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D-III Makes its Push for Tournament Expansion

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As expected, the The Division III Men’s Ice Hockey Committee has voted to recommend expansion for its championship.

The group approved a recommendation to the Division III Championships Cabinet requesting that the championship be expanded from its current eight-team bracket to nine or 10 teams. If approved, the new system would be used for the 2002-2003 season.

Two options were proposed, a nine-team bracket with a five-four East-West split, or a 10-team bracket with six Eastern teams and four from the West.

There are are currently 67 Division III teams, and the additional of Utica College for the 2001-2002 season will bring the total to 68. The current ratio for Division III is one championship slot for every 7.5 teams, so 68 teams would translate into 9.07 eligible teams.

There is also a recommendation before the NCAA to reduce the ratio from 1 in 7.5 to 1 in 7 across all of Division III, increasing the number of at-large bids for all sports. This would bring the number of teams in the NCAA D-III ice hockey championships to 9.7, or close to 10.

The committee also voted to contact the competing institutions immediately after the selection call in order to allow teams to make travel arrangements as soon as possible. In the past, some teams have not been notified until mid-day on Monday, and the championships begin that Friday afternoon.

It was also decided that all Western schools would be contacted to see if any are interested in putting in a bid for a pre-determined site for the 2001-2002 championships. This should increase the likelihood of a Western location for this season’s ultimate prize.

ECAC Committee Delays Final Approval on Changes

By Adam Wodon
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The ECAC Policy Committee, the body in charge of granting final approval to a 34-game league schedule, decided during a conference call today to table a final decision until Oct. 1. The delay will allow the Policy Committee members to meet face-to-face amongst themselves and league athletic directors at the annual ECAC AD Convention.

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Two months ago, conference athletic directors gave their stamp of approval to increasing the games limit from 32 to the NCAA-standard 34. They also approved the addition of an extra weekend of conference tournament games, in order to facilitate the expansion of the tournament to include all 12 league teams.

Both decisions were made pending approval of the Policy Committee, an oversight body comprised of non-sports representatives from each league school. Given the unprecedented cooperation among Ivy and non-Ivy League athletic directors, passage from the Policy Committee has been expected.

Is this delay an indication that those proposals are in jeopardy?

Not necessarily, said ECAC assistant commissioner Steve Hagwell, who said the delay was inspired more by a desire to meet face-to-face.

“Certainly there were some concerns [during the conference call] on the significance of these proposals,” said Hagwell. “But, also, these people haven’t gotten together in some time. Many of them have never met.

“The last issue they had to decide was in 1998, on whether to go to a 10-team tournament. They conducted that vote via e-mail. …

“I’m optimistic that, given the two months we now have, and the face-to-face opportunity the ADs will have … they will come to that meeting and have their questions already answered, and see that it’s in the best intersts of league.”

The increase in the games limit was a source of great optimism, given that the 12 ADs agreed on the proposal unanimously, even though Ivy League schools would still be limited to 29 games.

The question is whether this spirit of cooperation, and desire to “do what’s best for the league,” is shared by the non-sports representatives.

“One [Ivy League committee member] said that on the [conference] call,” Hagwell said. “They said, ‘We don’t want to get into a situation where we create a divide, us vs. them.’

“So, they’re well aware of that desire to have this league function as a league.”

MAAC Extends TV Deal with MSG Network

USCHO Staff Report
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The MAAC has reached a three-year broadcast rights renewal with MSG Networks for the telecast of 22 men’s basketball, women’s basketball and ice hockey contests.

As it has the past two seasons, MSG will televise the 2002, 2003 and 2004 MAAC men’s hockey Championship games. In addition, MSG Network will air 12 regular season MAAC men’s basketball games through the 2003-2004 season, as well as six men’s games and three women’s games during the next three MAAC Basketball Tournaments.

“We are pleased to have extended our agreement with the MAAC,” said Mike McCarthy, executive vice president of MSG Networks. “Not only does the MAAC represent great collegiate athletics, it also represents great local programming for our entire coverage area. We look forward to another three years of exciting action.”

“The MAAC membership values its relationship with MSG Network, the recognized national leader in regional sports programming,” said Rich Ensor, MAAC commissioner.

Kolanos’ Talks with Coyotes Intensify

USCHO Staff Report
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Boston College star forward Krys Kolanos is closer than ever to leaving school and signing with the NHL’s Phoenix Coyotes, according to a report in today’s Arizona Republic.

Kolanos

Kolanos

Kolanos, who scored the game winning goal in last spring’s NCAA championship game, has told The Republic that he is “leaning towards turning pro.” The newspaper reports that talks between the team and Kolanos’ family advisor have intensified in the past couple of days, and that a conclusion could be reached within 10 days.

Kolanos was the Coyotes’ first-round pick (19th overall) in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft, which was held in his hometown of Calgary. He was part of a record crop of seven college players selected in that year’s first round.

