· Alabama-Huntsville defenseman Davide Nicoletti and forward Vince Bruni are expected to be available for this weekend’s series against Robert Morris. Nicoletti hasn’t played a game all season after missing just three all of last year and Bruni’s last appearance was Nov. 22.

· Niagara newcomer Ryan Craig, who joined the team during the holiday break, played left wing on the fourth line in game two of the Sacred Heart series last weekend.

· Bemidji State is the only team in the conference yet to score a shorthanded goal this season. Connecticut is the only other D-I team without a shortie.

· Robert Morris and Niagara are among the ten least-penalized teams in Division I this season.

· Speaking of Robert Morris, the Colonials display a nice Christmas card on their Facebook page with the team gathered around the net — wish they sent one to me …

· One week until the NCAA Convention in Washington, D.C., where the Western Collegiate Hockey Association is scheduled to vote on lifting its expansion moratorium. The WCHA meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 15 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.