Mens NCAA Tourney is Set

After a crazy weekend of conference tournaments, the 2014 men's ice hockey field was set on Sunday morning. The NCAA looks at the Pairwise rankings, along with auto bids from winning conference tournaments to determine the 16 team field of play.

Lets take a look at this years tournament, first starting with the West Regional in St. Paul working our way east. In the region's first game, we have the number one overall seed Minnesota Golden Gophers facing off against auto bid Robert Morris. This match up seems to have everything made for an easy Minnesota victory, but so did their opening round game against Yale last year. Do we need to even mention the Holy Cross game in 2006 in Grand Forks? What I am trying to get at here is that the Gophers better not take this game too lightly or they could be golfing early once again. One thing they do have on their side is the home ice advantage of playing at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. In the last West Regional hosted here, the Gophers would skate to a regional championship with a 5-2 victory over the University of North Dakota.

For the second game in this regional we have another Minnesota team in St. Cloud State facing off against the always tough Notre Dame Fighting Irish. This opening round game has everything in store for it to be a classic. It has all of the tools to be set up as a classic goaltending duel. Between SCSU's Ryan Faragher and Notre Dame's Steven Summerhays, I would say this is going to be a very low scoring contest. However, one must look at the end of season disaster in the first round of NCHC play against Miami, is one to think that the confidence will be down after getting swept, or will the extra week of no games have them primed and ready to go? Notre Dame, on the other hand, is coming into this tournament knocking off the number two overall seed Boston College, to get to their conference tournament, but would lose 4-0 in the semifinal to the surging UMass Lowell.

I have Notre Dame and Minnesota winning in the first round of this region with Notre Dame advancing to the Frozen Four. I know this is bold, but much like Michigan did in 2011, Summerhays is a goalie who is hot and can carry this Notre Dame team far in this tournament.

Moving to the Midwest Regional where we have number four overall seed Wisconsin playing the team they helped get in by beating Ohio State Saturday, North Dakota. The team formerly known as the Fighting Sioux is coming into this tournament off of a 5-0 victory over Western Michigan in the NCHC third place game. However, their Friday night game against Miami was by far one of the worst games that this UND squad had played all season. Not cashing in on opportunities when in front of them and giving up goals that were not North Dakota like goals to give up. However, if the UND team that played on Saturday shows up in this tournament, watch out. There could possibly be an eighth banner being hung up at the beginning of next season. As for Wisconsin, they are coming off of a dramatic 5-4 overtime victory in the Big Ten championship game against Ohio State. In their last 10 games, the Badgers are an amazing 8-2-0 and if you go back to 12 games, you will find a home ice sweep of Minnesota. These former WCHA rivals are going to beat each other up in this game. Look for a lot of physicality and a very low scoring contest.

For the other game in the Midwest Region, we have Ferris State playing Colgate. Colgate is coming off a 5-2 loss to Union, who is this week's USCHO poll number one team, in the ECAC championship game. Before that, Colgate is 6-2-2 in their last 10 games, including a 4-4 stand-off against Union. As for one of the new WCHA members, Ferris State, they are also coming off a conference championship loss to Minnesota State Mankato of a score of 4-1. Both teams are coming in with something to prove, and have a very tough road to get to the Frozen Four, but never count out a team who just was recently in a Frozen Four with Ferris State.

I have North Dakota and Ferris State winning their opening round match ups with North Dakota advancing to the Frozen Four.

Moving east, we have Union skating into Bridgeport, Connecticut to play the Vermont Catamounts, who is coming off of a very impressive season. However, the Catamounts are coming off of a 3 game Hockey East playoff series loss to UMass Lowell so they also are coming into the tournament on a losing note. However, maybe the extra rest will give them all of the tools for an upset against this very tough Union team. Union is coming into the tournament winning the ECAC championship and as the number one ranked team in the USCHO.com poll. I just can't see Vermont coming out on top in this game, but in this tournament, you can't count anyone out.

