https://www.collegehockeynews.com/news/2026/05/04_Eligibility-Changes-Hot-Topic.php
5-year eligibility clock will start running, no matter what, 4 years after a player starts 9th grade. Must be how the NCAA plans to address both: (1) non-standard (e.g. international, like CEGEP) high school paths, and (2) the “delay graduation until 19” scenario that would’ve been incentivized by the original rule.
unrelated, I always get so frustrated by all the constant disrespect and dismissiveness towards our sport from the non-hockey NCAA leadership. They don’t give a damn and are probably just tuning out everything the coaches have been saying to them about the new eligibility rule.
I don’t believe this rule is going to hold up in court anyways esp. with how much and how many players in all sports stand to lose from it, it’s being applied retroactively in the context of NCAA recruiting timelines, etc. There are much better ways they could’ve gone about keeping internationals, former pros, and 26y/o multi-redshirts out of college sports.
A “conspiracy theorist” might say this is being set up to fail and is getting railroaded thru right now to discredit/undermine any future attempts at age limits.
So will Gavin Katz becoming in 2027 with 3 years of eligibility? Seems kind of unfair. Feels like this will get sued up the ass.
So will Gavin Katz becoming in 2027 with 3 years of eligibility? Seems kind of unfair. Feels like this will get sued up the ass.
depends, the version I saw before today had “one-year grace period for men’s hockey players who graduate HS Spring 2026”. Dunno if that exception got narrowed or expanded or even made it into this version at all.
NCAA’s attempt at creating a “simple, uniform” rule is quickly becoming less and less so.
https://www.collegehockeynews.com/news/2026/05/04_Eligibility-Changes-Hot-Topic.php
also, even more incredibly stupid ideas for the NCAA tourney format coming from the geniuses at CHN and eastern coaches. Atlantic Hockey champs get a first round home game? Give me a break.
16-24 teams is a joke too, when was the last time that a 4 seed made the Frozen Four? Tourney expansion won’t happen mainly because men’s hockey already has a very high % of programs making the NCAAs, relative to other sports.
While I don't disagree with the point you're making... last year (Admittedly, it was Penn State coming out of Allentown, but they were the 4 seed in that region last year.)when was the last time that a 4 seed made the Frozen Four?
So will Gavin Katz becoming in 2027 with 3 years of eligibility? Seems kind of unfair. Feels like this will get sued up the ass.
His DOB indicates a 2025 graduation. If he graduated in Spring of 2025 and starts playing Fall of 2027. Under the current proposal, he'd have 3 years eligibility remaining. I feel in a few years, this will be the new normal.
From what I understand (not 100% certain), if you get a full ride to play hockey D1 hockey and leave early, one of the NCAA Core Guarantees provides funding to complete your degree for up to 10 years after eligibility expires
Round 1 home ice, Round 2 neutral site (2 regionals) with 1 east and 1 west. Bracket locks so there’s no argument one side gets unfair “home” ice in round 2. This isn’t that hard guys. The conference winners get a home game might be the dumbest idea I’ve heard of and is vastly worse than neutral sites.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24131129/gallery_image.JPG "Hey_Sioux_Suck")
Make it...
Two regionals...East and West. 8 teams per regional. Neutral Site. Single elimination to determine the regional champion over the weekend.
Two surviving schools play a best of three series at a neutral site to determine the national champion.
Atlantic Hockey champs get a first round home game?
Mankato would basically get a home playoff game guaranteed every year by virtue of being the only program worth even glancing at in the CCHA...
Mankato would basically get a home playoff game guaranteed every year by virtue of being the only program worth even glancing at in the CCHA...
I think Augustana will start to give the Mavs fits and you can't count out Tech as well. I get what AH is asking but you just can't give a team that is ranked 25th in the NPI get a home game over a top ten team.
I am the official Iowa Hawkeye football fan of GPL!
The funny thing is the NFL does exactly that and it's stupid when that happens too.Mankato would basically get a home playoff game guaranteed every year by virtue of being the only program worth even glancing at in the CCHA...