In 41 games last season, Kolanos had 25 goals and 50 points, ranking second on the team behind Brian Gionta. He was fourth in Hockey East scoring with 28 points, behind teammates Gionta and Chuck Kobasew, and Providence’s Devin Rask.

As a freshman, Kolanos recorded 32 points and was named to the Hockey East All-Rookie Team.

CHA Gets Automatic Bid Boost

By Adam Wodon
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College Hockey America has made a significant step toward receiving an automatic bid to the NCAA men’s tournament, thanks to a ruling by the NCAA Management Council at a recent meeting.

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The Council corrected a mistake made two years ago, when the NCAA erroneously returned the CHA’s membership application and fee. At the time, the CHA had six schools, plus Findlay, a provisional member. The number of full-fledged NCAA schools dropped to five, however, when Army left for the MAAC, which confused the process.

However, the NCAA ruled that a conference can maintain its Division I status while counting a provisional member as one its six schools. Since the conference should have been approved to begin with, it is allowed to continue as an NCAA conference despite having only five full-fledged NCAA institutions. That decision was made retroactive to Sept. 1, 1999.

Much of the credit for getting the NCAA to move on the issue is being given to Bob Peters, the recently-retired long-time coach at Bemidji State, who is also incoming CHA commissioner. After attending July’s annual NCAA Men’s Ice Hockey Committee meetings, he stayed near the NCAA headquarters in Indianapolis to try to push the situation.

“If not for Bob, we never would’ve gotten this done,” said Bill Wilkinson, outgoing chair of the NCAA Men’s Ice Hockey Committee and head coach at Wayne State, a CHA member. “He stuck around Indianapolis and got his nose in the situation. He was getting people to recognize that we got the paperwork in accordingly.”

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Now the CHA must get on with solidifying its six teams. Once it has six NCAA members in its ranks, the conference is expected to get the automatic bid. Findlay is on track to become that team, once its probationary period ends after this coming season.

Assuming nothing else changes, the CHA would theoretically have an automatic bid for the 2003 NCAA tournament.

Another major monkey wrench, however, is the possibility of Niagara moving from the CHA to the MAAC, where it participates in all other sports. That would again give the CHA less than the six requisite members.

Though talk of this move died down over the past year, especially after coach Blaise MacDonald departed for UMass-Lowell, the possibility has apparently heated up again, with the MAAC pushing harder than ever.

“It’s always a worry. We don’t want to lose members,” said Wilkinson. “The MAAC people are pushing. But to be affiliated in basketball is different than being affiliated in hockey. We feel that with hockey, the CHA has been more progressive [than the MAAC].”

Wilkinson said the Niagara situation is, at this time, a year-to-year thing and CHA schools have never been forced to give lengthy committments. Therefore, it’s hard to say with complete confidence that the conference will be in tact when it comes time for the committee to render a decision next summer.

Jack McDonald, incoming committee chair and athletic director at Quinnipiac, said the committee will make the determination on the CHA’s qualifications when the time comes.

“If the NCAA allows their application to get to our table, they should get an AQ,” said McDonald.

Though there is nothing preventing the CHA from attempting to make a run at it one year early.

“The MAAC was eligible two years ago. We applied a year early and it was denied,” said McDonald. “There was no hard feelings. It helped us the following year.”

Of course, none of this wrangling over having six member schools would have mattered had the NCAA not granted the CHA conference status.

“It’s a great relief,” said Wilkinson. “We’ve done everyting correctly. Maybe it was an oversight on their part not ruling correctly in the first place, but it’s great to see the situation rectified.”

Findlay announced it was moving all of its sports from NAIA to NCAA Division II in August, 1998. Once the move to the NCAA was completed, the hockey program then started its own two-year probationary period for a move to Division I. That began in September, 2000.

Findlay’s progression to Division I status has been filled with confusion, and references to arcane NCAA by-laws.

Just as the school’s Division II status was reached, the NCAA passed a nine-year moratorium on new membership or teams moving up in classification. Findlay had to be granted an exemption in order for their move to D-I in hockey to continue.

Last season, the MAAC forced all league members to drop their scheduled games against Findlay, citing a conference by-law preventing teams from playing games against non-D-I opponents in their first probationary year. Many teams apparently thought Findlay was in its second probationary year. The MAAC’s decision angered many in the hockey community.

This season, MAAC teams have once again scheduled Findlay, now that the Oilers have finally reached their second probationary year.

Bowling Green coach Buddy Powers replaces Wilkinson on the committee, effective Sept. 1. The NCAA has also approved two new membership slots, bringing the total to six, one for each hockey conference that has an automatic bid, and one wild card.

NCAA Tournament Expansion Tops on Committee Agenda

By Adam Wodon
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There weren’t many major issues on the agenda at this year’s NCAA Men’s Ice Hockey Committee meeting in Indianapolis.

Except for the usual suspect — bracket expansion.

