Kenyon (5-5) vs. Ohio Wesleyan (3-5)

Good NCAC matchup this weekend as Kenyon and Ohio Wesleyan square off in a game that could have a bigger impact on the conference race than it might seem on paper.

Kenyon enters at 5-5 after navigating a challenging schedule that has tested them throughout the season. The Owls have picked up wins over Transylvania, Adrian, Capital, Grove City, and Wittenberg, but have also found themselves on the wrong side of a couple tight, one-goal games against Baldwin Wallace and Elmhurst. Kenyon is a team that always finds themselves in the mix of the NCAC. 

Offensively, Kenyon is powered  David Chintala (46 pts), Tanner Lewis (36 pts), and Gavin Gumucio (29 pts). When those three are in rhythm, the Owls can score with just about anyone. On the defensive end, Colin Williams (15 CTs, 26 GBs), Jack Laganza (12 CTs, 22 GBs), and Owen Breen (11 CTs, 15 GBs) bring a physical, active presence. At the faceoff X, Will Jordan (132 FO wins, 62%, 81 GBs) has been a major advantage, giving Kenyon the ability to control possessions and dictate tempo.

Ohio Wesleyan comes in at 3-5, but like Kenyon, the record doesn’t fully tell the story. The Battling Bishops have picked up wins over Adrian, Elmhurst, and a big one over Denison, showing flashes of how dangerous they can be when everything clicks. With the NCAC feeling wide open this season, this game carries real weight.

The offense is led by Henry Ross (32 pts), Wade Beckstrom (24 pts), and Will Siegenthaler (24 pts),  a balanced group that can generate production from multiple spots. Defensively, Trey Weber (10 CTs, 13 GBs, 1 pt) provides a steady presence, while Noah Citek (118 FO wins, 62%, 80 GBs) gives Ohio Wesleyan a strong option at the faceoff X, setting up what could be a key battle in the middle of the field.

These two met in the 2025 regular season, with Ohio Wesleyan pulling out a 14-11 win in a tight contest. It was a competitive game throughout, with Ohio Wesleyan making a few key plays late to create separation.

DeeThreeLax Take
This feels like one of those NCAC games that could go either way. Kenyon has the offensive firepower and while Ohio Wesleyan has already shown it can win this matchup and bring energy in big spots. With both teams fighting to position themselves in a wide-open conference race, don’t be surprised if this one comes down to a few key possessions late.

UMass Boston (4-5) vs. Plymouth State (4-4)

A big Little East Conference matchup this weekend as UMass Boston and Plymouth State both look to get back on track and pick up their first conference win of the season.

UMass Boston enters at 4-5 after a heartbreaking 16-15 OT loss to Mass Maritime in their LEC opener. The Beacons have shown they can compete, with wins over the University of New England, Nichols, Southwestern, and Eastern Connecticut State, but now find themselves needing a bounce-back performance to stay in the mix early in conference play.

Offensively, UMass Boston is led by a strong group in Matt Hutchings (30 pts), Jack Schartner (26 pts), and Tyler Hilgert (24 pts), that gives them consistent production and the ability to score in bunches. Defensively, Holden Kuzniar (25 CTs, 36 GBs, 2 pts) and Hank Alessandro (16 CTs, 31 GBs, 2 pts) have been key disruptors, helping generate turnovers and create extra possessions.

Plymouth State comes in at 4-4 and also looking for its first LEC win after dropping its conference opener to Eastern Connecticut State. The Panthers have picked up wins over Clark, the University of New England, Curry, and Johnson & Wales, and have shown they can compete when they find rhythm.

The offense is led by Colby Walden (24 pts), Aiden Renner (19 pts), and Seamus Tattan (16 pts), while defensively Cameron Leeds (15 CTs, 26 GBs) and Spencer Kennedy (10 CTs, 13 GBs) help anchor the unit. In goal, Ethan Schena (100 saves, 64% SV%) has been a standout and could be a major factor in keeping Plymouth State in this game.

These two met in the 2025 LEC Tournament Semifinal, where UMass Boston pulled out an 11-9 win in a tightly contested, matchup. It was a game that stayed competitive throughout, with UMass Boston making just enough plays down the stretch.

DeeThreeLax Take
Both teams are hungry for their first LEC win, UMass Boston has the offensive depth, but Plymouth State’s goaltending and defensive playmakers could make this a grind. Expect a tight one.

Wheaton (9-2) vs. Salve Regina (6-3)

A strong NEWMAC matchup this weekend as Wheaton looks to stay hot against a Salve Regina team that’s eager to bounce back after a tough stretch.

Wheaton enters at 9-2 and has been one of the more impressive teams in the conference to start the season. With wins over Hartford, Lasell, Roger Williams, University of Saint Joseph’s, Mass Maritime, Eastern Connecticut, Emerson, and Clark, the Lyons have built a strong foundation and continue to show they can win in a variety of ways.

Offensively, Wheaton brings a high-powered, balanced offense led by Theo Stamatel (43 pts), Evan Paturzo (36 pts), and Charlie Goodrich (35 pts), a group that consistently puts pressure on opposing defenses. On the defensive side, Henry Stamatel (21 CTs, 42 GBs, 1 pt) has been a force, while Evan Borchert (132 saves, 63% SV%) has been outstanding in goal and gives Wheaton a major advantage between the pipes.

Salve Regina comes in at 6-3 with wins over Plymouth State, Roger Williams, Maritime, Merchant Marine, Coast Guard, and Curry. The Seahawks have shown they can compete with strong teams but enter this one looking to snap a two-game skid after losses to MIT and Babson.

