Tweaking the Pairwise and other NCAA Hockey issues

Todd Milewski Executive Editor of USCHO has a couple of interesting blog posts that are posted up on USCHO and think there are a couple of points that are worth addressing… They are as follows.

Minor discussions on rules

The rules committee is in the middle of a two-year rule book cycle, so no changes can be made this offseason. There were some small discussions, however, on giving on-ice officials the ability to use video to review major penalties and ways to increase offense.

Anastos, the rules committee chair, said the most prominent idea presented to increase scoring opportunities was to not allow players to intentionally leave a skating position (i.e., kneel or lay down) to block shots.

First off, shot blocking is part of the game of hockey and any talk of taking shot blocking out of hockey should immediately be dismissed and discredited. I can't see that going anywhere and any talk of this needs to stop. This would be a good way for college hockey to lose the top blue chip recruits to the CHL immediately.

To quote BSU head coach Tom Serratore, shot blocking is part of the game of hockey. “You got to block shots,” Serratore said. “That’s hockey; that’s not a key, that’s automatic, that’s non-negotiable, that’s part of being a hockey player, that’s sacrifice.

As far as tweaking the criteria for the Pairwise Ranking for road wins. I am all for it. Bravo! Let’s do it. There are teams that for whatever reason, that refuse to travel, that’s a fact. The teams that travel for nonconference games should be rewarded for their travel; it’s harder to play in another team’s rink. That team should get a bump in the pairwise, especially when they get a quality win against a top-ten opponent.

I still think that there is going to be a movement by some to get the NCAA regionals back to campus. Starting in September 2013, UND Athletic Director Brian Faison is going to be part of the NCAA Ice Hockey Rules committee, so there will be an advocate of moving the NCAA Division I Hockey regionals back to campus.

Earlier this month, the NCAA Division I Men’s Ice Hockey Committee heard ideas from coaches on changes to improve the regional atmosphere, but there was no consensus. The movement to return NCAA games to campus sites has its supporters but there also has been a good amount of pushback. [USCHO]

I am interested in seeing what others think about some of these issues. I would love to see what schools actually pushed back against bringing the NCAA regionals back on campus. I have not heard yet, but I have my suspicions.

Second Round: Former College Hockey Players in the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs (5/15/2013)

Here is the list of NHL hockey players that are currently playing in the second round of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs that have played college hockey (Division I & III).

The players are listed by their NHL team. These are players that have played in at least “one” Stanley Cup Playoff game during in the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs. I have also listed their point totals as well. 

For instance, defenseman Matt Greene from L.A. is a former UND hockey player but is currently injuried and has not played a single during the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs. As soon as he plays, he will be added to the list.

This list doesn’t include players from teams that have been eliminated. The list doesn’t include players that are currently injured, that are on their teams roster, but haven’t played at least one Stanley Cup Playoff games yet.  I will update the list as much as I can.

Former Wisconsin Badgers forward Joe Pavelski, leads all former college hockey players with (4g-4a—8pts).In second place are former Ferris State forward Chris Kunitz, (3g-4a—7pts) and former Gopher defenseman Paul Martin (2g-5a—7pts).

Boston Bruins

Richard Peverley, F, St. Lawrence University, 5 GP, (1g-0a—1pts)

Matt Bartkowski, D, Ohio State, 2GP, (1g-0a—1pts)

Chicago Blackhawks

Patrick Sharp, F, Vermont, 5GP, (5g-1a—6pts)

Duncan Keith, D, Michigan State, 5GP, (1g-4a—5pts)

Jonathon Toews,F,  North Dakota, 5GP, (0g-2a—2pts)

Victor Stalberg, F, Vermont, 5GP, (0G-1A—1pts)

Nick Leddy, D, Minnesota, 5GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

Brandon Bollig, F, St. Lawrence, 3GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Detroit Red Wings

Brendan Smith, F, Wisconsin, 7GP, (1g-1a—2pts)

Gustav Nyquist, F, Maine, 7GP, (1g-1a—2pts)

Patrick Eaves, F, Boston College, 6GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

Justin Abdelkader, F, Michigan State, 5GP, (2g-1a—3pts)

Danny Dekeyser, D, Western Michigan, 2GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Jimmy Howard, G, Maine, 4-3, .911 SV%, 2.65 GAA

