There’s a different coach behind the bench. But there’s no change to this fact: Norwich is darn tough on home ice.
The NCAA Division 3 tournament has arrived at its quarterfinal round, and the two remaining teams from the region will face off in Northfield, Vt., on Saturday, when 12th-ranked University of New England plays at No. 4 Norwich (7 p.m.) with a trip to the Frozen Four on the line.
Like it did during the lengthy tenure of Mike McShane (Wakefield, Mass.), Norwich has established a home-ice advantage under first-year coach Cam Ellsworth. In 16 games at Kreitzberg Arena this season, the Cadets (21-4-3) have won 14, lost one and tied one.
“I think at the Division 3 level, it’s the fans that sets us apart,” said Ellsworth recently. “The fans, the alumni, the people that support this program -- I think they’re just phenomenal.”
