2014 NHL Season: That's a wrap

What a season of hockey. The L.A. Kings win the 2014 Stanley Cup Final on a goal by a former Miami University defenseman Alec Martinez at the 14:43 mark of the second over time to give the Kings their second Stanley Cup in three years. Martinez scored the game-winning goal in game seven of the Western Conference Finals as well.

Marc Staal Hi-sticking Penalty, Alec Martinez Embellishment

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First off, I want to be clear, this is a penalty. New York Rangers defenseman Marc Staal hits L.A. Kings defenseman Alec Martinez with a high stick, that we can't denie. However, they teach must teach acting classes at Miami University, because this was a ridiculous head snap by Martinez. I would say that this display is worthy of an Academy Award. Even Ryan Kesler would blush at this one.

Miami blanks UND 3-0

Miami University (Ohio) logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Minneapolis, MN – Coming into the National Collegiate Hockey Conferences Frozen Faceoff, three of the four teams needed to win the tourney to continue their season. 

The University of North Dakota came into Friday’s game as an NCAA bubble team. At a minimum, they need to win at least one game this weekend.

After being shutout 3-0 by Miami University, UND has one more chance to extend their season. They must get a win tomorrow against Western Michigan if they’re going to have a chance. They also will be scoreboard watching.

Again, for those asking, it appears if UND, UW & Lowell win, UND is in. If not, UND is out.
— Schlossman (@SchlossmanGF) March 22, 2014

The game was closer than the score, UND outshot Miami 32 to 28, but they weren’t able to get anything past Miami sophomore goalie Ryan McKay, who was very solid and stopped 32-of-32 shots. UND goalie Zane Gothberg stopped 25-of-28 shots, but struggled with the puck at times.

One of the big concerns coming into the tourney was the condition of the Target Center ice. The ice appeared to be a little soft, but it didn’t look like the ice was a factor in the game.

“It improved from yesterday,” UND senior defenseman Dillon Simpson said. “It’s tough place for the game of hockey, where it isn’t usually played. I think they did a good job trying to make it as good especially after practicing on it yesterday. All in all, it was okay. It was a little soft, but at the end of the day it was fine.”

Over the last four games, UND has made a habit of falling behind. In three of the last four games, UND has given up a two goal lead twice and a three goal once (against Miami).  UND is 1-2-0 in those three games. Miami would get goals from Blake Coleman, Austin Czarnik and Anthony Louis. Coleman would lead Miami with (1g-1a—2pts).

After the game, UND head coach Dave Hakstol was very complimentary to the RedHawks.

“Hats off to Miami University, they played a great game tonight,” head coach Dave Hakstol said. “They played hard, as did our team. Both teams battled hard. They scored the first goal of the game – got a critical one in the second period and we couldn’t fight our way back into it. This one is over, it’s in the past. Our focus is now moves to tomorrow at three thirty in the afternoon.”

On February 15, 2014, UND ran over the Miami RedHawks 9-2, at Ralph Engelstad Arena. At the time, Miami didn’t have the services of Coleman, who was injured. This time around, Miami was a much different team with the junior from Plano, Texas.

“They’re a lot better team than we played a month ago, junior forward Mark MacMillan said. “Obviously they got (Blake) Coleman back from injury and I think that he put a spark in their team. They went in and swept Saint Cloud last weekend and came in and played a great game against us tonight. Much different team than we faced last time.”

With the loss to the RedHawks, UND (22-13-3) is currently sitting at 15th in the Pairwise. They need to win the third place game to extend their season, but they also need help. The UND captain was asked what his team needed to do, to get the win tomorrow.

“I think first and foremost, it starts with myself, handling things the right way,” Simpson said. We got a young team and we have good group of guys. We all know the task at hand, they now what needs to be done.”

The Miami University head coach Enrico Blasi seem relieved that his RedHawk team (15-19-3) was one game away from going to the NCAA playoffs after finishing eight in the NCHC standings.

