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Hobart men’s hockey coach Taylor to be inducted into New York State Hockey Hall of Fame

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Mark Taylor has taken Hobart to back-to-back men’s D-III national titles (photo: Hobart Athletics).

Hobart men’s hockey coach Mark Taylor will be inducted into the New York State Hockey Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2024 on July 13 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Troy, N.Y.

The reception will start at 4 p.m. EST.

The rest of the New York State Hockey Hall of Fame Class of 2024 includes Mike Eruzione and Ken Morrow from the gold medal-winning 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team, Bill Beaney, Courtney Burke, Scott Montagna, Frank Colabufo, Lindsay Lasala, Don Kirnan, Dennis Potvin, Sam Rosen, Steve Warr, Ed Westfall and Howard Dolgon.

“This is a well-deserved honor for Coach Taylor,” Hobart associate VP and director of athletics and recreation Brian Miller said in a statement. “To be inducted into the New York State Hockey Hall of Fame with 1980 Olympic heroes like Ken Morrow and Mike Eruzione, along with NHL legend Denis Potvin, among others, is the type of recognition he has earned as his long-standing success with Hobart hockey receives more recognition.”

The two-time defending Edward Jeremiah Award winner as CCM/AHCA national coach of the year, Taylor is now in his 24th year in charge of Hobart. He has guided the Statesmen to back-to-back national championships, five straight 20-win seasons and 20 consecutive winning seasons. The Statesmen have been selected to nine straight NCAA tournaments and 13 overall.

His career record stands at 404-176-55, making Taylor seventh among active D-III coaches in wins.

Augustana goaltending coach Wildung leaves Vikings, takes job as associate head coach with USHL’s Stampede

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Brandon Wildung spent the 2023-24 season with the first-year Augustana men’s hockey program (photo: Augustana Athletics).

The USHL’s Sioux Falls Stampede has named Brandon Wildung as the team’s associate head coach for the coming season.

Wildung served as Augustana’s goaltending coach for the 2023-24 season.

“You want to surround yourself with people who push you and make you better each day and I know Brandon will do that for the staff and our players,” said Sioux Falls coach Ryan Cruthers in a news release. “Last season at Augustana, he was able to develop under Coach Garrett Raboin, who is one of the best in the game, and our players are going to benefit deeply from his experiences at the NCAA level.”

Prior to Augustana, Wildung served as the goaltending coach of the Stampede from 2021 to 2022, then joined the team full-time as an assistant and goaltending coach in 2022-23.

NCAA proposes amending rules on checking from behind, contact to head in men’s, women’s hockey

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The NCAA Men’s and Women’s Ice Hockey Committee proposed an adjustment to the rules for checking from behind and contact to the head to provide game officials additional options when adjudicating these penalties.

Under the recommendation, the committee is providing guidance and additional levels of penalty options.

All rule proposals must be approved by the NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel, which is scheduled to discuss ice hockey proposals June 6.

“The committee believes these important rules are having the intended impact to reduce dangerous contact from the game,” said Erik Martinson, deputy athletics director at North Dakota and chair of the committee. “Our coaches and game officials indicated strong support for these adjustments. We believe the proposed changes will make these important safety rules stronger and more effective.”

The committee would strengthen rules regarding clear violations of contact to the head to include a major penalty (five minutes) and at least a game misconduct or disqualification. The past two years, a standalone major penalty was permitted to be enforced in some instances. Along with this adjustment, a minor penalty option is available to game officials. This is intended only for actions that are inadvertent or the player making contact is using otherwise legal tactics.

Officials will have all options available for hitting-from-behind infractions (minor, major and major/game misconduct or disqualification).

“To be clear, this is not a move to allow or encourage dangerous contact,” Martinson said. “In reviewing numerous plays, it is clear there is a need for a more moderate option.”

Rules committee members discussed checking from behind thoroughly and focused on the growing trend of players turning to create contact, often just before it occurs. With contact to the head, the committee focused on players delivering contact, particularly cases where otherwise legal contact resulted in a major penalty. Game officials will be given more latitude to consider an opponent’s actions causing contact to the head or checking from behind.

High-sticking the puck

Committee members advanced a proposal saying pucks played at shoulder height would be legal and not whistled for a high-stick violation. Currently, any puck played with a stick above 4 feet is considered a high-sticking violation. The committee is simplifying the rule to shoulder height as a way of taking away the need for on-ice officials to judge whether the puck is 4 feet off the ice. This standard will also be used when goals are scored.

Shootouts

To standardize competition, the committee voted to mandate the use of a shootout after the five-minute 3-on-3 overtime period. NCAA championships selection committees have indicated that a shootout will not be part of any selection criteria.

Other rules proposals:

  • When using video replay, officials will have the ability to review a major penalty and downgrade it to a minor penalty or no penalty. Officials can add to a major penalty during the review (e.g., game misconduct or disqualification).
  • As part of the supplementary discipline process, a conference can appeal a disqualification penalty to the secretary-rules editor and national coordinator of officials. No other penalties could be appealed or reduced.
  • The committee voted to remove “deliberately directed” from the hand pass rule and more closely align with the National Hockey League.
  • In postseason games that use a video replay official, it is optional to clear game-winning goals in overtime. If a review is needed, the on-ice officials will make the final determination.
  • A rule proposal dealing with continuous play was also approved. When a referee signals a stoppage of play because he/she has lost sight of the puck but, in the immediate and continuous action, the puck enters the goal, officials will be allowed to award a goal. Previously, blowing the whistle took away this option.
  • The committee voted to remove a rule dealing with the scoring of a goal during a delayed penalty. Previously, if a goal was scored during a delayed penalty call, the penalty was enforced, and the nonoffending team received a power play. Removing this rule will result in the penalty being nullified.
  • The committee reviewed the rules language and guidance for contact in women’s ice hockey. The group approved some additional language to assist, identifying unintentional collisions and plays where the pursuit of a loose puck creates contact.
  • Trevor Large, head men’s coach at Canisius, was named chair of the committee.

Albertus Magnus, Elmira, Hilbert, St. John Fisher to join UCHC men’s, women’s hockey conferences for 2025-26 season

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Albertus Magnus, Elmira, Hilbert and St. John Fisher are set to join the UCHC for the 2025-26 season.

This will set UCHC men’s hockey membership to nine teams and UCHC women’s membership to eight institutions in 2025-26.

“The additions of Albertus Magnus, Elmira, St. John Fisher, and Hilbert to our already competitive membership, enhances the experience for all student-athletes while supporting the growth of college hockey,” said UCHC commissioner Chuck Mitrano in a statement. “UCHC has elevated its competitive level to be amongst the very best in Division III.”

Albertus Magnus has competed at the NCAA Division III level in men’s hockey since 2019-2020. The 2023-24 season marked the inaugural campaign for the women’s hockey program. On the men’s side, the Falcons have registered a total of 49 victories from 2021-24, which included the first-ever USCHO.com national ranking during the recently completed 2023-24 season. The Albertus women’s hockey program finished its inaugural season in 2023-24 with a record of 7-13-4. Of note, the Falcons registered a 7-5-3 mark in their final 15 games of the season.