LA Kings

Alec Martinez, D, Miami, 5Gp, (0g-2a—2tps)

Dustin Penner, F, Maine, 5GP, (2g-0a—2pts)

Rob Scuderi, D, Boston College, 7GP, (0g-2a—2pts)

Jonathan Quick, UMass, 6GP, 5-2, .953 SV% 1.36 GAA

New York Rangers

Carl Hagelin, F, Michigan, 7GP, (2g-2a—4pts)

Brian Boyle, F, Boston College, 6GP, (2g-1a—3pts)

Derek Stepan, F, Wisconsin, 7GP, (2g-0a—2pts)

Ryan McDonagh, D, Wisconsin, 7GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

Darroll Powe, F, Princeton, 3GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Chris Kreider, F, Boston College, 3 GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

Ottawa Senators

Kyle Turris, F, Wisconsin, 6 GP, (3g-2a—5pts)

Erik Condra, F, Notre Dame, 6GP, (1g-4a—5pts)

Cory Conacher, F, Canisius College 5GP, (3g-0a—3pts)

Eric Gryba, D, Boston University, 4Gp, (0g-0a—0pts)

Patrick Wiercioch, D, Denver, 1GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Pittsburgh Penguins

Chris Kunitz, F, Ferris State, 7Gp, (3g-4a—7pts)

Paul Martin, D, Minnesota, 7GP, (2g-5a—7pts)

Mark Eaton, D, Notre Dame, 4GP, (0g-2a—2pts)

Douglas Murray, D, Cornell, 7GP, (2g-1a—3pts)

Craig Adams, F, Harvard, 7GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

Tanner Glass, F, Dartmouth, 4GP, (1g-0a—1pts)

Beau Bennett, F, Denver, 3GP, (1g-0a—1pts)

Matt Niskanen, D, Duluth, 7GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

Brooks Orpik, D, Boston College, 4GP, (1g-0a—1pts)

San Jose Sharks

Joe Pavelski, F, Wisconsin, 5GP, (4g-4a—8pts)

Dan Boyle, D, Miami, 5GP, (1g-3a—4pts)

Tommy Wingels, F, Miami, 5GP, (0g-2a—2pts)

Justin Braun, D, UMass, 5GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

Matt Irwin, D, UMass, 5GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

Tim Kennedy, F, Michigan State, 1GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Adam Burish, F, Wisconsin, 4GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

T.J. Galiardi, F, Dartmouth, 5GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Cross Posted at the Hockey Writers Combine.

UPDATED: Former College Hockey Players in the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs (5/14/2013)

Here is the list of NHL hockey players that are currently playing in the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffsthat have played college hockey (Division I & III).

The players are listed by their NHL team. These are players that have played in at least “one” Stanley Cup Playoff game during in the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs. I have also listed their point totals as well.

This list doesn’t include players that are currently injured or that on their teams roster, but haven’t played at least one Stanley Cup Playoff games yet.  I will update the list weekly.

Former Wisconsin Badgers forward Joe Pavelski, leads all former college hockey players with (4g-4a—8pts). What’s impressive is that he did this in only four games.

Anaheim Ducks (Eliminated 4-3 by the Detroit Red Wings)

Kyle Palmieri, F, Notre Dame, 7GP, (3g-2a—5pts)

Nick Bonino, F, Boston University, 7GP, (3g-1a—4pts)

Andrew Cogliano, F, University of Michigan, 7GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

Ben Lovejoy, D, Dartmouth, 7GP, (0g-2a—2pts)

David Steckel, F, Ohio State, 7GP, (1g-1a—2pts)

Daniel Winnik, F, New Hampshire, 7GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

Boston Bruins

Richard Peverley, F, St. Lawrence University, 5 GP, (1g-0a—1pts)

Matt Bartkowski, D, Ohio State, 2GP, (1g-0a—1pts)

Chicago Blackhawks

Patrick Sharp, F, Vermont, 5GP, (5g-1a—6pts)

Duncan Keith, D, Michigan State, 5GP, (1g-4a—5pts)

Jonathon Toews,F,  North Dakota, 5GP, (0g-2a—2pts)

Victor Stalberg, F, Vermont, 5GP, (0G-1A—1pts)