The committee thought it was close last year to increasing the number of teams in the Division I men’s tournament to 16, a long-sought after goal. But, after being shot down yet again, the wheels were put in motion to get it done for next year.

The issues remain the same: whether the NCAA is willing to expand a men’s tournament bracket before ensuring that opportunities in women’s sports are more equitable.

The NCAA recently created a special subcommittee of the Championships Cabinet that will review bracket expansion for all sports. While it might concern hockey that the subcommittee will be looking into all sports, the committee was encouraged by the attendance of Judy Sweet, the NCAA’s vice president of championships, at its recent meeting.

“It was nice of Judy Sweet to attend that meeting,” said McDonald. “We presented our arguments, and told her that we support women’s hockey completely.”

McDonald said the three main sports in line for expansion are hockey, men’s lacrosse and women’s softball.

“There were a number of women’s sports put ahead of us, and they have all been approved,” said McDonald.

“In the process of lobbying and educating [the NCAA], we need to make sure hockey contnues to be on the priority list.”

McDonald said the formation of the committee is a bit worrisome, because it adds more debate to an issue he hoped was more cut-and-dried. But, he said, hockey remains in a strong position.

“It’s kind of like, this is a timeout. We’re ahead and we have to make sure not to give up two goals in the last minute,” he said.

There were some other issues on the committee’s agenda. For one, they decided against making any changes to the NCAA tournament selection criteria at this time. They were also discussions about issues such as television, Frozen Four dates and preliminary discussions on whether the CHA will receive an automatic bid to the tournament.

The committee will also welcome a new member, Bowling Green coach Buddy Powers, who replaces outgoing chair Bill Wilkinson. The NCAA has approved the addition of two more committee members, effective Sept. 1. They have not yet been named.

Salve Regina hires MacPherson as new men’s coach

USCHO Staff Report
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Salve Regina has announced the hiring of Christopher MacPherson as its new men’s head coach.

MacPherson, a native of North Eastham, Mass., inherits a program that has finished eighth each of the last two seasons in the ECAC Northeast. He is only the third head men’s coach in the history of the program. Prior to attaining NCAA Division III varsity status in 1997, the Seahawks had enjoyed a number of successful seasons as a club program since 1984.

MacPherson served as an assistant coach with Skidmore for the past five seasons, a position he earned after graduating with a number of Thoroughbred ice hockey records.

As a player at Skidmore, MacPherson ranks eighth all-time in scoring with 63 goals and 49 assists for 112 points in 94 career games played. He also played on three regular-season ECAC South championship teams. Skidmore was 68-23-4 during his four seasons. In addition, he holds Skidmore career records for game-winning goals (14) and power-play goals (33), and season records for power-play goals (14) and penalty minutes (126).

“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to work with a group of hard-working players,” says MacPherson, whose Thoroughbred squad defeated the Seahawks, 2-1, last January. “They’ve shown a tremendous ability to adjust to different systems.”

MacPherson may implement a number of systems he learned from his dad, Malcolm MacPherson, the coach at Fitchburg State. It’s a family affair at the Falcon Hockey School each summer in Fitchburg, Mass., Chris and his dad teach youth hockey players proper stance, stride, stick handling, shooting and checking techniques.

Salve Regina upset top-seeded Tufts in the first-round of the ECAC Northeast playoffs last season, and two players earned all-New England accolades from the New England Hockey Writers Association (NEHWA). Leading scorer Brian Hannafin, also an ECAC All-Star, graduated in May, while defensemen Jack Wallace returns for his senior season.

NCAA: 2002 Frozen Four A Sellout

USCHO Staff Report
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The return of the NCAA Men’s Frozen Four to Minnesota has resulted in another sellout for the championship of men’s collegiate ice hockey.

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Scheduled for April 4 and 6, 2002, at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, the 55th annual event sold out in advance for the fifth time in the last six years and for the third straight year at such an early date.

“The entire NCAA college hockey community is very pleased that St. Paul and the Xcel Center have continued the sellout streak,” said Jack McDonald, director of athletics at Quinnipiac University and incoming chair of the NCAA Division I Men’s Ice Hockey Committee. “College hockey has set many attendance records the past three years, showing the sport’s incredible growth.”

This year, fans that had attended previous Frozen Fours were given priority status during the sale and distribution of tickets. Priority was based on the number of ticket purchases made during the last five years, in ranking order (five years worth of purchases, four years, etc.). Seat locations also were arranged on a priority basis.

A total of 6,092 tickets were sold to individuals on the priority list. The NCAA also received more than 11,000 other requests and nearly 3,900 were filled from the remaining general public allotment.

“College hockey fans are extremely loyal,” said Tom Jacobs, NCAA director of championships. “We are excited about implementing a system that rewards that loyalty. It’s a great way for the NCAA to show its appreciation for all that these fans have done to make the Men’s Frozen Four one of the premiere collegiate sporting events in the country.”

