New England Hockey Journal’s RinkWise

Evan is joined by Dan Fontas, the new head coach of the Cushing Boys Hockey team. They discuss Dan's transition from head coach of the Varsity B team to his new role, his coaching philosophy, and the importance of relationship-building with players. They also delve into the challenges and changes in recruiting, impacted by recent CHL rulings, and the future of fall hockey for prep schools. The episode wraps up with anecdotes from Dan's own career, including his transition from player to coach and the influences that shaped his coaching style. The show ends with a fun segment called 'Overtime,' where they react to famous hockey-related quotes.   Topics 00:57 Meeting Dan Fontas: A Funny Encounter 01:51 Recruitment and Promotion Insights 05:09 Challenges and Changes in Prep Hockey 09:23 Varsity B Coaching Experience 15:34 Dan's Personal Hockey Journey 23:22 Coaching Philosophy and Influences 29:01 Commitment Beyond Hockey 29:26 Impact of Coaching Relationships 30:32 Evolution of Coaching Styles 32:00 Increased Skill Levels in Modern Players 35:58 The Future of Prep and Fall Hockey 43:22 Overtime: Fun and Insightful Hockey Quotes

Evan and Pat dive into the college hockey recruiting season. They discuss the landscape of hockey recruiting as fall hockey approaches. They explore notable recruits, the effects of the CHL ruling on recruiting, and the trend of players making more realistic commitments. The episode also covers significant commitments in the boys and girls hockey scenes, highlighting key players and their potential impacts on their future teams. Additionally, the show includes a nostalgic segment on memorable hockey experiences and locker room smells.   Topics 00:40 Recruiting Season and College Choices 03:32 Impact of CHL Ruling on Recruiting 05:20 Realistic Commitments and Player Strategies 10:46 BC and BU Commitments 20:41 Northeastern and Other Hockey East Schools 28:17 Dartmouth's Recruiting Strategy 30:25 Dartmouth's Strategic Recruiting Moves 30:50 Harvard's High-End Prep Kid Trend 31:22 Dartmouth's New Market Strategy 33:29 Notable College Commits 33:38 UMass and Other Local Commits 34:16 Notre Dame's Local Talent 34:46 Cornell and UNH Commits 35:21 Quinnipiac and Other Notable Commits 35:48 Transition to Girls' Recruiting 36:52 Big 10 and Local Girls' Commits 39:22 Trends in Girls' College Hockey 43:07 Notable Girls' Commits 48:42 Overtime: Hockey Nostalgia

The Hoops/Hockey Crossover Show This crossover episode between New England Hockey Journal's Rink Wise and New England Basketball Journal's Hoop Wise podcasts. The hosts discuss the idea of merging the discussions around the two sports, focusing on the differences and similarities in player development, recruitment, and the unique challenges each sport faces. Topics covered include the yearly schedules for basketball and hockey, the impact of club and prep teams on player growth, the role of advisors and agents, the rising cost of playing these sports at elite levels, and the potential of future changes in the structure and governance of these youth sports.   Topics 01:13 Basketball vs. Hockey: Seasonal Differences 01:38 Open Gyms and Recruitment in Basketball 04:18 Fall Hockey Showcases and College Scouting 05:33 The Role of Club Teams in Player Development 12:05 Prep School and Club Team Dynamics 16:52 Balancing Multiple Sports and Commitments 26:46 Shoe Circuits and Sponsorships in Basketball 31:25 Exploring Brand Influence in Basketball and Hockey 31:53 The Business of AAU and College Recruiting 35:09 Junior Hockey Pathways and College Eligibility 46:38 The Role of Advisors and Agents in Youth Sports 51:46 The Rising Costs of Youth Sports 57:45 The Impact of Club Teams on Local Hockey Programs 59:46 Conclusion and Future Discussions

Evan and Pat talk with Sean O'Brien, the new head coach of the boys' hockey team at Phillips Exeter Academy. Sean shares insights from his career, including his recent move back to New England from Pittsburgh, his previous coaching stint at Harvard, and his philosophy on integrating technology and video analysis to enhance player development. He also discusses the balance between academics and athletics in a prep school environment, the impact of the CHL ruling on prep hockey, and the importance of building professional networks and relationships for long-term success. The episode concludes with a discussion on outdated hockey strategies and the evolving role of analytics in coaching.   Topics 00:29 Guest Introduction: Sean O'Brien 01:34 Sean O'Brien's Journey to Phillips Exeter 05:03 The Appeal of Phillips Exeter 07:23 Recruitment and Academic Balance 12:32 Lessons from Harvard 16:49 The Role of Technology in Coaching 24:24 Seamless Video Integration in Coaching 25:17 The Importance of Self-Reflection in Sports 26:48 Impact of CHL Ruling on Prep Schools 29:15 Evaluating Player Readiness for Junior Hockey 31:19 Balancing Hockey and Academic Development 35:46 Building Long-Term Professional Networks 40:04 Hockey Strategy Insights: Overtime Segment

