With Division 2 pool play winding down, let’s shift gears to the Division 3 AAU Nationals. The games begin March 21st, and nearly every matchup has our interest piqued, but these two stand out amongst the rest:

Pool B – Columbia University Lions vs Rutgers Scarlet Knights

The two-seed Columbia University, led by Brandon Avezov, who leads all divisions in scoring with 111 points, will face off against Rutgers University. This will be the second matchup of the year, with Columbia University winning a narrow 7-6 game. 

Avezov contributed to every goal in the matchup with a seven-point outing. Gavin Rieger leads the way for Rutgers as they look to take down their conference rival and advance to the semifinals.

The top two Empire teams in the AAU rankings will do battle on the last day of pool play, just like the next game we’re highlighting.

Pool C – S. Carolina Gamecocks vs Coastal Carolina Chanticleers

The College Hockey South conference champion South Carolina Gamecocks will take on an inter-state rival, the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers. How often do you get a proper cock fight on ice? Not very often! The Gamecocks and Chanticleers will peck at one another to see which rooster mascot is superior in the Pool C finale. 

 The Gamecocks are looking to build on their undefeated season, which is 18-0-1 heading into the AAU National Tournament. Coastal Carolina will have their work cut out for them against the CHS D3 Champions, with bragging rights and potentially Pool C on the line.

– Danny Baum, AAU College Hockey Head Editor