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www.collegehockeyinc.com facebook.com/collegehockeyinc Developing Situation College hockey offers players an ideal environment to improve

By Neil Koepke the key for colleges is conducting quality, Ryan Malone, who played at St. Cloud intense practices. State and now a member of the Tampa hen John-Michael Liles started his “The very best players in the NHL Bay Lightning, said he took advantage of college hockey career at Michigan handle the puck for a minute per game. practice-to-game ratio and improved his W State University in 1999, very few Practices with lot of drills, touches and skill level and conditioning. scouts, if any, had the 5-foot-9, 180-pounder involvement are important,’’ he said. “I had that natural frame but I was projected to be a top-level NHL defenseman. Most former college players who made 6-foot-2 and 180 (pounds) and needed to That didn’t matter to Liles, who was sim- it to the NHL say they benefited by the get stronger if I was going to make the ply eager to develop his skills in college and NHL,’’ he said. “I really liked the condi- see where it took him in the game, while tioning program at St. Cloud and was con- earning a degree to see where it took him “College coaches are great in helping you fident that with college schedule the way it develop,” Michigan State alum JOHN-MICHAEL was, mostly playing on weekends, I’d have in life. LILES said, “and the support staff – strength Liles took advantage of college hockey’s coaches, trainers, equipment staff and team plenty of time to focus on conditioning.’’

player development system, increased his doctors – plays a big role, too.’’ Former Denver standout center Joe skill and strength over four years, and it led s Colborne was impressed with the coaching him to a distinguished career in the NHL and level of support during his as an offensively-gifted defenseman. two years in college. Colborne, After seven years with the Colorado 20, a top Toronto Maple Leafs Avalanche, Liles, 31, is in his first prospect, expects more and season with the Toronto Maple more college players to make Leafs. Not bad for a guy who an impact in the NHL. was a fifth-round pick in the “I think that comes down to 2000 NHL Entry Draft. the level of coaching, the high Practicing four days a level of play and the opportu- week and playing just two nity to get bigger and stronger games, along with time spent by playing fewer games,’’ on strength and condition- Colborne said. ing, was the perfect combina- Notre Dame head coach tion for Liles to develop his Jeff Jackson believes that skills and to mature into an the day-to-day structure and NHL-ready player. responsibilities needed to be “With so many practices, a college student help players you had time to learn the game when they arrive for practice and improve all your skills,’’ or workouts. said Liles, who’s from Zionsville, “That sense of responsibil- Ind. “College coaches are great ity and accountability has an in helping you develop and the impact when they get to the rink. They’re support staff – strength coaches, used to a routine and ready to focus on trainers, equipment staff and team practice,’’ said Jackson, who has coached doctors – plays a big role, too.’’ in college for 13 seasons and also was a Recent studies in Canada and the head coach in the OHL and an assis- U.S. urge a better ratio of practice tant in the NHL. time to games played, especially at Jackson says a 60- to 80-game the youth level. And many stress that schedule at any level cuts into skill development for junior and col- practice time and leads to wea- lege hockey is enhanced when teams riness and bad habits. practice more and play fewer games. “You’re cutting skill “Hockey is a late specialization development 75 percent, sport,’’ said Bob Mancini, a regional and in situations where you play three manager with USA Hockey’s American outstanding resources available to college games in three nights, or two in three, the Development Model program. “A very athletes, both athletic and academic. second game is at a lower level than the small percentage of players are ready for the “I was completely raw when I went to first and the third game is where players NHL at 18 and even at 20. Western (Michigan). I never lifted weights. pick up bad habits,’’ he said. “You don’t necessarily increase your skill in But everything from my toes to my head got “College level practices are done at a games. You improve hockey sense and aware- stronger and bigger and better each year,’’ said high level and outside a player’s comfort ness. But you increase skills in practice.” Keith Jones, who played in the NHL for eight zone,” Jackson added, “and that acceler- Mancini, who coached at Ferris State and seasons and is now a TV analyst with the ates skill development and the ability to

Michigan Tech and also in the OHL, said Philadelphia Flyers and NBC Sports Network. comprehend the game.” ■ Bruce Bennett/Getty Images Liles (Toronto):