This will be the eighth Men’s Frozen Four in Minnesota. Minnesota and New York will tie for second all-time behind Colorado’s 14. Minneapolis hosted in 1958 and 1966, Duluth in 1968 and 1981, and St. Paul in 1989, 1991 and 1994 at the St. Paul Civic Center. That building was demolished in 1998 and replaced with the 18,064-seat Xcel Energy Center, which opened in 2000.

“Minnesota is a great hockey market and the Xcel Energy Center is a world class hockey venue,” said Chris Hansen, general manager of the building. “There is a great history of NCAA championship hockey here. It’s exciting to bring the Frozen Four back to St. Paul, and we are proud to announce that the Frozen Four has sold out.”

Host school for the 2002 event is the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, which has an excellent history of NCAA championships administration. The university staff has handled events ranging from the Men’s Final Four to the Division III swimming and diving finals, and welcomed the inaugural Women’s Frozen Four to its campus in March.

“The University of Minnesota has an exceptional reputation for hosting NCAA events in a first-class manner,” said Tom Moe, the school’s director of men’s athletics. “We are thrilled to be bringing college ice hockey fans back to the Twin Cities for what will be the finest ice hockey championship ever.”

Ticket applications for the 2003 NCAA Men’s Frozen Four to be held at the HSBC Arena in Buffalo, New York, will be available April 1, 2002, with a return deadline of May 1, 2002.

Janik Passes Up Senior Year

USCHO Staff Report
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Maine defenseman Doug Janik has decided to pass up his senior season to sign an NHL contract with the Buffalo Sabres. The 1999 second-round pick was the top-scoring defenseman for the Black Bears last year, with three goals and 15 assists.

Janik represented the United States at the 1999 and 2000 World Junior Championships and was chosen to the 2000-01 NCAA All-East Regional Team.

Walsh Continued Outpatient Treatment in Maine

USCHO Staff Report
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Maine coach Shawn Walsh was released by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Md., and returned to his home in Veazie, Maine, on Friday, July 13. He will continue his outpatient treatment and return to NIH periodically to continue testing throughout the upcoming months.

Walsh remarked from his office, “Returning to Maine after my stem-cell transplant this past weekend reminded me of the feeling I had when we returned to Maine after our two national championships. It’s great to be back. I am looking forward to spending quality time with my children and family, and getting my strength back to 100 percent for the upcoming season.”

Walsh went on to say, “I’ve been pleasantly surprised at the energy I have had. Fatigue is certainly a by-product of this process, and will continue to be for another month or so, while I finish up my immunosuppressant drugs. I’ve been able to get into the office, been able to get out to the golf course, and it takes a lot of energy to chase a two-year old [Walsh’s son Sean] around the house all day. I have another 40 days of immunosuppressant drugs before the procedure is considered completed, but at least I can spend those days in Maine.”

As has been the case throughout much of Coach Walsh’s treatment, he was yet again ahead of schedule in his latest round of treatments at NIH. “They [NIH] had never released anybody before day 60 of this treatment,” said Walsh. “I said to my doctor [Dr. Richard Childs] last week, ‘Records are made to be broken.’ He turned to the head nurse and said, ‘Records are made to be broken, let’s let the coach go home.'” Walsh was at NIH for 57 days following his stem-cell transplant. Walsh was at NIH 17 days prior to the transplant for tests and chemotherapy, and was in inpatient and outpatient treatment for 74 days altogether.

Walsh is in the final leg of his treatment program, but will not know how successful the stem-cell transplant has been for quite some time.

“We don’t expect to see the tumor fighting results until a few more months down the line, but all the indications so far point in to a successful conclusion,” said Walsh.

His most recent round of treatments involved a week of chemotherapy which began May 10, to suppress his immune system in preparation for the transplant, and the actual stem-cell transplant, May 17. Walsh was formally released from NIH May 27, and underwent his first outpatient testing May 29. His outpatient treatment consisted of blood tests at NIH every Tuesday and Friday until his release this Friday to monitor how his body was accepting the stem cells.

This process usually involves 21 days in the hospital, but by day five (May 22) Coach Walsh was able to come home (his brother Kevin’s home in nearby Annandale, Va.) each afternoon and not return until the following morning. His wife Lynne and his children were able to visit him during much of the treatment process.

Dr. Richard Childs of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) and Dr. David Schrump, Head of the Thoracic Oncology Section of the Surgery Branch of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), are overseeing Walsh’s treatment while at NIH. Childs is the primary investigator of the stem-cell study, which is a collaboration of the NHLBI and NCI.

Walsh successfully underwent surgery March 29 at NIH in preparation for the stem-cell procedure. The initial surgery, known as debulking, included a left pneumonectomy (removal of his left lung), and removal of cancerous tumors located under his breastplate. The debulking surgery Walsh underwent was essential in preparation for the stem-cell transplant because the number of cancer cells present at the time of the transplant is directly related to the success rate of the procedure. Walsh, originally diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma in early July of last year, underwent these procedures to eradicate cancer cells that have spread to his left lung and his sternum.

