6 games to check out for Wednesday 4.8.26

Dickinson (9-2) vs. Gettysburg (6-3)

One of the top matchups on the Wednesday slate, Dickinson vs. Gettysburg has all the makings of a classic Centennial Conference battle, and very well could be a preview of what we see later in the postseason.

Dickinson enters at 9-2 and has been a strong team in the mix of the top 10 all season. The Red Devils have built their success on a balanced offense and a physical, disruptive defense that can take over games.

Offensively, Dickinson is led by Ramsey Huggins (31 pts), Preston Boyd (29 pts), and Landen Hyatt (25 pts),  a trio that gives them consistent production and the ability to score in different ways. On the defensive side, Hayden Warren (20 CTs, 29 GBs, 4 pts) and Ethan Ferrant (19 CTs, 24 GBs, 4 pts) anchor a unit that thrives on creating turnovers and limiting quality opportunities.

Gettysburg comes in at 6-3 and, as always, looks like a dangerous team capable of making a deep run. The Bullets have a strong mix of offensive firepower and physical defensive play, and they tend to rise to the occasion in big conference matchups like this.

The offense is led by Jackson Hearn (30 pts), Jackson Barroll (23 pts), Charlie Johnson (22 pts), and Ethan Kessler (22 pts), a well-balanced group that can keep pressure on defenses across all four quarters. Defensively, Brian Delduchetto (11 CTs, 11 GBs) helps set the tone, while Jacob Goldstein (105-179 FO, 59%) gives Gettysburg a solid option at the faceoff X.

These two met in the 2025 Centennial Conference Championship, where Dickinson pulled out a 13-11 win in a tightly contested, high-level championship game. It was a back-and-forth battle between two elite teams, with Dickinson making just enough plays late to secure the title.

DeeThreeLax Take
This is one of the best games of the day, no question. Two top teams, plenty of talent on both sides. Dickinson has been the more consistent team this season, but Gettysburg has the pieces to make this a grind. If this turns into another tight fourth-quarter game, it’ll come down to execution, and who can play their game and control the tempo. 

Alvernia (7-3) vs. Hood (5-4)

A solid MAC Commonwealth matchup here as Alvernia and Hood square off, with both teams looking to make a push up the conference standings and grab a key midweek win.

Alvernia enters at 7-3 and has put together a strong season to this point, showing the ability to score at a high level while also creating plenty of disruption on the defensive end. The Golden Wolves have built momentum and will look to continue that against a familiar conference opponent.

Offensively, Alvernia is led by James Sparacio (54 pts), who has been one of the top producers on this slate, along with Ethan McManus (33 pts) and Charles Oberman (29 pts). This group gives them a dangerous, multi-layered attack that can put pressure on defenses throughout the game. Defensively, Alvernia brings a very active unit led by Wesley Clemison (28 CTs, 56 GBs, 1 pt), Christian Wright (21 CTs, 54 GBs, 2 pts), and Jackson Schools (21 CTs, 22 GBs, 1 pt). These guys thrive on creating turnovers and winning ground balls.

Hood comes into the matchup at 5-4 and has shown it can compete this season, picking up solid wins while continuing to build momentum. The Blazers may not have the same offensive volume as Alvernia, but they’ve proven they can stay in games and stay competitive.

The offense is led by JT Harich (21 pts), Deegan Workman (18 pts), and Isiac Nafziger (15 pts), while defensively Nino Rizzolino (10 CTs, 19 GBs, 4 pts) and Brennan McKeown (8 CTs, 18 GBs) help anchor a unit that looks to slow things down and limit opportunities.

These teams met in the 2025 MAC Commonwealth regular season, where Hood pulled out an 8-6 win in a low-scoring, defensive battle. It was the kind of game where possessions were limited and execution made the difference.

DeeThreeLax Take
Alvernia comes in with the better record and higher overall statistical production, but Hood comes in knowing they can win this match up if they control tempo and keep it tight. If Alvernia can get into a rhythm offensively, they’ll be tough to stop, but if Hood slows the game down, this could turn into another close, low-scoring battle late.