I think Augustana will start to give the Mavs fits and you can't count out Tech as well. I get what AH is asking but you just can't give a team that is ranked 25th in the NPI get a home game over a top ten team.
I get what AH is asking but you just can't give a team that is ranked 25th in the NPI get a home game over a top ten team.
it’s a bizarre idea and it’s even more absurd to see anyone take it seriously. If AHA autobids get a guaranteed home game, they’d also get to avoid facing the #1 overall team in the first round many/most years, because it is utterly insane to force the #1 overall team in the country to play the #16 (<25 in NPI at best) in a home game for that #16 seed.
That’s likely the competitive edge they’re hoping to weasel into; I mean, AHA teams’ arenas and home crowds are all pathetic.
The funny thing is the NFL does exactly that and it's stupid when that happens too.Mankato would basically get a home playoff game guaranteed every year by virtue of being the only program worth even glancing at in the CCHA...
I think Augustana will start to give the Mavs fits and you can't count out Tech as well. I get what AH is asking but you just can't give a team that is ranked 25th in the NPI get a home game over a top ten team.
NHL used to do it all the time too back when playoff seeding was 1-8, top 3 = division winners. #3 seed in a conference would sometimes (often?) have fewer points than #6 or #7. But #3 still got home ice advantage for the series.
Maybe look in the committed thread.
@goldy77 OK, lol…Suffice it to say the Larson era appears to be off to a promising start!
I didn’t realize the top 3 were division winners in that format. At least in a best of 7 it’s not as big a deal, a one and done it definitely matters a lot more.I get what AH is asking but you just can't give a team that is ranked 25th in the NPI get a home game over a top ten team.
it’s a bizarre idea and it’s even more absurd to see anyone take it seriously. If AHA autobids get a guaranteed home game, they’d also get to avoid facing the #1 overall team in the first round many/most years, because it is utterly insane to force the #1 overall team in the country to play the #16 (<25 in NPI at best) in a home game for that #16 seed.
That’s likely the competitive edge they’re hoping to weasel into; I mean, AHA teams’ arenas and home crowds are all pathetic.
The funny thing is the NFL does exactly that and it's stupid when that happens too.Mankato would basically get a home playoff game guaranteed every year by virtue of being the only program worth even glancing at in the CCHA...
I think Augustana will start to give the Mavs fits and you can't count out Tech as well. I get what AH is asking but you just can't give a team that is ranked 25th in the NPI get a home game over a top ten team.
NHL used to do it all the time too back when playoff seeding was 1-8, top 3 = division winners. #3 seed in a conference would sometimes (often?) have fewer points than #6 or #7. But #3 still got home ice advantage for the series.
For anyone who has a good idea of what all of these new players are like does anyone have any way, way, way too early speculation for what the forward lines could look like? Does Mooney center the top line? Do we think W. Cullen goes straight to the first line or does he initially slot in better somewhere else? Are we still looking for one more forward who could come in and play top six center?
Does Mooney center the top line? Do we think W. Cullen goes straight to the first line or does he initially slot in better somewhere else?
1.) Ideally no, imo.
2.) I'd argue they should get him looks on the top line if they do slot Mooney at center. Otherwise, probably a 2nd/3rd liner depending on who they want to pair at center with him. If you don't slot Mooney at 1C, then your #1 wingers should be Mooney and Ziemer at least to kick off the year.
(1) Does Mooney center the top line? (2) Do we think W. Cullen goes straight to the first line or does he initially slot in better somewhere else? (3) Are we still looking for one more forward who could come in and play top six center?
(1) that’s how it looks as of right now; I don’t have any better ideas with the current official roster.
(2) I think we’ll see Ziemer-Mooney-Kvasnicka together early on, because Ziemer and Kvas have both played on Mooney’s wing at different times. Mooney + Kvas on his RW seemed to work really well for the NTDP.
(3) hopefully!
I’m not saying I’m opposed to another addition at forward, but as it stands now, we’ve already got some pretty good players slotted down the lineup.
And I’ll die on the hill that if we picked up Mason Moe out of major junior we’d be throwing parades but because of the fact he was on the team last year (and just due to how the season went) people aren’t as high on him.