Stem cells are immature cells that develop into blood cells. If the transplant is successful, new cells will grow, multiply and attack the cancer cells. The procedure involves transplanting stem cells from someone who is cancer-free and a very close genetic match into the cancer patient. Walsh’s brother Kevin was the stem-cell donor for the procedure.

Walsh had surgery to remove a cancerous left kidney at the Boston Medical Center July 7, 2000, and underwent immunotherapy cycles at UCLA’s Jonsson Cancer Center in August and October. Between the two treatments, he returned to campus and directed the team’s practices and was on the ice with the team for its first practice session of the season.

McDonald succeeds Wilkinson as Ice Hockey Committee Chair

USCHO Staff Report
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The NCAA has appointed four people to various positions on the ice hockey selections and rules committee, and named Quinnipiac athletic director Jack McDonald as the chair of the NCAA Ice Hockey Committee.

McDonald was first elected to the committee three years ago, replacing Merrimack AD Bob DeGregorio and leaving Hockey East without representation on the committee. That changed when Northeastern athletic director Ian McCaw replaced outgoing chair Joe Marsh.

Meanwhile, Bowling Green head coach Buddy Powers will begin a four-year term as a member of the Ice Hockey Committee, replacing Wayne State head coach Bill Wilkinson, who also chaired the four-man committee for the past two seasons.

These moves were made by the NCAA’s Division I Championships/Competition Cabinet at its July meeting.

Denver AD Ron Grahame is the fourth member of the committee. The ECAC and CHA are currently without representation. There is no word yet on a plan to expand the committee to six members in order to accomodate all Division I conferences.

The NCAA also appointed Beth Burr from the ECAC, Providence women’s head coach Bob Deraney, and MAAC director of ice hockey Ken Taylor to the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Ice Hockey Rules Committee. Burr and Deraney will represent women’s interests on the committee, while Taylor will serve interests of men’s hockey.

Hilbert Leaves Michigan for Boston

By Mark Francescutti
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The Wolverines have lost another player to the NHL.

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Two months after top defenseman Jeff Jillson bolted for San Jose, Andy Hilbert told Michigan coach Red Berenson Monday that he will not return for his junior season at Michigan. The 37th overall draft pick by the Bruins in 2000 will play for the NHL Boston Bruins next season.

“They told him that they’ve already penciled him in on their team next year,” Berenson said.

Hilbert had no comment. He will address the media Tuesday.

Andy Hilbert is looking at a future in the NHL after signing with the Boston Bruins on Monday. (photo by Marjorie Marshall)

Andy Hilbert is looking at a future in the NHL after signing with the Boston Bruins on Monday. (photo by Marjorie Marshall)

At the core of Hilbert’s decision was the chance for an open spot on the Bruins, not the money.

“The money would have been there next year,” Berenson said. “If he thought he would end up in the minors, he wouldn’t have made this decision. They can’t guarantee that this spot will be open next year.”

The Bruins, who are rebuilding, could use some help at center, and Hilbert can fit in their plans for next season.

Hilbert is the fourth member of the Wolverines to leave the team for the pros in the past three years. Jillson said he would leave for the Sharks in May. In 1999 and 2000, the Wolverines lost stars Mike Van Ryn (St. Louis) and Mike Comrie (Edmonton) to major juniors, when both players tried to become NHL free agents.

“I told him another year would have been good for him,” Berenson said. “My concern was consistency. On some nights he would not be out of place in the NHL.”

Hilbert tallied 26 goals and 38 assists in 42 games and was a Hobey Baker finalist for the Wolverines this past season.

“He has an NHL-shot and the kid is as focused as any player I have had,” Berenson said. “I won’t be surprised if he’s playing next season.”

Despite the sudden flood of early-pro entries, the Wolverines have found a way to continually secure deep recruiting classes. He has one of the best this fall, including six forwards and four defensemen. And he has top goal-scoring center Mike Cammalleri to fill in for Hilbert.

“You can’t prepare for it,” Berenson said of the losses. “We’ve tried to have enough depth to handle the losses.”

The stock of college hockey players has risen dramatically over the last 10 years, as more and more top prospects choose to go to school instead of junior leagues.

“It used to be a big jump for a player to go from college to the pros,” Berenson said. Berenson doesn’t take his players leaving as an insult. “It’s a compliment to our program when you look at the kids we’ve brought in,” he said.

ESPN Retains Rights to Frozen Four

USCHO Staff Report
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The Frozen Four is staying put.

ESPN, the only network to have given college hockey national media exposure, announced an agreement with the NCAA that will keep the Frozen Four on the national cable network for 11 years.

The deal, which runs through the year 2013, is part of a major package that includes annual coverage of 20 other NCAA Championship, including complete coverage of the 63-game NCAA women’s basketball tournament. Also included in the agreement is a major marketing campaign that the sports programming network with produce and run on behalf of the NCAA.

