Former Eagle Kreider saves Rangers bacon and forces game five against Bruins....

It was the night of the former college hockey players and former B.C. Eagle Chris Kreider kept the New York Rangers slim playoff hopes alive as his game winning goal in overtime beat the Boston Bruins 4-3. In tonight's game.

Kreider the 5th college alum to score in tonight's NYR-BOS game, the 8th to score an OT goal in these playoffs.
— College Hockey, Inc. (@collegehockey) May 24, 2013

NCAA Hockey: The more things change, the more they won't be the same

Photo from Brian Sullivan, USCHO

This morning, I was reading the Grand Forks Herald, when I came across another great article; Change may-or may not-be coming for college hockey, written by Hall of Fame sports writer Virg Foss. Check it out.

Virg Foss, Grand Forks Herald — Of course more change is already upon us as the Western Collegiate Hockey Association as we’ve known it all our lives breaks apart.

As Minnesota and Wisconsin head to the Big Ten and North Dakota, Duluth, St. Cloud State, Colorado College and Denver land in the new National Collegiate Hockey Conference, more change is coming, like it or not.

We’re already seen that college hockey’s most intense rivalry, that of North Dakota and Minnesota, won’t continue on a yearly basis, at least as long as Don Lucia is coaching the Gophers.

It’s Lucia’s decision to limit that rivalry, against the expressed wishes of past and current UND and Gopher players and fans of all ages. It’s a decision I do not understand and for reasons given by Lucia that are questionable at best.

I am with Virg, I’ve never really understood, why one team would kill a very popular and lucrative college hockey rivalry, but maybe college hockey will go on without it. I am sure that Ohio State and Penn State will fill the void though. Yeah right!  This past spring, when it seemed like there might be a chance to have a mulligan on this historic series, the hockey God’s didn’t allow the rivalry to happen, so maybe it wasn’t meant to be.

Maybe it’s time that we embrace change?

I am almost certain, that Miami and Western Michigan fans will soon hate the team from the University of North Dakota with no-name. Probably, after the second time, the two teams play on the ice.

Moving forward.

After watching 2012-13 college hockey season, nothing really made sense this season. The traditional “sexy” teams (Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, North Dakota, Boston College, Boston University) weren’t in the Frozen Four.  ECAC teams Yale and Quinnipiac proved that you don’t have to have a roster full of NHL first round draft choices to win the NCAA title either.

That doesn’t mean that these teams didn’t have talent, because they had some great talent. Yale had talented guys that bought into a system and played a great team game. Yale was a miserable team to play against, defensively. Yale also got hot at the right time and was the best team for the last four games of the season, when it mattered the most.

The list of teams the Yale Bulldogs beat was impressive, because they beat some of the best teams in the country, to win the NCAA title, erasing any doubts who the best team in the country was.

During that time frame, the Yale Bulldogs took down Minnesota no. 1 seed, North Dakota no. 2 seed, UMass-Lowell no. 1 seed and Quinnipiac no. 1 overall seed. That’s a pretty good hockey resume, it also proved that their season wasn’t a fluke.  If you’re still not a believer, Yale also went 4-0 against the WCHA, a league that sent six teams to the NCAA tourney.

What has happened is the college hockey world has changed, the other schools have found a way to persevere and they overcome some of the self-perceived advantages that the bigger schools thought they had. Apparently  big television contracts and cathedrals  posing as hockey arena’s doesn’t always equate to wins and NCAA titles.

Maybe these teams flew under the radar a bit, while other teams were patting themselves on the back. That being said, the rest of the college hockey world was put back on notice last weekend. There are no gimmes in college hockey, not any more.

Finally, I think what also caught people’s eye, was Yale head coach Keith Allain celebrating a win with his team and enjoying the moment.

2013 NCAA Division I College Hockey Frozen Four Television Schedule (4/11, 4/13)

Here is next weekend’s National College Hockey television schedule. The NCAA’s Frozen Four takes center stage at Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Starting on Thursday evening, there will be two semifinal games, as usual the semifinal games on Thursday will be on ESPN2.

