Columns, excluding “This Week” columns
Two-time U.S. Olympian and current Women’s National Team member Angela Ruggiero will become the first female skater ever to play in a Central Hockey League game on Friday, Jan. 28, when she suits up for the Tulsa Oilers in their game against the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees. Ruggiero will play in front of her … Read more
Hockey East commissioner Joe Bertagna, a regular USCHO guest columnist, checks in with his thoughts on obstruction and its ties to homeland security.
Middlebury’s three losses in the NESCAC have left that league wide open. Chris Lerch looks at the dark horses in all eight D-III conferences.
I spend a lot of time in traffic. These are some of the things I think about to keep from wasting time on the phone: • I know it’s a couple of weeks away (Feb. 4-5), but keep that series between the Badgers and Gophers circled on your schedule. For a change, this second half … Read more
Chris Lerch eats some crow as the ECAC West, called last week the best league in D-III by our intrepid national columnist, goes 1-7 vs. the SUNYAC.
Controversy has struck Laker hockey once again, as three players, junior Mark Adamek, sophomore Barnabas Birkeland, and freshman John Nogatch, were kicked off the team for “violating team policy,” according to Director of Athletics Bill Crawford. Crawford declined to further discuss the situation, saying on his Rock 101 radio pre-game show last Friday, “That’s all … Read more
Bethel took a trip to Russia, but more than hockey was on the agenda. Plus, Chris Lerch maintains that the West — the ECAC West — is best.
A look at the World Juniors and the play of goalie Al Montoya, and what BU’s new rink means for all of college hockey.
What to make of the Canisius situation, and contrasting it to Harvard’s great run.
This week, a look at a great rivalry in Maine, RIT’s transition to D-I and why it’s a good thing for the Tigers, and a ranking of the holiday tournaments. Plus, a farewell to a friend.
This week, some kudos to some coaches who have turned around or started programs which are now successful. Plus, are they easing up on the points of emphasis?
Power Supply The NCAA’s Points of Emphasis (POE) have meant more penalties, and, as a result, more power plays. Special teams are more important than ever in college hockey. After some serious number crunching, I’ve uncovered the following: • Penalties are up, but you knew that. As of last Sunday, there were a total of … Read more
Penalties are up, power play percentage is down, and some teams really are shorthanded. And Chris Lerch takes a look at Strength of Schedule.
Power Supply The NCAA’s Points of Emphasis (POE) have meant more penalties, and, as a result, more power plays. Special teams are more important than ever in college hockey. After some serious number crunching, I’ve uncovered the following: • Penalties are up, but you knew that. As of last Sunday, there were a total of … Read more
You’re not imagining things: penalties are up this year, and we can prove it. Plus, in a nod to perfect symmetry, the SUNYAC reaches its midpoint at the semester break. And kudos to two more coaching milestones.
When is a tournament not a tournament? Chris Lerch explains. Plus, a look at the MIAC-NCHA crossover, past and future, and picks of the week.
Thanksgiving was tournament time, and the best of the tourneys ended in a shootout. A couple of preseason top 15 teams are on hard times, and another coach is close to the 400 mark and could get there this weekend.
Glen Andresen checks in with his first article, wrapping up the early-signing period with an analysis of which teams made out the best.
A D-III coach hits a big milestone, and a couple of others aren’t far behind. Plus, a look a inter-conference records and a big weekend for shutouts.
The unwritten rules of polls are explained. Plus Chris looks at Trinity goalie Doug Kiselius, and explains why hockey has it better than soccer, at least in the NCAA. And the picks of the week, including the return of guest picker Artie Burkhart.