Out of the Way

It's always a good thing to get the North Country trip out of the way as soon as possible, and late October is probably the best time ever, if you can get it. The men can't ever get that lucky, since the ECAC schedule doesn't get underway until November, but the women get the opportunity to do just that this weekend, and right in ahead of this "Frankenstorm" thing that's supposed to be on its way. So they'll get the double benefit of being able to make the trip up through the Adirondacks to see the foliage while there's still some left (the whole area is past peak) AND not have to deal with the inclement weather that winter always brings.

Unfortunately, once they get there, it's nothing but pain in the forecast - the North Country teams are almost certainly the most difficult travel partner set in the ECAC this season. But wait, you say. Tonight's opponent, St. Lawrence, has played five games and lost all five. Uh huh. One goal losses to #4 Clarkson in a home-and-home to start the season. Two dismantlings at the hands of #1 Minnesota, the defending national champions. Then this past Tuesday, a non-conference loss at #2 Cornell. I defy you to find a more difficult schedule. It would be practically impossible. Despite being 0-5-0, the Saints still got one vote as the 10th best team in the nation in the latest USCHO poll. That should tell you something. And they're probably thirsty for a win, tonight being their best opportunity thus far to pick one up.

Oh, and did you notice that Clarkson is ranked fourth in the nation? Yeah, that was definitely snuck in there. Their path has been much easier - the aforementioned sweep of SLU, a pair of solid wins over Vermont, and then a road split with always-tough #5 Mercyhurst has the Knights at 5-1-0 ahead of their game against Union tonight.

So yeah... points are at a premium as the Engineers kick off the ECAC schedule this weekend. But hey. At least it isn't going to snow.

Speaking of snow... and since we were deprived of the opportunity for a women's only pumpup to start the season since they didn't have an exhibition this year... here's a pretty killer cover of Led Zeppelin to get the blood flowing for this weekend's games in the North Country. Speakers up!