MASCAC Madness 25-26

[MilkUniversity]

The Panthers are gone and the MASCAC persists...

The MASCAC will be without perennial champions Plymouth State (minus last year... but we'll forget about that), opening the path for some historic and overlooked programs to make a run for the NCAA tournament. Fitchburg won the championship for the first time since 2018 (and as the first non-PSU team since then), punching their ticket for a one-sided matchup vs Utica.

UMass Dartmouth has also left for the LEC, with the team being a consistent playoff presence as a solid 3rd/4th place program. While UMD hasn't won the MASCAC tourney since 2013, their exit opens up a playoff spot for one of the low ranking teams like Framingham or MCLA.

This year could also see a very under the radar 3-way battle for the conference. Coach's poll has Fitchburg projected to repeat, with Anna Maria and Salem State coming in as a very close 2nd and 3rd. Anna Maria has made some noise as a young program, a new MASCAC member, and was one of the few teams to have recent success against Plymouth. Salem State is a long-time and historic team in the conference, finishing 3rd last year behind a strong run of wins and upsets.

It'll be interesting keeping an eye on things from up north in the LEC. Had some great memories watching Plymouth play some of these teams, and will be interesting to see who comes out on top. Every team plays scrappy all season, so excited to see who ends up making it to NCAAs.

 

[MilkUniversity]

More to say in the LEC thread, but Plymouth and Salem had an ugly reunion last night in an 8-1 blowout. Salem started strong and held a 1-0 lead at the end of the 1st with Plymouth playing clunky and getting outshot. That point on… pucks and fists fly. Seen well over 50+ games at Hannaway and last night ended up being the ugliest game I’ve witnessed. Three full line brawls, 4 game misconducts by my count, and 4 DSQs for fighting. Hell of a game for the teddy bear toss and to help wrap up the fall, but wouldn’t be surprised if there ends up being some players benched/suspended after that. Still was electric to witness in person and would pay to be a fly on the wall in the locker room afterwards.

 

[jerrynu26]

I think there were 5 DQ’s. There will a missed game for each of those, but unless the school administration steps in (up), it is prob unlikely for any other consequences(imo).

 

[MilkUniversity]

I think there were 5 DQ’s. There will a missed game for each of those, but unless the school administration steps in (up), it is prob unlikely for any other consequences(imo).

Just checked the stat sheet and wow… Plymouth would rather nail freshmen for alcohol than do anything for conduct so I doubt anything will happen for the players involved (aside NCAA/LEC conduct)

Hale and Steele for Plymouth slugged it out on the ice and then were asking for the Salem players and bench for some more on the way off. Fun to see for all of us in the crowd but hope they can lock it in.