USCHO Weekend Review

Hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly), Derek Schooley (@derekschooley), and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) review games of the weekend and news of the past week.They start with the weekend's Michigan vs. Michigan State series, with both visiting teams securing wins, while looking at Wisconsin's dominance and Dartmouth's 10-0 start.In the second segment, they look at the performance of various teams in the NPI, and the gap between perception and performance for preseason favorites like Boston University and Minnesota.The episode wraps with a conversation about the long holiday break in college hockey and the impressive showing of college players in Team Canada's preliminary World Juniors roster.This episode is sponsored by the NCAA Men's Frozen Four, April 9 and 11 in Las Vegas. Tickets: https://ncaa.com/mfrozenfourFind all of our podcasts at USCHO.com/podcasts

Hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly), Derek Schooley (@derekschooley), and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) look at sometimes controversial or overlooked topics in our midweek episode called Upon Further Review.This time we play "buy or sell" on eight propositions:Michigan is the best team in college hockey.This year’s Hobey Baker winner currently plays for Minnesota Duluth.Western Michigan will return to this season's Frozen Four in Las Vegas.Hockey East will be a two-or-less bid conference this season.Dartmouth will be the ECAC regular-season championEither the CCHA or AHA will be a multi-bid conference this season (at least one at large NCAA team)A blue-chip player will leave college hockey at the break.The Tim Taylor Award for National Rookie of the Year will go to a former CHL player.This episode is sponsored by the NCAA Men's Frozen Four, April 9 and 11 in Las Vegas. Tickets: https://ncaa.com/mfrozenfourFind all of our podcasts at USCHO.com/podcasts

Hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly), Derek Schooley (@derekschooley), and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) review games of the weekend and news of the past week.Dartmouth continued its perfect start, moving to 8–0–0 with wins over Vermont and Merrimack. With Brown, Yale, Army, and New Hampshire ahead, a 12–0–0 pre-break record is suddenly realistic. It was a light week nationally, but several top teams impressed:No. 1 Michigan swept Harvard (5–1, 4–3 OT) despite a Crimson rally.No. 3 Michigan State took two from ColgateSweeps also for North Dakota, Quinnipiac, and Minnesota State.In holiday tournaments, Miami claimed the Friendship Four in Belfast, beating RIT and then-No. 20 Union for the title. Alaska won the Adirondack Winter Invitational, shutting out St. Lawrence and edging Clarkson. At MSG, BU beat Cornell 2–1 in Red Hot Hockey on a third-period goal from Cole Eiserman.This episode is sponsored by the NCAA Men's Frozen Four, April 9 and 11 in Las Vegas. Tickets: https://ncaa.com/mfrozenfourFind all of our podcasts at USCHO.com/podcasts

Jim Connelly and Derek Schooley look around college hockey and tell us what they are thankful for this holiday season. Find all of our podcasts at USCHO.com/podcasts

This week on Weekend Review, Jim Connelly fills in for host Ed Trefzger and he and Derek Schooley talk about key moments from the weekend in college hockey including: - Wisconsin’s two-game sweep of then-No. 1 Michigan State- An impressive weekend for Princeton’s Kai Daniells- Michigan’s offense: Can anyone stop it?- Some key sweeps around the country- And an early look at the NPI rankings with Thanksgiving approaching This episode is sponsored by the NCAA Frozen Four April 9 & 11 in Las Vegas. Visit ncaa.com/mfrozenfour for tickets.Find all of our podcasts at USCHO.com/podcasts

Hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly), Derek Schooley (@derekschooley), and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) review games of the weekend and news of the past week.They highlight Dartmouth's 6-0 start, Michigan State's nine-game winning streak, and RIT's surprising recovery for its own nine-game streak after an early season sweep by Sacred Heart.The episode also touches upon the challenges of polling and rankings early in the season, and the potential unpredictability due to team depth and the nuances of hockey dynamics.This episode is sponsored by the NCAA Men's Frozen Four, April 9 and 11 in Las Vegas. Tickets: https://ncaa.com/mfrozenfourFind all of our podcasts at USCHO.com/podcasts

Hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly), Derek Schooley (@derekschooley), and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) look at sometimes controversial or overlooked topics in our midweek episode called Upon Further Review.In this episode, they discuss the impact of injuries on teams just five or six weeks into the season. The conversation covers significant injuries to key players, the House vs. NCAA settlement impact, roster limitations, and Designated Student Athletes (DSAs) that allows teams to exceed the 26-player roster limit. This episode is sponsored by the NCAA Men's Frozen Four, April 9 and 11 in Las Vegas. Tickets: https://ncaa.com/mfrozenfourFind all of our podcasts at USCHO.com/podcasts

Hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly), Derek Schooley (@derekschooley), and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) review games of the weekend and news of the past week.The discussion opens with Michigan State’s victories over Penn State. The conversation moves to the NCHC, where Denver, Minnesota Duluth, and North Dakota secured sweeps, sparking a discussion about the dominance of NCHC teams this season. Specific attention is given to Minnesota Duluth's remarkable turnaround and in the ECAC, Dartmouth's impressive start. The episode concludes with a tribute to Jack Parker's Hockey Hall of Fame induction and Derek Schooley’s 700th game coaching Robert Morris.This episode is sponsored by the NCAA Men's Frozen Four, April 9 and 11 in Las Vegas. Tickets: https://ncaa.com/mfrozenfourFind all of our podcasts at USCHO.com/podcasts

Hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly), Derek Schooley (@derekschooley), and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) look at sometimes controversial or overlooked topics in our midweek episode called Upon Further Review.Topics include the disparities between top and bottom teams, surprising standouts like Wisconsin and Union, and the impact of new CHL eligibility rules on smaller programs. The hosts discuss how older, experienced players from CHL and U Sports are leveling the playing field and contributing to closer games and more frequent upsets.Find all of our podcasts at USCHO.com/podcasts

Hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly), Derek Schooley (@derekschooley), and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) review games of the weekend and news of the past week.Topics include Western Michigan's defensive struggles, Boston University's potential goaltending issues, Denver's inconsistent performance, and Wisconsin's impressive no-loss record. The trio also explores preliminary out-of-conference records, highlighting the Big 10 and NCHC's strong start, while delving into the challenges facing other conferences. The episode concludes with insights into the impact of the eligibility of sub-.500 teams in the NCAA tournament on the at-large field.Find all of our podcasts at USCHO.com/podcasts

Hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly), Derek Schooley (@derekschooley), and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) look at sometimes controversial or overlooked topics in our midweek episode called Upon Further Review.The early 2025-26 season has seen 11 upsets of ranked teams in the first four weeks, up from just two during the same period last season. Meanwhile, mild upsets have become the norm. We discuss why this is happening and whether it's a case of everyone getting better.Find all of our podcasts at USCHO.com/podcasts

Hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly), Derek Schooley (@derekschooley), and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) review games of the weekend and news of the past week.Key games included Sacred Heart's OT win against Ohio State, Clarkson's victory over North Dakota, and Merrimack's win against Quinnipiac.The hosts note the increasing balance in college hockey, with 11 top 10 teams losing to unranked opponents in the first four weeks compared to only two last year. The discussion covers various dynamics influencing the season, such as improved team performances, a deeper talent pool, and changes in player rosters and game strategies.They also examine other ranked team matchups, including Michigan vs. Western Michigan and Boston University vs. Connecticut, while considering how these trends might shape the season. The episode concludes with a look forward to conference play, particularly in the Big Ten and NCHC.Find all of our podcasts at USCHO.com/podcasts

Hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly), Derek Schooley (@derekschooley), and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) look at sometimes controversial or overlooked topics in our midweek episode called Upon Further Review.College hockey is experiencing a massive facilities arms race, with programs investing heavily in new arenas. Recent projects range from Union's $55 million M&T Bank Center to Northeastern's planned $300-350 million replacement for Matthews Arena, with notable investments at St. Thomas ($175M), Western Michigan ($100M+), and numerous other schools. The hosts debate whether this spending remains the primary recruiting advantage or if NIL money, revenue sharing, and player development have become equally important.A major concern: nine-figure construction costs could make college hockey unsustainable and deter program expansion.A key tension emerges around maintaining atmosphere during upgrades. Smaller, intimate venues like Cornell's Lynah Rink preserve the electric home-ice advantage that massive buildings often lose when they're harder to fill. The hosts note successful examples like UConn's compact arena and Union's decision to stay smaller rather than expand, while acknowledging the challenge of balancing modernization with the historic charm that makes college hockey special.Find all of our podcasts at USCHO.com/podcasts

Hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly), Derek Schooley (@derekschooley), and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) review games of the weekend and news of the past week.The discussion starts with a look at three teams from the state of Michigan doing well:   Michigan State's rise to the No. 1 spot in the polls after sweeping Boston University on the road, plus Western Michigan and Michigan, both off to strong starts.Discussions extend to analyzing the scoring trends in early-season games, the impact of special teams and officiating, and the promise shown by teams like Augustana, Quinnipiac, and Minnesota Duluth.The episode closes with a preview of the upcoming "Schooley Bowl" between Robert Morris and Delaware where Derek Schooley's daughters will compete against each other.Find all of our podcasts at USCHO.com/podcasts

Hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly), Derek Schooley (@derekschooley), and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) look at sometimes controversial or overlooked topics in our midweek episode called Upon Further Review.They delve into the importance of early-season non-conference games, highlighting the performances of different college hockey conferences in non-league play.They also touch upon the continued growth of Maine and the significant turnaround of Miami, and with that the potential impact of new recruiting strategies in the expanding player pool.The episode concludes with a discussion on how adapting to change is crucial for continued success in the ever-evolving landscape of college hockey.Find all of our podcasts at USCHO.com/podcasts

Hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly), Derek Schooley (@derekschooley), and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) review games of the weekend and news of the past week.Key highlights include major upsets with top-ranked Western Michigan losing to Ferris State, Michigan narrowly defeated at home by New Hampshire, and Penn State falling to Clarkson, all on Thursday evening.The trio also examines notable games involving Boston College at Minnesota, and Denver at Air Force. They note the difficulties in ranking teams due to big roster changes leading to unpredictable outcomes. The show also touches on Michigan's strong performance and the challenges Big Ten teams face in living up to national expectations.Lastly, they look at promotional opportunities for college hockey marquee events like the Icebreaker Tournament and emphasize the need for more media coverage.Find all of our podcasts at USCHO.com/podcasts

Hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly), Derek Schooley (@derekschooley), and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) look at a sometimes controversial topic in our midweek episode called Upon Further Review.In the inaugural episode, we discuss the eligibility of CHL major junior players in NCAA hockey, the potential impact on recruitment, and how it's reshaping the player pool. Derek shares insights from his experience recruiting CHL players and highlights the increased competition and expanded talent pool now available to college hockey teams. The episode also touches on the challenges and opportunities for players transitioning from the CHL to college, as well as the need for better marketing strategies for college hockey's conferences to capitalize on this shift.Find all of our podcasts at USCHO.com/podcasts

Hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly), Derek Schooley (@derekschooley), and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) review games of the weekend and news of the past week.The opening weekend of the college hockey season was highlighted by notable matchups like Penn State at Arizona State, Minnesota vs. Michigan Tech, Quinnipiac's victory over Boston College, and the Colorado College vs. UConn series.They also delve into the hype around CHL player Gavin McKenna's debut, the evolving competitive landscape, and the impact of high-profile games being broadcast on major networks. The hosts also detail the NCAA's new Power Index (NPI), which replaces the PairWise for selecting the national tournament field, and examine its implications.Find all of our podcasts at USCHO.com/podcasts

Hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly), Derek Schooley (@derekschooley), and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) review news from the AHCA convention and other offseason updates.They discuss the highlights of the Frozen Four in St. Louis, notably Western Michigan's championship win. They delve into the underdog status of Western Michigan, their impressive post-New Year’s performance, and standout coaching strategies.Another major topic is the NCAA's shift from the PairWise ranking system to the NCAA Power Index (NPI), aiming to simplify team selections for tournaments. The conversation also touches on the American Hockey Coaches Association Convention, where important updates like reducing the transfer portal window and potential roster limits were discussed.Additionally, the discussion includes the possibility of NCAA hockey gaining more autonomy and the interest in NCAA coaches for NHL positions.Lastly, there is a mention of future draft prospects and a nod to the retirements of key figures in college hockey coaching.Find all of our podcasts at USCHO.com/podcasts

Hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly), Derek Schooley (@derekschooley), and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) review the weekend's NCAA men's D-I regionals and news of the week.They recap the regionals, looking especially at the winners: Boston University, Denver, Western Michigan, and Penn State. They also consider controversial penalties and look at ice issues and attendance statistics. They discuss coaching changes at North Dakota with Dane Jackson's promotion and Brett Riley filling the vacant position at Ferris State. The impact of the transfer portal and its implications for teams and players is explored. The episode concludes with a look ahead to the Frozen Four matchups and a new approach to USCHO's coverage in St. Louis.This episode is sponsored by the NCAA Men's Division I Frozen Four, April 10 and 12 in St. Louis. Get your tickets now at ncaa.com/frozenfourTimes are approximate:00:00 Introduction and Sponsorship01:07 Frozen Four field set01:30 Regionals drama and controversies03:46 Attendance and atmosphere05:53 Boston University and Toledo regional highlights10:44 Western Michigan's historic win in Fargo22:37 Penn State's journey to Frozen Four via Allentown26:25 Cornell band's trolling and UConn’s Brass Bonanza28:30 Denver's dominance and BC's struggles in Manchester33:52 North Dakota's new head coach: Dane Jackson34:39 Brett Riley takes over at Ferris State38:56 The transfer portal and roster challenges47:05 Previewing the Frozen Four in St. Louis49:39 Conclusion and upcoming coverageFind all of our podcasts at USCHO.com/podcasts