24 The Hockey News, December 5, 2011 Highest Honors College hockey’s presence felt among the very best of the NHL

t times during the NHL’s annual Las amounted to a one-year wonder for college Dakota Fighting Sioux defenseman Dave Vegas Awards Show the past few sea- hockey. In fact, Thomas’s Vezina win marked Tippett won the Jack Adams for his work Asons, it’s felt like some college hockey the third straight year an NCAA netminder with the Phoenix Coyotes. pep bands would be more fitting than the won the award (Ryan Miller and Thomas, Also in 2010 college hockey was repre- musical acts brought in from elsewhere on again, previously). His Conn Smythe Trophy sented by the best of the best at the Olympics the Vegas strip. came on the heels of Jonathan Toews claim- in Vancouver, where the top goalie (Miller), Former college hockey players walked ing playoff MVP honors in 2009-10. forward (Toews) and defenseman (Brian away with six major trophies in June: St. Louis won the Lady Byng for the sec- Rafalski) as chosen by the media were all for- ■ Vermont graduate Tim Thomas claimed ond time in as many years, and he’s not far mer college players. both the Vezina Trophy and the Conn This success comes at a time where the Smythe Trophy as the league’s top goal- pipeline of talent flowing from the NCAA tender and playoff MVP, respectively ranks to the NHL is stronger than ever. ■ Former Ohio State star Ryan Kesler A full 30% of NHLers in 2010-11 had won the Frank Selke Trophy as the top college hockey backgrounds, with 294 defensive forward, while adding 41 former college players hitting the ice during goals offensively the course of the year. That represents a ■ Thomas’s Catamount teammate Martin growth of 34.4% over 10 years and a 9% St. Louis earned the Lady Byng Trophy rise from the year before. as the game’s most gentlemanly player “It’s a reflection of college hockey in gen- ■ Doug Weight, an All-American at Lake eral being so much stronger,” said Tampa Superior State, won the King Clancy Bay Lightning forward and Harvard alum Memorial Trophy for leadership on and Dominic Moore. “The quality of players off the ice has gotten better and the powers that be are ■ Bowling Green graduate Dan Bylsma s not afraid to give these players a chance. We won the Jack Adams Award as the league’s have 11 college guys on our team right now; coach of the year. Tim Thomas became the second former collegian 10 years ago you’d never see that happen.” “It’s great to see our college hockey alumni in as many years to win the Conn Smythe Trophy, College hockey is scouted more thoroughly following Jonathan Toews. not only reaching the NHL, but excelling than ever before, thanks in part to Bylsma and there,” College Hockey, Inc. Executive Tippett’s colleagues in front offices around the Director Paul Kelly said. “College hockey removed from his 2004 Hart Trophy as the NHL. More than 150 former college players continues to produce some of the most tal- league’s MVP. Even Bylsma’s coach of the work in hockey operations at the NHL level, ented hockey players in the world.” year honor was a repeat for former college including nine general managers and several These six thank-you speeches hardly hockey players; the year before former North assistant GMs or directors of scouting. ■

More than 200 current college players have been drafted by NHL teams, and many more could sign as free agents. future stars Here are five current college players – one from each conference – who could grab the spotlight at the next level:

Andrew Blazek, Brian Dumoulin, Brian O’Neill, Yale Jaden Schwartz, Reilly Smith, Miami Robert Morris Boston College O’Neill, a finalist for ECAC Colorado College A Dallas Stars prospect, Like Toronto rookie Jake Dumoulin is a polished Hockey’s player of the A first-round draft choice of Smith is the focal point Gardiner (who played two-way defenseman year honor last season, is the St. Louis Blues in 2010, of the RedHawks attack at Wisconsin), Blazek who put off signing with one of the most dynamic Schwartz has averaged bet- this year after the gradu- is a former forward the Carolina Hurricanes offensive players in col- ter than a point and a half ation of Phoenix Coyotes who has transitioned to to return to BC for his lege hockey. Yale’s captain per game during his year- prospect Andy Miele and defense. The 6’1” junior junior season. The 6’4”, this season, he has led plus career as a Tiger. Last Boston Bruins prospect is a Pittsburgh native who 210-pounder was a first- the team in scoring each March, in seven WCHA Carter Camper. The took part in the Penguins’ team All-American as a of the last two years and and NCAA playoff games, Mimico, Ontario, native development camp this sophomore and won a had a point in all but four the crafty left winger from is the top returning goal past summer. bronze medal at the World games last year. The Wilcox, Saskatchewan, scorer in the nation. Junior Championship. undrafted 23-year-old is scored four goals and an NHL free agent. added 10 assists. Thomas: Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

NCAA Special Advertising Feature The Hockey News, December 5, 2011 25 Playing on the Big Stage From NHL arenas to MLB parks, college hockey offers world-class exposure

