Columns, excluding “This Week” columns
Last week, I covered teams six through ten in my pre-season rankings. This week, I list my preseason top five and reveal the team with the best shot to take home the NCAA title. 5. Manhattanville Valiants In back-to-back seasons, the Valiants’ NCAA runs have ended with one-goal quarterfinal losses in Middlebury, Vt. This season, … Read more
She kept them waiting practically until the last minute but finally in early June, the phone call came to the coach. “Coach, I’ve made my decision ….” were the words, like those of so many prized recruits, that began the conversation. Within a minute or two, Mercyhurst coach Mike Sisti heard what he had been … Read more
Wisconsin coach Mark Johnson knew his defending national championship team meant business when his players returned from summer break in good shape. “That tells me they didn’t spend the summer celebrating their national championship,” he said. “I don’t see any complacency because of last year. I see a group that’s competitive and working hard, and … Read more
As we wait for the puck to be dropped on the 2006-2007 Division III women’s ice hockey season, there are many questions to be answered. Will Middlebury continue its dominance and capture its fourth straight NCAA Championship? Is this the year a team from the West rises up and snatches the championship from the East? … Read more
Brian McCloskey has finally got it his own way. In his fifth year at the helm of the New Hampshire women’s hockey program, his first recruiting class is now the team’s senior core. Since he left his post as men’s assistant coach to inherit a struggling program, his tenure has been marked by a steady … Read more
One was a surprise, the other expected to be there, but now the question facing both the Minnesota and St. Lawrence hockey programs is can they get back to the Frozen Four again. Both teams have been among the sport’s elite since the first NCAA-sponsored national championship in 2001. The Saints have made four of … Read more
In a year when many elite players jumped early to the pros, Jack Johnson — Michigan’s immensely talented but sometimes controversial defenseman — has said no. Dave Starman sees nothing but good in his choice.
Bets, anyone? With the 2006 NHL draft looming, Jim Connelly takes a crack at picking this season’s top 10 selections.
Craig Stancher has been named the recipient of the eighth annual Brian Fishman Internship, given annually to an outstanding college graduate who is pursuing a career in athletic media relations. Stancher, a recent graduate of Michigan Tech University, begins his duties with USA Hockey on June 26. Named in honor of the late Brian Fishman, … Read more
Dave Starman finds the new NHL landscape loaded with college talent like Edmonton’s Fernando Pisani and Carolina’s Rod Brind’Amour.
Seven seasons after its formation, the lights are dimming for College Hockey America. Scott Brown examines the reasons for the CHA’s plight, and the enormous potential consequences.
With Rensselaer and Yale filling coaching vacancies, Dave Starman weighs in with his take. Also: could NHL jobs be in the offing for the college game’s best?
Wisconsin’s dual titles give America’s Dairyland a claim to be the nation’s new “State of Hockey,” Dave Starman says, while scratching his head at criticism of Maine head coach Tim Whitehead.
This marks USCHO’s tenth year at Frozen Fours, beginning in Milwaukee and coming back full circle. Since yours truly has been part of all of them, here are some favorite memories with a few notable downers mixed in. Bear in mind that it comes from a point of view in which the other five leagues … Read more
The command from Boston College coach Jerry York echoed throughout the building Friday morning: “Slow down.” A trio of Eagle forwards had just completed a classic rush down the ice. They were celebrating their finesse in the corner when York blew the drill dead. “Save your energy for Saturday night.” The off day at the … Read more
Wisconsin’s instant-classic win over Cornell was the culmination of a long road for the Badgers — and for Nicholas Jon Wood.
The Bradley Center is a long way from the red carpet. Joan Rivers might faint attempting to comment on the apparel of the Milwaukee faithful. Imagine it, “This Badgers fan is in some fabulous vintage Levi’s. 1957 was a great year for denim.” Still, the Frozen Four is a chance for people to don their … Read more
In his wrapup of the D-II/III season, Chris Lerch shares his thoughts on the 2006 championship, his All-USCHO ballot, and his opinions about predetermined sites for the NCAA tournament.
Dave Hakstol had a tough act to follow at North Dakota, but Patrick C. Miller says the second-year head coach has succeeded.
College hockey’s legions descend upon Milwaukee this week for the Frozen Four. Not a moment too soon, Mike Volonnino has some suggestions on how to make the most of it.