Last weekend was Christmas Eve with soft opening of the College Hockey season. This weekend is like Christmas Day with the all the conferences having regular season games. As always our Ivy League friends still have a few more weeks before they can start going.
All times are EDT.
Friday’s Games
Union vs. Michigan Tech, at Duluth, Minn. (IceBreaker), 5 p.m.
Both teams will have a game under their belt heading into the IceBreaker. Both teams faced Top 20 opponents and both held their own. I expect a close game with a 4-3 scoreline. I will take the Dutchmen 4-2.
Quinnipiac at Boston College, 7 p.m.
This will be a good test for the Bobcats. The Eagles appear not to have the top end talent as in years past but have depth. This should be a low scoring affair with strong goaltending on both sides. I believe Quinnipiac can steal a game at Conte Forum. Quinnipiac wins 2-1.
Penn State at Clarkson, 7 p.m.
This should be an intriguing matchup as can Penn State continue where they left off from last season. Will the Golden Knights can make that next step. I think the Nittany Lions bring back too much skill. Penn State wins 4-1.
Michigan at St. Lawrence, 7 p.m.
Both teams have some question marks heading into the season. Will the Saints have the fire power to get past the Wolverines’ defense. Are Michigan’s freshmen ready to make an impact right away? I think Michigan defense and goaltending can carry them. Michigan wins 3-2.
Merrimack at Colgate, 7:30 p.m.
The Raiders got off to a positive start with their victory over Niagara. They have a step up in competition in Hockey East opponent Merrimack. I think having that one game under their belt will help them. Colgate wins 5-3.
Saturday’s Games
Michigan at Clarkson, 7 p.m.
I think the Golden Knights match-up better against the Wolverines than the Saints do. I think their offense is a little stronger than St. Lawrence heading into the year and have more experienced goaltending. Still I think Michigan has a little more depth. Michigan, 3-2
Penn State at St. Lawrence, 7 p.m.
While the loss of Gavin Bayruther hurts the Saints, they have experience defense coming back this season. Will that defense be ready to stop Penn State’s offense? That’s the biggest question I have. Penn State wins 6-2.
Merrimack at Colgate, 7:30 p.m.
In the second game of the weekend series, it’s always hard to win two games in a row against opponent. I think Merrimack will be comfortable in their surrounding. I believe they will leave Hamilton with a split. Merrimack wins 6-4.
Union at Minnesota-Duluth (IceBreaker), 8:30 p.m.
I am picking the Bulldogs to beat their in-state rival Minnesota. I don’t think it will be an ideal matchup for the Dutchmen against the national runners up. With their returning players and playing in Duluth. Bulldogs win 5-2.
Sunday’s Game
Boston University at Quinnipiac, 2 p.m.
The Bobcats finish the battle between Commwealth Ave. schools on Sunday as they host the Terriers. While BU have lost some highend talent like the Eagles, they have seemed to reloaded better than the Eagles. BU may be too much to handle. Terriers win 6-3.