“Obviously, a real good game for us,” Enrico Blasi said. I thought Ryan (McKay) made some really huge saves when we needed them. Timely goals, and timely bounces.  I thought we did a good job keeping them on the outside for the most part.”

Blasi continued, “I was thinking on the bench that sometimes you have to have a little bit of faith in your team. About a month ago I don’t think any of you guys would have picked us to be here in this position. I always say everything happens for a reason. Guys stayed with each other. They played hard. They practiced hard. They stayed positive. We’re going to the championship game tomorrow night.”

UND faces off against the Western Michigan Broncos in the third place game at 3:38 p.m. Central, tomorrow at the Target Center.

The NCHC announced that 9,113 fans attended today’s games at the Target Center.

(Box Score)

UND vs. Miami game one

UND Forward Lines

28 Stephane Pattyn (A)–19 Rocco Grimaldi–27 Luke Johnson

9 Drake Caggiula–16 Mark MacMillan–15 Michael Parks (A)
21 Brendan O’Donnell–13 Connor Gaarder–11 Derek Rodwell

20 Gage Ausmus – 29 Bryn Chyzyk–17 Colten St. Clair

UND Defense Pairings

18 Dillon Simpson ©–24 Jordan Schmaltz
5 Nick Mattson–6 Paul LaDue

4 Keaton Thompson – 2 Troy Stecher

UND Goalies

33 Clarke Saunders

31 Zane Gothberg

Scratches: 7 Wade Murphy 22 Andrew Panzarella, 25 – Mitch MacMillan, 26 - Coltyn Sanderson, 30 Matt Hrynkiw.

Miami University RedHawks Forward Lines

95 Anthony Louis – 7 Austin Czarnik © - 11 Riley Barber

10 Alex Wideman – 9 Sean Kuraly – 12 Alex Gacek

14 Cody Murphy – 26 Justin Greenberg – 19 Max Cook (A)

18 John Doherty – 22 Kevin Morris – 15 Bryon Paulazzo (A)

Miami RedHawks Defense Pairings

8 Matthew Caito – 5 Chris Joyaux

4 Matt Joyaux – 28 Paulides

2 Taylor Richart – 55 Trevor Hamilton

Miami RedHawk Goalies

1 Jay Williams

35 Ryan McKay 

Zane Gothberg dressing but not starting tonight. Pattyn up with Grimaldi and Johnson. Ausmus playing LW on fourth line.
— Schlossman (@SchlossmanGF) February 14, 2014

@4EverSioux1 @DStarmanHockey Ralph is UNREAL. Better than most NHL Arenas. The attention to detail here is 2nd to none!
— Shireen Starman (@ShireenRinkside) February 15, 2014

Reminder: There will be no video webcast tonight on UND Insider. The game is available via CBS Sports Network.
— North Dakota MHockey (@UNDMHockey) February 14, 2014

Related articles

• NCHC Hockey: Dave Starman Shares His Thoughts On The Historic Weekend (thehockeywriters.com)

UND Hockey: Game time change for Friday's game against Miami

GRAND FORKS, N.D. – A reminder to University of North Dakota fans that Friday night’s men’s hockey game against Miami University will begin at 7:38 p.m. Central due to the CBS Sports Network broadcast of the game.

The game tickets for Friday night, which were printed prior to the 2013-14 television scheduled being released, incorrectly indicate a 7 p.m. start time.

Saturday’s game will begin at 7:07 p.m. Central.

UND enters the weekend three points out of first place in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference with four weeks remaining in the regular season.

Related articles

• NCHC Hockey: 10 Must Follow Twitter Accounts (thehockeywriters.com)

Weekend Match-Ups (by Donn)

NCHC STANDINGS 2013-2014

Team………………………W-L-T………Points

Denver…………………..…3-2-1…………..11
Nebraska-Omaha…………3-1-0…………..9
St. Could St……………….3-1-0…………...9
North Dakota………………3-5-0……….….9
Miami……………………….2-2-0……….….6
Minnesota-Duluth…………2-2-0……….….6
Western Michigan………..2-2-0…………...6 
Colorado College………...1-4-1…….….….4

NCHC Games

Colorado College @ # St. Cloud State.

