Come back each week for a breakdown of the most interesting upcoming games, how to watch or listen to them, and some thoughts on the movers and shakers of the previous week.
Here are the games to watch this weekend:
(3) Minnesota-Duluth at Ohio State
Friday at 7 PM ET, Saturday at 2 PM ET
Watch: Video stream available via CSTV for $9.95 a month
The Bulldogs keep moving up the rankings, but Ohio State has proved that they shouldn't be overlooked by anyone.
The Buckeyes will need another solid performance from goalie Kassidy Sauve, especially with the offensive firepower that UMD brings with Lara Stalder and Ashleigh Brykaliuk. I've been picking against OSU from week one, so I assume that the week I tell everyone to pay attention will be the week they prove me right.
Minnesota-Duluth has been impressive, which folks weren't expecting, but they will have some stumbles on the way and I'm thinking that Ohio State might be able to shut them down.
Harvard at (7) St. Lawrence
Saturday at 3 PM CT
Watch online for free via St. Lawrence Athletics
The Ivies just started their season, so we don't have a great read on them, but it's difficult to ever count out any team coached by Katey Stone. They've got a lot of pieces to replace, but the Crimson are known for their great defense.
St. Lawrence has been one of the early-season surprises. Picked toward the bottom of the ECAC, they've shown some great offensive prowess and the ability to upset some of the bigger programs.
(10) Bemidji State at North Dakota (home and home)
Friday at 7 PM CT, Saturday at 3 PM CT
Listen free here (login required). Stream available online for $8.95 for a 24-hour pass
One of the closest match ups taking place this weekend -- last week it was North Dakota with the 10 spot in the rankings. Both teams have shown flashes of brilliance and both has stumbled against less-talented opponents.
With the resurgence of UMD, the middle of the WCHA became a whole lot more interesting. Not only will there be jockeying for home ice in the conference playoffs, but if either team can also stay ranked, they'll be fighting for an NCAA at-large bid.
It's awfully early to be talking "must win" but both of these teams need these wins on their resume come season's end.
Also worth a look:
- Vermont at Maine -- 2 PM CT Sunday
- Mercyhurst at Robert Morris -- 3 PM ET Friday; 2 PM ET Saturday
- Cornell at Colgate -- 7 PM ET Tuesday
Stick Taps and Snark
↑Wisconsin's Sarah Nurse -- The Badger forward was named WCHA Offensive Player of the Week after netting five goals -- four in one game -- this past weekend. She became just the fourth Badger to ever pot four in a single game.
↑Brown's Alley Rempe -- The freshman was named ECAC Rookie of the Week after a game-winning goal and a short-handed goal, plus four assists, last weekend.
↓Quinnipiac -- A tie and a loss to Boston College last weekend saw the Bobcats drop two spots in this week's rankings.
↑Princeton -- The Tigers started the season on the polls, but dropped off since they hadn't yet played. Two strong showings last weekend put them back on the poll at No. 9 this week.
↓Providence's late game defense -- The Friars gave up eight third-period goals in their series against Princeton.
↑Minnesota's Brad Frost -- The Gopher coach became the 11th in NCAA history to reach the 300-win mark.
(Photo credit: Harvard Crimson/Twitter)