“This is great for college sports,” said ESPN President George Bodenheimer. “No one delivers more national exposure and cross-promotional value than ESPN. We’re proud of our 22-year history with the NCAA and the expansion of our year-long commitment to NCAA championship events.”

Lavin Leaves Salve Regina for Framingham State

USCHO Staff Report
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Robert Lavin is leaving Salve Regina to become men’s
hockey coach at Framingham State College. Lavin will be the eighth head
coach in Framingham history.

Lavin spent three years at Salve Regina and was named ECAC Northeast Coach
of the Year in 1999-2000. His teams earned a berth in the quarterfinals of
the ECAC Northeast Tournament in 1999-2000, then advanced to the semifinals
last year. Salve Regina didn’t win a game the season before he arrived.

Before taking over at Salve Regina, he coached for seven seasons at Nichols
College. He led the Bisons to a playoff appearance in 1995, their first
post-season berth since 1971. In the previous two seasons, Lavin was an
assistant coach at Kent State. He graduated from Kent State in 1989.

“We are glad to have Coach Lavin on our staff,” says Tom Kelley,
Framingham’s athletics director. “With his experience and capabilities of
leading teams to the playoffs, he will be a great addition for us.”

ECAC ADs Approve Three-Weekend Tournament Format

By Adam Wodon
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ECAC athletic directors have given their stamp of approval to a plan that would expand the ECAC tournament by one weekend, include all 12 teams, and result in a Final Four in Lake Placid.

The expansion to include all 12 teams was an idea that came out of the coaches’ meetings in April. Initially, the new format would have included six best-of-3 first round series, followed by a Final Six scenario in Lake Placid.

During the ECAC athletic directors’ meetings, an alternative plan was proposed that would create an extra weekend of games. In this plan, seeds No. 5-12 will play in a first-round best-of-3 series, followed by a quarterfinal best-of-3 series the following weekend, with those four series winners heading to Lake Placid.

Because of the need for an extra weekend, the ECAC will delay the format change until 2002-2003. That’s the year the NCAA tournament will be moved back a week, giving an extra weekend during the regular season.

However, because this format has the potential to increase the amount of games an ECAC team plays by three, it must be approved by the league’s Policy Committee, an oversight committee made up of non-sports representatives from each member school.

The Policy Committee has another major piece of legislation on their plate, the increase in allowable in-season games for non-Ivy teams from 32 to 34.

Athletic directors have already approved both measures.

The ADs have also given final approval to expanding the first round of the women’s ECAC tournament from a single-elimination to a best-of-3.

All three measures will be discussed during an upcoming Policy Committee conference call. ECAC assistant commissioner Steve Hagwell said he hopes to schedule the conference call for mid-July, or “certainly by the end of July.”

Hockey East 2001 All-Academic team

USCHO Staff Report
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Boston College (10)
Ales Dolinar
Ben Eaves
Brian Gionta
Jeff Giuliano**
Marty Hughes**
Chuck Kobasew
Mike Lephart***
Mark McLennan
Dan Sulivan***
A.J. Walker**

Boston University (2)
Colin Sheen**
Frantisek Skladany

Maine (9)
Trapper Clark
Todd Jackson
Doug Janik
Martin Kariya**
Peter Metcalf**
Don Richardson
Eric Turgeon+
Matt Yeats
Gray Shaneberger***

UMass-Amherst (9)
Markus Helanen
Samuli Jalkanen**
Mike Johnson**
Darcy King
Nick Kuiper
Jay Shaw**
Toni Soderholm***
Nick Stephens**
J.R. Zavisza

UMass-Lowell (3)
Ken Farrell**
Laurent Meunier
Anders Strome

Merrimack (6)
Lou Eyster
Joey Gray+
Stephen Moon***
John Pyliotis***
Lucas Smith**
Jason Wolfe

New Hampshire (3)
David Busch***
Matt Hoppe
Jeff Haydar

Northeastern (4)
Arik Engbrecht***
Sean MacDonald+
John Peterman
Kevin Welch**

Providence (4)
Boyd Ballard**
Cole Gendreau+
Matt Libby+
J.J. Picinic***

+ Indicates Distinguished Scholar.
** Indicates three-time honoree.
* Indicates two-time honoree.

Borek to Accept NEC Job

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New England College will today announce the hiring of Scott Borek as head coach, according to sources.

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Borek, who was the head coach at Lake Superior State until being fired last March, replaces Mark Ostapina, who recently resigned to take over the reins at Milwaukee School of Engineering.

Borek was 13-23 last season at Lake Superior, which failed to make the CCHA playoffs for the first time in 19 years. He was 76-97-17 in five seasons, and was named CCHA coach of the year in 1999-2000.

Ostapina led New England College to the ECAC East title last season, and its first NCAA berth in 15 years.