Nick Leddy, D, Minnesota, 5GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

Brandon Bollig, F, St. Lawrence, 3GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Detroit Red Wings

Brendan Smith, F, Wisconsin, 7GP, (1g-1a—2pts)

Gustav Nyquist, F, Maine, 7GP, (1g-1a—2pts)

Patrick Eaves, F, Boston College, 6GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

Justin Abdelkader, F, Michigan State, 5GP, (2g-1a—3pts)

Danny Dekeyser, D, Western Michigan, 2GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Jimmy Howard, G, Maine, 4-3, .911 SV%, 2.65 GAA

LA Kings

Alec Martinez, D, Miami, 4Gp, (0g-2a—2tps)

Dustin Penner, F, Maine, 4GP, (2g-0a—2pts)

Rob Scuderi, D, Boston College, 6GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

Jonathan Quick, UMass, 6GP, 4-2, .944 SV% 1.58 GAA

Minnesota Wild (Eliminated 4-1 by the Blackhawks)

Matt Cullen, F, St. Cloud, 5GP, (0g-3a—3pts)

Jason Zucker, F, Denver, 5GP, (1g-1a—2pts)

Charlie Coyle, F, Boston University, 5GP, (0a-2a—2pts)

Zach Parise, F, North Dakota, 5GP, (1g-0a—1pts)

Torrey Mitchell, F, Vermont, 5GP, (1g-0a—1pts)

Tom Gilbert, D, Wisconsin, 5GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Ryan Suter, D, Wisconsin, 5GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Montreal Canadiens (Eliminated 4-1 by the Senators)

Rene Bourque, F, Wisconsin, 5GP, (2g-1a—3pts)

Brian Gionta, F, Boston College, 2GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

Jeff Halpern, F, Princeton University, 3GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

Max Pacioretty, F, Michigan, 4GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

New York Islanders (Eliminated 4-2 by the Penguins)

Kyle Okposo, F, Minnesota, 6GP, (3g-1a—4pts)

Matt Moulson, F, Cornell, 6GP, (2g-1a—3pts)

Colin McDonald, F, Providence, 6GP, (3g-1a—3pts)

Keith Aucoin, F, Norwich University, 6GP, (0a-3a—3pts)

Brad Strait, D, Boston University, 6GP, (1g-0a—1pts)

Marty Reasoner, F, Boston College, 1GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Brock Nelson, F, North Dakota, 1GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

New York Rangers

Carl Hagelin, F, Michigan, 7GP, (2g-2a—4pts)

Brian Boyle, F, Boston College, 6GP, (2g-1a—3pts)

Derek Stepan, F, Wisconsin, 7GP, (2g-0a—2pts)

Ryan McDonagh, D, Wisconsin, 7GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

Darroll Powe, F, Princeton, 3GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Chris Kreider, F, Boston College, 3 GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

Ottawa Senators

Kyle Turris, F, Wisconsin, 5 GP, (3g-2a—5pts)

Erik Condra, F, Notre Dame, 5GP, (1g-3a—4pts)

Cory Conacher, F, Canisius College 4GP, (3g-0a—3pts)

Eric Gryba, D, Boston University, 3Gp, (0g-0a—0pts)

Patrick Wiercioch, D, Denver, 1GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Pittsburgh Penguins

Chris Kunitz, F, Ferris State, 6Gp, (2g-a—5pts)

Paul Martin, D, Minnesota, 6GP, (1g-5a—6pts)

Mark Eaton, D, Notre Dame, 4GP, (0g-2a—2pts)

Douglas Murray, D, Cornell, 6GP, (2g-0a—2pts)

Craig Adams, F, Harvard, 6GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

Tanner Glass, F, Dartmouth, 4GP, (1g-0a—1pts)

Beau Bennett, F, Denver, 3GP, (1g-0a—1pts)

Matt Niskanen, D, Duluth, 6GP, (0g-1a—1pts)
Brooks Orpik, D, Boston College, 4GP, (1g-0a—1pts)

San Jose Sharks

Joe Pavelski, F, Wisconsin, 4GP, (4g-4a—8pts)

Dan Boyle, D, Miami, 4GP, (1g-3a—4pts)

