Men’s D-I in general
The Alaska Nanooks, poster boys for why defense doesn’t win games. With the best penalty kill in the league and the third-best in the nation, and two goaltenders with a combined save percentage of .917, the Nanooks still managed to finish the 2005-06 season tied for eighth in the league. I know, I know. The … Read more
There is something about Jim Roque that is quintessentially endearing. “I’ve only got 25 guys this year. Last year we carried 29,” said Roque. “I couldn’t, in my heart, cut anyone who wanted to put in the time — there’s no way.” Ah. That’s it. ROQUE Last year, Roque replaced Frank Anzalone as Laker head … Read more
Rick Comley wants everyone to know that Michigan State is still Michigan State, even without Drew Miller. “I think in our locker room, we believe in what’s there,” said Comley. “We believe that we have the opportunity to be a good team, we believe that if we go through the process properly and if we … Read more
For a team that couldn’t buy, borrow, or requisition a goal last year, this was bad news: junior Tom Fritsche, the Buckeyes’ would-be lead returning scorer, probably won’t be returning. At the start of the season, Fritsche is still hospitalized in Cleveland with ulcerated colitis. Not only is this season uncertain for the Buckeye, but … Read more
This is an exciting time for Wildcat head coach Walt Kyle. Don’t take my word for it. “As all these guys are, we’re very excited about the start of our year,” said the man himself at Media Day. These are certainly interesting times for Kyle and his staff, entering their fifth season at the helm … Read more
Do you know what I like best about Red Berenson? No, not his winning ways, his impressive hockey pedigree, and his dapper looks. I like that Berenson finishes his sentences when he speaks. Jack Johnson lived up to expectations during his freshman campaign. Good news for Michigan: he’s back for more. “We had a lot … Read more
Niagara returns possibly the most potent offensive attack in the CHA this year, yet is bringing aboard a freshman class in the double digits. Last year’s regular-season champions, the Purple Eagles are aiming once again to win that title and avenge their tournament final defeat to Bemidji State. Scoring goals won’t be a problem. In … Read more
The Bemidji State Beavers are going for a three-peat this season. Calculating their additions and deletions, BSU essentially has the same team of a year ago. Essentially. The Beavers won the CHA’s postseason tournament in 2005 in their home state of Minnesota, and last year in Detroit. Each year, a different goalie was in net … Read more
It’s the proverbial “nowhere to go but up” for Wayne State this season. “I should hope so,” WSU head coach Bill Wilkinson said. “I don’t know how much lower we can go.” The Warriors won six games all of last season and had one two-game winning streak all year in a sweep of Merrimack at … Read more
This time a year ago, Bemidji State was at the top of College Hockey America. One year later, the Beavers are still perched at the peak of the conference. Yet, changes abound in the now five-team conference. Air Force left for Atlantic Hockey, but the NCAA ruled the CHA’s automatic bid will still be intact. … Read more
What does the Robert Morris hockey team have in common with Jordan Knight, Joe McIntyre and the rest of that long since forgotten 1980’s boy band? (Yes, a corny answer is ahead.) None of them are the new kids on the block any more. Now in their third season in the CHA, the Colonials finally … Read more
When asked about the CHA, one coach noted the talent and the young players coming into the league, then mentioned Alabama-Huntsville and said, “Huntsville, they’re downright scary.” Yet, year in and year out, the Chargers can’t seem to get over the hump and notch the CHA’s automatic bid by winning the postseason tournament. In years … Read more
The University of Denver and the Metro Denver Sports Commission have unveiled the 2008 NCAA Frozen Four logo and announced the on-sale date for tickets to the 2007 NCAA West Regional. The Pepsi Center will host the 2007 NCAA West Regional and 2008 NCAA Frozen Four, marking the first time in the history of college … Read more
The CCHA coaches and media differed in who each thought was the preseason number on team in the league – but just barely. Michigan State took seven of the 12 first-place votes in the CCHA Coaches Poll, but Michigan, with 26 first-place votes, took the top spot in the media poll. But only by one … Read more
During an offseason of losses for college hockey, Boston College retained key names in its run for a national championship.
Boston College was voted the overwhelming favorite in the Hockey East pre-season coaches’ poll. The Eagles garnered eight of a possible 10 first-place votes (coaches couldn’t vote for their own team) to easily outdistance their cross-town rivals at Boston University. However, the Terriers, as well as two traditional powerhouses, Maine and New Hampshire, weren’t far … Read more
Hockey East and NESN have extended their television rights agreement, beginning with the upcoming 2006-07 season and running through 2008-09. “We are thrilled to continue our relationship with NESN,” said Hockey East Commissioner Joe Bertagna. “NESN has proven to be a valued partner of Hockey East, and we look forward to Boston Universityilding a stronger, … Read more
Dan Hannigan of Cod Rock Media Productions is the 2006 recipient of the Joe Concannon Hockey East Media Award. Hannigan, who is entering his 12th year as play-by-play broadcaster for the Maine men’s hockey team, is a three-time winner of the Maine Sportscaster of the Year award, and has been recognized by the Maine Associated … Read more
Mercyhurst has been tabbed the top team in the Atlantic Hockey Association Preseason Coaches Poll. This is the third straight year that the Lakers have been chosen the pre-season favorite by the coaches, as last season Mercyhurst shared the top spot with Holy Cross. The Lakers garnered 96 points and seven first place votes. Sacred … Read more
University of North Dakota President Charles Kupchella said a lawsuit against the NCAA regarding the university’s Fighting Sioux nickname and logo could be filed late this week or next week. Last April, the NCAA Executive Committee turned down UND’s final appeal of a policy that penalizes some member schools for using American Indian nicknames, imagery … Read more