Evan sits down with Brandon Borges, the newly appointed head boys hockey coach at Williston Northampton. Borges, an alumnus of the school, shares insights about his transition into the coaching role and his vision for the program. He discusses the importance of summer training, balancing player workloads, and the unique challenges of returning to coach at his alma mater. Borges also reflects on his own hockey journey from inner-city Providence to playing junior hockey, providing valuable advice for current players navigating college and junior hockey aspirations. The discussion concludes with a light-hearted segment about the nuances of being a passionate hockey fan.   Topics 00:26 Meet the New Coach: Brandon Borges 00:55 Summer Training Strategies 03:06 Returning to Alma Mater: Williston Northampton 03:42 Brandon's Hockey Journey 08:12 Challenges and Lessons in Youth Hockey 20:21 Junior Hockey Experience and Advice 24:21 Personal Struggles and Reflections 24:43 Timing and Development in Hockey 25:52 Deciding When to Move On 28:22 Realistic College Hockey Dreams 32:50 Recruiting and Building Relationships 38:30 Overtime: Fun Hockey Questions

The guest is Ed Bourget, Director of Hockey Operations at Buckingham Browne & Nichols (BB&N). The discussion delves into Ed's extensive background in hockey, from playing high school hockey at Shrewsbury High and Sacred Heart to his professional stint in Europe. Ed provides insights into his new role at BB&N, focusing on supporting both the boys' and girls' hockey programs. The conversation also explores player development, managing the grueling prep school hockey schedule, and balancing the demands of athletics with academic and personal life. Ed emphasizes the importance of rest, development beyond just hockey skills, and preparing for life after the sport. The episode concludes with reflections on the evolving landscape of hockey recruitment and the significance of enjoying the process.   Topics 00:19 Ed's Hockey Background 01:26 Coaching Philosophy and New Role 03:09 Player Development and Training 09:51 Recruiting Process Insights 17:49 Balancing Academics and Athletics 21:59 Life After Hockey 22:55 Path to Coaching 25:28 Future of Prep School Hockey 30:28 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the New England Hockey Journal's Rink Wise Podcast, hosts Evan Marinofsky and Patrick Donnelly discuss various updates in the sports world, focusing particularly on the recent US Open and the New England D1 Championship in baseball at Polar Park. While updating on baseball, the hosts delve into the major topic of the week—the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) Draft. They provide insights into significant picks, including a detailed analysis of picks from New England and the implications for prep schools, junior hockey leagues, and the National Team Development Program (NTDP). The podcast also explores potential recruiting battles between the USHL and Canadian junior leagues, value picks, snubs, and the future of New England players in junior hockey. The episode wraps up with insights into what the changes in draft dynamics might mean for the evolving landscape of prep and junior hockey.   Topics 00:31 High School Baseball Championships 02:30 QMJHL Draft Overview 05:29 Impact on New England Players 10:36 Future of Junior Hockey and Prep Schools 13:18 Quebec Ramparts' Bold Move 15:47 Carter Meyer Draft Reactions 16:41 Quebec's Strategic Draft Picks 18:46 Notable Draft Picks and Surprises 20:09 Underrated Draft Picks and Value Finds 22:45 Draft Snubs and Missed Opportunities 27:10 USHL vs. QMJHL: The Recruiting Battle 30:31 Concluding Thoughts and Future Updates

Evan and Patrick Donnelly are joined by Eric Boguniecki, a former NHL player and current scout for the Arizona Coyotes and Utah Mammoth. They discuss Eric's impressive career, his transition from coaching to scouting, and his insights on player development. Eric shares personal stories about his son's unique path from baseball to hockey, emphasizing the importance of multi-sport participation for young athletes. The conversation touches on the evolving landscape of prep school and junior hockey, the impact of the CHL ruling on college commitments, and the potential for new NCAA Division I programs. Additionally, they dive into personal anecdotes about their love for hockey and the emotional highs and lows of being a sports fan.   Topics 00:46 Introducing the Special Guest: Eric Boguniecki 01:22 Eric’s Career Journey 01:51 Life on the Road as a Scout 03:21 Transition from Coaching to Scouting 04:58 Scouting Insights and Player Evaluation 06:21 The Importance of Hockey Sense 12:26 Balancing Sports and Family Life 16:53 Jake Boggan's Unique Path in Sports 17:15 Challenges and Changes in Prep School Hockey 36:45 Hockey Prep School Culture 37:16 Memorable Football Moments 38:25 Jake's College Recruitment Journey 40:37 NCAA Recruitment Rules and Challenges 42:00 The Impact of Transfer Portals 44:03 The Future of College Hockey 47:46 Hockey's Growing Popularity 55:12 Overtime: Personal Hockey Stories