Both teams play their home contests at the recently renovated Ralph Walker Skating Rink in New Haven. As part of a $3.1 million Connecticut CIF grant, a new locker room and team spaces will be constructed at the venue to support the Albertus women’s hockey team. Previously, a nearly $5 million project was completed when the men’s program was launched, including a new ice sheet, NHL style boards with seamless glass and a new chiller plant, new locker rooms, athletic training room and coaches’ offices.

“Albertus Magnus College and our ice hockey programs are excited to join the United Collegiate Hockey Conference,” said Albertus Magnus athletic director Michael Kobylanski. “Both of our programs have demonstrated an ability to thrive athletically, academically, and as positive contributors to our campus and local communities over the last several years. We look forward to the continued maturation of both teams as we move into the UCHC.”

Elmira, a charter member of the UCHC, returns after playing the last three seasons as a member of the NEHC. The Soaring Eagles have enjoyed a storied history on both the men’s and women’s sides. The men won the UCHC championship in 2021 and have made 18 appearances in the NCAA tournament, including national runner-up honors in 1980 and 1988.

The Elmira women’s hockey program is one of the most successful in Division III history, since the program’s inception in 2001. The Soaring Eagles won NCAA championships is 2002, 2003 and 2013 and were national runners-up in 2005, 2009, 2015, 2018 and most recently, 2024. Elmira has made 18 appearances in the NCAA tournament and won four consecutive UCHC championships in its first stint as a league member from 2017 to 2021.

The UCHC championship trophy is named after Pat Thompson, former Elmira VP of athletics. The Soaring Eagles play at the historic 3,200-seat Murray Athletic Center in Horseheads, N.Y.

“We are excited to return to a familiar home for our hockey programs ahead of the 2025-26 season,” said Rhonda Faunce, Elmira director of athletics. “We were fortunate to be able to capture five league championships in the league between our two programs in just four seasons in the UCHC. Returning to a league that we are familiar with and is more regionally located will provide a positive experience for our student-athletes and fan base.”

Hilbert recently completed its second season as a women’s hockey program in 2023-24. The Hawks have competed against UCHC opponents in its first two seasons and play their home games at Nike Base from the Hamburg Town Ice Arena.

“Hilbert women’s hockey is very excited to join the UCHC and compete against strong programs within our region,” said Hilbert athletic director Tim Seil. “This partnership will help us provide a great experience for our student-athletes, led by head coach Earl Utter who brings a wealth of experience college hockey experience to our program.”

St. John Fisher will begin play for both men’s and women’s hockey in 2025-26. The Cardinals, who have enjoyed tremendous conference and national success in several sports as a member of the Empire 8, will have 26 NCAA Division III sports with the addition of both hockey programs. St. John Fisher has won a combined 104 Empire 8 championships since the league was formed in 1999.

The Cardinals are set to play their home games at the Rochester Ice Center in Fairport, N.Y.

“Joining the UCHC is an exciting step for our university, not only because we enter a new realm of competition, camaraderie, and growth as we add men’s and women’s hockey to our intercollegiate offerings, but also because we do so while joining a nationally competitive conference made up of institutions focused on excellence,” said Jose Perales, VP for enrollment management at St. John Fisher. “We want to thank the UCHC member institutions as well as Commissioner Mitrano for welcoming Fisher, a challenge that our coaches and student-athletes are looking forward to in 2025.”

UCHC men’s programs will consist of Albertus Magnus, Brockport, Chatham, Elmira, Geneseo, Manhattanville, Nazareth, St. John Fisher, and Utica for the 2025-26 season. Albertus Magnus, Chatham, Elmira, Hilbert, Manhattanville, Nazareth, St. John Fisher and Utica are the eight teams representing UCHC women’s hockey in 2025-26.

WCHA removes interim tag, names Dill conference commissioner with two-year contract

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Tracy Dill presents the WCHA championship trophy to Wisconsin’s Britta Curl after the Badgers won this season’s WCHA playoff championship (photo: Matt Krohn).

The WCHA has announced that Tracy Dill has received a two-year contract to continue as the conference’s commissioner.

Dill joined the WCHA office in July 2022 and has served as the conference’s interim commissioner over the past two seasons. His new contract will begin immediately and eliminate the interim status from his title.

“We are pleased to remove the ‘interim’ tag and have Tracy continue to serve in the role as WCHA commissioner,” said Minnesota State director of athletics Kevin Buisman, who also serves as the chair of the WCHA board of directors, in a statement. “Tracy is a seasoned administrator with a broad network of established relationships throughout college athletics and particularly within the sport of hockey, where he is an advocate for supporting and growing the women’s game.

“Tracy has had a profound impact during his time as interim commissioner, especially in the areas of increased corporate partnership and in enhancing the overall student-athlete experience. There are many challenges ahead in a rapidly changing environment for intercollegiate athletics, but I am confident Tracy’s skill set and leadership will allow the WCHA to maintain its standard of excellence in moving forward.”

The WCHA, which is celebrating its 25th season of women’s hockey competition in 2023-24, has established itself as the nation’s premier conference in the NCAA. The WCHA has won 21 national championships and 20 NCAA titles since the league was formed in 1999-00.

Under the leadership of Dill over the past two seasons, WCHA teams have won two NCAA championships and league players have earned All-America honors 10 times along with Ohio State’s Sophie Jaques receiving the Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award in 2023 and Wisconsin’s Casey O’Brien and Kirsten Simms being selected as Kazmaier Award top-three finalists in 2024.

Dill has helped grow the WCHA’s corporate partnership base during his tenure, which includes sponsorship of the league’s annual Final Faceoff tournament with Kwik Trip along with partnerships with Cub Foods, Two Men and A Truck, Krampade, Howies Hockey Tape, Sterling Trophy & Awards, Print Labs and JLG Ice.

The visibility of the league continues to match the excellence of its teams as 15 WCHA games were televised live on FOX9+ in the Twin Cities, which also included coverage in Duluth, Madison, Wisc. and Columbus, Ohio. In 2024, the St. Cloud State vs. Ohio State game was included as part of Bally Sports Hockey Day Minnesota coverage and two games were featured on the Big Ten Network.

The WCHA’s online presence has also grown as B1G+ has offered live streaming off all home WCHA games over the past two seasons along with consistent growth of followers on the league social media platforms and usage of the league’s website – WCHA.com.

“I would like to thank the WCHA membership for allowing me to continue in my role as commissioner of the WCHA. In addition, a big thanks to the current WCHA staff for all their work,” Dill said. “Our 25th anniversary celebration provided an outstanding opportunity to highlight the teams, the student-athletes, coaches, staff, alumni, and the great fans that make the WCHA the best league in women’s college hockey. I’ve enjoyed the challenge of helping to build on the legacy of the WCHA over the past two seasons and I look forward to the continued success of the league.”

Dill has been involved in college athletics as a player, coach, and administrator for more than 40 years. Prior to his time with the WCHA, Dill spent nine years at Bemidji State as the director of intercollegiate athletics. Prior to his tenure at Bemidji State, Dill was at St. Cloud State, another WCHA member school, for more than 28 years in various capacities, including coaching and administration.

