February 1, 2006
All-Star Weekend 2006
Weekend of the Rematch
Once a year, the ECRHA recognizes its top performers of the season in the highly-anticipated All Star Weekend. In total, 60 players across four separate divisions are selected by their fellow players to represent their respective colleges in two separate all-star games. The impressive showcase of roller hockey talent is unmatched by any college-level program in the Northeast.
The All Stars never fail to put on a show, as the game has historically been highlighted by amazing individual performances. However, with over 35 teams competing in regular season games during the weekend event, the real drama remains with the intense inter-divisional match ups.
As if to serve as a prelude to the ECRHA Regional Championships, the Sportsplex (Feasterville, PA) will play host to over 80 of the most anxiously-awaited inter-divisional match ups of the season, less than one month before the actual Regional Championships take place. All three surfaces will be used to get all the competitions in. Every game this weekend will have playoff implications, as the tough losses will send some teams home for an early end to the season, while other teams will catapult in the standings with huge wins.
Some teams will have the rare opportunity to compete in cross-regional play, as #14-ranked UC Santa Barbara (WCRHL) and Ball State (MCRHL) will travel to Feasterville as guest teams to compete in the event. The UCSB Gauchos will have their hands full as they take on some of ECRHA?s top teams, including perennial powerhouses Suffolk CC (D3) and Rochester IT (D1). The Ball State Cardinals will have an equally-difficult schedule with difficult games against the reigning D2 champions Hofstra Pride and the reigning D2 runners up Neumann Knights. It will be interesting to see how ECRHA?s top teams fair against some of the most elite national competition that the National Collegiate Roller Hockey Association has to offer.
Many ECRHA teams will have the opportunity at redemption, as pivotal re-matches across all divisions will highlight the 80-plus games on the league schedule. The outcomes of the weekend will undoubtedly add fuel to the league?s most hotly-debated topics, as many will choose their post season favorites and dark horse teams after watching the league?s playoff-bound teams earn crucial points in the standings during All Star Weekend.
To help our fans navigate through the large game schedule, we?ve selected 25 of the most important games scheduled for this weekend and provided a sneak peek at each.
Featured Games
D1
RIT vs. Towson: In a rematch of the D1 Championship from ?05 Regionals, RIT, winners of 5 straight games, will seek redemption for their loss last March and look to improve upon their tie with Towson back in October. Expect a defensively tight, physical game between these two front runners for the Regional Championship.
Rutgers vs. Buffalo: With the all time series stuck at 1-1-1, these two central conference powerhouses will face off TWICE this weekend with the conference title up for grabs. With both games last season decided by 1 goal, expect two intense games between these rivals.
Buffalo vs. Towson: With Buffalo in the hunt for the conference title, will they be able to repeat last year?s performance and knock of the reigning D1 champs on their way to another conference title? With Towson shooting for the overall #1 seed, expect the champs to give UB a taste of their own medicine.
RIT vs. Maryland: Can Maryland stay consistent? After tying Towson last weekend, the Terrapins suffered an embarrassing 9-3 loss to Delaware. With RIT looking to wrap up the Northern Conference title, this game has crucial points on the line for both teams.
UConn vs. Maryland: Will Maryland be able to rebound from their tough loss to Delaware? In a game with looming playoff implications, don?t expect UConn, coming off wins over Boston and Rhode Island, to give Maryland an easy game.
Binghamton vs. Suffolk: In a classic David vs. Goliath match up in Downingtown, PA, Binghamton was 1 goal away from tying Suffolk late in the third period. As crucial points lay on the table, expect the Bearcats to play a tough game against the speedy Suffolk club.
Buffalo vs. Maryland: Two streaky teams will clash in an attempt to regain top form in Division 1. Will Maryland be able to prove themselves against yet another powerhouse? Since both teams could make a run at one of the top 5 seeds at Regionals, expect this game to have a playoff atmosphere.
Pitt vs. Binghamton: Pitt won the first meeting between these teams back in October, but the teams tied 4-4 last month in Williamsport. With the Panthers trailing Binghamton by 4 points and with four games in hand, this match up has playoff implications written all over it.
Pitt vs. Rutgers: With Rutgers looking to clinch the Central Conference title, and Pittsburgh hoping to earn enough points to finish in the top 6 teams, the playoff implications for these two central conference rivals make this game one to watch.
Maryland vs. Binghamton: Yet another game with severe playoff implications as both teams look to secure a high seed at Regionals. Maryland won the first meeting this year 5-3 with a late third period offensive explosion. Can the Bearcats avenge this early season loss?