Last weekend the Huskies swept the hapless UAH Chargers in Huntsville (10-0, 4-3) and the Tigers lost to the Falcons (3-1) on Tuesday evening in Colorado Springs.

The Tigers will look to move out of the NCHC basement this weekend with a trip to St. Cloud.  But they will have a tough go of it, against a high caliber Huskies team.  The Huskies will have it a little harder than last weekend’s games in Huntsville.  Still, SCSU has the better team.  HUSKIES SWEEP

# Miami @ Nebraska-Omaha

Last weekend the RedHawks split (2-0W, 3-2L) with the UW Badgers in Oxford and the Mavericks split with Michigan (3-2W, 4-3L) in Omaha.

This is series for Omaha is the end of their gauntlet stretch (NoDak, UMich, UMiami) in November.  If the Mavericks can get another split they will be well deserving of a BIG thanksgiving dinner.  The RedHawks have also split their last two series as well.  I say they both continue on their splitting streaks.  SPLIT

Non-Conference Games

# Minnesota-Duluth @ #1 Minnesota (Fri/Sun)

Last weekend the Bulldogs split (4-2L, 6-3W) with NoDak in Grand Forks and the Gophers swept the Minnesota State Mavericks (4-1, 3-0) in Minneapolis.

The Bulldogs travel south down I-35 for this weekend tilts with in-state foe the Gophers.

This will be UMD’s third weekend in a row on the road; the Bulldogs have split their last four series.  The Gophers have played a couple of quality series (BC, ND) this season, but didn’t sweep those series.  Now after this weekend the number one team in the country has a fairly soft schedule the rest of the season.  I think the Bulldogs will have another split on their record come Sunday evening.  SPLIT

# North Dakota @ Boston University

Last weekend NoDak split the Bulldogs (4-2W, 6-3L) in Grand Forks and the Terriers lost at Maine (7-0) and won at home against Connecticut (4-1).

A year ago the Terries made the trip to Grand Forks and this year NoDak travels to BU for the return games.  If they could this would be a good rivalry to keep going into the future.  Both teams are still trying to find their ways this season, winning some and losing some.  I think it continues on for both in Boston.  SPLIT

Michigan State vs Western Michigan

Last weekend the Broncos were swept by the Pioneers (5-3, 1-0) in Denver, and the Spartans were swept by Michigan Tech (3-0, 3-2ot) in Houghton.

The Broncos are on four game winless streak and will be looking to right the ship this weekend against an in-state foe.  The Spartans are winless on the road, so this home and home series might be what the doctor ordered.  I’m taking the home team, teams.  SPLIT

Air Force vs Denver

Last weekend the Falcons beat the CC Tigers (3-1) and the Pioneers swept the WMU Broncos (5-3, 1-0) in Denver. 

The Pioneer have won three in a row and are undefeated in four games.  Now they start playing a lot more road games, six out of the next seven are away from Magness Arena.

NCHC Age factor

I thought that I would explore this age factor further. Here’s the average age of each team of the National Collegiate Hockey Conference and the current standings.

NCHC Current Standings

1     University of Nebraska-Omaha, average age 21.9

1   Saint Cloud State University,  average age 21.9

3   Western Michigan University, average age 21.6

Miami University, average age 21.1

5   University of Denver, average age 21.1

6   Colorado College, average age 21.1

7   University of North Dakota, average age, 21.2

Minnesota Duluth, average age 21.3

The average age of a hockey player in the NCHC is 21.4 years old. Looking at the numbers, UND is right there, age wise, with the rest of the teams in the NCHC. Just for comparison sake, UMN average age is 20.9. 

SCSU vs. Miami University

This weekend the NCHC spot light turns to Saint Cloud State vs. Miami University match up. The RedHawks invade the Herb for the first ever NCHC home series in Saint Cloud.

