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USCHO Weekend Review

USCHO Weekend Review
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Each Monday during college hockey season, USCHO Weekend Review gives you a quick summary of the games of the weekend and the news of the previous week. We’ll look at the big games, the playoff races, and top performers of the weekend.
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Hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly), Derek Schooley (@derekschooley), and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) review the games of the weekend and news of the week in this February 26, 2024 edition.In this episode:First two regular-season champions crownedBC, BU, North Dakota sweep while Denver picks up five pointsLots of movement on the bubbleBemidji State and Minnesota State to meet to decide CCHA regular seasonFallout from the Arizona State-Alaska fight on FridayA look at the Atlantic Hockey play-in roundPlans for a new building for Robert Morris men's and women's hockeyThis episode is sponsored by the NCAA Division I Men's Frozen Four, April 11 and 13 in St. Paul, Minnesota. Visit 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.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
Hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly), Derek Schooley (@derekschooley), and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) review games of the weekend and news of the week.We begin with the unexpected firing of North Dakota head coach Brad Berry following his team's loss in the NCHC semifinals. The discussion highlights Berry's impressive career and the pressures inherent in coaching at North Dakota. We then shift focus to the NCAA Men's Division I Tournament, analyzing each regional matchup and sharing insights on top teams, players, and possible upsets. We also discuss the Hobey Baker Award top 10, debating snubs and standout players. And Ed goes on an unusual (for him) rant.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 sponsorship announcements00:40 USCHO Bracket Challenge01:07 Breaking News: Brad Berry's departure02:21 Brad Berry's legacy and iImpact02:43 Coaching challenges at North Dakota07:19 Potential candidates for North Dakota coaching job13:41 NCAA Tournament Regionals Preview13:53 Toledo Regional breakdown17:39 Fargo Regional breakdown20:27 Manchester Regional breakdown26:30 Allentown Regional breakdown31:15 Rejuvenation of Top Programs34:31 Women's National Championship Recap35:52 Hobey Top 10 Discussion50:14 Ed's Hobey Baker Award rant54:58 Regional Winners Predictions56:45 USCHO Bracket ChallengeFind 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 week.We look at quarterfinal results in Hockey East, NCHC, and ECAC Hockey, including Northeastern's upset of Boston College, North Dakota's road sweep of Omaha, and Cornell's sweep of Colgate.In semifinal results, we look at the AHA and Bentley's sweep at Sacred Heart and Holy Cross winning two at home against Army West Point, bringing an end to Brian Riley's tenure as the Black Knights' head coach. In the Big Ten, Ohio State advance in overtime past Penn State and Michigan State's lone goal vs. Notre Dame advanced the Spartans and meant the final game for Jeff Jackson as coach of the Fighting Irish. In the CCHA, both Minnesota State and St. Thomas advanced, but the Tommies' ineligibility for the NCAA tournament means the Mavericks picked up the autobid.We also look at the PairWise rankings, where 12 teams are in and on the bubble are Michigan, Penn State, and Quinnipiac. Only the Bobcats control their own destiny among those three.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:00:15 Introduction and sponsorship00:36 Northeastern's upset over Boston College and Hockey East Quarterfinals recap04:54 Hockey East Semifinals preview07:32 NCHC Quarterfinals recap10:14 ECAC Quarterfinals recap15:25 Atlantic Hockey Semifinals recap22:43 Big Ten Semifinals recap26:37 Ohio State's remarkable season27:06 Jeff Jackson's legacy27:56 Michigan State and tournament seeding28:26 CCHA championship scenario32:35 NCAA Tournament bubble wWatch44:02 Potential Regional matchups46:19 Wrapping up and final thoughtsFind 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 week.In this episode, key games and outcomes in the Big Ten, Atlantic Hockey, CCHA, ECAC, Hockey East, and NCHC are examined, with special attention given to underdog victories and their implications for the upcoming semifinals and NCAA tournament. The hosts also delve into the complexities of the Pairwise rankings and what teams need to do to secure their spots. Special mentions include Jeff Jackson's 600th win and, sadly, the conclusion of AIC's program.