17 Big Ten Players Selected in 2017 NHL Entry Draft

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.

The B1G Scoreboard (10/14/16-10/16-16)

Men's Scores From 10/14/16

• Michigan State @ Lake Superior, 7:37 ET
• Penn State @ Mercyhurst, 7:05 ET
• (6) Boston College @ Wisconsin, 7:00 CT
• U.S. U-18 Team @ Minnesota, 7:00 CT

10 Things To Look Forward To This Big Ten Hockey Season

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.

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:

2015-16 Penn State Freshman Preview

By Miles McQuinn

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))

Number of incoming freshmen: 7

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.

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.

So let's check out Penn State's incoming freshmen for the 2015-16 campaign.

Should I Stay Or Should I Go Now?: Players Leaving Early

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.

Michigan

Andrew Copp - Junior Forward, Winnipeg Jets
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.

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.

2015-16 Big Ten Schedule Released

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.

2015‐16 BIG TEN HOCKEY SCHEDULE  
Friday Dec. 4 Wisconsin at Michigan
Friday Dec. 4 Ohio State at Minnesota
Friday Dec. 4 Michigan State at Penn State

Saturday Dec. 5 Wisconsin at Michigan
Saturday Dec. 5 Ohio State at Minnesota
Saturday Dec. 5 Michigan State at Penn State

Friday Dec. 11 Minnesota at Michigan
Friday Dec. 11 Wisconsin at Michigan State

Saturday Dec. 12 Minnesota at Michigan
Saturday Dec. 12 Wisconsin at Michigan State

Here Lies: Penn State's 2014-15 Season

It was a tragic end to an excellent season for the Nittany Lions. We were hoping to see them live past this opening tournament day, but they met their untimely season demise at the hands of Ohio State -- a squad they struggled with all season.

Ohio State has now bested PSU seven of the past 10 meetings and completed its third straight victory over the Nittany Lions.

But let's remember the good times of Penn State. The season that saw them improve on years past and a season that showed the nation they weren't at the Division I level by mistake. It was a year capped with a 18-15-4 record and a fourth-place finish in the Big Ten.

The Roar Zone powered the team through the season. At home they proved to be nearly unstoppable at 13-2-3. Pegula saw notable wins over Michigan State, Minnesota and a late-season sweep of Michigan.

While their season lies here, we know they will rise from the dead bigger and stronger next year.

RIP

Tourney Talk: Thoughts Heading Into Big Ten Tournament

By Miles McQuinn

What a wild finish to the Big Ten Conference regular season. All six teams are set to make their journey to Joe Louis Arena with the hopes of not only a conference title, but the chance to play for an NCAA title as well. Unfortunately, it looks like the Big Ten will only have one, maybe two representatives in the big dance this year. Regardless, here's my thoughts on each team as an exciting weekend in the motor city quickly approaches.

Michigan, Penn State Lead Season Awards

The Big Ten announced its end of the year awards Monday morning. Michigan and Penn State tied for nine awards a piece, with Michigan's freshman phenom Dylan Larkin being a unanimous selection in three categories. Michigan State netminder Jake Hildebrand made an impression this year. His outstanding play between the pipes -- where he led the conference in every goaltending category -- earned him Player of the Year and Goaltender of the Year. Minnesota's Mike Reilly also found himself in a familiar place, winning the Defensive Player of the Year for the second consecutive year.

The B1G Scoreboard (2/20/15 - 2/22/15)

Men's Scores From 2/20/15:

• Michigan @ Ohio State, 7:00 ET

• Minnesota @ Penn State, 6:30 ET on BTN
  
• Michigan State @ Wisconsin, 8:00 CT on BTN 

Valentine's Cards For The One Who Lit The Lamp On Your Heart

Because nothing goes toether better than love and hockey. 

"Big Pond" Deserves Big Donation

Big Ten hockey needs expansion, Illini are my call from the bullpen

By Miles McQuinn

You can never have too much of a good thing.

In its second campaign, the Big Ten conference hasn't had the greatest year. According to the lates USCHO.com poll, Michigan is the only Big Ten team in the Top 20, sitting at No. 14. Penn State is next in line to hop into the rankings, and Minnesota isn't far behind, as both have received a decent amount of votes.

After a disappointing inaugural tournament attendance-wise at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minn., the conference is hoping for a little more success in Detroit for this year's tournament.

While the Big Ten is hoping for redemption, most likely in the form of Michigan come NCAA Tournament time, I'm hoping that a generous individual (or individuals) are hoping to play the same role that Terry Pegula once played.

B1G Has Higher Hopes in Hockeytown

By Mike Hinrichs

It's still a little less than two months away, but it's never too early to start looking forward to the second annual B1G tournament, set to take place March 19-21. This year's tourney heads to the heart of Hockeytown, hosted at the infamous Joe Louis Arena.

Last year's inaugural B1G conference tournament called the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul home. Looking at the attendance numbers, you can bet the Big Ten is hoping for a better turnout the second time around.

