Mail bag…

First off, let me say that I was really impressed with the response I got from my first Blog post. And even more impressive is that what was written didn’t turn into a message-board-like flame fest. That said, I wanted to take the opportunity to respond to a couple the comments that were left by readers. … Read more

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The good, the bad and the who knows what?

The title basically says it all. When USCHO.com asked me to write a blog for them this year, I figured it was a nice opportunity to throw away the deadlines and topics that have buried me for years and take the chance to do what I’ve wanted to for a long time now: screw around. … Read more

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Boyle Stars As Eagles Overpower Huskies In HEA Opener

In mid-July, Boston College fans were able to breathe a collective sigh of relief knowing that offensive powerhouse Brian Boyle would be returning for his senior year on the Heights. In Tuesday’s night’s season opener, those same fans got to witness the fruits of his return. With two goals and two assists, including a backbreaking … Read more

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Phil Kessel: Something To Prove?

Phil Kessel was indisputable college hockey’s hottest incoming commodity a year ago. Saturday, the Minnesota sophomore-to-be saw his stock drop a bit, Jim Connelly reports.

Eight Collegians, Record Ten Americans Go In NHL First Round

Former U.S. National Team Development Program and current Minnesota freshman-to-be Erik Johnson was the number-one selection in Saturday’s NHL Entry Draft, marking the first time since Rick DiPietro in 2000 that a player with college ties was the top player taken. Johnson’s march to the draft stage began a parade of players with college connections … Read more

Shaking The Foundation

As the cream of the crop of young hockey talent strides to the podium Saturday, Jim Connelly says you can credit an American flavor partly to the growth of the U.S. National Team Development Program.

Mock Draft: The Top Ten

Bets, anyone? With the 2006 NHL draft looming, Jim Connelly takes a crack at picking this season’s top 10 selections.

History In The Making?

Players with college ties could take the top three slots in this weekend’s NHL Draft — and Jim Connelly finds that there’s plenty more where that came from.

Eagles, Badgers Knotted Up Through Two Periods

A second-period goal by Wisconsin’s Robbie Earl was the only tally of the frame, just enough to draw the Badgers even, 1-1, with Boston College after two periods of the 2006 NCAA championship game at the Bradley Center. Earl’s goal came in the opening minutes of the second period, after which both teams had their … Read more

Gilbert Nets Winner To Give Wisconsin NCAA Title No. 6

A risk-taking defenseman, an opportunistic forward, and 17,000-plus screaming fans clad in Badger red and white all spelled the formula for bringing the national championship back to Wisconsin. Courtesy of a power-play goal with 9:32 remaining from the stick of defenseman Tom Gilbert, the Wisconsin Badgers captured their first national championship since 1990 and the … Read more

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The Survivors

The Boston College Eagles, just four weeks ago, were talking more about bubbles than rings. After a near-deadly skid that ended the regular season, BC knew not only did it need to advance to the Hockey East final four, but in doing so needed to sweep its best two-of-three quarterfinal series with Vermont in order … Read more

Collins Hat Trick Has Eagles One Period From Title Game

Thanks to a hat trick from senior Chris Collins and a pair of tallies from rookie defensemen, Boston College holds a 5-2 lead over North Dakota through two periods of play in the opening semifinal of the 2006 Frozen Four. Boston College pulled in front, 3-0, in the opening period despite being outshot, 12-5, in … Read more

Second Wind: Wisconsin Ahead Of Maine After Two

Two second period goals, one coming on the power play and one on the shorthand, currently stand as the difference as Wisconsin leads Maine, 3-1, through 40 minutes of play in Thursday’s second semifinal of the 2006 Frozen Four. The opening period saw each team feel one another out for most of the frame, with … Read more

Home Bodies: Badgers Reach Title Game With Win Over Maine

Any victory in a Frozen Four is something special, but Wisconsin’s 5-2 win over Maine in the second semifinal of the 2006 Frozen Four might just be extra-special. In a battle of special teams, Wisconsin scored both with the man-advantage and on the shorthand and killed all seven of Maine’s power plays to advance to … Read more

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Collins Nets Hat Trick, BC Holds Off UND Comeback

Call it crazy, call it unexpected. For Boston College, it’s a win. In an unexpected offensive outburst by both clubs, Boston College outlasted North Dakota, 6-5, in the opening semifinal of the 2006 Frozen Four to advance to the NCAA title game for the seventh time in school history and fourth time in nine years. … Read more

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Semifinal Notebook: Wisconsin

It’s typical that the day before the Frozen Four starts, most of the players and coaches are still pretty loose, pretty relaxed, having a lot of fun. Mike Eaves oversees the Badgers’ Wednesday skate at the Bradley Center (photo: Melissa Wade). According to Wisconsin captain Adam Burish, that enjoyment is something that was part of … Read more

Semifinal Notebook: Maine

No one in the Maine camp is unaware of the task that lies ahead as the Black Bears face off against Wisconsin on what will feel like enemy ice. Maine, though, is no stranger to playing big games as a “road” team on allegedly “neutral” ice. In fact, this is the fifth year in a … Read more