Hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly), Derek Schooley (@derekschooley), and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) look at sometimes controversial or overlooked topics in our midweek episode called Upon Further Review.

The early 2025-26 season has seen 11 upsets of ranked teams in the first four weeks, up from just two during the same period last season. Meanwhile, mild upsets have become the norm. We discuss why this is happening and whether it's a case of everyone getting better.

Find all of our podcasts at USCHO.com/podcasts

Hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly), Derek Schooley (@derekschooley), and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) review games of the weekend and news of the past week.

Key games included Sacred Heart's OT win against Ohio State, Clarkson's victory over North Dakota, and Merrimack's win against Quinnipiac.

The hosts note the increasing balance in college hockey, with 11 top 10 teams losing to unranked opponents in the first four weeks compared to only two last year. The discussion covers various dynamics influencing the season, such as improved team performances, a deeper talent pool, and changes in player rosters and game strategies.

They also examine other ranked team matchups, including Michigan vs. Western Michigan and Boston University vs. Connecticut, while considering how these trends might shape the season. The episode concludes with a look forward to conference play, particularly in the Big Ten and NCHC.

Find all of our podcasts at USCHO.com/podcasts

Hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly), Derek Schooley (@derekschooley), and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) look at sometimes controversial or overlooked topics in our midweek episode called Upon Further Review.

College hockey is experiencing a massive facilities arms race, with programs investing heavily in new arenas. Recent projects range from Union's $55 million M&T Bank Center to Northeastern's planned $300-350 million replacement for Matthews Arena, with notable investments at St. Thomas ($175M), Western Michigan ($100M+), and numerous other schools. The hosts debate whether this spending remains the primary recruiting advantage or if NIL money, revenue sharing, and player development have become equally important.

A major concern: nine-figure construction costs could make college hockey unsustainable and deter program expansion.

A key tension emerges around maintaining atmosphere during upgrades. Smaller, intimate venues like Cornell's Lynah Rink preserve the electric home-ice advantage that massive buildings often lose when they're harder to fill. The hosts note successful examples like UConn's compact arena and Union's decision to stay smaller rather than expand, while acknowledging the challenge of balancing modernization with the historic charm that makes college hockey special.

Find all of our podcasts at USCHO.com/podcasts

Hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly), Derek Schooley (@derekschooley), and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) review games of the weekend and news of the past week.

The discussion starts with a look at three teams from the state of Michigan doing well:   Michigan State's rise to the No. 1 spot in the polls after sweeping Boston University on the road, plus Western Michigan and Michigan, both off to strong starts.

Discussions extend to analyzing the scoring trends in early-season games, the impact of special teams and officiating, and the promise shown by teams like Augustana, Quinnipiac, and Minnesota Duluth.

The episode closes with a preview of the upcoming "Schooley Bowl" between Robert Morris and Delaware where Derek Schooley's daughters will compete against each other.

Find all of our podcasts at USCHO.com/podcasts

Hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly), Derek Schooley (@derekschooley), and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) look at sometimes controversial or overlooked topics in our midweek episode called Upon Further Review.

They delve into the importance of early-season non-conference games, highlighting the performances of different college hockey conferences in non-league play.

They also touch upon the continued growth of Maine and the significant turnaround of Miami, and with that the potential impact of new recruiting strategies in the expanding player pool.

The episode concludes with a discussion on how adapting to change is crucial for continued success in the ever-evolving landscape of college hockey.

Hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly), Derek Schooley (@derekschooley), and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) review games of the weekend and news of the past week.

Key highlights include major upsets with top-ranked Western Michigan losing to Ferris State, Michigan narrowly defeated at home by New Hampshire, and Penn State falling to Clarkson, all on Thursday evening.

The trio also examines notable games involving Boston College at Minnesota, and Denver at Air Force. They note the difficulties in ranking teams due to big roster changes leading to unpredictable outcomes. The show also touches on Michigan's strong performance and the challenges Big Ten teams face in living up to national expectations.

Lastly, they look at promotional opportunities for college hockey marquee events like the Icebreaker Tournament and emphasize the need for more media coverage.

Hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly), Derek Schooley (@derekschooley), and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) look at a sometimes controversial topic in our midweek episode called Upon Further Review.

In the inaugural episode, we discuss the eligibility of CHL major junior players in NCAA hockey, the potential impact on recruitment, and how it's reshaping the player pool. Derek shares insights from his experience recruiting CHL players and highlights the increased competition and expanded talent pool now available to college hockey teams. The episode also touches on the challenges and opportunities for players transitioning from the CHL to college, as well as the need for better marketing strategies for college hockey's conferences to capitalize on this shift.

Hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly), Derek Schooley (@derekschooley), and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) review games of the weekend and news of the past week.

