This Week in Big Ten Hockey: Ohio State full of optimism as ’24-25 season arrives; Buckeyes ‘excited to go out there and prove to people we belong’

Ohio State was picked seventh – last – in the Big Ten preseason coaches’ poll. Buckeyes coach Steve Rohlik has an idea or two about that. “Everybody’s got to put somebody somewhere,” said Rohlik, now in his 12th season behind the Ohio State bench. “I’ve never really paid attention to it since forever. What they … Read more

Big Ten 2024-25 Men’s Hockey Season Preview: Parity across conference should again yield intense competition as teams’ talent levels continue to improve

Fans of Big Ten hockey had good reason to think that 2023-24 would be something of a fairy tale season for at least one B1G team. For the second consecutive year, the Big Ten led all Division I conferences in nonleague play, tallying a .731 interconference win percentage, up a few points from the season … Read more

College Hockey Inc. hires former Colgate staffer Meriney as new director of men’s hockey athlete relations

College Hockey Inc. has announced that Chris Meriney has been named its director of men’s hockey athlete relations. He will officially begin his duties Oct. 1. Meriney will fill the position previously held by Sean Hogan, who was promoted to executive director in August. “Chris was impressive from our first conversations with him and throughout … Read more

Michigan State sits atop 2024-25 Big Ten Hockey preseason coaches poll; 12 players comprise preseason all-conference teams

Defending regular-season champion Michigan State is favored to win the 2024-25 Big Ten championship, according to the Big Ten Hockey coaches preseason poll released on Friday. Preseason all-Big Ten teams were also selected in voting conducted by conference head coaches. 2024-25 BIG TEN PRESEASON POLL 1. Michigan State 2. Minnesota 3. Michigan 4. Wisconsin 5. … Read more

After NHL rights traded to Pittsburgh from Winnipeg, McGroarty leaves Michigan following sophomore season, signs contract with Penguins

After two seasons playing for Michigan, forward Rutger McGroarty has signed an entry-level contract with the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins, forgoing his last two seasons of NCAA eligibility. The Penguins acquired McGroarty’s rights on Aug. 22 from the Winnipeg Jets in exchange for forward Brayden Yager. “We had a difficult decision to make with this trade … Read more

The Frozen Confines: Big Ten Hockey Series to feature outdoor weekend at Chicago’s Wrigley Field Jan. 3-4, 2025

The Big Ten and Chicago Cubs announced Thursday plans to host a pair of college hockey doubleheaders at Wrigley Field in Jan. 2025. The event will be known as The Frozen Confines: Big Ten Hockey Series. The Frozen Confines will feature three Big Ten men’s hockey games, plus a WCHA women’s game, the weekend of … Read more

Army, Penn State men’s hockey teams slated to play in Capital Hockey Classic event in Washington D.C. in Dec. 2024

Monumental Sports & Entertainment announced Wednesday that the inaugural Capital Hockey Classic – a college hockey double header at Capital One Arena – will debut this winter. Taking place on Thursday, Dec. 12, the first game of the event will feature a contest between Army and Navy’s club hockey teams, followed by a matchup between … Read more

Michigan State blueliner Levshunov inks NHL deal with Blackhawks, finished with Spartans after one season

The NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks announced Saturday that the team has agreed to terms with Michigan State defenseman Artyom Levshunov on a three-year, entry-level contract that runs through the 2026-27 season. The Blackhawks selected Levshunov, who forgoes his remaining NCAA eligibility, with the second overall pick at the 2024 NHL Draft. “Signing Artyom gives us the opportunity … Read more

Notre Dame announces ’24-25 season will be Jackson’s last behind bench; current assistant, former Irish player Sheahan to take over with ’25-26 season

A pioneer in the world of amateur hockey and a mainstay behind the Irish bench for nearly two decades, Notre Dame coach Jeff Jackson has announced his plans to step down at the conclusion of the 2024-25 season. Current Notre Dame associate head coach and former Irish player Brock Sheahan will succeed Jackson as the … Read more

After sophomore season at Michigan, Wolverines blueliner Casey signs NHL contract with New Jersey

The NHL’s New Jersey Devils announced Monday that the team has signed Michigan sophomore defenseman Seamus Casey to a three-year, entry-level contract, with Casey giving up his remaining eligibility in signing the deal. Casey completed his second season at Michigan and recorded 45 points (seven goals, 38 assists) in 39 games with the Wolverines. He … Read more

Michigan State, Michigan Tech, Northern Michigan, Western Michigan make up Great Lakes Invitational field for 2024 event in Grand Rapids, Mich.

The 58th annual Great Lakes Invitational will take place on Dec. 29-30, 2024 at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Mich., and there will be four Michigan-based schools for the 18th time in tournament history. Michigan Tech and Western Michigan will meet in the first semifinal on Dec. 29 at 3:30 p.m. followed by Michigan … Read more

Muckalt feels ‘instant connection’ as former Michigan hockey player, coach takes over as new bench boss at Lindenwood

Lindenwood has named Bill Muckalt the next head coach of the men’s hockey program. Muckalt replaces Rick Zombo, who was not retained after the 2023-24 season. “I am extremely honored and excited to be the next head coach at Lindenwood University,” said Muckalt. “I want to thank Dr. Porter, vice president for intercollegiate athletics Jason … Read more

Michigan top scorer Brindley leaves Wolverines after sophomore campaign, inks NHL contract with Blue Jackets

The NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets have signed Michigan sophomore forward Gavin Brindley to a three-year, entry-level contract beginning with the 2023-24 season. Brindley was selected by Columbus in the second round (34th overall) at the 2023 NHL Draft. He is expected to make his NHL debut on Tuesday night when the Blue Jackets host the … Read more