St. Thomas leaving CCHA, will join NCHC to create 10-team conference for 2026-27 college hockey season

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For the second time in two years, the NCHC is expanding.

The conference announced on Wednesday that St. Thomas has been accepted as a full-time member of the NCHC beginning in the 2026-27 season. The decision was approved with a unanimous vote from the NCHC board of directors on Tuesday night.

With the addition of St. Thomas, the NCHC will become a 10-team conference in two seasons when the Tommies are officially welcomed as an NCHC member on July 1, 2026.

Last July, the NCHC announced the addition of Arizona State, with the Sun Devils set to be the NCHC’s ninth member starting on July 1, 2024.

Those two schools will join Colorado College, Denver, Miami, Minnesota Duluth, North Dakota, Omaha, St. Cloud State and Western Michigan in composing the NCHC’s membership.

“The NCHC is excited to welcome the University of St. Thomas to our ranks in 2026-27. During our annual NCHC meetings in Naples, the athletics directors engaged in robust conversation about the Conference’s vision and goals in the current NCAA landscape, including membership. St. Thomas’s institutional vision and commitment to nationally competitive hockey, as well as their central location in our footprint and new facility, make them an ideal fit,” NCHC commissioner Heather Weems said in a statement. “The window of opportunity arose quickly, and we worked efficiently with our Board of Directors, Athletics Council, and the University of St. Thomas to achieve expansion. I want to thank St. Thomas president Rob Vischer and vice president and director of athletics Phil Esten for their vision and investment in hockey.

“We expect they will compete well against our current members and only strengthen the depth and quality of the NCHC.”

St. Thomas heads to the NCHC after making the jump to Division I for all sports beginning with the 2021-22 season. The Tommies recently completed their best-ever season in Division I men’s hockey, finishing as runner-up in the CCHA regular season with a 12-11-1 record. St. Thomas also hosted a first-round playoff series for the first time in 2024, compiling a 15-20-2 overall record after posting only three wins in its first season of Division I two years ago.

Prior to reclassifying to Division I, St. Thomas was a force in Division III men’s hockey, winning six conference championships in its last 10 seasons in the MIAC. The Tommies also made three NCAA tournament appearances over their final nine years in Division III (17 overall D-III NCAA tournament appearances) and have two D-III Frozen Four appearances in their history (2000, 2005).

“We are excited about the significant investments St. Thomas has made in hockey in recent years. They have proven to be an institution deeply committed to future success in hockey, and a 10th NCHC member will provide balance to our membership and scheduling,” said Western Michigan VP-director of athletics and chair of the NCHC athletics council Dan Bartholomae. “This is certainly an excellent addition to the greatest conference in college hockey. We look forward to welcoming the Tommies in 2026.”

St. Thomas is scheduled to open Lee & Penny Anderson Arena in the fall of 2025 on campus, with work already underway. Anderson Arena will be a state-of-the-art, multi-purpose facility, which will serve as the home of St. Thomas men’s and women’s hockey, as well as men’s and women’s basketball. The 253,000 square foot Lee & Penny Anderson Arena will include two sheets of ice, a 12-foot-by-22-foot center-hung videoboard in the main arena, three visiting team locker rooms and full student-athlete support services, such as strength and conditioning space, a shooting room, a fueling station and sports medicine facilities/training rooms.

Anderson Arena will have a capacity of 4,000 for hockey games when it opens, while it will be able to hold up to 5,300 people for a basketball game. Premium seating options for fans at future Tommies hockey games will include loge boxes, suites, a party deck, a Champions Club and club seating.

“On behalf of the board of directors, I am thrilled to welcome the University of St. Thomas to the NCHC. St. Thomas is an excellent institution of higher education that will add academic and competitive value to our conference,” said Omaha chancellor and chair of the NCHC board of directors Dr. Joanne Li. “Since transitioning to the Division I level, St. Thomas has made significant investments into its athletic department and facilities that has positioned its hockey program well to compete successfully in the NCHC.”

St. Thomas is located in Saint Paul, Minn. and has an enrollment of 9,146. The Catholic university, which first opened in 1885, has produced approximately 115,000 alumni, with more than 85 percent residing in the Twin Cities metro area. St. Thomas is located in a top-15 media market nationally that is home to six major professional sports teams. The Tommies themselves sponsor 21 Division I sports, including men’s and women’s hockey, with the majority of their other sports in the Summit League.

“The NCHC is among the premier conferences in all of college hockey and we are thrilled to announce our membership in 2026. The move aligns with our institutional and athletics trajectory and we are enthusiastic about the new strategic opportunities this will bring our university and department as we will bring new rivalries to St. Paul and compete in expanded markets nationally,” said Esten. “I would like to thank Commissioner Weems, University of Nebraska Omaha chancellor Joanne Li, and the entire NCHC board of directors for the invitation and support as St. Thomas joins one of the most competitive conferences in college hockey.”

While the NCHC will continue with a 24-game conference schedule through at least the 2025-26 season, the scheduling model, parameters and rotation for the 2026-27 season and beyond are still to be determined. The NCHC’s postseason format beginning in 2027 is also still to be finalized. The final Frozen Faceoff at Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul, Minn., will be this upcoming 2024-25 season, while starting in 2026, the NCHC will move its playoffs to a three-week tournament entirely on campus sites.

The Tommies will play the next two seasons in the CCHA before beginning NCHC competition and battling for the Penrose Cup starting in 2026-27.

Quinnipiac defenseman Legault leaves Bobcats after two seasons, inks NHL deal with Hurricanes

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Charles Alexis Legault played two seasons for QU, winning a national title as a freshman (photo: Rob Rasmussen/P8Photos.com).

The NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes have announced that the team has signed Quinnipiac sophomore defenseman Charles-Alexis Legault to a three-year, entry-level contract.

“Charles-Alexis is a physical defenseman who uses his size well,” said Carolina GM Don Waddell in a statement. “He made great strides in his offensive game this season, and we think he’s ready to continue his development at the professional level.”

Legault posted 24 points (9 goals, 15 assists) in 39 games with Quinnipiac in 2023-24, leading all Bobcats defensemen in goals. He also registered a plus/minus rating of plus-36, which was the highest mark among all Division I skaters this season.

Overall, Legault recorded 33 points (11 goals, 22 assists) in 79 games over two seasons with Quinnipiac, helping the program win its first-ever national championship in 2022-23.

The Laval, Que., native was selected by the Hurricanes in the fifth round (139th overall) of the 2023 NHL Draft.

Miami names USHL, college hockey coaching veteran Nies as new assistant coach for RedHawks

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David Nies previously coached with new Miami coach Anthony Noreen with the USHL’s Tri-City Storm (photo: Tri-City Storm).

Miami has announced the addition of David Nies as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for the RedHawks.

Nies was most recently the assistant director of player personnel for USA Hockey’s NTDP.

