tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4219128610824937952024-03-04T14:23:06.383-06:00Big Ten Ice Hockey (Blog)Your No.1 Source For All Things Big Ten Hockey. Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State and Penn State, we have something for everybody!B1G Ice Hockeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15694053336764460938noreply@blogger.comBlogger134125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421912861082493795.post-91229057598116254062017-06-26T14:07:00.003-05:002017-06-26T14:08:12.153-05:0017 Big Ten Players Selected in 2017 NHL Entry Draft<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv7L6Kjv_jiCuqmDWNQRvIwlCURzESFhSkzeXiFgRgGVxEazH8n2uUoQTrTY-IMSRW6RpE6lL6jkybZ5M-EPMLvvvi0FfdlTpx_DIxHZ8KyM4lONEwgkh-SsLbiGHkaRW0ojJdtawszrDu/s1600/702x336xCES-1450-702x336.jpg.pagespeed.ic.lbEDOGYPso.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="702" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv7L6Kjv_jiCuqmDWNQRvIwlCURzESFhSkzeXiFgRgGVxEazH8n2uUoQTrTY-IMSRW6RpE6lL6jkybZ5M-EPMLvvvi0FfdlTpx_DIxHZ8KyM4lONEwgkh-SsLbiGHkaRW0ojJdtawszrDu/s400/702x336xCES-1450-702x336.jpg.pagespeed.ic.lbEDOGYPso.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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A total of 18 players with Big Ten connections were drafted in the 2017 Entry Draft on Friday. The Gophers owned the highest draft pick with forward Casey Mittelstadt going No. 8 overall to the Buffalo Sabres. The Wolverines had two players selected, one in the first and second round to boast the highest picks combined.<br />
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Here's the compete breakdown by school.<br />
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<b><u>Wisconsin (4 selected)</u></b><br />
D. Tyler Inamoto (No. 133, Florida Panthers)<br />
F. Linus Weissbach (No. 192, Buffalo Sabres)<br />
D. Wyatt Kalynuk (No. 196, Philadelphia Flyers)<br />
D. Josh Ess (No. 215, Chicago Blackhawks)<br />
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<b><u>Penn State (4 selected)</u></b><br />
F. Evan Barrett (No. 90, Chicago Blackhawks)<br />
D. Cole Hults (No. 134, Los Angeles Kings)<br />
F. Denis Smirnov (No. 156, Colorado Avalanche)<br />
F. Aarne Talvitie (No. 160, New Jersey Devils)<br />
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<u><b>Minnesota (4 selected)</b></u><br />
F. Casey Mittelstadt (No. 8, Buffalo Sabres)<br />
D. Clayton Phillips (No. 93, Pittsburgh Penguins)<br />
F. Scott Reedy (No. 102, San Jose Sharks)<br />
F. Samuel Walker (No. 200, Tampa Bay Lightning)<br />
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<b><u>Notre Dame (2 selected)</u></b><br />
D. Nick Leivermann (No. 187, Colorado Avalanche)<br />
D. Matt Hellickson (No. 214, New Jersey Devils)<br />
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<b><u>Michigan (2 selected) </u></b><br />
F. Josh Norris (No. 19, San Jose Sharks)<br />
D. Luke Martin (No. 52, Carolina Hurricanes)<br />
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<u><b>Michigan State (1 selected)</b></u><br />
F. Skyler Brind'Amour (No. 177, Edmonton Oilers)<br />
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<br />Jessi Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02029371183122038389noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421912861082493795.post-52506422078575014222017-06-26T13:55:00.000-05:002017-06-26T13:55:53.842-05:00What Does Friday's Announcement Mean for College Hockey?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZK0w1BnbeoLlbF3yBALhxMYAZDxH21st_p4OAPOu6OTWCpbSVnt8W-hQA2zw96_JFEJZof2LI2smeJ91SayHFih6BI2RA43q7eIIGguHZ-XP5BkdXxa0KNc3ilWkbY7Mo7pEMgCGWthg5/s1600/B3_Hockey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZK0w1BnbeoLlbF3yBALhxMYAZDxH21st_p4OAPOu6OTWCpbSVnt8W-hQA2zw96_JFEJZof2LI2smeJ91SayHFih6BI2RA43q7eIIGguHZ-XP5BkdXxa0KNc3ilWkbY7Mo7pEMgCGWthg5/s400/B3_Hockey.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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College Hockey was on full display during the 2017 National Hockey League Entry
Draft in Chicago, but not only for the players selected (<a href="http://collegehockeyinc.com/articles/2017/06/60-ncaa-players-drafted.php">a
total of 60</a> -- 18 from Big Ten schools).<br /></div>
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On Friday, just a few hours prior to the first round of the draft, the NHL,
NHLPA and a number of college hockey representatives gathered for an
announcement "special to college hockey."</div>
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With the help and support of the Chicago Blackhawks, the University of Illinois
(<a href="https://b1gicehockey.blogspot.com/2012/11/who-should-get-next-b1g-hockey-invite.html">a
team we have long marked as a potential next Division I hockey school</a>, and
almost definitely the next Big Ten school) will be the first to conduct a
feasibility study under the new NHL/NHLPA initiative that is committed to the
growth of NCAA Division I hockey.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Where high-level hockey is established, youth hockey interest and
participation often follows,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said during the
press conference. “By expanding the footprint of elite hockey at all levels, we
can inspire new players and parents to join the hockey family. By working to
add programs at the Division I level, we hope to grow the game of hockey, both
on and off the ice.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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So what exactly does that mean? <o:p></o:p></div>
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Ultimately it means that the NHL is going to lend a pretty
significant hand in truly helping the growth of college hockey by funding
the feasibility studies to ensure a jump into DI hockey is right for each
school being studied. This feasibility study will analyze the many factors
necessary for Illinois to start and maintain a hockey program, including, but
not limited to, one-time and annual expenses, funding opportunities, facility
needs, Title IX considerations, and community support. Any decisions on the
possible addition of hockey will be made at the conclusion of the feasibility
study. No deadline has been set for completion of the study.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Rather than Illinois just jumping into DI status they will take proper steps to obtain the status. With seven Big Ten schools competition in DI college hockey -- the only major multisport conference to sponsor hockey, Illinois would be a likely addition. </div>
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Illinois Athletic Director Josh Whitman made this statement
when addressing the audience Friday:<o:p></o:p></div>
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"The idea of varsity hockey at the University of
Illinois has great appeal. With hockey's popularity in both Chicago and St.
Louis, and rapidly growing youth participation across the state, we anticipate
tremendous interest in the sport at our university. We are grateful to College
Hockey, Inc., USA Hockey and our colleagues with the Chicago Blackhawks, who
have been incredibly supportive during our preliminary due diligence. We will
add sport programs only if they can enhance the brand and reputation of the
Fighting Illini by being nationally competitive, and our initial research
reveals a number of factors that suggest hockey at Illinois could quickly grow
into one of the country's most successful programs.<o:p></o:p></div>
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"There are many questions yet unanswered, the biggest being
funding for such an ambitious project. But by engaging in this evaluation in
such a public manner, our hope is that it helps us identify those from the
hockey community who might have an interest in supporting this initiative. We
believe it could be transformative for our athletic program, our university,
and our community."<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://collegehockeyinc.com/articles/2017/06/nhl-nhlpa-support-ncaa-growth.php">Read more here.</a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #434345; font-family: Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
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<br /></div>
Jessi Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02029371183122038389noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421912861082493795.post-74837749967305538792017-04-19T11:06:00.000-05:002017-04-19T11:06:34.762-05:00Coming Back -- B1Gger and Better Than Ever<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DSHkzEl_T9Y/WPeKvZbEPcI/AAAAAAAACIA/NZ752CUXqdshpPRZv9pcBBC9TzKFu7UHACLcB/s1600/tumblr_myw98ao66Z1qf9mevo1_500.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="162" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DSHkzEl_T9Y/WPeKvZbEPcI/AAAAAAAACIA/NZ752CUXqdshpPRZv9pcBBC9TzKFu7UHACLcB/s400/tumblr_myw98ao66Z1qf9mevo1_500.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
That's right, after taking a season off from college hockey we decided we can't leave our loyal readers hanging just like that (plus, we missed bantering college hockey with you puckheads).<br />
<br />
But we don't want come back in 2017-18 with the same old content, and we certainly don't want to miss anything from any of our Big Ten teams. That's why we're asking you fans for some input: What do you want to from this blog?<br />
<br />
Should we offer better preseason coverage? Do you want to get a better look at incoming rookies? A better analysis of each game each week along with a game of the week? Should we have our own power rankings (conference and all DI)? Should we continue to have the same approach of pros and cons on the Big Ten as a whole?<br />
<br />
In addition to content changes, we will be giving this website as well as our social media pages (@b1gicehockeyblog and B1G Ice Hockey Blog on Facebook) a much-needed facelift (so long 2011 vibe). We also want to get some extra writers on hand. We can't pay you but it never hurts to get your byline out there. Ideally we'd have a writer or two in each college town, so shoot me an email if you have some interest (see below).<br />
<br />
We want to continue to be a mouthpiece for our fans, while also supporting a conference that has changed the college hockey landscape. We can only grow with the help of our readers, so share your feedback and help us take B1G Ice Hockey Blog to the next level.<br />
<br />
<br />
Jessi Pierce (@jessi_pierce; jessip224@gmail.com)<br />
B1G Ice Hockey Blog creator/editor/BAMF<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421912861082493795.post-77268553836823265722016-10-14T12:26:00.000-05:002016-10-14T12:26:46.602-05:00The B1G Scoreboard (10/14/16-10/16-16)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hRBnRlH7fH0/UuLQ4DqaP9I/AAAAAAAAAIQ/qpLbfGOXpzoVOnMMwmYDwgjn8jHFPH9jgCPcB/s1600/GoForTheW.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hRBnRlH7fH0/UuLQ4DqaP9I/AAAAAAAAAIQ/qpLbfGOXpzoVOnMMwmYDwgjn8jHFPH9jgCPcB/s1600/GoForTheW.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<u><b>Men's Scores From 10/14/16</b></u><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Michigan State @ Lake Superior, 7:37 ET</li>
<li>Penn State @ Mercyhurst, 7:05 ET</li>
<li>(6) Boston College @ Wisconsin, 7:00 CT</li>
<li>U.S. U-18 Team @ Minnesota, 7:00 CT</li>
</ul>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<br />
<b><u>Men's Scores From 10/15/16</u></b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>(13) Michigan @ Ferris State, 7:07 ET</li>
<li>Michigan State @ Lake Superior, 6:07 ET</li>
<li>(19) Ohio State @ Miami, 8:05 ET</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<b><u>Men's Scores From 10/16/16</u></b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>(6) Boston College @ Wisconsin, 3:00 CT</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421912861082493795.post-66127702107479553882016-10-13T14:58:00.000-05:002016-10-13T14:59:18.779-05:00ESPN Back in the Hockey Game<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XRlVxV2azUk/V__k0HQoEMI/AAAAAAAAB2E/VLPg0P-j2D43jXwDil7X-K2qep4N_lsuwCLcB/s1600/dm_100321_hockey_predictions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XRlVxV2azUk/V__k0HQoEMI/AAAAAAAAB2E/VLPg0P-j2D43jXwDil7X-K2qep4N_lsuwCLcB/s400/dm_100321_hockey_predictions.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Ok, we know, ESPN isn't the go-to for all-things hockey related. In fact, for most hockey fans -- especially on the college level -- ESPN doesn't even register in the top 10 for hockey coverage. The channel's World Cup of Hockey commercials didn't exactly do them any favors either...<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
Still, hockey fans clamor for more coverage night in and night out on television's most prestigious sports channel. Who wants to watch another basketball highlight over a great Auston Matthews goal on SportsCenter anyway? Well fans, this year we got it -- and for more than just the Frozen Four.<br />
<br />
Starting this weekend ESPN will broadcast select college hockey games and guess what: each weekend features at least one Big Ten team. Take a look.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_NhgGDpWfVQ/V__kbqOYK_I/AAAAAAAAB2A/FaAVXN_rRIke1YOO4Tk2WtSt03NWqixvQCLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-10-13%2Bat%2B2.42.44%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="152" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_NhgGDpWfVQ/V__kbqOYK_I/AAAAAAAAB2A/FaAVXN_rRIke1YOO4Tk2WtSt03NWqixvQCLcB/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-10-13%2Bat%2B2.42.44%2BPM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Since the Big Ten's inaugural year we have tried to stress the main reason this is a good thing for college hockey: increased exposure. Sure, six games aren't a whole lot to get too excited about, but it's a start. The ever-entertaining and one of hockey's best, John Buccigross will call play-by-play for the regular season games, along with Kevin Brown who will call this weekend's first broadcasted game in Madison.<br />
<br />
I don't know about yo guys, but I'm excited to see how it pans out. ESPN does do a terrific job with the Frozen Four and regional coverage, so we have little doubt they will make these regular season match-ups just as exciting.<br />
<br />
Now let's play hockey.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421912861082493795.post-1573285949898573692015-10-23T14:45:00.002-05:002015-10-23T14:45:57.451-05:00The B1G Scoreboard (10/23/15-10/25/15)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hRBnRlH7fH0/UuLQ4DqaP9I/AAAAAAAAAIQ/MEG5TDnSJdo/s1600/GoForTheW.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hRBnRlH7fH0/UuLQ4DqaP9I/AAAAAAAAAIQ/MEG5TDnSJdo/s1600/GoForTheW.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<u><b>Men's Scores From 10/23/15:</b></u><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Wisconsin @ Ferris State, 7:00 ET</li>
<li>Lake Superior @ Michigan State, 7:00 ET</li>
<li>Ohio State @ ) Providence, 7:00 ET on OSN</li>
<li>American International @ Penn State, 7:00 ET</li>
<li>(11) Michigan @ (18) Union, 7:30 ET</li>
<li>Northeastern @ (19) Minnesota, 7:00 CT on FSN+, STO</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<u><b>Women's Scores From 10/23/15:</b></u><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Minnesota State @ Ohio State, 6:00 ET</li>
<li>Minnesota-Duluth @ (1) Minnesota, 6:00 CT</li>
<li>(6) Bemidji State @ (3) Wisconsin, 7:00 CT</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<b><u>Men's Scores From 10/24/15:</u></b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Wisconsin @ Ferris State, 7:00 ET</li>
<li>Ohio State @ (3) Providence, 7:00 ET on OSN</li>
<li>American International @ Penn State, 3:00 ET on TWCS</li>
<li>(11) Michigan @ Rensselaer, 7:00 ET</li>
<li>Northeastern @ (19) Minnesota, 8:00 CT on FSN</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<u><b>Women's Scores From 10/24/15:</b></u><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Minnesota State @ Ohio State, 1:00 ET</li>
<li>Minnesota-Duluth @ (1) Minnesota, 4:00 CT</li>
<li>(6) Bemidji State @ (3) Wisconsin, 3:00 CT</li>
<li>Connecticut @ Penn State, 7:00 ET</li>
</ul>
<br />
