Role With It

Most everyone in the WCHA may know Ryan MacMurchy and Jack Skille, but if you’re a college hockey fan who lives east of Milwaukee, chances are that when you think “Badger hockey,” you think “Brian Elliott.” If you’re a diehard college hockey fan, you may even know the play of sophomore Joe Pavelski, junior Robbie … Read more

The Long Road

When the Wisconsin Badgers walked into their locker room for the first time at the start of the 2005-06 season, they were greeted with an assortment of hardware. There was the Pettit Cup from the 2002 Badger Hockey Showdown, representing the last time Wisconsin took its own home tournament, as well as a WCHA playoff … Read more

Coach’s Chalkboard: BC-North Dakota

Chess matches happen all the time in hockey. Bench bosses Jerry York of Boston College and Dave Hakstol of North Dakota waged one during their NCAA semifinal on Thursday at the Bradley Center. In the end, BC won 6-5. Two pawns in this match were 6′-5″, 220-pound defenseman Matt Smaby of NoDak, and 6′-7″ 240-pound … Read more

Learning Experience

It was a question for the Fighting Sioux all year: Could a team with such a young defense survive the season? Everyone in Milwaukee knew the answer to that question by the 18:08 mark of the first period in the first semifinal between Boston College and North Dakota. It was at that point that the … Read more

Hat Trick, Indeed

Although the Hobey Baker Memorial Award voting is already a done deal, Boston College’s Chris Collins staked himself to the “Hat Trick” with a semifinal hat trick of his own. Chris Collins shakes hands with Jordan Parise after Thursday’s semifinal. (photo: Melissa Wade) The announcement of the three final contestants for the Hobey raised eyebrows … Read more

From Achilles’ Heel To Sparkplugs

All year long, the refrain about Boston College has been its ability to survive its four freshman defensemen. Conventional hockey wisdom says that blueliners have the toughest time making the transition to the next level; an abundance of rookies at the position is a recipe for disaster. For Boston College, its youth on the blue … Read more

Damon and Moore: Maine Men

Hockey is alive and well in the state of Maine. Despite the loss by the Black Bears to Wisconsin, the state of Maine is on the upswing. You can thank Derek Damon and Greg Moore for that. These two Maine natives have raised the bar for hockey in the state by their play in Orono. … Read more

Fashion Statement: Frozen Four

The Bradley Center is a long way from the red carpet. Joan Rivers might faint attempting to comment on the apparel of the Milwaukee faithful. Imagine it, “This Badgers fan is in some fabulous vintage Levi’s. 1957 was a great year for denim.” Still, the Frozen Four is a chance for people to don their … Read more

Semifinal Notebook: Wisconsin

It’s typical that the day before the Frozen Four starts, most of the players and coaches are still pretty loose, pretty relaxed, having a lot of fun. Mike Eaves oversees the Badgers’ Wednesday skate at the Bradley Center (photo: Melissa Wade). According to Wisconsin captain Adam Burish, that enjoyment is something that was part of … Read more

Semifinal Notebook: Maine

No one in the Maine camp is unaware of the task that lies ahead as the Black Bears face off against Wisconsin on what will feel like enemy ice. Maine, though, is no stranger to playing big games as a “road” team on allegedly “neutral” ice. In fact, this is the fifth year in a … Read more

Semifinal Notebook: North Dakota

Appearances Can Be Misleading North Dakota is a team of seeming paradoxes. With more freshmen than any other team in the Frozen Four, the Sioux are the only team making a return appearance to try for the national title. And while there are 13 rookies on the Sioux squad, North Dakota faces the youngest team … Read more

Semifinal Notebook: Boston College

On the eve of their NCAA semifinal contest with North Dakota, the Boston College Eagles are looking to the time-honored trio of goaltending, special teams and intangibles to get them past North Dakota and into the championship game. Key Factor No. 1: Goaltending “You’re never here unless you have a hot goaltender,” BC coach Jerry … Read more

Denver’s Carle Named Player Of Year As All-USCHO Honors Announced

Denver defenseman Matt Carle heads up the 2005-06 Division I men’s All-USCHO awards, announced Monday. The junior, who led NCAA blueliners in scoring this season, is the recipient of USCHO.com national Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year honors. Denver defenseman Matt Carle is the USCHO.com Player of the Year (photo: Melissa … Read more

Loosely Played

Wisconsin is on its way to the Frozen Four after surviving three overtimes against Cornell. Matt Lewis sees how the instant classic brought out a different kind of game.

Minor Key

Not yet old enough to vote, Jonathan Toews is already plenty good to help North Dakota to the Frozen Four, says Patrick C. Miller.

Sweet Redemption

The historic 2005 Frozen Four saw the WCHA dominate the postseason. This time around, Jim Connelly says Maine helped show Hockey East’s not half-bad either.

The Aftermath

The biggest NCAA tourney upset ever? Perhaps. Regardless, Scott Brown says Holy Cross’ win over Minnesota may be a glimpse into the future.

Paving The Way

Joe Pavelski showed his mettle Saturday with a starring performance to send Wisconsin to the Midwest Regional final, Eric Schmoldt says.