D2
Brockport vs. Wentworth-Just this past weekend, Wentworth handed SUNY Brockport it?s second loss of the season, both in the same weekend, after the Golden Eagles had gone undefeated the entire first half of the season. Wentworth?s only loss of the season cane at the hands of Hofstra, DII?s only presently undefeated team. Expect Brockport to want to return the favor to Wentworth.
Brockport vs. Drexel- The Drexel Dragons are coming off a 3-1 weekend in Winchester , VA that put the team right into the thick of the DII standings. Brockport looks to get back on track after dropping two up north in Connecticut last weekend.
Brockport vs. WCU- West Chester University starts off February with games against 3 of the ECRHA?s top teams, including it?s first game of the weekend against SUNY Brockport. WCU sits near the top of the Southern Conference standings, and big upsets this weekend could allow them to move further up the ladder.
Wentworth vs. Albany- Wentworth was able to hold off Albany 6-5 this past weekend at Z-Rink in Connecticut , and one would have to expect another tight match up Saturday afternoon between these two. Al Monica has immediately paid dividends for the University at Albany .
Wentworth vs. Drexel- Wentworth needs to win nearly all of their remaining games to win the ECRHA regular season championship. Drexel needs to win to keep a high seed in the playoffs a reality. Expect both teams to play with that desire in this fixture Saturday night.
Wentworth vs. WCU- West Chester University needs to get on a consistent streak in order to get a high playoff seed. Wentworth needs to start off their weekend right to carry over to their big game against Albany , as well as the points to claim the Northern Conference championship.
Hofstra vs. Drexel- Hofstra?s only loss of the season came in an exhibition game against Drexel at the Columbus Day Kickoff on a rink that was heavily affected by moisture. The Pride will look to put an end to any questions about who the top team in the ECRHA is with a big weekend in Feasterville. Drexel looks to play spoiler and put up a repeat performance from the preseason game.
Hofstra vs. Neumann- One of the most highly anticipated games of the season, Hofstra stole the ECRHA DII Championship out from under the Knights last March, winning in overtime, handing Neumann its only loss against an ECRHA DII opponent all season. Neumann went on to get revenge out in Ft. Collins , CO , knocking the Pride out in the round of eight with a 7-6 victory. Hofstra has taken over Neumann?s seat this season as the front runner in regular season play. Neumann is looking to keep it?s 2004-2005 undefeated regular season mark, the only one in DII play since 2000, intact.
Hofstra vs. WCU- These two teams meet for the first time ever in regular season play. With a strong weekend, WCU could give all three of the top teams in DII a good run. Hofstra hopes to still be playing for an undefeated season by the time its third game of the weekend rolls around.
Shippensburg vs. Drexel- An up and down season for Shippensburg has seen them fall in games that they could have won, but have shown signs of life in others. A win against Drexel will allow them to move closer to a solid playoff spot. Drexel will be putting up a strong fight for sure, trying to keep its Southern Conference opponent at bay.
Shippensburg vs. Neumann- Shippensburg showed signs of life in their last meeting in Feasterville in November, cracking through for the 4th highest goal total allowed by the Knights this season, although Neumann showed their offensive prowess and came out with a 9-5 victory. If the right Shippensburg team shows up, Neumann could be up for another tight game.
B Division
Buffalo vs. Rutgers:As both of these powerful clubs chase Suffolk for the Northern Conference title, this game will ultimately decide the #2 seed for the North. The last time these two teams met resulted in a 2-2 tie last season. With Rutgers coming off a win over the previously-undefeated Suffolk club, and Buffalo coming off an undefeated weekend in Williamsport, expect another close game yet again.
Buffalo vs. Towson: One of two very tough games for both of these B division powerhouses on the weekend, Towson will have something to prove as none of their victories this regular season have come against teams with a record over .500. The Tigers did defeat Buffalo 5-2 in the pre season back in October. This time, this one counts.
Buffalo vs. Drexel: This will be a telling game for the Drexel Dragons as they look to show that they can compete with the tough northern conference teams. But with the Wings looking to wrap up a #2 seed in their conference, both teams will have to earn the 2 points in this game.
Suffolk vs. Towson: In yet another rematch from the 2005 regional championships, both clubs will be looking to assert B Division dominance in this game. The two clubs played a tight game in Long Island back in October, with Suffolk edging Towson by a score of 7-6. However the Towson Tigers, winners of their last 8 straight games, have been playing their best hockey of the year. An upset might be brewing?
As both of these powerful clubs chase Suffolk for the Northern Conference title, this game will ultimately decide the #2 seed for the North. The last time these two teams met resulted in a 2-2 tie last season. With Rutgers coming off a win over the previously-undefeated Suffolk club, and Buffalo coming off an undefeated weekend in Williamsport, expect another close game yet again.
