Men’s D-I in general
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.
Alaska has named Nebraska-Omaha assistant coach Doc DelCastillo as the seventh head coach in Alaska history. “I have spoken with hundreds of people during the search process,” said UAF athletics director Forrest Karr. “Everyone has different opinions, but everyone that knows hockey agrees on one thing – Doc DelCastillo is an excellent role model and … Read more
Minnesota’s Kyle Okposo announced Wednesday that he will return to the Golden Gophers for his sophomore season. Okposo, a center, was the No. 7 overall draft pick of the New York Islanders at the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. Kyle Okposo will return to the Gophers this fall (photo: Melissa Wade.) “After meeting with the Islanders … Read more
Following three successful seasons, Neumann coach Dennis Williams has left that program to join Alabama-Huntsville coach Danton Cole as assistant coach. “It was tough to make the choice, but to have the opportunity to go to a Division I program and work under someone like Danton Cole and a program like UAH and their success … Read more
A bad situation seemingly may be getting worse and could spell the termination of the Mass.-Lowell men’s ice hockey program as early as June 21, that according to recent reports in the Lowell Sun. According to the Sun, the city of Lowell and the University have until June 21 to restructure the lease deal at … Read more
The Colorado Avalanche announced Tuesday that it has signed Dartmouth forward David Jones. Jones signed a two-year deal to the team that drafted him in the 8th round in 2003, forgoing his final year of elgibility. Jones is coming off a strong junior season at Dartmouth where he was named a finalist for the Hobey … Read more
Jonathan Toews will forgo his final two years of eligibility, leaving North Dakota to sign with the Chicago Blackhawks. General Manager Dale Tallon announced that the team agreed Wednesday to terms with the Fighting Sioux center on a three-year entry level contract. Jonathan Toews hoist the trophy following Canada’s gold medal victory in the World … Read more
Coming off a record-breaking season in which the Irish finished 32-7-3, Notre Dame attempted to ensure the continued success of the hockey program Tuesday, signing coach Jeff Jackson to a two-year contract extension.
Bemidji State will continue seeking viable conference options while continuing fundraising efforts for its men’s hockey program in the wake of the WCHA’s decision last week to maintain a moratorium on expansion of its men’s league. Bemidji State had been pursuing membership in the WCHA on behalf of its NCAA Division I men’s ice hockey … Read more
The Los Angeles Kings have signed Maine forward Teddy Purcell to a multi-year entry-level contract, Kings President/General Manager Dean Lombardi has announced. Purcell played in 40 games this season as a freshman for Maine and had 43 points (16-27–43), seven power-play goals, five game-winning goals and 34 penalty minutes. His 27 assists led the Black … Read more
The WCHA has reaffirmed its moratorium on expansion, the league announced Tuesday. In the wake of the decision, ratified by member schools after recommendation by its structure committee, the WCHA will therefore remain at 10 teams for the foreseeable future. The decision is of principal interest to CHA program Bemidji State, which had been interested … Read more
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.
Alabama-Huntsville on Monday named Danton Cole as the third head coach in the history of the Chargers hockey program. Cole replaces Doug Ross, who retired after 25 years following the 2006-07 season. “We look forward to Danton’s experience, his integrity, his desire and his enthusiasm and excitement to take the Chargers to the next level … Read more
Wisconsin freshman-to-be Kyle Turris has turned heads in the last few months, enough so that the NHL Central Scouting Bureau (CSB) ranked him number one among North American forwards and defensemen eligible for this summer’s NHL Entry Draft. Turris, a center, was ranked fifth in the CSB midterm rankings but leapfrogged a group of players … Read more
Alabama-Huntsville announced Saturday the five finalists to replace retiring head coach Doug Ross. In alphabetical order with their current school affiliations, they are Tom Carroll (New England College), Tim Christian (Lake Superior), Danton Cole (Bowling Green), Doc DelCastillo (Nebraska-Omaha) and Lance West (Alabama-Huntsville). Ross, who announced his retirement plans in January, led the Chargers to … Read more
Minnesota defenseman Erik Johnson has decided to forgo his final three years of eligibility and has signed a professional contract with the St. Louis Blues of the National Hockey League. Erik Johnson departs the Gophers after a single season (photo: Melissa Wade.) “Erik was immediately an impact player in our program and was a major … Read more
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.
For his efforts in leading the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame to their first ever CCHA regular season title, Jeff Jackson has been chosen winner of the 2007 Spencer Penrose Award as Division I Men’s Coach of the Year. Notre Dame went 32-7-3, ending the regular season ranked No. 1 in the country for five … Read more