For the second game in the East Regional we have Providence playing Quinnipiac. Quinnipiac is looking for a second straight trip to the Frozen Four, but hoping for better results then last season. They also are coming off of a heartbreaking double overtime loss in the ECAC semi finals to Colgate so they come in with a little extra weight on their shoulders. As for Providence, they also are coming off their conference semi final to a loss 3-1 against UNH. going 11-7-2 in a very tough Hockey East, Providence looks to prove that they are deserving on making this tournament by advancing past the first round.

I have Union facing Quinnipiac in the regional final, in what could be another tournament classic if the game actually does happen, with Union advancing to the Frozen Four.

Finally we move to the Northeast Regional in Worchester, Mass. Both opening round games look to be classics with UMass Lowell playing Minnesota State Mankato in the regions first game. MSUM is coming off of a very successful season, only missing out on the WCHA regular season crown to Ferris State by just a single point. However, Mankato would get their revenge in the conference tournament by beating the Bulldogs and win their first WCHA tournament crown. As for Lowell, they probably are coming into this tournaments as one of the hottest teams in the country and will be a tough opponent for anybody in this tournament.

For the second game, we have auto bid Denver facing off against number two Boston College. After a lot of people were skeptical about Denver this season, especially with the departure of George Gwozdecky, but this Pioneer squad never gave up and won the first ever NCHC Frozen Face-Off. As for BC, the Eagles took an early exit from their conference tournament, losing to Notre Dame, Hockey East's newest member. However, the Eagles to play home to the NCAA's likely Hobey Baker winner in Johnny Gaudreau. BC is always a tough opponent this time of year and if they keep up their pattern since 2008, it is their year to win the NCAA title.

I have BC and UMass winning their first round games with UMass advancing to the Frozen Four. The choice for this region wasn't that easy, but I had to go with the hotter team.

Finally for my Frozen Four picks. I have Notre Dame advancing over North Dakota to the title game, with UND having nightmares once again with another hot goalie, much like in 2011. I also Have Union advancing over UMass. UMass can only ride the hot streak for so long and Union is going to put the fire out. Finally for this year's national championship game, I have Union beating Notre Dame.

Now I know some of you are probably thinking I am crazy for picking these two schools to advance to my title game, but that's the power of opinion. Feel free to share what you think with me on twitter at the handle of @siouxhockey33.

BU Hockey: The Season (Episode 1 - A New Day)

Not exactly Through These Doors production by any stretch of the imagination, but pretty good, none-the-less. Also, the BU Terriers’ first year head coach David Quinn seems like a no nonsense kind of guy. Should be a good series. BU is one of my favorite opponents for UND to play.

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Hockey East Pre-Season Poll

2012-13 HOCKEY EAST MEN'S PRESEASON COACHES POLL
Team (1st Place Votes)		Pts.
1.	Boston College (9)	90
2.	UMass Lowell	74
3.	Boston University	73
4.	New Hampshire (1)	63
5.	Maine	56
6.	Northeastern	44
	Providence	44
8.	Merrimack	38
9.	Massachusetts	35
10.	Vermont	23

2013 NCAA Division I College Hockey Frozen Four Television Schedule (4/11, 4/13)

Here is next weekend’s National College Hockey television schedule. The NCAA’s Frozen Four takes center stage at Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Starting on Thursday evening, there will be two semifinal games, as usual the semifinal games on Thursday will be on ESPN2.

The two winning teams will advance and play in the championship game on Saturday night at 6:00 p.m. central on ESPN.

In my opinion, this is most wonderful time of the year. It’s also very stressful. There is a finality, which surrounds the college hockey tourney. Seasons and careers end, with losses in the National tourney.   In a one game tourney, the best team doesn’t always win.

Some the players that are playing in this tourney will someday end up in the NHL.

Check your local cable television guide for channels.