<b><u>Women's Scores From 10/25/15:</u></b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Connecticut @ Penn State, 2:00 ET</li>
</ul>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421912861082493795.post-50455594401089847512015-10-16T09:36:00.005-05:002015-10-19T13:16:15.502-05:00The B1G Scoreboard (10/16/15-10/18/15)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hRBnRlH7fH0/UuLQ4DqaP9I/AAAAAAAAAIQ/MEG5TDnSJdo/s1600/GoForTheW.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hRBnRlH7fH0/UuLQ4DqaP9I/AAAAAAAAAIQ/MEG5TDnSJdo/s1600/GoForTheW.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><u>Men's Scores From 10/16/15:</u></b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Wisconsin 0, Boston College 6 -- <a href="http://uwbadgers.com/news/2015/10/16/MHOCKEY_1016155953.aspx" target="_blank">Boston College Hands Wisconsin First Loss of the Season</a></li>
<li>Michigan State 2, Denver 4 -- <a href="http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-hockey/recaps/101715aaa.html" target="_blank">Late Goals Push No. 5 Denver Past Spartans</a></li>
<li>Miami 3, Ohio State 2 -- <a href="http://www.ohiostatebuckeyes.com/sports/m-hockey/recaps/101615aaa.html" target="_blank">Buckeyes Clipped by No. 18 Miami, 3-2</a></li>
<li>Notre Dame 7, Penn State 4 -- <a href="http://www.gopsusports.com/sports/m-hockey/recaps/101615aab.html" target="_blank">Penn State Drops Home Opener to Notre Dame</a></li>
<li>Mercyhurst 4, Michigan 6 -- <a href="http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-hockey/recaps/101615aaa.html" target="_blank">Connor Scores Twice to Lead Michigan to Season-Opening Win</a></li>
<li>Minnesota-Duluth 3, Minnesota 1 -- <a href="http://www.gophersports.com/sports/m-hockey/recaps/101615aaa.html" target="_blank">Gates Scores First Goal as Gophers Fall in Opener</a><a name='more'></a></li>
</ul>
<br />
<b><u>Women's Scores From 10/16/15:</u></b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Minnesota 7, Ohio State 2</li>
<li>Wisconsin 5, St. Cloud State 0</li>
</ul>
<br />
<b><u>Men's Scores From 10/17/15:</u></b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Wisconsin 1, Boston University 4 -- <a href="http://uwbadgers.com/news/2015/10/17/MHOCKEY_1017151131.aspx" target="_blank">Second Period Sends Boston University Past Wisconsin</a></li>
<li>Michigan State 0, Denver 3 -- <a href="http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-hockey/recaps/101815aaa.html" target="_blank">Spartans Falter in Series Finale at No. 5 Denver</a></li>
<li>Ohio State 1, Miami 3 -- <a href="http://www.ohiostatebuckeyes.com/sports/m-hockey/recaps/101715aac.html" target="_blank">Buckeyes Suffer 3-1 Loss at No. 18 Miami</a></li>
<li>Notre Dame 3, Penn State 5 -- <a href="http://www.gopsusports.com/sports/m-hockey/recaps/101715aaa.html" target="_blank">Team Play Propels Penn State Past Notre Dame</a></li>
<li>Minnesota 0, Minnesota-Duluth 3 -- <a href="http://www.gophersports.com/sports/m-hockey/recaps/101715aab.html" target="_blank">Gophers Fall to UMD in Series Finale </a></li>
</ul>
<br />
<b><u>Women's Scores From 10/17/15</u></b>:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Minnesota 11, Ohio State 2</li>
<li>Wisconsin 2, St. Cloud State 0</li>
<li>Union 0, Penn State 3</li>
</ul>
<br />
<b><u>Men's Scores From 10/18/15:</u></b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Mercyhurst 2, Michigan, 3 -- <a href="http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-hockey/recaps/101815aab.html" target="_blank">U-M Holds Off Mercyhurst for Weekend Sweep </a></li>
</ul>
<br />
<b><u>Women's Scores From 10/18/15:</u></b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Union 0, Penn State 3</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421912861082493795.post-90952276626749736112015-10-13T09:30:00.003-05:002015-10-13T11:11:07.302-05:0010 Things To Look Forward To This Big Ten Hockey Season<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7oB42O03U1k/VQdC5QARWLI/AAAAAAAAA38/EGtOASkabqk/s1600/20140320__3-20PennState2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7oB42O03U1k/VQdC5QARWLI/AAAAAAAAA38/EGtOASkabqk/s400/20140320__3-20PennState2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
It's usually said that third time's a charm. As the Big Ten Conference prepares to opens its third official hockey season, we have high hopes that season no.3 will in fact be a good one.<br />
<br />
Incoming rookies, television showcases, and a whole new year, there's no doubt that are lots of things we are looking forward to in the 2015-16 season. To save you the reading time, we've decided to cut that list. Here are our top 10 things to look forward to this year:<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
1. TV Spotlight: We have a total of <a href="http://b1gicehockey.blogspot.com/2015/09/b1g-tv-2015-16-schedule-released.html" target="_blank">60 games televised</a> this year. 60! Regional networks carry the brunt of that load, covering 33 games, while the Big Ten Network will air 22 games. ESPNU and ESPNews continue to attempt a comeback in hockey and are broadcasting six games. The more national tv coverage we have, the more our game and conference is spread to other parts of the U.S. Pass us the clicker, we're in.<br />
<br />
2. Non-Conference Schedules: Non-conference games can always be a lot of fun. We get a glimpse at the new D1 Arizona State University when they visit the Kohl Center at the end of the month, a game you're not going to want to miss. In addition, each state has its own pride on the line with various match-ups and tournaments throughout the year (North Star Cup in Minnesota, Great Lakes Invitational in Michigan). While conference head-to-heads are fun, we like to see how our teams show up against those not lucky enough to be in the Big Ten.<br />
<br />
3. Penn State: Not to be unfair to the other squads but for awhile Penn State had been the redheaded stepchild of the bunch. The younger brother. But I think they've finally grown up -- maybe even bigger than some of the older brothers. They've hooked fans, they've got a great recruiting squad and we think it's going to be their season to really shine.<br />
<br />
4. Fanfare: We put a call to action last year, following another <a href="http://b1gicehockey.blogspot.com/2015/03/blame-game-where-does-real-blame-lie.html" target="_blank">poorly attended conference tournament</a>. Will the fans answer that call? By now most (hopefully) realized that the Big Ten isn't going anywhere. So can we finally get back to watching and enjoying college hockey? We're excited to see the fans out in full force this season.<br />
<br />
5. Tourney Time in St. Paul: We have a slight biased here, making our home in the State of Hockey, but let's be honest, tournament time is just better in St. Paul. Year one's attendance and showing at the Big Ten Conference Championship <a href="http://b1gicehockey.blogspot.com/2014/03/tourney-talk.html" target="_blank">might suggest otherwise,</a> but we're looking forward to having the conference kings back within Minnesota's borders.<br />
<br />
6. Outdoor Hockey: It may be getting a bit overdone, but there's still something about watching a hockey game against the backdrop of snowflakes and fans in bundled hats and coats. There has been no guarantee of a Big Ten team participating in an outdoor game yet, we'd like to see a battle of the UM's (Minnesota and Michigan) at the Big House.<br />
<br />
7. Badger Bounce Back: Even as a Gopher fan, I have to admit I hope Wisconsin can bounce back from a disappointing season last year.<br />
<br />
8. Conference Dominance: Big Ten becoming the top conference this year? We sure hope so!<br />
<br />
9. Freshman Frontmen: The majority of Big Ten teams this season are young -- very young. Will the Big Ten have a standout like Jack Eichel? We think there are a couple contenders (a breakdown coming up in the next post).<br />
<br />
10. Because it's college hockey. Enough said. Drop the puck.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421912861082493795.post-75960205063451926912015-10-13T09:14:00.001-05:002015-10-13T09:31:00.020-05:00Ohio State Hockey Schedule: #TheGrind<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kOP48jLYSBA/Vh0RTd8LTdI/AAAAAAAABYM/9RewDX5Xevg/s1600/sports_hockey-530x372%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kOP48jLYSBA/Vh0RTd8LTdI/AAAAAAAABYM/9RewDX5Xevg/s400/sports_hockey-530x372%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
<i>By Miles McQuinn</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
To say that Ohio State's non-conference is among the
toughest in the nation is more of an understatement than saying that the
previous Big Ten Tournaments have lacked in attendance. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The Buckeye roster includes 27 players, with 10 freshmen,
seven sophomores, seven juniors and three seniors.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Even with a ton of veterans coming back, it would still be
tough to prepare for their 2015-16 schedule.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Throw in the amount of freshmen that need to get ready, and
the situation gets even tougher for OSU head coach Steve Rohlik, who, by the
way, has a new assistant coach in former Wisconsin standout defenseman Mark
Strobel.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Let's take a look at what the Scarlet and Gray are up
against this season as I highlight five of their marquee match-ups.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<b>1. OSU vs #16 Bowling Green – October 9/10</b></div>
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How about a home-and-home test right off the bat? The
Buckeyes beat Brock in their exhibition contest 4-0 in pretty dominating
fashion last Saturday, but OSU was rolling five lines compared to Brock's less
than four full lines. Needless to say, the Badgers were worn out in addition to
the fact that the Buckeyes were much more talented.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Now the Scarlet and Gray are
getting prepared for a Bowling Green squad that just missed </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">out on the NCAA Tournament last season and
is primed for great things this year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Of the 119
goals they scored last season, the Falcons have the guys who scored 103 of them
back. Chris Bergeron has built this program back almost literally from the
ground up, and now many believe that it's time for the Falcons return to
national prominence.</span><b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>2. OSU vs #11 Miami – October 16/17<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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The second of the annual Ohio home-and-home's, OSU and Miami
never seem to disappoint. Last season, the Buckeyes were shelled at home 5-1 in
game one while OSU netminder Christian Frey had a jaw-dropping <a href="http://www.ohiostatebuckeyes.com/sports/m-hockey/recaps/101814aaa.html">60
saves</a> in a 2-1 loss in Oxford the next night.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Did the RedHawks lose Austin Czarnik (9 goals, 36 assists),
Riley Barber (20 G, 20 A) and Blake Coleman (20 G, 17 A)? Yes, but it's an
Enrico Blasi led Miami program. They never fail to reload.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anthony Louis (9 G, 27 A) and Sean Kuraly (19 G, 10 A) are
always constant threats. What will be interesting to see, however, is that five
of their forwards are freshmen but come with very high remarks. First round NHL
draft pick and Columbus native <a href="http://www.muredhawks.com/sports/m-hockey/mtt/jack_roslovic_967605.html">Jack
Roslovic</a> has some pretty big expectations and Kiefer Sherwood, also out of
Columbus, had a very solid season with Youngstown (USHL) last year. <o:p></o:p></div>
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On the blue line, they've got some considerable experience
through Louie Belpedio, Matthew Caito, Chris Joyaux and Taylor Richart.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Oh, and their two-headed monster between the pipes in
seniors Jay Williams and Ryan McKay? They're back too. Williams was 19-8-5 last
season with a 2.04 goals against average and a .917 save percentage. McKay was
a solid backup, going 6-6-1 with a 3.09 goals against average and a .898 save
percentage.<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>3. OSU @ #7 Providence – October 23/24<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Last year, the Buckeyes <a href="http://www.uscho.com/recaps/2014/10/10/greco-hat-trick-leads-ohio-state-over-providence/">stunned</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>defending national champion Providence in their
season opener in Columbus before losing to the Friars the next day. Now they
have to try and beat them in Rhode Island. This year, Providence heads into the
season ranked seventh in the nation and has a lot of key senior firepower back
with them including defensemen John Gilmour and Tom Parisi, as well as forwards
Mark Jankowski, Trevor Mingoia, Nick Saracino and Brandon Tanev.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The loss of Jon Gillies between the pipes is a blow, so
we'll see what juniors Brendan Leahy and Nick Ellis, along with freshman <a href="http://www.friars.com/sports/m-hockey/mtt/hayden_hawkey_973254.html">Hayden
Hawkey</a> (greatest name ever by the way) can bring to the table.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This is a team with a lot of parts back from their national
championship team. We'll see how the Buckeyes fare just three weeks into their
season.<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>4. OSU @ #9 Minnesota – December 4/5 <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Welcome to the Big Ten schedule. Ready or not here it comes.
There isn't really a “friendly confines” anywhere in the Big Ten, but to try
and steal a win at Mariucci Arena always presents a challenge. OSU is 3-19-1
all time against the Golden Gophers and the only Buckeye win at Mariucci came
on Dec. 28, 1998, as the Scarlet and Gray beat the Gophers 6-5 in the Mariucci
Classic. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Minnesota has a lot to prove after a disappointing 2014-15
season. A lot was expected with a loaded roster and for the most part they
underachieved, squeaking into the NCAA Tournament with their Big Ten Tournament
championship win over Michigan and losing 4-1 to Minnesota-Duluth in the
opening round.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Taylor Cammarata, Hudson Fasching and Justin Kloos are just
the first few names that come to mind when it comes to the firepower up front.
Plenty of depth there. Defensively, the loss of Mike Reilly really hurts but
there's still some talent and experience back there with players like Michael
Brodzinski, Ryan Collins and Jake Bishoff.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Between the pipes is the biggest question. Who takes over
for Adam Wilcox? By this point in the season, we should see an answer.<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>5. OSU vs #1 Boston College – December 28 @ the Florida
College Classic: Estero, Florida.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Well this is one way to start the second half of the season.
A nice trip to Florida in the middle of winter. Temperatures are warm, skies
are sunny and boom. You have to play the No. 1 ranked Eagles. Now will that
ranking change by late December? Who knows. I bet they do, especially since
there were a staggering 10 teams that received votes in the opening <a href="http://www.uscho.com/rankings/d-i-mens-poll/">uscho.com poll</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Interesting to note, the Eagles have 10 freshmen this season
as well. That doesn't mean that they have a lack of veteran talent however.<o:p></o:p></div>
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BC's strength looks like it will come <a href="http://www.bceagles.com/news/2015/9/29/MIH_0929153837.aspx">up front</a>
this season. Alex Tuch, possibly overshadowed by some<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>guy down the street named Jack Eichel last
season, was the school's first leading point getter as a freshman in 42 years.
