Weekend Preview: December 6-8, 2024
As the semester winds down and the hockey season heats up, this weekend’s slate of games promises fierce rivalries, playoff implications, and redemption opportunities. Here’s a preview of the action-packed schedule:
Friday, December 6, 2024
Stevens Institute of Technology vs. New Jersey Institute of Technology (ACHA M3) – Exhibition
Time: 8:30 PM EST
Stevens looks to snap an extended losing streak as they face NJIT in an out-of-league exhibition. NJIT enters the matchup with a pair of losses against AAU College Hockey opponents earlier this season, falling 7-5 to Maryland (DIII) and 6-4 to Susquehanna (FED). Stevens has a golden opportunity to end their slump and head into a Sunday night matchup against Rutgers University with renewed confidence.
Farmingdale State College (DI) vs. Quinnipiac University – In-Division
Time: 8:00 PM EST
It’s a showdown at the top of the Empire Purple Division as Farmingdale takes on Quinnipiac at Northwell Health Ice Center. Farmingdale enters after a hard-fought 2-1 series win over #7 St. Bonaventure, while Quinnipiac is riding high from a victory against Stonehill College. This pivotal game carries significant playoff implications as both teams battle for dominance in their division.
Farmingdale State College (DII) vs. University of New Haven – Exhibition
Time: 9:30 PM EST
A rematch of the 2023 Empire Black Division finals promises fireworks as Farmingdale DII and New Haven meet again. Their history of high-scoring, chippy games sets the stage for another thrilling clash. Farmingdale won last season's season series; can New Haven exact revenge?
Fordham University vs. Columbia University – In-Division
Time: 10:15 PM EST
The Battle of the Boroughs resumes at Mount Vernon’s Ice Hutch. Last month, Fordham handed Columbia their first loss of the season with an emphatic 8-4 win. Columbia will be eager to even the score, but Fordham’s momentum and recent East Coast Showdown success could make them tough to beat.
Saturday, December 7, 2024
University of Delaware vs. Sacred Heart University (DII) – Exhibition
Time: 6:15 PM EST
Sacred Heart aims to bounce back after a narrow 2-1 loss to Fairfield (DI). Meanwhile, Delaware, fresh off a dominant 8-2 win over Quinnipiac, will look to maintain momentum. Both teams need a strong showing as they close the semester.
Rutgers University vs. Hofstra University – In-Division
Time: 7:30 PM EST
Rutgers, fresh off a tournament win at the East Coast Showdown and boasting a 4-game winning streak, hosts Hofstra in an in-division clash. Hofstra, coming off a 9-6 victory over Albany, has been inconsistent. Will they show the offensive firepower that overwhelmed Albany, or will defensive lapses return to haunt them?
Ramapo College of New Jersey vs. University of New Haven – Exhibition
Time: 7:45 PM EST
Ramapo heads into this matchup after a 2-1 showing at the East Coast Showdown. With a .500 record in their last 10 games, they’re seeking consistency against New Haven, who will look to recover from a Friday night battle with Farmingdale. Both teams aim to establish momentum in this exhibition clash.
Farmingdale State College (DII) vs. Kutztown University (DII) – Exhibition
Time: 9:30 PM EST
Farmingdale DII will look to either bounce back or extend their success from Friday’s game against New Haven. Despite a top-10 ranking, their season has been marked by inconsistency, with losses to multiple lower-ranked opponents. A win against Kutztown could solidify their footing as the second semester approaches.
Sunday, December 8, 2024
Quinnipiac University vs. Fordham University – Exhibition
Time: 6:30 PM EST
Quinnipiac and Fordham both aim to close their weekends on a high note. Fordham’s ties against Kutztown and Neumann at the East Coast Showdown show they can hang with top DII teams, but they’ll need a strong rebound after a rough game against Penn State Harrisburg.
University of Delaware vs. Ramapo College of New Jersey – Exhibition
Time: 6:30 PM EST
Both Delaware and Ramapo will be eager to carry momentum—or recover—depending on their Saturday performances. Expect a tight contest as each team seeks a confidence-boosting victory.
Rutgers University vs. Stevens Institute of Technology – In-Division
Time: 7:00 PM EST
Rutgers looks to continue their dominant run, but Stevens will be fighting for a turnaround. Both teams’ momentum from earlier games this weekend could shape this in-division clash.
With rivalries reignited and division standings on the line, this weekend offers a mix of opportunities for redemption, standing implications, and intense rivalries. Don’t miss the action as teams start hitting the ice to close out the semester with a bang!