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:00:15 Introduction and sponsorship00:42 Big Ten upsets and highlights04:06 Big Ten semifinals preview06:28 Atlantic Hockey playoff drama12:47 CCHA playoff recap and upcoming games16:06 ECAC playoff overview18:31 Hockey East playoff scenarios21:17 NCHC playoff matchups and predictions25:46 Pairwise bubble analysis38:37 Closing remarks and notablesFind 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 week.Three more conferences – Big Ten, ECAC, and NCHC – decided their regular season champions over the weekend. Michigan State and Minnesota share the Big Ten regular season title, Quinnipiac wins the ECAC, and Western Michigan clinches its first-ever NCHC league title. They preview upcoming playoffs and analyze key matches, including potential upsets and standout performances. 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:00:15 Introduction and sponsorship00:38 Big Ten conference championship drama03:56 ECAC regular season finale06:57 NCHC title race and playoff implications13:43 Hockey East regular season showdown18:23 Atlantic Hockey playoff action26:00 Big Ten playoff preview29:51 CCHA and ECAC playoff previews36:04 Milestones and well wishes39:43 Conclusion and sign-offFind all of our podcasts at USCHO.com/podcasts
Hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly) and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) with Dan Rubin (@DanRubin12) sitting in for Derek Schooley review games of the weekend and news of the week.They start with Michigan State's struggles against Penn State and Minnesota's surge in the Big Ten. They highlight the Pairwise implications for teams like Quinnipiac, UMass Lowell, and Penn State, as well as Western Michigan's first regulation loss in the NCHC. The episode also explores the championship races in Hockey East, where Boston College leads, and the ECAC, with Quinnipiac and Clarkson vying for the top spot.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:00:15 Introduction and sponsorship00:54 Michigan State's tough weekend01:16 Big Ten standings and Penn State's rise06:50 Holy Cross wins a share of AHA13:05 Minnesota State's CCHA title16:57 Western Michigan's NCHC challengers20:38 Hockey East showdown26:43 ECAC title race30:13 PairWise Bubble analysis47:23 Conclusion and sign-offFind 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 week.They discuss Boston College's recent struggles, Western Michigan's strong season, and various league updates, including the AHA, Big Ten, CCHA, ECAC, Hockey East, and NCHC. The hosts analyze the impact of recent games, playoff potentials, and side issues like video replay in college hockey.This episode is sponsored by the NCAA Men's Division I Frozen Four, April 10 and 12 in St. Louis. There's a flash sale going on through Sunday, Feb. 23. Get your tickets now at ncaa.com/frozenfourTimes are approximate:00:15 Introduction and sponsorship00:45 Boston College's tough week05:26 Western Michigan's rise07:41 Maine vs. New Hampshire: Border Battle10:38 Ohio State's surprising season12:30 Wisconsin's struggles14:37 Quinnipiac's offensive surge18:47 League standings overview20:02 Atlantic Hockey America22:40 Big Ten race30:13 CCHA Championship race32:41 ECAC standings34:35 Hockey East contenders38:14 NCHC playoff picture42:15 Conclusion and sign-offFind 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 week.Major topics include Minnesota's sweep over Wisconsin, positioning them closely behind Michigan State in the Big Ten. The hosts discuss Arizona State's impressive performance in the NCHC and the unexpected success of newcomers like Augustana in the CCHA. Additionally, they cover results from Atlantic Hockey and other key matchups in that conference. The potential implications of the House vs NCAA class action lawsuit, specifically on roster limits and financial structures in college sports, are analyzed in detail. 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:00:15 Introduction and sponsorship00:35 Big Ten race heats up05:49 Wisconsin's slim NCAA tournament hopes08:22 Arizona State's impressive NCHC run15:59 Augustana's unexpected championship bid23:20 BC Prepares for the Beanpot24:52 Northeastern and Harvard's performance recap26:08 Day-to-Day player conditions and team challenges29:04 Denver's dominant victory over Omaha30:52 Atlantic Hockey standings and key matchups35:40 House vs NCAA class action lawsuit update44:38 Concluding thoughts and sponsor messageFind 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 week.The spotlight starts on Boston College's sweep over Boston University in a home-and-home series, highlighted by a strange protocol penalty involving BU's goaltender Mikhail Yegorov. The crew also covers Michigan State's dominant weekend against Minnesota, discussing significant outcomes for the Big Ten standings.They also note UMass Lowell's comeback weekend against Providence and Arizona State's split series with Colorado College. The podcast also highlights UConn's victory in the Connecticut Ice Tournament and Western Michigan's continued dominance. Detailed discussions focus on the implications of recent games for PairWise Rankings and potential tournament placements. The episode also explores the challenges for teams on the bubble and the intense competition within various tiers as the season progresses.