Feature stories
A Very Popular Guy When John H. McConnell, majority owner of the host Columbus Blue Jackets, addressed the crowd remotely via the big screen in Nationwide Arena, the crowd responded in an unusual manner for Draft-goers: they gave McConnell a prolonged standing ovation. McConnell, a native of West Virginia who built his fortune in the … Read more
Though college hockey seems to present a more and more attractive route to the NHL, not everyone takes that path — even when legendary coach Scotty Bowman says so. Paula C. Weston reports.
Within the next day or so, the lives of a number of young men will change significantly. Sure, the NHL Entry Draft sees nearly 200 players become “property” of one of the 30 NHL clubs, but the truth is that most of those players still have plenty to prove before they’ll skate in the show. … Read more
It’s no doubt that draft week is a fun time for any of the top prospects. But for Ryan McDonagh, who was named Mr. Hockey in Minnesota as the state’s top player this season, his draft week was extra special. Last Friday, McDonagh’s Cretin-Derham Hall high school varsity baseball team captured the Minnesota Class 3A … Read more
Prime time. The Big Show. With the NHL moving the Entry Draft’s opening round to Friday night, giving national television in both Canada and the U.S. a chance to showcase this annual event in their evening schedules, look for plenty of glitz and glamour. Here, then, is a look what the NHL’s Central Scouting Bureau … Read more
James vanRiemsdyk and Kyle Turris lead the crop of college talent at this year’s NHL Entry Draft. Jim Connelly previews the league’s annual showcase of young players.
With the Stanley Cup playoffs in full swing, the spotlight is shining on the ever-increasing college presence in the pro game. Vince McConeghy catalogues the waxing influence of collegians new and old.
From the disappointment of a lost postseason in his freshman year to being named co-captain as a senior, four years at Wesleyan are a fitting capstone to Ryan’s career. And as Dave Hendrickson relates, all good things must eventually come to an end.
Back in East Lansing, the Michigan State Spartans finished off their championship season to well-deserved applause. Sean Caruthers recaps the Spartans’ road to victory and its aftermath.
With college beckoning, the Hendricksons work through the options, focusing on academics and hockey. Dave Hendrickson tells how Ryan ended up at Wesleyan.
Jeff Lerg may only be 5-foot-6 on a good day, but all tournament long he has towered over his opponents. Lerg’s play was paramount in MSU’s national championship run, but what has gone overlooked is the type of quality opponent he has beaten in net to take his team to the title. Dating back to … Read more
Goaltending and special teams — the two factors that decide playoff games. It’s a cliché that gets trotted out this time of year and gets overused almost to the point of invisibility. But it didn’t become a cliché by accident. As evidenced by the national championship game between Boston College and Michigan State, goaltending and … Read more
For Boston College, the national championship game ended in heartbreak once again. Ed Trefzger recounts the Eagles’ disappointment.
With the Spartans’ national championship, head coach Rick Comley’s tenure at Michigan State has been vindicated, with Comley joining some select company in the process. Ed Trefzger reports.
Justin Abdelkader started the season as one kind of player. He ended it by winning the NCAA championship for Michigan State with his late goal. Todd Milewski looks at the Most Outstanding Player of the Frozen Four.
Michigan State kept it loose all throughout the NCAA tournament, and it paid off for the Spartans. Paula C. Weston examines MSU’s X-factor.
Jeff Lerg has been told that he couldn’t do it. Yet he has, and he’s now a national champion. Lerg sent a message to the college hockey world with his play in this tournament, Chris Lerch says.
The simple fact of penalty killing is that even when you’re at your best, a good effort can beat you. North Dakota players knew what was coming Thursday night and executed accordingly, they said. Still, Boston College scored three times with the man advantage and ended the Sioux’s season. “That’s how special teams is sometimes,” … Read more
So, you’re playing for a national championship for the first time in 20 years, and the eyes of the college hockey world are on you, and you’re the first team from your league to make it this far since 1998. What are you going to do? If you’re the Michigan State Spartans, you’re going to … Read more
Boston College has plenty of talent on the offensive side, but don’t overlook the D-corps. Dave Starman profiles the Eagles’ blueliners.