Thu.	Apr. 11	UMass Lowell vs. Yale	ESPN2	3:30 p.m.	209 / 144
Thu.	Apr. 11	Quinnipiac vs. Saint Cloud	ESPN2	7:00 p.m.	209 / 144
Sat.	Apr. 13	NCAA Championship	ESPN	6:00 p.m.	206 / 140

All times are Central Standard Time.

 Cross-Posted at the Hockey Writers Combine. 

Related articles

• 2013 NCAA Division I College Hockey Frozen Four Television Schedule (4/11, 4/13) (thehockeywriters.com)
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Explanation of the Ref's action following DU's Nick Shore hit to the head of UNH Kevin Goumas

I don't think anyone has a problem with the penalty, it was a hit to the head, I am fine with that call. I am not fine with the on-ice officials going over to the penalty box and reviewing the game film and then throwing Nick Shore out of the game. I am not an apologist for DU Hockey or Nick Shore either and I hope that UNH's Kevin Goumas is okay.

The fact that they went to the penalty box, after-the-fact, and watched the video and then threw Nick Shore out of the game, that's my bone of contention, especially when not one official's arm is in the air. That's what people have a problem with. It's not a conspiracy.

I am not sure why ESPNU think's it's there job to excuse the on-ice officials either? ESPNU can explain it anyway they want, the video confirms what happened on the ice.

Seriously, go back and watch the video again, the play went on for quite some time after the hit, the Pioneers maintained possession of the puck, which makes their explanation questionable. There were no arms in the air by any of the on-ice officials.

College Hockey’s March Madness Continues: This weekend’s NCAA Division one television schedule (3/29 – 3/31)

Here is this weekend’s National College Hockey television schedule. The NCAA’s final 16 has been set, the national tourney starts this weekend. Starting on Friday afternoon, there is a full slate of college hockey on television again this weekend, if you have ESPNU.

In my opinion, this is most wonderful time of the year. It’s also very stressful. There is a finality, which surrounds the college hockey tourney. Seasons and careers end, with losses in the National tourney.

There are college players that will sit in the locker room with their jersey still on hours after a loss, and not want to take off their jersey, for the last time.   

This is also the time of year that fans have to worry if their favorite players with eligibility are going to sign in the offseason. A few high profile players have already signed professional deals in the last week.

Check your television guide for times in your local area. As with any schedule, channels will change and have in the past. There may also be games on in your local area that may not be on nationally. ESPNU is on (DirecTV 208 and Dish Network 141).

Even with the NHL ending it’s lockout and making it back to our television dials, there has is still been a lot of watchable college hockey on television. Some fans actually prefer College hockey to the NHL.

Day	Date	Match-up	Network	Time	DTV/Dish
Fri.	Mar. 29	UMN vs. Yale	ESPNU	1:00 p.m.	208 / 141
Fri.	Mar. 29	Mass Lowell vs. Wisconsin	ESPN3	3:30 p.m.	628 / 434
Fri.	Mar. 29	UND vs. Niagara	ESPNU	4:30 p.m.	208 / 141
Fri.	Mar. 29	Denver vs. New Hampshire	ESPNU	7:00 p.m.	208 / 141
Fri.	Mar. 29	Wisconsin vs. UMass Lowell	ESPNU	9:30 p.m. *	208
Sat.	Mar. 30	NCAA Midwest Regional	TBD	12:30 p.m.
Sat.	Mar. 30	NCAA West Reg. Final	ESPNU	3:00 p.m.	208 / 141
Sat.	Mar. 30	NCAA Midwest Regional	TBD	4:00 p.m.
Sat.	Mar. 30	Quinnipiac vs. Canisius	ESPN3	4:30 p.m.	628 / 434
Sat.	Mar. 30	NCAA Northeast Reg. Final	ESPNU	5:30 p.m.	208 / 141
Sat.	Mar. 30	Boston College vs. Union	ESPNU	8:00 p.m.	208 / 141
Sun.	Mar. 31	NCAA Midwest Reg. Final	ESPNU	3:00 p.m.	208 / 141
Sun.	Mar. 31	NCAA East Reg. Final	ESPNU	5:30 p.m.	208 / 141

Cross-posted at the Hockey Writers Combine.