Historically, Miami is 8-3-2 all-time against SCSU Huskies, however, the RedHawks are 0-2-1 in its last three games against the Huskies, including a 4-1 loss, last year, in the NCAA tournament. I think the best result for fans of other NCHC teams would be a series split.

Related articles

• Hump Day Links: UND versus SCSU (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• SCSU bites UND 3-2 (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• Bowling Green Unhappy with Travel in NCHC? (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• SCSU bites UND 3-2 (insidehockey.com)
• Most Anticipated NCHC Game: North Dakota vs. Miami (thehockeywriters.com)
• Miami's Blasi Inks New 10-Year Contract with Miami (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• UND Hockey: The Weekend Ahead (11/01-11/02) (insidehockey.com)
• Saint Cloud sweeps North Dakota (ndgoon.blogspot.com)

(Video) Miami University: Blake Coleman 5-Minute Checking from Behind Penalty

For the most part, I thought the officiating in this weekends series between Miami and North Dakota was pretty good. However, this is a bad call, there's no way around it. Okay, I know what the league is trying to do, they're trying to protect the players on the ice, but I don't think that this is worthy of a five-minute major penalty. Thoughts?

Related articles

• NCHC Hockey: UND's beats Miami in Inaugural Game (thehockeywriters.com)
• NCHC Hockey: North Dakota versus Miami goals (Video) (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• UND Hockey: The Weekend Ahead (10/18-10/19) (insidehockey.com)

NCHC Hockey: North Dakota versus Miami goals (Video)

Last night, the University of North Dakota won the first ever NCHC game against Miami University. Here's the video of the goals scored by UND and Miami.

Programming Note: When the games are on the CBSSN, NBCSN, Root Sports or NESN I will put videos up. As I mentioned before, I don't have *Midco Sports Network. So far this season, I will be able to put up highlight videos for 9 games we will see if anything changes in the future.

Here's the box score form last night's game.

*To my pathetic, moronic, stalker take a minute to inform yourself there is a Midco Sports Network.

Related articles

• UND Hockey: The Weekend Ahead (10/18-10/19) (insidehockey.com)
• NCHC Hockey: UND's beats Miami in Inaugural Game (thehockeywriters.com)
• Clash of the Titans: Miami Plays North Dakota for Weekend Set (thehockeywriters.com)
• NCHC Hockey: 10 Must Follow Twitter Accounts (thehockeywriters.com)

UND Hockey: The Weekend Ahead (10/18-10/19)

This weekend, the University of North Dakota travels to Oxford, Ohio to take on the NCHC foe Miami University RedHawks in the inaugural weekend of NCHC hockey. The top-ranked Miami entertains UND in a two-game conference matchup at Googin Ice Center (Steve Cady Rink).

Matchup: UND (1-0-1, 0-0-0 NCHC) vs. Miami (2-0-0, 0-0-0 NCHC)

Date: October 18-19, 2013.

Time: 6:07 p.m. Friday / Saturday 6:07 p.m. Central.

Radio: UND 96.1 (KQHT-FM) – The Fox.

Webcast: undsports.com and Miami University on Saturday.

TV: Midco Sports Net (HD channel 622, SD channels 27 & 322), 221 DirecTV, 158 HD Dish Network (Friday).

Series History: All-time: UND leads the series against the RedHawks 2-0-1. UND is 0-0-1 against the RedHawks in Grand Forks, ND. UND is 2-0-0 against the RedHawks at neutral sites.

Fun Stat: Miami University has been red hot at home, losing just three its last 29 home games. The University of North Dakota has lost just four of its last 31 home games.

Players to watch:

North Dakota: Forwards: Rocco Grimaldi (2g-3a—5pts), Drake Caggiula (2g-2a—4pts), Mark MacMillan (1g-1a—2pts). Defense:  Nick Mattson (0g-1a—1pts), Jordan Schmaltz (0g-1a—1pts), Dillon Simpson (0g-a—0pts). Goaltenders: Clarke Saunders 0-0-0, GAA 7.22 and .824 save percentage, Zane Gothberg 1-0-1, 1.21 GAA and .955 save percentage.