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:00:15 Introduction and sponsorship00:38 BC vs BU: A weekend recap01:37 Strange Protocol Penalty Incident03:16 BU's goaltending05:36 Michigan State's dominant performance07:00 Big Ten standings and future outlook08:45 UMass Lowell's Dramatic Weekend10:40 Providence's Struggles and Upcoming Challenges12:22 Arizona State vs. Colorado College Thriller18:51 Western Michigan's Dominance24:04 Cornell and Dartmouth's Heated Clash31:15 Pairwise Rankings Analysis43:30 Wrap-upFind 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 week.They look at Boston College's impressive three-win week leading up to challenging games ahead, Western Michigan's excellent form, and BU's return to form are examined in depth. The analysis extends to the disappointing weekend for Providence and the need for a quick recovery. They also touch on Minnesota State’s prospects, Arizona State’s climb, and the Cinderella story of Stonehill's upset win. The episode concludes with a buy-or-sell segment on potential NCAA rule changes, including a fifth-year eligibility discussion and whether a Major Junior player could win next year's Hobey Baker Award.Times are approximate:00:15 Introduction01:12 Boston College's impressive week03:11 Providence's tough weekend05:19 Western Michigan's winning streak11:31 Arizona State's surprising success18:01 UConn's rise in Hockey East20:51 Stonehill's upset victory24:35 Historic Weekend for Army hockey26:38 Celebrating the Army/Air Force rivalry28:35 Buy or Sell: NCAA tournament predictions32:19 Debating conference strengths35:31 Perennial powers in the NCAA tournament38:37 CHL Players and the Hobey Baker Award41:29 Fifth Year eligibility?47:24 Conclusion and wrap-upFind 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 week.They discuss the week's results for the top 20 in the USCHO.com Division I men's ice hockey poll. They highlight the standout performance of Maine, who swept UMass Lowell on the road and solidified their defensive strength; Denver's close wins over Miami, positioning them close to first in the NCHC; and the unexpected struggles of Colorado College and St. Cloud State. The commentary covers key games, impressive individual performances, and the fluctuating standings within conferences. They also delve into the sustainability of Hockey East's dominance in the pairwise rankings and Army's unprecedented 22-goal weekend against Mercyhurst.Times are approximate:00:15 Introduction and hosts00:54 Maine's impressive weekend02:48 Denver's close wins over Miami06:03 Colorado College's struggles07:23 BU's offensive surge09:48 Quinnipiac's winning streak11:49 UConn's rise in Hockey East14:29 BC's unusual stumble17:03 Ohio State's strong season19:09 St. Cloud state's january drop20:11 Cornell's setback against Sacred Heart22:16 Analyzing the PairWise Rankings23:34 Hockey East's NCAA tournament prospects26:16 Arizona State's unexpected performance29:47 Wisconsin's struggles and tournament chances31:12 Augustana's potential as a spoiler33:39 ECAC's historical performance in PairWise37:04 Army's offensive explosion40:46 WrapupFind 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 week.They celebrate Team USA's thrilling back-to-back gold medal win at the World Juniors, highlighted by Teddy Stiga's overtime goal. The discussion includes admiration for David Carle's coaching achievements and an analysis of the dominance and future potential of the U.S. team. The trio also covers significant college hockey events including conference upsets, standout performances in holiday tournaments, and dramatic outdoor games at Wrigley Field. They delve into the standings, team dynamics, and potential NCAA tournament entries, offering insights and predictions for the rest of the season.Times are approximate:00:15 Introduction and hosts00:26 World Junior Championship recap00:51 Team USA's key players and moments02:45 David Carle's coaching legacy03:37 USA Hockey's Development Success04:53 Boston College and Boston University contributions06:06 Finland's performance and turning points08:00 Broadcast team and analysts08:55 Modern defensemen in hockey12:34 Goalies and the bronze medal game16:42 College hockey upsets and highlights18:45 Quinnipiac's struggles and ECAC overview22:20 Hockey East teams on the rise22:57 Dartmouth and Merrimack: A tale of two teams23:23 The challenge of maintaining success24:58 Denver vs. Maine: A defensive battle28:12 Outdoor hockey at Wrigley Field34:16 In-Season tournament champions38:05 Arizona State's impressive run41:31 UMass Lowell's comeback season43:53 Wrapping upFind all of our podcasts at USCHO.com/podcasts