A pair of ECAC West clubs take to the ice to shake out the playoff seedings, while the NESCAC race becomes compelling.
Friday-Saturday, Feb. 7-8
ECAC West
No. 1 Plattsburgh at No. 3 Elmira
The definitive series of the season in regards to the ECAC West regular season title. The Soaring Eagles and Cardinals approach with healthy win streaks intact. Plattsburgh has captured nine consecutive games, while the hosts are hoping to extend their string past their current run of seven games. Both teams are humming along smoothly as the season ramps up to the playoffs. Having played just five home games this season as opposed to a dozen road contests, the Soaring Eagles welcome the home ice this time out. Plattsburgh 4-2, 2-0
NESCAC
No. 10 Amherst at Williams
The Ephs are faced with a prime opportunity to push into the top 10 and make the conference race extremely interesting over the course of the weekend. Margaret Draper, who played in just two games before the break, has been a major contributor of the second half surge by Williams. The freshman is 5-0-0 with a pair of shutouts and a save percentage of .939 in 2014. With solid contributions up front, led by Cristina Bravi (15-12-27), the Ephs are better equipped, at this juncture of the season, to face a consistently strong Amherst defense. Four of the Jeffs losses have been to nationally ranked teams Amherst 3-1, Williams 3-2
MIAC
No. 8 St. Thomas at Bethel (home and home)
The Tommies, 8-0-2 over their last 10, have taken over the top slot in the conference and remain one of a handful of teams sporting unbeaten records in their respective conferences. For Bethel, the opportunity to edge past second-place Gustavus Adolphus in the MIAC standings is within reach. The Royals head into play with the 10th-ranked offense, led by senior Cristina Masten. St. Thomas will counter with All-American goaltender Alise Riedel, who is second in the nation in save percentage (.954) and wins (12). Bethel 4-3, St. Thomas 3-1
Saturday, Feb. 8
WIAC
No. 7 Wisconsin-Superior at No. 5 Wisconsin- River Falls
Wis.-River-Falls outplayed the Yellowjackets in the middle period of last week’s matchup between the two rivals, resulting in a 4-1 road victory for the Falcons. Wis.-Superior garnered a 2-2 tie in the previous meeting at W.H. Hunt Arena last December. Falcons’ goalie Ashley Kuechle has fashioned a 1.62 GAA against Wis.-Superior in three meetings this season. Wis.-River Falls’ adeptness at keeping opposing offenses from going on a scoring outburst has been extremely consistent. Home team takes this one. Wisconsin-River Falls 3-1
