots on UConn goaltender Garret Bartus. The Tigers have the better defensive corps and slightly more firepower up front, although the Huskies have come a long way with a very good freshman class. RIT 4, UConn 2.
Holy Cross vs. Air Force – I have a gut feeling that this game will not be close, although on paper the teams are pretty evenly matched. I think the first game has better overall goaltending, but Torf and Roy can be very good. I think Air Force is deeper, and that will be the difference. Air Force 5, Holy Cross 2.
AHA Final
Saturday, March 19
Assuming I my picks are correct, I’m going with another close game between Air Force and RIT. Both teams feature explosive offenses and I think these are the two best defensive corps in the league. RIT will have the crowd but the Falcons have some intangibles that I think will be the difference. Air Force 4, RIT 3.
