Playoff Time in the ECAC West

The post-season has finally arrived in NCAA Division III college hockey, and it kicks off tonight in the ECAC West when sixth seed Nazareth visits third seed Neumann, and fifth seed Elmira drops in on fourth seed Manhattanville.

Tonight's winners advance to Saturday's semifinals against either second-seed and defending champion Hobart, or first seed Utica.The semifinal winners will play in the league title game on March 2 at the site of the higher seed.

This week's full ECAC West column and playoff preview at USCHO.com can be found here.

Nazareth Claims First-Ever ECAC West Win

The wait is finally over for Nazareth College.

The Golden Flyers earned their first-ever ECAC West conference win on Friday night when they defeated visiting Manhattanville, 6-4, at The Sports Centre at MCC in Rochester, N.Y.

In a season of firsts for the nascent Division III program, this may have been one of the best.

Sophomore forward Julius Tamasy scored twice and set up another goal to garner ECAC West Player of the Week accolades.

Entire column can be found at USCHO.com.

New Beginning at Nazareth

Recently spoke to head coach George Roll and one of his captains about the new NCAA Division III varsity men's hockey program at Nazareth College in Rochester, N.Y.

Nazareth won two of its first three games under Roll, who previously coached at both Oswego State and Clarkson. The Golden Flyers, who are still seeking their first victory in ECAC West play but won't have another conference game until January, are at the Skidmore Invitational this weekend.

Story can be found here.

2012-13 ECAC West Preview

Covering the ECAC West this year for USCHO.com - the 2012-13 season preview can be found here.

2012 ECAC West Tournament champion Hobart (shown above) is the favorite to make it two league titles in a row, while Elmira is seeking its sixth straight NCAA Division III Tournament berth.

My predicted order of finish: Hobart, Utica, Neumann, Elmira, Manhattanville, and NCAA newcomer Nazareth.