Evan and Pat discuss the recent Mass. Hockey Festival for both boys and girls, providing insights on standout players, snubs, and potential future stars. The conversation also touches on the unpredictability of New England weather, their personal gripes about hockey, the impact of youth sports' financial demands, and fun insights into their hypothetical Zamboni ride theme songs.   Topics 01:38 Mass Hockey Festival Overview 02:06 Boys' Festival Highlights 04:28 Rising Stars: Oh Eights and Oh Nines 10:23 Notable Snubs and Surprises 12:22 2000 Tens: Future Prospects 15:22 NTDP Aspirations for 2010s 18:13 Personal Anecdotes and Girls' Festival 19:05 Stock Risers: Girls in Hockey 19:37 Standout Performances at the Festival 22:32 Young Talents to Watch 24:55 Future Stars: The 2010s 30:24 Unpopular Opinions in Hockey 37:04 Overtime: Fun and Final Thoughts

Evan and Pat reflect on the recently concluded boys prep hockey season, discussing standout teams, surprising performances, and key players. They highlight teams like Deerfield, St. Mark's, Dexter, Rivers, and more for their unexpected success. They delve into the contributions of standout players such as Carter Meyer, Joe Salandra, Billy McCaslin, and others. Additionally, they discuss the potential impact of the CHL on the future of prep hockey and look ahead to how teams might shape up next season. The episode concludes with an 'overrated or underrated' segment, adding a fun twist to the in-depth hockey analysis. Topics 00:00 Introduction and Casual Banter 00:34 Reflecting on the Bruins' Season 01:34 Prep Hockey Season Recap 02:21 Surprising Teams of the Season 12:59 Standout Players and Performances 17:42 NTDP Evaluation Camp Insights 21:48 Analyzing Pandolfo's Potential 22:22 Lessons from Sears' Development Path 24:14 Impact of CHL on Prep Hockey 27:50 Teams to Watch Next Season 29:52 NHL Draft Prospects 33:28 Overtime: Underrated or Overrated 39:46 Wrapping Up the Prep Season

Evan and Pat reunite in the studio to discuss the end of the girls' hockey season. They reflect on the exciting season, highlighting standout teams like Loomis Chaffee and Nobles. The discussion covers how various teams performed, their top players, and expectations for the next season. Goal-tending performances and uncommitted prospects are also spotlighted. The episode concludes with a fun 'overrated or underrated' segment featuring items like wearing jerseys to games and bubble hockey.   Topics 00:37 Reflecting on the Girls Season 01:18 Loomis Chaffee's Dominant Performance 03:14 Nobles and Andover: Season Highlights 05:29 Rivers and Exeter: Rising Teams 06:26 New Hampton's Elite Eight Aspirations 07:50 Dexter and BB&N's Strong Seasons 09:29 Thayer and St. Mark's: Surprising Runs 11:25 Tabor's Competitive Season 12:46 Deerfield's Adaptable Strategy 13:46 Standout Players of the Season 17:17 Williston's Unexpected Playoff Exit 19:06 Top Goalies of the Year 21:38 The Lone Goalie's Journey 22:07 Uncommitted Standouts to Watch 25:17 Prep Transfers and Future Prospects 26:52 Teams to Watch Next Season 30:18 Overtime: Overrated or Underrated? 38:18 Wrapping Up and Future Coverage