I’ll say it til I’m blue in the face. Give Mason Moe more opportunity. He’s a stud.
Completely disagree. Moe is an unknown Ludtke massively underperformed last year and we do not know if Humphreys or Mooney can play center. As of now this team is going to spend a lot of time chasing pucks because they look like they are going to get murdered in the dot. Without adding a top line center I think we are a 3 seed at best.
Moe is decent and could be a force by year 4 but as of right now I don't think he should be stapled to a top 6 role either. He almost certainly shouldn't be the one centering Mooney and Ziemer unless he takes a massive leap.
I think we can both be optimistic about Moe's progression while also acknowledging hope is not the best strategy. A good center would be huge and if Moe takes a huge step forward, we are cooking with gas.
Yeah that's a good way to put it. Another example that comes to mind is the year after Cooley originally said he was gonna return but ultimately didn't. With him the team would've been an absolute wagon and likely the best team in the country. Without him they were still a good team but not great and had good center depth instead of insane. Next year's team doesn't have anything close to what that team had for center depth even without Cooley and while I hope Moe takes a massive leap forward as a sophomore it remains to be seen and you can't just bet on that as a coach.I think we can both be optimistic about Moe's progression while also acknowledging hope is not the best strategy. A good center would be huge and if Moe takes a huge step forward, we are cooking with gas.
With [sophomore Logan Cooley] the team would've been an absolute wagon and likely the best team in the country.
I’ve actually had this exact discussion with my college buddies a few times since 2023. IMO the 2023-24 Gophers would take a step back no matter what, even if Cooley did come back that year. for a number of reasons.
First, there was simply no way to replace Faber, Johnson, and LaCombe all at once.
Second, it was very apparent that the drop-off in roster talent forced that year’s team to really dial in and play much more sound, structured hockey down the stretch (see: 2nd Wisco, 2nd PSU series that year). If Cooley comes back, would that year’s team still have been forced to find their “B” game as well as they did? I don’t think so, which means end result is basically the same.
Lastly, in 2023-24 that BC Eagles squad was far and away the best and most complete team in the country, they had much better top end talent and depth than us at every single position. Denver goalied them in the last game, it happens.
So yeah I’ve spent a lot of time thinking and bantering about this specific counterfactual 😂
I guess I just really don’t wanna lose Moe to the portal. And another year as the 4C would do that imo.
I guess I just really don’t wanna lose Moe to the portal. And another year as the 4C would do that imo.
I don't think 4C is likely. Would expect him to take a leap and be a strong contributor.
I guess I just really don’t wanna lose Moe to the portal. And another year as the 4C would do that imo.
I don't think 4C is likely. Would expect him to take a leap and be a strong contributor.
As what? 3C? That’s cool, but then that means Ludtke is your 2C which I feel would have half this board clutching their pearls.
Ludtke is the biggest question mark in the forward group. If he could make a return to his Omaha days that would be gigantic.
@walker-barely-know-her The gap between Cullen and Cooley is smaller than you think however that doesn't change our need for a top line center.
Heard about this last week before the ink was dry. Going to be a fun Thanksgiving weekend in Mankato!
https://twitter.com/evegoe/status/2054219685437067316
I am the official Iowa Hawkeye football fan of GPL!
Murr revenge game.
Ya know...I don't think either side is going into that game thinking that. Maybe some of the fans may feel that way but I don't believe Murr or the Mavs hold any grudges. Want evidence?
I am the official Iowa Hawkeye football fan of GPL!
Ya know...I don't think either side is going into that game thinking that. Maybe some of the fans may feel that way but I don't believe Murr or the Mavs hold any grudges. Want evidence?
It wasn't a serious statement. It is just a narrative each time someone plays their former team. From what I can tell, Murr gave it all to the Mavs and would still be there if they played in a bigger conference or had more resources. Can't find fault either way.
Ya know...I don't think either side is going into that game thinking that. Maybe some of the fans may feel that way but I don't believe Murr or the Mavs hold any grudges. Want evidence?