Catholic (8-4) vs. Elizabethtown (4-8)

A classic Landmark Conference matchup here as Catholic and Elizabethtown square off in a game that always seems to carry extra weight. These two programs know each other extremely well and have a history of battling for conference positioning and often, a shot at a Landmark title appearance later in the season. 

Catholic enters at 8-4 and has put together a strong season to this point, showing the ability to win in a variety of ways. The Cardinals bring a high-powered offense led by Burke Healy (44 pts), Steven Dezelic (35 pts), and Ryan Carickhoff (30 pts) . These three that can generate offense consistently and put pressure on defenses from multiple spots.

One of Catholic’s biggest advantages comes in the possession game, where they feature two strong options at the faceoff X in Connor Baia (120-168, 71%) and Jack Suchanek (83-123, 68%), allowing them to control tempo and create extra opportunities. Defensively, Jake McGowan (11 CTs, 13 GBs) helps anchor the unit, while Colton Manorek (115 saves, 58% SV%) provides a steady presence in goal.

Elizabethtown comes in at 4-8, but like many Landmark teams, the record doesn’t fully capture how dangerous they can be, especially in conference play. The Blue Jays have the offensive firepower to hang with anyone when things are clicking.

The offense is led by Tristan Coleman (46 pts), one of the more productive players in the conference, along with Reese Levinson (38 pts), Finn Kristan (27 pts), Brent Wehland (27 pts), and Jay Rodriguez (27 pts). That kind of depth gives Elizabethtown the ability to spread the field and create scoring opportunities across multiple lines. On the defensive end, Cole Lovell (12 CTs, 34 GBs) will be a key piece in trying to slow down Catholic’s balanced offense

These two met in the 2025 regular season, where Elizabethtown pulled out an 11-9 win in a tight, physical battle. As expected, it was a game where neither team could create much separation, ultimately coming down to execution late.

DeeThreeLax Take
This is one of those Landmark matchups where records don’t matter as much. Catholic comes in as the more consistent team this season and has a clear edge in the faceoff game, but Elizabethtown has already proven it can win this matchup. Expect a physical, back-and-forth battle, and don’t be surprised if this one comes down to a few possessions late.

Utica (2-7) vs. SUNY Poly (5-5)

A good midweek matchup here as Utica and SUNY Poly go head to head, with both teams looking to grab a quality win and build some momentum heading into the heart of conference play.

Utica enters at 2-7, but like several teams on this slate, the record doesn’t fully capture how competitive they’ve been. The Pioneers have shown flashes throughout the season and will look at this game as a chance to reset and turn things in the right direction.

Offensively, Ryan Considine (33 pts) has been the clear leader and primary scoring threat. Defensively, Utica brings an active group led by Aaron Bergquist (19 CTs, 32 GBs, 1 pt) and Colin Musso (16 CTs, 25 GBs, 1 pt), both capable of creating turnovers and flipping possession. At the faceoff X, Utica has two strong options in Chase Nappi (70-114, 61%)and Cade Bourcy (53-86, 62%), giving them a real opportunity to control the pace of the game.

SUNY Poly comes in at 5-5 and has shown the ability to score a lot, making them a dangerous matchup when their offense is clicking. The Wildcats have been more balanced overall and will look to use that to their advantage.

The offense is powered by Kai Hew (44 pts), along with Ryan Carroll (29 pts), Luke Taylor (26 pts), and Casey Ryan (25 pts),  a group that can generate consistent production and apply pressure from multiple spots. On the defensive side, Ryan Carroll (16 CTs, 23 GBs) and Liam Podszebka (15 CTs, 40 GBs, 4 pts) help anchor a unit that can create disruption and extra possessions.

These two met in the 2025 regular season, where Utica pulled out a 10-9 win in a tight game. It was a matchup that stayed competitive throughout and came down to execution late.

