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.

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

The Big Ten in the Biggest Moments

By Miles McQuinn

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.

(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!)

Let's Party: My NCAA picks and take on Minnesota's chances

By Miles McQuinn

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.

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.

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).

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.

So without further adieu, here is who I have hanging a banner in 2015.