The opening weekend of the college hockey season was highlighted by notable matchups like Penn State at Arizona State, Minnesota vs. Michigan Tech, Quinnipiac's victory over Boston College, and the Colorado College vs. UConn series.

They also delve into the hype around CHL player Gavin McKenna's debut, the evolving competitive landscape, and the impact of high-profile games being broadcast on major networks. The hosts also detail the NCAA's new Power Index (NPI), which replaces the PairWise for selecting the national tournament field, and examine its implications.

Hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly), Derek Schooley (@derekschooley), and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) review news from the AHCA convention and other offseason updates.

They discuss the highlights of the Frozen Four in St. Louis, notably Western Michigan's championship win. They delve into the underdog status of Western Michigan, their impressive post-New Year’s performance, and standout coaching strategies.

Another major topic is the NCAA's shift from the PairWise ranking system to the NCAA Power Index (NPI), aiming to simplify team selections for tournaments. The conversation also touches on the American Hockey Coaches Association Convention, where important updates like reducing the transfer portal window and potential roster limits were discussed.

Additionally, the discussion includes the possibility of NCAA hockey gaining more autonomy and the interest in NCAA coaches for NHL positions.

Lastly, there is a mention of future draft prospects and a nod to the retirements of key figures in college hockey coaching.

The USCHO crew breaks down Saturday's national championship game, a 6-2 victory for Western Michigan over Boston University to give the Broncos their first national championship.

It's national championship day in St. Louis as Boston University and Western Michigan are set to square for the national title beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET. The USCHO Weekend Review Crew - Ed Trefzger, Jim Connelly and Derek Schooley - are joined by Arizona State coach Greg Powers to break down the final and try to figure out what each team needs to do to have an edge in this game.

Join USCHO as the Weekend Review crew of Ed Trefzger, Jim Connelly and Derek Schooley along with St. Lawrence coach Brent Brekke discuss the annual State of the Game press conference that was held as part of the 2025 Frozen Four in St. Louis. Topics include roster limits, NIL, recruiting challenge, NCAA regional sites and the transfer portal.

USCHO's Ed Trefzger, Jim Connelly and Derek Schooley are joined by Arizona State coach Greg Powers to recap Thursday's national semifinals at the 2025 Frozen Four in St. Louis. Owen Michaels scored twice as Western Michigan beat Denver, 3-2 in double overtime. Mikhail Yegorov made 32 save for Boston University as they beat Penn State, 3-1.

The USCHO Weekend Review crew of Ed Trefzger, Jim Connelly and Robert Morris coach Derek Schooley are joined by St. Lawrence coach Brent Brekke to preview Thursday's NCAA Semifinal matchups between Denver and Western Michigan (5 p.m. ET, ESPN2) and Boston University and Penn State (8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN 2). They also look at the Frozen Four through the eyes of the fan and give you their picks on which two teams will emerge.

USCHO hosts Ed Trefzger, Jim Connelly and Robert Morris coach Derek Schooley are joined by St. Lawrence coach Brent Brekke during Practice Day at the 2025 Frozen Four. Included in the broadcast are discussion of current issues like NIL, portal and roster size as well as a feature on BU captain Shane Lachance and his well-known grandfather, Jack Parker.

Hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly), Derek Schooley (@derekschooley), and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) review the weekend's NCAA men's D-I regionals and news of the week.

They recap the regionals, looking especially at the winners: Boston University, Denver, Western Michigan, and Penn State. They also consider controversial penalties and look at ice issues and attendance statistics. They discuss coaching changes at North Dakota with Dane Jackson's promotion and Brett Riley filling the vacant position at Ferris State. The impact of the transfer portal and its implications for teams and players is explored. The episode concludes with a look ahead to the Frozen Four matchups and a new approach to USCHO's coverage in St. Louis.

This episode is sponsored by the NCAA Men's Division I Frozen Four, April 10 and 12 in St. Louis. Get your tickets now at ncaa.com/frozenfour

Times are approximate:

00:00 Introduction and Sponsorship
01:07 Frozen Four field set
01:30 Regionals drama and controversies
03:46 Attendance and atmosphere
05:53 Boston University and Toledo regional highlights
10:44 Western Michigan's historic win in Fargo
22:37 Penn State's journey to Frozen Four via Allentown
26:25 Cornell band's trolling and UConn’s Brass Bonanza
28:30 Denver's dominance and BC's struggles in Manchester
33:52 North Dakota's new head coach: Dane Jackson
34:39 Brett Riley takes over at Ferris State
38:56 The transfer portal and roster challenges
47:05 Previewing the Frozen Four in St. Louis
49:39 Conclusion and upcoming coverage

Hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly), Derek Schooley (@derekschooley), and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) review games of the weekend and news of the week.

