Princeton sophomore forward Max Véronneau, who led the Tigers to a 5-2-0 record last month, which included the program’s first five-game win streak since the 2010-11 season, was named the Hockey Commissioners’ Association National Division I Player of the Month for December. The HCA National Rookie of the Month for December is Minnesota State forward … Read more
Tony Granato’s first victory as Wisconsin coach came despite a wacky night on special teams. The Badgers scored four power-play goals but allowed two short-handed scores. Northern Michigan had a third-period five-on-three advantage but failed to convert. And Trent Frederic’s first collegiate goal on — what else? — a Wisconsin power play with 8:24 remaining … Read more
On Tuesday, the WCHA announced the results of its coaches and media preseason polls, in addition to preseason All-WCHA Teams, preseason Player of the Year and preseason Rookies of the Year. Bowling Green took the top spot in both polls, while Ferris State’s Gerald Mayhew was tabbed preseason Player of the Year in both. Minnesota … Read more
The NCHC won’t be adding to its ranks in the upcoming campaign, or any other time soon. In August, the conference turned down applications for admission from independent Arizona State and the WCHA’s Minnesota State. NCHC commissioner Josh Fenton explains why.
Recent news that Minnesota State and Arizona State have applied for membership in the NCHC prompted conference commissioner Josh Fenton to release a statement today. “After careful consideration and a thorough vetting process, the National Collegiate Hockey Conference’s Board of Directors announced the Conference will not move forward with membership expansion at this time. We … Read more
Wilkes University will add men’s and women’s hockey to its list of NCAA Division III varsity sports, effective for the 2017-18 school year, and also announced an affiliation with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins organization that will allow Wilkes to practice and compete at the Toyota SportsPlex at Coal Street Park. Wilkes University is located in Wilkes-Barre, Penn., … Read more
The WCHA announced Tuesday three pivotal changes to take effect for the upcoming 2016-17 season. The changes include the introduction of 3-on-3 overtime and shootout (both if necessary) for regular-season league games, a three-point-per-game structure to the league standings and mandatory NHL nets in all arenas. “The WCHA is committed to evolving and adapting however … Read more
Finlandia is going to have a familiar face leading the team this season as the winningest coach in team history, Joe Burcar, has been hired as the Lions’ new head coach. Burcar replaces Dane Litke, who stepped down for personal reasons earlier this summer after two seasons with the Lions. “I am proud and excited … Read more
Minnesota State announced Wednesday that it has applied for admission in the NCHC. School president Richard Davenport said in a statement that the school has a strong relationship with the WCHA, which it joined in 1999, but needs to be proactive in seeking what’s best for the university. Davenport said the school believes “that now … Read more
Fewer teams will have to travel, which could make for more rested teams as they enter the NCAA tournament.
Starting with the 2016-17 season, the WCHA men’s playoffs — from the quarterfinals through the championship game — will be hosted by the highest remaining seeds at on-campus venues. Starting in 2017 and continuing for at least the next three seasons, the “WCHA Playoffs” will consist of four best-of-three, quarterfinal round series hosted by the … Read more
The Buffalo Sabres announced Tuesday that they have signed Minnesota State junior defenseman Casey Nelson to an NHL entry-level, free-agent contract. Nelson was named WCHA Defensive Player of the Year and earned All-WCHA First Team honors in 2015-16. This season, he registered six goals and 16 assists for 22 points in 40 games to rank … Read more
Five of Minnesota State’s seven game-winning goals in playoff games dating to March 13, 2015, were scored by McClure.
The WCHA announced its year-end award winners on Thursday and also unveiled three All-WCHA Teams and an All-Rookie Team. Michigan Tech senior co-captain Alex Petan, who led the league in scoring during conference play, was named WCHA Player of Year and Scoring Champion. Minnesota State junior Casey Nelson was tabbed the Defensive Player of the … Read more
The losses of a six-player senior class and the starting goaltender stand out for the team that went into last year’s NCAA tournament as the top overall seed.
As one group of talented forwards departs college hockey, it’s time for another set of players to take their place.
Both the WCHA coaches and media have selected Minnesota State as the conference’s top team heading in to the 2015-16 season. The coaches’ poll was conducted by Shane Frederick of the Mankato Free Press, while the media poll was compiled by the Bemidji Pioneer’s Jack Hittinger. WCHA PRESEASON COACHES’ POLL WCHA PRESEASON MEDIA POLL In … Read more
Minnesota State announced Monday that head coach Mike Hastings has agreed to a new eight-year contract with the school. Hastings recently completed his third year with the Mavericks in 2014-15. “We are pleased to offer Coach Hastings this contract,” said Minnesota State director of athletics Kevin Buisman in a news release. “During his time here, … Read more
Minnesota State coach Mike Hastings has been named the winner of the Spencer Penrose Award as the top coach in Division I men’s hockey, the American Hockey Coaches Association announced Wednesday.
The New York Islanders announced Thursday that Minnesota State junior goaltender Stephon Williams has agreed to terms on a two-year, entry-level contract that will take effect with the 2015-16 season. Williams will join the Bridgeport Sound Tigers of the American Hockey League on an amateur tryout for the remainder of the 2014-15 season. The Islanders … Read more