(#246) Bracket Projection, projected standings in HEA, AHA, B10

Photo: Quinnipiac Athletics

The top story in this issue (#246) is my weekly bracket projection. Hockey East lost another team this week and the league is down to just two teams in NCAA positions. A month ago, the league had six teams in qualifying spots.

The committee has a decision to make in Manchester this week, largely due to the lack of Hockey East teams in the bracket.

Also in today’s issue …

• We project the final Hockey East standings using KRACH. Merrimack is still projected to be the top team but the Warriors cushion is shrinking by the week and BU is making a charge.

• We projected the final Big Ten standings using KRACH. Minnesota is still the top team in the league and the Gophers have a comfortable lead at the moment. Michigan State finally got back on track, though, and made a nice jump this week.

• We projected the final Atlantic Hockey standings using KRACH. Niagara’s projection fell considerably after they were swept by Bentley. RIT is still comfortably projected to win that league’s regular-season race.

• UConn lost a forward to a pro contract over the semester break. The deal became official yesterday.

• St. Thomas is going to build a new $175 million arena. I share my take on their new building.

• Finally, we have the latest commitments with players to Bemidji State, Vermont, and Alaska-Anchorage.