He had 14 goals and 14 assists.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Adam Gilmour and Ryan Fitzgerald, along with highly touted
freshmen in Jeremy Bracco, Chris Brown and Colin White are going to provide
problems for opposing defenses night after night.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The big question lies with the defense after it was
decimated due to NHL signings (see Noah Hanifin and Michael Matheson).<o:p></o:p></div>
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Junior Thatcher Demko is the most notable goaltender in all
of Hockey East, but how are his hips after offseason surgery?<o:p></o:p></div>
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OSU is 1-4 all time against Boston College. Their last
meeting came in 2003 in the first round of the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>NCAA Tournament. The Eagles took that game 1-0. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The Buckeyes only win against BC came in their first ever
meeting on Nov. 16, 1980. OSU went on the road and beat the Eagles 5-4 in
overtime.<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421912861082493795.post-8695459112412035172015-09-23T14:20:00.001-05:002015-09-23T14:20:19.553-05:00B1G TV 2015-16 Schedule Released <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HTvjhmgLPgM/VCB3NPNCJgI/AAAAAAAAAiE/hpmqMZO4Ul0/s1600/TheB1GTVSchedule.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HTvjhmgLPgM/VCB3NPNCJgI/AAAAAAAAAiE/hpmqMZO4Ul0/s320/TheB1GTVSchedule.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<strong>ROSEMONT, Ill. –</strong> The 2015-16 Big Ten hockey season will feature an extensive slate of television coverage, with more than 60 total games.The lineup is highlighted by a package of at least 22 national broadcasts to be carried on BTN, with another six on ESPNU and ESPNEWS, along with an additional 33 games to be carried on FOX Sports Regional Networks, American Sports Network and CN900.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
BTN will broadcast at least 22 games with the first taking place on <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1906729281" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Friday, Dec. 11</span></span>, when Michigan hosts Minnesota at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1906729282" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">7 p.m. ET</span></span>. Highlighting the BTN regular season schedule will be the Super <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1906729283" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Saturday</span></span> - College Hoops & Hockey doubleheader on <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1906729284" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Jan. 30</span></span>, when Michigan and Penn State will meet at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The teams will play a men’s basketball game at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1906729285" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">noon</span></span>, followed by a hockey matchup at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1906729286" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">7 p.m.</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1906729286" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;"></span></span></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">BTN will also provide live coverage of all five games from the 2016 Big Ten Men’s Ice Hockey Tournament, scheduled for</span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> </span><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1906729287" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; font-size: 12.8px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">March 17-19</span></span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">at Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul, Minn. Every televised game can be streamed nation-wide via the web, smartphones, tablets and connected devices on BTN2Go, BTN’s digital extension.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
ESPN, home of the NCAA Division I Men’s Ice Hockey Championship, will televise an additional six contests, beginning on <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1906729288" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Saturday, Dec. 5</span></span>, when Minnesota hosts Ohio State. Faceoff for that game is scheduled for <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1906729289" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">8 p.m.</span></span> on ESPNEWS. ESPN will conclude its slate of Big Ten games on <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1906729290" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Friday, March 11</span></span>, when Minnesota hosts Wisconsin at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1906729291" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">8 p.m.</span></span> on ESPNEWS. All games televised on an ESPN network will also be available on WatchESPN.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
FOX Sports Regional Networks will broadcast at least an additional 22 games, with contests appearing on FS Detroit, FS North and SportsTime Ohio. Coverage begins in October and concludes when Michigan State plays host to Minnesota on <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1906729292" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Friday, March 4</span></span>.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
American Sports Network will broadcast at least three Big Ten games, beginning with Wisconsin hosting Denver on <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1906729293" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Nov. 20</span></span>, while CN900 has eight games slated, beginning with Michigan State playing host to Michigan Tech on <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1906729294" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Nov. 21</span></span>. All games broadcast by FOX Sports Regional Networks, American Sports Network, or CN900 can also be streamed live via the web, smartphones, tablets and connected devices on BTN2Go.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
2015‐16 MEN’S HOCKEY TELEVISION SCHEDULE (All times Eastern)<br />
<br />
<b>October 10, 2015 </b><br />
8 PM Vermont at Minnesota FSN PLUS<br />
<br />
<b>October 16, 2015</b><br />
8 PM Minnesota Duluth at Minnesota FSN<br />
<br />
<b>October 23, 2015 </b><br />
8 PM Northeastern at Minnesota FSN PLUS/STO<br />
<br />
<b>October 24, 2015</b><br />
9 PM Northeastern at Minnesota FSN<br />
<br />
<b>November 7, 2015</b><br />
7 PM New Hampshire at Michigan State FSD/STO<br />
<br />
<b>November 14, 2015 </b><br />
8 PM Minnesota State at Minnesota FSN PLUS/STO<br />
<br />
<b>November 20, 2015 </b><br />
8:30 PM Denver at Wisconsin ASN<br />
<br />
<b>November 21, 2015 </b><br />
TBA Michigan Tech at Michigan State CN900<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>November 22, 2015 </b><br />
4 PM Michigan Tech at Michigan State CN900<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>November 27, 2015</b><br />
7 PM St. Cloud State at Minnesota FSN/STO<br />
<br />
<b>November 29, 2015</b><br />
7 PM St. Cloud State at Minnesota FSN/STO<br />
<br />
<b>December 4, 2015 </b><br />
7:30 PM Wisconsin at Michigan CN900<br />
8 PM Ohio State at Minnesota FSN<br />
<br />
<b>December 5, 2015</b><br />
7:30 PM Wisconsin at Michigan CN900<br />
8 PM Ohio State at Minnesota ESPNEWS<br />
<br />
<b>December 11, 2015</b><br />
7 PM Minnesota at Michigan BTN<br />
7 PM Wisconsin at Michigan State CN900<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>December 12, 2015 </b><br />
8:30 PM Minnesota at Michigan ESPNEWS<br />
2:30 PM Wisconsin at Michigan State CN900<br />
<br />
<b>December 29, 2015 </b><br />
3:30 PM Northern Michigan vs. Michigan FSD<br />
7 PM Michigan Tech vs. Michigan State FSD<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>December 30, 2015 </b><br />
3:30 or 7 PM MSU/Mich. Tech vs. Michigan FSD<br />
3:30 or 7 PM MICH/Northern Mich. vs. Michigan State FSD<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>January 1, 2016 </b><br />
8 PM Connecticut at Minnesota FSN<br />
<br />
<b>January 8, 2016</b><br />
6:30 PM Michigan at Michigan State ESPNEWS<br />
6:30 PM Minnesota at Penn State BTN<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>January 9, 2016 </b><br />
7 PM Michigan State at Michigan BTN<br />
<br />
<b>January 15, 2016 </b><br />
9 PM Michigan State at Minnesota FSD/FSN PLUS/STO<br />
6:30 PM Michigan at Ohio State FSD<br />
6:30 PM Wisconsin at Penn State BTN<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>January 16, 2016</b><br />
8:30 PM Michigan State at Minnesota BTN<br />
6 PM Wisconsin at Penn State ESPNU<br />
<br />
<b>January 17, 2016</b><br />
5 PM Ohio State at Michigan FSD/STO<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>January 22, 2016</b><br />
9 PM Minnesota at Wisconsin BTN<br />
<br />
<b>January 23, 2016 </b><br />
8 PM Minnesota at Wisconsin ASN<br />
<br />
<b>January 29, 2016 </b><br />
6:30 PM Michigan State at Ohio State BTN<br />
<br />
<b>January 30, 2016</b><br />
7 PM Michigan vs. Penn State BTN<br />
5 PM Bemidji State vs. Minnesota FSN<br />
<br />
<b>January 31, 2016 </b><br />
2 or 5 PM Minn. State/St. Cloud State vs. Minnesota FSN<br />
<br />
<b>February 5, 2016 </b><br />
7:30 PM Michigan State vs. Michigan FSD<br />
8 PM Penn State at Minnesota BTN<br />
<br />
<b>February 6, 2016 </b><br />
5 PM Michigan at Michigan State BTN<br />
5 PM Penn State at Minnesota FSN<br />
<br />
<b>February 12, 2016 </b><br />
6:30 PM Minnesota at Ohio State BTN<br />
<br />
<b>February 19, 2016 </b><br />
6:30 PM Ohio State at Penn State BTN<br />
9 PM Michigan State at Wisconsin BTN<br />
<br />
<b>February 20, 2016 </b><br />
3 PM Ohio State at Penn State ESPNU<br />
<br />
<b>February 25, 2016 </b><br />
8:30 PM Michigan at Minnesota BTN<br />
<br />
<b>February 26, 2016</b><br />
9 PM Michigan at Minnesota BTN<br />
6:30 PM Wisconsin at Ohio State BTN<br />
<br />
<b>March 4, 2016 </b><br />
7 PM Minnesota at Michigan State FSD/FSN PLUS<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>March 5, 2016</b><br />
8 PM Penn State at Wisconsin ASN<br />
<br />
<b>March 11, 2016 </b><br />
7:30 PM Penn State at Michigan CN900<br />
8 PM Wisconsin at Minnesota ESPNEWS<br />
<br />
<b>March 12, 2016 </b><br />
7:30 PM Penn State at Michigan CN900<br />
8 PM Wisconsin at Minnesota BTN<br />
<br />
<b><u>BIG TEN TOURNAMENT</u></b><br />
<b>March 17, 2016 </b><br />
5 PM TBD vs. TBD BTN<br />
8:30 PM TBD vs. TBD BTN<br />
<br />
<b>March 18, 2016 </b><br />
5 PM TBD vs. TBD BTN<br />
8:30 PM TBD vs. TBD BTN<br />
<br />
<b>March 19, 2016 </b><br />
8 PM TBD vs. TBD BTN<br />
<br />
KEY:
ASN – American Sports Network<br />
FSD – FS Detroit
F<br />
SN – FS North<br />
FSN Plus – FS North P<br />
LUS
STO – SportsTime OhioAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421912861082493795.post-7710368868546945392015-08-19T13:24:00.001-05:002015-08-19T13:28:00.374-05:003v3 OT: Should the Big Ten Conference Adopt it?<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: maven_proregular, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oEeAmeKYUDI/VdOO6maQJrI/AAAAAAAABRo/Jzv4IgHr51o/s1600/NJD_LAK_3on3%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oEeAmeKYUDI/VdOO6maQJrI/AAAAAAAABRo/Jzv4IgHr51o/s400/NJD_LAK_3on3%2Bcopy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><a href="http://b1gicehockey.blogspot.com/p/jessi-pierce.html">By Jessi Pierce</a></i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: maven_proregular, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">
As fans of the game, we can all agree that we like to take in some "free hockey" during the season. A last-second goal to push the game into overtime injects another level of excitement in the arena. But push it much past the first overtime -- <a href="http://www.cbssports.com/nhl/eye-on-hockey/25096524/umass-beats-notre-dame-in-longest-game-in-college-hockey-history">or god-forbid five</a> -- and things can get a bit stale.<br />
<br />
Taking a page from the NHL's newly adopted 3-on-3 overtime rule -- <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=771982">approved by the NHL Board of Governor's earlier this summer</a> -- the NCHC announced a 3-on-3 overtime for its league play, too. The team that wins in the 3-on-3 stanza, which takes place after an original 5-minute, 5-on-5 overtime, will receive an extra point in conference standings.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>Here's how it plays out according to the NCHC official statement:</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: maven_proregular, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">
<i style="background-color: white;">"As has been the case in previous seasons, any conference game that remains tied after regulation will play the NCAA-mandated 5-on-5 (plus goalies) 5-minute overtime period, which is also done throughout all NCAA hockey conferences. If one team scores, they receive all three points in the conference standings while the losing team receives none. The game also counts as a win and loss nationally in the PairWise rankings. If no goal is scored, the game is considered a tie with both teams receiving one point in the conference standings and it is also called a tie nationally, also the same as previous seasons.</i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: maven_proregular, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">
<i style="background-color: white;">Beginning in October, if a conference game is still tied after the 5-minute overtime, the two teams will then play a 3-on-3 (plus goalies) 5-minute overtime period for the extra point in the conference standings, keeping all conference games worth three points. The result of the 3-on-3 overtime will not affect the PairWise rankings as the game is still considered a tie. If a team scores during the 3-on-3 overtime, the winning team will receive the extra point for two points in the standings while the losing team will receive the one point for the tie. The final score of the game will still reflect a tie, however."</i></blockquote>
<br />
If the game is still tied after the second OT period then, similar to last year, the two teams will square off in a shootout** to decide the winner of the extra point. The extra point will only benefit the teams in the NCHC conference standings and will hold no value on the NCAA level when it comes to national standings or tournament selection.<br />
<br />
Now that we broke down the logistics, the B1G question is: will the Big Ten look into adding this to their conference rules?<br />
<br />
My first thought is, why not.<br />
<br />
The biggest thing to consider is ending a game in OT rather than a shootout. With less players, the ice is opened up for more scoring chances. Who doesn't want to see the game decided on more than just one skill set?<br />
<br />
Three-on-three hockey can be a lot of fun to watch -- then again you will have plenty of people argue that shootouts are fun to watch, too. Either way, I'm excited to see the NCHC making steps toward making the game exciting. They are establishing themselves as a conference that's not afraid to try things. Maybe the Big Ten will follow suite and take a page out of their book for the benefit of its fans.<br />
<br />
Should the Big Ten go with a 3v3 OT? Tell us what you think in the comments section below or Tweet at us @b1gicehockey.<br />
<br />
<i>** = A minor change to last year's shootout rules, this year the NCHC decided there will only be one round rather than three, which keeps going until a winner is decided. </i><br />
<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421912861082493795.post-78237640573553115782015-08-13T11:08:00.002-05:002015-08-14T12:05:11.004-05:002015-16 Penn State Freshman Preview <i><a href="http://b1gicehockey.blogspot.com/p/jessi-pierce.html">By Miles McQuinn</a></i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizP0xhtol59Ga6ktmnxR0AJ_YJTTCUjnKzPr7e4IG53_JKwxfmw_TPQ1IUxk4bVGEN3N2yfPA1pDJQapQzm8YD6fMTuJ8tEOQUH1FIR9okO2L103GFubymdXcOFQktT3SQk9FQlL0gt6s/s1600/Pegula-Ice-Arena-Interior.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizP0xhtol59Ga6ktmnxR0AJ_YJTTCUjnKzPr7e4IG53_JKwxfmw_TPQ1IUxk4bVGEN3N2yfPA1pDJQapQzm8YD6fMTuJ8tEOQUH1FIR9okO2L103GFubymdXcOFQktT3SQk9FQlL0gt6s/s400/Pegula-Ice-Arena-Interior.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 1;">
<b>Number of players
lost: 9 – (7 due to graduation, 1 to the NHL (Casey Bailey,
Toronto) and 1 by dismissal due to violation of team rules (Scott
Conway))</b></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 1;">
<b>Number of incoming
freshmen: 7</b></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; widows: 1;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; widows: 1;">
Last
year, in just its third season as a division I program, Penn State
looked like it was a program on the verge of great things. Had they
been able to keep their leading scorer, Casey Bailey, around for
another season and had leading freshman scorer, Scott Conway, not
violated team rules, the Nittany Lions could have been considered a
top two finisher in the Big Ten this season. But those losses, plus
the graduation of dishmaster Taylor Holstrom puts a major dent in the
offense. The graduation of Partrick Koudys and Nate Jensen from the
defensive core are considerable losses as well.
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; widows: 1;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; widows: 1;">
I
don't see any of Penn State's freshmen forwards being able to make up
for the losses, but I do see them having a potential role regarding
the depth of the team as fourth liners. The defensemen have some
quality talent, and I wouldn't be surprised if one or more of them
play a primary role this season.
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; widows: 1;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; widows: 1;">
So
let's check out Penn State's incoming freshmen for the 2015-16
campaign.
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 1;">
<b><u>Chase Berger,
Forward, St. Louis, Mo.</u></b></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 1;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; widows: 1;">
The
brother of former Princeton University captain Jack Berger, Chase
enters his freshman year in Hockey Valley coming off of a 28 point
season with Tri-City (USHL). In 119 games with the Storm, he had 24
goals and 33 assists. The former St. Louis Amateur Blues product
isn't necessarily a consistent scorer. I see Berger getting spots in
the lineup here and there during his freshman year, with the
potential to work his way into the lineup as his career progresses.</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 1;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 1;">
<b><u>Alec Marsh, Forward,
Bridgewater, N.J.</u></b></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 1;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3UnLdie3AnnbmgP341Dv8ALxKYSa8wrO6wRpoQH4KNXCRyQ0OMLJuuNmHNshyphenhyphen1edrgJEktM6A0dvJaKkhSRDmtotT57cwz6CjVniMKtJhkKX5nLFb9x42_atRQT11jJ6f3VOF6wi-ZlI/s1600/AlecMarshFargoForce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3UnLdie3AnnbmgP341Dv8ALxKYSa8wrO6wRpoQH4KNXCRyQ0OMLJuuNmHNshyphenhyphen1edrgJEktM6A0dvJaKkhSRDmtotT57cwz6CjVniMKtJhkKX5nLFb9x42_atRQT11jJ6f3VOF6wi-ZlI/s200/AlecMarshFargoForce.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 1;">
After spending
his first two seasons in Cedar Rapids with the RoughRiders (USHL),
Marsh played for three teams during the 2014-15 season. He began in
Cedar Rapids, was moved to Sioux Falls and finished the year in
Fargo. He scored 28 goals and had 44 assists in 147 games over his
USHL carrer. I'm tagging Marsh as another “depth” player. His
adjustment to college hockey in his first and even second year at
Penn State will tell what type of contributor he will be. </div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; widows: 1;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 1;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 1;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 1;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 1;">
<b><u>Matt Mendelson, Forward,
Pittsburgh, Pa.</u></b></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 1;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikyANUF9UoY_dzvpgawzEhpr-4E1_JigWlxW6zsja2KkaqeuUpnjfbjIGCdN9VP0y6x3by2ZzAQv59GKL6vPM3ro-yD6Vp37MBWsGhwIru5lhNlubIqFf5WMzrpqTWA6XRSOP3DZY0fU4/s1600/MattMendelson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikyANUF9UoY_dzvpgawzEhpr-4E1_JigWlxW6zsja2KkaqeuUpnjfbjIGCdN9VP0y6x3by2ZzAQv59GKL6vPM3ro-yD6Vp37MBWsGhwIru5lhNlubIqFf5WMzrpqTWA6XRSOP3DZY0fU4/s320/MattMendelson.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 1;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">A
consistent scorer from his youth days with the Pittsburgh Hornets and
Penguins AAA teams to his time at the USHL level with Muskegon and
Bloomington, head coach Guy Gadowsky is hoping Mendelson can bring
the same offensive prowess to his program. Matt already has
familiarity with the school, given that his sister Cara </span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.gopsusports.com/sports/w-hockey/mtt/cara_mendelson_817193.html"><span style="font-weight: normal;">played</span></a></u></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">
for the women's team. At the very least, his leadership skills are
impressive. He's coming off a season where he won the prestigious
</span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.ushl.com/news_article/show/524834?referrer_id=1348814"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Curt
Hammer Award</span></a></u></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
When it comes to finding his niche in the Penn State depth chart, I
don't see a major impact from him right away, but I do see a bright
career.</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 1;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 1;">
<b><u>Kevin Kerr, Defense, Bensalem, Pa.</u></b></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 1;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; widows: 1;">
A teammate of
Chase Berger's with Tri-City (USHL), Kerr will bring a lot of
creativity and has a free-flowing style that the Penn State defense
needs. He was second on the Storm in terms of defensive scoring with
seven goals and 22 assists. Over the course of his 118 game USHL
career, he had eight goals and 30 assists and seemed to be a very
disciplined player. He has a solid resume to offer and he's a good
two-way player. If Kerr is able to handle the defensive challenges
that the Big Ten offers, then he'll fit right in to Guy Gadowsky's
system.</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 1;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 1;">
<b><u>Vince Pedrie, Defense, Rochester,
Minn.</u></b></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 1;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9MhwDIHerRZ3q7xf2ITfuCojKCjDfEY61QxCW64xNGI58QsP0o-lDzR45NgIvW2TTRDTIy2uWu95msBTQUhaHdLty9c0fBQWIyIISN2NxDXzMW96ZItvb6kQKNNh38E4GfbzDiVGTaRU/s1600/VincePedrie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9MhwDIHerRZ3q7xf2ITfuCojKCjDfEY61QxCW64xNGI58QsP0o-lDzR45NgIvW2TTRDTIy2uWu95msBTQUhaHdLty9c0fBQWIyIISN2NxDXzMW96ZItvb6kQKNNh38E4GfbzDiVGTaRU/s200/VincePedrie.jpg" width="142" /></a></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 1;">
Coming into
collegiate hockey at 21 years old, Pedrie is 6'0, 185 lbs and brings
a lot of experience to Guy Gadowsky's roster. He spent the beginning
of the 2014-15 season with Bloomington (USHL) before being dealt to
Tri-City to team up with Kevin Kerr and the Storm. Over the course of
62 games last season, Pedrie had 13 goals and 15 assists. I see him
as a player that has a chance to make appearances throughout the
season, especially with Penn State's defensive core coming into
question.</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; widows: 1;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 1;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">BONUS
VIDEO: Pedrie was named Bloomington's Player of the Month last
November. Check out some of his highlights </span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGW95J4x0dk"><span style="font-weight: normal;">here</span></a></u></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span>
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 1;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 1;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 1;">
<b><u>Derian Hamilton, Defense, Port
McNeill, British Columbia </u></b>
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; widows: 1;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; widows: 1;">
Hamilton has
some pretty good size to him, standing at 6'1 and 175 lbs. No doubt
he'll gain some weight as the years progress at Penn State. If
there's any common theme to the defensemen that Gadowsky brought into
his program, it's that they all possess offensive capabilities.