Tommy Wingels, F, Miami, 4GP, (0g-2a—2pts)

Justin Braun, D, UMass, 4GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

Matt Irwin, D, UMass, 4GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

Tim Kennedy, F, Michigan State, 1GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Adam Burish, F, Wisconsin, 4GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

T.J. Galiardi, F, Dartmouth, 4GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

St. Louis Blues (Eliminated 4-2 by the L.A. King)

David Backes, F, Minnesota State, 6GP, (1g-2a—3pts)

T.J. Oshie, F, North Dakota, 4GP, (2g-0a—2pts)

Kevin Shattenkirk, D, Boston University, 6GP, (0g-2a—2pts)

Chris Porter, F, North Dakota, 6GP, (1g-0a—1pts)

Jaden Schwartz, F, Colorado College, 6GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

Jordan Leopold, D, Minnesota, 6GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Andy McDonald, D, Colgate, 6GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Brian Elliott, G, Wisconsin, 6GP, 2-4, .919 SV% 1.90

Toronto Maple Leafs (Eliminated 4-3 by the Boston Bruins)

James Van Riemsdyk, F, New Hampshire, 7GP, (2g-5a—7pts)

Phil Kessel, F, Minnesota, 7GP, (4g-2a—6pts)

Jake Gardiner, D, Wisconsin, 6GP, (1g-4a—5pts)

Matt Frattin, F, North Dakota, 6GP, (0g-2a—2pts)

Tyler Bozak, F, Denver, 5GP, (0g-2a—2pts)

John-Michael Liles, D, Michigan State, 4GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Ryan O’Byrne, D, Cornell, 6GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Michael Kostka, D, UMass, 1GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Joe Colborne, F, Denver, 2GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Vancouver Canucks (Eliminated 4-0 by the Sharks)

Ryan Kessler, F, Ohio State, 4GP, (2g-0a—2pts)

Kevin Bieksa, D, Bowling Green, 4GP, (1g-0a—1pts)

Andrew Alberts, D, Boston College, 4GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Chris Higgins, F, Yale, 4GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Mason Raymond, F, Duluth, 4GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Andrew Ebbett, F, Michigan, 2GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Jason Garrison, D, Duluth, 4GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Cory Schneider, G, Boston College, 2GP, 0-2, .880 SV%, 4.62 GAA

Washington Capitals (Eliminated 4-3 by the New York Rangers)

Jay Beagle, F, Anchorage, 7GP, (1g-0a—1pts)

Jack Hillen, F, Colorado College, 7GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

Steven Oleksy, D, Lake Superior State, 7GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

Matt Hendricks, F, Saint Cloud, 7GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Cross-Posted at the Hockey Writers Combine.

Former College Hockey Players in the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs

Here is the list of NHL hockey players that are currently playing in the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs that have played college hockey (Division I & III).

The players are listed by their NHL team. These are players that have played in at least “one” Stanley Cup Playoff game during in the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs. I have also listed their point totals as well.

This list doesn’t include players that are currently injured or that on their teams roster, but haven’t played at least one Stanley Cup Playoff games yet.  I will update the list weekly.

Anaheim Ducks

Nick Bonino, F, Boston University, 4 GP, (2g-1a—3pts)

Kyle Palmieri, F, Notre Dame, 4 GP, (1g-2a—3pts)

Andrew Cogliano, F, University of Michigan, 4GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

Ben Lovejoy, D, Dartmouth, 4 GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

David Steckel, F, Ohio State, 4 GP, (1g-0a—1pts)

Daniel Winnik, F, New Hampshire, 4 GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

Boston Bruins

Richard Peverley, F, St. Lawrence University, 2 GP, (1g-0a—1pts)

Chicago Blackhawks

Patrick Sharp, F, Vermont, 4GP, (4g-1a—5pts)

Duncan Keith, D, Michigan State, 4GP, (1g-2a—3pts)

Victor Stalberg, F, Vermont, 4GP, (0G-1A—1pts)

Nick Leddy, D, Minnesota, 4GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

Jonathon Toews,F,  North Dakota, 4GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Brandon Bollig, F, St. Lawrence, 3GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Detroit Red Wings

Brendan Smith, F, Wisconsin, 4GP, (1g-1a—2pts)