Miami Forwards: Riley Barber (4g-3a—7pts), Austin Czarnik (2g-3a—5pts) Sean Kuraly (1g-3a—4pts). Defense: Trevor Hamilton (0g-3a—3pts), Ben Paulides (1g-1a—2pts), Mathew Caito (0g-2a—2pts). Goaltender: Jay Williams 1-0-0, 2.01 GAA, .929 save percentage, Ryan McKay 1-0-0, 3.00 GAA, .927 save percentage.

UND Official Web Page

Miami University Web Page

Both of those quotes about @UNDMHockey came from this preview piece by @DStarmanHockey: http://t.co/t9SagNHOVb
— North Dakota MHockey (@UNDMHockey) October 18, 2013

Big matchup this weekend: @goon48 and I jointly preview first-ever @TheNCHC game btwn @MiamiOH_Hockey & @UNDMHockey http://t.co/saP7XiwYCk
— Douglas Cutler (@DougCutlerTHW) October 17, 2013

Related articles

• Clash of the Titans: Miami Plays North Dakota for Weekend Set (thehockeywriters.com)
• NCHC Hockey: 10 Must Follow Twitter Accounts (thehockeywriters.com)
• NCHC Hockey: UND Hockey Players Love Shootout Option (thehockeywriters.com)

UND and UVM skate to a tie

Grand Forks, ND – The University of North Dakota hockey team came into the weekend concerned about their special teams. When the weekend was over, special teams appeared to be less of a concern for the UND coaching staff. The refs called the games very tight and this gave the UND’s special teams a work out. The Green and White held their ground and killed 15 of 16 Vermont power plays. They also scored three power play goals on 12 power play opportunities. UND head coach Dave Hakstol seemed pleased with the play of his special teams.

“Specialty teams are going to be a big part of it,” Hakstol said. “Especially the early part of the season, as all of this transitions to the new level of calls, smooths out. I thought out PK became more and more sound, as we went through the weekend. We were a little bit hit and miss yesterday, even though we did a good job and killed 10 out of 11 (penalties). I thought we were better and more in synch today.”

The UND coach seemed fine with the way the games were called this weekend.

“I am on board with the emphasis on the hooks; basically protecting the offensive player’s hands,” Hakstol said. “Allowing an offensive player on the wall to protect the puck without being held, those are the three that I think are significant and good steps for our game.”

Another emerging theme from the weekend was the play of sophomore forward Rocco Grimaldi. The dynamic forward had a great first weekend, scoring (2g–3a—5pts) in two games. Fellow linemate, sophomore forward Drake Caggiula, also had a good start to the season, scoring (2g-2a—4pts) on the weekend.

It was obvious from watching Adam Tambellini, Grimaldi and Caggiula play, that their line had chemistry and they had a good weekend playing together.  UND pressed hard at the end  of the game, but couldn’t get the game winner.

“I think we’re playing really well together,” Grimaldi said. “I think we’re reading off each other real well. Obviously with Tambo (Adam Tambellini) he’s doing a good job with both of us as well.  The three of us are playing good hockey together and making things happen. Tonight, we didn’t make as many things happen as we wanted to. Obviously, we needed one more to win this hockey game and I put a lot of blame on myself. I had a couple of chances that I could have hit the net and it didn’t go in.”

Fans get first look at the Shootout

The game would officially end in a 2-2 tie and the game would go to a shootout. Since it was a non-conference game the shootout was meaningless and didn’t count for anything. Actually, the biggest cheers in the game came during the shootout which the fans seemed to enjoy.  Grimaldi talked about the shootout at the end of the game.

“Today kind of stunk, because you know you were playing for nothing,” Grimaldi said. “I think it’s going to be good. Obviously, it’s another area of your game that you can work on. That can give you another point, that could either win you a championship, or possibly put you in an NCAA berth, or whatever.  So, that’s something that we’ll definitely be working on once or twice a week.”

UND kicks off league play October 18-19, 2013 when they travel to Oxford, Ohio to play Miami University in their first ever NCHC series.