By Rachel Lenzi Garden,“ said Mangene, who grew up Starman, a broadcaster with CBS College on Long Island. “They grew up going to Sports, told College Hockey, Inc. earlier this att Mangene relishes the thought of Rangers games. Kids are going to the most year. “I think when a young player makes not only walking into Fenway Park famous arena in the world. They may have a decision about where to play, you have to M on a winter day, but lacing up his never thought they would have gotten to think about the fact that their games are not skates to play in a college hockey game on a play in this kind of game in their lifetime.” just being seen by the people in the building, frozen rink inside one of baseball’s most hal- Exposure for college hockey continues, they are being seen by people across North lowed cathedrals. not just in major-league facilities but also on America because of the exposure college Mangene and his teammates at the network television. hockey gets on television.” University of Maine will get that chance On Nov. 2, NBC Sports Group Paul Karpowich, a senior goalie at Jan. 7, when the Black Bears face New announced it will carry 16 live college hock- Clarkson, believes that televising college Hampshire in “Frozen Fenway 2012,” a hockey games on national network television Hockey East doubleheader at Fenway Park has the potential to create a larger audience. For the second time in three years Boston that will also pit Massachusetts against “It’s going to be reaching a lot more University and Cornell travel to New York for a

Vermont. sold-out game at “the world’s most famous arena.” homes, instead of it being on regional net- “This is something that’s very surprising s works,” Karpowich said. “All of the local to happen, but it’s great to get this opportu- networks here cover us and the locals get nity,” said Mangene, a junior defenseman them, but it seems like no one else for the Black Bears. “We can’t wait to get gets them unless there’s an internet down to Boston and walk around and see feed. It’s almost like football, how the history that’s inside of the park. And televised games draw in new fans. then we get to play outdoors.” Hopefully college hockey will have Mangene’s expectations for Frozen that same effect.” Fenway 2012 exhibit a factor that’s Karpowich and the Golden Knights helping the growth of college hockey. will face North Dakota on Jan. 7 at the Each season, the game is featured in MTS Centre in Winnipeg, home of the bigger and more unique venues in front NHL’s Winnipeg Jets. of larger crowds. “I’ve never played in an NHL This season, eight National Hockey rink before, so getting an opportu- League arenas and two Major League nity to play in one means a lot, espe- Baseball stadiums will host Division I cially being so close to home,” said college hockey games during the regular Karpowich, who was born and raised season, postseason and conference and in Thunder Bay, Ontario. national tournaments. Among those sites: Mangene agrees, and believes the Cleveland’s Progressive Field, Pittsburgh’s trend of college hockey games at major- CONSOL Energy Center, Detroit’s Joe Louis ey games and the Hockey East tournament league venues should continue. And, he said, Arena and St. Paul’s Xcel Energy Center. this season, starting with Boston University one of college hockey’s fiercest rivalries could Tampa’s St. Pete Times Forum will host at Notre Dame at 7 p.m. (EST), Dec. 31 on help the game’s visibility. the 2012 Frozen Four in April and New VERSUS. “If you’ve never known about Maine- York’s Madison Square Garden will host NBC/Versus will join CBS College Sports UNH rivalry and you live in Boston, you “Red Hot Hockey” on Nov. 26, the third and ESPN as national television outlets that buy a ticket, you come to the game and you matchup between Cornell and Boston carry college hockey, in addition to numer- get to see how inspiring and what a matchup University at the newly renovated facility. ous regional television outlets. it is,” Mangene said. “It could get better and “I know some of the Long Island kids “One thing that has exploded in college better. I don’t see a downside. It brings a bet- at BU, and they can’t wait to play at the hockey is the television coverage,” Dave ter crowd and brings better fans into it.” ■

COLLEGE HOCKEY GAMES AT NHL, MLB VENUES

Nov. 26 Cornell vs. Boston University, Madison Square Garden, Jan. 7 Clarkson vs. North Dakota, MTS Centre, Winnipeg New York City Jan. 14 Boston College vs. Northeastern, Fenway Park, Boston Dec. 2-3 Nebraska-Omaha vs. Alabama Huntsville, Bridgestone Arena, Jan. 15 Michigan vs. Ohio State, Progressive Field, Cleveland Nashville, Tenn. Feb. 6/13 Beanpot Tournament (Boston College, Boston University, Dec. 29-30 Great Lakes Invitational (Michigan, Boston College, Harvard, Northeastern), TD Garden, Boston Michigan State, Michigan Tech), Joe Louis Arena, Detroit March 15-17 WCHA “Final Five,” Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul, Minn. Dec. 30 Ohio State vs. Robert Morris, CONSOL Energy Center, March 16-17 Hockey East semifinals and championship, TD Garden, Boston Pittsburgh March 17-18 CCHA semifinals and championship, Joe Louis Arena, Detroit Jan. 7 Frozen Fenway, Vermont vs. Massachusetts, 4 p.m., March 24-25 NCAA West Regional, Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul, Minn. and New Hampshire vs. Maine, Fenway Park, Boston April 5/7 NCAA Frozen Four, St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa

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More than 125 NCAA hockey games are available to viewers nationwide, including many in Canada. Visit collegehockeyinc.com/tv-schedule for a complete list. Cornell Athletic Communications