Hamilton is no exception. He spent almost all of the past three
seasons in the VIJHL with the Nanaimo Buccaneers and the Comox Valley
Glacier Kings. In 142 games in the league, he had 28 goals and a very
impressive 116 assists. It goes without saying that the VIJHL isn't
the USHL, but you can't help but raise your eyebrows looking at those
numbers. Once again, like Pedrie, if Gadowsky spots him in the lineup
and he produces accordingly, that's where he'll stay.</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; widows: 1;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 1;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Here's
an extended look at Hamilton via </span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://onwardstate.com/2015/06/01/canadian-defenseman-derian-hamilton-commits-to-penn-state/"><span style="font-weight: normal;">onwardstate.com</span></a></u></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 1;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 1;">
<b><u>Chris Funkey, Goalie, Orland Park,
Ill.</u></b></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 1;">
<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi80r6tS05ff_9NAw7ji8DSzqBAMiFQH1Fgv8hIiYvZ0qEIGdCdiinuRgdaYjBfrlwoa2Qr8d1uahs-fz0QyjHNBIYjTZ_ci_MIn43c7iBVEa7mfxNvq5Fj_07tP7pWztCCNf9tKowfRnw/s1600/ChrisFunkey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi80r6tS05ff_9NAw7ji8DSzqBAMiFQH1Fgv8hIiYvZ0qEIGdCdiinuRgdaYjBfrlwoa2Qr8d1uahs-fz0QyjHNBIYjTZ_ci_MIn43c7iBVEa7mfxNvq5Fj_07tP7pWztCCNf9tKowfRnw/s320/ChrisFunkey.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
A
credible netminder from the New Jersey Hitmen (USPHL), Funkey
will be filling the third goalie spot left open by the graduation of
PJ Musico. Not much to touch on here in terms of playing time this
year, as senior Matthew Skoff and junior Eamonn McAdam will have the
goaltending duties this season. If anything, Funkey should just sit
back and learn all that he can for next season. It might prove to be
beneficial if he's to be Penn State's goalie of the future. If you
see him in the net this season, it'll be because of injuries or
because the Nittany Lions simply aren't performing well, which I
don't think will happen. Then again, Ohio State's third string goalie
Logan Davis has played under <span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.collegehockeynews.com/news/2014/11/12_college_hockeys_call_to_the.php">extreme
circumstances</a></u></span></span>.
So I guess you can never say never.
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12338662031873620368noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421912861082493795.post-58065554344712620082015-08-06T19:52:00.001-05:002015-08-13T11:09:12.128-05:002015-16 Ohio State Freshman Preview<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 1;">
<i><a href="http://b1gicehockey.blogspot.com/p/jessi-pierce.html">By Miles McQuinn</a></i></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 1;">
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2dCofgYFV5k6G8XxOOsdmLIruJInGoJzYnjlywf5-vUQwoEDq4S_p_G2OPgsOgvpDdXEeu2Xr9WDkSlnEwgWelmM1s0LRvh5xZmlDebFRbBluJyv5Xz6HyArUwvSF7OsE7At_S_GEtdE/s1600/ohio-state-hockey-vca.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2dCofgYFV5k6G8XxOOsdmLIruJInGoJzYnjlywf5-vUQwoEDq4S_p_G2OPgsOgvpDdXEeu2Xr9WDkSlnEwgWelmM1s0LRvh5xZmlDebFRbBluJyv5Xz6HyArUwvSF7OsE7At_S_GEtdE/s400/ohio-state-hockey-vca.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 1;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 1;">
<b>Number of Players Lost: 8 (all due
to graduation)</b></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 1;">
<b>Number of Incoming Freshmen: 10</b></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 1;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 1;">
The spring of
2013-14 was a devastating one for head coach Steve Rohlik and his
Ohio State squad. Losing Hobey Baker candidate Ryan Dzingel and point
producer Max McCormick to Binghamton (AHL) proved to be a significant
blow heading into the 2014-15 season. OSU's talent up front was
diluted and injuries didn't help either.</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; widows: 1;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; widows: 1;">
This upcoming
season the Buckeyes notice a hit of players too, graduating eight and
losing a core group of guys. Of them, forwards like Matt Johnson and
Nick Oddo, as well as defenseman Justin DaSilva, are tough to lose.
The departure of team captain Tanner Fritz is the toughest to deal
with. But, unlike last season, there appears to be a light at the end
of the tunnel. With some of the talent they have coming in, along
with some veteran goaltending and a few point producers already on
the team, OSU is making steps in the right direction as a program.</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 1;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; widows: 1;">
Let's have a
look at Ohio State's incoming freshman class, leading up to the
impact players at the end.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 1;">
<b><u>John Wiitala, Forward, Lakeville,
Minn.</u></b></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 1;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh79V-2ih80Cqsv4FaSLQd0KHsHLz5YeSIHfivAcifdJZgqzJ3NEgoLvNWeUtOoGfNOO2ouMihsovWffocN0OzRtTPZ6ejjDxIA_ver9HARKCI57tzwqRWHNZxH-eg8sPiq2Xbyd4lgt-s/s1600/Wiitala.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh79V-2ih80Cqsv4FaSLQd0KHsHLz5YeSIHfivAcifdJZgqzJ3NEgoLvNWeUtOoGfNOO2ouMihsovWffocN0OzRtTPZ6ejjDxIA_ver9HARKCI57tzwqRWHNZxH-eg8sPiq2Xbyd4lgt-s/s400/Wiitala.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 1;">
A
former state semifinalist with Lakeville South High School and a
Clark Cup Finalist with the Waterloo Black Hawks (USHL), Wiitala is a
mixture of speed, shiftiness and has been known to keep defensemen on
their toes if he's on the rush. In 60 games last season, he tallied
13 goals and 13 assists. His coach in Waterloo, P.K. O'Handley is
adamant about his versatility, consistency and reliability, according
to <span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://wcfcourier.com/sports/hockey/blackhawks/wiitala-finishing-his-ushl-career-strong/article_a403dfa5-eb6c-5b86-8dd4-7a1e757ba76b.html">wcfcourier.com</a></u></span></span>.
Consistency is what the Buckeyes need more than anything, as injury
issues stopped any forward progress that Ohio State made until the
final two or three weeks of the season.</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; widows: 1;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; widows: 1;">
Interesting to
note: John's father Marty spent four years as a defenseman and winger
at Wisconsin from 1982-86. In 163 games, he posted 46 goals and 82
assists.</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; widows: 1;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 1;">
<b><u>Michael Gillespie, Forward, New
City, N.Y.</u></b></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 1;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyW_ZeqAPy2vqbBUJHVL46yqH4y_q97wBcaOibc6bcY7YYTLyr8RHtUzjs4aEXruvVMwQKiqp_-BHmiGT9DdpDAmprW56eoNEL-wBYjvFS9VVxXr3Z7ptGTI7h0nf3reMYeM52fiYvhmQ/s1600/Gillespie-Picture-1-300x139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyW_ZeqAPy2vqbBUJHVL46yqH4y_q97wBcaOibc6bcY7YYTLyr8RHtUzjs4aEXruvVMwQKiqp_-BHmiGT9DdpDAmprW56eoNEL-wBYjvFS9VVxXr3Z7ptGTI7h0nf3reMYeM52fiYvhmQ/s400/Gillespie-Picture-1-300x139.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 1;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; widows: 1;">
From all reports
about him, Gillespie has a fantastic hockey sense. Given his 5'9, 165
lb stature, he uses his size and his vision to his advantage. The
former New Jersey Rocket (EHL) posted 14 goals and 40 assists during
the 2013-14 season, helping garner him EHL Rookie of the Year honors.
His grit and determination strike me as impressive as well, given
that he went from the New York Saints (MJHL) to the Rockets, to the
Lincoln Stars (USHL). He scored 18 goals and had 16 assists last
season in Lincoln, tying him for the team lead in points with Brown
commit Biagio Lerario.
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; widows: 1;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 1;">
<b><u>Brendon Kearney, Forward,
Northville, Mich.</u></b></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 1;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; widows: 1;">
Anytime that
Steve Rohlik and his staff are able to snag a Michigan native, you've
got to give them some credit. Kearney spent his youth days in the
Detroit Honeybaked program, spending brief moments with the USNTDP
and the Langley Rivermen (BCHL) before ending up in Chicago with the
Steel (USHL) for the better part of two seasons. He posted 18 goals
and 14 assists last season in Chicago while serving as an alternate
captain. He's got a solid frame to him, standing at 6'0, 185 lbs, and
he'll without a doubt tack on to that weight-wise as he begins his
collegiate development. He's not as highly touted as Dakota Joshua or
Miguel Fidler, so I'd have a “wait and see” approach as to where
he fits in on this Buckeye depth chart.</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; widows: 1;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 1;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">If
you're looking for an extensive look at Kearney, check out an article
on the chicagosteelhockeyteam.com site </span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.chicagosteelhockeyteam.com/steel-spotlight-brendon-kearney/"><span style="font-weight: normal;">here</span></a></u></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 1;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 1;">
<b><u>Sasha Larocque, Defense, Calgary,
Alberta </u></b>
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 1;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 1;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdY4H3TcAdVoaC6UQlqwUcHgqF38WLxVQ7igZD3u-dBCgcOob-G4Z1JzKvS-712LB1mTh9TJs4-X8gtam2Y1kg2RHrh7nR3XzLAg1D7eQdQGibqIBQcZdz9TJZd5l7EH3LGUe960CpWOw/s1600/Sasha2_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdY4H3TcAdVoaC6UQlqwUcHgqF38WLxVQ7igZD3u-dBCgcOob-G4Z1JzKvS-712LB1mTh9TJs4-X8gtam2Y1kg2RHrh7nR3XzLAg1D7eQdQGibqIBQcZdz9TJZd5l7EH3LGUe960CpWOw/s400/Sasha2_large.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 1;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 1;">
With
the graduation of captain Tanner Fritz, it's only natural that Ohio
State needs another Alberta-born player on the roster. Enter Sasha
Larocque. Standing at 6'0, 202 lbs, Larocque comes to Columbus after
spending last season with the Dubuque Fighting Saints (USHL). He's
known for his physicality and toughness, but most importantly his
leadership ability. Prior to his days in Dubuque, Larocque spent four
seasons in the AJHL with the Okotoks Oilers and Grande Prairie Storm.
He was captain of the Storm during the 2013-14 season and after
starting last season with Dubuque as an alternate captain, he was
given the “C” in February. In 192 games in the AJHL, he was in
the sin bin for 368 minutes. He spent 97 minutes in there last
season. I see Larocque as sort of a smaller version of Justin DaSilva
in that he's known as a stay at home defenseman. While he's not
expected to produce a ton of offense from the back end, he does all
the other things such as blocking shots and moving bodies from in
front of the net. However, if he can develop a quality offensive
game, it's only to his and Ohio State's benefit as the two-way
defenseman becomes more of a necessity in today's game.</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 1;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 1;">
<b><u>Mason Jobst, Forward, Speedway,
Ind.</u></b></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 1;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; widows: 1;">
It was a tough
year for Mason Jobst. Set to take on the 2014-15 campaign – his
fourth with the Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL) and his second as captain
– a season with so much promise was cut short after just 11 games
due to a shoulder injury. He would end up coming back and playing in
the Clark Cup Finals against Dakota Joshua's (more on him below)
Sioux Falls Stampede, but the Lumberjacks were quickly swept 3-0.
It's clear however, that the two major things that he's bringing with
him to Columbus are his unquestioned determination and a major chip
on his shoulder. Due to his 5'7, 159 lb frame, it's easy to see why a
lot of college coaches might pass him over. Ohio State offered him a
chance to prove himself so it'll be interesting to see how he reacts
in the years to come. In 158 games for Muskegon, he provided 21 goals
and 67 assists. I wouldn't plan on him having a major impact right
away, but keep him in the back of your mind. He might be a hidden gem
in the future.</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; widows: 1;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 1;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Have
a peek at this </span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://localsportsjournal.com/2015/01/unfinished-business-fourth-year-lumberjack-mason-jobst-is-determined-to-rehab-and-rejoin-his-teammates-this-season/"><span style="font-weight: normal;">article</span></a></u></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">
by localsportsjournal.com and see why it's easy to get behind a guy
like this.</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; widows: 1;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 1;">
<b><u>Tommy Parran, Defense, Shaker
Heights, Ohio</u></b></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 1;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; widows: 1;">
One of two
former Cleveland Barons AAA players that will be joining Ohio State
this season, Tommy Parran had three goals and 13 assists for a
Youngstown Phantom (USHL) team that won the Eastern Conference
regular season crown and set a USHL-record with 17 wins in a row. He
will be joining his former teammate with the Phantoms in Luke Stork,
who had five goals and five assists in his first year wearing the
Scarlet and Gray. Parran, who originally committed to Brown, is
solid, simple as that. Nothing fancy about his game. You won't see
anything in particular that stands out. Will he see significant
playing time next year? It's up in the air. I would see him as the
type of player who gets better with maturity over his tenure in
Columbus.