“I am honored and humbled to be a part of Miami University,” said Nies in a statement. “I’d like to thank David Sayler and Brad Okel along with Anthony Noreen for awarding me this opportunity to build upon the rich tradition as well as embark on the next chapter of Miami hockey.”

Nies joined the NTDP in 2023 and was involved in all aspects of identifying, scouting and recruiting players in the 2008 and 2009 birth classes. He had previously served as an assistant coach under Noreen with the USHL’s Tri-City Storm from 2021 to 2023.

“I am thrilled to welcome David Nies to the Miami University hockey family,” Noreen said. “David is a tireless worker who has an extensive background in coaching, scouting, and recruiting.

“His experience at the NCAA level, in the USHL, and most recently as the assistant director of player personnel for the U.S. National Team Development Program will be a major asset for our program and Miami University moving forward.”

During Nies’ time at Tri-City, the Storm won the Anderson Cup in 2021-22, bolstered by the top-ranked penalty kill in the league. Nies oversaw the penalty kill and was responsible for defensemen development, in addition to assisting Noreen in all facets of team management.

Nies’ previous stop, also in the USHL, was with the Omaha Lancers, where he served as associate head coach and assistant general manager from 2018 to 2021. He has coached with Amarillo in the NAHL (2017-18) and been part of college coaching staffs at Merrimack (2016-17), Curry (2015-16), Ohio (2014-15) and Southern Maine (2013-14).

Nies has scouted and coached 33 NHL draft picks and 133 Division I college players since 2017. He has worked as an on-ice skills coach with NHL draft picks Jordan Harris, Sam Colangelo, Michael Kesselring and Alex Jefferies.

As a player at Southern Maine, Nies was an ECAC All-Academic honoree from 2010 to 2013 and served as the Huskies’ team captain from 2011 to 2013. He owns a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology from USM and a Master’s in Sports Pedagogy from Ohio.

Miami will announce the remainder of its coaching staff in the coming weeks.

After sophomore season at Michigan, Wolverines blueliner Casey signs NHL contract with New Jersey

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Seamus Casey had a decorated two-year career at Michigan (photo: Michigan Photography).

The NHL’s New Jersey Devils announced Monday that the team has signed Michigan sophomore defenseman Seamus Casey to a three-year, entry-level contract, with Casey giving up his remaining eligibility in signing the deal.

Casey completed his second season at Michigan and recorded 45 points (seven goals, 38 assists) in 39 games with the Wolverines. He led all Michigan defensemen in scoring and his 45 points ranked fifth on the team. In 2023-24, he earned all-Big Ten first team honors, was a finalist for the Big Ten defensive player of the year and was named to both the Big Ten all-tournament and NCAA all-regional teams.

Following the end of the season, Casey was named an American Hockey Coaches Association (AHCA)/CCM All-American. His 45 points ranked third for all NCAA blueliners.

During his freshman year at Michigan in 2022-23, the Fort Myers, Fla. native recorded 29 points (eight goals, 21 assists) in 37 games, which ranked second among Wolverines defensemen behind current Devils blueliner Luke Hughes’ 48 points (10 goals, 38 assists). That same year, he was named to the Big Ten all-freshman team and Big Ten all-tournament team. Casey also helped Michigan win the 2022-23 Big Ten tournament championship. Along with Hughes, Casey was also teammates with Devils defensive prospect Ethan Edwards.

Away from Michigan, Casey represented the United States at the IIHF 2024 World Junior Championship, winning gold.

Casey was New Jersey’s second-round selection (46th overall) in the 2022 NHL Draft.

Northland College to remain open under refocused model as refined curriculum, structure to be implemented starting fall 2024

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The Northland College Board of Trustees on May 1 voted to approve a refocused model for the college which will allow the institution to remain open.

This decision follows a comprehensive effort to secure a future for the college, including a fundraising campaign and financial exigency process.

The approved model draws from the proposals and ideas shared with the board. It includes adjusting the number of majors offered to eight, restructuring the organization, and securing necessary funding to address the short-term deficit and long-term stability needs of the college. It also includes a continuation of Northland’s current intercollegiate athletics program, which has both a men’s and women’s NCAA Division III hockey team.

“The board is extremely pleased a sustainable path forward for Northland College has been found,” said Ted Bristol, chair of the Northland College Board of Trustees. “An extraordinary collaborative effort with faculty and staff to reprioritize and restructure, combined with historic-level, transformative donor gifts, made it possible.”

“Today’s news is thanks to the incredible work done by faculty and staff in a very short amount of time,” added Chad Dayton, Northland College president. “Together with the board, a plan was built to keep Northland College open and serving students in a way that is aligned with our mission and the values that define us. I am immensely grateful to all involved for securing the future of this incredible college.”

The refocused model is grounded in the following core elements:

— Significantly focusing the curriculum. Going forward, the college will offer a total of eight high-demand, mission-aligned majors and focused offerings: natural resources, business, education (emphasis options in teacher education, outdoor education, and environmental education), biology (chemistry minor), psychology and social sciences, Earth studies (emphasis options in water science, geology, and climate Science), environmental humanities, and sustainable community development. These programs stay true to Northland’s liberal arts and interdisciplinary studies commitment while accommodating student demand and focused outcomes.
— Restructuring the organization and operations. The model will require a right-sized academic and operational structure that aligns with the refined curriculum. Significant changes to the operational budget and necessary faculty and staff organizational adjustments will help the College realize approximately $7 million in savings.
— Securing additional short-term funding. In addition to the savings realized in the restructured curricular and operational plan, the Board secured several million dollars in additional funds during the exigency process to bridge the short-term deficit.
— Creating long-term stability. The long-range projection of the refocused model puts the college on track for long-term stability. Projections look at data on enrollment trends, operating expenses, and funding sources. The College will also continue to explore new revenue streams.

The Path to May 1 Decision

Financial exigency, declared by the Board on April 4, was Northland’s final attempt to save the college. The board and college leadership collaborated with Northland faculty and staff to develop streamlined curricular and operational budget models in the weeks following the exigency announcement. The college also received several transformational gifts during the process that allowed for continued exploration.

“To save Northland, we needed to significantly reduce the deficit in the short term and develop a compelling, financially feasible and sustainable model for the long term,” said Bristol. “Achieving this was an iterative process that included reviewing all ideas including the submitted faculty ad hoc proposal, validating them against the budget, and refining as needed to arrive at a workable plan. Now we need to execute on this plan.”

“Every step of this process and each decision has been made with the goal of maintaining Northland’s mission for as many students as possible,” Dayton added. “We want to thank our faculty and staff partners and the entire campus community for its tremendous outpouring of support. The board and leadership thoroughly explored all options, proposals, and ideas, and were thoughtful and intentional with every choice made.”

“It is not lost on us that today’s announcement could have gone a very different direction,” said Bristol. “Many colleges like Northland are being forced to make difficult decisions, and we’ve seen many closures in recent years—even in recent weeks. We feel fortunate to be sharing a path forward despite the realities of declining enrollment and rising costs.”

