Gustafson Going Wild; Leaves SLU for Pros

Last March, Derek Gustafson and Ricky DiPietro dazzled the college hockey world in an NCAA Tournament regional game between their teams, St. Lawrence and Boston University, respectively. The two freshman goalies turned in memorable performances as St. Lawrence won the four-overtime classic to advance to the Frozen Four. Less than three months later, the college … Read more

College Hockey to take Spotlight at NHL Draft

The National Hockey League’s entry draft has never meant much to college hockey, at least in recent years. As a fan, you could usually tune in late in the first round and find out about one, maybe two college players that had already been drafted. And the top overall pick, the man who claims national … Read more

Rule Changes Announced for Upcoming Season

The NCAA has announced rule changes that will take effect this upcoming season, following a recent meeting of the Men’s Ice Hockey Rules Committee. The most notable changes deal with instant replay and the way interference penalties are called, according to a report published by the NCAA. Video replay, which is only used in regular- … Read more

Fairfield Makes it Official, Names Hunt New Coach

One of college hockey’s worst-kept secrets became official today, as Fairfield announced the hiring of Jim Hunt as its new head coach. Hunt becomes the fifth head coach in the history of the program, which began varsity play in the 1974-75 season.

Final Seven: Frozen Four Bid Process Revealed

This past week, the NCAA Ice Hockey Committee and Championship Coordinator Tom Jacobs let representatives seven cities know that they were invited to come to Couer d’Alene, Idaho. Not just for a little rest and relaxation, but also to let them give a formal presentation for the purpose of debating where the 2004-2006 Frozen Fours … Read more

Dennehy’s Departure Official; Fairfield to Name Hunt New Coach

The hazy off-season coaching carousel picture in men’s ice hockey became a little more clear today when Fairfield University officially announced the resignation of head hockey coach Mark Dennehy, confirming a story that originally appeared on U.S. College Hockey Online. After coaching the Stags for only one season, Dennehy leaves to become assistant coach at … Read more

Princeton Narrows Coaching Field

Princeton athletic director Gary Walters has narrowed down his choices for a new men’s ice hockey coach to three, according to USCHO sources. They include current assistant Len Quesnelle, Lake Superior State head coach Scott Borek, and Boston College assistant Scott Paluch. Walters could not be reached for comment. A Princeton official said the school … Read more

The Gathering, Part IV

When handing out the assignments for championship weekend, U.S. College Hockey Online general manager Jayson Moy also said, “Mandatory staff meeting on Saturday morning at 10 a.m. sharp. Everyone must be there. Hangovers optional.” Wow. I guess we’re really a business now. Staff meetings and everything. But Jayson and Tim were smart. They knew that … Read more

UVM Whistleblower Latulippe Retracts Some Claims At Deposition

Former player Corey Latulippe, whose accusations were central to the hazing scandal which rocked the University of Vermont and led to the cancellation of the men’s hockey season, recanted some of his allegations in a recent federal deposition. According to the Associated Press, Latulippe, who was a walk-on freshman goaltender with the Catamounts last season, … Read more

NCAA Board Kills Tourney Expansion

The NCAA Board of Directors has officially denied this year’s proposal to expand the men’s ice hockey tournament from 12 to 16 teams. The decision became final when the proposal failed to gain approval during the Board of Directors’ meeting on April 27. There was unanimous support in the men’s ice hockey community for the … Read more

BU’s DiPietro ‘Opts In’ For Draft, Ends Collegiate Career

Boston University freshman goalie Ricky DiPietro has decided to forego his three remaining years of eligibility and opt in to the NHL Entry Draft, according to his agent. DiPietro The decision was made Monday afternoon, said agent Paul Krepelka. This came after a meeting Krepelka had with BU coach Jack Parker, DiPietro and DiPietro’s family … Read more

Dennehy To Depart Fairfield For Post As UMass Ass’t

Fairfield University coach Mark Dennehy has decided to resign after one season to become assistant coach at Mass-Amherst, according to sources. An official announcement has not been made, but Dennehy has informed Fairfield players and school officials of his decision. At UMass, he will rejoin Don Cahoon, who was recently named head coach of the … Read more

The Gathering, Part III

Friday, April 7th I have no life during the college hockey season. My friends and family know that. My fellow U.S. College Hockey Online staffers know it (like they should talk). I write for USCHO and a couple other publications. But USCHO is my favorite. Really. I do radio for RIT, about 30 broadcasts a … Read more

The Gathering, Part II

Thursday, April 6th, Noon Thursday is my favorite day of National Championship week. Why? Twice as much hockey! The pressure is intense for these teams, which have come so far and are now just a win away from playing for the national championship. To get to Providence and then go home after just one game … Read more

Union Captain Varady’s Career Cut Short

Union captain Jay Varady, coming off his junior season, has had his career cut short after being diagnosed with a genetic disorder in his spine, head coach Kevin Sneddon said. The disorder prevents him from participating in any contact sports. “He will be able to live a completely normal life, but hockey poses too much … Read more

Serino Gets New Contract From Merrimack

Merrimack head coach Chris Serino has agreed to a new five-year contract, according to Merrimack president Richard J. Santagati, who made the surprise announcement at the team’s annual awards banquet. Serino, who accepted the head coaching position in 1998, had two years remaining on his original four-year deal. Terms of the new contract were not … Read more

New England Writers Dish Out Awards

Boston University coach Jack Parker and goaltender Rick DiPietro shared top Division I honors with Boston College’s Mike Mottau and Brian Gionta in awards presented on Apr. 11 by the New England Hockey Writers Association. The three athletes also led the All-New England team. The late Joe Concannon, long-time Boston Globe writer, was posthumously honored … Read more

Support Waning For 16-Team Tourney

The proposal to expand the Division I men’s ice hockey tournament from 12 to 16 teams appears dead, at least for now. The push for bracket expansion generated a head of steam after being approved by the NCAA’s Championships Cabinet, but the item was not discussed at the recent meeting of the Division I Management … Read more