The two winning teams will advance and play in the championship game on Saturday night at 6:00 p.m. central on ESPN.

In my opinion, this is most wonderful time of the year. It’s also very stressful. There is a finality, which surrounds the college hockey tourney. Seasons and careers end, with losses in the National tourney.   In a one game tourney, the best team doesn’t always win.

Some the players that are playing in this tourney will someday end up in the NHL.

Check your local cable television guide for channels.

Thu.	Apr. 11	UMass Lowell vs. Yale	ESPN2	3:30 p.m.	209 / 144
Thu.	Apr. 11	Quinnipiac vs. Saint Cloud	ESPN2	7:00 p.m.	209 / 144
Sat.	Apr. 13	NCAA Championship	ESPN	6:00 p.m.	206 / 140

All times are Central Standard Time.

 Cross-Posted at the Hockey Writers Combine. 

Related articles

• 2013 NCAA Division I College Hockey Frozen Four Television Schedule (4/11, 4/13) (thehockeywriters.com)
• UMass Lowell Blanks UNH, Advances to First Ever Frozen Four (insidehockey.com)

DU fires George Gwozdecky

Grade-A source says George Gwozdecky did not resign. Forced out, terminated, for lack of NCAA success and failure to come to terms 4 ext
— Mike Chambers (@MChambersDP) April 1, 2013

I have to say that I am in an utter state of shock. I can't imagine not seeing Gwoz behind the DU bench next season or standing on the dasher. People that watch college hockey, know that George Gwozdecky is the face of the Pioneer program.

Gwozdecky vs. DU. He told me 2 weeks ago an extension was coming. Blow-up 2day at school in mtg. Only coach to win 20 games last 12 years
— Mike Chambers (@MChambersDP) April 1, 2013

Epic fail by ESPNU

Come on espn.... twitter.com/cHRISTIANbRO10…
— Sam Christian (@cHRISTIANbRO10) March 29, 2013

s/t to@cHRISTIANbRO10 ... Epic fail to @ESPNU for this screw up. Unsatisfactory, this is not acceptable. Of course ESPN wouldn't screw up Notre Dame or Boston College or even Cornell for that matter, but it's okay to disrespect North Dakota.

Links of interest NCAA Hockey

Those that want to watch the games on ESPNU here is the link to the games today. [click to view]

Here is the TV schedule for the NCAA tourney games.  [click to view]

Here is the link to listen to the Gopher game against Yale on the Radio [click to listen]

Here is the link to listen to the UND Hockey game(s) on the Radio [iHeartRadio]

UND Officials Web Page

UND Official Press Guide for the NCAA Playoffs.

UMN Official Minnesota Hockey Web Page.

Yale Bulldogs Hockey Official Web Page.

Niagara Official Web Page

Related articles

• Time to move the NCAA Hockey Tourney back on campus (thehockeywriters.com)
• College Hockey's March Madness Continues: This weekend's NCAA Division one television schedule (3/29 - 3/31) (thehockeywriters.com)

This kind of makes my case: NCAA Hockey

@sunayas RT @blountstrib:Gophers-Yale NCAA hockey, and there is no one here. Can't be more than 500 peopletwitter.com/BlountStrib/st…
— Nathan Fournier (@jrhockeywriter) March 29, 2013

Hum, kind of the reason I talked about this subject here and here, this past week. Kind of makes my case doesn't it? I am sure that the John wouldn't be empty today.

Good to see there are so many people in Grand Rapids, said no one. Ever
— Matt Dresens (@TheBUHockeyBlog) March 29, 2013

Dear @ncaaicehockey horrible regional attendance! Here's a hint: St Paul, Grand Forks, Omaha, Denver. Any of those will make you $$.
— Jeremy Roads (@JRoadsreal) March 29, 2013

Looking at the stands in Grand Rapids and all I can think of is @uscho #Bracketology Blog "Attendance woes? I like it."
— Avaak (@avaak22) March 29, 2013

Judging by the attendance....Friday afternoon games should be the new norm...
— Zack Wohl (@zwohl) March 29, 2013

Plenty of good seats available, if you're just driving around Grand Rapids looking for something to do.
— Bruce Ciskie (@BruceCiskie) March 29, 2013

College Hockey’s March Madness Continues: This weekend’s NCAA Division one television schedule (3/29 – 3/31)

Here is this weekend’s National College Hockey television schedule. The NCAA’s final 16 has been set, the national tourney starts this weekend. Starting on Friday afternoon, there is a full slate of college hockey on television again this weekend, if you have ESPNU.

