Matt MackinderThe final rankings for this summer’s NHL draft were released Monday by NHL Central Scouting and many future NCAA players were listed, as well as a handful of current collegiate players. The NHL draft is June 22-23 in Pittsburgh. Current NCAA players Future NCAA players Per a list of college commitments maintained by Chris Heisenberg … Read more
A total of 300 former U.S. college hockey players participated in the 2011-12 NHL regular season, the biggest NCAA representation in history and a 39 percent increase from 10 years ago when 216 ex-collegians played in the NHL. Former college players accounted for 30.5 percent of all players in the NHL this season, also a … Read more
The final USCHO.com Division I Men’s Poll of the 2011-2012 season has national champion Boston College at No. 1 by virtue of receiving all 50 first-place votes. National runner-up Ferris State finishes second, while the other two Frozen Four qualifiers, Union and Minnesota, come in at No. 3 and No. 4, respectively. North Dakota, Minnesota-Duluth, … Read more
According to a report in the Hartford Courant, Hockey East representatives visited the Connecticut campus and hockey facilities Thursday, further adding speculation to the rumors that UConn may be joining the conference down the road. “I did have a conversation,” Gov. Dannel Malloy said during an afternoon news conference at the Capitol. “Clearly, the University … Read more
St. Cloud State junior goaltender Mike Lee has signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Phoenix Coyotes. Lee posted an 8-6-2 record with a 2.23 goals against average and a .930 save percentage in 16 games this season and also served as SCSU’s captain. “Mike had a tremendous career here at St. Cloud State and … Read more
Michigan junior forward Chris Brown has decided to forgo his senior season with the Wolverines and sign an entry-level contract with the Phoenix Coyotes. Brown was selected by the Coyotes in the second round (36th overall) of the 2009 NHL draft. “We are disappointed in Chris’ decision to leave Michigan and not graduate with his … Read more
Northeastern sophomore defenseman Anthony Bitetto has left school and agreed to terms on a two-year entry-level contract with the Nashville Predators. Bitetto led all Huskies’ defensemen in scoring with 15 points this year and as a freshman, he finished seventh among Hockey East defensemen with 20 points, tied for eighth in conference rookie scoring and … Read more
Western Michigan junior defenseman Matt Tennyson will forgo his senior season in Kalamazoo after signing an entry-level contract with the San Jose Sharks on Wednesday. “We are very excited to add a player of Matt’s caliber to our organization,” said San Jose GM Doug Wilson in a statement. “To have Matt become a Shark after … Read more
The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed Minnesota-Duluth sophomore forward J.T. Brown to a two-year contract that runs through the 2012-13 season. “We are pleased to announce J.T.’s signing with the Lightning,” said Tampa Bay GM Steve Yzerman in a statement. “He has all the top characteristics we look for in a player, including high skill … Read more
Twin sisters Allisa and Allison Coomey want Niagara to know that eliminating the program is not a popular decision. Matt Mackinder reports.
The Minnesota Wild has signed Denver sophomore forward Jason Zucker to a three-year entry-level contract. Denver has now lost two underclassmen this week as junior forward Drew Shore signed with the Florida Panthers earlier Tuesday. Zucker, taken by Minnesota in the second round (59th overall) of the 2010 NHL draft, is expected to join the … Read more
Seven coaches have been named finalists for the Spencer Penrose Award, given annually to the NCAA Division I coach of the Year. The nominees represent any coach who won or shared top coach honors in his conference this past season, along with coaches whose teams have advanced to the NCAA tournament semifinals. The winner will … Read more
A recent published report in the New England Hockey Journal suggests Merrimack may soon be on its way to fielding a women’s hockey program that would play in Hockey East. The report states that Hockey East commissioner Joe Bertagna has had discussions with Merrimack and if added, due to its men’s program being in Hockey … Read more
According to a tweet and a report on mlive.com, Western Michigan sophomore defenseman Dan DeKeyser will be back in a Broncos’ uniform for the 2012-13 season. DeKeyser, an NHL free agent, is reportedly on the radar of all 30 NHL teams, including the Detroit Red Wings. “I talked to his representatives over the weekend,” Detroit … Read more
Denver junior forward Drew Shore has signed an entry-level contract with the Florida Panthers, forgoing his senior season with the Pioneers. Florida drafted Shore in the second round (44th overall) of the 2009 NHL draft. Shore, a Denver native, will report to the American Hockey League’s San Antonio Rampage, Florida’s top affiliate, to play out … Read more
The Dallas Stars signed two college underclassmen Monday in Boston University junior forward Alex Chiasson and Miami junior forward Reilly Smith. Both players saw their teams eliminated in last weekend’s regional playoffs. “We’re excited to have Alex join the (AHL’s) Texas Stars for the remainder of their season,” said Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk in a … Read more
Michigan State junior defenseman and captain Torey Krug has signed a professional contract with the defending Stanley Cup champion Boston Bruins. “I couldn’t be happier for Torey,” said MSU coach Tom Anastos in a news release. “He’s had an incredible season, an outstanding career at Michigan State and is ready to take the next step … Read more
Though no official announcement has been made, it appears Lake Superior State junior defenseman Zach Trotman has given up his senior season with the Lakers and has signed an entry-level deal with the Boston Bruins. Boston drafted Trotman with the very last pick (210th overall) of the 2010 NHL draft. Trotman confirmed the signing Saturday … Read more
Niagara sophomore forward Scott Arnold signed an NHL deal with the Phoenix Coyotes on Friday, making him the sixth Purple Eagle to ever sign an NHL contract. “It’s an honor to sign a professional contract,” Arnold said in a news release. “Growing up, I always dreamed of playing in the NHL and now I am … Read more
Bowling Green sophomore forward Mike Fink and junior defenseman Max Grover won’t return to the Falcons next season, according to the Bowling Green Sentinel-Tribune. No reasons are given for their departures, nor is any indication made that the players will transfer. Fink had six goals and nine assists in 62 career games, while Grover had … Read more