Supporting Campus Transitions

This academic year will conclude as planned. For students who decide to transition out of Northland, many teach-out and transfer options and campus support resources are available. Prospective students will be notified immediately, and if they need to make alternate plans due to the curriculum changes, any deposits paid will be refunded.

“The board of trustees is grateful for the dedication, resilience, and support of everyone in the Northland community, not only in these last few weeks, but since Northland’s founding in 1892,” said Bristol. “Northland’s legacy is its people—those who have supported the institution for decades and the students, alumni, faculty, and staff who will continue to advance Northland’s critical mission into the future.”

Arcadia tabs former Bryn Athyn head coach, Neumann assistant Heickert as Knights’ new men’s hockey coach

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Arcadia has announced the hiring of Ryan Heickert as the new head men’s hockey coach.

Heickert began his duties at Arcadia on April 29 and replaces Patrick Carroll, who was interim head coach for the 2023-24 season.

“I want to thank athletics director Brian Granata, associate AD Michael Hebenstreit and the rest of the search committee for selecting me as the new head coach for the men’s ice hockey program. I am grateful for their confidence in me to lead this program going forward,” Heickert said in a statement. “I feel incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to join the Arcadia athletics team and work with such a talented group of coaches, athletic staff, and students.”

Heickert comes to Arcadia after most recently serving as the head coach at Bryn Athyn for the past three seasons. Heickert oversaw all aspects of the Lions men’s hockey program, including coordinating team travel, scheduling of games and practices and recruiting.

“Throughout our search process, Coach Heickert’s strong leadership and communication qualities stood out,” Granata said. “He is someone that can command a locker room and inspire student-athletes to achieve greatness. We are excited to see him mold our young program into a strong competitor within the Middle Atlantic Conference and Division III ice hockey.”

Prior to his time at Bryn Athyn, Heickert served as an assistant coach at Neumann for three seasons.

“I’m excited to be a part of Arcadia’s hockey program with a front-row seat as this program grows and develops its own identity in the world of NCAA hockey,” Heickert said.

Heickert, an Oshawa, Ont., native, played his college hockey at Neumann and was part of the Knights’ 2009 national championship team. He graduated in 2009 with a degree in athletic training and obtained his master’s degree in sports management from Neumann in 2010.

Former Elmira women’s hockey assistant Simon named new head coach at Wisconsin-Superior

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SIMON

Wisconsin-Superior has announced that Bre Simon has been named the new head coach of the Yellowjackets women’s hockey team.

Simon becomes the sixth head coach in the program’s history, which dates back to 1998. She replaces Dan Laughlin, who retired in March after 21 years as head coach and 23 years with the program.

“I am honored to be named the new head coach of University of Wisconsin-Superior,” Simon said in a statement. “I am very excited and eager to get started at UWS. I would like to thank (director of athletics) Nick Bursik, the search committee and panel members for the opportunity.

“I am pumped to move back closer to home and join the UWS family. I can’t wait to see what this talented group of young women can accomplish.”

Simon comes to the Yellowjackets after a two-year stint as an assistant coach at Elmira. While there, Simon helped the Soaring Eagles to the NEHC championship game in 2023. This past season, Elmira finished as the national runner-up, falling in the national championship game to UW-River Falls. Elmira had a 44-14-1 record in her two seasons.

Prior to her time at Elmira, Simon spent two years, including one year as co-head coach, of the girls hockey program at Minnesota high school hockey powerhouse Gentry Academy. In her two years, Simon helped Gentry to a 41-11-0 record and two appearances in the Minnesota State High School Hockey Tournament, including one berth in the state championship game.

“We are thrilled to welcome Coach Simon to UW-Superior and Yellowjacket athletics,” said Bursik. “Her commitment to player development and focus on the student-athlete experience was evident throughout the search process. We look forward to her immediate impact and continuing the traditions of Yellowjacket hockey.”

Simon was a decorated college player during her time at Hamline. She is Hamline’s all-time leader in goals (92), assists (93) and points (185). Her 185 points are more than double any other player in program history. She was a three-time CCM/AHCA West First Team All-American and in 2019 won the Laura Hurd Award, which is given to the top player in NCAA Division III women’s hockey.

A native of Elk River, Minn., Simon graduated from Hamline in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science degree in public health.

Her first day at UW-Superior will be May 7, and an introductory press conference for Simon will be held at noon in the Marcovich Wellness Center on the UW-Superior campus.

Creating a unified identity: Atlantic Hockey America commissioner Morgan on rebranding, league’s future

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On her way into a sunset social gathering for her conference’s coaches and administrators, commissioner Michelle Morgan paused to take a photo.

In the distance, an orange-glowing sun was heading toward the Gulf of Mexico horizon.

With that image in mind, Morgan updated the group on the branding announcement that was to happen on Tuesday.

“In my remarks, I thought it was a great way to honor our past with the metaphor of the sunset,” Morgan said by telephone from the American Hockey Coaches Association convention in Naples, Fla. “Tomorrow was going to be a new day.”

After nearly a year of work on new branding and a merger of the men’s Atlantic Hockey Association and the women’s College Hockey America, the unveiling to the league’s stakeholders was set.

“When I started a year ago, there was some discussion and some desire that the directors for both leagues would want to consider or seriously consider moving in the direction of unification into one league,” said Morgan. “But we had to figure out what that looked like.”

During Morgan’s first few months on the job, she looked to have conversations and understand what had taken place historically, or what had been discussed.

Once it was determined what a unified league and merger of two separate organizations might look like, the rebranding process began.

“We really got into this deep, six-month process that was pretty intensive related to branding, and understanding who we are, where we’ve been, what our history is, and what what’s our name going to be, what our colors are going to be, and what does the icon look like,” Morgan said. “Ultimately, landing where we did with Atlantic Hockey America.”

The new branding is a combination of the two former conference names. According to an announcement released on Tuesday by the rechristened conference, “The logo takes a nod from the iconography of the College Hockey America star and the puck from Atlantic Hockey. The motion lines honor the past while pushing toward the future.”

While some coaches and administrators had been part of the rebranding discussions, most got their first look in a meeting of about 80 people on Tuesday morning, starting with a presentation on the process and ending with the reveal video also published on social media.

“There were people that were really comfortable with the current name of their league and identity,” said Morgan. “But I think with all that said with this merging of the two, there was a good, collegial atmosphere amongst the directors to say, ‘Hey, we want what’s best for the entirety of our league and the totality of all of these programs, not just one or the other.'”

“And so I think where we landed is really evidence of truly the merging of two leagues, but not losing the key components of what makes each league so special,” Morgan said.

Going forward, Morgan anticipates a stronger identity for the combined league with the ability to build off the brands of each member institution.

As part of that, each member’s colors will be reflected on uniforms and signage. “It was really important that in true partnership we didn’t lose the identity of the institutions,” Morgan said.

In the near future, the newly-combined conference will add merchandise and an e-commerce store.

Morgan anticipates benefits resulting from “increased alignment and new partnerships” for its 15 member institutions, especially with only three programs – Mercyhurst, RIT, and Robert Morris – having both men’s and women’s hockey.

“I look at it really as a growth opportunity,” Morgan said. “An exciting time, and a bright future.”