In my opinion, this is most wonderful time of the year. It’s also very stressful. There is a finality, which surrounds the college hockey tourney. Seasons and careers end, with losses in the National tourney.

There are college players that will sit in the locker room with their jersey still on hours after a loss, and not want to take off their jersey, for the last time.   

This is also the time of year that fans have to worry if their favorite players with eligibility are going to sign in the offseason. A few high profile players have already signed professional deals in the last week.

Check your television guide for times in your local area. As with any schedule, channels will change and have in the past. There may also be games on in your local area that may not be on nationally. ESPNU is on (DirecTV 208 and Dish Network 141).

Even with the NHL ending it’s lockout and making it back to our television dials, there has is still been a lot of watchable college hockey on television. Some fans actually prefer College hockey to the NHL.

Day	Date	Match-up	Network	Time	DTV/Dish
Fri.	Mar. 29	UMN vs. Yale	ESPNU	1:00 p.m.	208 / 141
Fri.	Mar. 29	Mass Lowell vs. Wisconsin	ESPN3	3:30 p.m.	628 / 434
Fri.	Mar. 29	UND vs. Niagara	ESPNU	4:30 p.m.	208 / 141
Fri.	Mar. 29	Denver vs. New Hampshire	ESPNU	7:00 p.m.	208 / 141
Fri.	Mar. 29	Wisconsin vs. UMass Lowell	ESPNU	9:30 p.m. *	208
Sat.	Mar. 30	NCAA Midwest Regional	TBD	12:30 p.m.
Sat.	Mar. 30	NCAA West Reg. Final	ESPNU	3:00 p.m.	208 / 141
Sat.	Mar. 30	NCAA Midwest Regional	TBD	4:00 p.m.
Sat.	Mar. 30	Quinnipiac vs. Canisius	ESPN3	4:30 p.m.	628 / 434
Sat.	Mar. 30	NCAA Northeast Reg. Final	ESPNU	5:30 p.m.	208 / 141
Sat.	Mar. 30	Boston College vs. Union	ESPNU	8:00 p.m.	208 / 141
Sun.	Mar. 31	NCAA Midwest Reg. Final	ESPNU	3:00 p.m.	208 / 141
Sun.	Mar. 31	NCAA East Reg. Final	ESPNU	5:30 p.m.	208 / 141

Cross-posted at the Hockey Writers Combine.

Related articles

• College Hockey's March Madness: This weekend's NCAA Division one television schedule (3/21 - 3/24) (thehockeywriters.com)
• WCHA Hockey: What Are We Doing Here? (insidehockey.com)
• College Hockey's March Madness Continues: This weekend's NCAA Division one television schedule (3/29 - 3/31) (thehockeywriters.com)

WCHA unveils questionable marketing strategy

Yesterday, I attended the WCHA press conference that was held in the basement of the Xcel Energy Center before the Broadmoor Championship game, and one of the interesting participants at the press conference was Jennifer Heppel, Associate Commissioner, Big Ten Conference.

I am not sure if I am the only one I found it odd that she would be in attendance at the WCHA press conference. Apparently, WCHA commissioner Bruce McLeod and Ms. Heppel are pushing a partnership between the Big Ten Hockey Conference, and the WCHA. Which I found odd, since two of the Big Ten Schools are leaving the WCHA for another conference.  Why would you invite them to your press conference?

What you’re going to find odder, is their brilliant new marketing strategy.

You have to give Rachel Blount beat writer for the Minneapolis Star Tribune a lot of credit, when they opened the press conference up for questions, the first thing  MS. Blount did was ask a great follow up question of Jennifer Heppel of the Big Ten. In what I would classify as an awkward moment, it went kind of like this.