26 The Hockey News, December 5, 2011 A Day in the Life College hockey players have rigorous on- and off-ice schedules

n an effort to chart the typical day Cross Today we spent an hour at a for a Division I men’s hockey player, local high school spending time with I we talked to five seniors from across some special-needs kids, just interacting the country – each of them the captain with them and hopefully brightening of their team and a candidate for the their day. Yesterday a bunch of us went 2012 Lowe’s Senior Class Award. They to an elementary school nearby to play shared pieces of their typical days with floor hockey. We try to do stuff like that us to put together this “day in the life” as much as we can. of a college hockey player. Connolly I try to get to the rink by 1:30 or 2 p.m. We won’t practice Jack Connolly, Minnesota Duluth It’s until 3 p.m., but during the season we pretty jam-packed. I’ll get up and get lift or work out beforehand on either some breakfast at home. We try to Mondays and Tuesdays or Mondays schedule classes in the morning since and Wednesdays. By Thursday it’s more we have practice in the afternoon. You of a chance to get on the ice and get carry four or five classes, between 12 s ready for the weekend. and 15 credits, and they’ll meet either two or Cross Early in the week are busier days. three times a week. Jack Connolly’s work on the ice and in the class- The theme both at the rink and academically Tommy Cross, Boston College We have walk- room culminated with the NCAA title in 2010-11. is to get your schoolwork and off-ice work in lifts in the morning, where you can go in done early in the week so you can focus on RIT’s Chris Haltigin is a two-year captainChris and Haltigin bio- and do a workout before or between classes. playing Fridays and Saturdays. Freshmen medical sciences major from Oakville, Ontario.

Two walk-in lifts each week are mandatory have mandatory study hall for three hours and a third is optional. We also have ice s each week, and we always tell them to get available in the morning, so on Mondays those out of the way early. and Wednesdays, when I have a class at 9 Connolly A number of guys will have and another at 11 a.m., I may get on the ice night class after practice, so they’ll go from for a half hour in between to work on skills the rink back to campus. Guys who don’t or skating. have night class will go home and grab din- Chris Haltigin, RIT I finished class around ner, watch some TV and do their homework. noon, so I went home and did some home- Ross I live in a house with six other guys work. I have an exam in my class tonight so from the team. On a night that I need to bear I needed to do some studying. Then I got a down and work I’ll eat at the dining hall and nap in from about 2-3 p.m. before I came to go to the library. Other nights I’ll head home the rink. for dinner and hang out with the guys. Keir Ross, Cornell If I have time between Duddy I’ve always been good about going classes or before practice I’ll go to the library grocery shopping and not ordering out for and get some work done before practice meals. At first what I’d cook wasn’t anything comes around. I don’t really have any down- special – lots of plain chicken and mac and time, so I have to take advantage of those cheese. But I’ve branched out and started try- times when I can. ing some different things. Sean Duddy, Ohio State We’re doing it a little Haltigin I do most of my homework at differently this year – we have practice in the night. After dinner I’ll do homework, or morning. So you get up and get to the rink to study, and have a little time to relax. I usu- stretch by 7:30 a.m. and you schedule your You have to learn to go to bed a little earlier at ally get to bed around midnight or 1 a.m. – classes for the afternoon. It’s worked out great. night but I feel fresher during the day. then it’s back at it the next day. ■

on gameday Scan this QR code Games, typically on Friday and Saturday, offer a leave for the rink between 4:30 and 4:45 p.m. for with your break from the weekday routine. Here’s a bit a 7 p.m. game. smartphone about how things change: to see Haltigin On the road you watch movies, watch TV, a video Ross I love gameday routine. You look forward to hang out with your teammates. It’s also a chance to of Chris that all week. I will get up, get some breakfast and do as much homework as you can. A lot of our work Haltigin’s go to my 10:10 a.m. class before gameday skate. gets submitted online, and our video coach sets up typical day. wifi on the bus so guys can work, but if you get too You may Connolly We usually have our pregame skate many people on there it gets pretty slow. need to around noon for 30-60 minutes. About half the download team will have class Friday mornings, so not every- Cross A lot of our trips are short bus rides. On an application for your smartphone to properly one will be there. After that we go to Blackwoods those the bus is pretty quiet and focused, guys read the QR code. For more on a day in the for our pregame meal around 1 or 1:30 p.m. Then keep to themselves and prepare for the game. life of these players – including how they spend it’s back home for a pregame nap and I’ll try to their off days – visit collegehockeyinc.com. Connolly: Minnesota Duluth, Haltigin: Dylan Heuer

NCAA Special Advertising Feature The Hockey News, December 5, 2011 27