3v3 OT: Should the Big Ten Conference Adopt it?

By Jessi Pierce

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 -- or god-forbid five -- and things can get a bit stale.

Taking a page from the NHL's newly adopted 3-on-3 overtime rule -- approved by the NHL Board of Governor's earlier this summer -- 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.

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.

2015-16 Ohio State Freshman Preview

By Miles McQuinn

Number of Players Lost: 8 (all due to graduation)

Number of Incoming Freshmen: 10

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.

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.

Let's have a look at Ohio State's incoming freshman class, leading up to the impact players at the end.