Rachel Blount asked, “Can you explain exactly how the Big Ten and the WCHA will be working together and what kinds of things you will be working together on and how you will be partnered?”

Jennifer Heppel responded back with this, “What we have done so far is again the WCHA and the Xcel Energy Center since the time the facility has opened has really built a tradition with the fan base here. We recognize the support the fans in this area have given to college hockey. We have for the last month made available the opportunity to purchase tickets in advance for those fans in this area that supported the WCHA tournament. Tickets for the general public go on sale on Monday. We wanted to extend that opportunity. We worked out some initial joint marketing efforts and we will continue to do that. Again, this community has a lot of fans of specific schools, but you also have just incredible support for hockey and college hockey.  The WCHA and the Big Ten want it to be a seamless transition from year-to-year for those that support college hockey and the “X” has been on that same page, and they don’t want there to be any drop-off in the tradition that has been created.”

So after Jennifer Heppel gave us her canned answer, WCHA Commissioner Bruce McLeod jumped in and said this.

“Rachel… we set a record this year in our packages [tickets]. We sold pre-tournament wise, I would have to check, almost 13,000 [tickets]. I think. That was a record for us. All of those ticket bases; those email addresses have been shared with the Big Ten people, and hopefully as Jen said the end result is, everyone benefits.  We’re working on the same, you know, kind of the same [fan] base, and sharing all of those names, and I think the basic idea of what Jen says if we can provide, I don’t know what you’re going to call it eventually, the collegiate hockey weekend, or something like that. One year it’s the Big Ten Hockey weekend, the next year it’s the WCHA. The more we can get that across, the better off we’re going to be.”

You got that? Those people that bought tickets to the Red Baron Final Five will get a first crack at next year’s Big Ten Hockey tourney.  So the Big Ten is hoping that you will decide to not go to the WCHA conference tourney in Grand Rapids and instead go the Xcel next season.

That’s absolutely brilliant.

First off, shouldn't the WCHA be marketing it’s conference tourney in Grand Rapids, Michigan next season? The Big Ten will be in better shape than the WCHA and they really don’t need the WCHA to share it’s email addresses and names with the Big Ten.

Cross-posted at the Hockey Writers Combine. 

Related articles

• WCHA Hockey: What are we doing here? (getrealhockey.com)
• WCHA Hockey: What are we doing here? (thehockeywriters.com)

WCHA Hockey: What are we doing here?

Saint Paul, Minnesota – Recently, I was listening to a weekly podcast of College Hockey Tonight, and the host Scott Williams and Moose Richards were talking about the break of and reformation of the WCHA.

Shameless plug department. First, if you’re not listening to the College Hockey Tonight on KBUN, I highly recommend that you give them a listen. They both know the game of hockey very well and their podcast sound very good, quality wise. You can listen to their podcast by going to KBUN.COM  and all of their podcast from this season are archived on the site.

You can also listen to the podcasts on you smart phone. I listen to most of their podcasts when I work out at the gym or in the car on longer trips.

The gist of the conversation during the podcast in question, “what are we doing here,” host Moose Richards said.

Come to think of it, that is a really good question.

I mean we can go on and on about the B1G and the NCHC and point fingers, but that discussion is probably counter-productive. I understand that the by-laws of the Big Ten require that Minnesota and Wisconsin join their league once they had a sixth hockey team. I just wish there was a way to preserve what we have now.

It’s like having a relationship with someone that works and dumping them and going off with some unknown less attractive option.

The WCHA in its current form is hands down the best league in Division I college hockey. Top to bottom, there is no better league in my opinion. We have a great league here and that’s basically blowing up after this season.

Obviously, none of us can control that, so let’s enjoy the moment.

Last night, I was having a discussion on this subject with person that is fan and media member of a team that’s not moving to another league, his team is staying in the new WCHA. Our conclusion was that they will never be able to replicate what we have currently with the WCHA Final Five, never, not in Detroit with the Big Ten hockey conference tourney, not at the Target Center for the NCHC conference tourney, or even at the Xcel Center for the New WCHA tourney or for the Big Ten hockey conference tourney. I also don’t think that I am going out on a limb by saying, definitely not for the new WCHA tournament in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It’s not going to happen.