Gustav Nyquist, F, Maine, 4GP, (1g-1a—2pts)

Patrick Eaves, F, Boston College, 4GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

Justin Abdelkader, F, Michigan State, 3GP, (1g-0a—1pts)

Danny Dekeyser, D, Western Michigan, 2GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Jimmy Howard, G, Maine, 2-2, .900 SV%, 2.82 GAA

LA Kings

Alec Martinez, D, Miami, 2Gp, (0g-2a—2tps)

Dustin Penner, F, Maine, 4GP, (1g-0a—1pts)

Rob Scuderi, D, Boston College, 4GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Jonathan Quick, UMass, 4GP, 2-2, .941 SV% 1.67 GAA

Minnesota Wild

Matt Cullen, F, St. Cloud, 4GP, (0g-3a—3pts)

Jason Zucker, F, Denver, 4GP, (1g-1a—2pts)

Charlie Coyle, F, Boston University, 4GP, (0a-2a—2pts)

Zach Parise, F, North Dakota, 4GP, (1g-0a—1pts)

Tom Gilbert, D, Wisconsin, 4GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Ryan Suter, D, Wisconsin, 4GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Torrey Mitchell, F, Vermont, 4GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Montreal Canadiens

Rene Bourque, F, Wisconsin, 4GP, (2g-1a—3pts)

Brian Gionta, F, Boston College, 2GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

Jeff Halpern, F, Princeton University, 2GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

Max Pacioretty, F, Michigan, 3GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

New York Islanders

Kyle Okposo, F, Minnesota, 4GP, (3g-1a—4pts)

Matt Moulson, F, Cornell, 4GP, (2g-1a—3pts)

Colin McDonald, F, Providence, 4GP, (1g-1a—2pts)

Keith Aucoin, F, Norwich University, 4GP, (0a-1a—1pts)

Brad Strait, D, Boston University, 4GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Marty Reasoner, F, Boston College, 1 GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

New York Rangers

Brian Boyle, F, Boston College, 2 GP, (1g-1a—2pts)

Ryan McDonagh, D, Wisconsin, 3GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

Carl Hagelin, F, Michigan, 3GP, (1g-0a—1pts)

Derek Stepan, F, Wisconsin, 3GP, (1g-0a—1pts)

Darroll Powe, F, Princeton, 3GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Chris Kreider, F, Boston College, 1 GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Ottawa Senators

Kyle Turris, F, Wisconsin, 4GP, (2g-2a—4pts)

Erik Condra, F, Notre Dame, 4GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

Cory Conacher, F, Canisius College 3GP, (1G-0a—1pts)

Eric Gryba, D, Boston University, 2Gp, (0g-0a—0pts)

Patrick Wiercioch, D, Denver, 1GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Pittsburgh Penguins

Chris Kunitz, F, Ferris State, 4Gp, (2g-2a—4pts)

Paul Martin, D, Minnesota, 4GP, (0g-3a—3pts)

Mark Eaton, D, Notre Dame, 4GP, (0g-2a—2pts)

Craig Adams, F, Harvard, 4GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

Douglas Murray, D, Cornell, 4GP, (1g-0a—1pts)

Tanner Glass, F, Dartmouth, 4GP, (1g-0a—1pts)

Beau Bennett, F, Denver, 3GP, (1g-0a—1pts)

Matt Niskanen, D, Duluth, 4GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

San Jose Sharks

Joe Pavelski, F, Wisconsin, 4GP, (4g-4a—8pts)

Dan Boyle, D, Miami, 4GP, (1g-3a—4pts)

Tommy Wingels, F, Miami, 4GP, (0g-2a—2pts)

Justin Braun, D, UMass, 4GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

Matt Irwin, D, UMass, 4GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

Tim Kennedy, F, Michigan State, 1GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Adam Burish, F, Wisconsin, 4GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

T.J. Galiardi, F, Dartmouth, 4GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

St. Louis Blues

T.J. Oshie, F, North Dakota, 4GP, (2g-0a—2pts)

Kevin Shattenkirk, D, Boston University, 4GP, (0g-2a—2pts)

David Backes, F, Minnesota State, 4GP, (1g-0a—1pts)

