NCAA announces off day added to Division I men’s hockey regionals schedule starting in 2022

The NCAA announced Friday that teams advancing in the regional rounds of the Division I men’s NCAA tournament will have a day off before the regional final, starting with the 2022 tournament. The Division I Competition Oversight Committee approved the change recommended by the Division I Men’s Ice Hockey Committee. The rationale for making the … Read more

College connections aplenty with U.S. Olympic hockey team assistant coaches for 2022 games

The four assistant coaches for the 2022 men’s hockey Olympic team all come with NCAA connections. John Hynes, David Quinn, Todd Reirden and Ryan Miller will serve as assistant coaches to head coach Mike Sullivan. “We’ve got a great coaching staff in place,” said Stan Bowman, general manager of the 2022 U.S. Olympic hockey team, … Read more

St. Cloud State adds experience to men’s hockey staff as Enga named director of operations, video coordinator

St. Cloud State announced Thursday the addition of R.J. Enga to the Huskies’ coaching staff as director of operations and video coordinator. Enga replaces Nick Tomczyk, who was named head coach for Purdue Northwest’s ACHA team this week. Joining the SCSU coaching staff with 17 years of coaching experience at the collegiate, amateur and professional … Read more

Schooley tabbed head coach, director of men’s, women’s hockey operations at Robert Morris; McLaughlin-Bittle named special assistant

Robert Morris announced Tuesday that Derek Schooley has been named head coach and director of men’s and women’s hockey operations. “Naming Derek as the head coach and director of operations for both teams adds stability as we continue to work with the Pittsburgh College Hockey Foundation in the goal of reinstating both teams,” RMU vice … Read more

Michigan State appoints longtime administrator Haller to Spartans’ athletic director post

Michigan State has appointed Alan Haller, current MSU assistant vice president and deputy athletic director, as vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics. The announcement comes after the MSU Board of Trustees voted unanimously to approve the president’s selection during a special meeting. “Alan has been a leader in developing athlete administrators and broadening the … Read more

Former Stanley Cup champ Sharp among new staff additions with Vermont men’s hockey team

Vermont has announced coaching and support staff additions ahead of the 2021-22 men’s hockey season. Patrick Dooley has been named men’s hockey equipment manager, Max Gavin will serve as director of hockey operations and Drew Michals will be a volunteer goaltending coach. In addition, Patrick Sharp is returning to the Catamounts as an advisor to … Read more

After reaching fundraising goal, Alaska Anchorage hockey team reinstated for 2022-23 college hockey season

Alaska Anchorage announced Tuesday that the Seawolves hockey program has surpassed its fundraising mark of $3 million, resulting in the team’s reinstatement and paving the way for the team to resume play in the 2022-23 season. “Thanks to the passionate and determined fundraising efforts of coaches, student-athletes, alumni, boosters, community leaders and corporate donors from … Read more

Brown leaves Augsburg bench after 15 years for job at Alaska; Wick named interim coach, Hendrickson new assistant

Chris Brown, who led the Augsburg men’s hockey team to some of its greatest successes in program history over the last 15 years, has announced his resignation to take an associate head coach position at Alaska. “Chris is an amazing addition to our staff,” said Alaska head coach Erik Largen in a statement. “First off, … Read more

Nicholson continues journey as Atlantic Hockey assistant, hired by Mercyhurst ahead of ’21-22 season

Mercyhurst announced Friday the addition of Matt Nicholson to the Lakers’ men’s hockey coaching staff. “We are all very excited to have Matt join our Mercyhurst hockey family,” Mercyhurst head coach Rick Gotkin said in a statement. “He brings a tremendous amount of experience, working knowledge, and above all professionalism to our team. Having head … Read more

St. Thomas brings aboard former Hamline coach Laylin as new assistant coach for Tommies

St. Thomas has announced the addition of Cory Laylin as a full-time assistant coach as the Tommies prepare for their inaugural Division I season in 2021-22. Laylin enjoyed a standout career with Minnesota and later played 16 seasons professionally. He served as head men’s hockey coach at Hamline the last seven seasons, and coached at … Read more

Former Yale, Sacred Heart assistant Kirtland named to same role at Minnesota State

Minnesota State has announced the hiring of assistant coach Paul Kirtland. Kirtland joins the Mavericks after serving as an assistant coach with Yale in the 2020-21, though Yale did not compete during the season due to COVID. “We are excited to add Paul Kirtland to our coaching staff,” said Mavericks head coach Mike Hastings in … Read more

North Dakota’s Weatherby forgoes senior year of college hockey, signs NHL deal with Sharks

North Dakota forward Jasper Weatherby will give up his senior season with the Fighting Hawks after signing an entry-level contract Tuesday with the NHL’s San Jose Sharks. Weatherby, a fourth-round selection (102nd overall) by the Sharks in the 2018 NHL Draft, will report to the club immediately. “This weekend, we learned that Jasper would be … Read more

Big Ten announces new COVID-19 game rule for upcoming 2021-22 season

The Big Ten announced Monday a new COVID-19 regulation for the 2021-22 season. “In collaboration and communication with the Big Ten Conference Athletic Directors, Chancellors and Presidents, the Task Force for Emerging Infectious Diseases, and the Sports Medicine Committee – effective today – the conference has determined that if one of its member institutions is … Read more

After three seasons at UConn, Howarth signs AHL contract with IceHogs for ’21-22 season

The AHL’s Rockford IceHogs have signed UConn forward Kale Howarth for the 2021-22 season. Howarth completed his third season with the Huskies last year, scoring five goals and two assists for seven points in 18 games. In 79 career college games, the native of Red Deer, Alta., totaled 34 points (16 goals, 18 assists). “Kale … Read more

Top NHL draft picks Power, Beniers, Johnson all announce return to Michigan for ’21-22 college hockey season

Owen Power, Matty Beniers and Kent Johnson each announced Friday that they will return to Michigan for the 2021-22 season. Power was the No. 1 overall selection in July’s 2021 NHL Draft by Buffalo, while Beniers was selected No. 2 by Seattle and Johnson No. 5 by Columbus. The trio will be joined by three … Read more

Longtime USA Hockey staffer, coach Smith retiring from organization after 25-year career

Ben Smith, who has been part of the USA Hockey staff for the past 25 years, including leading the U.S. Olympic women’s hockey team to the gold medal in the 1998 Olympic Winter Games, is retiring from the organization after a decorated career. “The sport of hockey has done so much for me and I’m … Read more