As if to serve as a prelude to the ECRHA Regional Championships, the Sportsplex (Feasterville, PA) will play host to over 80 of the most anxiously-awaited inter-divisional match ups of the season, less than one month before the actual Regional Championships take place. All three surfaces will be used to get all the competitions in. Every game this weekend will have playoff implications, as the tough losses will send some teams home for an early end to the season, while other teams will catapult in the standings with huge wins.
Some teams will have the rare opportunity to compete in cross-regional play, as #14-ranked UC Santa Barbara (WCRHL) and Ball State (MCRHL) will travel to Feasterville as guest teams to compete in the event. The UCSB Gauchos will have their hands full as they take on some of ECRHA?s top teams, including perennial powerhouses Suffolk CC (D3) and Rochester IT (D1). The Ball State Cardinals will have an equally-difficult schedule with difficult games against the reigning D2 champions Hofstra Pride and the reigning D2 runners up Neumann Knights. It will be interesting to see how ECRHA?s top teams fair against some of the most elite national competition that the National Collegiate Roller Hockey Association has to offer.
Many ECRHA teams will have the opportunity at redemption, as pivotal re-matches across all divisions will highlight the 80-plus games on the league schedule. The outcomes of the weekend will undoubtedly add fuel to the league?s most hotly-debated topics, as many will choose their post season favorites and dark horse teams after watching the league?s playoff-bound teams earn crucial points in the standings during All Star Weekend.
To help our fans navigate through the large game schedule, we?ve selected 25 of the most important games scheduled for this weekend and provided a sneak peek at each.
Featured Games
D1
RIT vs. Towson: In a rematch of the D1 Championship from ?05 Regionals, RIT, winners of 5 straight games, will seek redemption for their loss last March and look to improve upon their tie with Towson back in October. Expect a defensively tight, physical game between these two front runners for the Regional Championship.
Rutgers vs. Buffalo: With the all time series stuck at 1-1-1, these two central conference powerhouses will face off TWICE this weekend with the conference title up for grabs. With both games last season decided by 1 goal, expect two intense games between these rivals.
Buffalo vs. Towson: With Buffalo in the hunt for the conference title, will they be able to repeat last year?s performance and knock of the reigning D1 champs on their way to another conference title? With Towson shooting for the overall #1 seed, expect the champs to give UB a taste of their own medicine.
RIT vs. Maryland: Can Maryland stay consistent? After tying Towson last weekend, the Terrapins suffered an embarrassing 9-3 loss to Delaware. With RIT looking to wrap up the Northern Conference title, this game has crucial points on the line for both teams.
UConn vs. Maryland: Will Maryland be able to rebound from their tough loss to Delaware? In a game with looming playoff implications, don?t expect UConn, coming off wins over Boston and Rhode Island, to give Maryland an easy game.
Binghamton vs. Suffolk: In a classic David vs. Goliath match up in Downingtown, PA, Binghamton was 1 goal away from tying Suffolk late in the third period. As crucial points lay on the table, expect the Bearcats to play a tough game against the speedy Suffolk club.
Buffalo vs. Maryland: Two streaky teams will clash in an attempt to regain top form in Division 1. Will Maryland be able to prove themselves against yet another powerhouse? Since both teams could make a run at one of the top 5 seeds at Regionals, expect this game to have a playoff atmosphere.
Pitt vs. Binghamton: Pitt won the first meeting between these teams back in October, but the teams tied 4-4 last month in Williamsport. With the Panthers trailing Binghamton by 4 points and with four games in hand, this match up has playoff implications written all over it.
Pitt vs. Rutgers: With Rutgers looking to clinch the Central Conference title, and Pittsburgh hoping to earn enough points to finish in the top 6 teams, the playoff implications for these two central conference rivals make this game one to watch.
Maryland vs. Binghamton: Yet another game with severe playoff implications as both teams look to secure a high seed at Regionals. Maryland won the first meeting this year 5-3 with a late third period offensive explosion. Can the Bearcats avenge this early season loss?
D2
Brockport vs. Wentworth-Just this past weekend, Wentworth handed SUNY Brockport it?s second loss of the season, both in the same weekend, after the Golden Eagles had gone undefeated the entire first half of the season. Wentworth?s only loss of the season cane at the hands of Hofstra, DII?s only presently undefeated team. Expect Brockport to want to return the favor to Wentworth.
Brockport vs. Drexel- The Drexel Dragons are coming off a 3-1 weekend in Winchester , VA that put the team right into the thick of the DII standings. Brockport looks to get back on track after dropping two up north in Connecticut last weekend.
Brockport vs. WCU- West Chester University starts off February with games against 3 of the ECRHA?s top teams, including it?s first game of the weekend against SUNY Brockport. WCU sits near the top of the Southern Conference standings, and big upsets this weekend could allow them to move further up the ladder.