Atlantic Hockey, CHA women will combine as Atlantic Hockey America for 2024-25 season

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Atlantic Hockey America is the new name for the combined Atlantic Hockey Association and College Hockey America.

The Atlantic Hockey Association and College Hockey America announced Tuesday they will begin competing as a united league under the name Atlantic Hockey America in the 2024-25 season.

The announcement was made at the American Hockey Coaches Association annual convention in Naples, Fla.

Atlantic Hockey has competed as a NCAA Division I men’s ice hockey conference since 2003. College Hockey America began a women’s conference in 2002. The two conferences have shared administrative operations since 2010 but have competed as separate entities until today.

“After nearly a year of work, I’m thrilled to unveil our new brand and graphic identity to signal a new era for our league,” said Atlantic Hockey America commissioner Michelle Morgan. “I’d like to thank our membership for their participation and voice in this process, with special recognition and thanks to the working group that gave countless hours to this endeavor.”

The two leagues bring together a combined 43 years under the Atlantic Hockey America brand.

“Our new identity honors the rich tradition of our past and celebrates the bright future that lies ahead for our member programs,” Morgan said.

Atlantic Hockey America produced a reveal video to introduce the new branding.

AHA’s official statement noted that its new colors – Atlantic Blue and Gold – are a unique combination among Division I ice hockey conferences, while the new logo “takes a nod from the iconography of the College Hockey America star and the puck from Atlantic Hockey. The motion lines honor the past while pushing toward the future.”

The 11-team men’s league consists of Air Force, AIC, Army West Point, Bentley, Canisius, Holy Cross, Mercyhurst, Niagara, RIT, Robert Morris and Sacred Heart. The six-team women’s league features Lindenwood, Mercyhurst, Penn State, RIT, Robert Morris and Syracuse.

Atlantic Hockey America women will welcome Delaware as the seventh member of the conference in 2025-26.

In addition to the rebrand, the two leagues are in the process of finalizing a merger that will allow for operations as one entity beginning with the 2024-25 season.

 

NCHC names longtime Omaha coach, administrator Kemp 2024 winner of conference’s distinguished service award

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Mike Kemp has spent 48 years in college hockey (photo: Omaha Athletics).

For his work as an administrator at Omaha and ambassador of college hockey, the NCHC has honored Omaha executive associate athletics director Mike Kemp with the 2024 NCHC Distinguished Service Award.

Kemp is retiring in May after a 48-year career in college athletics as a coach and administrator.

Kemp was bestowed with the award in person on April 29 at the NCHC annual meeting dinner and reception at the Naples Grande Beach Resort. NCHC staff presented Kemp with the award with representatives from the entire membership in attendance.

While Kemp made a massive impact during his coaching career, his move to the ‘front office’ as an administrator was just influential. His biggest contribution to the NCHC, along with helping Omaha be a founding member of the conference, is serving as the director of the NCHC pod. In addition, Kemp has served on the NCHC’s athletic council during the entirety of the conference (11 years).

“We are honored to present Mike with our Distinguished Service Award. He has been an important and influential dignitary in college hockey for many years,” said NCHC commissioner Heather Weems in a statement. “As the first hockey coach at Omaha, he helped put the Mavericks on the map and has only continued to build the program in his administrative role. From serving as chair of the ice hockey championship committee to hosting the NCHC pod, Mike has always had the NCHC’s and college hockey’s best interest at heart.

“He is more than deserving of this award.”

Kemp played a major role in UNO’s Baxter Arena serving as the host venue for the NCHC pod, which was held in Omaha in Dec. 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Kemp oversaw the unprecedented task of playing 38 NCHC games in 21 days with eight teams in one venue – something never done in any college sport – while helping complete it safely and successfully, which it was. From team arrivals, to locker room set-up and rotation, to practice and morning skate schedules, to venue operations and COVID-19 testing, Kemp had a hand in making sure the pod was run smoothly while providing a secure environment for all.

In April 2021, Kemp was awarded the NCHC’s first Commissioner’s Award for his work in hosting and overseeing the NCHC pod.

Kemp also served on the NCAA Ice Hockey Championship Committee for five years from 2017 to 2022, including holding the role of chair for two years in 2021 and 2022. While chair, Kemp and his committee had to hand-select the 2021 NCAA tournament field during the pandemic due to a lack of nonconference games and no PairWise Rankings. He also had to adjust a regional location on short notice in 2021, while ensuring a safe and successful tournament. During his two years as chair, Kemp presented the national championship trophy to UMass (2021) in Pittsburgh and NCHC member Denver (2022) in Boston.

Along with coaching Omaha to its first-ever NCAA tournament appearance in 2006, Kemp also secured Omaha’s first on-campus arena in his position as a UNO administrator. He played a key role in the design and construction of Baxter Arena, which opened in 2015. The Mavericks announced on April 19 that the ice at Baxter Arena would be renamed ‘Kemp Ice’ in honor of their first head coach.

“This is another honor to highlight the impactful career of Mike Kemp.” said Adrian Dowell, vice chancellor-director of athletics at Omaha. “We are very appreciative to the NCHC for appropriately recognizing Mike’s contributions over decades to not only UNO but also the conference and college hockey.”

Kemp has been a part of the Mavericks’ family for 27 years, serving in multiple functions. He has been in his current role as Omaha senior associate AD for events and facilities since being promoted in March of 2019. Prior to that, he was an associate athletic director at UNO for 12 years, moving into that role in 2009 after completing a 12-year run as the program’s first head hockey coach. A member of the Omaha Hockey Hall of Fame and Omaha Sports Hall of Fame, Kemp helped start the Omaha hockey program in 1997, joining the staff in 1996. He now oversees UNO’s hockey program and Baxter Arena in his current position.

Kemp is the seventh recipient of the NCHC Distinguished Service Award, which is not necessarily bestowed upon someone annually, but is presented to an individual who has served, supported and promoted the goals and ideals of the NCHC and who, through personal effort and dedication, has enhanced the ability of the Conference and/or its member institutions to provide a positive experience for the stu­dent-athletes enrolled at NCHC member institutions.

The inaugural NCHC Distinguished Service Award was presented to Bill Hybl, the chairman and CEO of El Pomar Foundation, in 2016, while former Denver director of athletics Ron Grahame received the honor in 2017. In 2018, Peg Bradley-Doppes, former Denver vice chancellor for athletics, and Brian Faison, former North Dakota director of athletics, were co-honorees, both of whom were heavily involved in the founding of the NCHC, along with 2019 winner Ken Ralph, the former Colorado College director of athletics. The most recent recipient was nine-year NCHC commissioner Josh Fenton, who received it in 2022 following his final season.

Former Western New England women’s hockey graduate assistant, University of New England player Drinkwater named head coach at Rivier

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Marykate Drinkwater will lead the Rivier women’s hockey team (photo: Western New England Athletics).

Marykate Drinkwater has been selected to lead the Rivier women’s hockey program.

Drinkwater comes to Rivier after serving as a graduate assistant for the Western New England’s women’s hockey program, helping the team to a 17-8-3 overall record and the 2023-24 CCC postseason championship in only its third season of NCAA competition.

