Last week: 2-8-2
Here’s a look at the games for the second full weekend of ECAC Hockey’s non-conference schedule. All games start at 7 p.m. unless noted.
Merrimack at Clarkson
Merrimack lost its season opener 2-1 to Sacred Heart last weekend, while Clarkson split a home-and-home series with Vermont. The Golden Knights were especially tough at home last season, finishing 15-2-2, and that trend should continue against the Warriors. Clarkson wins
New Hampshire at St. Lawrence
The Wildcats lost 5-1 to Bentley last weekend, while St. Lawrence split at Penn State. New Hampshire might be able to keep it close against St. Lawrence, but I don’t see it pulling out a road win against the Saints. St. Lawrence wins
Union at American International
Union is 7-0 all-time against American International, and won 8-0 the last time these teams met at the Yellow Jackets’ home rink. The Dutchmen aren’t quite the juggernaut they were that season, but Union should able to keep its unbeaten streak against the Yellow Jacket alive. Union wins
Connecticut at Colgate
The Raiders lead the all-time series 6-2, but the teams haven’t played since 2007 when Connecticut won 2-1 in overtime. It’s the third straight home game to start the season for Colgate, but the Raiders are 0-1-1 thus far at the Class of 1965 Arena. I don’t think Colgate will get that first home win just yet. Connecticut wins
Quinnipiac at Maine, 7:30 p.m.
After sweeping Rensselaer at home last weekend, the Black Bears will host Quinnipiac for a pair of games this weekend. The Bobcats have some more punch in their lineup compared to the Engineers; I don’t see another Maine sweep happening again. Quinnipiac wins
Saturday, Oct. 15
Union at Sacred Heart, 2:05 p.m.
This is a game the Dutchmen should win, but it’s tough to get a gauge on teams this early in the season. Still, I’m going predict a four-point road weekend for Union. Union wins
Connecticut at Colgate
Colgate bounces back for a series split and its first win at the Class of 1965 arena. Colgate wins
Quinnipiac at Maine
Bobcats with the sweep. Quinnipiac wins
Merrimack at St. Lawrence
The North Country is shaping up to be a tough road trip for opposing teams this season, but I’m having a hard time seeing the Warriors heading home without at least one win on the trip. Merrimack wins
New Hampshire at Clarkson
Clarkson snapped a five-game losing streak to New Hampshire with a 4-3 win last October, but I think the Wildcats get one back this time around. New Hampshire wins
Rensselaer at North Dakota, 8:07 p.m. (U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Game)
The Engineers had a tough opening weekend against Maine last time out, losing both games to the Black Bears. It doesn’t get any easier against No. 1 North Dakota, the defending national champions. As a side note, Engineer goalie Chase Perry’s father Craig played collegiately for North Dakota and was later an assistant coach from 1991-94. RPI has stymied good skating teams in the past, but I don’t see it happening this time out. North Dakota wins
