Television schedules taking shape; ESPN getting back into regular season coverage

One of the great promises of Big Ten hockey was the additional national exposure the conference could bring in the form of a national television schedule. We’ve seen the commitment made for the conference’s debut season, and it has some impressive elements. The Big Ten and its six teams rolled out the core of their … Read more

Bracket busted yet? Only 1 percent of entries still have chance at perfection

So, how’s your bracket doing? Sorry. Judging from the statistics we’re seeing in College Hockey Pickem 2013, that might be a sore subject. The first game of the 2013 NCAA tournament eliminated the team predicted as the national champion on 39 percent of the brackets. Yale’s overtime win over Minnesota also took out 10,339 of … Read more

We asked: Are ticket prices keeping you away from the regionals?

The issue of the so-called tournament atmosphere surfaces in college hockey around this time every season as we head into NCAA regional weekend. The selection committee switches some matchups, in part, to generate more attendance and, therefore, more buzz in the buildings. But are ticket prices holding some would-be attendees back? If you’re buying through … Read more

Rare combination of absences possible in this season’s NCAA tournament

Even with an expanded NCAA tournament field in the last decade, college hockey’s historical powers haven’t necessarily been sure things to make the national tournament. Minnesota (33 all-time appearances, second all-time) missed out in three straight seasons. Wisconsin (24, seventh) has been part in only five of the 10 tournaments since the field expanded to … Read more

A quick update from a bright day at Soldier Field (with video)

CHICAGO — Greetings from Soldier Field, where today we’ll see games that are pretty important to the CCHA and WCHA standings. More coverage • Notre Dame 2, Miami 1: Notre Dame beats elements, history in downing Miami at Soldier Field • Wisconsin 3, Minnesota 2: Wisconsin tops Minnesota outdoors in ’emotional energizer’ at Soldier Field … Read more

Big Ten revenue potential could be tempting, but Maryland, Rutgers probably won’t be at front of line

Here’s offering a hearty welcome to Maryland and Rutgers, the two newest participants in the exciting game of When Will You Add Hockey? OK, exciting isn’t the right word there. But with the schools set to join the Big Ten — Maryland’s confirmation for the 2014-15 season came Monday and Rutgers’ is expected to follow … Read more