Evan and Pat preview the MIAA State Championships, scheduled for Sunday. They discuss the format of the preview, likening it to their 'Rinkwise' podcast, and emphasize the appeal of concise and direct coverage. The preview covers multiple divisions, starting with the Division 4 boys' matchup between Winthrop and Dedham, analyzing their paths to the final. They move on to the Division 1 girls' game, highlighting the journey of top-seeded Hingham and underdog Bishop Stang, and consider the potential for an upset. The Division 1 boys' final between St. John Shrewsbury and Catholic Memorial (CM) presents a similar narrative of an unexpected finalist versus a dominant favorite. Division 2 boys see Billerica facing Canton, both teams with impressive seasons, followed by Division 3 boys' clash between Nauset and Medfield, illustrating Nauset's dominance. Finally, they preview the Division 2 girls' game between Milton and Medfield, noting Medfield's impressive run as a lower seed. Throughout, the hosts reflect on past tournament experiences, the impact of team momentum, and the excitement of unexpected matchups in the championship.   Topics 00:43 MIAA State Championships Preview 02:02 Division 4 Boys Championship Preview 03:36 Division 1 Girls Championship Preview 07:07 Division 1 Boys Championship Preview 13:11 Division 2 Boys Championship Preview 15:17 Division 3 Boys Championship Preview 18:09 Division 2 Girls Championship Preview 21:21 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Pat and Evan provide a detailed recap of the boys prep hockey championship games. Key highlights include Cushing's dramatic 4-3 victory over Dexter in the Elite Eight, Andover's commanding 4-1 win over Westminster in the large school bracket, and Kimball Union's 5-3 triumph over Berkshire in the small school final. The episode delves into critical moments, standout players, and season trajectories for the teams, emphasizing Cushing's underdog story and the exceptional performances of individual athletes across all games. The discussion also touches on Cushing's improbable rise and key strategic elements in Andover and Kimball Union's wins. Topics 00:55 Cushing vs. Dexter: An All-Time Classic 01:35 Cushing's Remarkable Journey to the Elite Eight Title 03:14 Key Moments and Players in the Cushing vs. Dexter Game 06:56 Andover vs. Westminster: Large School Championship Recap 11:05 Kimball Union vs. Berkshire: Small School Championship Recap 14:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Evan and Pat recap the NEPSAC Girls Championships, highlighting three thrilling games that took place at Taft on Sunday. Loomis Chaffee triumphed over Phillips Andover in an intense Elite Eight final, characterized by heavy penalties and relentless gameplay. Deerfield claimed victory against Tabor in the large school bracket, powered by a solid performance from goalie Campbell Croate. New Hampton secured their third consecutive title in the small school bracket by defeating St. Mark's, with standout performances from both teams. The hosts also reflect on the unexpected results and overarching themes of the tournament, noting the depth and competitiveness across all brackets. Topics 00:38 Elite Eight Championship Recap 04:32 Andover's Surprising Path 06:32 Large School Bracket Highlights 09:20 Small School Bracket Dominance 11:41 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

Evan and Pat discuss the freshly released NEPSAC Girls' Hockey Brackets. They review and analyze the seedings, highlighting late-season drama and upsets, significant team performances, and critical matchups. Notable teams and players are discussed, including the unexpected rise and falls of teams like Groton, Thayer, and New Hampton. They go further into detailing the Elite Eight, Large School, and Small School brackets, providing insights and predictions for each game while emphasizing key players and strategies.    Topics   00:00 Introduction to NEPSAC Girls Brackets 00:21 Surprises and Drama in Seedings 01:38 Elite Eight Matchups Breakdown 07:50 Large School Bracket Analysis 13:17 Small School Bracket Insights 17:58 Conclusion and Upcoming Content

Pat and Evan delve into the excitement of the boys NEPSAC playoffs, examining the results, standings, and potential outcomes. They discuss significant matches, such as Westminster's upset over Belmont Hill, and analyze Elite Eight matchups including Deerfield vs. Nobles, St. Mark's vs. Rivers, Dexter vs. Salisbury, and Cushing vs. Brunswick. Evan offers insights into potential game-changers and makes bold predictions, emphasizing his gut feeling that Salisbury will upset Dexter. The discussion extends to the large school and small school brackets, highlighting teams like Kent, Avon Old Farms, Phillips Andover, and Holderness, and predicting potential upsets in the quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals. The episode sets the stage for a dramatic week in prep hockey, with promises of further predictions and reactions as the playoffs unfold.   Topics   00:00 Introduction to the Playoffs 00:23 Elite Eight Drama Unfolds 01:32 Matchup Analysis: Deerfield vs. Nobles 02:22 Matchup Analysis: St. Mark's vs. Rivers 03:35 Matchup Analysis: Dexter vs. Salisbury 04:52 Matchup Analysis: Cushing vs. Brunswick 07:18 Large School Bracket Insights 11:03 Small School Bracket Breakdown 13:08 Bold Predictions and Final Thoughts 14:26 Conclusion and Upcoming Coverage

