Marian and SNC are the first two to secure a spot in the Harris Cup playoffs...the same two teams would be fighting for the 4th and final spot in the South Division.
5x NCAA D3 Ice Hockey Champion: 2008, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2018
2x Super Bowl Champion: XLII, XLVI
Turnaround started when Colby Entz took over as #1 goalie..
Colby has definitely been an improvement in goal, but it's hard to win when you aren't scoring goals on the powerplay...or even strength...or any at all.
5x NCAA D3 Ice Hockey Champion: 2008, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2018
2x Super Bowl Champion: XLII, XLVI
Colby has definitely been an improvement in goal, but it's hard to win when you aren't scoring goals on the powerplay...or even strength...or any at all.
Scoring goals, either on the PP or even strength, was a challenge during the 2 - 7 start, but not so since.
During the current 14 game, 11 - 1 - 2 run, SNC is averaging 5.2 goals per game....this compares to the 5.14 goals per game that Geneseo, who is highest goals per game team in D3, has put up in their last 14 games.
As far as the Power Play....horrible start, but in the last 14 games....scoring at a 31.7 rate (20 of 63)...
Dan Lukes described it correctly in one of his recent weekly previews....It's been a tale of two seasons....
SNC Men:
Five Time National Champions: 2008, 2011, 2012, 2014. 2018....
NCHA Champions: 1997, 1998, 1999, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2017. 2018, 2019...
SNC Women:
O'Brien Cup Champions: 2013.
North #4 St. Scholastica at North #1 Marian
North #3 Lawrence at North #2 St. Norbert
South #4 Aurora at South #1 Adrian
South #3 Trine at South #2 Lake Forest
Best of 2 with the DMG.
Despite the win last Friday, I am hoping LU doesn't have another upset in them. One win every 25 games against us is plenty.
Guessing CSS can't hang with Marian. Putting the Sabres in line to host SNC/LU winner next week.
On the other side, the biggest thing I wondering if CUW and MSOE are upset with the format. I get not wanting a CSS-Adrian matchup for travel, but both have to be thinking they should be playing this weekend. But I would pick Adrian and LFC to advance …
St. Norbert College Green Knights
NCHA regular season champs: 97-99, 02-08, 10-12, 14, 16, 19
NCHA playoff champs: 98-99, 03-05, 07-08, 10-14, 17-19, 24
NCAA Champions: 2008, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2018
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SNC women: 2013 O'Brien Cup Champions
On the other side, the biggest thing I wondering if CUW and MSOE are upset with the format.
CUW and MSOE got screwed by the playoff format. Everybody plays (virtually - with exception of some home&home splits) the same schedule. It's not fair for 4 teams to have an easier path to the playoffs by virtue of being located further north.
That being said - neither of those teams was going to make a run in the playoffs.
5x NCAA D3 Ice Hockey Champion: 2008, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2018
2x Super Bowl Champion: XLII, XLVI
CUW and MSOE got screwed by the playoff format. Everybody plays (virtually - with exception of some home&home splits) the same schedule. It's not fair for 4 teams to have an easier path to the playoffs by virtue of being located further north.
That being said - neither of those teams was going to make a run in the playoffs.
In any league, divisional qualifying for playoffs makes no sense unless there is a difference in scheduling between the divisions.
2007-2008 ECAC East/NESCAC Interlock Pick 'em winner
2007-2008 Last Person Standing Winner,
2013-2014 Last Person Standing Winner (tie)
2016-2017 Last Person Standing Winner
In any league, divisional qualifying for playoffs makes no sense unless there is a difference in scheduling between the divisions.
I agree.
Not to speak for the league, but my understanding of the rationale is this:
By dividing them up by location, even though everyone plays everyone twice, the format avoids the possibility - at its most extreme example - of Adrian playing St. Scholastica (12 hours by bus) on the first two weekends. Simply put: It cuts down on the travel costs.
I am not aware of a good "hockey" reason for it.
St. Norbert College Green Knights
NCHA regular season champs: 97-99, 02-08, 10-12, 14, 16, 19
NCHA playoff champs: 98-99, 03-05, 07-08, 10-14, 17-19, 24
NCAA Champions: 2008, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2018
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SNC women: 2013 O'Brien Cup Champions
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