Jordan Leopold, D, Minnesota, 4GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Andy McDonald, D, Colgate, 4GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Chris Porter, F, North Dakota, 4GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Jaden Schwartz, F, Colorado College, 4GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Brian Elliott, G, Wisconsin, 4GP, 2-2, .935 SV% 1.67

Toronto Maple Leafs

James Van Riemsdyk, F, New Hampshire, 3GP, (2g-1a—3pts)

Phil Kessel, F, Minnesota, 3GP, (2g-0a—2pts)

Jake Gardiner, D, Wisconsin, 2GP, (1g-1a—2pts)

Matt Frattin, F, North Dakota, 2GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

Tyler Bozak, F, Denver, 3GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

John-Michael Liles, D, Michigan State, 1GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Ryan O’Byrne, D, Cornell, 2GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Michael Kostka, D, UMass, 1GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Vancouver Canucks (Eliminated 4-0 by the Sharks)

Ryan Kessler, F, Ohio State, 4GP, (2g-0a—2pts)

Kevin Bieksa, D, Bowling Green, 4GP, (1g-0a—1pts)

Andrew Alberts, D, Boston College, 4GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Chris Higgins, F, Yale, 4GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Mason Raymond, F, Duluth, 4GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Andrew Ebbett, F, Michigan, 2GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Jason Garrison, D, Duluth, 4GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Cory Schneider, G, Boston College, 2GP, 0-2, .880 SV%, 4.62 GAA

Washington Capitals

Jay Beagle, F, Anchorage, 3GP, (1g-0a—1pts)

Jack Hillen, F, Colorado College, 3GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

Steven Oleksy, D, Lake Superior State, 3GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

Matt Hendricks, F, Saint Cloud, 3GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Cross Posted at the Hockey Writers Combine...

NCAA FROZEN FOUR: Semifinals preview (Thursday 4/11)

The NCAA’s Frozen Four takes center stage at Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Semifinal 1

UMass Lowell 28-10-2 vs. Yale 20-12-3
Semifinal 3:30 p.m. (CT) ESPN2 (209 DirecTV/144 Dish)

UMass-Lowell’s offense is ranked #21 nationally and #3 defense.
Yale’s offense is ranked #26 nationally and #27 defense.

UMass River Hawks Fun Facts: On December 1, 2012, the UMass Lowell River Hawks were swept by the UNH Wildcats and the River Hawks looked like a team that was going nowhere with a 4-7-1 record. On December 8, 2012, the River Hawks started an incredible run, going unbeaten in 11 games (10-0-1). UMass Lowell went 24-3-1 then rest of the way, winning the Hockey East regular-season and tournament championship. Since December, UMass Lowell has been one of the best teams in the country.

Yale Bulldogs Fun Facts: The Yale Bulldogs was the last team to make the NCAA tourney. If the Michigan Wolverines had beaten Notre Dame and made the NCAA tourney, Yale would have stayed home. WCHA Dominance, Yale was 4-0 against the WCHA this season beating Colorado College Denver University and North Dakota.  Three of those games went to overtime.

Players to watch

River Hawks Forwards: Scott Wilson (16g-21a—37pts), Joseph Pendenza (14g-23a—37pts), Derek Arnold (13g-16a—29pts), Riley Wetmore (15g-11a—26pts), Josh Holmstrom (12g-12a—24pts). Defense: Chad Ruhwedel (7g-16a—23pts), Christian Folin (6g-15a—21pts), Joe Houk (0g-11a—11pts). Goalie: Connor Hellebuyck, 20-2-0, 1.31 GAA, .953 save percentage.

Bulldogs Forwards: Kenny Agostino (17g-23a—40pts), Andrew Miller (16g-21a—37pts), Antoine Laganiere (14g-13a—27pts). Defense: Tommy Fallen (7g-16a—23pts), Ryan Obuchowski (3g-9a-12pts), Gus Young (2g-6a—8pts). Goalies Jeff Malcolm 18-6-2, 2.35 GAA, .916 save percentage.

UMass Lowell River Hawks Official athletics page

Yale Bulldogs Official athletics page

Semifinal 2

Quinnipiac 29-7-5 vs. St. Cloud State 25-15-1
Semifinal 7:00 p.m. (CT) ESPN2 (209 DirecTV/144 Dish)
St. Cloud’s offense is ranked #2 nationally and #15 defense.
Quinnipiac’s offense ranked #18 nationally and #1 defense.