Related articles

• UND Completes Comeback Against Vermont (insidehockey.com)
• NCHC Hockey: UND Hockey Players Love Shootout Option (thehockeywriters.com)
• NCHC Hockey: 10 Must Follow Twitter Accounts (thehockeywriters.com)
• UND Hockey: Age Not a Factor for Dillon Simpson (thehockeywriters.com)

Western Michigan University and Miami University Hockey Ticket Details.

A friend of mine sent me the details on two of our new rivals ticket purchasing details.

Miami University Hockey Tickets

Goggin Ice Center..Relatively new renovated arena (2012) with two NHL-size ice sheets.  The 3,200 seat arena has only 2,800 lower bowl seats, 102 club seats, four “opera” boxes and six suites.  Apparently they also sell 800 standing room only seats to bring the total arena capacity to an even 4,000. 

Single game tickets go on sale September 10, 2013 at 10 am for “Red and White Club” members and on September 11, 2013 at 10 am for the general public.  The seating chart indicates all single game seats are behind one end in the corners.   The Miami University box office indicates the tickets with seats go fast on the day of the sale.  Reserved seats are $25, and standing room tickets are $18, with discounts for youth and exhibition games.  Tickets can be bought online or by calling the box office at 1-866-684-2957 or 513-529-4295. [Webpage for Miami University Hockey Tickets]

Western Michigan Hockey Tickets...

They have single game seats go on sale ($30) the Monday before the North Dakota (12-2-13) series at 9 am.  Unknown how many seats would be available since they have a rather small arena and they also sell a “Pick 8” game package that includes the North Dakota games ahead of time.  They also have standing room only tickets which the box office tells me go on sale after the available seats are sold.  They are $16 each. 

PHONE NUMBER: 1-888-4-WMU-TIX (269-387-8092)... [Western Michigan Webpage for tickets]

TICKET OFFICE HOURS: The Bronco Ticket Office at Waldo Stadium is open Monday - Friday

August - November     9:00am - 5:30pm

December - March      10:00am - 5:30pm

April - July                 10:00am - 5:00pm

Miami's Blasi Inks New 10-Year Contract with Miami

Looks like the Miami RedHawks don’t want to take a risk at losing their head coach Enrico Blasi and have signed him to a new 10-year contract. Looking forward, with all of the instability in college hockey recently surrounding the head coachs, three have been fired in the last month, this is probably is a smart move by Miami RedHawks. Miami along with seven other teams (C.C., DU, SCSU, UNO, UMD, UND, WMU) begin play in the new NCHC, during the 2013-14 season.

OXFORD, Ohio – Coming on the heels of a Central Collegiate Hockey Association regular-season championship and an NCAA Tournament berth, Miami University Director of Athletics David Sayler announced Monday that head hockey coach Enrico Blasi has signed a new 10-year contract that will keep him at the helm of the RedHawks through the 2022-23 season. Blasi’s original contract expired after the 2016-17 season as the new deal provides another six-year extension.

In 14 seasons with the Miami RedHawks, Blasi has compiled an impressive record 311-196-53 (.602). This past season, Blasi’s team also won the regular season CCHA title in final season of the historic CCHA.

National Collegiate Hockey Conference Announces Selection of Don Adam as Director of Officiating

National Collegiate Hockey Conference Announces Selection of Don Adam as Director of Officiating. Press release to follow.
— The NCHC (@TheNCHC) September 20, 2012

Colorado Springs, September 20------The National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) has announced that Don Adam will assume the role of Director of Officiating for the conference at the conclusion of the 2012-13 college hockey season.

NCHC men’s ice hockey will make its debut during the 2013-14 season with eight successful Division 1 programs- Colorado College, University of Denver, Miami University (Ohio), University of Minnesota Duluth, University of Nebraska at Omaha, University of North Dakota, St Cloud State University and Western Michigan University.