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; widows: 1;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 1;">
<b><u>Freddy Gerard, Forward, Rocky
River, Ohio</u></b></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 1;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip6gdgdNXUpzqvq0fnl7UM9NXeP6FpaoQ42QXlImtxD4UMnENvydlZVeLZbGi2yFx744xdbURlsh2zoHb6Of0m8InQdfjFk7SkjG4PjLpJI5RCbuac6IO4RtLN0u1Mf3ATo89OQ6a4xmw/s1600/FreddyGerard.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip6gdgdNXUpzqvq0fnl7UM9NXeP6FpaoQ42QXlImtxD4UMnENvydlZVeLZbGi2yFx744xdbURlsh2zoHb6Of0m8InQdfjFk7SkjG4PjLpJI5RCbuac6IO4RtLN0u1Mf3ATo89OQ6a4xmw/s400/FreddyGerard.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 1;">
And now I
introduce the other Cleveland Baron product, Freddy Gerard. Without a
doubt, Gerard earned his way to where he is right now. After spending
two seasons in Boston playing for the Bandits (EJHL/EHL), he had a
stellar season with the Madison Capitols in 2014-15. Through 60
regular season games, he scored 18 goals and had 18 assists while
being named the first captain in team history. He has speed, agility
and a knack for finding a way to get the puck in the net. I see
Gerard as a player that if he's able to contribute when Steve Rohlik
spots him in the lineup this season, that's where he'll stay. That's
just where Ohio State's offense is at the moment. He's 5'11, 161 lbs,
which of course can alarm people, but Freddy is more than capable of
adapting to the collegiate level. It's just a matter of time before
he does.</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; widows: 1;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 1;">
<b><u>Miguel Fidler, Forward, Edina,
Minn.</u></b></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; widows: 1;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 1;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">We
begin to dive into the “big three” of this OSU freshman class
with two-time Minnesota state champion Miguel Fidler. A fifth round
draft pick of the Florida Panthers in 2014, Fidler began his 2014-15
season in Lincoln with the Stars (USHL), scoring five goals and
adding 16 assists in 45 games, before ending the year with Freddy
Gerard in Madison. He scored two goals and had four assists in 15
games with the Capitols. He's got the big body, standing at 6'0, 192
lbs, to muck around with anyone in the Big Ten, and it's
understandable given the reports about his style of </span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.sbncollegehockey.com/2014-nhl-draft/2014/6/16/5807034/2014-nhl-draft-prospect-miguel-fidler"><span style="font-weight: normal;">play</span></a></u></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
I see him in a bottom six role to start, and only progressing as his
development with Ohio State comes to fruition. </span>
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; widows: 1;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 1;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Interesting
to note: Miguel's father Mike spent parts of </span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/f/fidlemi01.html"><span style="font-weight: normal;">eight
seasons</span></a></u></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">
in the NHL with Cleveland, Minnesota, Hartford and Chicago. In 271
games played, he scored 84 goals and had 97 assists.</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 1;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 1;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qa1gVq76fGY"><span style="font-weight: normal;">VIDEO
BONUS</span></a></u></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">:
A solid little highlight video from last season.</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; widows: 1;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 1;">
<b><u>Dakota Joshua, Forward, Dearborn,
Mich. </u></b>
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 1;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjenlVUo65Sa4UicLNCKqznqgjAs5uK0z6J3GwnLroO6RW_ZNVohFv0VsS4P4x7G7ThxrqmCxSU_AGc1o1Jv8WQJ8XYEovMYXId-GEY1aK7F4hWxjSZLGJWpttqOpITVv-q0j5L8uFVR48/s1600/DakotaJoshua.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjenlVUo65Sa4UicLNCKqznqgjAs5uK0z6J3GwnLroO6RW_ZNVohFv0VsS4P4x7G7ThxrqmCxSU_AGc1o1Jv8WQJ8XYEovMYXId-GEY1aK7F4hWxjSZLGJWpttqOpITVv-q0j5L8uFVR48/s400/DakotaJoshua.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 1;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; widows: 1;">
If you're
looking for someone with the potential to have an impact right away
with this Buckeye team, especially with offensive production, look no
further than Dakota Joshua. A healthy USHL career spent with Sioux
Falls saw Joshua produce 40 goals and 45 assists in 114 games along
with a 2015 Clark Cup title. The second of three incoming NHL
draftees for the Bucks, Joshua was taken in the fifth round of the
2014 NHL Entry Draft by Toronto. Another steal from the Detroit area,
Joshua played with the prestigious Honeybaked AAA program at the
youth level. His 6'3 height already has him tied for second on the
team in terms of tallest player. I would imagine that Rohlik and his
staff will use the early portion of the season to figure out the
ideal position for him in a Buckeye uniform whether that be at center
or wing. Regardless, he could be the Nick Schilkey or Matthew Weis
with a breakout freshman season at OSU.</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; widows: 1;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 1;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Here's
a </span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://video.mapleleafs.nhl.com/videocenter/console?id=628135"><span style="font-weight: normal;">look</span></a></u></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">
at him shortly after he was drafted by Toronto.</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; widows: 1;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 1;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAIASayvjzg"><span style="font-weight: normal;">VIDEO
BONUS</span></a></u></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">:
A pretty goal if you ask me, even if he didn't mean it at the tail
end. Hands like hot maple syrup.</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 1;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 1;">
<b><u>Tyler Nanne, Defense, Edina,
Minn.</u></b></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 1;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2AvphTx0CY4qgpQnSgWmh0AyH5mS0rcVX9QFZ4sl1fjG5gR9Ge4PT0bWy0ib7LWxhBQevRxTSwyfUDkRGvmRmUreABtv2INUHRJhCu58NqI9vc132GRRNn5irjQwEWdGaHoCDGd_xPAE/s1600/Nanne_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2AvphTx0CY4qgpQnSgWmh0AyH5mS0rcVX9QFZ4sl1fjG5gR9Ge4PT0bWy0ib7LWxhBQevRxTSwyfUDkRGvmRmUreABtv2INUHRJhCu58NqI9vc132GRRNn5irjQwEWdGaHoCDGd_xPAE/s400/Nanne_large.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 1;">
I think it's
safe to call Nanne Ohio State's defenseman of the future (a big “if”
if he stays for four years). Like the previous two players, he was
also drafted in the fifth round of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, taken by
the New York Rangers. He was teammates with Fidler for Edina's
back-to-back state titles in 2013 and 2014. Nanne began his 2014-15
season with Joshua in Sioux Falls before he reunited with Fidler and
was teammates with Gerard in Madison via a trade after 14 games. In
those 43 games, he tallied eight goals and eight assists. He's a
crafty, skilled two-way defenseman that loves to get involved in the
rush. He's 6'0, 190 lbs and I think he'll gain even more muscle
before his time in Columbus is done. I see him in the top six to
start the season, and we'll see how he adjusts to the collegiate
game.</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; widows: 1;">
<br /></div>
Interesting to
note: Nanne is Minnesota hockey royalty. His grandfather, Lou Nanne,
played at the University of Minnesota, followed by the NHL's North
Stars. The elder Nanne was Head Coach of the North Stars in 1978 and
the General Manager from 1978-88. His father, Marty, also played at
Minnesota in college and his now a scout for the Wild. His brother,
also named Lou, was drafted in the seventh round of the 2012 draft by
the Minnesota Wild. Last but not least, his cousin Vinni Lettieri is
a junior for the Golden Gophers, as he and Tyler will square off for
the first time in college on December 4 when Ohio State makes its way
to Mariucci Arena to begin Big Ten Conference play. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12338662031873620368noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421912861082493795.post-58404620348174557612015-06-30T10:59:00.001-05:002015-06-30T11:00:30.401-05:00Big Ten Hockey at the 2015 NHL Draft<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MbWIPnshMgY/VZK81DoRIDI/AAAAAAAABIQ/RA364Nnl5TI/s1600/0121-draft15.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MbWIPnshMgY/VZK81DoRIDI/AAAAAAAABIQ/RA364Nnl5TI/s400/0121-draft15.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>By Miles McQuinn </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">The 2015 NHL Draft is in the
books, and the Big Ten Conference had a solid showing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Of the 56 college hockey
players drafted, 16 are from the Big Ten, second most among all of college
hockey's conferences.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Of the 210 draftees, 7.6% are
heading to/are in the Big Ten.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Let's break things down by
the numbers and I'll add in some thoughts as well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">NHL Draft By Conference</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse: collapse; margin-left: 2.75pt; mso-padding-alt: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt; mso-table-layout-alt: fixed;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="border-right: none; border: solid black 1.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid black .25pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black .25pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .25pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt; width: 103.8pt;" valign="top" width="104"><div align="center" class="TableContents" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Hockey East</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border: solid black 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid black .25pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt; width: 55.6pt;" valign="top" width="56"><div align="center" class="TableContents" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">23</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt; border-left: solid black 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid black .25pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black .25pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt; width: 103.8pt;" valign="top" width="104"><div align="center" class="TableContents" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Big Ten</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid black 1.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid black .25pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black .25pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid black .25pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt; width: 55.6pt;" valign="top" width="56"><div align="center" class="TableContents" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">16</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt; border-left: solid black 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid black .25pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black .25pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt; width: 103.8pt;" valign="top" width="104"><div align="center" class="TableContents" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">NCHC</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid black 1.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid black .25pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black .25pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid black .25pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt; width: 55.6pt;" valign="top" width="56"><div align="center" class="TableContents" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">10</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt; border-left: solid black 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid black .25pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black .25pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt; width: 103.8pt;" valign="top" width="104"><div align="center" class="TableContents" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">ECAC</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid black 1.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid black .25pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black .25pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid black .25pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt; width: 55.6pt;" valign="top" width="56"><div align="center" class="TableContents" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">4</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt; border-left: solid black 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid black .25pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black .25pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt; width: 103.8pt;" valign="top" width="104"><div align="center" class="TableContents" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">WCHA</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid black 1.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid black .25pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black .25pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid black .25pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt; width: 55.6pt;" valign="top" width="56"><div align="center" class="TableContents" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">2</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt; border-left: solid black 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid black .25pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black .25pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt; width: 103.8pt;" valign="top" width="104"><div align="center" class="TableContents" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Independent </span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid black 1.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid black .25pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black .25pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid black .25pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt; width: 55.6pt;" valign="top" width="56"><div align="center" class="TableContents" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">1</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">NHL Draft By Big Ten
Schools<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse: collapse; margin-left: 2.75pt; mso-padding-alt: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt; mso-table-layout-alt: fixed;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="border-right: none; border: solid black 1.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid black .25pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black .25pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .25pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt; width: 102.45pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div align="center" class="TableContents" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Michigan</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border: solid black 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid black .25pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt; width: 55.6pt;" valign="top" width="56"><div align="center" class="TableContents" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">6</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt; border-left: solid black 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid black .25pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black .25pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt; width: 102.45pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div align="center" class="TableContents" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Minnesota</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid black 1.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid black .25pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black .25pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid black .25pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt; width: 55.6pt;" valign="top" width="56"><div align="center" class="TableContents" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">4</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt; border-left: solid black 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid black .25pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black .25pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt; width: 102.45pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div align="center" class="TableContents" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Wisconsin</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">4</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Penn State</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid black 1.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid black .25pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black .25pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid black .25pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt; width: 55.6pt;" valign="top" width="56"><div align="center" class="TableContents" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">1</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Michigan State</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">1</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
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</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Let's start at the top with <b>Michigan</b>...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Their picks:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Zach Werenski - 1<sup>st</sup>
round, 8<sup>th</sup> overall to Columbus<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Kyle Connor - 1<sup>st</sup>
round, 17<sup>th</sup> overall to Winnipeg<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Brendan Warren - 3<sup>rd</sup>
round, 81<sup>st</sup> overall to Arizona<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Joseph Cecconi - 5<sup>th</sup>
round, 133<sup>rd</sup> overall to Dallas<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Cooper Marody - 6<sup>th</sup>
round, 158<sup>th</sup> overall to Philadeplhia<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Nicholas Boka - 6<sup>th</sup>
round, 171<sup>st</sup> overall to Minnesota<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">The Wolverines cashed in
without a doubt in 2015. Their six draft picks were the program's most since
2007 where they had seven draft picks. Werenski hinted at staying in Ann Arbor
to the media shortly after Columbus drafted him with the eighth pick. This will
be huge if he stays. Michigan lost six players to graduation and Andrew Copp
and Dylan Larkin took off early to go pro. The five other draftees are incoming
freshman and will help and already deep Michigan roster. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">A little tidbit Kyle Connor
from NHL Central Scouting's Greg Rajanen: “<span style="color: black;">He's a
solid two-way player and plays hard in both zones. Nice stride and quickness
and good in tight with the puck.” He led the USHL in points with 32 goals and
42 assists in 53 games with Youngstown last season. If Michigan is able to keep
up their offensive pace of last season while getting better defensively,
they'll be scary good.</span><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Minnesota<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Their picks:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Brent Gates - 3<sup>rd</sup>
round, 80<sup>th</sup> overall to Anaheim<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Tommy Novak - 3<sup>rd</sup>
round, 85<sup>th</sup> overall to Nashville<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Ryan Zuhlsdorf - 5<sup>th</sup>
round, 150<sup>th</sup> overall to Tampa Bay<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Jack Sadek - 7<sup>th</sup>
round, 204<sup>th</sup> overall to Minnesota<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Some solid talent in a year
where there a lot of questions facing the 2015-16 Golden Gopher team. They
graduated a ton of talent and are losing another portion of skill in Mike
Reilly, Brady Skjei and Adam Wilcox to the pro ranks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Gates and Novak might not
have a major impact right off the bat, but will look to round out the depth of
the Gophers up front. Novak has proven to be a huge playmaker, as he led
Waterloo (USHL) in assists with 34 last season.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Sadek played a big role for
Lakeville North High School for a team that went undefeated on their way to a
state title. Big Ten hockey will make him or break him in his development
towards a pro career. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Wisconsin<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Their picks: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Luke Opilka – 5<sup>th</sup>
round, 146<sup>th</sup> overall to St. Louis<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Cameron Hughes - 6<sup>th</sup>
round, 165<sup>th</sup> overall to Boston<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Adam Parsells - 6<sup>th</sup>
round, 160<sup>th</sup> overall to San Jose<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Jack Becker - 7<sup>th</sup>
round, 195<sup>th</sup> overall to Boston<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Boy do they ever need a
talent influx.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Coming off of the worst year
in program history performance-wise, Wisconsin will still be rebuilding things
this season. Of their four draft picks, Cameron Hughes is currently on the team
and Opilka is the only incoming freshman. The other two are set to join for the
2016-17 campaign.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Hughes had three goals and
nine assists last year as a freshman.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Opilka is an interesting
case, as the Badgers will now get set for life after Joel Rumpel between the
pipes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">The St. Louis native had a
record of 11-1-2 with a goals against average of 2.48 and a save percentage of
.901 with the U.S. National Under-18 team.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">In a nutshell, the draft was
good to Wisconsin, but don't look too much into it in terms of how much the
program will change winning-wise.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Michigan State<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Their pick:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Mason Appleton - 6<sup>th</sup>
round, 168<sup>th</sup> overall to Winnipeg<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">A solid pick, one that could
thrive in Tom Anastos' system in East Lansing. Appleton isn't a high profile
scorer, as the Green Bay, Wis., native scored 12 goals and added 28 assists for
Tri-City in the USHL last season.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">He also spent 84 minutes in
the sin bin last year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Michigan State lost
goaltender Jake Hildebrand to graduation, who was pretty much their make or
break last year because Sparty loved playing 2-1, 3-2 hockey games.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Their system involves playing
tight defensively and any offensive opportunity that they can cash in on, they
pretty much have to.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Matt Berry is gone, so
Michigan State will need as much as they can get from Michael Ferrantino,
Mackenzie MacEachern and Joe Cox.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">If Appleton can get himself
into that mix, they'll take it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Penn State<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Their pick: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Nikita Pavlychev - 7<sup>th</sup>
round, 197<sup>th</sup> overall to Pittsburgh<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">With all the issues
surrounding Penn State and their forwards this offseason, I guess it's nice to
have a bright spot.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Pavlychev is huge, standing
at 6-foot-7 and 206 pounds. He scored six goals and had 10 assists during the
2014-15 season with Des Moines (USHL).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Eric Scheid, Curtis Loik and
David Goodwin are coming off of solid years offensively and will look to carry
the load up front this year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Tommy Olczyk is a player that
I see having a more impactful role as well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">I think we'll see early in
the fall how Pavlychev is used in Guy Gadowsky's system, most likely as a
grinder in the corners.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">My Final Point</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">I'm going to emphasize that
NHL draft picks don't necessarily equate to success. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Case in point, Minnesota's
roster featured an incredible 16 draft picks and they were good, but not overly
spectacular.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">They were fortunate that they
played in a Big Ten Conference that was weak last season, and won the
tournament crown to advance into the NCAA Tournament.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">The scary part was that they
needed to win the championship game against Michigan to get into the big dance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Big Ten hockey will
undoubtedly continue to grow and produce NHL quality players as the years go
on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">This was a successful year in
the draft for the conference, but I know for a fact that the best years are
still to come.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421912861082493795.post-15053234456144704992015-06-30T10:53:00.001-05:002015-06-30T10:53:34.000-05:00A "Mich" Needed Defenseman<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hg3vISuPl-U/VZK7JjjHdOI/AAAAAAAABIE/XAa3W-IACl4/s1600/jac.HKY_.vsNewHampsire.10.17.14-562.LARKIN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hg3vISuPl-U/VZK7JjjHdOI/AAAAAAAABIE/XAa3W-IACl4/s400/jac.HKY_.vsNewHampsire.10.17.14-562.LARKIN.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>By Miles McQuinn</i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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While there was mass speculation that the Columbus Blue
Jackets would make an attempt to try and move up to the third spot in the 2015
NHL Draft in Sunrise, Fla., the Arizona Coyotes ended up keeping their pick and
proceeded to draft Erie Otters forward Dylan Strome.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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When the Philadelphia Flyers selected Brandon Wheat Kings
defenseman Ivan Provorov with the seventh pick, there was no question that the
Blue Jackets would take Michigan's Zach Werenski at spot number eight.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
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Werenski, who isn't even 18 yet, is a tremendous two-way
defenseman standing at 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The Grosse Pointe, Mich., native led all Wolverine
