The ACHA is continuing to build a stronger pretense in the hockey world, proving to be a great alternative for junior and midget hockey players to extend there playing careers at some of the top schools in the country.
Check out some of the latest scores from around the country, as well as some big games to keep an eye on.
University of Delaware vs Towson
Division I & II
On September 17th, the University of Delaware Division II team took on Division I rival Towson University, where UDel would take the game 3-2. After a tight first period, both teams found their scoring touch with all goals being scored in the second. After falling 2-0 half way through the period, the Blue Hens scored 3 unanswered goals in under 5 minutes. Patrick Swain, Justin Smith and Kevin Flock would score for UDel, and Tyler Mercier and Jack Ellis would score for Towson.
TCNJ vs William Paterson University
Division I & II
William Paterson University took on interstate Division II program TCNJ in 2 preseason games, coming away with a 4-3 win in game 2. For TCNJ, there was a lot to be proud of, skating with one of the top teams in the state. Anthony Dealto scored a hat trick for the Lions, while William Paterson relied on offensive input from all lines, with 4 different players finding the back of the net. Willy P would take game 2 the following day, with a 5-2 win.
West Chester Opens Season with Weekend Sweep
Division I
West Chester University started their season with a 2 game set against West Virginia, winning both games by a combined score of 11-4. Jacob Vitullo and Jake Harman each had 2 goals for the weekend, and are currently leading the team in points along with Michael Kubachka. For West Virginia, Jake Moleski provided 2 goals on the weekend as well.
Missouri State Come Back
Division I
After going down 3-0 before the 10 minute mark of the first period, things were not looking great to start the season for Missouri State. But after goals by Kayson Gallant and Evan Ross, Missouri State was back in the game. The Bears would take the game in the third period, with 2 goals less than a minute a part to take the 4-3 lead. Caleb Sauer, who played his junior hockey in the NA3HL, posted 35 saves on 39 shots in the loss.
Louisville Takes Down Purdue Northwest
Division II
Zach Burkhart, James Mattson, Dalton Karl and Michael Holmes all scored for Louisville as they cruised to a 4-1 win over Purdue University - Northwest.
Miami (OH) Takes Down Illinois
Division II
Tosten Lee led the way for the Redhawks, scoring 3 goals and recording 1 assist in a commanding 6-3 win. Hunter Wallace would also record 1 goal 2 assists for Miami. Bill Crawford would make 38 saves on 44 shots in a losing effort.
Games to Watch
John Carrol University vs Ohio University
Division I
John Carroll University 2-0 travels to in state rival Ohio University for a weekend set. John Carroll was impressive in their season opening weekend defeating Northern Illinois University in convincing fashion. Ohio University is set to have their season opener and the crowd should be very rowdy at Bird Arena. Look for an improved John Carroll team to put up a fight, but look for the depth of Ohio University to be too much for John Carroll to handle.
University of Alabama vs University of Central Oklahoma
Division I
University of Alabama 0-2 looks to rebound vs rival UCO after struggling in their weekend opener vs Maryville University losing 10-0 and 4-2.
West Chester University vs IUP
Division I
West Chester University (2-0) travels to take on IUP (2-0). West Chester University defeated another College Hockey Mid-America opponent West Virginia University last weekend. Junior forwards Jake Vitullo (3pts) and Jake Harman (4pts) carried the load offensively while Senior goaltender John Kelly started his season off with a combined 94 save percentage. IUP handled Temple in their opening weekend and look poised to be a contender in the CHMA. Senior Jake Casto notched 4 goals and 1 assist vs Temple and looks to continue his goal scoring streak this weekend.
Rider Opens Season With Two Tough Opponents
Division II
The Lawrenceville, NJ based school takes on Montclair State September 24th at Loucks Ice Arena to start their season, followed by a Sunday matinee against Scranton. Rider University will be a team to watch coming out of a tough MACH conference.
Texas A&M vs East Texas Baptist University
Division II
Texas A&M takes East Texas Baptist University in a battle of two Texas hockey schools. Texas looked strong over SMU in early season action and should be tested by East Texas. East Texas Baptist has made huge recruiting pushes in the last year, Texas A&M will be a good test for the program.
Campion Ice House Tournament Begins
Divison II
Beginning Sept 23rd, Boise State, Utah State, Weber State, LMU, Colorado, and Western Washington will all take part in a 4 day, 11 game tournament to kick of their 2021-2022 seasons.