Commentary: An attempt to process college hockey’s grand changes
College hockey is living in interesting times, and Paula C. Weston tries to make sense of it all.
Men’s D-I: CCHA (Defunct)
Schools confirm new six-team league; news conference set for Wednesday
The six schools involved in a new conference have confirmed their intentions in a news release issued Saturday. Colorado College, Denver, Miami, Minnesota-Duluth, Nebraska-Omaha and North Dakota will form the new conference starting in the 2013-14 season, the same time that the Big Ten will form a six-team league. “We understand and appreciate the widespread … Read more
Commentary: Conference changes weaken the sport
Breaking apart what is already a super conference will make college hockey top heavy, Candace Horgan writes.
Commentary: Out of realignment, an opportunity for growth
Breaking college hockey conferences into more, smaller groups could help encourage growth, Chris Lerch writes.
Five schools set to leave WCHA for new league in 2013
A new Division I men’s conference is inching closer to reality, and the WCHA stands to lose the most teams. Colorado College, Denver, Miami, Minnesota-Duluth, Nebraska-Omaha and North Dakota will form a conference starting with the 2013-14 season, the Grand Forks Herald reported and USCHO has confirmed, both through sources. An official announcement is expected … Read more
Proposed new conference includes CCHA, WCHA schools
A proposal for the first major change to the college hockey conference picture of the post-Big Ten era is circulating, and an accelerated timeline could lead to an agreement within the next two weeks. Some CCHA and WCHA schools have discussed leaving their conferences for a new league, sources have told USCHO. The schools include … Read more
Key transitional period awaits Pletsch in CCHA leadership role
The new commissioner addresses his priorities, a future that includes the Big Ten and how he gained insight into the league’s inner workings. Paula C. Weston reports.
Pletsch gets CCHA commissioner job
CCHA schools have picked Fred Pletsch to lead the conference through a key period in its history. Pletsch, who has been serving as interim commissioner since March 23 after Tom Anastos became Michigan State’s coach, had the interim tag removed from the title on Monday. He joined the league in 2001 as director of communications, … Read more
Western Michigan extends Blashill through 2016
Western Michigan has extended USCHO.com national coach of the year Jeff Blashill’s contract through the 2015-16 season. According to a press release issued by WMU, through incentive adjustments, Blashill’s guaranteed compensation will raise to $275,000 annually with the new deal. “I am very excited to strengthen my commitment to Western Michigan University and the Bronco … Read more
The road to the Frozen Four: an officiating crew’s view
Just as for the players, for the referees selected for the NCAA championship game, it’s the culmination of a lot of hard work over the season. Dave Hendrickson reports.
Unsung players factor big for Minnesota-Duluth, Michigan
On teams full of stars, it was the unsung players who were the factor in the NCAA title tilt between Minnesota-Duluth and Michigan. Tyler Buckentine reports.
Penalties hurt Michigan in title game
Wolverines coach Red Berenson had some pointed comments after his team was force to kill nine power plays. Paula C. Weston reports.
Notebook: New entry to the champions’ club
Minnesota-Duluth is the first first-time national champion since Maine in 1993, and the 18th title winner overall. Chris Lerch reports.
Role players lead Michigan
The Michigan Wolverines are getting balanced scoring in the playoffs from their role players, and it led them past North Dakota in the Frozen Four semifinals. Paula C. Weston reports.
Frozen Four jitters affect both goalies
Playing in their first Frozen Four and first NCAA tournament, both Notre Dame’s Mike Johnson and Minnesota-Duluth’s Kenny Reiter were shaky in the first period before settling in. Paula Weston reports.
Power play firing on all cylinders for Minnesota-Duluth
Minnesota-Duluth rode a hot power play to its first national championship game since 1984. Theresa Spisak reports.
Special teams keys Wolverines back to Frozen Four
Michigan killed six of seven penalties in earning a trip to the Frozen Four.
Anastos leaves CCHA to become Michigan State coach
Tom Anastos has resigned as commissioner of the CCHA to become the head coach at Michigan State. Anastos returns to coaching at the collegiate level for the first time since 1992, when he was in the second year as an assistant coach to Ron Mason at Michigan State. He was the head coach at Michigan-Dearborn, … Read more
Alaska’s Sova leaves Nanooks, signs with New Jersey
Alaska junior defenseman Joe Sova has signed an entry-level contract with the New Jersey Devils and will not be back in Fairbanks for his senior year. “This opportunity is something Joe has worked hard for and we want to wish him all the best as he pursues his goal of playing in the National Hockey … Read more
CCHA doles out nine individual awards
Miami senior forward Andy Miele was named the CCHA player of the year at the annual CCHA awards banquet on Thursday at Detroit’s historic Fox Theatre. Notre Dame’s Jeff Jackson was named coach of the year and Irish forward T.J. Tynan earned rookie of the year honors. Miele led the nation in scoring (21-44-65) and … Read more