The B1G Scoreboard (11/13/14-11/15/14)

Women's Scores From 11/13/14:

• Minnesota State 2, Wisconsin 8

Men's Scores From 11/14/14:

• Ohio State 3, Bowling Green, 2 -- Ohio State Scores Late for 3-2 Win at No. 19 Bowling Green

• Boston College 3, Michigan State 2 -- Spartans Come Up Short Against No. 8 Boston College

• American International 2, Michigan 5 -- Copp's Two-Goal Night Carries Michigan over AIC

• Penn State 3, UMass-Lowell 5 -- No. 4 UMass-Lowell Downs Nittany Lions, 5-3

• Minnesota-Duluth 3, Minnesota 0 -- Gophers Fall to UMD in Series Opener

The B1G Scoreboard (10/24/14-10/26/14)

Men's Scores From 10/24/14:

• Bemidji 2, Minnesota 5 -- Gophers Score Five in Win over BSU

• Michigan 8, UMass-Lowell 4 -- Michigan Explodes for Eight Goals in Win at No. 8 UMass-Lowell

• Michigan State 0, Boston University 1 -- Spartans Can't Solve Terriers in 1-0 Loss

• Holy Cross 1, Penn State 3 -- Nittany Lions Thwart Crusaders, 3-1

Women's Scores From 10/24/14:

• Wisconsin 2, Bemidji 1

• North Dakota 2, Minnesota 5

Men's Scores From 10/25/14:

• Michigan 2, Boston University 3 -- U-M Surrenders Third-Period Lead in Loss at No. 11 BU 

• Michigan State 1, UMass-Lowell 2 -- Spartans Fall at No. 8/7 UMass-Lowell, 2-1

• Bemidji 3, Minnesota 5 -- Gophers Sweep Beavers in Home Opener

Women's Scores From 10/25/14:

• Wisconsin 4, Bemidji, 3

• North Dakota 0, Minnesota5

Men's Scores From 10/26/14:

• Holy Cross 1, Penn State 7 -- Men's Hockey Dominates Holy Cross, 7-1

Women's Scores From 10/26/14:

• Princeton 1, Penn State 2

Women's Scores From 10/27/14:

• Princeton 4, Penn State 1

The Big Scoreboard (10/18/14-10/19/14)

Men's Scores From 10/17/14:

• Mass 3, Michigan State 5 -- Hockey Tops UMass in Season Opener, 5-3

• Wisconsin 0, Northern Michigan 2 -- Wisconsin Falls to Michigan in Series Opener

• Miami 5, Ohio State 1 -- No. 17 Buckeyes Drop Home-and Home Series Opener to Miami

• New Hampshire 5, Michigan 1 -- Michigan Drops Home Opener to New Hampshire

• Penn State 3, Alaska-Anchorage 3 OT -- Nittany Lions Drawn 3-3 by Alaska-Anchorage

Men's Scores From 10/18/14:

• Mass 4, Michigan State 3 -- Late Goal Sinks Hockey 

• Wisconsin 1, Northern Michigan 4 -- UW Drops Series Finale to Northern Michigan

• Ohio State 1, Miami 2 -- Frey Makes 60 Saves in 2-1 Buckeye Loss

• New Hampshire 1, Michigan 2 -- Two-Goal Second Period Carries U-M Past UNH

• Penn State 3, Alaska 4 -- Nanooks Roar Back to Down Nittany Lions, 4-3

Women's Scores From 10/17/14:

• Bemidji State 1, Ohio State 5

• Minnesota 4, Wisconsin 1

• Penn State 4, Union 1

Women's Scores From 10/18/14:

• Bemidji State 0, Ohio State 1

• Minnesota 2, Wisconsin 1 OT

• Penn State 2, Union 2 OT

Our Big Ten Wish List For 2014-15

Finally. Let the puck drop and let's get the season underway. Last year proved that the world didn't implode thanks to the newly elected conferences and the parity was a bit closer than most may have thought. And like all seasons last year was full of upsets and surprises much to the excitement of college hockey fans everywhere.

So what do we want to see in 2014-15? Here are a few thoughts that immediately come to mind:

Big Ten Media Day: Quotables

Big Ten Media Day invaded Joe Louis Arena Wednesday -- preparing the legendary home of the Detroit Red Wings for March's Big Ten Conference Championship.

Lots was learned and even some fun was had along the way. Here are a few of our favorite quotes from the day:

Big Ten Expansion -- What Does It Mean For Hockey?

By Jessi Pierce

On July 1, the Big Ten Conference became home to 14. The University of Maryland and Rutgers are now official Big Ten members, with Johns Hopkins University joining on the men's lacrosse field (that should be interesting for the up and coming Big Ten D1 lacrosse schools...).

23 Big Ten Hockey Athletes Earn Distinguished Scholar Awards

ROSEMONT, Ill. – The Big Ten Conference announced on Wednesday that 683 student-athletes have earned the Big Ten Distinguished Scholar Award. The list includes student-athletes from every institution and 37 different sports who have recorded a minimum grade-point average (GPA) of 3.7 or higher for the previous academic year.

  

Big Ten Faculty Representatives established the Distinguished Scholar Award in 2008 to supplement the Academic All-Big Ten program. Similar to the Academic All-Big Ten honor, Distinguished Scholar Award recipients must be letterwinners in at least their second academic year at their institution. However, the Distinguished Scholar Award encompasses only student-athletes with a minimum GPA of 3.7 or higher for the previous academic year, excluding summer school. The Academic All-Big Ten threshold is a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher for a student-athlete’s academic career.

Michigan

Zach Hyman, So., Torono, Ontario, history major

Luke Moffatt, Sr., Paradise Valley, Ariz., business administration major