It wasn't a serious statement. It is just a narrative each time someone plays their former team. From what I can tell, Murr gave it all to the Mavs and would still be there if they played in a bigger conference or had more resources. Can't find fault either way.
i am 100% confident that Dan Myers at least has been nonstop crying, seething, and/or whining to someone somewhere about Murr leaving
i am 100% confident that Dan Myers at least has been nonstop crying, seething, and/or whining to someone somewhere about Murr leaving
I have heard that to be true.
I am the official Iowa Hawkeye football fan of GPL!
i am 100% confident that Dan Myers at least has been nonstop crying, seething, and/or whining to someone somewhere about Murr leaving
I have heard that to be true.
He’s a piece of work.
“When your best friend is the son of God, you get tired of losing every argument.”
― Christopher Moore, Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal
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Poderzay official as Director of goaltender development
(1) Does Mooney center the top line? (2) Do we think W. Cullen goes straight to the first line or does he initially slot in better somewhere else? (3) Are we still looking for one more forward who could come in and play top six center?
(1) that’s how it looks as of right now; I don’t have any better ideas with the current official roster.
(2) I think we’ll see Ziemer-Mooney-Kvasnicka together early on, because Ziemer and Kvas have both played on Mooney’s wing at different times. Mooney + Kvas on his RW seemed to work really well for the NTDP.
(3) hopefully!
My favorite offseason pleasure, projecting lines only to fail miserably. A 1C add would be tremendous as you could put Mooney as RW on the second line or as 2C.
I’ve got:
Burnevik-Mooney-Ziemer
Moore-Ludtke-Cullen
Hendrickson-Moe-Kvasnicka/Humphreys
Townsend-B. Cullen-Pritchard/Humphreys
Smith-Murr
Whipple-Henricks
Rombach-Loftus
Lofgren
(1) Does Mooney center the top line? (2) Do we think W. Cullen goes straight to the first line or does he initially slot in better somewhere else? (3) Are we still looking for one more forward who could come in and play top six center?
(1) that’s how it looks as of right now; I don’t have any better ideas with the current official roster.
(2) I think we’ll see Ziemer-Mooney-Kvasnicka together early on, because Ziemer and Kvas have both played on Mooney’s wing at different times. Mooney + Kvas on his RW seemed to work really well for the NTDP.
(3) hopefully!
My favorite offseason pleasure, projecting lines only to fail miserably. A 1C add would be tremendous as you could put Mooney as RW on the second line or as 2C.
I’ve got:
Burnevik-Mooney-Ziemer
Moore-Ludtke-Cullen
Hendrickson-Moe-Kvasnicka/Humphreys
Townsend-B. Cullen-Pritchard/Humphreys
Smith-Murr
Whipple-Henricks
Rombach-Loftus
Lofgren
if you add a 1c it is a frozen four caliber team imo. Right now it’s a 3 seed imo as that’s a pretty so so group down the middle. Hurts you less in college, but is going to make it tough against the speedy (Michigan) and cycle heavy (msu) high caliber big ten teams
I love LJ, but you’re in a tough spot if you’re asking him to go toe to toe with the leagues other 1C guys size wise even if he’s got a ton of grit to his game
(1) Does Mooney center the top line? (2) Do we think W. Cullen goes straight to the first line or does he initially slot in better somewhere else? (3) Are we still looking for one more forward who could come in and play top six center?
(1) that’s how it looks as of right now; I don’t have any better ideas with the current official roster.
(2) I think we’ll see Ziemer-Mooney-Kvasnicka together early on, because Ziemer and Kvas have both played on Mooney’s wing at different times. Mooney + Kvas on his RW seemed to work really well for the NTDP.
(3) hopefully!
My favorite offseason pleasure, projecting lines only to fail miserably. A 1C add would be tremendous as you could put Mooney as RW on the second line or as 2C.