Evan and Pat delve into the excitement of the prep hockey playoffs and break down their predictions for both boys and girls divisions. They discuss key matchups, highlight potential upsets, and analyze the paths for top seeds. The conversation also explores the historical context and current form of various teams. Additionally, the episode features a fun segment where the hosts review and rate famous NHL broadcast calls, reminiscing about some of hockey's most iconic moments. The episode concludes with a detailed debate on playoff dynamics and a look ahead to upcoming games.   Topics   01:00 Prep Playoffs Overview 02:19 Boys Prep Predictions 03:51 Elite Eight Contenders 06:48 Potential Spoilers and Key Players 16:35 Girls Prep Playoff Picture 24:59 MIA Boys Bracket Breakdown 38:18 MIA Girls Division 1 Insights 38:41 The Importance of Vibes in Analysis 38:50 Breaking Down the North Andover Quadrant 39:13 Hingham's Path to the Final Four 39:35 Belmont vs. Arlington Catholic: A Close Matchup 39:48 Redding's Momentum and Hingham's Strength 40:24 NDA's Journey Through the Bracket 41:29 Malden Catholic's Tough Road 42:30 Methuen Tewksbury's Defensive Prowess 43:32 Final Four Predictions 43:33 HPNA's Challenging Path 46:20 Division 2 Predictions 52:03 Overtime: Memorable Hockey Calls

Evan and Pat discuss recent girls prep hockey results and key matchups. They highlight notable games like Williston's victory over Andover and speculate about playoff seedings. The conversation then shifts to Boys Prep hockey, analyzing teams on the cusp of the Elite Eight like Cushing and Andover. The discussion also covers upcoming crucial matches and possible tournament outcomes. Evan and Pat then engage in a debate comparing soccer and hockey across several categories, including equipment cost, popularity, and signature moments. They conclude with a preview of the high school state playoffs, focusing on both boys and girls teams to watch as the postseason approaches.   Topics   00:55 Girls Prep Hockey Highlights 01:43 Williston vs. Andover Analysis 05:12 Elite Eight Playoff Projections 12:20 Cushing's Playoff Push 18:14 Kimball Union's Struggles 23:57 Upcoming Key Matchups 26:55 MIAA Bracket Release 28:46 Big Wins and Power Rankings 29:19 Top Teams and Tournament Predictions 30:42 Belmont and Arlington Discussion 31:46 Girls MIAA Power Rankings 32:29 Hingham Showcase Highlights 38:11 Young Talent in MIAA 40:12 Overtime: Soccer vs. Hockey 49:35 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

Evan and Pat dive deep into recent hockey events and upcoming playoff scenarios. The duo discusses the significance of the recent Boston University Beanpot win and the implications for local stars like Cole Iserman and James Higgins. The conversation shifts to an in-depth analysis of both boys' and girls' prep hockey power rankings, focusing on the Elite Eight and projected playoff seedings. They also explore notable prep careers, such as Brian Day's upcoming retirement. The MIAA playoff outlook for both boys' and girls' divisions is examined, identifying key teams, potential spoilers, and standout players. The episode concludes with a light-hearted overtime segment featuring fun questions about NHL traditions, favorite outdoor hockey experiences, and jersey mishaps.   Topics   00:25 BU Beanpot Victory Recap 03:08 Discussion on College Hockey Players 05:38 Boys Prep Hockey Playoff Picture 17:54 Girls Prep Hockey Playoff Picture 28:56 Upcoming MIA Championships 29:41 Nostalgic Weekend at Home 29:50 Boys Power Rankings Breakdown 32:22 Catholic Conference Teams Analysis 33:57 Public Schools in the Tournament 34:50 Belmont's Top Line and Goalie 39:39 Girls Division One Rankings 43:15 Girls Division Two Rankings 49:33 Overtime Questions and Wrap-Up 52:16 Outdoor Hockey Traditions 54:20 Favorite Hockey Uniforms

Evan and Pat delve into reactions and analysis from the latest Beanpot tournament games, discussing disappointments and highlights. They also explore the emerging talents and performances in both boys and girls prep school hockey, highlighting teams like Deerfield, Dexter, and Groton. The discussion extends to MIAA boys and girls hockey, identifying top teams and potential surprises for the upcoming tournaments. The episode concludes with a fun 'Would You Rather' segment where Evan and Patrick debate hypothetical hockey career scenarios.   Topics 00:24 Beanpot Tournament Recap 02:03 Local Players Shine at Beanpot 02:33 Youth Involvement in Beanpot 05:43 Boys Prep Hockey Highlights 07:33 Deerfield's Strong Season 09:38 Elite Eight Projections 14:32 Girls Prep Hockey Update 17:02 Deerfield and BBN Girls Teams 18:47 Analyzing the Elite Eight Prospects 20:02 Groton's Impressive Comeback 20:52 Top Teams and Tournament Predictions 22:36 MIA Boys Hockey Highlights 23:50 Belmont's Potential in the Tournament 29:27 MIA Girls Hockey Overview 33:17 Overtime: Would You Rather? 40:05 Wrapping Up and Looking Ahead