“I am thrilled to welcome Marykate to Rivier as our women’s ice hockey head coach,” said Rivier director of athletics Jonathan Harper in a statement. “Coach Drinkwater was a key member of the coaching staff at Western New England that guided the team to a conference championship this past season. Her commitment to the experience of our students was evident during our search process and was built from her own history as a high-level student-athlete at the University of New England. The women’s ice hockey program at Rivier is in great hands under her leadership.”

“I am deeply honored and thrilled to join Rivier University as the new women’s ice hockey head coach,” added Drinkwater. “I would like to thank Jonathan Harper and the entire staff for the opportunity to become part of this amazing program. I am incredibly grateful for the chance to lead and guide these talented student-athletes on their journey to success, both on and off the ice.”

Drinkwater helped the Golden Bears rank in the top-five nationally in both power-play percentage (29.1%) and power-play goal scoring (25) on the way to the league championship and an NCAA Division III women’s hockey championship berth. The well-rounded team also recorded seven shutouts, leading the CCC while ranking 10th in all of NCAA Division III.

Hired as the first assistant coach in team history when the Golden Bears’ program first hit the ice in 2021-22, Drinkwater assisted with practices and games while conducting film review, recruiting, and aiding with administrative duties while pursuing her master’s degree in Sport Leadership and Coaching.

Prior to coaching at the collegiate level, Drinkwater spent four years competing for the University of New England women’s hockey team before graduating in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in Health, Wellness, and Occupational Studies while earning a minor in Coaching.

With the Nor’easters, Drinkwater competed in 107 games to rank second all-time in team history upon graduating. Academically, she earned All-America Scholar distinction as a senior from the American Hockey Coaches Association and finished with 13 goals and 17 assists for 30 points, logging a career-high 14 in her final campaign with the Nor’easters.

Drinkwater began her coaching career as an assistant coach for the Biddeford (Maine) High School junior varsity and varsity girls’ hockey squads. She has also served as a camp evaluator for USA Hockey and has coached for Iceworks Hockey and the North American Premier Showcase.

The native of Franklin, Mass., spent her last two years of high school at Worcester Academy. During her first two years, she attended Franklin High School where she was a two-time MetroWest Daily News All-Star and served as a team captain her sophomore season.

Drinkwater inherits a team at Rivier that made its first appearance in the ECHA championship game in 2023-24. Next year, the Raiders will make history as one of the founding members of the MASCAC, the newest NCAA Division III women’s hockey conference.

Longtime Cornell, Quinnipiac men’s hockey assistant Syer chosen new head coach at Princeton

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Ben Syer has 25 years’ experience in college hockey (photo: Eldon Lindsay/Cornell Athletics).

Ben Syer has been named the 18th head coach of men’s hockey at Princeton.

Syer takes over for Ron Fogarty, who was not retained after the 2023-24 season.

A 25-year veteran behind the bench of Division I college hockey programs, Syer takes the reins of the Tigers after recently concluding his 13th season overall at Cornell and his 12th as associate head coach of the Big Red. His previous 12 seasons as a college coach came while serving as associate head coach and recruiting coordinator at Quinnipiac from 1999 to 2011.

In 2018, Syer was the recipient of the Terry Flanagan Award, presented annually by the American Hockey Coaches Association (AHCA) to an assistant coach in recognition of his superior body of work over a career.

“I am thrilled to welcome Ben and his family to Princeton and the men’s hockey program,” said Princeton director of athletics John Mack in a statement. “He has a proven track record of recruiting and developing student-athletes and positioning them for success on the ice and in the classroom. He has been part of championship teams throughout his entire coaching career, navigating one of the toughest conferences in college hockey year-in, year-out. Throughout this process, it was evident that Ben possesses the qualities we are looking for in a head men’s ice hockey coach at Princeton. He is a passionate recruiter, an innovative tactician and a commanding leader inside the locker room. Under his guidance, I am confident that Princeton’s best days on the ice are ahead of us.”

Syer’s 13 seasons at Cornell included seven Ivy League championships, three ECAC regular-season titles and one ECAC postseason title which came this past March. Overall, he was part of a Big Red program that qualified for seven NCAA tournaments and reached four regional finals.

Before joining the Big Red, he was on staff during Quinnipiac’s rise into Division I hockey where the Bobcats won the 2002 MAAC championship and reached the NCAA tournament for the first time. In addition, he coached a pair of conference regular-season championship teams at Quinnipiac – one in the MAAC (1998-99) and one in Atlantic Hockey (2004-05). He was on staff with the Bobcats during their move to the ECAC that included a run to the ECAC final in their second season of conference membership in 2006-07.

“It is a privilege to represent Princeton University and Princeton athletics while we collectively build upon the strong culture of support and success the institution and its passionate staff and alumni base provide to student-athletes,” Syer said. “I would like to thank John Mack and the search committee for allowing me the opportunity to lead the next chapter of the men’s ice hockey program at Princeton. I also must extend my sincere gratitude to my family for their unconditional support, and also have the greatest appreciation and thanks to Mike Schafer and Rand Pecknold for their mentorship and guidance throughout my career. I look forward to getting started at my new home while building strong relationships with the players, staff and alumni to prepare for this new era of Tiger hockey.”

In addition to his plethora of team success over his coaching career, Syer has coached seven All-Americans and three Hobey Baker Award finalists while also helping guide his players to 42 all-conference honors and 43 all-Ivy selections.

In terms of professional hockey aspirations, Syer has helped coach 23 NHL draft picks and currently has nine former players who have appeared in NHL games. Overall during his time in Ithaca, two-thirds of his Cornell players have graduated and signed professional hockey contracts.

The hallmark of Syer’s teams at Cornell has been defense. Over his 13 years behind the bench with the Big Red, his teams have averaged 2.21 goals allowed-per-game which ranks No. 3 among all Division I programs over the past 13 seasons. This past season, the Big Red led the country in scoring defense, allowing 1.86 goals-per-game as the lone team to average fewer than two goals allowed each night. In his 13 years with the Big Red, Syer has mentored teams to a top-10 ranking in scoring defense nine times and twice has led the country in that statistic (2017-18, 2023-24).

The Big Red have won 20-plus games in six of their last seven seasons on the ice, including back-to-back seasons with 20 or more wins through this past campaign.

Syer has experience leading behind the bench as well, posting a 13-6-4 record as acting head coach with the Big Red over the past three seasons at various times.

In addition to his collegiate coaching experience, Syer served as head coach at USA Hockey Select Festivals since 2016 where he has worked with the top age-group players in the United States. The past two years, he has served as head coach of Team New York at USA Hockey events.

He also has been a guest coach at USA Hockey’s World Junior training camp in 2022 and was a guest coach at development camp with the Washington Capitals in 2018.

Syer has extensive skill development experience at camps and clinics around the country, including S&B Hockey Camps which he co-founded in Ithaca and has run since 2019. He has served as guest lecturer at coaching symposiums run by the AHCA Convention, NCAA Frozen Four, USA Hockey and Washington Capitals.