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• College Hockey's March Madness: This weekend's NCAA Division one television schedule (3/21 - 3/24) (thehockeywriters.com)
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Redwing77's NCAA Tourney Bracket Pick'em Part Two

Here's the final installment. I'm not going to predict the Frozen Four outcomes until the teams have been set.

Midwest Regional:

This is about as difficult as the West. It features Michigan, Ferris State, Denver, and Cornell. Since I haven't seen 3 of the 4 teams in this bracket play, I'm going to be brief.

Ferris State vs. DU:

Ferris State is a Cinderella story. They came out of nowhere to choke away the CCHA tourney by losing in the first round.

DU is a tough team mad as all get out after getting embarrassed vs. UND in the WCHA Tourney championship.

Prediction: Feel good Ferris State. You made the tourney. Bad news: DU destroys you.

Michigan vs. Cornell:

SNOOOOOOOOOOOZEFEST. Cornell historically plays a boring style of hockey. Michigan is cold and calculating. If Shawn Hunwick shows up like he did vs. UND a year ago, Michigan wins easy. If he lets in weak goals like he did vs. WMU, then oops.

Prediction: Michigan wins.

Regional Final: Michigan vs. DU. I think DU stuns the #1 seed in this Regional.

East Regional:

This is the easiest bracket in the tourney by a LONG SHOT. If you could believe in a team like Union, it would be easy to think they'll walk into the Frozen Four however....

Union vs. Michigan State:

Union is a team that hasn't really played many quality teams. They've played a few ranked opponents. They've played nonconference ranked opponents in DU, CC, WMU, Michigan, and Merrimack. Against those opponents, they have a 2-2-2 record. Their wins were against Merrimack and Michigan.

Michigan State is an interesting story in that they squeaked in by the hairs on their chinny chin chin. If it was any other opponent I wouldn't give Michigan State a sniff at a win.

However....I'm not sold on either team doing anything, but since I have to pick a team...

Prediction: I predict upset city. Michigan State wins in OT. Union becomes the only #1 to fall in the first round.

Miami vs. Mass Lowell:

UMass is another Cinderella story. They've seemingly come out of nowhere. And that's where they're going in this NCAA tourney.

Miami: Been here done it before. Miami has been very inconsistent looking downright pathetic vs. WMU in the CCHA tourney. However, Blasi always watches his team drop one in their shorts before the NCAAs and well, things turn out alright.

Prediction: Miami wins.

Regional Final: I may not be sold on Union/MSU outcome but I am sold on this: If Miami beats UMass Lowell, they go to the Frozen Four.

I also predict that this Regional will be the most poorly attended.

Frozen Four Wrap Up:

Using my predictions: I think the final four teams will be BC, Minnesota, Miami, and DU.

Since I'm not sold on any teams but BC and Miami listed above, I'll wait until the Frozen Four is set to make my predictions.

INCH Power Rankings

1. Minnesota
2. Minnesota Duluth
3. Boston University
4. Union
5. UMass Lowell
6. Merrimack
7. Michigan
8. Ferris State
9. Boston College
10. Colorado College
11. Notre Dame
12. Maine
13. Denver
14. Cornell
15. North Dakota 
16. Colgate
17. Miami
18. Harvard
19. Michigan State
20. Western Michigan


Dropped out: Ohio State, Nebraska-Omaha
Bubble-licious: Air Force, Lake Superior State, Ohio State

As always I include the INCH Power Rankings because I find them amusing, especially ranking UNION in fourth place, if you look at the PairWise Rankings you will see that they are ranked 10^th, I think fourth is a big stretch.

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