Notebook: Blowouts This Big Rare at Frozen Four
Thursday’s Frozen Four semifinals featured a combined 13-goal differential. Brian Sullivan reports that and other notes from the second semifinal.
Organization: NCAA
RIT: Not The Way They Wanted It To End
The powerhouse got the better of the upstart Thursday. Dave Hendrickson reports on the end of a memorable run for RIT.
Fighting Sioux Nickname, Logo Close to Retirement
North Dakota’s Fighting Sioux nickname and logo are one step closer to being officially retired. The North Dakota Supreme Court on Thursday ruled that the State Board of Higher Education has the authority to change the school’s nickname at any time. the Grand Forks Herald reported. The court ruled on a case brought by members … Read more
From Hair to Air, Atmosphere Plays Role at Ford Field
After their first practices on the Ford Field ice, the four teams playing at the Frozen Four react to their environment. Paula C. Weston reports.
North Dakota Recruit Forbort Ninth on NHL Central Scouting Rankings
North Dakota recruit Derek Forbort is the highest ranked North American skater connected to a college team on the final NHL Central Scouting rankings for the 2010 draft. Forbort, a defenseman who plays for the U.S. National Team Development Program, is ranked ninth, up two spots from the midterm rankings. He’s scheduled to join the … Read more
Alaska-Anchorage’s Christianson Leaves School for ECHL
Goaltender Bryce Christianson is leaving Alaska-Anchorage after three seasons. He signed with the ECHL’s Stockton Thunder as an emergency backup. Related link: Early departures in 2010 offseason Christianson played in 11 games this season, posting a 3-8 record with a 4.37 goals against average and a .838 save percentage. His departure leaves only Dusan Sidor, … Read more
Western Michigan Turns to Blashill as Coach
Western Michigan has hired Jeff Blashill as the fifth head coach in the program’s 37-year history. Blashill, a former assistant coach at Ferris State and Miami, is the head coach and general manager of the Indiana Ice of the USHL. Jeff Blashill is the new head coach at Western Michigan (photo: Melissa Wade). He won’t … Read more
Michigan Tech Assistant Tok Takes Job in NAHL
Michigan Tech assistant coach Chris Tok has been named the head coach of the new NAHL team in Austin, Minn. Tok spent four seasons with the Huskies after working as an assistant with Waterloo of the USHL.
Frozen Four Preview: Wisconsin Harkens Back
From the beginning of the season, Wisconsin coach Mike Eaves has built a team that is well-balanced and relaxed, relying on a potent offense and a dangerous defense in front of decent — but not spectacular — goaltending. The results have worked out well, propelling the Badgers to second place in the WCHA and now … Read more
Frozen Four Preview: RIT Looking to Avoid Trap
While most RIT fans would have liked to see the Tigers jump right back into action after their stunning wins in Albany — the team’s 11th and 12th straight victories — the players would rather take the extra time off at the expense of possibly cooling off. It’s been a media frenzy for the school … Read more
Frozen Four Preview: Miami Pushes Forward
By now, everyone knows the personal tragedy that Miami hockey endured this year. In early February, team manager Brendan Burke, the 21-year-old son of Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke, was killed in an auto accident on an icy road near the Indiana-Ohio border. It’s the reason the RedHawks wear the shamrock patch on … Read more
Frozen Four Preview: Boston College Carries On
The mantra of many hockey experts is that defense, goaltending and special teams — more than offense — win championships. This year’s Boston College team begs to differ. The Eagles have been winning low-scoring defensive battles as well as shootouts. For the former, see their 3-0 win over Vermont in the Hockey East semifinals or … Read more
Commentary: Food for Thought on NCAA Attendance, TV
Can we make attendance attendance better at the NCAA regionals? What about the TV situation? Dave Starman has some ideas he’d like to float.
Reward for Return: Decision to Wait on Pros Pays Off for Wisconsin’s Geoffrion
Blake Geoffrion’s decision to return to Wisconsin for his senior season has paid off with a trip to the Frozen Four and a spot among the final three candidates for the Hobey Baker Award. Benjamin Worgull reports.
Blasi Gets New Contract Through 2016-17 at Miami
Less than three years after giving coach Enrico Blasi a 10-year contract extension through the 2016-17 season, Miami is reworking the deal. Enrico Blasi is set to stay at Miami through 2017 (photo: Melissa Wade). The school on Friday announced a new contract for Blasi that also extends through the 2016-17 season. A statement issued … Read more
Boston University Loses Defensemen Shattenkirk, Cohen to Pros
Boston University lost a third of its defensive lineup to the NHL’s Colorado Avalanche on Saturday. Kevin Shattenkirk and Colby Cohen signed with the Avalanche and were assigned to the team’s AHL affiliate, the Lake Erie Monsters. Related link: Early departures in the 2010 offseason Both had a year of eligibility remaining. Shattenkirk, 21, was … Read more
For Smith Brothers, Frozen Four Could Spark Sibling Revelry
It’s a parent’s dream come true: having two sons in the Frozen Four. But it also could be a dilemma. If Wisconsin’s Brendan Smith ends up facing off against Miami’s Reilly Smith for the national championship, who do their parents cheer for? Scott Weighart reports.
Bollig Leaves St. Lawrence for AHL’s IceHogs
Forward Brandon Bollig has signed a contract with the AHL’s Rockford IceHogs, forgoing his final two years of eligibility at St. Lawrence. Bollig, 23, was fourth on the St. Lawrence roster this season with 25 goals (seven goals, 18 assists) in 42 games. Related link: Early departures in 2010 offseason In 78 career games, Bollig … Read more
Boston College’s Lombardi: Out Of The Shadows, Into The Limelight
Boston College’s Matt Lombardi did all the unnoticed things for most of his collegiate career, but in the playoffs he’s added timely scoring. Dave Hendrickson reports.
Blais, Alberts Get Contract Extensions at Nebraska-Omaha
Nebraska-Omaha and coach Dean Blais have agreed to a two-year contract extension that takes his contract through to 2014-15 season. Mavericks athletic director Trev Alberts had his contract extended to the same span. “We are thrilled by the progress the team made under Dean’s leadership in his first season as head coach,” Alberts said in … Read more