Wentworth vs. Albany- Wentworth was able to hold off Albany 6-5 this past weekend at Z-Rink in Connecticut , and one would have to expect another tight match up Saturday afternoon between these two. Al Monica has immediately paid dividends for the University at Albany .
Wentworth vs. Drexel- Wentworth needs to win nearly all of their remaining games to win the ECRHA regular season championship. Drexel needs to win to keep a high seed in the playoffs a reality. Expect both teams to play with that desire in this fixture Saturday night.
Wentworth vs. WCU- West Chester University needs to get on a consistent streak in order to get a high playoff seed. Wentworth needs to start off their weekend right to carry over to their big game against Albany , as well as the points to claim the Northern Conference championship.
Hofstra vs. Drexel- Hofstra?s only loss of the season came in an exhibition game against Drexel at the Columbus Day Kickoff on a rink that was heavily affected by moisture. The Pride will look to put an end to any questions about who the top team in the ECRHA is with a big weekend in Feasterville. Drexel looks to play spoiler and put up a repeat performance from the preseason game.
Hofstra vs. Neumann- One of the most highly anticipated games of the season, Hofstra stole the ECRHA DII Championship out from under the Knights last March, winning in overtime, handing Neumann its only loss against an ECRHA DII opponent all season. Neumann went on to get revenge out in Ft. Collins , CO , knocking the Pride out in the round of eight with a 7-6 victory. Hofstra has taken over Neumann?s seat this season as the front runner in regular season play. Neumann is looking to keep it?s 2004-2005 undefeated regular season mark, the only one in DII play since 2000, intact.
Hofstra vs. WCU- These two teams meet for the first time ever in regular season play. With a strong weekend, WCU could give all three of the top teams in DII a good run. Hofstra hopes to still be playing for an undefeated season by the time its third game of the weekend rolls around.
Shippensburg vs. Drexel- An up and down season for Shippensburg has seen them fall in games that they could have won, but have shown signs of life in others. A win against Drexel will allow them to move closer to a solid playoff spot. Drexel will be putting up a strong fight for sure, trying to keep its Southern Conference opponent at bay.
Shippensburg vs. Neumann- Shippensburg showed signs of life in their last meeting in Feasterville in November, cracking through for the 4th highest goal total allowed by the Knights this season, although Neumann showed their offensive prowess and came out with a 9-5 victory. If the right Shippensburg team shows up, Neumann could be up for another tight game.
B Division
Buffalo vs. Rutgers:As both of these powerful clubs chase Suffolk for the Northern Conference title, this game will ultimately decide the #2 seed for the North. The last time these two teams met resulted in a 2-2 tie last season. With Rutgers coming off a win over the previously-undefeated Suffolk club, and Buffalo coming off an undefeated weekend in Williamsport, expect another close game yet again.
Buffalo vs. Towson: One of two very tough games for both of these B division powerhouses on the weekend, Towson will have something to prove as none of their victories this regular season have come against teams with a record over .500. The Tigers did defeat Buffalo 5-2 in the pre season back in October. This time, this one counts.
Buffalo vs. Drexel: This will be a telling game for the Drexel Dragons as they look to show that they can compete with the tough northern conference teams. But with the Wings looking to wrap up a #2 seed in their conference, both teams will have to earn the 2 points in this game.
Suffolk vs. Towson: In yet another rematch from the 2005 regional championships, both clubs will be looking to assert B Division dominance in this game. The two clubs played a tight game in Long Island back in October, with Suffolk edging Towson by a score of 7-6. However the Towson Tigers, winners of their last 8 straight games, have been playing their best hockey of the year. An upset might be brewing?
As both of these powerful clubs chase Suffolk for the Northern Conference title, this game will ultimately decide the #2 seed for the North. The last time these two teams met resulted in a 2-2 tie last season. With Rutgers coming off a win over the previously-undefeated Suffolk club, and Buffalo coming off an undefeated weekend in Williamsport, expect another close game yet again.
One of two very tough games for both of these B division powerhouses on the weekend, Towson will have something to prove as none of their victories this regular season have come against teams with a record over .500. The Tigers did defeat Buffalo 5-2 in the pre season back in October. This time, this one counts. This will be a telling game for the Drexel Dragons as they look to show that they can compete with the tough northern conference teams. But with the Wings looking to wrap up a #2 seed in their conference, both teams will have to earn the 2 points in this game. In yet another rematch from the 2005 regional championships, both clubs will be looking to assert B Division dominance in this game.
The two clubs played a tight game in Long Island back in October, with Suffolk edging Towson by a score of 7-6. However the Towson Tigers, winners of their last 8 straight games, have been playing their best hockey of the year. An upset might be brewing?