blueliners in points and was second in Big Ten Conference play last season for
defensemen, tallying seven goals and adding nine assists in 20 games.<o:p></o:p></div>
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He blocks shots, is a presence in the special teams
department and his hockey I.Q. is solid as well, as there were few moments over
the past season where he cost his team defensively. <o:p></o:p></div>
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His eight penalty minutes last year help reinforce that prior statement.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Getting to the heart as to why he's a great fit for
Columbus, they need young, talented defenseman, period.<o:p></o:p></div>
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James Wisniewski was dealt to Anaheim at the NHL trade
deadline in March and 2015 Big Ten Defenseman of the Year Mike Reilly, who was
drafted by the Jackets, recently opted out of signing with them and is choosing
to stay home in Minnesota with the Wild organization for the beginning of his
professional career.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Columbus has rights to another Golden Gopher in 19-year-old
Ryan Collins.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Looking at the rest of the Jackets roster defensively, 2012
second overall pick Ryan Murray's body has proven to be glass-like thus far.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The 21-year-old missed almost all of the 2014-15 campaign,
scoring a goal and adding two assists in 12 games.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Fedor Tyutin is as solid as they come, David Savard is
coming off of a remarkable year offensively, (former Michigan Wolverine) Jack
Johnson has his ups and downs, Cody Goloubef didn't play much last year due to
injury and the rest of the defense, Kevin Connauton, Justin Falk, and Dalton
Prout, have their bright moments, but don't have the potential of Werenski.<o:p></o:p></div>
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But as with a lot of players in the league, Werenski still
needs some development. He's not as dominant as a Noah Hanifin from Boston
College right now, but will some day have a major impact in Columbus.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The question remains as to whether he will stay at Michigan
for his sophomore year (which seems more likely at the moment) or take his
talents to London and the Ontario Hockey League for a more “pro-like” schedule.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Werenski was taken in the second round (24<sup>th</sup>
overall) by the Knights in the 2013 OHL draft.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Maturity won't be an issue here. If Werenski can accelerate
himself through high school a year early and still dominate at the collegiate
level, then it's scary to think of where he will be a few years down the road.<o:p></o:p></div>
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And much like Werenski, the Big Ten will continue to grow
and develop to the point where hopefully a top ten draftee becomes the norm.<o:p></o:p></div>
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As far as Columbus is concerned, they are stacked with
talent for years to come because of the draft.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now they just need to worry about signing him... <o:p></o:p></div>
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Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421912861082493795.post-42730344057102704212015-06-16T19:44:00.003-05:002015-06-16T20:02:28.291-05:00B1G Help Wanted: Write for Big Ten Hockey Blog<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6pnMT2U1sek/VDbOA8GMyAI/AAAAAAAAAjc/Gz7OgdMYk3Y/s1600/b1gwishlist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6pnMT2U1sek/VDbOA8GMyAI/AAAAAAAAAjc/Gz7OgdMYk3Y/s400/b1gwishlist.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Love college hockey? Better yet, love Big Ten college hockey? Ok, so maybe you feel slightly less than thrilled about the latter, but guess what -- that's ok (as long as it's within reason).<br />
<br />
Big Ten Hockey Blog is growing and we are looking for young, eager writers to grow with us. Have a topic you want to cover? We'd love to hear it.<br />
<br />
If you're interested in writing and adding to your portfolio, contact us, Send your resume and a few samples to jessip224@gmail.com.<br />
<br />
Look forward to hearing from you all!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421912861082493795.post-71255535785659256092015-06-09T21:44:00.000-05:002015-06-09T21:56:13.786-05:00Rutgers Hockey: Could It Be Reality?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-smjm3Db40vI/VXeZqHTF9EI/AAAAAAAABEs/KNf8Fi7Kcis/s1600/RutgersHky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-smjm3Db40vI/VXeZqHTF9EI/AAAAAAAABEs/KNf8Fi7Kcis/s400/RutgersHky.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<i><a href="http://b1gicehockey.blogspot.com/p/jessi-pierce.html">By Jessi Pierce</a></i><br />
<br />
Rutgers University put college sports on the map -- literally. The Scarlet Knights were one of the first universities in the U.S. to compete in intercollegiate athletics. Herolded as the "Birthplace of College Football," there's no doubt that Rutgers is a school with pride in sports. These days the Scarlet Knights are better known for their football and men's and women's basketball squads. While those sports are struggling to make a name for themselves in the Big Ten, the students, athletes and fans at Rutgers have another way to make a mark in their new conference home: add hockey.<br />
<br />
Rutgers hockey? How feasible is that? <a href="https://www.change.org/p/rutgers-athletics-make-ncaa-ice-hockey-a-reality-at-rutgers-university">With the current support of 2,674</a> and growing, I'd say it's not completely out of the question.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
Rutgers men's hockey program, currently playing Division I in the American Collegiate Hockey Association, has taken things into their own hockey mitts. The club team has started an online petition, drawing the attention of plenty -- most of whom are more than willing to add their name to the list of supporters. As their petition states: "...the time has come for Rutgers to 'Go B1G' and make NCAA Division I Ice Hockey a reality."<br />
<br />
<b>Geography</b><br />
One thing is for sure, if Rutgers became a DI hockey school, it would even the playing field for travel. As I mentioned in a <a href="http://b1gicehockey.blogspot.com/2014/07/big-ten-expansion-what-does-it-mean-for.html">previous post</a> on the topic of expansion, Penn State is roughly 973 miles from the University of Minnesota, 711 from the University of Wisconsin and 388 from the University of Michigan. But the Nittany Lions have just a 227 mile ride to New Brunswick, N.J., home of the Scarlet Knights.<br />
<br />
On top of making for easier travel, an east coast location has its benefits. In the 2014-15 season there were 52 Division I players from New Jersey, ranking No. 6 in the U.S. You also have New York and other surrounding states to cherry-pick from to grab some great talent. Having the availability of quality talent in your state and surrounding areas is a great way to further put your squad on the map. New Jersey Hockey would be thrilled to take pride in Rutgers (especially while the Devils are being...the Devils).<br />
<br />
<b>Budget</b><br />
It's all about the money.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pl5P_-6pou0/VXejektCs8I/AAAAAAAABFA/nKncUuOrDkw/s1600/LockerRoom0011-150x150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pl5P_-6pou0/VXejektCs8I/AAAAAAAABFA/nKncUuOrDkw/s320/LockerRoom0011-150x150.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It's the biggest hindrance for any team looking to make the move-up. Not everyone has a Terry Pegula in their back pocket to drop a donation and a new arena.<br />
<br />
And the squad would be in need of a new arena. Their current home at ProSkate Ice Center, while quaint and nice, would not be up to a typical NCAA Division I standards. They'd definitely need money invested into a new home, which as we all know is the big budget problem.<br />
<br />
Let's pretend the money came through. Would Rutgers be able to build and see the profit in a reasonable amount of time? That will be the big question mark for the athletics department, alumni and boosters alike.<br />
<br />
<b>Title IX</b><br />
Title IX, while viewed as a drawback, actually isn't the biggest hurdle for teams looking to move to DI. Rutgers currently has a Division I women's club team, so the interest is there on the women's side. If the men move up, the women do, too.<br />
<br />
Their numbers appear to fluctuate each year, unfortunately a common trend for most women's teams not named Wisconsin or Minnesota. The upgraded division status just might help that.<br />
<br />
<b>So What Does It Mean?</b><br />
After reviewing all of this, is Rutgers hockey the worst idea? Absolutely not. Seeing the enthusiasm and initiative from the team and it's fans is reason enough for me to actually consider it. It's exactly what we wanted to happen once Penn State joined the Big Ten -- we wanted the game to grow. With Arizona State joining the ranks, it starts to become a possibility for more and more schools to look at college hockey as an opportunity for their school.<br />
<br />
People can argue night and day that the market isn't there for them. That it doesn't make sense for them to make a move up before <a href="http://b1gicehockey.blogspot.com/2012/11/who-should-get-next-b1g-hockey-invite.html">other Big Ten programs like Northwestern or Illinois</a>. I get that. I'm sure Rutgers gets that, too. Division I ice is not likely in their near future, but hey, at least thanks to their interest, they have a future. They got people talking and people considering the idea of it. If it gets pulled together I'd tune in and be eager to see what they can do.<br />
<br />
*In case you didn't click on the link up top, go ahead and check out their petition. Add your name, too: <a href="https://www.change.org/p/rutgers-athletics-make-ncaa-ice-hockey-a-reality-at-rutgers-university">Rutgers Hockey Petition</a><br />
<br />Jessi Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02029371183122038389noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421912861082493795.post-79902563014322765472015-06-03T13:00:00.003-05:002015-06-03T13:03:00.767-05:00Should I Stay Or Should I Go Now?: Players Leaving Early<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq_xRwCfKyhZoXCZyp6r9PK4mR0UYOp91KCYQbsKjvwor7pwXknY5T4mE4nHVKeyWntVsW-eBUlDqh49z2Zv07Id-wOiLzdW09kwACYQnz5jeg_aIfFNIYF6HZ_bXtYlhx2Ki1I7YaJUl5/s1600/download+%25283%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq_xRwCfKyhZoXCZyp6r9PK4mR0UYOp91KCYQbsKjvwor7pwXknY5T4mE4nHVKeyWntVsW-eBUlDqh49z2Zv07Id-wOiLzdW09kwACYQnz5jeg_aIfFNIYF6HZ_bXtYlhx2Ki1I7YaJUl5/s320/download+%25283%2529.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It happens each and every year; the calling of the NHL gets too great for the 19-22 year olds. It becomes even easier to jump ship after a rough and/or disappointing season. Here's a look at which players have opted out of their remaining collegiate days in hopes of an NHL future.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Michigan</u></b><br />
<br />
<u>Andrew Copp - Junior Forward, Winnipeg Jets</u><br />
Copp is another Michigan native took off from Ann Arbor for the bigs. He was a fourth round pick by the Winnipeg Jets in 2013. Going so late in the round, I'd be willing to bet the Jets gave him a pretty good offer to make the leap from Michigan. An up and coming team it'd be no surprise if Copp has the opportunity to break into the lineup at some point next season.<br />
<br />
Impact: Copp had a breakout season his junior year. He put up a career-best 31 points and was the team's third leading scorer all while wearing the 'C'. He made a noticeable difference on and off the ice. While his loss will be tough, it's not the end all be all for a Michigan squad on the rise.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<u>Dylan Larkin - Freshman Forward, Detroit Red Wings</u><br />
It's no huge surprise that Larkin decided to forgo his final three years of eligibility to head down the interstate to the Detroit Red Wings camp, first stopping with the team's AHL affiliate in Grand Rapids. A 15th overall pick in 2014, after the season Larkin had, you know the Red Wing were chomping at the bit to the get the 18-year-old in as quickly as possible. He led all Big Ten freshman with 47 points, earning him Big Ten Freshman of the Year. He also became the first Michigan student-athlete to win a medal in international competition when he suited up with Team USA for the World Championships in May.<br />
<br />
Impact: No doubt he's going to be missed by Michigan. If he continued to put up the points he did his freshman season, it was only going to get better for the Wolverines. His ability to set up the play and work the puck around to the open man for the shot was a prized possession on a strong Michigan squad. Look to newly-named captain J.T. Compher to be the squad's biggest threat this year after the loss of Copp, Larkin and Zach Hyman.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Michigan State</u></b><br />
<br />
<u>Josh Jacobs, New Jersey Devils</u><br />
<br />
Impact: This one hurts, not just Michigan State but college hockey as a whole. The reason being, is because Jacobs didn't just leave to go turn pro early like the rest. Instead, he left for college hockey's arch nemisis, the Ontario Hockey League. Jacobs was a fourth round selection by the OHL's Sarnia Sting in 2012, the same team he will be suiting up with next season. On the Spartans front, Jacobs leaves behind a gapping hole in the defense, where he saw plenty of ice time as a freshman.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Minnesota</u></b><br />
<br />
<u>Mike Reilly -- Junior Defenseman, Undecided</u><br />
One of the most skilled players the Gophers had in their lineup this year, Reilly decided he wanted to test the market in the pros. He is a highly sought after player, with interest from a number of teams, including his hometown Minnesota Wild<br />
<br />
Impact: As mentioned above, he was one of the biggest pieces of talent on an up and down Minnesota team this year. His play was consistent and he added 42 points on top of that. Reilly added back-to-back Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year awards -- yeah he'll be missed. Minnesota will see if this young crop can pull it together and fill that hole.<br />
<br />
<u>Adam Wilcox -- Junior Goaltender, Tampa Bay Lightning</u><br />
After an outstanding sophomore season, Wilcox didn't seem quite the same his junior year. Not that his play between the pipes was awful, it just wasn't what the Gopher alliance had been accustomed to seeing from the Hobey Baker finalist. In his three years however, Wilcox set records as the school's all-time leader in career save percentage (.922) and career goals against average (2.09). After last season he also tied for career shutout record with 13.<br />
<br />
Impact: It's the same problem for Minnesota every time they lose a goalie -- is the backup ready? Freshman Nick Lehr saw action in two games last year, taking both a win and loss against Michigan. He will likely step into the crease in 2015-16 with some pretty big pads to fill.<br />
<br />
<u>Brady Skjei -- Junior Defenseman, New York Rangers</u><br />
<br />
Impact: Skjei had an extremely productive year last season and with the help of surrounding talent really grew as a player in his three years in the maroon and gold. His departure won't be the end of the world for Minnesota, who was already heavy on upperclassman to begin with.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Penn State</u></b><br />
<br />
<u>Casey Bailey -- Junior Forward, Toronto Maple Leafs</u><br />
Bailey is the first Nittany Lion to go pro. Once you get beyond the "history making" of it, it's another loss to the program. Bailey led the Big Ten with 22 points this season and was a big reason that Penn State saw as much success as they did last year -- leaps and bounds from the inaugural Big Ten year.<br />
<br />
Impact: Big loss for the Nittany Lions, especially considering an additional loss of seven seniors and freshman leading scorer Scott Conway, who was dismissed from the team after violating team rules.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Wisconsin</u></b><br />
<br />
<u>Morgan Zulinick -- Sophomore Forward, (No NHL)</u><br />
This one is different from the others. Zulinick didn't decide to leave the team based on future endeavors on the ice. Instead he was more worried about what his future was off. Zulinick, a native of Kamloops, British Columbia, has a 3-year-old son who lives back in Canada. A huge amount of respect has to be given to a young kid figuring out where his priorities lie. In his statement he said:<br />
<br />
"I've decided after three years here at Wisconsin, my heart is back home with my family and my son, Noah. I've found my desire to be back home with Noah outweighs my desire to continue on playing hockey. I think I really need this."<br />
<br />
Stick tap to that.<br />
<br />
Impact: Zulinick was Wisconsin's third-leading scorer with 15 points this season. On a team that performed at its poorest in history, that's going to leave a mark, but not likely a detrimental one. Ultimately it's a rebuilding year entirely for the Badgers. Someone will fill that spot.<br />
<br />
<b>Other offseason news includes:</b><br />
Wisconsin fires both assistant coaches<br />
<a href="http://www.sbncollegehockey.com/big-ten/2015/5/4/8548285/penn-state-dismisses-leading-freshman-scorer-scott-conway">Scott Conway dismissed from Penn State</a><br />
<a href="http://www.collegian.psu.edu/sports/men_hockey/article_f6c6764e-0965-11e5-a883-c77db68e8c25.html">Penn State's Max Gardiner arrested</a><br />
<br />
Check out this great <a href="http://www.jashvinashah.com/big-ten-hockey-offseason-interactive-timeline/">interactive timeline</a> for all offseason happenings.Jessi Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02029371183122038389noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421912861082493795.post-31929672889829481532015-06-03T10:18:00.000-05:002015-06-03T10:30:01.290-05:002015-16 Big Ten Schedule Released<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<br />
It's time to gear up for next season -- at least a little bit anyway -- with the release of next year's Big Ten schedule. Fans will be pleased to see most of the games have gone back to the typical Friday/Saturday night series with just two Sunday and Thursday night games a piece.<br />
<br />
<b><u>2015‐16 BIG TEN HOCKEY SCHEDULE</u></b> <br />
Friday Dec. 4 Wisconsin at Michigan<br />
Friday Dec. 4 Ohio State at Minnesota<br />
Friday Dec. 4 Michigan State at Penn State<br />
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Saturday Dec. 5 Wisconsin at Michigan<br />
Saturday Dec. 5 Ohio State at Minnesota<br />
Saturday Dec. 5 Michigan State at Penn State<br />
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Friday Dec. 11 Minnesota at Michigan<br />
Friday Dec. 11 Wisconsin at Michigan State<br />
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Saturday Dec. 12 Minnesota at Michigan<br />
Saturday Dec. 12 Wisconsin at Michigan State<br />
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Friday Jan. 8 Michigan at Michigan State<br />
Friday Jan. 8 Minnesota at Penn State<br />
Friday Jan. 8 Ohio State at Wisconsin<br />
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Saturday Jan. 9 Michigan State at Michigan<br />
Saturday Jan. 9 Minnesota at Penn State<br />
Saturday Jan. 9 Ohio State at Wisconsin<br />
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Friday Jan. 15 Michigan State at Minnesota<br />
Friday Jan. 15 Michigan at Ohio State<br />
Friday Jan. 15 Wisconsin at Penn State<br />
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Saturday Jan. 16 Michigan State at Minnesota<br />
Saturday Jan. 16 Wisconsin at Penn State<br />
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Sunday Jan. 17 Ohio State at Michigan<br />
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Friday Jan. 22 Penn State at Ohio State<br />
Friday Jan. 22 Minnesota at Wisconsin<br />
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Saturday Jan. 23 Penn State at Ohio State<br />
Saturday Jan. 23 Minnesota at Wisconsin<br />
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Thursday Jan. 28 Michigan at Penn State<br />
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Friday Jan. 29 Michigan State at Ohio State<br />
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Saturday Jan. 30 Michigan State at Ohio State<br />
Saturday Jan. 30 Michigan vs. Penn State (New York, N.Y.)<br />
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Friday Feb. 5 Michigan State at Michigan<br />
Friday Feb. 5 Penn State at Minnesota<br />
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Saturday Feb. 6 Michigan at Michigan State<br />
Saturday Feb. 6 Penn State at Minnesota<br />
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Friday Feb. 12 Penn State at Michigan State<br />
Friday Feb. 12 Minnesota at Ohio State<br />
Friday Feb. 12 Michigan at Wisconsin<br />
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Saturday Feb. 13 Penn State at Michigan State<br />
Saturday Feb. 13 Minnesota at Ohio State<br />
Saturday Feb. 13 Michigan at Wisconsin<br />
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Friday Feb. 19 Ohio State at Penn State<br />
Friday Feb. 19 Michigan State at Wisconsin<br />
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Saturday Feb. 20 Ohio State at Penn State<br />
Saturday Feb. 20 Michigan State at Wisconsin<br />
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Thursday Feb. 25 Michigan at Minnesota<br />
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Friday Feb. 26 Michigan at Minnesota<br />
Friday Feb. 26 Wisconsin at Ohio State<br />
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Saturday Feb. 27 Wisconsin at Ohio State<br />
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Friday March 4 Ohio State at Michigan<br />
Friday March 4 Minnesota at Michigan State<br />
Friday March 4 Penn State at Wisconsin<br />
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Saturday March 5 Minnesota at Michigan State<br />
Saturday March 5 Penn State at Wisconsin<br />
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Sunday March 6 Michigan at Ohio State<br />
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Friday March 11 Penn State at Michigan<br />
Friday March 11 Ohio State at Michigan State<br />
Friday March 11 Wisconsin at Minnesota<br />
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Saturday March 12 Penn State at Michigan<br />
Saturday March 12 Ohio State at Michigan State<br />
Saturday March 12 Wisconsin at Minnesota<br />
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<b>Big Ten Men’s Ice Hockey Tournament (Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul, Minn.) </b><br />
Thursday March 17 Quarterfinals<br />
Friday March 18 Semifinals<br />
Saturday March 19 Championship GameJessi Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02029371183122038389noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421912861082493795.post-58472145742142237552015-05-22T15:53:00.002-05:002015-05-22T15:53:32.594-05:00The Big Ten in the Biggest Moments<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfPovJ_Ca4WHDMtpvtNaUeLj9AEVKcA6VdmLVV9oz0ZfPbZ0Kt7Fzam-rrB4MxD9KjAknWx7PVUyTDDnFISLIX9mIo23iDKpPjKiTPusLzvR-sqjTqNnzbkuGbO-zRc5ufhJRyHhzQMpmX/s1600/3501201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfPovJ_Ca4WHDMtpvtNaUeLj9AEVKcA6VdmLVV9oz0ZfPbZ0Kt7Fzam-rrB4MxD9KjAknWx7PVUyTDDnFISLIX9mIo23iDKpPjKiTPusLzvR-sqjTqNnzbkuGbO-zRc5ufhJRyHhzQMpmX/s400/3501201.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><a href="http://b1gicehockey.blogspot.com/p/jessi-pierce.html">By Miles McQuinn</a></i></div>
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There’s only one thing that can bring out hockey sweaters in
the warm months of May and June – it’s Stanley Cup playoff time. Plenty of
familiar names don the ice in the conference finals of this year’s quest for
the Cup. But the Big Ten has been represented long before the conference even
came to be. Here’s a look at some of the best playoff performers to come out of
Big Ten schools. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(Editor’s Note: We’re
aware that these players were not in the Big Ten Hockey Conference at the time
that they played... just go with it and enjoy!)</i></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><u>MICHIGAN</u></b></div>
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<b>John Madden <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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One of the best defensive forwards in his generation, Madden
signed with New Jersey as an undrafted free agent. He went on to win two Cups
with the Devils in his 10 seasons there. Madden added another cup with Chicago
in 2010, ending a 49-year championship drought for the Hawks. The 2001 Selke
Trophy winner was as good a penalty killer as they come. He played in 141
playoff games, scoring 21 goals – four of which were shorthanded – and added 22
assists for 43 points. In four seasons in Ann Arbor, Madden recorded 80 goals
and 100 assists and was a major factor in Michigan’s 1996 NCAA title. <b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPyHE7bv1F0TN2xNW6PaejUH3thW8xbYeHSoqUI0yjg7BfTNmaJBFsT_Jx_ZMLRetA7eoO_S_W7NOApkT6akVjaqCdpE59_AMABVW4XZ12o6o0hQfHXj7aAQ0k8jnjsc4ThUmTN1HDI__4/s1600/aaron-ward-stanley-cup-carolinajpg-67b9b7195773b107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPyHE7bv1F0TN2xNW6PaejUH3thW8xbYeHSoqUI0yjg7BfTNmaJBFsT_Jx_ZMLRetA7eoO_S_W7NOApkT6akVjaqCdpE59_AMABVW4XZ12o6o0hQfHXj7aAQ0k8jnjsc4ThUmTN1HDI__4/s320/aaron-ward-stanley-cup-carolinajpg-67b9b7195773b107.jpg" width="234" /></a><b><o:p> </o:p></b><b><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
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<b>Aaron Ward<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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After 18 seasons as a defenseman in the NHL, Ward won Lord Stanley three times, including back-to-back Cups with Detroit in 1997-98 and one with Carolina in 2006. In his 95 playoff games, he registered 4 goals and 6 assists. Ward piled up 51 points in three seasons while at Michigan and had 263 penalty minutes. He earned All-CCHA Rookie team honors in 1991 and was All-CCHA honorable mention in 1992.</div>
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<b>Pat Hughes<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Not a very high profile player, but a very successful one
thanks to some mighty teams that he was on. Hughes won three Stanley Cups
during his nine seasons in the NHL. He was the beneficiary of a powerful
Montreal Canadiens team that won a championship in 1979. Hughes then won back-to-back
Cups with Edmonton in 1984-85, filling a role as a quiet third liner among high
profile scorers Wayne Gretzky, Jari Kurri and Paul Coffey. In 71 playoff games,
he had eight goals and 20 assists. He produced 54 goals and 51 assists over
three seasons at Michigan, who was in the WCHA during his tenure. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><i>Honorable Mention: Red Berenson, Mike Cammalleri, Mike
Knuble, Carl Hagelin</i><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><u>MICHIGAN STATE</u><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Duncan Keith</b></div>
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<b> <o:p></o:p></b><br />
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Say what you want about your favorite athlete, but Duncan
Keith might be the world's greatest athlete due to his ability to play 25-30
minutes a night for the Chicago Blackhawks. The two-time Stanley Cup winning
defenseman played an astounding 49:51 in the Hawks’ 3-2 triple-overtime victory
over Anaheim in Game 2 of this year's Western Conference Final. In 106 playoff
games, Keith has scored 14 goals and has 51 assists with a plus-25 rating.
