Day 1 of the 2013 National Collegiate Roller Hockey Championships is in the books and the only thing certain is there is no clear cut path to the Championship game. In fact, day 1 has left more questions than answers.
Starting with the defending National Champions Bethel, who have lost their star player from last year and saw a dip in power play goals during the regular season (20 this year compared to 47 last year), have had a slow start at this year’s tournament. Being shut out by Michigan State and giving up a game-tying goal with just 7 seconds left makes you wonder if they can compare to the likes of perennial favorite Lindenwood, and the top teams of MCRHL and WCRHL (of which there are several).
Pool B question: Who will win their final round robin game today and earn that Pool B #1 Seed?
In Pool C, the NCRHA Coast 2 Coast crew has picked George Mason to win the pool and as of now George Mason University is sitting in 4th place. Grand Valley State is the last Division I team yet to be scored on in the round robin play.
Pool C questions: Is George Mason overrated or are they sleepers who will wake up in the playoffs? Was Grand Valley ranked too low and can they continue their current 6-period shutout streak?
Which of the following current 1 & 2 seeds will take advantage of today’s matchups:
Lindenwood vs. UNLV?
Neumann vs. Michigan State?
Cal Poly SLO vs. UMSL?
After 2 round robin losses, can Florida Gulf Coast take use home rink advantage to gain their 1st win of the tournament today?
Kevin Smith from NCRHA Coast 2 Coast has taken a bold prediction that the University of North Texas would win their pool with a win against Central Florida. Is this the year that UNT advances into the 2nd round of the brackets and possibly the Elite Eight?
Division II has been nothing short of exciting hockey as 8 of the 10 games played have been scores within 3 goals or less. With only 1 game played by each Division II team, each pool is up for grabs. DII question: Who will win each pool?
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