Off the ice, he is actively involved in his communities where he has volunteered with Salvation Army and Ithaca Youth Hockey. Since 2013, he has participated in the “Racker Rivals” game which annually raises over $100,000 in support of the Racker Center in Ithaca which provides strength-based support for individuals with disabilities and their families in Tompkins, Cortland and Tioga counties.

A native of Kitchener, Ont., Syer graduated from the University of Western Ontario in 1998 with an honors degree in Urban Development. In 2000, he earned a Master’s in Physical Education from Ohio University while also serving as an assistant coach with the club men’s hockey team.

Michigan State, Michigan Tech, Northern Michigan, Western Michigan make up Great Lakes Invitational field for 2024 event in Grand Rapids, Mich.

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Van Andel Arena is located in downtown Grand Rapids, Mich. (file photo: Matt Mackinder).

The 58th annual Great Lakes Invitational will take place on Dec. 29-30, 2024 at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Mich., and there will be four Michigan-based schools for the 18th time in tournament history.

Michigan Tech and Western Michigan will meet in the first semifinal on Dec. 29 at 3:30 p.m. followed by Michigan State versus Northern Michigan in the nightcap at 7 p.m. The winners will advance to the GLI championship game on Dec. 30 at 7 p.m. with the GLI third-place game taking place prior to the title contest at 3:30 p.m.

Ticket packages for the 58th GLI will go on sale in September at VanAndelArena.com. It will be the third straight year the historic tournament will be staged in Grand Rapids at Van Andel Arena.

Michigan Tech has won the GLI 12 times in 57 tournaments and is the defending winner of the MacInnes Cup. Michigan State has 12 GLI titles in 49 tournaments. Western Michigan won the first GLI at Van Andel Arena in 2022 and will make its seventh all-time appearance. The Broncos have won the tournament four times. Northern Michigan will also be making its seventh appearance and first since 2015.

The GLI was first played in 1965 after the idea for the tournament was conceived and implemented by Michigan Tech coach John MacInnes, Olympia Stadium GM Lincoln Cavalieri and Detroit Red Wings scout Jack Paterson. The tournament has been played at Olympia Stadium (1965-78), Joe Louis Arena (1979–2012, 2014–16), Comerica Park (2013), Little Caesars Arena (2018-19), and Van Andel Arena (2022). COVID-19 canceled the 2020 GLI and teams played a non-tournament showcase-style event in 2021.

Future teams to compete in the GLI against the Huskies and Spartans are Miami and Ferris State in 2025, and Western Michigan and Notre Dame in 2026.

After leading Denver to second national championship in three seasons in 2023-24, Pioneers’ Carle selected USCHO.com Coach of the Year

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Denver coach David Carle gets the Gatorade bath during the Pioneers’ celebration April 13 in St. Paul, Minn. (photo: Jim Rosvold).

David Carle guided Denver to its second national championship in two years, downing Boston College 2-0 back on April 13 in St. Paul, Minn.

For taking the Pioneers to the top of the college hockey mountain, Carle has been named USCHO.com Coach of the Year for the 2023-24 season in a vote of USCHO.com staff members.

During this past season, his sixth year at the helm of his alma mater, Carle guided the Pioneers to their third NCAA Frozen Four in that time. Denver finished with a 32-9-3 record this season, marking the program’s third consecutive 30-wn campaign—the first time in school history it has reached the threshold in back-to-back-to-back years. It is also the 22nd straight full season where DU has recorded 20 or more victories, extending its “Tenzer” Streak as the longest active stretch in college hockey that dates to 2001-02.

Denver finished second in the NCHC standings during the regular season with 45 points and a 15-7-2 record in conference play. In the postseason, the Pioneers swept Minnesota Duluth in two games in the NCHC quarterfinals before defeating St. Cloud State in the conference semifinals and Omaha in the championship game to pick up their third NCHC Frozen Faceoff championship. Overall, it was DU’s 18 conference tournament title in the team’s 75-season history.

The Pioneers played in their 33rd national tournament and advanced to their 19th Frozen Four and fifth trip in the last eight years (seven tournament appearances) by winning the NCAA Northeast Regional in Springfield, Mass.

Carle picked up his 126th career victory on Nov. 25 against Yale, surpassing his predecessor, Jim Montgomery, for sole possession of fourth place on the school’s all-time wins list. He coached his 200th game—all at DU—on Dec. 9 at Western Michigan to become just the fifth Pioneers coach to reach the milestone. His .675 winning percentage through the first 200 games was the second-best mark among Denver coaches, as only Murray Armstrong was better through his first 200 at .735 while also winning three national titles.

Overall, Carle owns a 148-62-16 all-time record and his current .690 winning percentage is presently the best among coaches in Denver hockey history. Armstrong is second with a .674 winning percentage.

Carle won his second national title as a head coach and his third overall. He became the fourth-youngest coach in college hockey history to win an NCAA championship in 2022 (32 years, five months, zero days) and also won a title as an assistant on Montgomery’s staff in 2017.

He also won a gold medal as well this season for Team USA at the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship in Sweden in December and January, leading the Americans past the host Swedes in the final for the country’s sixth gold in the last 20 years.

Union assistant men’s coach Childs steps down, heading back to junior hockey as new head coach of USHL’s Lancers

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Lennie Childs spent two seasons as an assistant coach with Union (photo: Dominique Del Prete).

After two seasons as an assistant coach for the Union men’s hockey team, Lennie Childs has stepped down to accept the head coach position for the USHL’s Omaha Lancers.

“My time at Union College was nothing short of tremendous,” said Childs in a statement. I thank Coach (Josh) Hauge for giving me the opportunity to grow and work with highly dedicated players every day. My family and I are excited and honored to be named the next head coach of the Omaha Lancers. It is a blue blood program in the USHL with a tradition of developing top young talent.”

Childs helped guide Union to a 30-37-5 record in his two seasons on the bench, which included two first-round home ECAC Hockey playoff games and a trip to the conference quarterfinals this season.

“I want to thank Lennie for everything he contributed to our program,” said Hauge. “We really enjoyed working with him and the energy he brought to the rink every day. We look forward to watching his coaching journey and wish him and his family the best in Omaha.”

Before coming to Schenectady, Childs served as an assistant coach with the USHL’s Des Moines Buccaneers where he primarily led player development, the penalty kill units, and offensive zone production.

Prior to his time with the Buccaneers, Childs spent two seasons with the NAHL’s Janesville Jets as an assistant coach before being promoted to associate head coach in his third season. In addition to player development and working with the defense, he was responsible for camps, recruiting, and the day-to-day operations of the team. Under his coaching, the Jets had one of the best defensive cores in the NAHL, with the second-ranked penalty kill in the 2020-21 season.

During the 2017-18 season, Childs served as the head coach for the USPHL’s Skipjacks Hockey Club where he guided the team to a 27-10-7 record.

Childs played four years of collegiate hockey at Concordia-Wisconsin where he graduated in 2016 with a degree in marketing.

A search for a new assistant coach will begin immediately.

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