John Doyle

John Doyle has covered Hockey East for USCHO since 2021. A sports writer since 2004, he hosts the podcast "Sports Writers Inc."

This Week in Hockey East: Conference play heating up as Providence, Northeastern clash this weekend; UMass-UMass Lowell series also on docket

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A lot has gone right for the men’s hockey programs at Providence and Northeastern in the last month. No. 13 Providence (12-5-0, 6-3-0 Hockey East) has won six straight games and 16th-ranked Northeastern (11-4-1, 5-3-1) ran through the November portion of its schedule without a regulation loss. Something has to give this weekend as the … Read more

This Week in Hockey East: Commissioner Metcalf talks potential expansion, return of Frozen Fenway with USCHO.com

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This Week in Hockey East: Incoming commissioner Metcalf ‘respected by all,’ comes in with ‘a proven national reputation’

A major upheaval is underway in college sports, with a large number of large schools changing conferences in pursuit of more television revenue. Hockey East commissioner Steve Metcalf doesn’t fret that his league will be affected by any aftershocks. “In Hockey East, we’ve been together a long time,” he said. “There’s a lot of familiarity … Read more

This Week in Hockey East: Conference coaches express mixed feelings on 3-on-3 overtime, shootout format

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With about one-third of the regular season in the books, Hockey East teams have played seven overtime games. Two of those contests — both of which occurred last weekend — remained tied after five minutes of 3-on-3 overtime, requiring a shootout (Massachusetts won at Boston University on Friday, while Vermont beat New Hampshire the following … Read more

This Week in Hockey East: UMass Lowell looking to make some noise this weekend vs. Northeastern, Boston College

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A quirk in the Hockey East schedule will bring two teams to Lowell, Mass., this weekend, and with it, a chance for the 20th ranked UMass Lowell men’s hockey team to inch its way further up the USCHO.com poll. The River Hawks (4-1-2, 2-0-0 Hockey East) host No. 17 Northeastern (7-3-0, 4-2-0) visits the Tsongas … Read more

This Week in Hockey East: UConn wraps up seven-game road grind with weekend series at Maine

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A stretch of seven consecutive games played on enemy ice would be a challenge for any team, but goalie Darion Hanson of the Connecticut men’s hockey team chooses to focus on the positive. Long bus rides together and hanging out in the hotel with teammates have been valuable bonding experiences for him and his teammates, … Read more

This Week in Hockey East: Constant improvement mantra guides Vermont into upcoming series vs. Boston College

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Vermont’s record (0-4-0) indicates a struggling men’s hockey team. The game scores tell a different story — one of a club that has been competitive in every game. Scan the Catamounts’ schedule so far and one will find a pair of one-goal losses and, perhaps more importantly, no blowouts or embarrassments. The mentality of constant … Read more

This Week in Hockey East: Internal goalie competition can only help Merrimack, according to Borek

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Don’t call it a goalie controversy. Because Merrimack coach Scott Borek doesn’t see it that way. With sophomore Zachary Borgiel and freshman Hugo Ollas sharing time between the pipes so far this season for the Warriors (2-2-0, 0-1-0 Hockey East), Borek said competition at the position can only be a positive for his club. “I … Read more

Hockey East 2021-22 Season Preview: UMass seeks to repeat as conference, national champs, but road back won’t be easy

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The only thing that will keep Hockey East fans on the edge of their seats this season will be the action on the ice. At least that’s the hope of commissioner Steve Metcalf and the league’s 11 coaches. That fans will even be in the building after a year playing in empty arenas has generated … Read more