The Maine men's ice hockey team tied #6 Denver 3-3 in a game that went to overtime, with Maine's Frank Djurasevic scoring a late goal to force the tie, and the game featured strong performances from both teams and notable shot and save statistics.
The Maine men's ice hockey team tied #6 Denver 3-3 in a game that went to overtime, with Maine's Frank Djurasevic scoring a late goal to force the tie, and the teams remaining evenly matched at 12-7-2 records.
The #15/18 Maine men's ice hockey team upset #6 Denver with a 5-2 victory in Denver, highlighted by a strong third period and career performances from Thomas Pichette and Brandon Holt, moving their season record to 12-7-1.
Michigan State hockey team won the Great Lakes Invitational for the first time in 25 years, defeating Michigan Tech 4-1 to claim the MacInnes Cup, with senior Charlie Stramel named MVP and key contributions from players like Anthony Romani and Trey Augustine.
Thirty-four NCAA Division I men's hockey players are competing in the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship, with Michigan having the most players (6), and the United States team leading with 21 players overall. The tournament features players from 15 different NCAA teams, showcasing top young talent from around the world, and is available to watch on NHL Network.
For the first time, NCAA hockey will be represented by an all-star team, the United States Collegiate Selects, at the historic Spengler Cup in Davos, Switzerland, competing against professional European teams, marking a significant milestone for college hockey on the global stage.
Max Plante, a second-round pick by the Detroit Red Wings, is tied for first in NCAA scoring with 18 points in nine games, showcasing his elite hockey IQ and scoring ability, despite not having NHL size. His performance highlights his potential as a future NHL playmaker, and he is also playing alongside his brother Zam, who is also a notable prospect.
The article discusses how NCAA college hockey has significantly outpaced the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) in resources and development infrastructure, driven by an ongoing arms race among college programs to attract top players through superior facilities, coaching, and lifestyle benefits, with recent high-profile NIL deals like Gavin McKenna's highlighting the evolving landscape.
Michigan State hockey lost top player Isaac Howard, who was traded from Tampa Bay to Edmonton and signed a three-year contract, after a disagreement on turning pro, but the team remains strong with a talented roster and recent successes.
Michigan State hockey star Isaac Howard, the 2025 Hobey Baker Award winner, has signed a three-year contract with the Edmonton Oilers after being traded from the Tampa Bay Lightning, choosing to start his professional career instead of returning to college.
Gavin McKenna, a top prospect for the 2026 NHL Draft and 2025 CHL Player of the Year, has committed to Penn State University, marking a significant move in college hockey and potentially influencing the top picks of the upcoming NHL Draft, with McKenna known for his elite offensive skills and skating ability.
Gavin McKenna, the projected No. 1 pick of the 2026 NHL draft and a highly celebrated prospect, has committed to Penn State University, marking a significant development in college hockey and benefiting from recent rule changes allowing CHL players to join NCAA teams. McKenna, a talented winger with a remarkable scoring record, received a record NIL offer from Penn State, which also attracted other top recruits, strengthening the program's future prospects.
The NCAA Division I council has voted to allow Canadian Hockey League (CHL) players to be eligible for NCAA Division I hockey starting in 2025, provided they are not paid beyond actual and necessary expenses. This decision, effective August 1, 2025, could significantly impact both college and major junior hockey by expanding opportunities for CHL players to pursue college hockey careers. However, players with NHL contracts returning to the CHL remain ineligible for NCAA play. The change follows legal challenges and aims to provide more development options for young players.
Forward prospect Frank Nazar is leaving Michigan early to sign a three-year entry-level contract with the Chicago Blackhawks, forgoing the rest of his college eligibility. The 13th overall draft pick in 2022, Nazar had an impressive season at Michigan, producing 17 goals and 24 assists in 41 games as a sophomore. He is expected to be a major piece in the Blackhawks' rebuild and is projected to be a top-six center or wing for the team in the coming years.
Pittsburgh Penguins prospect Tristan Broz has been making waves in the NCAA tournament with his overtime heroics, leading the University of Denver to the championship game. The 21-year-old forward, selected in the 2021 draft, has impressed the Penguins' management with his performance and development. After the season, the Penguins plan to discuss turning pro with Broz, who has shown improvement in his game and may soon join the Penguins organization.