Saint Cloud State Huskies Fun stats: Saint Cloud State’s Drew LeBlanc (13g-37a—50pts) is the highest scoring players left in the NCAA tourney.  Saint Cloud State freshman Jonny Brodzinski’s 22 goals lead the nation for rookies.

Quinnipiac Bobcats Fun Facts: This season the Quinnipiac Bobcats never lost more than two games in a row and they only did this one time. Also, the Bobcats never lost more than three games during a month (March).

Players to watch

Quinnipiac Bobcats forwards:  Mathew Peca (15g-15a—30), Jeremy Langlois (12g-18a—30pts), Jordan Samuels-Thomas (16g-11a—27pts), Kellen Jones (12g-14a—26pts), Connor Jones (12g-14a—26pts). Defense: Mike Dalhuisen (8g-8a—16pts), Loren Barron (3g-13a—16pts), Zach Davies (2g-13a—15pts). Goaltender: Eric Hartzell 29-6-5, 1.55 GAA, .933 save percentage.

Huskies Forwards: Drew LeBlanc (13g-37a—50pts), Nic Dowd(14g-25a—39pts), Jonny Brodzinski (22g-11a—33pts), Kalle Kossila (15g-18a—33pts), Ben Hanowski (17g-14a—31pts). Defense:  Nick Jensen 4g-27a—31pts), Andrew Prochno (5g-23a—28tps), Ethan Prow (3g-12a—15pts). Goalie: Ryan Faragher 24-13-1, 2.22 GAA, .916 save percentage.

Quinnipiac Bobcats Official athletics page

Saint Cloud Official athletics page

Cross-posted at The Hockey Writers - Combine.

Related articles

• NCAA FROZEN FOUR: Semifinals preview (Thursday 4/11) (thehockeywriters.com)
• FROZEN FOUR Semifinals preview (Thursday 4/11) (getrealhockey.com)

Busted Bracket

Well I got one of the four teams right, and in retrospect, B.C. didn't have an easy path to the NCAA tourney like many of us thought at the beginning of the regionals. I wonder how many other people's brackets look like this? When it's all said and done, there will be four teams that have never been to the Frozen Four.

DU's Nick Shore hit to the head of UNH Kevin Goumas

In all of my day's of watching hockey, on any level, I have never seen anything like this. If you watch the video you will see that neither on-ice officials had their arm up on the play.

In other words, there was no penalty called on the play. However, after the officials went to the UNH players box and talked to the UNH coach Dick Umile, they officials then went to the penalty box reviewed the play and called a penalty on Nick Shore.

So the line on Shore was a five minute major for contact to the head and a game misconduct for his hit to the head of UNH forward Kevin Goumas. Seems reasonable to some right, it's not in the NCAA Hockey Rule book.

The line from Manchester is that the linesman or assistant ref made the call, but does anyone see his hand in the air either. I don't think so. No where on the video, is there any evidence of any one wearing stripes making a call on the play.

@coachstarman If you go back and watch the video, none of the refs had their arms in the air on the play. ndgoon.blogspot.com/2013/03/dus-ni…
— Eric J. Burton (@goon48) March 30, 2013

UND vs. Niagara Lines West Region

UND vs. Niagara Lines West Region

UND’s Forward lines

21 Brendan O’Donnell – 10 Corban Knight (A) – 7 Danny Kristo (A)

9 Drake Caggiula– 27 Carter Rowney (A) –19 Rocco Grimaldi

29 Bryn Chyzyk – 16 Mark MacMillan – 15 Michael Parks

13 Connor Gaarder – 28 Steph Pattyn – 17 Colten St. Clair

UND Defense Parings

2 Andrew MacWilliam (C) – 18 Dillon Simpson

4 Derek Forbort – 24 Jordan Schmaltz

5 Nick Mattson – 20 Joe Gleason

UND Goalies

31 Zane Gothberg

33 Clarke Saunders

35 Tate Maris

Not in lineup: 25 Mitch MacMillian, 8 Dan Senkbeil, 22 Andrew Panzarella, 11 Derek Rodwell, 26 Coltyn Sanderson.

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