“We are excited about having Don Adam join the NCHC staff and look forward to having him assist us in overseeing the important officiating program,” said NCHC Commissioner Jim Scherr. “Don brings a proven level of on-ice and supervisory officiating expertise and his long term commitment to the college game is invaluable to our goals. Don’s hiring is another significant step for our conference as we move towards a new era in college hockey and the start of our new conference playing in 2013-14.”

Adam has served as one of the top NCAA Division I Ice Hockey officials in the nation for 24 seasons. As an on-ice official he has worked numerous WCHA championships, NCAA tournaments, and NCAA national championships. He was also selected by the International Ice Hockey Federation to officiate an impressive list of key international competitions which includes five World Championships, as well as the 1992 and 1998 Olympic Winter Games in Albertville, France, and Nagano, Japan. 

Adam was also an NHL referee trainee for three seasons, as well as an NHL-contracted official for one season. He brings additional prior experience as the Director of Officiating for both the West Coast Hockey League and Roller Hockey International. His reputation and involvement as a supervisor of officials for USA Hockey’s Officials Development Program to the professional hockey ranks reflects his commitment to ice hockey officiating at all levels for over 25 years.

“I am excited to join the staff of the NCHC and recognize this as a unique opportunity to positively contribute to what I believe will become one of the top conferences in the nation,” Adam said. “I’ve had the good fortune to work with many of the NCHC’s coaches and administrators over the course of many seasons and, based upon my respect for them both personally and professionally, I look forward to continuing those relationships in the future. Under the leadership of both Jim Scherr and Joe Novak, this opportunity will allow me to implement and develop an officiating staff that the NCHC will be proud of.”

Adam currently resides in Denver and is employed by the city of Louisville (CO) as a police officer, where he has served the public for the last nine years. Adam compares his two current professions and looks forward to applying his experiences to his new position: "Both professions require a lot of quick decisions in pressure-filled situations. Experience, judgment, common sense and clear communication are all huge factors in achieving success, and I’m excited to face the challenges that this new position will present me with.”

NCHC coaches are enthusiastic about the new conference executive:

George Gwozdecky- University of Denver- “For over two decades, Don Adam has been regarded as one of the top hockey officials in the NCAA. His leadership skills, organizational ability along with his experience will be a valuable asset to the conference and 

will assure that, under his direction, the league will receive the finest collegiate officiating available.”

Rico Blasi - Miami University Ohio “It’s very exciting to have someone like Don with the knowledge and experience leading our on-ice officials. Along with his experience, his communication skills make Don a great asset.”

Dean Blais - University Nebraska at Omaha- “Don Adam brings a wealth of experience in officiating to the National Collegiate Hockey Conference. Don, as Director of Officiating, will be active in evaluating, recruiting, coaching and directing our conference officiating staff according to NCAA rules and regulations. He is a great communicator and will have a lot of significant responsibilities with our new conference. We are all looking forward to his role and leadership with our officiating program.”

Dave Hakstol/ University of North Dakota- “Don is very well respected throughout college hockey. Over the years his officiating style has constantly evolved as changes have come to the way the game is played and he is very well equipped to build a quality staff of officials for the NCHC.”

And: "Don has always been the personification of an honest, well-prepared and knowledgeable official. What more can you ask for?" - Lou Vairo - 1984 United States Olympic Hockey Coach • Former Assistant Coach; New Jersey Devils (NHL) • Currently: Director, Special Projects; USA Hockey

Summary of Don Adam's officiating career

One year under contract as an NHL referee (1993-94).

Two Olympic Winter Games as a referee (1992 in Albertville, 1998 in Nagano).

Two NCAA Frozen Fours as a referee (1997 in Milwaukee, 2003 in Buffalo, N.Y.).

Director of Officiating for both the West Coast Hockey League and Roller Hockey International

USA Hockey Officiating Development Program staff member

22 years as a Western Collegiate Hockey Association referee (plus two as a linesman).

National Collegiate Hockey Conference · The Copper Building · 1631 Mesa Avenue, Suite C · Colorado Springs, CO 80906 · 719.203.6818 · www.nchchockey.com