College Hockey Notebook: Games Return, Holiday Tournaments Kick Off

College hockey officially is back from its holiday break.

The Holiday Face-Off tournament began on Dec. 28 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee with Bowling Green, Yale, Wisconsin and Providence taking the ice.

The national polls haven’t changed in recent weeks as college hockey as been on a holiday hiatus. Minnesota State holds the top spot, followed by Quinnipiac, Michigan, Western Michigan and North Dakota in the top five.

Things are about to start heating up with holidays in the rearview mirror.

Bruce Cassidy Confident Bruins Will Be ‘Ready To Go’ Despite Long Layoff

Dec 30, 2021

Who’s Playing Well?
No. 1 Minnesota State returned to action Dec. 30 against No. 6 Minnesota Duluth and extended its win streak to six as it earned an impressive 2-1 win. Minnesota State hasn’t lost a game since Nov. 26 when it took on Lake Superior State.

Local Spotlight
Providence, Boston College and UMass Lowell all have earned wins already since college hockey has started back up from its break. Providence began its run in the Holiday Face-Off tournament with a win over Bowling Green and followed it up by tying Wisconsin. Boston College took down Mercyhurst in the Ledyard Bank Classic and UMass Lowell downed St. Lawrence in non-conference action.

National News
Western Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota State and Rensselaer all earned wins in various holiday tournaments since action began on Dec. 28. This is just the beginning as after New Year’s, college hockey begins to hit its stride in preparation for the postseason and NCAA tournament later on in 2022. UMass is the reigning National Champion and currently is ranked 12th in the nation.

NESN Game of the Week
NESN’s next Game of the Week is set to take place on Friday, Jan. 7, with Boston College taking on Boston University in women’s hockey action. All coverage can be found right here on NESN beginning at 7 p.m. ET.