During his time in East Lansing he had 6 goals and 18 assists in 56 games. He
made the switch to major junior hockey in Kelowna after 15 games in his second
year at Michigan State.<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Craig Simpson<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Drafted second overall in the 1985 NHL Entry Draft by
Pittsburgh, Simpson spent three years with the Penguins before they traded him
to Edmonton in November of 1987. The Oilers would win two Stanley Cups during
Simpson's six seasons there in 1988 and 1990. He averaged more than a point per
game in his playoff career, scoring 36 goals – seven of which were game-winners
– and adding 32 assists in 67 games. At Michigan State, Simpson had 141 points
in his two seasons there and he was a Hobey Baker finalist in 1985 as well as
an All-American.<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Rod Brind'Amour<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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After just one season in East Lansing, Brind'Amour made the
jump to the NHL level where he would begin his prolific career, spanning 1,484
games with the St. Louis Blues, Philadelphia Flyers and Carolina Hurricanes. He
added 159 postseason games to his resume, scoring 51 times and assisting on 60
goals. He had four game-winning goals en route to the 2006 Stanley Cup as
captain of the Canes.<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><i>Honorable Mention: Justin Abdelkader, Torey Krug, Drew
Miller, Ryan Miller</i><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><u>MINNESOTA</u><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMFo78QGefWls685iuu90S4IJVFoxThARbXdPwcPZsKfmgMNxYtLy84wMcRYP-MpwuNDwI6wltOxsjITT3YxjcnvNfipzdCC4LRroygetEhUEN3RF9TbhdYAsfvf6XMp1ub3SePNWd-jlh/s1600/aaiy130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMFo78QGefWls685iuu90S4IJVFoxThARbXdPwcPZsKfmgMNxYtLy84wMcRYP-MpwuNDwI6wltOxsjITT3YxjcnvNfipzdCC4LRroygetEhUEN3RF9TbhdYAsfvf6XMp1ub3SePNWd-jlh/s320/aaiy130.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
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<b>Neal Broten<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Minnesota's own King Midas, everything Broten did and
everywhere he went became golden. He won a national championship with the
Gophers in 1979, a gold medal with Herb Brooks and the U.S. Olympic Team in
1980 and won the first-ever Hobey Baker Award in 1981. Broten remained in
Minnesota for the next 11 years, helping the North Stars reach the Stanley Cup
Final twice. The first American-born player to reach 100 points in a regular
season, Broten won the Cup with New Jersey in 1995 along with fellow Gophers
Tom Chorske and Chris McAlpine. During that '95 Cup run, Broten scored seven
goals – four of which were game-winners – and had 12 assists. During his
playoff career, he scored 35 goals, had 63 assists and had a plus-18 rating in
135 games. <b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Bob Johnson<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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You didn't think this column was just for prolific players
did you? Though synonymous with Wisconsin, Robert “Badger Bob” Johnson was born
in Minneapolis and played his college hockey career for Minnesota under the
legendary John Mariucci. He averaged a point per game for the Gophers, scoring
25 goals and assisting on 21 others in 46 games. But as I mentioned, this isn't
about Johnson as a player, but more so as a coach. He was spectacular behind
the bench, winning three NCAA titles at the helm of Wisconsin before beginning
his NHL career with Calgary. He guided the Flames to the Stanley Cup Final in
1986, and won the Cup in his only season with Pittsburgh in 1991 over
Minnesota. Johnson made the playoffs in all six seasons that he coached in the
NHL.<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Paul Holmgren<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Given his 1,684 minutes spent in the penalty box during his
time in the NHL, some might call Holmgren a “goon” for his on-ice behavior.
However, he did have his moments of great productivity. After spending his
first year professionally with the WHA's Minnesota Fighting Saints, he became a
Philadelphia Flyer. His most notable year was during the 1979-80 season, where
the Flyers went on their historic 35-game unbeaten streak. After putting up 30
goals and 35 assists during the regular season, Holmgren scored 10 goals and had
10 assists in their run to the Cup final, where they lost to the New York
Islanders in six games. In 82 postseason games, he had 19 goals and 32 assists
and 195 penalty minutes. In his only season as a Gopher, he had 10 goals, 21
assists and 108 penalty minutes.<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><i>Honorable Mention: Paul Martin, Mike Ramsey, Nick Leddy</i><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><u>OHIO STATE</u><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Jamie Macoun</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge_wzImlTRnk-3tzo7qxpSjVS34_ZIUQnpMvIwywys7AUp-zc3_FHFAfrzQ4cuiUzSCRWPjKEQfE9VJcPj4WSTEkh0EqmbX9VC03xz4c-KXrzsCtcbilW1EovTwqk_RBnvpCp-mHZU7jFi/s1600/31NMHFVLEkL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge_wzImlTRnk-3tzo7qxpSjVS34_ZIUQnpMvIwywys7AUp-zc3_FHFAfrzQ4cuiUzSCRWPjKEQfE9VJcPj4WSTEkh0EqmbX9VC03xz4c-KXrzsCtcbilW1EovTwqk_RBnvpCp-mHZU7jFi/s1600/31NMHFVLEkL.jpg" /></a><b><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
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An undrafted player, Macoun, spent parts of 17 seasons with
the Calgary Flames, the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Detroit Red Wings. Macoun
is Ohio State's only Stanley Cup winner, lifting the trophy with Calgary in
1989 and again with Detroit in 1998. The hard-nosed defenseman had 10 goals, 32
assists, and 169 penalty minutes in 159 playoff games. During his time in
Columbus, he lit the lamp 17 times, had 59 assists and 226 penalty minutes in
almost three seasons. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Ryan Kesler<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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A tough, skilled forward, Kesler spent one season as a
Buckeye, scoring 11 times and adding 20 assists to help the Buckeyes reach the
2003 NCAA tournament. He spent 10 seasons with the Vancouver Canucks before
being traded to Anaheim last summer. The 2011 Selke Trophy winner has 16 goals
and 31 assists through 68 career playoff games. He reached the Stanley Cup
Final with Vancouver in 2011, where the Canucks fell to the Boston Bruins in
seven games. Kesler and the Ducks are currently battling things out with
Chicago in the Western Conference Final. Through 12 games this postseason he's
potted four goals and has five assists.<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>RJ Umberger<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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One of the most talented forwards to come out of the Ohio
State program, Umberger spent three seasons in Columbus, posting 58 goals and
71 assists in 112 games. He had eight game winners en route to that 2003 NCAA
Tournament appearance and was named a second team All-American that year. He
spent three years in Philadelphia with the Flyers before spending the next six
back in Columbus with the Blue Jackets. A trade for forward Scott Hartnell last
summer sent him back to Philadelphia for the 2014-15 campaign. He's played in
30 playoff games, scoring 14 times and assisting on six goals. His most
productive postseason came in 2008 when he scored 10 goals and had five
assists, helping the Flyers reach the Eastern Conference Final.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><i>Honorable Mention: Dave Steckel, Matt Bartkowski</i><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
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<b><u>WISCONSIN</u><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhizfekvR4j7jDPZFLqwOLSqNAdEeAAgTSFWDi2sOx_AvJeJLJ7LzfVhHrqMdciUxWkphPHyP7W10HxirwaMr0uZO_IZ2HFJ96UdyRCQVmjjrFZsDfC9l2uaYUBk_vgDuqGPCRtjcUYwxVo/s1600/2695421.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhizfekvR4j7jDPZFLqwOLSqNAdEeAAgTSFWDi2sOx_AvJeJLJ7LzfVhHrqMdciUxWkphPHyP7W10HxirwaMr0uZO_IZ2HFJ96UdyRCQVmjjrFZsDfC9l2uaYUBk_vgDuqGPCRtjcUYwxVo/s320/2695421.jpeg" width="228" /></a></div>
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<b>Chris Chelios<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Chelios is arguably the best American-born defenseman to
ever play the game. He’s claimed Lord Stanley’s Cup three times in his storied
career, once with Montreal in 1986 and twice with Detroit in 2002 and 2008. He
defined perseverance throughout his career, playing in a remarkable 26 seasons
in the NHL, tied with Gordie Howe for the most all time. He holds the record
for most postseason appearances (with 24) and games played (with 266). In those
games, he had 31 goals, 113 assists and had a plus-48 rating. During his days
as a Badger, Chelios had 22 goals and 75 assists over two seasons. He was named
to the all-WCHA second team for his efforts in the 1982-83 season, helping the
Badgers win their fourth NCAA title. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of
Fame in 2013.<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Brian Rafalski<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Another American-born defenseman who has quite the resume,
Rafalski won hockey's ultimate prize three times as well; twice with New Jersey
in 2000 and 2003, and once with Chelios on that 2008 Detroit team. He made the
playoffs in all 11 seasons in the NHL, an astounding feat. In addition, the
four seasons he spent playing in Europe, prior to playing in the NHL, he was in
the playoffs all of those years, too. Regarding the NHL postseason, he played
in 165 games, scoring 29 goals, adding 71 assists and he had a plus-42 rating.
He spent four years in Madison, tallying 20 goals to go along with 80 assists.