We begin with the unexpected firing of North Dakota head coach Brad Berry following his team's loss in the NCHC semifinals. The discussion highlights Berry's impressive career and the pressures inherent in coaching at North Dakota. We then shift focus to the NCAA Men's Division I Tournament, analyzing each regional matchup and sharing insights on top teams, players, and possible upsets. We also discuss the Hobey Baker Award top 10, debating snubs and standout players. And Ed goes on an unusual (for him) rant.

This episode is sponsored by the NCAA Men's Division I Frozen Four, April 10 and 12 in St. Louis. Get your tickets now at ncaa.com/frozenfour

Times are approximate:

00:00 Introduction and sponsorship announcements
00:40 USCHO Bracket Challenge
01:07 Breaking News: Brad Berry's departure
02:21 Brad Berry's legacy and iImpact
02:43 Coaching challenges at North Dakota
07:19 Potential candidates for North Dakota coaching job
13:41 NCAA Tournament Regionals Preview
13:53 Toledo Regional breakdown
17:39 Fargo Regional breakdown
20:27 Manchester Regional breakdown
26:30 Allentown Regional breakdown
31:15 Rejuvenation of Top Programs
34:31 Women's National Championship Recap
35:52 Hobey Top 10 Discussion
50:14 Ed's Hobey Baker Award rant
54:58 Regional Winners Predictions
56:45 USCHO Bracket Challenge

Hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly), Derek Schooley (@derekschooley), and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) review the championship games of the weekend and look at the 2025 NCAA men's D-I hockey brackets.

Notable tournament outcomes include Maine's victory in Hockey East, Cornell's success in the ECAC, and Western Michigan's NCHC title. They discuss the implications of the bracket setup, team matchups, and potential underdog threats. The episode concludes with a preview of their upcoming in-depth analysis of the four regions and matchups in Monday's regularly-scheduled episode.

This episode is sponsored by the NCAA Men's Division I Frozen Four, April 10 and 12 in St. Louis. Get your tickets now at ncaa.com/frozenfour

Hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly), Derek Schooley (@derekschooley), and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) review games of the weekend and news of the week.

We look at quarterfinal results in Hockey East, NCHC, and ECAC Hockey, including Northeastern's upset of Boston College, North Dakota's road sweep of Omaha, and Cornell's sweep of Colgate.

In semifinal results, we look at the AHA and Bentley's sweep at Sacred Heart and Holy Cross winning two at home against Army West Point, bringing an end to Brian Riley's tenure as the Black Knights' head coach. In the Big Ten, Ohio State advance in overtime past Penn State and Michigan State's lone goal vs. Notre Dame advanced the Spartans and meant the final game for Jeff Jackson as coach of the Fighting Irish. In the CCHA, both Minnesota State and St. Thomas advanced, but the Tommies' ineligibility for the NCAA tournament means the Mavericks picked up the autobid.

We also look at the PairWise rankings, where 12 teams are in and on the bubble are Michigan, Penn State, and Quinnipiac. Only the Bobcats control their own destiny among those three.

This episode is sponsored by the NCAA Men's Division I Frozen Four, April 10 and 12 in St. Louis. Get your tickets now at ncaa.com/frozenfour

Times are approximate:

00:15 Introduction and sponsorship
00:36 Northeastern's upset over Boston College and Hockey East Quarterfinals recap
04:54 Hockey East Semifinals preview
07:32 NCHC Quarterfinals recap
10:14 ECAC Quarterfinals recap
15:25 Atlantic Hockey Semifinals recap
22:43 Big Ten Semifinals recap
26:37 Ohio State's remarkable season
27:06 Jeff Jackson's legacy
27:56 Michigan State and tournament seeding
28:26 CCHA championship scenario
32:35 NCAA Tournament bubble wWatch
44:02 Potential Regional matchups
46:19 Wrapping up and final thoughts

Hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly), Derek Schooley (@derekschooley), and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) review games of the weekend and news of the week.

In this episode, key games and outcomes in the Big Ten, Atlantic Hockey, CCHA, ECAC, Hockey East, and NCHC are examined, with special attention given to underdog victories and their implications for the upcoming semifinals and NCAA tournament. The hosts also delve into the complexities of the Pairwise rankings and what teams need to do to secure their spots. Special mentions include Jeff Jackson's 600th win and, sadly, the conclusion of AIC's program.

This episode is sponsored by the NCAA Men's Division I Frozen Four, April 10 and 12 in St. Louis. Get your tickets now at ncaa.com/frozenfour

Times are approximate:

00:15 Introduction and sponsorship
00:42 Big Ten upsets and highlights
04:06 Big Ten semifinals preview
06:28 Atlantic Hockey playoff drama
12:47 CCHA playoff recap and upcoming games
16:06 ECAC playoff overview
18:31 Hockey East playoff scenarios
21:17 NCHC playoff matchups and predictions
25:46 Pairwise bubble analysis
38:37 Closing remarks and notables