The NEC job is a return to the Division III ranks for Borek, who coached at
Colby before accepting the LSSU job. Before that, the former Dartmouth player
held assistant positions at Brown and Providence.

Komisarek Goes to Montreal at No. 7

USCHO Staff Report
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Mike Komisarek says he hasn’t thought too much about the NHL.

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On Saturday, though, the Montreal Canadiens made him a top-10 pick in the NHL Entry Draft.

(Round-by-round picks)

Komisarek, a defenseman for Michigan, was taken seventh overall by the Canadiens, and became the first college player taken in this year’s draft.

“I’m speechless right now,” Komisarek told ESPN after leaving the stage. “I’m probably the happiest kid on the face of the earth, to be taken by Montreal.

“I’m sure glad they chose me and they thought highly of me.”

In contrast to last year’s record seven collegiate picks in the first round — including the top two, Rick DiPietro and Dany Heatley — only four college players went in Saturday’s first round.

Boston College right wing Chuck Kobasew, ranked No. 20 among North American skaters by the NHL’s Central Scouting Service, went at No. 14 to the Calgary Flames.

Ohio State center R.J. Umberger was selected 16th overall by the Vancouver Canucks and teammate David Steckel went at No. 30 to the Los Angeles Kings.

Komisarek

Komisarek

Komisarek, 6-foot-4 and 225 pounds, has impressed scouts with his ability to use his big frame to his advantage.

He told USCHO earlier this week he hasn’t thought too much about the NHL, a sign that he’ll return to Ann Arbor, Mich., for his sophomore season.

“[He’s] a great character kid, and we’re happy he’s our selection,” Canadiens general manager Andre Savard told ESPN.

Komisarek was the top-ranked U.S.-born player in the draft, No. 4 by the NHL’s Central Scouting Service.

Kobasew

Kobasew

Kobasew was the fourth collegiate skater ranked by the CSS, but was the second selected.

“This is a great feeling,” Kobasew told ESPN. “It’s a day I’ve been looking forward to for the last month, and really my whole life.”

Umberger had the distinction of being the first Pittsburgh native to be selected in the Entry Draft.

“He’s a player with good skating abilities and good size,” Canucks general manager Brian Burke told ESPN. “He’s going to be a factor down the road. It’s one of those things where you hope he dropped to us, and he did.”

Steckel, ranked 16th among North American skaters, impressed scouts with his speed and scoring ability.

Two other collegiate players were ranked in the top 30 among North American skaters by the CSS: Minnesota State-Mankato’s Tim Jackman was No. 21 and New Hampshire recruit Edward Caron, a center, was No. 29.

OSU AD Explains Ganga’s Dismissal

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Elaborating on the dismissal of Nick Ganga from the Ohio State hockey team, OSU athletic director Andy Geiger said Thursday night that Ganga “indicated by his actions that he didn’t want to be a part of our hockey program, and we accommodated him.”

logos/osu.gif

Ganga, a junior forward and assistant captain last year, was dismissed from the team on March 30.

During the 2000-2001 season, Ganga, according to both parties, contacted Maine head coach Shawn Walsh about a possible transfer to the Black Bear squad. Walsh, aware that talking with Ganga without permission from Ohio State would have been a violation of NCAA rules, immediately contacted Buckeye head coach John Markell.

Ganga’s seeking to transfer, said Geiger, was the clear indication that Ganga wasn’t happy at Ohio State, and the sole reason for his dismissal.

In an open letter to the press, Ganga’s mother, Teresa, wrote that Ganga’s release was a direct result of a series of meetings during the 2000-2001 season between the players and coaches, meetings during which players were encouraged to speak freely.

Geiger called that allegation “absolutely wrong. That’s very self serving and not the case whatsoever.”

Geiger said that what transpired in the meetings is “private to the Ohio State hockey program, between the coaches and players,” and added that the meetings were “very productive.”

Geiger said that he supports Markell’s decision to let Ganga go.

“The coach has the prerogative of making cuts in the best interest of his hockey program. I think that his decision was the best decision, and I stand behind him 100 percent.”

Ganga’s scholarship remains intact, and Geiger expressed his desire to see Ganga complete his education at Ohio State.

“Nick is a fine guy and we wish him only the best.”

2001 NHL Draft Preview

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College hockey has had a storied history that most would like to see repeated. Right at the top of that list was the 2000 NHL Entry Draft.

That Saturday afternoon in Calgary saw not one, but two college hockey prospects, Rick DiPietro and Dany Heatley, walk to the stage as the top two draft choices, of the New York Islanders and the Atlanta Thrashers, respectively. In all, an unprecedented seven college players were chosen in the first round.

As this year’s entry draft rolls around, every college hockey fan would love to see history repeat itself. We can dream, can’t we?

Maybe the top two draft choices won’t be US college players. Heck, there’s a pretty good chance these players won’t even be from the North American continent. But one thing is certain, college hockey will still have a strong impact on the 2001 Entry Draft.

