The NCAA Division III Frozen Four starts tomorrow night in Lake Placid, New York. The first game takes place at 3:00 tomorrow afternoon and will pit Norwich against St. Norbert in a rematch from two years ago that saw Norwich topple the Green Knights in overtime at the Herb Brooks Arena in Lake Placid. The second game will feature the Oswego State Lakers facing off against Amherst at 7:30.
Oswego State Lakers
Overall Record: 22-3-2
NCAA History: 13th Appearance (2007 National Champion)
Scoring Offense: 4.67 gpg
Scoring Defense: 1.81 gpg
Power Play: 26.8%
Penalty Kill: 86.0%
Penalties: 16.7 min per game
Leading Scorer: Jon Whitelaw (40 Pts)
Goaltender: Andrew Hare (.929 SV% & 1.77 GAA)
Road to Frozen Four: Defeated Elmira 5-0 in NCAA Quarterfinal
Amherst Lord Jeffs
Overall Record: 23-3-1
NCAA History: 4th Appearance
Scoring Offense: 3.89 gpg
Scoring Defense: 1.67 gpg
Power Play: 27.6%
Penalty Kill: 86.7%
Penalties: 10.33 min per game
Leading Scorer: Mike Moher (28 Pts)
Goaltender: Jonathan La Rose (.942 SV% & 1.56 GAA)
Road to Frozen Four: Defeated Plattsburgh 3-1 in NCAA Quarterfinal
This is the first matchup between the Lakers and Jeffs in years. With that being said, these two teams are definitely unfamiliar with each other. The first period of the game could be a little messy as the two teams get to know each other on the ice. Both teams have been ranked in the top five in almost every poll available since the beginning of the season, and it should be a good game. Amherst is strong defensively and their goalie La Rose has been a stud all season long, but hasn't gotten much recognition for it. However, Oswego is a far-superior team offensively.
Oswego definitely holds an advantage in experience. This is their 13th NCAA appearance and third frozen four in a row, although they've lost the last two. Amherst on the other has only been to four NCAA tourneys and has never won a championship. As far as mental preparation is concerned, Oswego should have a clear advantage. It also helps that they played at Herb Brooks Arena only two years ago and are familiar with the Placid ice.
We like Oswego due to their high-octane offense and speed as well as their recent experience in the NCAAs. Aside from mental lapses and bad mistakes, Oswego doesn't have any disadvantages in this game. They might not get ahead by a lot, but they should control most of the game. We like Oswego by one or two goals.
St. Norbert Green Knights
Overall Record: 17-5-5
NCAA History: 13th Appearance (2008 & 2011 National Champions)
Scoring Offense: 3.81 gpg
Scoring Defense: 2.22 gpg
Power Play: 22.8%
Penalty Kill: 88.8%
Penalties: 15.96 min per game
Leading Scorer: Johan Ryd (36 Pts)
Goaltender: David Jacobson (.931 SV% & 1.64 GAA)
Road to Frozen Four: Defeated St. Thomas 3-1 in NCAA First Round. Defeated Gustavus Adolphus 4-1 in NCAA Quarterfinals
Norwich Cadets
Overall Record: 23-2-2
NCAA History: 12th Appearance (2000, 2003, & 2010 National Champions)
Scoring Offense: 4.81 gpg
Scoring Defense: 1.74 gpg
Power Play: 30.5%
Penalty Kill: 80.5%
Penalties: 10.33 min per game
Leading Scorer: Pier-Olivier Cotnoir (40 Pts)
Goaltender: Parker Carroll (.884 SV% & 2.02 GAA)
Road to Frozen Four: Defeated Wentworth 3-0 in NCAA Quarterfinal
This one looks like it's going to go to Norwich. They've been ranked as one of the top teams all year, went into the NCAAs as the number one team in the nation and have been playing some of their best hockey of the year in the past couple of weeks. But that's only on paper. In person, Norwich is much stronger both offensively and defensively. However, St. Norbert goalie Jacobsen is a stud and Carroll has really struggled this season. The advantage here definitely goes to the Green Knights. If the Cadets lose this game it will happen in between the pipes. We still like Norwich by two or three goals though.
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