In 1995, he was named a first-team All-American as well as the WCHA Defensive
Player of the Year. <b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Mike Richter<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Named the 1986 WCHA Rookie of the Year, Richter and the rest
of the New York Rangers brought the Cup back to the Big Apple in 1994 – 54
years since their last championship. He spent his entire 14-year career with
the Rangers and was considered one of the greatest goaltenders of his time. He
was the tournament MVP at the World Cup of Hockey in 1996, leading the United
States to victory over Canada in three games. He remains the last goaltender to
garner MVP honors at the NHL All-Star Game. Richter had a record of 41-33-9
with goals against average of 2.68 and a save percentage of .909 over 76 postseason
games. During his two seasons with Wisconsin, he had a record of 33-25-1 with a
goals against average of 3.71 and a save percentage of .895.<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><i>Honorable Mention: Brian Engblom, Dany Heatley, Curtis
Joseph, Scott Mellanby, Joe Pavelski, Paul Stanton, Gary Suter </i></b><o:p></o:p></div>
Jessi Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02029371183122038389noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421912861082493795.post-43844593072838006962015-03-27T11:30:00.003-05:002015-03-27T11:30:51.847-05:00Let's Party: My NCAA picks and take on Minnesota's chances <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1F9AsvRdoTo/VRWEcNjpLeI/AAAAAAAAA7o/yvH_srCs9Qs/s1600/5267__mens_frozen_four-primary-2015.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1F9AsvRdoTo/VRWEcNjpLeI/AAAAAAAAA7o/yvH_srCs9Qs/s1600/5267__mens_frozen_four-primary-2015.png" height="231" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<i><a href="http://b1gicehockey.blogspot.com/p/jessi-pierce.html">By Miles McQuinn</a></i><br />
<br />
The end of March into April has to be my favorite time of year. The daily grind of college courses start winding down, mother nature is in a happier mood (for most parts of the nation anyway) and hockey takes center stage across the nation.<br />
<br />
This time of year signals playoff and tourney time. tourney time. With the NCAA hockey tournament kicking off today, I say let the real "March Madness" begin.<br />
<br />
Like basketball, filling out a bracket is a must. Last year my bracket wasn't too pretty with the exception of my Big Ten picks which were spot on (covering them throughout the season educated me well).<br />
<br />
This year we only have one B1G team making the big dance. Will the Gophers represent well? There's potential but getting past Jack Eichel and the BU crew will be a true test.<br />
<br />
So without further adieu, here is who I have hanging a banner in 2015.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6SDL9oHZ48k/VRWEp0SMezI/AAAAAAAAA7w/3jsF-IWglpo/s1600/mavlogo-color.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6SDL9oHZ48k/VRWEp0SMezI/AAAAAAAAA7w/3jsF-IWglpo/s1600/mavlogo-color.png" /></a><b><u></u></b><br />
<b><u><b><u><br /></u></b></u></b>
<b><u>MIDWEST (South Bend, Ind.)</u></b><br />
<br />
#1 Minnesota State over #4 RIT<br />
#3 Harvard over #2 Nebraska-Omaha<br />
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Frozen Four Bound: <b>#1 Minnesota State</b> over #3 Harvard<br />
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<b><u><br /></u></b>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_FkRKR-XTt4/VRWE7p8847I/AAAAAAAAA74/Sv1HAianoNE/s1600/Boston-University-Terriers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_FkRKR-XTt4/VRWE7p8847I/AAAAAAAAA74/Sv1HAianoNE/s1600/Boston-University-Terriers.jpg" height="132" width="200" /></a><b></b><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><b><u>NORTHEAST (Manchester, N.H.)</u></b></b></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>#Boston University</b> over #4 Yale</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>#3 Minnesota </b>over #2 Minnesota-Duluth</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Frozen Four Bound: <b>#1 Boston University</b> over #3 Minnesota</div>
<br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MEHD6DPZ9n0/VRWFYbfzJkI/AAAAAAAAA8A/1fm02_ov3EM/s1600/IceHockey_WhtBgrnd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MEHD6DPZ9n0/VRWFYbfzJkI/AAAAAAAAA8A/1fm02_ov3EM/s1600/IceHockey_WhtBgrnd.jpg" height="175" width="200" /></a><b><u><br /></u></b><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<b><u>EAST (Providence, R.I.) </u></b><br />
<br />
<b>#2 Denver</b> over #3 Boston College<br />
<b>#1 Miami</b> over #4 Providence<br />
<br />
Frozen Four Bound: <b>#1 Miami</b> over #2 Denver<br />
<br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7KHZufSnus/VRWFmIwCtJI/AAAAAAAAA8I/fB9_QRq_03g/s1600/ndk.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7KHZufSnus/VRWFmIwCtJI/AAAAAAAAA8I/fB9_QRq_03g/s1600/ndk.gif" height="158" width="200" /></a></div>
<b><u>WEST (Fargo, N.D.)</u></b><br />
<br />
<b>#1 North Dakota </b>over #4 Quinnipiac<br />
<b>#2 Michigan Tech</b> over #3 St. Cloud State<br />
<br />
Frozen Four Bound:<b> #1 North Dakota</b> over #2 Michigan Tech<br />
<br />
<b><u>FROZEN FOUR (Boston)</u></b><br />
<br />
<b>Minnesota State</b> over Miami<br />
<b>North Dakota</b> over Boston University<br />
<br />
<b>2015 National Champion -- North Dakota</b><br />
<br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So there you have it. Now onto my fears for those picks:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->I've got all #1 seeds heading to the Frozen
Four. There's almost a guarantee that this won't happen. It never fails. Boston
College always seems to bring it come tournament time. Denver never fails to
bring a solid group to the table. There might even be a surprise upset. Like I
said, it's the best time of the year.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Yale boasts the best goals against average in
the nation (1.59). They're going to need that against some guy named Jack
Eichel and the No. 1 offensive unit in the country in Boston University (3.89
goals per game). Scouting reports say that the Eichel kid is a decent hockey
player. He might get drafted in the NHL. Might.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Michigan Tech could upend my national champion,
North Dakota. I watched MTU lose to Michigan at the Great Lakes Invitational in
Detroit and I was pretty impressed by their skill set and offensive strength. I
know they got beat, but they put a ton of shots and had a plethora of scoring
chances against the Wolverines. Steve Racine stepped up big between the pipes
for the Maize and Blue that night, stopping 40 out of 41 shots in the 2-1 win.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Providence gets a home game against Miami. Could
be some food for thought there. Goaltending can take you anywhere and the
battle between Miami's Jay Williams and Providence's Jon Gillies will be an
entertaining one to say the least.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Should I have picked a “Miami vs Boston
University” just to see a rematch of the collapse from 2009? Not sure. But
you're lying to yourself if you wouldn't want to see that matchup again.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Here's why I have our own Minnesota as a one and
done.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The Golden Gophers are one of the deepest teams in college
hockey. I expected them to runaway with the Big Ten and remain in the top five
in the rankings all year. This was pretty far from what happened, but they got
the job done regardless in both the regular season and the conference
tournament.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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But here's the thing: What Minnesota team is going to show up on Friday?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Will it be the team that tied Wisconsin twice? The team that
has already lost to Minnesota-Duluth three times this season? The inconsistent
bunch that has left many fans scratching their heads?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Or will it be the group we saw in Detroit last weekend? Is
another stellar performance in store for netminder Adam Wilcox, playing the way
all Gopher fans know he can play?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Most importantly, will their true depth show up?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The senior line of Seth Ambroz, Travis Boyd and Sam Warning
have been great over the past month. Kyle Rau, the captain, needs to show his
prolific leadership and offensive talents. There's plenty of big guns up front
for the Gophers to light the lamp. No excuses there. On the blue line, back to
back Big Ten Defenseman of the Year Mike Reilly, Ryan Collins and the rest of
the defensive core need to step up to the plate.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
I'm not quite sure that we can say that they peaked at the
right time. I say this because the Big Ten had a big letdown this year thanks
to tough non-conference losses throughout. A win over Michigan is legitimate,
but the Big Ten Tourney was no NCHC gauntlet.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421912861082493795.post-84209070424834438632015-03-24T16:01:00.000-05:002015-03-25T09:45:51.988-05:00Blame Game: Where does the real blame lie when it comes to attendance?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OKmYenZL64E/VRG3LSYnaeI/AAAAAAAAA6o/zznWrfI_sbI/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-03-23%2Bat%2B4.30.46%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OKmYenZL64E/VRG3LSYnaeI/AAAAAAAAA6o/zznWrfI_sbI/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-03-23%2Bat%2B4.30.46%2BPM.png" height="226" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><a href="http://b1gicehockey.blogspot.com/p/jessi-pierce.html">By Jessi Pierce</a></i><br />
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Another tournament has come and gone. Unfortunately the same couldn't be said for the fans. Empty seats once again lined the rows at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit. As I watched from home I couldn't help but notice the emptiness. It was almost a glaring distraction from the on-ice action.<br />
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It's sad when the topic of conversation switches from the hard work of the teams to the attendance -- or lack thereof. Players worked hard all season to be celebrated at a conference tournament, only to have few more than mom and dad in the crowd.<br />
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"You get to this time of the year, and you want to play in front of good crowds," Gopher head coach <a href="http://www.freep.com/story/sports/college/university-michigan/wolverines/2015/03/22/big-ten-hockey-tournament-attendance-low/25176121/" target="_blank">Don Lucia told the Detroit Free Press</a>. "Doesn't matter if they're cheering for you or against you. It's kind of what you're used to all season long."<br />
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But the more pressing issue isn't just the lack of attendance, it's the question of why. Why do fans continue to remove themselves from conference tournaments? Where has the passion gone and will it come back?<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2eH1qFB7Gfg/VRG3BAm5RiI/AAAAAAAAA6g/0Jg28MqN5WE/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-03-23%2Bat%2B4.32.00%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2eH1qFB7Gfg/VRG3BAm5RiI/AAAAAAAAA6g/0Jg28MqN5WE/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-03-23%2Bat%2B4.32.00%2BPM.png" height="165" width="320" /></a><b>Why It Didn't Work at the X or the Joe</b><br />
The Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul and Joe Louis Arena demand attention. Both are NHL venues that are meant to support those types of crowds. In arenas that hold 20,000, it makes the emptiness of a college hockey tournament even more noticeable.<br />
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The Big Ten reported an average of 5,381 fans per day this year at the Joe. That's down from last year's grim showing at the X where average attendance peaked at 8,522. Neither of those numbers are entirely accurate, being based purely on ticket sales alone. A more accurate number is in the hundreds (and even that's generous).<br />
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The Big Ten isn't alone with attendances in decline. Both the Western Collegiate Hockey Association and National Collegiate Hockey Conference struggled to put butts in the seats the past two years. The WCHA took a home at the X while the Big Ten was away this season. There, attendance averaged 7,524 for the weekend. The NCHC had an improved showing from last year, totaling 11,563 in the Target Center in Minneapolis.<br />
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Simply put, for the time being, these venues are too big to support the conference tournaments. Yes, the former WCHA Final Five had zero problem filling seats but people had a lot vested into those teams (more on that later). The Big Ten is locked in to the X next year and the Joe the year after that. Why not try something new following the end of that contract?<br />
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<b>College Campus Solution?</b><br />
Here's an idea that many have discussed: move it back home to the students.<br />
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A rotating campus solution isn't crazy -- but is it reasonable? Yes and no.<br />
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The major benefit of having the tournament move from Mariucci to Pegula and everywhere in between is without a doubt the draw for students. Not only will host arenas be packed with students and alum alike, can you imagine the atmosphere created when you pit one student section against another in a tournament setting?<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ExhA2icc1S8/VRHJrvFWXAI/AAAAAAAAA68/BmiIQYRc5x8/s1600/5435d23cdf295.image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ExhA2icc1S8/VRHJrvFWXAI/AAAAAAAAA68/BmiIQYRc5x8/s1600/5435d23cdf295.image.jpg" height="226" width="320" /></a>As a past WCHA fan, one of the best things about Final Five weekend -- aside from the fantastic on-ice display -- was that it gave me a chance to come face to face with my most hated rivals (North Dakota). With reputation and a trophy on the line, the Xcel Energy Center became a hostile place (in the best possible fan type of way). It was fun and it had me looking forward to each March in St. Paul.<br />
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Why not create that same atmosphere on Big Ten campuses? Let teams use the more intimate college arenas and give students the chance to show off their pride. Hell, the Big Ten could even consider marketing it as "Who has the best student section?" each year.<br />
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<b>Marketing Magic</b><br />
Student section competitions is just one of the many (many) ways the Big Ten can up its marketing game. The past two seasons have just been terrible. Not only has the conference itself dropped the ball, but it seems this year Detroit as a whole did, too.<br />
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A friend of mine made the trip out to Detroit to watch his son play in the tournament. After an early exit on Thursday he took his son and a few teammates out to places surrounding the Joe. Not only was it difficult to find a place open, it became increasingly hard to find a place willing to show the tournament on TV...and the game being played was Michigan-Michigan State...in Detroit.<br />
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It turned a terrible loss into a terrible time all-around. Needless to say he won't be visiting Detroit for a conference tournament again.<br />
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The Big Ten seems to still be navigating the proper marketing techniques to reach its hockey fans. Last year in St. Paul, winter hats seemed to excite fans more than anything else -- not that much else was offered for off-ice entertainment.<br />
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In order to up the desire to be at the event, the Big Ten has to <i>make </i>it a desirable event. Offer special giveaways, happy hours and tailgating for Big Ten fans before each session. If they don't come for the hockey, maybe they'll stay for the entertainment.<br />
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<b>Buy-In to Sellout</b><br />
Ultimately the fans have to take some responsibility for the lack of attendance. They are the ones the tournament leans on to buy tickets and fill seats.<br />
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I understand the argument of our loyal fanbase:<br />
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"Why do I want to go see X-team and Y-Team?"<br />
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"The competition sucks."<br />
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"Big Ten hockey sucks."<br />
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Even Gopher fans were sparse at games this season, and they can be as die-hard as any. I know the competition level isn't there yet. It won't fully be there next year either. It's a part of rebranding and it's a part of growing.<br />
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But the quicker you buy into it, the quicker those seats fill up. Until we as fans support the Big Ten conference -- or any of the other respective conferences -- attendance isn't going to change.<br />
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We can bring back the passion of college hockey and fill the seats at venues across the nation if we just give it a chance. Who knows, our teams just might perform better, too.<br />
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<i>*Note: Hockey East's tournament attendance actually increased this year. I imagine in large part due to the success of the conference teams.</i><br />
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<i>Other excellent articles reviewing poor attendance: </i><br />
<i><a href="http://www.uscho.com/2015/03/24/how-conference-tournament-attendance-both-rose-and-fell-in-2015-2/">USCHO.com</a> </i><br />
<i><a href="http://www.sbncollegehockey.com/2015/3/24/8277591/nchc-frozen-faceoff-wcha-final-five-target-center-big-ten-detroit">SBNation </a></i><br />
<a href="http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2015/03/23/can-attendance-issues-at-college-hockey-tournaments-be-fixed/#.VRAWVtE44LU.twitter"><i>CBS</i></a><br />
<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421912861082493795.post-6173341935506712532015-03-22T18:07:00.002-05:002015-03-23T11:32:27.832-05:00Here Lies: Michigan's 2014-15 Season<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-03O62CgweEA/VQ9LLsOrsqI/AAAAAAAAA58/dTuc6RhXKqU/s1600/PI-HKC-Minnesota-Gophers-Michigan-BigTen-title-1-032115.vnocropresize.940.529.medium.96.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-03O62CgweEA/VQ9LLsOrsqI/AAAAAAAAA58/dTuc6RhXKqU/s1600/PI-HKC-Minnesota-Gophers-Michigan-BigTen-title-1-032115.vnocropresize.940.529.medium.96.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
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In the championship battle of the U of M's, we all knew one must ultimately fall. Saturday night at the Joe it was the boys in blue who gave in as No. 3 Michigan was done in by No. 1 Minnesota, 4-2.<br />
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Overall it was a successful season for Michigan. The Maize and Blue had an unreal offense, quick and high-scoring. The charge was led by Zach Hyman, Andrew Copp and Dylan Larkin. Hyman had 58 points on the season and was named to the All-Tournament team after leading all players in scoring over the weekend with five points.<br />
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Hyman and company were the storyline for Michigan this season. They absolutely dominated, leading the conference with 143 goals during the season.<br />
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But the Gophers rallied behind their own dominating offense. Minnesota managed to pepper Wolverine goaltender State Racine with 20 shots in the first period along -- a season-high shots allowed for Michigan.<br />
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It's a tough way to go out, but Red Berenson knows how to reload. I wouldn't be surprised to see Michigan in the championship game in 2016 -- maybe this time they take home the hardware.<br />
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RIP<br />
<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421912861082493795.post-46986385473079905782015-03-20T23:52:00.000-05:002015-03-20T23:52:22.131-05:00Here Lies: Michigan State's 2014-15 Season<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CZvCANMf7S0/VQz42LN9fzI/AAAAAAAAA5o/I30Qd-Jdlb0/s1600/020113_michigan_vs._state_hockey_CS-22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CZvCANMf7S0/VQz42LN9fzI/AAAAAAAAA5o/I30Qd-Jdlb0/s1600/020113_michigan_vs._state_hockey_CS-22.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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If there's a way to go down that clenches the chest, it's at the hands of your instate rival. The pride of your state, in your state. Michigan State fell to Michigan, 4-1 at the Joe.<br />
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Michigan State without question has one of the top goalies in the nation in Jake Hildebrand. Without a doubt he deserves the lion's share of the credit for the Spartans successes this season. Without him, MSU would not have won half the games they did. In Friday night's match-up they allowed four goals for just the ninth time all season.<br />
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Michigan's offense figured it out and was too strong of a match.<br />
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Still I give credit to Sparty. They had a decent year, earning the No. 2 seed in the weekend's tournament -- though their 17-16-2 might not suggest it.<br />
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On the bright side, Hildebrand is only a junior. He will return for next year. Let's just hope MSU's offense helps him out more on the other end of the ice.<br />
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RIPAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-421912861082493795.post-44026639401611197262015-03-20T23:18:00.001-05:002015-03-20T23:18:29.263-05:00Here Lies: Ohio State's 2014-15 Season<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VL0ZIBdHfmI/VQzw3n9RlkI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/dnp0r8Qb7Eo/s1600/PI-CHY-Niddery-032015.vnocropresize.940.529.medium.61.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VL0ZIBdHfmI/VQzw3n9RlkI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/dnp0r8Qb7Eo/s1600/PI-CHY-Niddery-032015.vnocropresize.940.529.medium.61.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
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It wasn't as quick and painless as many had thought. The Gophers were a tough draw, but Ohio State had been here before. Last season they upended the mighty Minnesotans. This year was a different story. This year the Buckeyes lost and finished their season. </div>
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Watching senior captain
Tanner Fritz head back to the dressing room in full uniform, almost in tears
knowing his collegiate career had come to a close, it doesn't take much more
than that to realize that it's about more than a game.</div>
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For Fritz, he will soon become the first member of his
family to graduate from college. </div>
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The Buckeye captain's journey has come full circle. </div>
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<st1:placename w:st="on">Ohio</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">State</st1:placetype>, who had won six of their last seven games
coming into Friday afternoon's Big Ten semifinal contest against <st1:state w:st="on">Minnesota</st1:state>, saw their
2014-15 journey come to a close on Friday afternoon at Joe Louis arena by a 3-0
final score.</div>
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Gophers goaltender Adam Wilcox, who was under a decent amount
of criticism this season, was the first star of the game, posting up a brick
wall in front of his net and stopping all 39 shots that came his way.</div>
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I would like to believe that the win for the Golden Gophers
brings some relief to them, as they were stunned last year at the <st1:placename w:st="on">Excel</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Energy</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Center</st1:placetype> in <st1:place w:st="on">Saint Paul</st1:place> by underdog OSU.</div>
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The group of Buckeyes that put together a very impressive
run heading into the tournament and continued that run yesterday in their win
over Penn State, was the group that head coach Steve Rohlik had envisioned
coming into the season.</div>
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They just couldn't stay healthy.</div>
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Throughout the course of the year, I don't know of another
team that dealt with more injury issues than <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Ohio</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">State</st1:placetype></st1:place>.
The lack of chemistry and the constant throwing together of random lines from
week to week was an incredible stressor on Rohlik and his staff.</div>
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This comes after Rohlik's first season in which he dealt
with six different goaltenders at one point. It makes me wonder what will
happen next season, hopefully nothing unusual (knock on wood).</div>
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Will what they have coming back and coming into the program
look like a national title team on paper?</div>
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No.</div>
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What I can guarantee is that it will be an <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Ohio</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">State</st1:placetype></st1:place>
team that works for everything that it achieves, as it is a program that looks
to get back to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2009.</div>
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RIP</div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0