Each year the NHL’s Central Scouting Service ranks the top draft-eligible players in both North America and Europe. Last’s year’s ranking showed obvious potential for U.S. college hockey, with Heatley leading the list of North American forwards and defensemen, and DiPietro likewise on the North American goaltenders list.

This year’s final CSB rankings show good hope for college prospects, though diminutive compared to one year ago. Six college or college-bound players rank in the top 30, with 69 college or college-bound players ranked overall.

Leading the list of college players is Michigan’s Mike Komisarek, listed fourth in the CSS rankings. A 6-foot-4 defenseman from Michigan, Komisarek is well known for his physical ability on and off the puck. He clears the front of the net very well, and simply put, crushes his opponent.

Michigan coach Red Berenson and Komisarek’s mentor, ex-Islander Gerry Hart, both agree that Komisarek hasn’t come close to reaching his potential yet, even though his presence was well felt around the CCHA and the country last season.

Just one spot behind Komisarek is fellow-CCHAer R.J. Umberger from Ohio State. Standing at 6-foot-2, Umberger is probably the most skilled American-born player in this year’s draft. He is known as a good skater with the ability to create chances every time he is on the ice. His strength and size at the centerman’s position is very attractive to NHL scouts.

Umberger’s teammate and fellow draw man David Steckel ranks next at No. 16. Two inches taller than Umberger at 6-4, Steckel hasn’t reached the potential level that his Buckeye counterpart has. He’s yet to fill out his massive frame and will need to develop further his upper body strength. Look for Steckel to be a late first-round, early second-round pick.

Possibly one of the most underrated players in the draft, Boston College’s Chuck Kobesew checks in next at No. 20. Kobesew ranked third in scoring on a talent-laden BC team last year and, very importantly, was a key contributor in his team’s postseason run to the National Championship.

Kobesew has excellent hockey sense, and even though he only stands at an even 6-foot, he’s known for being strong on the puck and adding a bit of a physical element to the game. Don’t be surprised to see Kobesew an upset pick — possibly the top college player taken.

MSU-Mankato’s Tim Jackman ranks one position lower than Kobesew at No. 21. Like Kobesew, Jackman is also a workhorse. But standing at 6-3, Jackman is known more for being a power forward, using his size and strength to protect the puck and create his scoring chances. Any NHL team whose philosophy is the dump-and-chase will love Jackman as an addition to their club. His work along the board, particularly cycling down low, make Jackman the ideal candidate for the job.

Goaltending is one area where the collegians are lacking this year. Boston University’s Sean Fields, the man recruited in the eleventh hour to replace DiPietro last season, is the top ranked college goalie. He is rated 18th among goalies and will likely be a mid-round pick on Sunday.

Others to watch? Certainly, we have to look for two other strong freshmen-turning-sophomores coming from last year’s Frozen Four: BC’s Ben Eaves and Michigan’s Mike Cammalleri. Both players have extreme potential to be late first-round or early second-round picks. Cammalleri is liked by scouts for his natural hockey talent and offensive ability, while Eaves, standing at only 5-8 shows potential to be an annoying, but successful small forward.

Saturday Specials

With the NHL changing its draft format to a two-day event, only rounds 1-3 will take place on Saturday this year. Here is a list of my picks of collegiate players to don NHL jerseys come Saturday afternoon.

Chuck Kobesew, Boston College: It would be an extreme upset, he could very well be the top college pick in the draft. He may go as high as top 10 in this European-laden draft.

Mike Komisarek, Michigan: Look for this focused and larger-than-life defenseman to be a top 10 or early teens first-round pick.

R.J. Umberger, Ohio State: College hockey got seven first-rounders last year, but Umberger may round out the first-round talent this year. Probably a mid-to-late first round pick.

Tim Jackman, MSU-Mankato: Jackman might surprise us because of his sheer size. If someone needs a power forward, a first-round pick isn’t out of the question. Some scouts, however, have questioned his true ability.

Mike Cammalleri, Michigan: Like Jackman, certainly has first-round potential, but the European influence this year might bump him to round two. Not bad, though, for a CSB ranking of 40.

Dave Steckel, Ohio State: Probably just a little shy of reaching the potential NHL teams would need to see to pick in round one. Definitely a second-round pick.

Frantisek Skladany, Boston University: Not even ranked in the CSB top-100, Skladany could be the highest moving college player. To end up a Saturday pick would be an upset, but very possible.

Ben Eaves, Boston College,: This pint-size player has definite first- or second-round skill, but lacks the size. Early-to-late third round would be a good position for this talented prospect.

Patrick Sharp, Vermont : Ranked 72 by the CSB, don’t be surprised to see this Catamount make a top-three round appearanace. He is aided by an excellent second-half to his freshman campaign.

Paul Lynch, Maine (incoming): This northward bound Black Bear has a 6-foot-4 frame and plays with every ounce of it. His size alone makes him a potential third-round pick, even though he’s unproven.

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