What Does Friday's Announcement Mean for College Hockey?

College Hockey was on full display during the 2017 National Hockey League Entry Draft in Chicago, but not only for the players selected (a total of 60 -- 18 from Big Ten schools).

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."

Coming Back -- B1Gger and Better Than Ever

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).

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?

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?

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).

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.


Jessi Pierce (@jessi_pierce; jessip224@gmail.com)
B1G Ice Hockey Blog creator/editor/BAMF

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

ESPN Back in the Hockey Game

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...

The B1G Scoreboard (10/16/15-10/18/15)

Men's Scores From 10/16/15:

• Wisconsin 0, Boston College 6 -- Boston College Hands Wisconsin First Loss of the Season
• Michigan State 2, Denver 4 -- Late Goals Push No. 5 Denver Past Spartans
• Miami 3, Ohio State 2 -- Buckeyes Clipped by No. 18 Miami, 3-2
• Notre Dame 7, Penn State 4 -- Penn State Drops Home Opener to Notre Dame
• Mercyhurst 4, Michigan 6 -- Connor Scores Twice to Lead Michigan to Season-Opening Win
• Minnesota-Duluth 3, Minnesota 1 -- Gates Scores First Goal as Gophers Fall in Opener

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:

B1G TV 2015-16 Schedule Released

ROSEMONT, Ill. – 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.

BTN will broadcast at least 22 games with the first taking place on Friday, Dec. 11, when Michigan hosts Minnesota at 7 p.m. ET. Highlighting the BTN regular season schedule will be the Super Saturday - College Hoops & Hockey doubleheader on Jan. 30, 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 noon, followed by a hockey matchup at 7 p.m.

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.

Big Ten Hockey at the 2015 NHL Draft

By Miles McQuinn 

The 2015 NHL Draft is in the books, and the Big Ten Conference had a solid showing.

Of the 56 college hockey players drafted, 16 are from the Big Ten, second most among all of college hockey's conferences.

Of the 210 draftees, 7.6% are heading to/are in the Big Ten.

Let's break things down by the numbers and I'll add in some thoughts as well.

Rutgers Hockey: Could It Be Reality?

By Jessi Pierce

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.

Rutgers hockey? How feasible is that? With the current support of 2,674 and growing, I'd say it's not completely out of the question.

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

Blame Game: Where does the real blame lie when it comes to attendance?

By Jessi Pierce

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.

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.

"You get to this time of the year, and you want to play in front of good crowds," Gopher head coach Don Lucia told the Detroit Free Press. "Doesn't matter if they're cheering for you or against you. It's kind of what you're used to all season long."

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?

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.

"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.

Why the B1G Bust in 2014-15?

By Jessi Pierce

It's been a rough year two for many Big Ten hockey fans. While Michigan and Penn State and find themselves enjoying the top of conference standings respectively, perennial powerhouses Minnesota and Wisconsin are facing struggles that have shaken their fan bases to the core. Meanwhile Michigan State and Ohio State continue to work for establishment in the middle of the pack.

On a nationwide scale the darkness of the Big Ten is even more noticeable. Take a look at the college polls and you'll be hard pressed to find a Big Ten team in the top 15 -- especially in recent weeks.

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:

Michigan and Michigan State Faceoff in 2015 Hockey City Classic

Soldier Field will welcome back the Hockey City Classic this February. The outdoor college hockey spotlight will shine on familiar foes Michigan and Michigan State on February 7, 2015 as announced by the Coyote Hockey City Classic group today. Beginning in 2013, the Hockey City Classic has hosted Notre Dame and Miami (2013) and two other Big Ten squads, Minnesota and Ohio State (2014).

These two teams are no strangers to outdoor hockey. The Mitten State rivals first squared off in a game dubbed the "Cold War" in 2001. It will mark the 8th time since then that the Wolverines and Spartans are pitted outdoors.

Check out the 2015 HCC trailer here.

Full release found here