For good or bad, college hockey landscape will change, as we know it.

Speaking of change, the WCHA is also changing the format of their tourney next season as well; the top eight teams in the WCHA make the playoffs, the bottom two teams will not make the playoffs.

Four teams will advance from the first round of the WCHA playoffs and they will play two semifinal games on Friday night and they have a championship game on Saturday. There will be no more Final Five.

The first WCHA tourney will be in Grand Rapids, Michigan starting in 2015. The Xcel Energy Center will host the 2016 WCHA conference tourney. They will rotate between the two sites, for least the foreseeable future.

Former Fighting Sioux and current Wild forward Zach Parise was asked about his thoughts on the changes the WCHA will go through after the season is over.

“I think it’s brutal, if you ask me,” Parise said. “I don’t like it. I was a big fan of that league, and the rivals that were developed in that league; I think it’s a bad idea.”

When asked who he though would win tonight’s Red Baron WCHA Final Five Broadmoor Championship game between Wisconsin and Colorado College. Parise said, “I would say Wisconsin, but I won’t be watching because North Dakota’s not playing.”

So, one more night of one of the best college hockey tourneys and then we all go our separate ways. No UND and Minnesota aren’t playing tonight, but really, does it matter. There no place I would rather be than right here.

Cross-posted at the Hockey Writers Combine

College Hockey’s March Madness: This weekend’s NCAA Division one television schedule (3/21 – 3/24)

Western Collegiate Hockey Association logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Here is this weekend’s National College Hockey television schedule. There is a full slate of college hockey on television again this weekend. It’s conference tournament time, college hockey’s version of March Madness.

In my opinion, this is most wonderful time of the year.

Check your television guide for times in your local area. As with any schedule, channels will change and have in the past. There may also be games on in your local area that may not be on nationally.

Even with the NHL ending it’s lockout and making it back to our television dials, there has is still been a lot of watchable college hockey on television. Some fans actually prefer College hockey to the NHL.

This weekend, the CCHA Championship game will be on television in Canada, and that game will be on The Score.

Day		Game	Channel	Time	DTV/DISH
Thu.	Mar. 21	WCHA Quarterfinal	FS North	2:00 p.m.	668/ 436
Thu.	Mar. 21	WCHA Quarterfinal	FS North	7:00 p.m.	668 / 436
Fri.	Mar. 22	WCHA Semifinal	FS North	2:00 p.m.	668 / 436
Fri.	Mar. 22	ECAC Hockey Semifinal	FOX College	3:00 p.m.	TBD
Fri.	Mar. 22	Hockey East Semifinal	NBC Sports Net.	3:00 p.m.	220 / 159
Fri.	Mar. 22	Hockey East Semifinal	NBC Sports Net.	6:00 p.m.	220 / 159
Fri.	Mar. 22	ECAC Hockey Semifinal	FOX College	6:30 p.m.	TBD
Fri.	Mar. 22	WCHA Semifinal	FS North	7:00 p.m.	668 / 436
Sat.	Mar. 23	CCHA Semifinal	FS Detroit	12:00 p.m.	663 / 430
Sat.	Mar. 23	CCHA Semifinal	FS Detroit	3:30 p.m.	663 / 430
Sat.	Mar. 23	ECAC Hockey Champ.	FOX College	6:00 p.m.	TBD
Sat.	Mar. 23	Hockey East Championship	NBC Sports Net.	6:00 p.m.	220 / 159
Sat.	Mar. 23	WCHA Championship	FS North	7:00 p.m.	668 / 436
Sun.	Mar. 24	CCHA Championship	FS Detroit	12:00 p.m.	663 / 430
Sun.	Mar. 24	NCAA Selection Show (C)	ESPNU	8:00 p.m.	208 / 141

*NESN = New England Sports Network, FCS = Fox College Sports, FSN+ = Fox Sports North-Plus, NBCSN = NBC Sports Network, DirecTV requires the “Sports Pack” to view the Regional sports Networks. All times are Central Standard Time.