DeeThreeLax Take
This game could easily come down to the final few possessions again. SUNY Poly has the edge in overall record and offensive depth, but Utica has already proven it can win this matchup and brings a strong faceoff unit into play. If Utica can control possession and keep this game tight late they could see themselves in the Win column but if SUNY Poly’s offense gets going early, they could take control.

Western New England (7-5) vs. Hartford (7-3)

A strong midweek conference matchup here as Western New England and Hartford faceoff in what should be an evenly matched game on Wednesday afternoon. 

Western New England enters at 7-5 and has shown throughout the season that it can generate offense at a high level. The Golden Bears have been competitive across the board and bring  balanced scoring into this matchup.

Leading the way is Jacob Roy (47 pts), who has been the focal point of the offense, alongside Logan Proctor (23 pts), Thomas Labbe (22 pts), and Logan Jenkins (21 pts), a group that gives Western New England multiple options and makes them difficult to key on. Defensively, David Noel (29 CTs, 44 GBs, 3 pts) has been a standout, consistently creating turnovers and helping generate extra possessions.

Hartford comes in at 7-3 and ready to continue building momentum against Western New England. Offensive production with strong play in the middle of the field have been an important part of this team. The Hawks have shown they can control tempo and execute in tight games.

Offensively, Michael Novotny (37 pts) and Aidan Ezra (32 pts) lead the charge, while defensively Nick DiDomizio (13 CTs, 12 GBs, 1 pt) and Tobias Ballester (11 CTs, 29 GBs, 3 pts) help anchor the unit. At the faceoff X, Ian Reynolds (89-144, 62%) provides a key advantage and could play a major role in determining possession and pace.

These teams met in the 2025 regular season, with Hartford earning a 13-11 win in a tightly contested game. It was a back-and-forth battle that stayed close throughout, with Hartford making a few key plays late to secure the win.

DeeThreeLax Take
Both teams are evenly matched and have multiple ways to win, but the faceoff battle could be the difference here. If Hartford controls possessions late, they may what it takes,  but if Western New England’s offense finds a rhythm early, this could turn into a shootout.

Ithaca (7-4) vs. RIT

Big matchup going down in the Liberty League on the Wednesday.  Ithaca vs. RIT is a game that always carries weight and one that could be a lot tighter than people expect.

Ithaca enters at 7-4 and continues to look like one of the more well-rounded teams in the conference. The Bombers have been competitive in just about every game they’ve played this season and have shown they can hang with top-level opponents.

Offensively, Ithaca is led by Tim Rogers (28 pts) and Brendan Occhino (25 pts), a duo that has consistently produced and helped keep the Bombers in games. Defensively, Jace Dockx (13 CTs, 14 GBs) has been a key presence, while Liam Alberti (143-196 FO, 73%) gives Ithaca a major advantage at the faceoff X, something that could play a huge role in this matchup if they can control possession.

RIT, as always enters as one of the teams to beat in the Liberty League and has continued to set the standard over the past few seasons. The Tigers bring elite offensive firepower and the ability to overwhelm teams when they get into rhythm.

The offense is led by Erich Acton (55 pts), Ethan Harkins (40 pts), and Ryan Sanders (38 pts),  a trio that can put up points quickly and put constant pressure on opposing defenses. On the defensive end, Joe Holenstein (20 CTs, 28 GBs, 5 pts) has been a difference-maker, helping RIT create turnovers and control the flow of the game.

These teams met twice in 2025, once in the regular season and once in the Liberty League Tournament. RIT controlled both matchups, winning 9-4 in the regular season and 17-6 in the postseason, showing their ability to separate when it matters.

DeeThreeLax Take
RIT has owned this matchup recently, but this feels like a different Ithaca team. The Bombers have been competitive all season and have the pieces, especially at the faceoff X to make this uncomfortable for RIT.  If Ithaca can control possessions and limit RIT’s scoring runs, this could be much tighter than past meetings. Still, until proven otherwise, RIT remains the team to beat.