I’ve got:
Burnevik-Mooney-Ziemer
Moore-Ludtke-Cullen
Hendrickson-Moe-Kvasnicka/Humphreys
Townsend-B. Cullen-Pritchard/Humphreys
Smith-Murr
Whipple-Henricks
Rombach-Loftus
Lofgren
if you add a 1c it is a frozen four caliber team imo. Right now it’s a 3 seed imo as that’s a pretty so so group down the middle. Hurts you less in college, but is going to make it tough against the speedy (Michigan) and cycle heavy (msu) high caliber big ten teams
I love LJ, but you’re in a tough spot if you’re asking him to go toe to toe with the leagues other 1C guys size wise even if he’s got a ton of grit to his game
Julius Miettinen or Caleb Desnoyers come on down…or hiding in plain sight…Zackary Shantz
(1) Does Mooney center the top line? (2) Do we think W. Cullen goes straight to the first line or does he initially slot in better somewhere else? (3) Are we still looking for one more forward who could come in and play top six center?
(1) that’s how it looks as of right now; I don’t have any better ideas with the current official roster.
(2) I think we’ll see Ziemer-Mooney-Kvasnicka together early on, because Ziemer and Kvas have both played on Mooney’s wing at different times. Mooney + Kvas on his RW seemed to work really well for the NTDP.
(3) hopefully!
My favorite offseason pleasure, projecting lines only to fail miserably. A 1C add would be tremendous as you could put Mooney as RW on the second line or as 2C.
I’ve got:
Burnevik-Mooney-Ziemer
Moore-Ludtke-Cullen
Hendrickson-Moe-Kvasnicka/Humphreys
Townsend-B. Cullen-Pritchard/Humphreys
Smith-Murr
Whipple-Henricks
Rombach-Loftus
Lofgren
if you add a 1c it is a frozen four caliber team imo. Right now it’s a 3 seed imo as that’s a pretty so so group down the middle. Hurts you less in college, but is going to make it tough against the speedy (Michigan) and cycle heavy (msu) high caliber big ten teams
I love LJ, but you’re in a tough spot if you’re asking him to go toe to toe with the leagues other 1C guys size wise even if he’s got a ton of grit to his game
Julius Miettinen or Caleb Desnoyers come on down…or hiding in plain sight…Zackary Shantz
miettinen and desnoyers both signed their contracts
@upnorthkid who's even available for us?
souch
top central scouting guys left are dagenais and roobroeck. One ruck has played some center but they’re more wingers. Could try flip a guy like barabanov from UMass.
Jaxon Jacobson but he’s probably a year out at least.
@upnorthkid who's even available for us?
souch
top central scouting guys left are dagenais and roobroeck. One ruck has played some center but they’re more wingers. Could try flip a guy like barabanov from UMass.
Jaxon Jacobson but he’s probably a year out at least.
My money is on Zackary Shantz. Committed to SCSU before Larson left. Everett still in WHL playoffs. Some would be disappointed but I like him. 20 years old, alternated with Miettenan as 1C, good production, one of the top C’s in the CHL on draws at 57%.
@upnorthkid who's even available for us?
souch
top central scouting guys left are dagenais and roobroeck. One ruck has played some center but they’re more wingers. Could try flip a guy like barabanov from UMass.
Jaxon Jacobson but he’s probably a year out at least.
My money is on Zackary Shantz. Committed to SCSU before Larson left. Everett still in WHL playoffs. Some would be disappointed but I like him. 20 years old, alternated with Miettenan as 1C, good production, one of the top C’s in the CHL on draws at 57%.
yeah didn’t throw in any of the non drafted older guys but of course there will be multiple of those type of guys you could target if so inclined.
have not seen him play so wouldn’t really have much of an opinion
Would love if we’d go and get these two. Free article on the Rucks if anyone is interested
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7125603/2026/05/16/liam-markus-ruck-twins-2026-nhl-draft-sedins/
@upnorthkid who's even available for us?
souch
top central scouting guys left are dagenais and roobroeck. One ruck has played some center but they’re more wingers. Could try flip a guy like barabanov from UMass.
Jaxon Jacobson but he’s probably a year out at least.
My money is on Zackary Shantz. Committed to SCSU before Larson left. Everett still in WHL playoffs. Some would be disappointed but I like him. 20 years old, alternated with Miettenan as 1C, good production, one of the top C’s in the CHL on draws at 57%.
57% of face offs win --- that'd be a choice!