Columns, excluding “This Week” columns
Crossing the Pond Over the last couple of years, Manhattanville’s roster has taken on a very international flavor. It has been the norm for years to see NCAA college hockey rosters loaded with hometowns in Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, or British Columbia. But the Valiants have extended the recruiting path even farther and now count almost … Read more
The debate is renewed as Jim Connelly and Scott Brown break down the top teams, discuss Hockey East’s early success and mention a few squads that might be looking for re-dos already.
Early Indicators? In the past, my preview column was due after the SUNYAC Challenge was played. One would think it would be an advantage to see some of the teams play before making my predictions. However, the results of the SUNYAC Challenge were many times misleading, and relying on those games caused my predictions to … Read more
The NCAA Division III women’s hockey season is just about to commence and this year, two more teams will be playing their first NCAA affiliated varsity seasons. With the additions of Nichols College to the ECAC East and SUNY Potsdam to the ECAC West, there are now a total of 47 teams playing D-III hockey. … Read more
Every game counts, but some games have extra significance — and there are a few of those this weekend around the nation, as Dave Starman points out.
No cold stares across the corn flakes. No deadly silences on the commute home. None of the trap doors that married couples who work together can fall through. And they are there (you could have asked Ricky and Lucy). None of that has befallen the husband and wife coaching tandem of Matt and Shannon Desrochers. … Read more
Two weeks into the season, there’s already plenty to talk about — both on the ice and off. Jim Connelly and Scott Brown discuss the latest from around the nation.
Handicapping the Field Four leagues, four pathways to one goal. Namely the Women’s Frozen Four, set for next April at Boston University. While two of the leagues can reliably count on an at-large bid or two to get teams into the eight-team NCAA tourney field, the surest route remains winning the league title. And while … Read more
Stability in the coaching ranks. For the first time in four years, all the coaches return. However, that doesn’t mean there is going to be stability everywhere else. This is college sports, and changes are a matter of course. Players only stay around for four years, at the most, and coaches are constantly looking for … Read more
With Michigan defenseman Steve Kampfer seriously injured in an assault, Dave Starman considers the experience of Boston University’s Kevin Schaeffer, like Kampfer the victim of a senseless attack.
When you’re a college player about to be drafted, the first thought that comes to mind is committing to the college’s “party line.†“My first commitment is to (school of choice). I have every intention of returning there in the fall with the hopes of winning a national championship.†It’s rote. It’s what every kid … Read more
At one time, there was a popular ad campaign that touted the state of Massachusetts using the slogan, “Make it in Massachusetts.” For a while, you might actually have thought that slogan referenced a successful path to the NHL with the likes of Tony Amonte, Keith Thachuk, Jeremy Roenick and Chris Drury all either growing … Read more
If you’re a top 10 pick in the NHL Entry Draft, there’s a pretty good chance you’ll be playing in the “show” someday. Make it into the top five and there’s money abound. And if you’re lucky to get picked number one overall, you’re name will forever be associated with your draft year. The top … Read more
It was a heroes’ welcome in Chestnut Hill on Monday night as the 2007-08 Boston College Eagles addressed their fans for the first time as national champions. The event, held on the Kelley Rink ice, was attended by thousands of Eagles faithful and capped off a whirlwind 48 hours that included BC’s victory over Notre … Read more
Game day, almost game time. 60 minutes from a national title. The key to today is routine, focus, and demeanor. In coaching there is the philosophy every game as big as the last one and the next one. Today is the last one but needs to be approached by the staffs and players in the … Read more
With the culmination of the 2007-08 season upon us, Jim Connelly and Scott Brown review the regionals and make predictions for the Frozen Four and the Hobey Baker.
With the announcement of the Hobey Baker winner just two weeks off, Dave Starman takes a deep dive into each finalist’s performance this season.
Starting with a fascinating Boston College-Minnesota matchup in Worcester, Dave Starman breaks down the X’s and O’s of this weekend’s regionals.
Perhaps more than ever, freshmen are playing key roles on this year’s crop of NCAA tournament teams. Dave Starman highlights a few good (young) men.
With the NCAA regionals barreling toward us, Jim Connelly and Scott Brown take a few minutes to evaluate the bracket and project the Frozen Four — along with a look at the Hobey Baker race.