The offense is led by Daniel Naglieri (42 pts) and Chris Koltzan (37 pts), a dangerous duo that can generate offense quickly. Defensively, Luke Castillo (12 CTs, 21 GBs, 2 pts) and Carson Van Winkle (11 CTs, 20 GBs, 2 pts) will be key pieces as Salve looks to slow down Wheaton’s offense attack.

These two played a thriller in 2025, with Salve Regina pulling out an 11-10 overtime win in a game that went back and forth throughout. It was the kind of matchup where neither team could gain full control, ultimately decided by one play in extra time.

DeeThreeLax Take
This one has all the makings of another tight NEWMAC battle. Wheaton has been the more consistent team to this point and brings a balanced offense along with strong goaltending, but Salve Regina has already proven it can win. If the Seahawks can control tempo, they’re right there, but Wheaton’s depth and current form could give them the edge heading into the weekend.

Rhodes (6-5) vs. Southwestern (4-8)

Headed south for a SAA matchup this weekend as Rhodes looks to climb the conference standings while Southwestern searches for its first SAA win and a spark to turn its season around.

Rhodes enters at 6-5 with wins over Albion, Piedmont, Southern Virginia, Wittenberg, Keene State, and Berry. The Lynx have been solid overall and currently sit at 1-1 in SAA play, making this a key opportunity to build momentum and position themselves near the top of the conference.

Offensively, Rhodes has been pretty explosive thus far in the season, led by Gavin Nagle (55 pts), Griffin Galloway (44 pts), Andrew Murphy (41 pts), and John Mori (30 pts). That depth allows them to keep pressure on defenses from multiple angles and makes them difficult to contain over four quarters. On the defensive end, Aidan Malnati (15 CTs, 53 GBs) has been a standout, while Lucas Pagliarulo (14 CTs, 19 GBs, 7 pts) and Nicholas Wheeldon (11 CTs, 19 GBs)provide additional support. At the faceoff X, Burke Wade (155 FO wins, 64%, 79 GBs) gives Rhodes a strong possession advantage.

Southwestern comes into the matchup at 4-8 after a challenging start to the season, with wins over Dubuque, Illinois Wesleyan, Methodist, and Kalamazoo. The Pirates are still searching for their first SAA win and will be looking at this game as a chance to kickstart a push toward conference tournament contention.

The offense is led by Matthew Houtz (33 pts) and Keaten Cox (32 pts), with Marshall Mohun (20 pts) providing additional scoring support. Defensively, Southwestern has a group that can create disruption, including Sam Stillwell (21 CTs, 41 GBs), Chris Steffek (18 CTs, 26 GBs, 4 pts), and Jake Trailer (15 CTs, 24 GBs, 5 pts). At the faceoff X, Trey Pena (155 FO wins, 65%, 94 GBs) has been a major factor and could play a critical role in keeping this game competitive.

These two met in the 2025 SAA Semifinals, where Rhodes pulled out a 14-11 win in a competitive, back-and-forth game. It was a matchup where Rhodes had just a little more in the tank down the stretch. 

DeeThreeLax Take
Rhodes has the more complete offensive unit and comes in with momentum in conference play, but Southwestern has the pieces to make this uncomfortable, especially with Pena at the faceoff X and multiple defensive playmakers. If Southwestern can control possessions and keep it close early, this could get interesting, but Rhodes’ depth and firepower give them the edge heading into the weekend.

Union (3-9) vs. Ithaca (6-4)

An interesting Liberty League matchup this week that should make for a good game with Union vs. Ithaca.  Both of these teams records do not tell the full story this season and is a game that could end up being much tighter than it looks at first glance.

Union enters at 3-9, but this is a team that has been battle-tested as much as anyone in DeeThreeLax. With wins over Muhlenberg, RPI, and Coast Guard, the Dutchmen have shown flashes of what they’re capable of, and their schedule has been loaded with Top35 competition. So many of their losses have come right on the edge,  five one-goal losses and two two-goal losses. This group is more dangerous then they look. 

Offensively, Union has a strong trio in Walker Popko (43 pts), Garret Salit (35 pts), and Emmet Lyne (25 pts), all capable of creating offensive production. On the defensive side, John Sula (20 CTs, 61 GBs, 6 pts) has been a difference-maker, while Chris Weitzel (14 CTs, 23 GBs, 1 pt) adds another disruptive presence. In goal, Nick Lynch (151 saves, 55% SV%) has faced plenty of volume and continues to give Union a chance to stay in games.

Ithaca comes in at 6-4 and firmly in the conversation as one of the stronger teams in the conference. With wins over Scranton, Nazareth, Widener, Ohio Northern, Brockport, and St. Lawrence, including a dominant performance over St. Lawrence most recently. The Bombers have shown they can compete with high-level opponents.

The offense is balanced and dangerous, led by Tim Rogers (36 pts), Brendan Occhino (33 pts), Will Kleine (26 pts), and Lucas Proctor (21 pts). That depth allows Ithaca to generate offense from multiple spots and makes them tough to defend over the course of a full game. Defensively, Jace Dockx (12 CTs, 14 GBs) anchors the unit, while Liam Alberti (127 FO wins, 72%, 75 GBs) gives Ithaca a major advantage at the faceoff X and helps control possessions.

These two met in the 2025 regular season, where Ithaca came away with a 10-5 win. It was a controlled performance from the Bombers, who were able to dictate pace and limit Union’s offensive opportunities.

DeeThreeLax Take
This is one of those games where you don’t want to get fooled by the records. Union is far more dangerous than 3-9 suggests and has been right there in multiple games against strong teams. That said, Ithaca has more consistency and a major advantage at the faceoff X. if Union can play their game and stay close with Itaca down the stretch this one could get interesting but Ithaca’s comes into Saturdays match up as the favorite. Nonetheless expect a good game with this one.